Libertarian candidate Peter Angelico says his campaign for Nepean will focus on business pressures, local infrastructure and voter frustration with the major parties.
Peter Angelico says his background in manufacturing and business advocacy has shaped his decision to run in the Nepean by-election for the Libertarian Party.
Angelico, a manufacturing business owner and president of the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance, is one of five candidates currently contesting the Mornington Peninsula seat following the resignation of former Liberal MP Sam Groth.
He said his decision to run was influenced by both his business background and his experience in party politics.
Former Liberal member reflects on party experience
Angelico said he spent around two decades as a member of the Liberal Party before deciding to move on.
He said that experience gave him insight into how party politics operates and influenced his decision to run under the Libertarian banner.
Campaign focused on business and government restraint
Angelico said his experience running a manufacturing company had shaped his political outlook, particularly around taxation, regulation and the role of government.
Issues such as payroll tax, land tax and regulatory burdens affecting businesses are expected to feature prominently in his campaign.
“Stay out of our lives. Let us run our businesses… governments think they know everything and they just get in the way.”
Angelico said many voters he had spoken to during the early stages of the campaign expressed frustration with both major parties.
“People are sick and tired of the major parties because they’re not delivering.”
Local issues on the Mornington Peninsula
Angelico identified several local issues he believes are important to voters in the Nepean electorate, including health services, road infrastructure and public transport access.
He raised concerns about the condition and resourcing of Rosebud Hospital and said infrastructure investment on the Mornington Peninsula had lagged behind other areas.
Road congestion and limited public transport coverage were also highlighted as ongoing challenges for residents across the peninsula.
Preferences may play key role
Angelico said preference flows between candidates could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the by-election.
He said some voters had questioned the timing of the by-election following the resignation of the former member.
“Why are we going to a by-election when it could have been avoided for another two or three months?”
Angelico also argued Labor had benefited from what he saw as the Liberal Party’s failure to effectively hold the government to account over an extended period.
First preference votes remain key
Despite discussion around preferences, Angelico said first-preference votes would remain the most important factor in the campaign.
“You can’t beat first preference votes. That’s where the gold is.”
The Nepean by-election will see voters choose between candidates from several parties and independent campaigns.
Candidates who have publicly confirmed they will contest the seat so far include:
- Anthony Marsh (Liberal Party)
- Tracee Hutchison (Independent)
- Darren Hercus (One Nation)
- Peter Angelico (Libertarian Party)
- Sianan Healy (Greens)
Nominations for the by-election have not yet closed and additional candidates may still enter the race.
