VIC: Federal minister expects Vic poll called soon

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-1999
VIC: Federal minister expects Vic poll called soon

CANBERRA, Aug 22 AAP - A federal minister said today he expected Victorian Premier Jeff
Kennett to soon call a state election.

But Health Minister Michael Wooldridge, a Victorian, would not say if he thought Mr Kennett
would announce the election this week.

"That's honestly for him. I gave up trying to predict the premier a long time ago," Dr
Wooldridge told the Ten Network.

He suspected Mr Kennett would go sooner rather than later and said he deserved to be
re-elected.

"The state government - I might have my differences with them from time to time - but they
have done a fabulous job in Victoria," Dr Wooldridge said.

"Melbourne and the rest of the state are different places from what they were seven years
ago. We're all proud to be Victorians again and he deserves to do well."

September 18 and October 2 have been tipped as the most likely dates for the poll, but Mr
Kennett maintains he is in no hurry to call the election.

AAP mfh/cjh

KEYWORD: POLL VIC WOOLDRIDGE

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