Vic: Three independents to push for an independent in Benalla

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2000
Vic: Three independents to push for an independent in Benalla

By Lisa Walker

MELBOURNE, April 13 AAP - Victoria's three independents will actively campaign in the
Benalla by-election, urging residents to vote a non-aligned candidate into state parliament.

"We would prefer the National Party didn't win, and likewise Labor," Mildura independent
Russell Savage told AAP.

"We want effective, grassroots, real representation."

Mr Savage said he and his two independent colleagues - Susan Davies of Gippsland West
and Craig Ingram of Gippsland East - would visit the Benalla electorate during the campaign
at functions organised by independent candidates.

They would sell the message that an independent MP would offer constituents a real
say in parliament, rather than putting the needs of a party first.

Former National Party leader Pat McNamara yesterday resigned from parliament, sparking
a by-election in the country seat he held by a 7.4 per cent margin and which has been
in National Party hands for 57 years.

Two independents have indicated they will stand - Warrenbayne farmer Bill Hill and
Upper Lurg accountant and farmer Geoff Rowe.

Mr Savage said discussions had been held with these two candidates with the intent
of organising forums for the independent MPs to push their message.

But they would not be endorsing any individual independent candidate, he said.

The National Party, is confident of retaining the seat. It pushed successfully for
the Liberal Party not to stand a candidate, while Premier Steve Bracks has played down
Labor's chance of winning the seat for the first time.

The by-election is expected to be held between May 3 and the end of June.

AAP lmw/er/cjh

KEYWORD: BENALLA INDEPENDENTS

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