By David Rood
FORMER premier Steve Bracks rated the Brumby government higher than Julia Gillard's federal team as he launched Labor's bid for the battleground seat of Northcote last night.
Speaking at the launch of Fiona Richardson's campaign to retain the seat, Mr Bracks praised the economic, educational and environmental credentials of the state government, saying the policy thrust of the nation was coming from Victoria. ''[Ms Richardson] is also part of what I believe and I hold to be true … the best government of any government in Australia currently - any state, territory or national government,'' he said.
Former premier Steve Bracks at the ALP election campaign launch at Northcote.Credit: Wayne Taylor
Northcote is one of four inner-city seats that Labor is fighting to hold against the Greens. Asked by The Age what the best way was for Labor to fight the Greens challenge, Mr Bracks said: ''The Labor Party stands on its own credentials. What the Greens political party does is up to them.''
He was greeted by a dozen environmental protesters calling for an end to brown-coal power stations and duck hunting.