Why Warrnambool votes for same party every Federal Election

A Liberal voting booth for 15 years — Warrnambool’s Temperance Hall is a rusted booth and not likely to change.

A Liberal voting booth for 15 years — Warrnambool’s Temperance Hall on Koroit Street is a rusted booth and not likely to change.

Warrnambool is a growing town in the Wannon electoral division of rural southwest Victoria with 29,000 residents and a median age of 41.

Temperance Hall voters and the whole of the Wannon electorate have given Liberals their seat since 1955.

When Leader spoke with business owners near Temperance Hall, the opinions were divided.

Prehistoric Sounds business owner Shane Godfrey said he hoped for change ahead of the election.

“I feel the country hasn't been moving forward, it’s had short-sightedness and were reactive to crisis rather than proactive and ahead of the curve,” he said.

Prehistoric Sounds business owner Shane Godfrey of Warrnambool.

Dubois Bridal business owner Pamela Dubois was confident the Federal Government would be re-elected in May.

“I think it was amazing. What (government) did for us, because they could easily be harsh on a small business, and I survived only because of them.”

Dubois Bridal business owner Pamela Dubois.

But others weren’t so sure.

Phoenix Cafe Bar and Catering co-business owners Mark Mitchell and Anita Drury describe said they were “scared” of the looming election.

“We need someone who cares and doesn't brush off smaller business. Especially in towns like this, every business is owned by a local family. Everyone’s struggling, and it’s not just us. It’s the hairdresser next door, Flight Centre, every cafe in town, no one can find staff, even customers.”

Voting for the “small ones” is what Mike looks for when filling out the ballot paper.

Warrnambool’s Phoenix Cafe Bar and Grill business owners Mark Mitchell and Anita Drury.

The Warrnambool Breastfeeding Clinic business owner Barbara Glare.

Barbara Glare, owner of the non-for-profit organisation and charity The Warrnambool Breastfeeding Centre, said she was cynical about politics.

“I don't think (the Federal Government) has any real vision for the future. All of the policies that have come out in the budget seem to be short-term and aimed at making us forget the future and see the immediate benefit, which is what Australia doesn’t need.”

Barbara wants more family services and policies supporting equality this election.

Originally published as Why Warrnambool votes for same party every Federal Election