THE POLL BLUDGER
Victorian Legislative Assembly Election 2006

BRUNSWICK
Labor 9.3% versus Greens

Brunswick covers inner-city suburbs immediately to the north of the city. It was created in its current form at the 2002 election upon the abolition of Coburg, having previously existed from 1904 to 1955 and again from 1976 to 1992. The seat was in Labor hands throughout each period, the only blemish being member Peter Randles' alignment with the Anti-Communist Labor camp following the 1955 split. A member of the Socialist Left faction, Carlo Carli (right) was member first for Coburg and then for Brunswick after entering parliament at a 1994 by-election, held upon the retirement of senior Cain/Kirner government minister Tom Roper. Carli was appointed Shadow Industry and Multimedia shortly before the 1999 election but failed to make the front bench when the Bracks government came to power. He was instead given the role of parliamentary secretary for infrastructure and has since progressed no further, although he may find an opening after the election due to a deal that will give his faction two extra seats in cabinet. There was talk that he might face a preselection challenge from local Left identities Paula Rizzuto or Tony Hellou, but in the event he was preselected unopposed.

ASSESSMENT: Labor retain