Crean has opposition

By Sarah Schwager
THE Federal seat of Hotham, encompassing Springvale and Springvale South, will see a contest for ALP preselection with a union official set to come up against former Opposition leader Simon Crean.
Martin Pakula has long been involved in the National Union of Workers.
He has spoken out on many issues to do with local workers and strikes, including the strike at the Kemalex Plastics Factory in Dandenong South in November.
Mr Pakula said after watching Federal Labor lose four elections and the impact that the Howard Government’s policies had had on ordinary Australians, he had decided to offer himself for preselection.
“I believe I have the energy, experience and focus necessary to take up the fight to the conservatives,” Mr Pakula said. “As a union official, I have plenty of contact with workers and their families and understand the issues that are of most concern to them.”
Mr Crean has indicated his intention to stand for a further term, and also believes he has the support of his faction.