2022 Victorian Election: Bill Tilley faces independent challenge for second time

A conservative heartland for more than a century, this northeast seat went to the wire four years ago. Compare the 2022 combatants here.

Named after a small town in a neighbouring electorate, Benambra has been conservative heartland since its creation in 1877.

The Liberal Party broke the Nationals stranglehold in 1976 and has held it ever since.

Tom Mitchell from Towong in the Upper Murray held the seat for the Nationals from 1947 until 1976 and his Liberal successors, Lou Lieberman, Tony Plowman and incumbent Bill Tilley have all had lengthy stints in the role.

If successful next month, Mr Tilley, a former policeman, will become the second longest serving Benambra MP since Mr Mitchell.

CURRENT STATUS

Mr Tilley survived his toughest election fight four years ago when he staved off a two-pronged independent challenge from Jacqui Hawkins and Jenny O’Connor and Labor’s Mark Tait.

Mr Tilley holds the seat on a 2.4 per cent margin with Labor yet to announce a candidate for next month’s election.

NOTABLE PREDECESSORS

Tom Mitchell was born at Towong Hill, the historic family property destroyed in the Black Summer bushfires, and educated at Cambridge University.

After serving in World War II, including being captured by the Japanese in 1942 and spending time in Changi POW camp, Mr Mitchell became the longest serving member for Benambra with a run of 29 years.

His successor, Lou Lieberman, made a successful switch to federal politics by winning the seat of Indi

MAJOR TOWNS

Wodonga, Tallangatta, Beechworth, Corryong, Rutherglen, Chiltern, Mitta Mitta, Yackandandah, Mt Beauty.

THE CANDIDATES

Bill Tilley, Liberal

Jacqui Hawkins, independent

Mike Fuery, Animal Justice Party

DOMINANT ISSUE

As was the case in the federal campaign this year, a new Albury-Wodonga hospital for the twin cities and surrounding communities on both sides of the border, tops the priority list.

The cross-border health service is a Victorian government responsibility and Labor is yet to commit to funding a rebuild unlike big announcements made for Warragul and Wonthaggi.

The Coalition has put $300 million on the table in the hope the NSW and federal governments will stump up similar amounts.

WHAT THE MAIN PLAYERS SAY

Member for Benambra Bill Tilley.

BILL TILLEY, Liberal

“If you’re frustrated and angry at how this Labor Government has treated regional and country Victoria then people must vote Liberal or National. The reality is a vote for an independent will see Labor returned. My opponents like to question what I’ve done. Well, in the past four years alone we’ve helped more than 12,000 people and businesses navigate their way through the Covid restrictions nightmare, handled the challenges of the 2020 bushfires, got money for some of our smallest schools, won the government over to build the suicide barriers on Melrose Drive, brokered the border bubble and led the charge on the need for a new hospital.”

Jacqui Hawkins is standing as an independent candidate for the Benambra electorate again. Picture: Zoe Phillips

JACQUI HAWKINS, independent

“Benambra, which has seen the benefits of electing federal independents for four successive terms, knows that by voting independent we will get a representative who listens to, prioritises and achieves results for the community, not a political party, donors or lobbyists. Health, specifically a new Albury-Wodonga hospital, is top of mind for local constituents. We’ve been overlooked and ignored by the major parties because they consider this seat ‘safe’ and the incumbent, who has sat on the Opposition bench for the past four years and in office for 16 years, has not been able to deliver investment in the hospital in all this time.”

THE ODDS

Bill Tilley $1.75

Jacqui Hawkins $2.15

Mike Fuery $21

Source: Sportsbet