What is influencing votes at early polling booths?

By Jemma Jones

Apr 29, 2025

What are the key issues shaping early Nicholls voters’ decisions this federal election?

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Journalist Jemma Jones visited the Kyabram Youth Club early polling station on Wednesday, 23 April, to discuss key issues influencing voters' decisions in the Nicholls federal election.

Cheryl Child, Kyabram

Our living standards at the moment for different people... and the costs that are going up.

Keith Robert Nankivell, Kyabram

I read who I was supposed to vote for, and I know every time I get in there and vote — whoever gets elected — they make promises, and they break them.

So, I decided that I would vote for a different party this year.

Susie Bennett, Kyabram

I only ever vote the same every time. For me, it’s a no-brainer — I just go in and do the same thing every time.

I only ever go for the one party — I would never go for the others.

I consider our debt, and how much we are in debt, that’s the main thing. I don’t care what’s in it for me, or any of that stuff, it’s all about how we run the country and who best gets our debt under control. And, if they have to make some hard decisions to do it, then I’m happy with that.

I think we need to make some hard decisions. The current government (is) terrible. We need to get out of debt, otherwise our kids are going to be paying for it forever.

Robyn and Barry Norton, Kyabram

We were considering voting Nationals. We’re very disappointed (at) what’s happening in Australia at the present time, and Victoria especially. So, we hope that our vote today will make a difference.

There’s been a lot of money given away, but there hasn’t been much handed out to pensioners who are also subjected to the cost of living, and people on poor wages. (There were) lots of other hand-outs, but a lot of the people that needed it just didn’t get it, and anything helps.

John Williams, Kyabram

We want an honest government, and I don’t think the one we’ve got at the moment is honest.

Gail and Robert Henshall, Tongala

As far as I’m concerned, there’s nobody worthwhile voting for. They’re all a bit loose with the truth. We normally go in with one in mind, with all their names and what they stand for... there’s been so many broken promises.

Brooke Giddings, Kyabram

My vote went to the one that I had been looking out for, that’s going to think more about our community and improve it. We have to look after our own community.

Steve Gregory, Rushworth

My main gripe is noise pollution — the EPA or lack of. The trucks, the noisy exhausts on the trucks, there’s no need for it. I’d like to see something done about it.