Prahran and Werribee by-elections
Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (13:33): Today I congratulate two outstanding locals who stepped up for their communities, long neglected by Labor and the Greens. Rachel Westaway claimed a historic victory in Prahran, where the Greens had held the seat for over a decade. Former Labor MP Tony Lupton had to run as an independent because Labor could not even muster the courage to represent Prahran. It is clear Labor were terrified of Rachel’s strong momentum and focused all their resources on Werribee. Former Treasurer Tim Pallas should be embarrassed. His once safe seat of Werribee is now marginal, narrowly held by a former Pallas staffer. Our great candidate Steve Murphy dominated the primary vote and clearly beat Labor, who relied on the intimidation tactics of Trades Hall unionists and socialists on polling day. What was once an 11 per cent safe seat is now slashed to just 0.75 per cent. Premier Allan and Labor must be shaking after this thumping defeat in both Prahran and Werribee. Well done, Rachel and Steve.