Battin expected to bridge factional divide in new-look frontbench
Monday’s developments came as the Victorian Speaker confirmed the upcoming byelection in Werribee, in Melbourne’s western suburbs, would be held on Saturday, February 8, after the formal resignation of former treasurer Tim Pallas.
Werribee residents will head to the polls the same day as voters in the inner-city seat of Prahran after the resignation of former Greens MP Sam Hibbins.
Labor candidate for Werribee John Lister at a press conference at Werribee Outdoor Pool with Premier Jacinta Allan on Monday.Credit: Paul Jeffers
Prahran is considered to be a Greens versus Liberal contest after Labor decided not to field a candidate. However, the party has chosen teacher and CFA volunteer John Lister to run in Werribee, which Pallas held for 18 years.
The Liberals have not yet chosen a candidate for Werribee. However, nominations close later this week and the party is hopeful of making gains in the outer suburban seat off the back of Labor’s 10 years in power.
