With two weeks left to go, this is how the federal election is shaping up for the Wingecarribee shire which includes two electorates, Whitlam and Hume.
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Whitlam covers a large portion of the Wingecarribee shire such as Berrima, Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Robertson and Sutton Forest. Hume covers Colo Vale, Hill Top, Exeter, Bundanoon, Canyonleigh and parts of Wingello and Yerinbool as well as wider electorate area that spans across several councils.
Ballot positions for both Whitlam and Hume have been determined, with Australian United Party candidate, Angelo Cuda received top spot for Whitlam, while incumbent Whitlam MP, Stephen Jones drew fourth spot.
Mr Jones didn't seem to mind fourth spot though, saying that elections weren't won on where candidates placed on the ballot but by their plans for the region.
"I think the people of Whitlam will determine who the next MP is, but I'll be standing on my record of representation and plan for the region," he said.
"I'll emphasise the additional money we are going to spend on schools in the Southern Highlands, including over one million dollars extra for Bowral High School and over 520 thousand dollars for primary schools like Mittagong public school and Moss Vale public school.
Greens Candidate Jamie Dixon said that while it was a little disappointing to be placed second last, it wouldn't damage the Green vote too much.
"Green voters will vote for Greens candidates, so it won't affect us too much I don't think," he said.
"It's the climate change election and people are looking for something different."
Candidates for Whitlam as they appear on the ballot sheet are:
- Angelo Cuda, United Australia Party
- Frank Rodolfo Nero, Christian Democrat Party (Fred Nile Group)
- Stephen Wentworth, Nationals
- Stephen Jones, Labor
- Jamie Dixon, The Greens
- Ken Davis, #Sustainable Australia
There will be no Liberal candidate sitting for Whitlam.
In the Hume ballot draw, Labors Aoife Champion took pole position while Angus Taylor drew fourth spot.
Ms Champion was happy to come out on top.
"I am pleased to be positioned at the top of the ballot," she said.
"But ultimately I find voters come to a booth having viewed their candidates' social media or researched their policy positions, and they know the name they are looking for.
"And for the many who have asked, mine is pronounced 'Ee-fa'!"
Mr Taylor did not attend the ballot draw but in a statement released afterward said the election offered voters the "clearest choice in almost 50 years."
"It's not just a choice about who can manage the economy and return the Budget to surplus; it's a choice about Labor's climate policies, their housing policies, their tax policies," he said.
"The Goulburn region is growing, new businesses are starting up and we've got very low unemployment across Hume.
"I want to keep delivering and I want to keep fighting - for our farmers, our small businesses and our families."
Candidates for Hume as they appear on the ballot sheet are:
- Aoife Champion, Labor Party
- Lynda Abdo, United Australia Party
- Tanya Hargraves, Fraser Anning's Conservative National Party
- Angus Taylor, Liberal Party
- David Powell, The Greens
- Huw Kingston, Independent
- Ian Nebauer, CDP
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