McEWEN

Fairly safe Liberal, 6.4%.

Semi-urban/Provincial: the middle part of the state, immediately north of Melbourne, extending from Mernda and Diamond Creek in the outer suburbs to such towns as Woodend, Gisborne, Kilmore, Seymour, Alexandra, Healesville and Warburton.

Member: Hon. Fran Bailey (born 1946), since 1996 (first elected 1990, defeated 1993).

McEwen is generally a swing seat, but the margin might be just too much for Labor to overcome at this election. Still, Bailey has not distinguished herself in the Tourism portfolio, with efforts like the “Where the bloody hell are you?” campaign.

Declared Candidates

• Fran Bailey, Liberal Party
• Steve Meacher, Greens
• Rod McLennan, Citizens Electoral Council
• Rob Mitchell, Australian Labor Party