Eltham

  • Held by: Steve Herbert – Australian Labor Party
  • Since: 2002
  • Swing at 2010 election: 5.7% to Liberal
  • Redistribution details: The district contains the suburbs of Briar Hill, Eltham, Eltham North, Lower Plenty and Montmorency, as well as parts of Diamond Creek, Eltham, Greensborough, Kangaroo Ground, Research, St Helena and Watsons Creek.
  • Size of electorate: 40 sq. Km

KEY COMMENTS: Current MP Steve Herbert has announced he will be moving up to the Legislative Assembly following this election, making room for a new candidate. With numerous schools in the area, education and funding for state schools is high on the agenda. Public transport and infrastructure issues also remain at the forefront, with strong local interest in improving the Hurstbridge Line and upgrading Bolton Street.

Electorate profile

Situated on the reaches of the Yarra River 20 kilometres north-east of the city, Eltham is a retreat for nature lovers and artists.

It is considered to be one of Victoria’s green wedge localities due to its abundant bushland and low levels of development. Reserves and parks are a feature of the electorate, with picturesque walks along the Yarra and Plenty Rivers. It is home to the 1930s artists’ colony, Montsalvat.

 The demographic is primarily families and couples in an older or middle-aged bracket.

The Great Hall at Montsalvat, Eltham.

The Great Hall at Montsalvat, Eltham.

Candidate profiles

VICKY WARD
AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY

Vicky Ward is relishing the opportunity to deliver her vision for the Eltham electorate.
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STEVEN BRIFFA
LIBERAL

Change is coming to the electorate of Eltham … Or maybe not. Can Steven Briffa make a difference?
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LIEZL SHNOOKAL
AUSTRALIAN GREENS

Proudly Green, Liezl Shnookal thrives on community action.
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MICHAEL JANSON
AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIANS

Michael Janson’s supposedly ‘Christian values’ lightly disguise a set of beliefs that would meet any definition of bigotry and that border on old-fashioned eugenics.
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Eltham news