How Merbein residents are voting ahead of the Federal Election

Merbein has historically been a safe seat in Federal Elections but could this year be different?

Voters at the Merbein community hub have, in the past, been unwavering about who they want running the show — the Nationals.

That’s what makes the booth known as “rusted on”.

According to the 2016 census Merbein has a population of 2713 and a median age of 45. The average weekly income is about $800 and the primary occupations being technicians, trades workers and community and personal service workers. The top employment industry for the area is grape growing.

But this year voters around the booth at Merbein Community Hub are straying from tradition with many saying they are going to mix things up on voting day in order to try and get the community the attention it needs.

Alison McFall, 53, works as a carer. She will be voting differently this year, choosing to back the United party.

Alison McFall is a Merbein resident who believes the area needs more support for business in this coming Federal Election.

“They just seem to care about the people in this country a bit more than the others,” she said.

Ms McFall said the Covid-19 response had largely influenced her vote.

“The town is different now after Covid-19, we need different things, more support,” she said.

“I’m very tired of the way things are.”

Usually Ms McFall doesn’t “care too much” about politics but with more empty business in Merbein each day and more people struggling for work this year she said she was “paying more attention to what [she] wants from a government”.

Clive Bennett, 76, is retired but has lived in the area and surrounds for more than 70 years. He has worked as a truck driver, a butcher, and a wool classer. He said he changes his vote based on who he thinks will deliver the best outcome for small country towns like Merbein.

He said healthcare was something the area had lacked for “too long” and it was time for the government to step up when it comes to rural healthcare.

“Whoever does well in healthcare will do well,” he said.

“I am 76 years old, I don’t want to be waiting forever for an ambulance to come and get me if I am in trouble.”

Clive Bennett is a Merbein local and says that his vote is going to Labor this year because he feels they can deliver on healthcare.

Mr Bennett also believes the rough roads, especially around the school need attention.

“Roads and the traffic light around here need attention, they haven’t changed in 70 years,” he said.

Mr Bennet said Labor had his vote this election.

“I don’t like ScoMo, he’s got to go,” he said.

A good portion of voters were also undecided about who was getting their vote as they believe all the parties are as bad as each other when it comes to addressing the issues are important for their community, issues like healthcare, infrastructure and education.

Resident, Johnny B, said it wouldn’t matter who was in government, rural towns “always miss out”.

“The focus is on the big cities, but there is people out here too,” he said.

“Doesn’t matter who I vote for they are all the same.”

Originally published as How Merbein residents are voting ahead of the Federal Election