News

Berwick News

Wilson faces challenge

- Rebecca Fraser

9th March 2006 09:45:15 AM

THE political career of Narre Warren South MP Dale Wilson appears to be hanging in the balance.

A vote tonight (Thursday) will decide whether Mr Wilson gains pre-selection for the November state election, but his challenger, former Mornington Peninsula mayor Judith Couacaud Graley, said she was confident of attracting enough votes.

Last Sunday the local pre-selection vote count was held and Mr Wilson gained 77 votes or 53.5 per cent and Ms Couacaud Graley gained 67 votes or 46.5 per cent.

Ms Couacaud Graley said she was confident she would obtain a substantial amount of votes at tonight’s central branch panel meeting and would have the numbers to gain pre-selection.

The 49-year-old works as an electorate officer for Lyndhurst MP and Victorian Police, Emergency Services and Corrections Minister Tim Holding and has also worked as a teacher, student welfare officer and politics lecturer at Melbourne University.

Ms Couacaud Graley said she had much to offer the people of Narre Warren South and the City of Casey.

“In Mornington there are lots of young families moving in and building homes and in need of new infrastructure such as preschools, primary schools and walking paths,” she said.

“I see some similarities between the two municipalities and while it has been a demanding six months I have met some fantastic people and branch members.”

If successful, Ms Couacaud Graley will stand against Liberal candidate for Narre Warren South Michael Shepherdson.

Mr Wilson did not respond to calls from the News in time for print.