Election divides Hotham voters in Mt Waverley

It’s a booth that usually votes with Labor but that might change this year with opinions divided in Mt Waverley on who was best to lead the country.

Mount Waverley Heights Primary School has been a rusted-on booth in the past. Picture: Google Maps

It’s a booth that usually sticks with voting for the Labor Party but that might change this year.

The Mount Waverley Heights Primary School is part of the seat of Hotham in Melbourne’s south east.

It covers 78 square kilometres and includes suburbs of Bentleigh East, Oakleigh, Huntingdale, Clayton, Clarinda, Noble Park, Springvale, Mulgrave and parts of Mt Waverley and Glen Waverley.

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.

Green’s Louise Willoughby and United Australia Party’s Bruce Ridgway are taking on Ms O’Neil for the top spot.

Labor’s Clare O'Neil speaking in parliament. Picture: Supplied

When Leader spoke to people in the electorate, opinions were divided on what party would score majority of votes in the election.

Sue, of Mt Waverley, said her vote was with Labor.

“Their policies seem more sincere which is important to me,” she said.

Sue said she believed the election would be tight.

“I think the pandemic has really allowed people to make up their minds on who they want to lead our country.’

Harry and Jackie of Oakleigh both wanted the Labor Party to win the election.

“I think Scott Morrison has really showed his true colours,” Jackie said.

“My beliefs don’t align with the Liberal’s that’s why I’m voting for Labour.”

Harry said he hoped climate change was a focal point of the election.

Anthony Lucarelli, of Oakleigh, said his vote was with the Liberal party.

“Moving forward I think they will have stronger economic policies to help repay the debt incurred throughout the pandemic,” he said.

Amgag Gorguis said he has lived in Australia for 26 years and has voted for the Liberal party most of the time. Picture: Brooke Grebert-Craig

Mr Lucarelli said he hoped community sport would receive funding to get participation levels back to what they were before Covid hit the state.

Amgag Gorguis said he usually votes for the Liberal’s but still hasn’t decided which way he will swing this election.

“We need someone who understands how the market and economy are suffering,” he said.

Mr Gorguis said the Liberal party was more focused on improving businesses, which was an issue that was important to him.

Frank, of Mt Waverley, also said the Liberal party would get his vote.

“I think they are progressive and opened minded,” he said.

Frank said he hoped the issue of accessibility would be addressed at the election after the state endured one of the longest lockdowns in the world.

[e-mail]

Originally published as Election divides Hotham voters in Mt Waverley