The field of candidates for the lower house seat of Shepparton District in this month’s Victorian election is taking shape.
Nominations for candidates endorsed by a registered political party have already closed and nominations for candidates not endorsed by a party close at noon on Friday, November 11.
So far, nine candidates have nominated for Shepparton, including the sitting member, independent Suzanna Sheed, and her main rivals: Nationals’ candidate and former Greater Shepparton mayor Kim O’Keeffe, and Liberals candidate Cheryl Hammer.
The other major party to nominate a candidate is Labor, which has nominated Liam Cowan, of whom little is known.
While the Nationals and Liberals have been campaigning to topple Ms Sheed for months, with appearances, policy announcements and advertising widespread across the region, Labor could hardly be accused of overcommitting resources to the seat.
After being nominated just days before the deadline, Mr Cowan said he was too busy to be interviewed on his credentials as a candidate and his policies for Shepparton and Victoria when approached by the News.
Instead, Mr Cowan suggested that questions be submitted by email.
The News had not received answers to its 15 questions, or even a reply to two emails, by deadline.
Minor party candidates include the Australian Greens’ Ian Christoe; Diane Teasdale, of the Freedom Party of Victoria; Katherine Taylor, of the Animal Justice Party; Alison White, of Family First Australia; and Sueie McGrath, of Labour DLP.