Brad Battin says for the Liberal Party to be competitive at the next Victorian election it must target Melbourne’s western suburbs growth corridor, where aspirational voters need policies that correct “unsustainable and unaffordable” housing.

The 46-year-old is vying against former shadow attorney-general John Pesutto to become opposition leader on Thursday after Daniel Andrews’ Labor crushed the Coalition at the November 26 election, sparking the departure of Matthew Guy.