Green keen on chances

FRESHLY minted Liberal Party candidate for the seat of Ballarat at the upcoming Federal election, Ben Green, has said his stocks are rising.

Even though the current gap between his party and sitting Labor member Catherine King is about 10 per cent on a two-party preferred basis, Mr Green believes unseating the incumbent is not out of the question.

“I think my chances are improving,” he said. “It’s a bit like picking a Melbourne Cup, sometimes the favourite doesn’t get up.

“My odds are higher than the incumbent, but I wouldn’t put myself out. I’m in it to win it.”

While relatively unknown to many in the area before his candidacy was announced a few weeks ago, Mr Green has backed his connection to the electorate.

With links to Talbot and Camperdown, which are in the Federal seats of Mallee and Wannon respectively, the Melbourne based lawyer also pointed to his ongoing ties to the city.

“I know Ballarat well,” he said. “I’ve lived and worked in the district for many many years.

“I lived in Sebastopol for awhile… and I’ve practiced law at one of the older firms here for a long time.

“Whilst there might be [a perception of a] lack of familiarity, I disagree with that. I’m not a household name, but my ties are genuine.”

Even if he’s unsuccessful this time round, Mr Green said he’s not one and done and would seek preselection next time Ballarat voters are called to the polls.

“If I don’t win, I’ll be running again,” he said. “That’s my absolute intention. This is a genuine commitment.”

How he might close the gap on Labor incumbent Ms King, the Coalition candidate was placing a focus on a mix of national and local issues.

That focus includes a changed electorate that now runs north/south and takes in much of Golden Plains Shire as well as Hepburn Shire.

“One [issue] that’s facing us all in the face is the cost of living, here, and everywhere,” he said. “I’m also vitally interested in the proposed AusNet powerlines.

“I see infrastructure, education and health as other major issues.”