ALP 6.5%
Incumbent MP
Steve Herbert, since 2002.
Geography
Eastern Melbourne. Eltham is the only district in Eastern Metropolitan region that lies to the north of the Yarra River. Eltham covers the suburbs of Briar Hill, Eltham North, Lower Plenty, Montmorency and parts of Diamond Creek, Eltham, Greensborough, Kangaroo Ground, Research, St Helena and Watsons Creek. Eltham covers parts of the City of Banyule and Nillumbik Shire.
History
Eltham was first created in 1992. It was first won by the Liberal Party’s Wayne Phillips. He was re-elected in 1996 and 1999, but was defeated in 2002 by the ALP’s Steve Herbert. Herbert has served as Parliamentary Secretary for Education since 2007.
Candidates
- Andrew Hart (Liberal)
- Steve Herbert (Labor)
- Shane Porter (Family First)
- Trudi Aiashi (Democratic Labor Party)
- James Searle (Greens)
Political situation
Eltham is held by a sizeable Labor margin, but could definitely be vulnerable if the Liberal Party performs well.
2006 result
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Swing |
Steve Herbert | ALP | 15,541 | 44.42 | -0.24 |
Craig Ondarchie | LIB | 13,712 | 39.19 | -2.83 |
Damian Magner | GRN | 4,689 | 13.40 | +0.08 |
Shane Porter | FF | 1,048 | 3.00 | +3.00 |
2006 two-candidate-preferred result
Candidate | Party | Votes | % | Swing |
Steve Herbert | ALP | 19,764 | 56.48 | +1.69 |
Craig Ondarchie | LIB | 15,226 | 43.52 | -1.69 |
Booth breakdown
Booths in Eltham have been divided into three areas. Two of those areas cover parts of Banyule City, with the remainder in the Eltham part of Nillumbik Shire.
The ALP won results between 55% and 57% in all three areas. The Greens polled over 14% in the south and east of the seat, and under 10% in North Banyule.
Voter group | GRN % | ALP 2CP % | Total votes | % of votes |
Eltham | 14.70 | 57.43 | 11,797 | 33.63 |
South Banyule | 14.28 | 56.37 | 8,684 | 24.76 |
North Banyule | 9.84 | 55.98 | 6,978 | 19.89 |
Other votes | 13.65 | 55.29 | 7,618 | 21.72 |
Go James!
Candidates in ballot paper order are:
Andrew Hart – Liberal
Steve Herbert – Labor
Shane Porter – Family First
Trudy Aiashi – DLP
James Searle – Greens
I am surprised that we are talking about this, but we know that the last swing is on, allowing the LIB a look in. However I think that we will be a LAB hold, but it will be 1% either way