Dunkley voters in Mt Eliza have their say ahead of federal election
Scott Morrison knows how important Mt Eliza is to the Liberal’s bid to win back Dunkley. He’s been in town pressing the flesh, even shaking paws.
South East
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The rusted-on voters of Mt Eliza plan to keep backing the Liberals, a survey has revealed.
The Leader spoke to people who usually vote at Mount Eliza Secondary School to find out if the booth was still a Liberal stronghold for the seat of Dunkley.
Dunkley includes the suburbs of Mt Eliza, Frankston South, Frankston, Frankston North, Karingal, Langwarrin, Langwarrin South, Seaford, Skye and Sandhurst.
Sitting member Peta Murphy ended a 23-year Liberal lock on the seat at the 2019 election when she defeated Chris Crewther.
However, the result was influenced by a change in electorate boundaries which saw Dunkley lose part of Mt Eliza and all of Mornington — both with high numbers of Liberal voters.
In 2022 Ms Murphy will be challenged by Liberal candidate Sharn Coombes, Green’s Liam O’Brien, United Australia Party’s Adrian Irvine and Damian Willis for the Liberty and Democracy Party.
Not surprisingly, many shoppers and diners in Mt Eliza Village surveyed were Liberal voters.
“I’ve voted Liberal all my life,” Gwen, 61, said.
The Mt Eliza resident wasn’t sure who the Dunkley Liberal candidate was, but planned to vote for them regardless.
“Now is not the time to be changing,” she said.
“Scott Morrison has got us through Covid and we’re now looking at a war in Russia. I want the person in charge to have experience with the tough times.”
John Shaw was also planning to vote for Sharn Coombes.
“We need to get Liberal back in power in Dunkley,” he said.
“They best represent when I stand on most issues.”
Friends Jane, Sally and Michelle also planned to vote for Ms Coombes.
“I like that she’s not just a politician, she’s had a career in law and is also a mum,” Jane said.
“She was also on (reality TV show) Survivor which I love,” Michelle said.
“If she can cope with that, she can cope with Canberra.”
Swinging voter Pru Erwin, 70, has voted for both major parties and the Greens in the past and was yet to decide who would get her support in 2022.
The environment and candidates’ climate action policies were the Mt Eliza resident’s primary concern.
“If a local candidate had a legitimate plan to protect our Green Wedge and prevent inappropriate development then they’d get my vote,” Ms Erwin said.
“I’d like to see the aged care resort (Ryman retirement development) planned for Kunyung Rd, which is really green wedge land stopped.”
Long time local Margaret McArthur, 88, was also undecided.
“I know we are electing a local representative, but I am looking more at the party leaders,” she said.
“Albanese doesn’t have much charisma, but I think that’s a plus … he can’t charm his way out of things.”
Mt Eliza resident Frank and wife Sue had already made up their minds to vote for current Ms Murphy.
“I know this is a rusted-on Liberal area, but I’m a working woman and I’ll be sticking with Labor,” Sue said.
“Our interactions with Peta have always been positive,” Frank said.
“She works hard and responds quickly to questions. When we needed advice and information on Covid rules ahead of a friend visiting from the UK she was very helpful.”
