Call to scrap by-elections when MP dies in latter half of their term

A STATE MP has called for by-elections to be scrapped when an MP dies during the latter half of their term, to prevent a “grubby battle” so soon after the death.

Prevention of Family Violence Minister Fiona Richardson died of cancer last month. Picture: Mark Stewart

A STATE MP has called for by-elections to be scrapped when an MP dies during the latter half of their term.

A fierce contest for the seat of Northcote is likely to be called within weeks, after Labor MP Fiona Richardson died following a long fight with cancer.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Jeff Bourman told the Herald Sun no one wanted to see a “grubby battle” — in this case between Labor and the Greens — so soon after an MP has died.

“In situations where someone has died and there’s a ­certain time before the election, then the (Legislative) Assembly can have someone nominated for the seat,” Mr Bourman said.

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Shooters and Fishers Party MP Jeff Bourman. Picture: Mark Wilson

“To have a by-election ... it just seems counter-productive and a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

The past three by-elections in Victoria have cost taxpayers between $385,000 and $430,000 each.

Labor and the Greens are currently preselecting candidates for the contest in Northcote, which was held by Ms Richardson on a 6 per cent margin in 2014.

Governments traditionally suffer a swing against them during midterm by-elections, and the Greens have been pouring resources into the seat recently.

Today, state MPs remembered Ms Richardson as a political warrior who fought for what she believed in, during an emotional condolence motion in State Parliament.

Prevention of Family Violence Minister Fiona Richardson died of cancer last month. Picture: Mark Stewart

Gaming Minister Marlene Kairouz spoke about Ms Richardson’s family violence work, and that she had carried a picture of Luke Batty — who was killed by his father — in her purple phone case as a constant reminder that “victims voices were never lost”.

Industry Minister Wade Noonan said the Northcote MP had become “like a big sister to me” and young people should use her as an inspiration of how to get things done.

Small Business Minister Philip Dalidakis spoke of Ms Richardson’s support of the Jewish community and for immigrants in Victoria, while Sports Minister John Eren said she had never tired of campaigning for more facilities for women in sport.

Ms Richardson’s husband Stephen Newnham, children Marcus and Catherine, and mother Veronica Power, were in Parliament to hear the tributes.