By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
EARLY voters weren’t tuned out as they turned out in droves at the federal election pre-poll centre in Akoona Park, Berwick.
Candidates say about 1000 a day are braving the bracing elements in the marginal La Trobe seat to vote ahead of 2 July election day.
On 28 June voters were bustling past layers of placards and leaflet handers from the usual parties as well as the Sex, Shooters and Animal Justice parties, an Australian Unions member and a career firey in his civvies.
Much was made about the current firefighters’ dispute.
The Liberal Party placed Hands Off the CFA placards prominently and handed out pamphlets on the same theme.
It is promising to intervene on a federal level if it’s re-elected.
An exit straw poll by Star News found voters had thought hard about their vote.
They were aware of the CFA issue and in some cases were “disgusted” by it. But it didn’t seem to be the crunch issue.
For one man, it was “about stable hands, mate”, others said health, education, families and the Monash Freeway were the issues.
For the first time in their lives, mature-aged couple Carol and Ken said they were voting for a minor party.
They were thinking of their grandkids’ future. “It’s a worry for us,” Ken said.
“We’re over the rubbish (the major parties) come up with.”
Career firey and United Firefighters Union member James – who by CFA decree couldn’t electioneer in his uniform – handed out cards for “the Liberals to stop playing with fire”.
He said he is doing a few hours’ shift – not on the work clock – but normally isn’t a political person.
“I’m just seeing the damage done in the organisation itself by this.”
James got in a heated discussion with one voter who tells him to “skip the bulls***”.
James said it’s misinformation to say firefighters would not save a burning house until seven UFU fireys arrived at the scene.
“We’re still here to serve the community. We’ll always save the home.”
Meanwhile volunteer firefighters – who take the opposite stance to James – had parked their truck in a “silent vigil” nearby during the previous weekend.
Their spokesman, Labor life member Garth Head, is at odds with the party on this issue. “I’m solid in support of the volunteers,” he said.
Both incumbent Liberal MP Jason Wood and ALP candidate Simon Curtis were handing out and shaking hands with voters.
As they pressed the flesh, Mr Wood and Senate candidate Jane Hume were pushing their slogans on the Monash Freeway widening project and the CFA.
Mr Curtis, standing near the ALP’s Save Medicare placards, said most people seemed to realise the CFA was a state issue.
Berwick born, raised and residing, Mr Curtis said it was hard to read of Akoona Park’s traditionally Liberal voters.
“I think the whole seat is going to go down to the wire.”
