by admin | Mar 14, 2014 | Media Release
More jobs and greater investment for western Victoria are the aims of a new local political party established purposely to benefit our region. Vote 1 Local Jobs will be established by Moyne Shire mayor Cr James Purcell and he will stand at this year’s state election with the aim of securing a spot in the Upper House. Cr Purcell agreed to stand in the Upper House when presented with the likelihood of no representation west of Geelong or Ballarat if the Napthine government falls in the Victorian November election. Cr Purcell stood as an independent at the last state and federal election and is the most successful independent candidate in our region’s history. “The purpose of Vote 1 Local Jobs is to make a difference to western Victoria, to enhance our way of life and ultimately secure greater investment and more jobs in our region,” Cr Purcell said. “We’re not intending to change the government or defeat your local member – what we are intending to do is secure the fifth spot in the Upper House and that’s a very real possibility.” In a situation unique to south-west Victoria, two Liberal and two Labor representatives are usually elected to the Upper House, while the fifth elect usually comes from one of the minor parties. Our election system – which sees preferences between parties and a quota allocation – means there is a high probability of securing the fifth spot. “We’re not going to defeat the major parties, but we can definitely secure that fifth spot. To make Vote 1 Local Jobs a reality we need 500 members – and...