Andrew Katos challenges for his old seat

FORMER South Barwon Liberal MP Andrew Katos has thrown his hat back in the ring, and will attempt to take the seat off incumbent Labor member Darren Cheeseman at this year’s state election.

Mr Katos, who was previously a City of Greater Geelong councillor, held the electorate for eight years before being defeated at the 2018 poll.

Confirming his candidacy earlier this week, Mr Katos said he was “deeply honoured and humbled” to be pre-selected and endorsed by the Liberals.

“My deep passion for the South Barwon electorate stems from my life-time connection to this community, having grown up here, and now raising my family in the same community.”

He said his achievements during his eight years as MP included delivering facilities such as the Waurn Ponds Police Station and SES, Waurn Ponds railway station, as well as upgrades at several schools and sporting clubs.

“I have strong concerns about how the Andrews Government has handled the COVID pandemic over what has been a long and difficult two-year period.

“There have been enormous impacts resulting from this government’s decisions on small businesses, jobs, and essential workers, as well as negative impacts on children’s schooling and education, and the mental health of the people of South Barwon.

“At present there is widespread Labor representation at the state level across the Geelong region. This has resulted in a lack of leadership, vision and ideas, and a government that takes our community for granted.

“The Member for South Barwon, Darren Cheeseman, is Daniel Andrews’ representative in the electorate rather than being the representative in the Parliament for the constituents who elected him.

“Labor approaches the 2022 state election asking Victorians to give them another four years in power, yet already over the past eight years they have continually failed Victorians while blaming someone else for these failures.

“We cannot give Labor 12 years in power. We need a change in direction, with a Liberal government returning fairness, honesty and accountability to the people of Victoria.

“I look forward to working with the people of South Barwon to represent their views, needs, and aspirations in the Victorian Parliament if I am elected.”