Shepparton has traditionally been a conservative stronghold politically, with the Nationals or Country parties dominating lower house representation until independent Suzanna Sheed wrestled control away in 2014.
Despite a core group of reliable voters, the Labor Party has never managed a serious play for the seat of Shepparton District and it would seem the chances of its nominated candidate, Liam Cowan, will be limited in this election as well.
Mr Cowan told the News he had been too busy for interviews and was unable to attend either the Victorian Farmers Federation candidates forum or the Committee for Greater Shepparton-Shepparton News candidates forum.
Instead, he asked the News to submit questions via email, so in response, he was provided with 15.
Those questions asked about his links to the district, his professional experience, his position on policies, such as the Shepparton bypass and his plan to help the region recover from the recent floods.
Mr Cowan said he attended Sacred Heart Primary School in Tatura and Notre Dame College in Shepparton, going on to study a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History at Deakin University.
“Coming from a historically Labor family, I was raised by my parents to always try and improve the lives of people through my work,” he said.
“I have spent a significant amount of my professional career in the trade union movement and working for non-profit organisations in the tertiary sector.
“Currently I work in the Catholic Education System to promote and educate students on social justice issues facing our world today.”
Mr Cowan said he was confident the Andrews Labor Government’s record would help him in Shepparton this election.
“I am proud to be running for a party that has done so much for the Shepparton area since its election in 2014 and hope to represent our electorate after November 26,” he said.
He defended the Labor Party’s commitment to regional Victoria when compared to the major infrastructure projects, such as the suburban rail loop, the government has been rolling out in metropolitan areas.
It is a point the Liberals and Nationals have tried to make in order to win back the likes of Shepparton, promising to axe the loop in order to divert money to health.
“Our regional investment speaks for itself,” Mr Cowan said.
“Our total investment in regional Victoria since coming to office is $36 billion, five times that of the previous Liberal National government and two and a half times more on a year-on-year basis.”
He denied Shepparton had been snubbed by not being chosen as a regional hub by the Andrews Government for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, despite coming up with the idea of a regional Games.
“Shepparton will host a suite of Commonwealth Games cycling events, staging both men’s and women’s time trials for the road race, as well as the BMX racing competition,” Mr Cowan said.
“More than 100 athletes will be competing alongside hundreds of support staff, coaches and event organisers across the action-packed BMX racing competition.
“Shepparton will also welcome a major festival alongside the sport program, an exciting array of events, experiences and exhibitions will tap into the region’s vibrant cultural scene, making the most of live theatre, craft and galleries, including the world-class Shepparton Art Museum.”
Questions on whether Labor would match the Coalition’s $260 million commitment to the Shepparton bypass or its $20 million pledge to redevelop the Shepparton Sports Stadium went unanswered, as did questions on how a re-elected Andrews Government would help the region’s flood recovery efforts, including dealing with its housing crisis.
The issues of water buybacks and road repairs also were not addressed.