Community
6 February, 2025
Former PM helps Tehan launch campaign
INCUMBENT Wannon MP Dan Tehan was supported by a former Prime Minister when he officially launched his re-election campaign over the weekend.
Mr Tehan announced his intention to run for re-election in Colac on Sunday, surrounded by a sea of blue supporters.
He was joined by former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who offered a full endorsement for Mr Tehan – who is now in his 15th year as Wannon MP.
Speaking during a press conference, Mr Abbott said he believed Mr Tehan had earned re-election due to the strength of his character, his effective local representation and his standing as a crucial member to the federal Coalition.
“Dan has delivered for Wannon, particularly in road funding,” Mr Abbott said.
“I remember when I was Opposition Leader back in 2010, we promised $260 million to duplicate the Princes Highway from Geelong through to Colac.
“That project has now been completed thanks to the Abbott government and thanks to Dan Tehan.
“He has been an excellent local member and a substantial contributor in Canberra.”
Mr Tehan thanked the former Prime Minister for his support, saying “you can’t get much better than that” of having Mr Abbott there to endorse him.
“Tony has been a mentor, someone who is always available when I pick up the phone, willing and able to give me great advice,” he said.
“He wants the best for our country, and that’s why it has been absolutely terrific to have him here today.”
Mr Tehan declined to make any election commitments at the launch, instead stating he looked forward to making announcements over the coming weeks, but he did say roads would be his top priority.
“We will do everything we can to work with the state government because fixing our roads is my number one priority,” he said.
“What we need from the state government is a shift in priorities. Instead of focusing solely on major Melbourne infrastructure projects, they must start prioritizing regional and rural infrastructure as well.
“Freedom of Information data confirms that our roads are in urgent need of repair.
“We will advocate strongly for regional infrastructure improvements and hope to work with a new Coalition government at the Victorian state level. Hopefully that’s what we will see next year.”
The launch highlighted the election cycle was already in full swing, with Mr Abbott taking an indirect swipe at independent candidate Alex Dyson, who last election emerged as the top challenger for the seat.
He has made no secret of his distaste for independents after infamously losing the seat of Warringah at the 2019 election to independent Zali Steggall.
“Independents, by and large, can’t get anything done because, almost by definition, they're lone wolves,” Mr Abbott said.
“Well, in a hung parliament, there’s no doubt that if such a situation arises, Anthony Albanese will be doing everything he can to bribe the Greens and the Teals to stay in office.
“But if I may say so, respectfully, politics isn't just about a cargo cult mentality.
“It’s about good governance and the national interest.
“While every local member wants to bring benefits home to their electorate – and I certainly did when I was a local member – it’s not just about that. It’s about ensuring better government.”
Mr Abbott warned against electing independents, saying they would make things “even worse”.
“Independents might be heroes in their electorates, but they can’t get anything done in Canberra,” he said.
“When they do make an impact, it’s usually by voting with the Greens, and I don’t think that’s what we need.
“If I had an Independent or so-called teal candidate running in my seat, the first question I’d ask them is: In the event of a hung parliament, would you support Anthony Albanese or Peter Dutton?
“I don’t think any candidate should be allowed to go to the election without clarifying that.
“If they try to avoid the question by saying, ‘Oh, it depends,’ we all know that basically means they would side with Anthony Albanese, who would be shameless in bribing them.”
Read More: local