Federal election: Liberal MP Melissa Price eyeing fifth term but says Durack race is tight
The Geraldton Guardian asked the Liberal and Labor candidates questions on various topics ahead of Saturday's Federal election.
Liberal MP Melissa Price is eyeing off a fifth term as the Durack MHR.
Q. What is your coffee order?
Flat white.
Q. What is your favourite cafe in Geraldton?
We are very lucky here in Geraldton — we have many delicious cafes, and it is hard to choose just one.
Q. What was last thing you binge-watched?
White Lotus, Season 3
Q. How many kilometres have you covered during this campaign?
Too many to count!
Q. What is the funniest thing that's happening to you campaigning this time?
People saying that the photo on my corflute is not me.
Q. What do you think of your party leader and his performance during this campaign?
Peter Dutton is a smart, strong leader. He is devoted to his family and this country and is passionate about improving the lives of Australians doing it tough. He is quick-witted and has a good sense of humour. During the campaign he has worked hard and communicated our policies well. He has been quick to admit where errors have been made, which I think is admirable and what you need in your leader.
Q. If you win a fifth term, will you run for a sixth? Do you foresee an end to your political career at some point?
Every political career will eventually come to an end. I have been working hard for the Durack community to ensure that I get to choose the end point. I am, however, not planning on a new career anytime soon.
Q. Can you draw much from the State election result, in particular the anti-Labor swing in the regions?
There are mixed reactions across Durack. In the Kimberley there is support for Labor, whereas in the Mid West and the Pilbara it has declined rapidly.
Q. What are the biggest issues affecting Durack — particularly Geraldton and the Mid West?
Cost of living is the number one concern — from rising mortgage and rent payments to soaring grocery, fuel and power bills. Housing availability is a major issue in Geraldton, with too many families and key workers struggling to find a place to live. Community safety is also front of mind, with locals rightly demanding more action on crime and antisocial behaviour. The push from our communities to reverse Labor's reckless live export ban and keep the sheep is also front of mind.
Q. Would you agree neither party has promised much exclusively for the Durack electorate this election campaign?
I disagree and I'm proud to be fighting for real, community-driven projects across Durack. We are backing upgrades to the Newman netball courts, Bindoon Mountain Bike Park, Broome Rec Centre, Kalannie hockey goals, Geraldton Tennis Centre, Carnarvon Premier Oval and the Nabawa Rec Centre. We're also boosting community safety with CCTV in Geraldton and Kununurra. These are practical, local commitments that reflect what people in Durack have asked for.
Q. How would you rate your chances and your party's chances on Saturday?
The race to win Durack is very tight. I will be fighting until 6pm on Saturday to convince the Durack voters that I should be given the honour to continue as their Federal representative. On a national level, I think it is currently neck and neck and hopefully the undecided voters will see us return to government.
Q. One word to best describe your main competition?
Enthusiastic.
Q. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
It is never too late to get an education. As someone who left school at 15 and went on to study law and eventually became a solicitor at the age of 32, I am convinced that anything is possible.
Q. What do you realistically hope can be achieved if you're in Opposition for another term?
That would be disappointing, however if we did end up in Opposition, I would continue to hold the Labor Government to account and fight every day to improve the lives of regional West Australians.
Q. How much has Donald Trump and US politics affected this Federal election campaign?
I don't think it has, apart from peoples' social media feeds being filled with American politics, making it harder for Australian political parties' messages to cut through.
Q. How is your party best placed to tackle the cost-of-living crisis?
We will deliver energy bill relief, lower grocery prices by taking on the big supermarkets, increase housing supply, support small businesses with tax cuts, and boost fuel security to keep prices down. We have a proven track record of strong economic management, and only the Liberals have the experience to bring inflation under control.
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