JOB security and economic management are the key issues for voters in Gellibrand, according to Labor candidate Tim Watts.
Mr Watts is widely expected to become the seat’s next representative following the retirement of Nicola Roxon.
Q&A: Check out our Q&A session with Tim Watts.
The former Telstra executive and Labor staffer has been campaigning on a platform of employment as he takes to the streets, railway stations and community events across the seat.
“[Gellibrand voters] feel unsure about their personal economic circumstances – they want a government that puts [the voter’s] job first,” he said.
Mr Watts, 31, said a Labor government was the only guarantee of a future for the automotive industry, a major employer in the area.
“In Altona, we’ve got thousands of jobs at the Toyota plant – this government has got a very strong record of co-investment in Toyota and Australian car manufacturers,” he said. “All of that government commitment is at risk under a Coalition government.”
Election opponents in Gellibrand have been drawing attention to the fact Mr Watts lives in Fitzroy and is unlikely to be familiar with local issues, but he dismisses suggestions he was ‘‘parachuted’’ into the safe Labor seat.
Mr Watts said he won the local pre-selection ballot and intends to move with his wife and two young children to Footscray.
He bypassed the option of local or state politics for federal politics, believing it to be where he could have the biggest impact on people’s lives. “You look at the last government; a change like trebling the tax-free threshold is not something you see discussed much at all, but I think it’s one of the great progressive achievements of this government.”
