BendigoWeekly www.bendigoweekly.com.au
ISSUE 1084 FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018
Pop in for the book parade Victory Christian College primary classes dressed to impress on Wednesday as part of the college’s book parade. Zahli Reid and Emerson Slingo both dressed as Mary Poppins, proving that even the famous Mary needs a back up sometimes.
SNAP TO IT Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN
By SHARON KEMP
POLITICAL uncertainty in Canberra that could result in a snap election being called in coming days has exposed shortcomings in the preparedness of conservative parties in the Bendigo electorate. Labor and the Greens say they are prepared for a snap federal election, should one be called, but the most recent Liberal candidate who ran in Bendigo has confirmed she won’t stand again, and a Nationals candidate already campaigning for the state poll has ruled herself out.
■ Mayors
Bendigo Libs and Nats unprepared
Embroiled in this week’s leadership challenge, the coalition parties have declined to comment on what preparations are in place in case of an early election. As Liberal leadership uncertainty continues into today, Maldon businesswoman Megan Purcell, who works in a Canberra ministerial office, told the Bendigo Weekly she would not run again. “I’m not planning to redo my
Bendigo run (but) I have been really proud to see all of the promises I secured for Bendigo actually happen,” Ms Purcell said. The state Nationals candidate for Bendigo East, Gaelle Broad, said she may be asked to run but was not interested in federal politics and preferred the policy fields covered in state government. A spokesperson for Victorian Nationals senator Bridget McKen-
push for funding – Page 3
zie, who is the deputy leader of the federal Nationals, said the party was making no comment. Labor and the Greens were more than happy to talk. Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters, who holds the seat for Labor, echoed the call of her deputy leader Tanya Plibersek in challenging the government to call an early election. “I would welcome an early election,” Ms Chesters said in Canberra.
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As the leadership of the Coalition government consumed the attention of politicians at Parliament House yesterday morning, Ms Chesters said she attended a rally in support of cleaners who had lost their jobs at the Commonwealth Department of Jobs and Small Business. “Only some have kept their job with the contractor,” Ms Chesters said. “This government is doing nothing about the fundamental issues that need to be changed.”
Property Guide inside
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