By Parker McKenzie
During a visit to the Four Pillars Gin Distillery with Casey Liberal candidate Aaron Violi, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg signalled the Liberal Party “is deeply committed to investing” in the electorate.
The distillery hosted Mr Frydenberg and Mr Violi’s visit as Lilydale Road, Healesville – where Four Pillars in located – underwent federally funded road works.
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.
“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.
“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.”
The upgrade to Lilydale Road was funded through $150 million provided by the Federal Government in 2019 to Yarra Ranges Council.
Mr Frydenberg said 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.
