Vic: Victoria critical to election outcome.

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2001
Vic: Victoria critical to election outcome.

Treasurer PETER COSTELLO says Victoria will be of special interest to the federal government
in the lead up to this year's election.

Mr COSTELLO, deputy Liberal leader and a Victorian MP, says the state has many very
close marginal seats and will be critical to the outcome of the election.

However he's told radio 3AW he doesn't believe the election will be decided there.

Mr COSTELLO wouldn't be drawn on when the election will be held, saying the date is
up to Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD.

And he wouldn't discuss whether this will be his final term as treasurer.





The Australian Financial Review newspaper reported this week that private Liberal Party
polling revealed a major loss of support in key marginal electorates in Victoria.

The coalition parties were battered at the 1999 state election, which ended with JEFF
KENNETT losing power.

Mr HOWARD today began a two-day tour of two key Victoria seats.

AAP RTV jmw/jlw/nf

KEYWORD: HOWARD VIC COSTELLO (MELBOURNE)

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