Briskey, who’s looking to follow in the footsteps of former Labor leader and representative for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, is beginning to make herself known to the community.

“I think Maribyrnong is not too dissimilar from other parts across the country,” she explained to journalist Riccardo Schirru, “The cost of living is an absolutely essential issue that is being raised with me continuously.

“That’s why [we’re] focusing on what an Albanese Labor government can do to help with cost of living.

“Supporting people in their energy bill relief or making it easier and more affordable to see a GP; those are the issues that are definitely resonating with the community.”

Despite Maribyrnong being considered a safe Labor seat, Briskey isn’t taking anything for granted as her party seeks to form a majority government.

“We will be working towards that, myself in Maribyrnong and [others] right across the country, every day up until 6 p.m. on Saturday the 3rd [of May] to see the reelection of a majority Labor government.”

For Andrew Giles MP, the election campaign is an opportunity for federal politicians to speak directly with the communities they represent in Canberra while those communities are paying particular attention to politics.

“When I talk to people at the train station,” began Giles, in response to question about whether the unpopularity of Victoria’s Labor government could be costly during a federal election, “I really do think people are focused on federal issues.

“They’re focused on rebuilding Medicare … They’re interested in wage rates and how our tax system operates. They’re much more interested in federal issues than state issues in my view.”

When asked about Labor’s lead in the latest Newspoll by 52 per cent to 48, Giles was quick to play it down.

“As you know, we politicians don’t comment on the polls,” he said, “We focus on the one that will be finally determined on the 3rd of May.

“But I think what you find is when elections are underway, the political conversation changes and people do look at alternatives for the future.

“I think the more people think about who’s best placed to steer Australia through a challenging and uncertain time, the more people focus on Labor, on the record Prime Minister Albanese has and his vision for the next three years and beyond.”

To watch Riccardo Schirru’s interview with Andrew Giles MP, click the video above. For the interview with Jo Briskey, click here.