Hotham voters have their say ahead of the federal election
Voters in a prominent electorate in Melbourne’s south east remain divided on what party they plan to vote for in the upcoming election. Here’s why.
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It’s a booth that is known to constantly change its vote in federal elections and this year won’t be any different.
The Waverley Meadows Primary School booth in Wheelers Hill is part of the seat of Hotham in Melbourne’s south east.
It covers 78 square kilometres and includes the suburbs of Bentleigh East, Oakleigh, Huntingdale, Clayton, Clarinda, Noble Park, Springvale and Mulgrave.
The seat has been held by Labor’s Clare O’Neil since 2013.
The margin is 11.2 per cent, making it a marginal Labor seat.
The Green’s Louise Willoughby and United Australia Party’s Bruce Ridgway are taking on Ms O’Neil for the top spot.
When Leader spoke to customers at Wheelers Hill Shopping Centre, opinions were divided on what party would score majority of votes in the election.
Some shoppers heavily supported the major parties.
Pauline, of Wheelers Hill, said she would continue to vote for Labor this year due to their core beliefs on equality and working wages.
She said she hoped climate change would be addressed.
“It’s the most pressing issue,” she said.
“Climate is the most urgent one that needs to be fixed.”
Christopher Snell said the Labor Party had “more values”.
“That’s who I’m voting for,” he said.
Mr Snell said he wanted social issues to be a priority for the party elected.
But Richard, of Wheelers Hill, said he was Liberal all the way.
“The Labor Party isn’t terribly crash hot at the moment,” he said.
“At least the Liberals are there to make a difference instead of just all talk.”
Richard said he wanted the “disgraceful” Monash Freeway works to be completed as soon as possible.
Other shoppers said they hadn’t made up their mind.
Jo Tan, of Wheelers Hill, said his vote changed each year.
“Normally I look for who is the best for the country,” Mr Tan said.
“We are in trouble at the moment, we have plenty of problems.
“The relationship with overseas countries are getting worse.”
Mr Tan said he was concerned with petrol prices.
John Jahuang said his Chinese background influenced the way he voted.
He said immigration, business, taxation and human rights were important issues to him.
“Given this uncertain period of time, I really need to look into what they want and what they are going to do if they are elected,” he said.
Ricardo Cifaratti said he was confused on where to put his vote.
“What’s going on in Europe, it can change a lot in the next few months,” he said.
“I’m waiting and watching what is going to happen.”
Sigmund Marques said he would vote for the party that supports a greener environment and electrical vehicles.
He said public transport was a major issue in the area.
“It’s not the best in Wheelers Hill,” he said.
“So it’s a priority of mine.”
Hope, of Noble Park North, said she hadn’t decided which party she would vote for but wanted the issue of homelessness to be addressed at the election.
Other shoppers said the major parties were a huge no.
“They are all corrupt,” Steve said.
“They serve no purpose for me.”
He said he wanted Covid vaccine mandates to be abolished.
