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Ratnam vows to back an Albanese government in hung Parliament

But Peter Khalil says only voting for Labor can stop Peter Dutton becoming Prime Minister

Greens candidate Samantha Ratnam campaigning in Brunswick last week, joined by the state MP for Richmond, Gabrielle Di Vietri.

Mark Phillips
Monday, April 21, 2024

GREENS challenger Samantha Ratnam says she will back a Labor government if she is elected and there is a hung Parliament.

Ratnam has made the commitment in her candidate statement published exclusively by Brunswick Voice along with those of most other candidates for the seat of Wills.

“If the experts are right and there is a minority government, I will support Labor,” Ratnam says. “Last time there was a minority government [the Gillard government in 2010] we got dental into Medicare for kids and world-leading climate laws.”

But Labor MP Peter Khalil says the safest way to prevent a Peter Dutton-led Coalition government is by returning Anthony Albanese as head of a majority government.

“This election is close,” Khalil says. “The party that wins the greatest number of seats will be best placed to form government. If Labor loses here in Wills, we risk Anthony Albanese falling behind Peter Dutton in the national race.”

Brunswick Voice is publishing candidates’ statements to coincide with the start of pre-poll voting on April 22.

All candidates have provided statements apart from the Liberal Party’s Jeff Kidney and Rachel Versteegen of the Libertarian Party.

Khalil has held the seat of Wills since 2016, when he also faced off against Ratnam, the-then Mayor of the City of Moreland.

Wills has been held by a Labor MP for all but three years since it was first established in 1949.

Ratnam, who resigned as leader of the Greens in the Victorian Parliament to run for the seat, needs to overcome a nominal 4.6% margin to claim victory.

Meet the candidates

Candidates are shown in the order they will appear on the ballot paper.

I’m running in the federal election because the political system and the major parties have failed to serve the interests of working people.

Imagine a society where the wealth that is created could be used to provide everyone with a high quality of life.

Instead, we have a society where one-third of large corporations don’t pay a single dollar of tax and fossil fuel companies get $14.5 billion in handouts.

Everyone else, including people on low incomes, are paying for the services and infrastructure that Australian society needs.

Many thousands of people can’t afford to rent or buy a home.

Governments have left it to developers and the market to provide housing. This has failed.

After World War Two, governments addressed the housing crisis by building a massive amount of public housing. This can be done again. And we need to freeze rents to stop people being thrown onto the street.

Ending the big corporations’ tax rorts, would fund a massive program of public housing program.

We need urgent action on climate change. New coal and gas projects must be stopped. We need 100% renewable energy within five to 10 years through public investment.

We need to reverse the privatisation of essential services like childcare, disability support, aged care and many other services. Services need to be delivered for people, not for profit.

Meanwhile, the Liberal and Labor parties’ support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza reveal their double standards.

How can we trust politicians who refuse to condemn a genocide?

Governments that continue to send weapons to Israel while it is committing genocide, won’t stand up for the community against the billionaires who are ripping us off.

We need a real alternative that puts people and planet before profits.

Vote 1 Sue Bolton (Socialist Alliance) in Wills.

This election, our community has a clear choice.

As the Federal Member for Wills, my priority is serving and delivering for our community.

Labor is working to make things easier for everyone. It’s why we delivered tax cuts for every taxpayer, cheaper childcare, energy bill relief, more bulk billing and cheaper medicines. But I know there’s more to do.

It’s why Labor has committed to make the biggest ever investment in Medicare so that everyone has access to a free GP again and will cap the cost of PBS medicines at no more than $25. It’s why we’re investing nearly $1 billion in women’s health. And if re-elected, we will open a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Coburg.

I grew up in public housing – I know the importance of a safe home. It’s why I have advocated for more places to buy and affordable properties to rent in our community. And if Labor is re-elected, first home buyers will only need a 5% deposit to get into a home.

The Liberals drove the cost of university degrees up. I have always believed in the power of education. Labor wiped $3 billion off student debt, and will wipe a further 20% off HECS debts if re-elected.

We are taking real action for our climate. We enshrined net zero into law and increased renewables to 46% of the grid. By 2030 that will be 82%.

All of this, and so much more, is at risk under a Dutton-led right wing government.

This election is close. The party that wins the greatest number of seats will be best placed to form Government. If Labor loses here in Wills, we risk Anthony Albanese falling behind Peter Dutton in the national race.

With your vote, I will keep working for Wills to build Australia’s future.

I am proud to stand as the Legalise Cannabis Australia candidate for Wills in the upcoming Federal Election.

A long-time Coburg resident, I have lived in the electorate with my family for over 25 years. I have been actively involved in school and community groups, building strong local connections and a deep understanding of the issues that matter to residents.

Recently retired after a 40-year career spanning publishing, arts and education, I have worked with numerous cultural and community organisations. My experience has given me first-hand insight into policy and the challenges faced by local communities.

Outside of my advocacy work, I enjoy reading, visiting art galleries, exploring local markets and experiencing live music. I am also a passionate electric bike rider, embracing the fun and fitness it brings to my daily life.

I believe that outdated laws and political privilege have led to ineffective approaches to key social issues. Like many in the community, I know the war on cannabis has failed and I am committed to fighting for sensible, compassionate reform.

As a candidate, I am dedicated to evidence-based, community-driven policies that deliver real solutions. I will be an approachable and transparent representative, committed to fairness and meaningful change. With me in Parliament, Wills will have a strong advocate for health, personal freedoms, and a more just future.

Fusion has big ideas to tackle the problems in our society at the root cause.

•  Reducing tax incentives so houses are treated as homes instead of investments.

•  Moving to Georgist land tax so government funding is aligned with projects like high-speed rail.

•  Building more pumped hydro, so our grid can store weeks’ worth of intermittent renewable power and we can close coal and gas generators.

•  Investing in precision fermentation, so we can do away with the energy-intensive, cruel practices of growing animals on deforested land.

•  Giving a universal basic income to all adults, so they have enough money to live and to pursue their dreams, and a dignified safety net to change jobs or living arrangements.

•  Classifying ageing as a disease, to unlock research funding for the core workings of our physiology.

•  Releasing government software open-source, so processes are transparent and anyone can contribute to our societal operations.

•  Switching the burden of proof, so criminals must prove they didn’t retaliate against whistleblowers.

These sorts of fundamental changes will only ever happen with new, minor parties who have nothing to lose and who still have the hope that there’s a whole lot more that’s possible for Australia. Do you share this hope?

I have dedicated my life to fighting for our community. For over a decade, I have represented you on council and in state parliament and now I ask for your support to be your strong voice for Wills.

Right now, things are getting worse. If you’re worried about the cost of rent, mortgages or food and you think the Labor government is failing to act, then you’re not alone.

Right now one-in-10 big corporations pay $0 tax. We should tax them to get dental into Medicare, cap rent increases and lower mortgages, see the GP for free and wipe student debt.

Labor has refused to cap rents, given billions in handouts to the wealthy property investors that stop renters buying their first home, approved new coal and gas projects and they are backing the invasion of Gaza. We know Dutton would be worse.

That’s not what our community is about. We are one of the most compassionate, progressive communities in the country. But nothing changes unless your vote does.  



We should be represented by someone who shares our values, not a politician who relies on corporate donations and won’t act on the things that matter.

Vote 1 Greens to keep Dutton out and get Labor to act. 


I’m fighting to take on the big corporations, stop their price gouging and tax them to fund the things everyone needs. I’m fighting to stop new coal and gas and end the invasion of Gaza. 


If the experts are right and there is a minority government, I will support Labor. Last time there was a minority government we got dental into Medicare for kids and world-leading climate laws.

Change is possible, the first step is voting for someone who will fight for you and the things you believe in.

Australia is at a crisis point, and so are Australians! Our Cost-of-Living is out of control, with power, food, fuel, rents and mortgages all having risen dramatically under the Albanese Labor government. Albo is still blaming the LNP for our situation, however after he wasted $522 million on the Voice Referendum which only divided us, he has repeatedly shown himself incapable of not overspending our money. By doubling our debt from $600 billion (May 2022) to $1.2 TRILLION (2025-26), he only has himself to blame!! Seriously, is anyone better off now, than in May 2022? (Unless you’re on the Net ZERO Gravy Train!!).

Labor, LNP and especially Greens only have policies that will reduce our freedoms and cost us more in taxes, to supposedly give us some relief – Tired old policies, but claiming ‘visionary’ outcomes. 

NEVER forget that Greens MP Samantha Ratnam, voted for tyrannical Dan Andrews to extend his egregious Emergency Powers in 2020 and 2021, which were supposedly based on ‘scientific’ and ‘medical evidence’, however these were “made up” by Brett Sutton and the ‘evidence’ has never been released to the people those powers were used to abuse!!

Australia is currently falling from a plane, and at some point, someone needs to pull the rip cord, otherwise it will be R.I.P. Australia!!

We need a new direction that takes us out of Net ZERO madness, and onto a path of recovery and prosperity. Pauline Hanson’s One Nation has the policies and enthusiastic candidates that will always put Australians and our future FIRST. Vote for positive change – Vote for an Australia in which our grandchildren can thrive, not just survive.

Find our policies to put more money back in Australians’ pockets at www.onenation.org.au/issues

You need to vote 1 – Bruce Stevens PHON in Wills May 3, 2025.

Meet the candidates

Candidates are shown in the order they will appear on the ballot paper.

I’m running in the federal election because the political system and the major parties have failed to serve the interests of working people.

Imagine a society where the wealth that is created could be used to provide everyone with a high quality of life.

Instead, we have a society where one-third of large corporations don’t pay a single dollar of tax and fossil fuel companies get $14.5 billion in handouts.

Everyone else, including people on low incomes, are paying for the services and infrastructure that Australian society needs.

Many thousands of people can’t afford to rent or buy a home.

Governments have left it to developers and the market to provide housing. This has failed.

After World War Two, governments addressed the housing crisis by building a massive amount of public housing. This can be done again. And we need to freeze rents to stop people being thrown onto the street.

Ending the big corporations’ tax rorts, would fund a massive program of public housing program.

We need urgent action on climate change. New coal and gas projects must be stopped. We need 100% renewable energy within five to 10 years through public investment

We need to reverse the privatisation of essential services like childcare, disability support, aged care and many other services. Services need to be delivered for people, not for profit.

Meanwhile, the Liberal and Labor parties’ support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza reveal their double standards.

How can we trust politicians who refuse to condemn a genocide?

Governments that continue to send weapons to Israel while it is committing genocide, won’t stand up for the community against the billionaires who are ripping us off.

We need a real alternative that puts people and planet before profits.

Vote 1 Sue Bolton (Socialist Alliance) in Wills.

This election, our community has a clear choice.

As the Federal Member for Wills, my priority is serving and delivering for our community.

Labor is working to make things easier for everyone. It’s why we delivered tax cuts for every taxpayer, cheaper childcare, energy bill relief, more bulk billing and cheaper medicines. But I know there’s more to do.

It’s why Labor has committed to make the biggest ever investment in Medicare so that everyone has access to a free GP again and will cap the cost of PBS medicines at no more than $25. It’s why we’re investing nearly $1 billion in women’s health. And if re-elected, we will open a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Coburg.

I grew up in public housing – I know the importance of a safe home. It’s why I have advocated for more places to buy and affordable properties to rent in our community. And if Labor is re-elected, first home buyers will only need a 5% deposit to get into a home.

The Liberals drove the cost of university degrees up. I have always believed in the power of education. Labor wiped $3 billion off student debt, and will wipe a further 20% off HECS debts if re-elected.

We are taking real action for our climate. We enshrined net zero into law and increased renewables to 46% of the grid. By 2030 that will be 82%.

All of this, and so much more, is at risk under a Dutton-led right wing government.

This election is close. The party that wins the greatest number of seats will be best placed to form Government. If Labor loses here in Wills, we risk Anthony Albanese falling behind Peter Dutton in the national race.

With your vote, I will keep working for Wills to build Australia’s future.

I am proud to stand as the Legalise Cannabis Australia candidate for Wills in the upcoming Federal Election.

A long-time Coburg resident, I have lived in the electorate with my family for over 25 years. I have been actively involved in school and community groups, building strong local connections and a deep understanding of the issues that matter to residents.

Recently retired after a 40-year career spanning publishing, arts and education, I have worked with numerous cultural and community organisations. My experience has given me first-hand insight into policy and the challenges faced by local communities.

Outside of my advocacy work, I enjoy reading, visiting art galleries, exploring local markets and experiencing live music. I am also a passionate electric bike rider, embracing the fun and fitness it brings to my daily life.

I believe that outdated laws and political privilege have led to ineffective approaches to key social issues. Like many in the community, I know the war on cannabis has failed and I am committed to fighting for sensible, compassionate reform.

As a candidate, I am dedicated to evidence-based, community-driven policies that deliver real solutions. I will be an approachable and transparent representative, committed to fairness and meaningful change. With me in Parliament, Wills will have a strong advocate for health, personal freedoms, and a more just future.

Fusion has big ideas to tackle the problems in our society at the root cause.

•  Reducing tax incentives so houses are treated as homes instead of investments.

•  Moving to Georgist land tax so government funding is aligned with projects like high-speed rail.

•  Building more pumped hydro, so our grid can store weeks’ worth of intermittent renewable power and we can close coal and gas generators.

•  Investing in precision fermentation, so we can do away with the energy-intensive, cruel practices of growing animals on deforested land.

•  Giving a universal basic income to all adults, so they have enough money to live and to pursue their dreams, and a dignified safety net to change jobs or living arrangements.

•  Classifying ageing as a disease, to unlock research funding for the core workings of our physiology.

•  Releasing government software open-source, so processes are transparent and anyone can contribute to our societal operations.

•  Switching the burden of proof, so criminals must prove they didn’t retaliate against whistleblowers.

These sorts of fundamental changes will only ever happen with new, minor parties who have nothing to lose and who still have the hope that there’s a whole lot more that’s possible for Australia. Do you share this hope?

I have dedicated my life to fighting for our community. For over a decade, I have represented you on council and in state parliament and now I ask for your support to be your strong voice for Wills.

Right now, things are getting worse. If you’re worried about the cost of rent, mortgages or food and you think the Labor government is failing to act, then you’re not alone.

Right now one-in-10 big corporations pay $0 tax. We should tax them to get dental into Medicare, cap rent increases and lower mortgages, see the GP for free and wipe student debt.

Labor has refused to cap rents, given billions in handouts to the wealthy property investors that stop renters buying their first home, approved new coal and gas projects and they are backing the invasion of Gaza. We know Dutton would be worse.

That’s not what our community is about. We are one of the most compassionate, progressive communities in the country. But nothing changes unless your vote does.  



We should be represented by someone who shares our values, not a politician who relies on corporate donations and won’t act on the things that matter.

Vote 1 Greens to keep Dutton out and get Labor to act. 


I’m fighting to take on the big corporations, stop their price gouging and tax them to fund the things everyone needs. I’m fighting to stop new coal and gas and end the invasion of Gaza. 


If the experts are right and there is a minority government, I will support Labor. Last time there was a minority government we got dental into Medicare for kids and world-leading climate laws.

Change is possible, the first step is voting for someone who will fight for you and the things you believe in.

Australia is at a crisis point, and so are Australians! Our Cost-of-Living is out of control, with power, food, fuel, rents and mortgages all having risen dramatically under the Albanese Labor government. Albo is still blaming the LNP for our situation, however after he wasted $522 million on the Voice Referendum which only divided us, he has repeatedly shown himself incapable of not overspending our money. By doubling our debt from $600 billion (May 2022) to $1.2 TRILLION (2025-26), he only has himself to blame!! Seriously, is anyone better off now, than in May 2022? (Unless you’re on the Net ZERO Gravy Train!!).

Labor, LNP and especially Greens only have policies that will reduce our freedoms and cost us more in taxes, to supposedly give us some relief – Tired old policies, but claiming ‘visionary’ outcomes. 

NEVER forget that Greens MP Samantha Ratnam, voted for tyrannical Dan Andrews to extend his egregious Emergency Powers in 2020 and 2021, which were supposedly based on ‘scientific’ and ‘medical evidence’, however these were “made up” by Brett Sutton and the ‘evidence’ has never been released to the people those powers were used to abuse!!

Australia is currently falling from a plane, and at some point, someone needs to pull the rip cord, otherwise it will be R.I.P. Australia!!

We need a new direction that takes us out of Net ZERO madness, and onto a path of recovery and prosperity. Pauline Hanson’s One Nation has the policies and enthusiastic candidates that will always put Australians and our future FIRST. Vote for positive change – Vote for an Australia in which our grandchildren can thrive, not just survive.

Find our policies to put more money back in Australians’ pockets at www.onenation.org.au/issues

You need to vote 1 – Bruce Stevens PHON in Wills May 3, 2025.

Where to vote before the election

Pre-election polling places near Brunswick

Brunswick
Brunswick Masonic Centre
6 Davies Street

Tuesday, April 22 – Thursday, April 24: 8.30am–5.30pm
Saturday, April 26: 9am–4pm
Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1: 8.30am–5.30pm
Friday, May 2: 8.30am–6pm

Thornbury
Salvation Army Hall
704-710 High Street

Tuesday, April 22 – Thursday, April 24: 8.30am–5.30pm
Saturday, April 26: 9am–4pm
Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1: 8.30am–5.30pm
Friday, May 2: 8.30am–6pm

Essendon
Former Salvation Army Church
880 Mt Alexander Road

Tuesday, April 22 – Thursday, April 24: 8.30am–5.30pm
Saturday, April 26: 9am–4pm
Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1: 8.30am–5.30pm
Friday, May 2: 8.30am–6pm

Moonee Ponds
Ascot Vale Uniting Church
60-64 Maribyrnong Road

Tuesday, April 22 – Thursday, April 24: 8.30am–5.30pm
Saturday, April 26: 9am–4pm
Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1: 8.30am–5.30pm
Friday, May 2: 8.30am–6pm

Preston
Bridge Darebin
220 High Street

Tuesday, April 22 – Thursday, April 24: 8.30am–5.30pm
Saturday, April 26: 9am–4pm
Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1: 8.30am–5.30pm
Friday, May 2: 8.30am–6pm

More details: Australian Electoral Commission