Yarraville: Why voters say they ‘expect more’ in stronghold Labor seat

It’s been a Labor stronghold for more than 70 years, but voters in Yarraville say they “expect more” from the party ahead of the 2022 election.

It’s been a Labor stronghold for more than 70 years, but voters in Yarraville say they “expect more” from the party ahead of the 2022 election.

This week, Leader spoke to residents around the Yarraville West Primary School a ‘rusted-on’ Labor area which has delivered overwhelming support over the past six elections.

The suburb falls within the electorate of Gellibrand, a seat held by just five Labor members since its creation in 1949.

The division underwent a shake-up as part of the redistribution effort in 2021, losing Footscray, Seddon and Williams Landing while gaining parts of Point Cook and Truganina.

The polling booth at Yarraville West Primary School has historically delivered strong results for Labor. Picture Liam Beatty.

Tim Watts, who has held the seat since 2013, will again contest the 2022 Federal Election while the Liberal party has not nominated a candidate yet.

Voters in the area told Leader they were hoping for a change of government but so far disappointed by a perception that Labor leader Anthony Albanese was “playing it safe”.

“I’d like to see some more ambitious policies put forward on climate change, healthcare and housing,” nearby resident Daniel Harding said.

“I get that he wants to play it safe, but I think I’m going to preference a minor party first.”

Yarraville resident Daniel Harding wants to see ambitious policies put forward by the Labor Party on climate change, healthcare and housing ahead of the 2022 Federal Election. Picture Liam Beatty.

Cafe owner Andrew echoed the sentiment, saying he felt the Morrison Government had “made a mess of” Australia’s public services.

“Covid has been a tough time for all,” he said. “Life’s getting harder for those not earning a CEO’s packet, and you can feel that impact in the economy.

Self-described swing voter Jess, who moved to the area after the 2019 election, said her vote would be won by whoever had the better plan to deal with the “healthcare crisis”.

“My sister’s a nurse so I’ve seen how they’ve been treated,” she said.

“It’s just horrible. I hope everyone can see there needs to be change.”

Swing voter Jess said her priority for the 2022 Federal Election was to see change in Australia's healthcare system. Picture Liam Beatty.

She said she thought local MP Tim Watts had been great for the area, saying she had heard stories of him “fighting” for local issues.

Mother-of-three Kim Ho said she felt disengaged from politics, pointing to the rising cost of living as an issue that took up her attention.

“I don’t know who I’ll vote for. Things keep getting harder for people like me no matter who wins.”

Originally published as Yarraville: Why voters say they ‘expect more’ in stronghold Labor seat