Voters share fears about crime and debt after failing to identify their leaders

We’re a year out from the Victorian election and both leaders are sharpening their pitches. But do voters even recognise the faces of those who run the state? The Herald Sun hit the streets in Bendigo, Kew, Glen Waverley and Melton to find out.

A shocking number of Victorians have no idea who their state leaders are or what they stand for.

The Herald Sun asked dozens of voters across regional Victoria and Melbourne’s suburbs if they could recognise any of the people pictured on a board bearing the faces of Premier Jacinta Allan, her deputy Ben Carroll, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, her predecessor Brad Battin, basketballer Andrew Bogut and socialite WAG Rebecca Judd.

Fewer than half of those surveyed across Bendigo, Melton, Kew and Glen Waverley were able to identify the Premier and opposition leader.

Melton Mum Simone Kennedy, 31, was one of many voters unable to identify the Premier, but holds grave concerns for her kids after a spike in youth crime. Picture: David Caird

BENDIGO

In the regional city of Bendigo, only five out of seven knew Ms Allan’s name and role despite the fact Bendigo East is the Premier’s electorate.

Young father Seith Tucker said while Ms Allan was his local member, he was surprised to learn she was also leader of the state.

Asked if he recognised Mr Carroll, Mr Tucker asked if he was “the Deputy Premier of Bendigo”.

Local Gary Day, 70, said he would “absolutely” vote for any Nationals candidate that ran against Ms Allan in Bendigo East.

“She can’t own up to mistakes … she is spending all our money when we haven’t got any,” he said.

Bendigo couple Maddy Gerdes, 22, and Ned Jenkyn, 20, could only identify Premier Jacinta Allan. Picture: David Caird

“The biggest issue in this election is government overspending on stuff that is Melbourne-centric. They need to start focusingon families, and not necessarily those who live in the middle of Melbourne.”

Lee Green said farmers like her and her husband were also beginning to feel neglected by the government.

“I think we don’treally feel she represents where we are, we live on a farm over near Kyneton,” she said.

But Ms Green added: “I don’t know if the Liberals could come up with any better ideas.”

Bendigo local Gary Day, 70, identified most of the leaders on the board, but said there is ‘not a hope in hell’ the Premier will get his vote. Picture: David Caird

Melton

In Melton, Bec Judd was the most recognisable face on the board and most voters failed to remember the Premier’s name.

Youth crime dominated as the biggest concern, but most struggled when asked which party was best equipped to curb the issue.

Several children have lost their lives due to knife violence in Melton over the past few years, including Chol Achiek, 12,and Dau Akueng, 15, who were murdered in a machete ambush.

Stephanie Diprose, 36, and Simone Kennedy, 31, both raised serious concerns about the saftey of their children.

“Crime is a big issue out here, I’ve got teenage daughters myself and it terrifies me,” said Ms Diprose, who intended to vote Liberal.

Ms Kennedy said she was likely to vote for the Greens, because “they tend to project what they’re doing a bit better than the other parties”.

Stephanie Diprose, 36, worries about Melton’s youth crime crisis and intends to vote Liberal at the next election. Picture: David Caird

Kew

Crime was also a big issue in Kew, where mother and home invasion victim Sally Cox said she’d be voting for Ms Wilson.

“I think we are just looking for a bit more action and accountability, probably some stronger penalties for those who do commit those crimes because they seem to be getting off easy,” she said.

But retiree Sue Hill said Ms Wilson’s failure to address unsafe roads in the area would cost the Liberals her vote.

“Jess hasn’t helped us,” she said, adding that local Federal Teal MP Monique Ryan had made more of an impression, attending a meeting on the issue, so she was likely to vote for an independent.

Home invasion victim Sally Cox couldn't recognise the Premier, but was very familiar with Jess Wilson and her stance on crime. Picture: Supplied

Glen Waverley

Property taxes, crime, and debt were front of mind for voters.

Gurvinder Singh, 44, said “a lot of debt and a lot of taxes” had made Labor “too messy” for him to support at next year’selection.

“My understanding is they give a lot of freebies out and then tax smaller businesses to pay for it,” he said.

Glen Waverley voter Gurvinder Singh says he’s tired of paying for Labor’s debt, but would consider voting for them if they stripped back levies and property taxes. Picture: Supplied

Asked if he supported the $34bn Suburban Rail Loop linking Glen Waverley to Cheltenham and Box Hill, Mr Singh said he was “not really a train guy”.

“Maybe the kids will enjoy it, I guess we’ll see,” he said.

University student Ifa said: “As a young person I am concerned about the economy, especially as a young adult heading into the workforce I’m a lot more concerned about what’s happening on the ground,” she said.

“I know the Liberals are not as popularwith the younger demographic … I guess if they got their act together it would be amazing.”

Originally published as Voters share fears about crime and debt after failing to identify their leaders