Bennelong by-election: Labor’s Kristina Keneally at key poll booth
KRISTINA Keneally, Bill Shorten and a raft of prominent politicians have concentrated much of today’s campaigning at a polling place expected to be key to victory in the Bennelong by-election.
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KRISTINA Keneally, Bill Shorten and a raft of prominent politicians have concentrated much of today’s campaigning at a polling place expected to be key to victory in the Bennelong by-election.
Ms Keneally, the Labor candidate, has spent much of her day outside Ryde East Public School, expected to be one of the biggest polling places of the contest.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten visited earlier, while Labor frontbenchers Anthony Albanese and Michelle Rowland also met voters there.
The Liberal camp also recognised the significance of the venue. Senator Marise Payne visited around midday, as did NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was at Gladesville Public School this morning with Liberal candidate John Alexander.
The result is crucial for Mr Turnbull. A Labor victory could see a minority government.
Ms Keneally said the Ryde East school was the biggest booth and presented the opportunity to meet the most voters.
A hot Sydney day may see more people than usual wait till late afternoon to cast their vote.
Ms Keneally said: “I think some people may decide they want to come by a bit later on when the sun goes a bit out of the top of the sky.
“But we have a tonne of people out campaigning and it’s great to be meeting the voters.
“Even with the heat they are keen to come out and have their say in this by-election.
“A lot of people here are frustrated with Malcolm Turnbull, frustrated with the Liberals, they know there’s cuts.
“I get a lot of people here from Ryde East Public School who know their school lost funding.”
The Times found a mix of voters there.
Joel Vouzakis, a 27-year-old from East Ryde, voted for the Greens.
“I really think it’s important our money goes to helping people less fortunate,” he said.
He disliked the amount of government money spent on detention centres and coal mines, and wanted more spending on education and housing.
Lindsay Atkinson, a 74-year-old from East Ryde, voted for the Australian Conservatives.
“I like their policies on economics, and on limiting immigration,” he said.
“I like their sensible approach to climate change.”
Danny Kippers of East Ryde remained loyal to the Liberals.
Mr Kippers believed the party was better with the economy, asylum seekers and debt.
Pensioner Mirtha Concha, from the same suburb, also voted for the Liberals.
She said the dual citizenship debate, which forced Mr Alexander to resign as MP, was ridiculous.
Ms Concha said her father was French and her mother was Spanish.
“But I have been in this country 50 years, so am I 100 per cent Australian,” she asked.
“We all have heritage.”