The main candidates for the seat of Melbourne in the federal election on May 21 have given their pitch to the Inner East Review as to why voters should place them first on the ballot paper.
The seat is held by Greens leader Adam Bandt by a margin of 21.8 per cent. It encompasses Abbotsford, Burnley, Cremorne, East Melbourne, Richmond, as well as Fitzroy, Collingwood, Carlton, North Melbourne, Kensington Flemington and West Melbourne.
Nine candidates are contesting the seat, with the policies of the three main parties highlighting net-zero emission policies. Locally, Labor candidate Keir Paterson says it is time for a change from the Greens, while Bandt is spruiking what the Greens have done for the electorate.
Liberal candidate James Damches, who did not speak to the Inner East Review directly, supports the policies of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and wants to do more to support Melbourne businesses and reduce the cost of living.
Keir Paterson, Labor
Paterson believes he can win the seat, even though this would involve a dramatic swing against sitting member Adam Bandt.
His campaign in the last week has seen his team involved in an estimated 1500 conversations in the electorate.
"We're finding there's a very positive mood for Labor," he said.
Paterson claims that many voters in Melbourne feel that, after 12 years of being represented by a minority party, they still have not seen real action on climate change, cost of living issues, work security or housing affordability.
A centrepiece of Labor's Melbourne pitch is its pledge for a community battery in Richmond, which Paterson announced with Labor's Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen last month.
It is part of a $200 million Labor commitment to build 400 community batteries across the country.
Paterson, a Kensington resident and father of three teenage children, was most recently working in mental health in the not-for-profit sector but has had a varied background, with experience also in the superannuation industry, corporate sector and in a voluntary capacity for organisations including the Bicycle Network.
Adam Bandt, Greens
Bandt argues his position outside the main parties is a key asset for the community.
He said he was proud to be Melbourne's "strong, independent voice in parliament" and to have worked in partnership with the community to achieve a lot, "from saving the Abbotsford Centrelink and stopping the East-West link to securing funds for the Collingwood Children's Farm and Abbotsford Convent".
"There's more still to do locally, like tackling aircraft noise over East Melbourne and supporting new creative businesses to help rebuild after the pandemic," the fourth-term MP said.
"I'll also tackle the big issues like the housing affordability crisis and the climate crisis, with a comprehensive plan to build new affordable homes, protect renters rights and power past coal and gas".
The Greens hope to secure the balance of power in a Labor minority government and argue they will be in the position to direct bold policy changes if they succeed in doing so.
James Damches, Liberal Party
The political vision of Liberal Party candidate has been forged by the experiences of his family, who migrated to Australia from Macedonia in the 1950s and went into business.
They cherished the opportunities and freedom they found in Australia, Damches says, and left him with a commitment to those values and a love of diversity and multiculturalism.
The young candidate says he is fighting to support Melbourne businesses, reduce the cost of living and to support community groups.
He also has a commitment to youth issues.
Damches, who was born in East Melbourne, has a bachelor's degree in International Relations and has worked in retail, fashion and law.
