Victorian state election 2018: Liberal candidate Katie Allen takes on Greens, Labor in Prahran

Like most doctors, Katie Allen believes prevention is always better than a cure. It’s the attitude she’s taking to politics as the Liberal candidate in the state’s most marginal seat of Prahran.

Like most doctors, Katie Allen believes prevention is always better than a cure.

It’s the attitude that has driven her career as a paediatrician and medical researcher, and is now motivating her push to win the state’s most marginal seat of Prahran for the Liberal Party.

WHY PRAHRAN MATTERS IN THE 2018 ELECTION

“We need more people in Parliament who can offer practical, reasonable, rational solutions,” Dr Allen said.

“State government is about service delivery … I’ve spent my entire life serving my community in health and education, so for me this is the next natural step. It would be great to get inside the tent and help influence the right decisions for the future of Victoria.”

Prahran is held by Greens MP Sam Hibbins, who won the seat by just 277 votes in 2014 even though he finished third on first preferences.

Former national Greens leader Bob Brown (left) with Prahran Greens MP Sam Hibbins. Picture: Andi Yu/AAP

He knocked off a Liberal MP who had won Prahran from Labor, highlighting the volatility of an electorate covering public housing flats, Toorak mansions and Chapel St in between.

“The turnover of voters in Prahran is significant between elections with a very transient population,” Mr Hibbins said.

“That makes it a challenge for any incumbent.”

Dr Allen, who works at the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, said voters often asked “why on earth” she went into politics.

“They ask if you can really make a difference … Democracy is too important not to try,” she said.

Mr Hibbins said the Greens were running “a really strong, positive people-powered campaign” to persuade voters that he could hold the major parties to account.

Liberal candidate for Prahran Katie Allen, pictured at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. Picture: Mark Stewart

With Prahran again expected to be decided on preferences, Dr Allen said the Liberals had “haemorrhaged from our heartland” and lost voters to the Greens in 2014.

“I think they’re coming back and hopefully it’s enough to get me home,” she said.

“But often people don’t understand that you can finish third and still win.”

Labor candidate Neil Pharaoh is also seen to be running a strong campaign in his second crack at Prahran. He did not respond to questions he asked the Herald Sun to email him this week.

@tminear