Vic: Libs face cash shortage after slashed vote
By Adam Morton
MELBOURNE, Dec 1 AAP - The Liberal Party lost more than a chance at government in Victoriayesterday, with its slashed primary vote giving it a potential financial headache.
With 83 per cent of the vote counted last night, there was a swing of almost eightper cent away from the Liberals across both houses of parliament.
If this swing is maintained across the 17 per cent yet to be counted, it could meanthe Liberals receive about $215,000 less public funding than expected.
Following the introduction of the new electoral act in September, each candidate winningmore than four per cent of the ballot will receive $1.20 for each primary vote.
This would have given the Liberals $2,766,294 if the act had been in place at the 1999 election.
But it will only receive about $2,550,000 if its 2002 vote maintains its current level.
While it is likely they would have expected a lower vote than three years ago, theLiberal hierarchy could not have predicted the size of the landslide against it.
The Liberals could lose 21 lower house seats and leave it short of funds as it attemptsto rebuild.
By contrast, the Labor Party will exceed its expectations, receiving more than $3.6 million.
The big winners from the new public funding arrangements are the Australian Greenswho, despite not winning a seat, will receive more than $700,000 after attracting nearly10 per cent of the vote.
The VicNats, with 4.5 per cent of the vote, should get more than $330,000.
Liberal campaign director Brian Loughnane could not be reached for comment late today.
AAP am/jlw/ph/de
KEYWORD: POLLVIC FUNDING
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