Victoria
Nationals fight for Bendigo as Jacinta Allan exits politics
The Nationals are preparing for a major campaign in Bendigo following the retirement of former Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.
The National Party has declared it is fighting very hard to win Bendigo following the announcement that former Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is leaving politics. The sudden vacancy has prompted coalition members to target the regional electorate, which has long been a key stronghold.
According to reporting by wire services, Nationals members are already gearing up for a highly competitive campaign in the area. The departure of Allan, who recently served as premier before deciding to exit political life, represents a significant shift in the local political landscape and presents an opening for the opposition.
At this stage, very few details have been confirmed regarding the transition. It is not yet clear when a by-election will be formally declared, nor have the Nationals or Labor announced their official candidates to contest the vacancy. The Nationals have not publicly named who will lead their ticket on the ground, but party members have made it clear they intend to mount a major effort to secure the region.
Allan's departure marks the end of a long period of stable representation for the Bendigo area. While the Labor Party must now find a candidate capable of retaining the seat without the considerable benefit of Allan's personal incumbency, the Nationals are positioning themselves to appeal directly to regional voters who may be looking for a change. Local party organisers have expressed confidence, although they acknowledge that winning the seat will require a significant shift in local voting patterns.
Watch to see how both the Labor and National parties structure their local campaigns and preselect their candidates in the coming weeks.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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