La Trobe voters have their say ahead of federal election

With the federal election looming, we ask voters in a bellwether electorate in Melbourne’s outer east which way they are swinging.

Cockatoo Community Complex voting booth.

Australians love nothing more than a gritty contest, and this electorate always lives up to the hype.

La Trobe is an electorate that consistently provides a nail biting fight to the end, and it looks to be no different heading into the 2020 federal election.

The Cockatoo Community Complex booth is a bellwether booth — picking the federal government every year since 1998, apart from 2008 and 2009.

Voters in the area were not backwards in coming forward to discuss the issues that mattered to them when questioned by Leader — natural disaster support and Covid lockdown rules were two of the most popular topics people are taking into account for the upcoming vote.

Emerald resident Sam Murphy said the looming election may bring a surprising result for the La Trobe seat.

“Many people in our area feel forgotten (about) especially in response to the large storm event that happened last year,” she said.

“We were left unnecessarily without power for weeks on end during freezing weather conditions. There is definitely an undercurrent of dismay towards our current members, both federal and state level.”

Mrs Murphy said she would be changing her vote for the first time ever this election.

“I’m not comfortable to say who I’m voting for, but I will be changing my vote this year. I can’t speak for everyone in the area, but I think we definitely will see a deviation from previous elections,” she said.

About to vote for the first time, a group of high school students in Cockatoo told Leader their voting concerns.

“We aren’t really sure who to vote for. None of the parties are really putting a strong argument forward for us,” one student said.

“This is our first election, but I feel like we’ve seen the government just do what they like without really listening to what the people want,” another said.

Joe, a Cockatoo resident, said his election choice would be very difficult to make this year.

“Normally, both parties come forward with strong plans leaning either way and I make my decision on that. The current state of affairs just is focusing on the jabs and insults politicians make towards each other,” he said.

“I think people will find it difficult to differentiate state and federal policies, and also separate their personal dislike for politicians from the decisions the party is making. These things are always here but I think this year they will be more pronounced.”

Wayne said he won’t be changing his vote from the Liberals.

“I’ve always voted liberal and that is how it will stay. Their policies just suit me.”

Jody said the same.

“I can’t imagine voting differently, it’s just not who I am really.”