Vic: Liberals defend decision not to contest by-elections

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2007
Vic: Liberals defend decision not to contest by-elections

Victoria's Liberal Party has defended its decision .. not to contest by-elections in
the seats vacated last week by Labor leaders STEVE BRACKS and JOHN THWAITES.

Liberals state president DAVID KEMP says it's a standard decision for the party not
to stand candidates in safe Labor seats.

By-elections will be held in the seats of Williamstown .. formerly held by Mr BRACKS
.. and ALBERT PARK .. held by Mr THWAITES .. his longtime deputy.







Mr BRACKS had a 25 per cent margin in Williamstown .. but Mr THWAITES held his seat
by a margin of less than 10 per cent.

Mr KEMP says state Liberal leader TED BAILLIEU wanted the party to stand candidates
in both seats .. but has accepted the strategic decision's in the long-term interests
of the party.

AAP RTV sam/ce/rt/bart

KEYWORD: BYELECTIONS KEMP (MELBOURNE)

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