Seven candidates are vying for the chance to become the new Gorton MP at this federal election.
With Labor MP Brendan O’Connor retiring, there will be a new member for the seat for the first time since it was created in 2004. Mr O’Connor previously held the seat of Burke from 2001 to 2004, which was in place before the formation of Gorton, meaning he had represented much of the area for 24 years.
Gorton covers Brimbank and Melton with much of the electorate part of the growth areas between the Melton township and Brimbank.
The electorate includes Caroline Springs, Burnside, Hillside, Fraser Rise, Taylors Hill, Albanvale, Deer Park, Kings Park, Delahey, Sydenham, Taylors Lakes and Keilor.
Gorton has historically been a safe Labor seat, having replaced the more marginal seat of Burke.
At the last election, Mr O’Connor received a 10 per cent swing against him on first preferences, but Liberal candidate John Fletcher didn’t pick up any of the extra votes, with an 0.6 per cent swing against the Liberal Party.
On two-party preferred, the Labor Party still held a 60 to 40 per cent lead despite a swing of 4.3 per cent against it.
Mr Fletcher will again stand for the Liberal Party, with Alice Jordan-Baird nominated as the person to replace Mr O’Connor.
Xavier Menta, who stood for the Legalise Cannabis Party in the Werribee state by-election, will stand for that party in Gorton.
Libertarian’ Rob McCathie, Family First’s Katherine Ashton, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation’s Alan Reid and the Greens’ Thuc Bao Huynh are the other candidates starting.
Transport has been one of the key areas the major parties have focused on.
The Labor Party has revealed budget funding for both upgrades to the Western Freeway Calder Park Drive.
The Liberal Party has announced it will deliver both projects, meaning the upgrades should occur no matter whoever wins on May 2.
