Darren Hercus, Anthony Marsh, Tracee Hutchison among candidates on Mornington Peninsula

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

High-ranking members of the Liberal party have traveled to Nepean to provide visible support for their candidate, Anthony Marsh. While Sam Groth was absent from the booths, the delegation included party leader Jess Wilson, deputy David Southwick, and opposition education spokesperson Brad Rowswell.

Similarly in attendance was MP Moira Deeming, who gained preselection last month as the lead candidate for the Western Metropolitan Region in the upper house. The group marked their visit with a family photo taken outside the Rosebud Sea Scouts Hall.

Strategic Efforts in Nepean

Party leader Jess Wilson emphasized that the Liberals are not taking the seat for granted. She noted that Anthony Marsh has spent weeks in the area, and she has personally joined him in knocking on doors to listen to the community.

Wilson stated that the party has put forward a really positive plan for the electorate as part of their campaign effort.

Did You Recognize? The Liberal party has occupied the Nepean seat for 36 of the past 40 years.

Political Implications and Labor’s Absence

The visit comes amid claims from Wilson that voters in the region sense neglected by the Labor party. She pointed to Labor’s decision to not stand a candidate as evidence that the party does not care about the people on the peninsula.

Political Implications and Labor's Absence
Mornington Peninsula Moira Deeming Western Metropolitan Region

Wilson, describing herself as a future premier of Victoria, pledged that her leadership would ensure the region receives the investment it deserves.

Expert Insight: The decision by the Liberal leadership to campaign heavily in a seat they have historically dominated suggests a strategy of reinforcement. When a major opponent like Labor declines to run a candidate, the stakes shift from a traditional partisan battle to a test of voter engagement and a demonstration of party unity.

Potential Next Steps

Depending on the election outcome, the region may see a shift in funding priorities if Wilson’s goals for the peninsula are realized. The result in Nepean could serve as a indicator of how the community views the current Liberal platform.

The party’s lead candidate for the Western Metropolitan Region, Moira Deeming, may also see her recent preselection play a role in the broader upper house dynamics following this campaign cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Liberal candidate for the Nepean seat?

The Liberal candidate is Anthony Marsh.

Tracee and Darren

Why does Jess Wilson claim Labor neglects the peninsula?

Wilson cites Labor’s decision not to stand a candidate in the electorate as evidence of their lack of care for the people in the region.

Which Liberal leaders visited Nepean?

The visiting group included party leader Jess Wilson, deputy David Southwick, opposition education spokesperson Brad Rowswell, and MP Moira Deeming.

Do you believe the absence of a major party candidate significantly impacts voter turnout in local elections?

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