In Midland again: Ken Wyatt with former prime minister John Howard and campaign supporters.
Camera IconIn Midland again: Ken Wyatt with former prime minister John Howard and campaign supporters. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis        www.communitypix.com.au d456216

Federal Election: former PM John Howard sips poll brew in Hasluck

Sally McGlewHills Avon Valley Gazette

For the past seven Federal elections and three State elections the Miss Maud poll has had news pollsters paying attention to the results.

Last time the Miss Maud’s Midland predicted a Liberal Party victory for Tony Abbott, former prime minister John Howard was on the local hustings to assist incumbent Hasluck MHR, Ken Wyatt.

Four years later the Liberals’ star performer was back on the local streets, this time at the early election polling booth in The Crescent where both main parties had their supporters handing out how-to-vote cards.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Has anything changed for voters since then?

Staff and Miss Maud are putting more than a little steam into what is sure to be a full-flavoured election result tomorrow.

So far Maud Edmiston’s tenet that “every opinion matters, and every bean counts” is showing overall the Liberal Party on 38 per cent, the ALP on 29 per cent and the Greens 13 per cent with the Others at 20 per cent across the State.

But there is plenty of strength in the brew yet. There is certainly plenty of strength left in John Howard, and he is sure to bring some cheer to an otherwise lacklustre and predictable campaign from both sides.

Asked about manufacturing from a Midland punter on the street who worked in the industry, Mr Howard told him Australia was not the only country undergoing enormous change in the steel industry.

“The UK and America have also suffered with steel industries and become more uncompetitive,” Mr Howard said.

“Our experience has been no different.”

Mr Howard shook hands with many voters, who requested “selfies” and all were delighted to meet the former PM.

It is his third visit to Midland since he retired.

Other voters told Mr Howard he was one of the best politicians Australia had ever experienced. “Thanks, no one likes a wishy washy politician,” Mr Howard said.

“It’s why Margaret Thatcher was so popular.

“People love a strong leader.”