Expect no jolt for Holt

DON’T expect too many visits from high profile politicians in these parts – unless, of course, you live in La Trobe electorate.
Most local seats seem to be on the safe side for incumbents, meaning the major parties will focus their heavy artillery on other electorates.
Holt, which runs from Lysterfield South down to Cranbourne, should be held by incumbent Labor member Anthony Byrne, who holds the seat with a more than comfortable 11.6 per cent majority.
“In the time I have spent doorknocking and speaking with members of the electorate, people know that on election day Australians have a clear choice between a government that has delivered economic stability, job security and has a vision for the future, or an Opposition that will cut essential services like health and education, and put the economy and hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk,” Mr Byrne said.
Liberal Ricardo Balancy should provide the main opposition, with the Greens and Family First offering other alternatives.
The Secular Party of Australia is the least well-known party running in Holt.
The SPA, which is represented by roof plumber Mark Hitchins, aims to “bring about a true separation of Church and State in Australia, to promote secularism worldwide, to stand for human rights and social justice, affirming the dignity of each human being.”
Labor is expected to hold Isaacs as well, with sitting member Mark Dreyfus considered a certainty to be re-elected.
Manufacturing manager Dale McClelland will take up the fight for the Liberals, while Chris Carman will run for the Greens and Springvale political activist Gordon W. Ford will seek the independent vote.
Family First candidate Heather Wheatley lists her occupation as singer/songwriter but it remains to be seen if voters will be dancing to her beat.
In Flinders, the small field reflects the seemingly indomitable position of Liberal Greg Hunt.
With an 8.3 per cent majority, Mr Hunt would seem certain to hold off the challenge of Labor’s Francis Gagliano-Ventura, Australian Greens candidate Robert Brown and Family First’s Reade Smith.
La Trobe, which takes in parts of the hills down to Officer and Berwick, is expected to be one of the most tightly contested seats in Victoria. It has matched expectations by attracting plenty of candidates.
Incumbent Liberal member Jason Wood has five opponents, with Laura Smyth from the ALP the major threat.
Family First, the Greens, Liberal Democrats and the Australian Sex Party round out the field.
The bookies have tightened the odds on Mr Wood being returned, having him as $1.50 favourite as of Monday.