General News
27 March, 2025
Make it a date: Off to polls on May 3 after dawn meeting
AT LEAST seven candidates will contest the seat of Mallee when Australia heads to the polls on May 3. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the election this morning after a crack-of-dawn drive to Government House to advise Governor General Sam...
AT LEAST seven candidates will contest the seat of Mallee when Australia heads to the polls on May 3.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the election this morning after a crack-of-dawn drive to Government House to advise Governor General Sam Mostyn of the date. The breakfast-time meeting came less than 12 hours after Opposition leader Peter Dutton gave his reply speech to the Government's Budget delivered onTuesday night.
Malleeis held for the Nationals by shadow assistant minister Anne Webster with a margin of more than 19 per cent.
Last week, disability support worker Greg Olsen, of Castlemaine, was named the Labor challenger.
Family First said its contender for the safe National Party seat would be out-of-home care case worker Ashleigh Grey.
Mr Olsen said he was realistic about the 19 per cent margin in Mallee “but I think it is good to have a choice of candidates”.
“When I was approached (to stand) I considered it an honour to be asked, It’s a big challenge, an uphill battle but important people have choice.”
Mr Olsen said he had travelled into the Mallee electorate last week for meetings in Mildura.
“Talking to people builds a picture of local issues and broader issues,” he said.
Mr Olsen said he believed in equality of opportunity, irrespective of economic background.
“This principle of `opportunity’ is fundamental to people’s sense of purpose, direction and participation in building meaningful lives, it means that no child should be denied access to a quality education because of family disadvantage and that people have rights of self- determination to pursue vocational pathways that suit their potential and capacities.”
He also said he was a supporter of business and “the integral part it plays in the economic life of communities throughout Australia. From small businesses in the CBDs of country towns to primary producers - small and large - the commitment and challenges in running a rural business are considerable.”
Details to contact Mr Grey had not been made available. However, the Family First platform says: “Ashleigh has championed the importance of traditional family values, believing that strong families are the foundation of a thriving nation.
“Ashleigh has worked toward creating opportunities that allow families to succeed, with a focus on preserving the sanctity of life, keeping girls and women safe, and protecting the rights of children.”
Other declared candidates are Vaughan Williams (One Nation), Nicole Rowan (Greens) and Chris Lahy (Australian Citizens’ Party),Jeff Barry (Libertarian Party).
YOUR ASK THE QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS will be put to the Mallee candidates at a Loddon Herald forum next month.
One Nation’s Vaughan Williams and Greens’ Nicole Rowan have already accepted invitations to be part of the 2025 election forum on April 28.
The forum will be held at The Goods Shed, Inglewood, and also live streamed on the Loddon Herald’s social media platform.
Candidates will make their pitch to local voters and face questions on their stance on issues facing Loddon communities.
Reader questions can be submitted in advance to loddonherald@gmail.com or asked on the night.