
INDEPENDENT Monash MP Russell Broadbent’s announcement that he will seek re-election at the age of 74 has thrown the contest for the seat of Monash wide open.
The election now features a blueblood Liberal candidate, two high-profile independents and a rare National Party candidate.
Unlike many of his colleagues, the long-time Liberal MP for Monash survived the backlash against the unpopular Morrison government at the 2022 election.
But in November 2023, at an early Liberal pre-selection vote, he polled just 16 votes to Mary Aldred's 160.
Mr Broadbent quit the party he had belonged to for almost half a century and moved to the crossbench, stating “This was a clear signal from members and one which I believe revokes my licence to represent the Liberal Party in the electorate of Monash."
Announcing his candidacy on Monday, Mr Broadbent said he had unfinished business. “I have spoken to many people from Monash who have called on me to stand for the seat of Monash in 2025.”