Beef-farming Lib candidate Fiona Kotvojs steaks claim for youth vote
The Liberal candidate for the Eden-Monaro by-election, Fiona Kotvojs, has put youth jobs at the centre of her agenda.
The Liberal candidate for the Eden-Monaro by-election, Fiona Kotvojs, put youth jobs at the centre of her agenda as she launched her campaign with Scott Morrison in the regional NSW seat.
The beef farmer from Dignams Creek said she wanted young people to feel they did not need to leave the electorate — which includes the south coast and southern tablelands — for their career.
Dr Kotvojs, a former teacher and scientist, made her pitch for the youth vote on Sunday while touring the Robyn Rowe Chocolates store in Murrumbateman, northwest of Canberra.
“When I finished high school, I had to go away for work and for study and, unfortunately, that’s still the case for many of our young people across the electorate,” Dr Kotvojs said.
“So for me, it’s really important now that we work for the long term so that our young people have the choice as to whether they go away or whether they stay for their work opportunities. Having that choice is really critical.”
She will come up against Labor candidate and Bega Valley Shire Council mayor Kristy McBain, who on Sunday night launched a TV advertising campaign talking up her small business background.
“Small businesses are the absolute backbone of this region and more than ever they need someone in Canberra who understands them and will stand up for them,” Ms McBain said. “I’ve been helping my husband run our plumbing business for years. One of the reasons I’m standing is that I want to make sure our local businesses get the help they need to get back on their feet.”
Dr Kotvojs was confirmed as the Liberal candidate on the weekend in the seat, being vacated by outgoing Labor MP Mike Kelly.
Dr Kotvojs ran as the Liberal candidate in the 2019 election and narrowly lost, securing a swing of more than 2 per cent. The Prime Minister said the electorate would be better served by a member of the government.
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