Federal election 2022: Macnamara voters in Elsternwick have their say
With the federal election on the horizon, we asked locals in a critical electorate in Melbourne’s inner south how they’re voting.
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The Uniting Church hall in Elsternwick is considered a bellwether booth — where voters have picked the result of each election since 2004.
It’s part of the seat of Macnamara in Melbourne’s inner south which coves Port Melbourne, Albert Park, Balaclava, Caulfield, Elwood, Middle Park, Ripponlea, South Melbourne, St Kilda and Windsor as well as parts of Glen Huntly and Elsternwick.
Macnamara was created in 2018 after a mandatory redistribution of divisions across Victoria by the Australia Electoral Commission.
It replaced the division of Melbourne Ports which was regarded as one of Labour’s safest seats.
Labor held onto the seat at the 2019 election with Josh Burns elected in place of state Labor MP Michael Danby, who did not contest the election.
While the ALP held the seat with a margin of 1.3 per cent over the Liberals, it faced a strong challenge from the Greens which has declared Macnamara its second “most winnable seat” behind Melbourne.
Mr Burns will seek a second term when voters head to the polls in May.
Liberal candidate Colleen Harkin, who replaced Christopher Ride after he suddenly pulled out of the race in mid-March, and two time Greens candidate Steph Hodgins-May will challenge.
United Australia Party’s Jane Hickey and Anthony Cullen for the Liberty Democrats have also nominated.
When Leader spoke to voters at the Glen Huntly Road retail strip opinions were divided with many still not sure of the name of their electorate or who was running.
Many said the performances of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese would determine their vote.
Caulfield North woman Sue said she had voted Liberal all her life and felt the country was in safe hands under Morrison.
“Nothing will be harder than what he has faced in the past term,” she said.
“There’s been bushfires, floods, a global health pandemic and now a war.”
Elsternwick restaurateur Evan Delios, who has run Mediterranean Greek Tavern on Glen Huntly Road for 20 years, said Covid lockdowns and the rising cost of living had left him disillusioned with democracy.
“I am finito,” he said.
“The only thing that I would vote for now is to get rid of the GST to bring the prices down a little on the ingredients we have to buy to keep the business going.”
Mr Delios’ long time friend Loukas Papaioannou said aged care was his main concern.
“I’m getting older. I see terrible things that happen in aged care and I worry.
“Who will make that better? I don’t know.”
New mum Anwen Lincoln, of Elsternwick, said her vote usually went to the Greens.
“My views are more aligned with their policies,” she said.
“I want to see more done to support refugees.”
Caulfield North voter Yoram said he’d also be supporting the Greens.
“I don’t like the performance of the Liberals. It’s time for something new,” he said.
The Greens had also won over Elsternwick’s Evie.
“I know the same Greens candidate is running for a third time. I like that,” she said.
“I feel like she (Steph Hodgins-May) is more invested in us.”
Elsternwick’s Bianca White had not yet made up her mind.
“Honestly, I think they all do too much politicking and not enough real work,” she said.
“In terms of issues, education and health are important to me.”
Animal welfare was a priority for dog lover Carol.
“I don’t follow local politics,” the Caulfield local said.
“But I can tell you the Libs won’t get my vote. Sco Mo is a dud of a leader.”
Elwood student Sascha had planned to vote Labor, but was having second thoughts after the death of Kimberley Kitching.
“I don’t like the way women are treated by the major parties. What happened to Kitching shows they are all as bad as each other,” she said.
However, Liam said he’d be backing Labor.
“They’ll take more action on climate change,” the Caulfield local said.
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