“You go to Woolies, and three things cost you like $30”: What Menzies voters are thinking about when picking a candidate

The Menzies electorate is a famously close one, with the 2022 election leaving Liberal incumbent Keith Wolahan with just 50.68 percent of the vote and Labor candidate Naomi Oakley following closely behind at 49.32 percent after preference distribution.

This year, the Menzies boundaries have been adjusted to include parts of Mont Albert, Blackburn, Box Hill and Surrey Hills — meaning the electorate, which has been Liberal since its inception, could now flip. 

The Eastern Melburnian hit the streets to work out what locals are thinking about in the final lead-up to Saturday’s election.

Matt from Box Hill has already voted because he has work on Saturday

Matt told the Eastern Melburnian he thinks all politicians are untrustworthy.

“In general, it seems Labor’s policies are more tailored towards the middle and lower class, and usually Liberal targets the wealthy,” he said.

“I’m going to keep my vote anonymous, because if you asked me why I picked them, I couldn’t tell you.”

He said he has voted blank before, when he couldn’t make a decision. 

Amy*, in a rush on her way to work

Amy said the issues she cared most about are climate change, opposing nuclear power, increasing funding for public schools, more support for the electric vehicle industry, and taxing large corporations more.

Liberal campaigner for Keith Wolahan, handing out pamphlets at Box Hill Central

We asked Chris* to tell us what makes Wolahan a good candidate: “He’s doing a great job on bringing the cost of living down … he’s offering a $1200 tax relief.” 

We asked what the relief means — do we all get $1200 put in our bank accounts? Chris says he’s not a politician, so he’s not sure how it works. Above all, he said he was ready to see a change in government. 

The Coalition has promised a one-off Cost of Living Tax Offset if elected, meaning some Australians will receive a $1200 tax relief come July. The offset is targeted towards low and middle income earners, varying dependent on income. 

Sarah* from Blackburn

Sarah said she would vote based on the individual candidates, rather than the party they’re representing. In the week leading up to election day, Sarah said she would carefully read each pamphlet she’s been sent and work out which policies most align with her opinions. 

At the moment, the increase in living costs is front of mind. Compared to her home country of South Korea, Sarah said energy costs in Australia were very high. 

Jesse and Shane, working on the Suburban Rail Loop job site

The pair said they weren’t sure who exactly they’ll vote for, but it definitely won’t be the Greens.

“I just don’t like all that left stuff,” says Jesse. 

They both said they dislike Anthony Albanese, immigration, and Peter Dutton’s plans to shut down the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU). Jesse predicts he will probably vote for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

Gillian* is tossing up between Gabriel Ng and Stella Yee

Given the fight for the Menzies seat is shaping up to be a close one, Gillian* said she was feeling empowered that her vote really matters. She said she would most likely vote for Labor candidate Gabriel Ng this year, but was also considering voting for Independent candidate Stella Yee. 

Gillian said the cost of living was front of mind for her, thinking of her kids in their twenties who live out of home whilst studying. Ideally, she said she wanted their HECS debt to be reduced.

*Some names have been changed to protect anonymity.