Liberal and independent candidates intensify campaign in historically safe Labor seat of Williamstown
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In the lead-up to the November Victorian state election, the Labor stronghold of Williamstown sees heightened competition from Liberal, independent and minor-party candidates, with the incumbent MP expecting a reduced primary vote.
The Labor-dominated electorate of Williamstown, a historic seat that has been held by the party for most of the past century, is witnessing an unusually vigorous campaign from opposition forces ahead of the November state election. Liberal candidate Paul Lindemann and former Liberal premier Denis Napthine attended a gathering of about 50 Liberal supporters at the Stag’s Head Hotel, underscoring the party’s renewed focus on the constituency.
Billboards promoting Lindemann and independent candidate Tony Briffa now line major thoroughfares, while volunteers from multiple campaigns are active in shopping strips and train stations daily. Seven candidates are contesting the seat, making preferences a decisive factor.
Labor insiders, speaking anonymously, acknowledge that incumbent Melissa Horne, minister for jobs, industry and advanced manufacturing, is likely to see a dip in her primary vote but remain hopeful that preference flows will allow her to retain the seat. Horne, who has represented Williamstown since 2018, said, "We are up against it; it’s 12 years [of Labor]. But we have got some really good policies that are resonating in the community."
Lindemann, a former real estate agent who joined the Liberal Party last year, said he is spending five to six hours a day campaigning across the area and added, "I am really motivated and energised by the support."
Independent Tony Briffa, a former Hobsons Bay mayor, described a growing "groundswell against the major parties" and highlighted transport, the future of Williamstown Hospital and industrial-land redevelopment as key voter concerns. West Party candidate Gill Gannon, a local small-business owner, linked demographic shifts and the loss of anchor industries to changing voter attitudes, stating, "It’s exciting … no matter what happens, things will never be the same in this seat again."
The Greens’ Ben Hocking noted an "anti-Labor sentiment" among door-knockers and street stalls, suggesting a possible upset for the incumbent. Other candidates include Catherine Loughnan of One Nation and Oskar Martin of the Victorian Socialists.
The contest reflects broader challenges for the Carroll government as Labor’s traditional heartland shows signs of erosion, with statewide polling indicating a narrowing gap between Labor, the Coalition and One Nation.