MP

The retiring Labor member is Lindsay Tanner, who has held the seat since 1993. Tanner announced he would not contest the election on the same day that Julia Gillard became Prime Minister. He will retain his post in Cabinet as Minister for Finance and Deregulation until the election.

Profile

Compact inner city electorate of 53 sq.km covering the area south of Brunswick and Maribyrnong Roads between the Yarra River, Maribyrnong River and Merri Creek. Includes the Melbourne CBD, Richmond, Collingwood, Carlton, Fitzroy, North Melbourne and Flemington.

History/Trivia

Existing since Federation, Melbourne has been Labor held since 1904. Former members include Bill Maloney (1904-40), Arthur Calwell (1940-72), Ted Innes (1972-83) and Gerry Hand (1983-93). The electorate contains the homes of five of the 10 Victorian based AFL clubs.

Issues

The Greens first preference vote has increased from 15.7% in 2001 to 19.0% in 2004 and 22.8% in 2007. While the Greens still finished third in 2007, they passed the Liberals during the distribution of preferences. With Liberal preferences favouring the Greens, Labor's vote after preferences was only 54.7% to 45.3% for the Greens. Were it not for the chance of the Greens outpolling the Liberals, Melbourne would be an ultra-safe Labor seat with a margin of more than 20%. Based on Senate votes in Melbourne at the last two elections, the Greens should already hold this seat were it not for Tanner's personal vote as sitting member.

Past Votes by Party in Melbourne

First preference results by Party since 1984.

Assessment