Watch out for the 'Doctors Husbands'

Traditional Liberal seats going marginal

WHAT: David Risstrom, Greens Lead Senate Candidate will launch the Greens Kooyong election campaign in Hawthorn at 11am on Thursday 30 September.

WHEN: 11.00am, Thursday, 30 September 2004

WHERE: Courtyard plaza, 360 Burwood Road Hawthorn, next to (east of) Hawthorn Town Hall

The traditional Liberal seat of Kooyong in inner east Melbourne is looking increasingly marginal as voters flock to the Greens. But in a twist on the 'Doctors Wives' syndrome, Greens number 1 Senate candidate David Risstrom and Greens Kooyong candidate Peter Cambell partners are both female doctors.

David Risstrom, Greens Victorian lead Senate Candidate stated that “the traditional Liberal seat of Kooyong is going marginal and going Green.”

“The people of Kooyong are sick of being taken for granted by both major parties. Safe seats don’t attract much attention or spending – the major parties tend to lavish all their election goodies only on marginal seats.

“Thankfully, Kooyong is now approaching marginal status, largely due to the rapidly growing Green vote.”

In the 2001 Federal Election, Kooyong had the highest Green vote for any conservative held seat in Australia. Previous Greens Kooyong candidate celebrity philosopher Peter Singer scored a massive 28 percent in the seat in 1994.

Issues turning traditional Liberal voters to the Greens in the area include opposition to Howard's stance on the Iraq war, his demonstrated lack of compassion toward refugees, and dishonesty in government.

“Many people are disenchanted with major party politics and are looking for honesty and integrity in government. Peter Campbell, if elected for Kooyong will provide fresh and accountable representation for Kooyong and its constituents.” Mr Risstrom said.

“This is not just a ‘doctors wives’ phenomenon, it is large and growing proportion across the entire electorate, including students, professional, parents and the elderly. Doctors Husbands also turning against the Liberals. Many voters eagerly await the Greening of Kooyong” Mr Risstrom said.

-ENDS-

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For more information, please contact:

James Norman, Media Officer, Telephone: 0415 248 768

Peter Campbell, Greens candidate for Kooyong, Telephone: 0409 417 504