By Parker McKenzie
Federal Treasuer Josh Frydenberg made his way out to the Yarra Ranges on Tuesday 1 February, making a visit to a popular hospitality venue in Healesville.
Stopping at Four Pillars Gin Distillery with Casey Liberal candidate Aaron Violi, Mr Frydenberg signalled the Liberal Party “is deeply committed to investing” in the electorate.
When asked whether the Casey electorate would see further funding announcements before the federal election, Mr Frydenberg said Mr Violi had his own priorities for investment in the local area.
The Lilydale Road distillery has seen federally funded road works take place in recent weeks to improve accessibility, something Mr Frydenberg indicated could be just the start of projects in the Yarra Ranges.
“We’ll continue to look at opportunities to invest in this electorate, whether it was the work of the great former member Tony Smith, or the new candidate,” Mr Frydenberg said.
“Lilydale Road is one that has significant investment from the government, which has helped make a difference to the business right here and the number of visitors – 200,000 plus.”
Mr Frydenberg said Mr Violi was an outstanding candidate who performed strongly during the pre-selection process.
“He is a third generation local, someone who went to school local, someone who worked in business local and someone who now volunteers in community organisations,” Mr Frydenberg said.
“He’s determined to support the local community through the difficult times we’re having right now.”
Mr Violi won a tightly contested pre-selection to be the new Liberal candidate for Casey after Mr Smith, a respected former Speaker of the House, announced his retirement from federal politics in 2021.
Mr Violi said Mr Frydenberg “has done a great job.”
“One of the things I keep hearing in the community is about JobKeeper and how instrumental it was to helping businesses survive,” Mr Violi said.
“That’s a legacy to the Treasurer, so I’m really proud to have Joshua here today and Four Pillars hosting us.”
The visit to Four Pillars was one stop on a campaign starting in earnest for Mr Violi, with the date of the federal election yet to be announced.
The latest date a federal election can be held is 21 May.
