Labor pre-selects Libby Coker for Corangamite

CORANGAMITE voters in the next federal election will have two familiar faces to choose from, with Labor preselecting Libby Coker to stand again.

Ms Coker said she would be campaigning on many of the same issues she raised at the 2016 election, which she lost to incumbent Liberal Sarah Henderson by about 6,000 votes.

“For me, nothing has changed in terms of the flatlining of wage growth, insecure work, the cost of childcare, the cost of living.

“The things that really matter to people have not changed, and a lot of families are still struggling. I want to be part of a government that really focuses on the bread and butter issues that impact on people.”

Ms Coker, a former teacher and presently a Surf Coast Shire councillor, said she was passionate about investment in education.

“I know the value that education has as a catalyst for helping people to do well.”

She said Corangamite’s strengths included construction, tourism, education and health, and possibly renewable energy in the future.

“We have a lot of potential to do well in this region, it’s about investing in the right things in infrastructure, universities, TAFE, schools, teachers, high-tech manufacturing, Avalon Airport – in the things that create an environment where people can do well, and where we do deliver more jobs.

“It’s about pulling the right levers.”

She will also campaign on reinstating penalty rates, secure employment, affordable child care and closing the gender pay gap.

Ms Coker said she was happy to attempt to win Corangamite, despite losing in 2013.

“There’s great integrity in standing again. I think people value someone who is committed and determined.”