Bennelong by-election: Turnbull, Shorten meet voters
PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull was offered an “overdevelopment special” and “section 44” roll at a creative by-election barbecue while campaigning with John Alexander at Gladesville Public School this morning.
Northern District Times
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PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull was offered an “overdevelopment special” and “section 44” roll at a creative by-election barbecue while campaigning with John Alexander at Gladesville Public School this morning.
Mr Turnbull arrived and met his Liberal candidate on Victoria Rd as they try and stave off a defeat that could result in a minority government.
“This is a very critical choice for Bennelong and for Australia,” Mr Turnbull said.
“We need John Alexander back in Canberra.
“It’s a very, very close contest. Australia’s security and prosperity depends on John Alexander being back in our government.”
Mr Alexander said: “I’m feeling good, we’ve done our absolute best”.
“We’ve tried very hard. I’m seeing a lot of familiar faces and a lot of friendly faces.”
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Labor candidate Kristina Keneally have been campaigning at Ryde East Public School at North Ryde.
They have also been talking to voters and spreading their message of better funding for Medicare and TAFE.
The Liberals meanwhile entered the Gladesville school and soon found their way to a barbecue.
Mr Turnbull was keen to eat a “democracy sausage” and soon found a menu with some creatively-titled foods.
He was offered an “overdevelopment special” — an egg, bacon and sausage roll — as well as a “section 44” roll.
Mr Turnbull was quick to note the “Dastyari (last) drinks”, which ranged from water, soft drink and tea.
He and Mr Alexander settled for a “Bennelong bruiser” sausage.
They spent time taking photos with voters and meeting school parents.
Not everyone was impressed however.
Gladesville man Ray Reymamae, 33, chose to vote Labor.
He said his family encouraged his choice.
“It’s to do with the Medicare cuts, that’s one of the main areas,” he said.
“Also for me it’s housing affordability. There is just nothing (affordable).”
Gladesville resident Bruce Wilson had been unimpressed with Mr Alexander.
“I’m highly unimpressed with John Alexander because we’re in this position of needing a by-election,” he said.
“But I also remember Kristina Keneally as a premier and not a very good one.”
Mr Wilson still voted Liberal.
“Alexander has been a good local member but he has lost a few brownie points with me for not getting his eligibility right,” he said.
The by-election is being held after Mr Alexander resigned as Bennelong MP due to concerns he may have been a dual citizen.
(More to come).