Federal election 2016: candidate’s ‘tough fight’ following Billson

New Liberal candidate for Dunkley Chris Crewther has admitted the Coalition faces a ‘tough’ fight to keep the seat.

Bruce Bilson, left, Malcolm Turnbull, Chris Crewther and MD Matt Bebe at Mornington Peninsula Brewery yesterday. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

New Liberal candidate for Dunkley Chris Crewther has admitted the Coalition faces a “tough” fight to keep the southeastern Melbourne seat being vacated by former Small Business Minister Bruce Billson.

Speaking to The Australian following Malcolm Turnbull’s visit to a local business in the seat yesterday, Mr Crewther said that irrespective of what polling may be saying, the party will be “working very hard” to hang on the electorate, held on a 5.5 per cent margin.

“Bruce Billson has held the seat very strongly for the last 20 years, and he has been a spectacular local member. He is a champion in the community,” Mr Crewther said.

“The Liberal Party, of course, has held it for 20 years. It is a tough seat but we will fight to win.

“We are going to work very hard because it is important to actually listen to the community and work hard for the community irrespective of what the polls are saying.”

Mr Crewther said the Coalition’s small business tax cuts were popular in the electorate, which is centred on Frankston, but extends down the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne.

“That’s a major issue locally, if we can create jobs. People in Dunkley want meaningful jobs.

“If we create those jobs and help to grow industry … we create local wealth, we create wealth in the family and we help to tackle social disadvantage.”

The outgoing Mr Billson, who campaigned with the Prime Minister and Mr Crewther at the Mornington Peninsula Brewery yesterday, said he was optimistic the Coalition’s policies would be welcomed by the electorate.

“Jobs and the economy are key to the Dunkley electorate. Chris has got that horsepower and that capacity and I hope the electorate gets behind him,” he said, describing the new candidate as “taller, skinnier and younger”.

“Some might say a new improved version,” he said.

After touring the brewery in Mornington yesterday, Mr Turnbull would not be drawn on the Coalition’s chances in Dunkley.

“What I’m concerned about is ensuring that right across the country our candidates get my support and the support of my ministers. Because it is absolutely vital for the future of Australia, for the prospects of our children and grandchildren, that we are re-elected and that we are able to implement and bring into full force, carry out entirely our national economic plan,” he said.