Jeff Kennett predicts Dunkley rebellion against Labor by ‘hard-working Victorians’, concedes Liberals made ‘terrible mistake’ in Aston

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett is predicting a potential voter rebellion in Saturday’s Dunkley by-election.

The ex-Liberal leader also concedes his party made a “terrible mistake” in Aston last year but has now endorsed a former Frankston mayor to represent voters in Canberra. The 75-year-old has devoted time to the Liberal campaign both on booths also addressing a lavish lunch party fundraiser because of his roots in the area.

“I grew up in Frankston and Mt Eliza, Frankston Council used to be a bloodbath,” he told Sky News Australia.

He said he’s impressed by candidate and local Mayor Nathan Conroy, offering an endorsement for the 31-year-old to ascend into federal politics.

“What I see in Nathan is fresh blood, what I see is someone who has proved himself,” he said.

The area of Frankston is a partial political thorn for the former premier, having lost government in 1999 after a failed supplementary election which was won by the Labor Party – allowing Steve Bracks to take over as state leader with the help of three independent MPs.

The federal seat of Dunkley has changed hands over the past decade, with the Liberals last holding the seat through member Chris Crewther before he was defeated in 2019.

Mr Kennett believes Saturday’s by-election presents a major opportunity for the conservative party.

“I see it as a potential rebellion between hard-working Victorians etc, against Labor governments period sucking us all dry,” he said.

Asked why the rebellion wasn’t seen in last year’s by-election in Aston, Mr Kennett took aim at the Liberal Party’s pre-selection of candidate Roshena Campbell who lived outside the outer suburban electorate prior to pre-selection.

“I think we made a terrible mistake in Aston as to who we put forward, that was a year ago, things have changed considerably, you mentioned the candidate it was what it is and is as it was,” he said.

Mr Kennett believes the by-election is a true test of Anthony Albanese’s leadership, taking aim at his plans on by-election night.

“I’d invite him to come celebrate his birthday with me in Dunkley on Saturday night if you’re a leader of men and women, you should be where your troops are,” he said.

Mr Kennett, putting his money where his mouth is, is also defending a donation to state leader John Pesutto in a bitter legal battle against MP Moira Deeming.

He said he’s disappointed the party is not funding Mr Pesutto’s fees which have been estimated to be as high as $1 million – but refuses to say how much he has donated.

“Doesn’t matter… because it’s private, its not your business,” he said.

Mr Kennett said he understands his donation will be declared by Mr Pesutto through parliament in due course.

On Saturday night the Liberals are expected to gather in Dunkley for an election night party, and Mr Kennett is excited to attend, despite it being on his birthday.

“I’ve never been so excited about an election than what’s happening in Dunkley,” he said.

“Regardless of the result Nathan Conroy and the Liberals have won.” 

After Jeff Kennett spent time in the electorate of Dunkley, Sky News understands his successor Steve Bracks spent time in Dunkley with Labor candidate Jodie Belyea on pre poll.

“There’s no doubt they’re worried,” Mr Kennett said.