Opposition leader takes fight to the regions

Detailed summary

The Victorian opposition leader has taken her campaign to the regions, stopping at a pub to mingle with voters before making a major roads commitment.

Walking into the Blazing Stump Hotel, Victoria's opposition leader first approached Ross Reynolds, extended her hand, and kindly asked "Have I got your vote?"

For the next hour, Jess Wilson swapped her usual Spring Street politics for pub-style hospitality, meeting with residents in the electorate of Benambra, 240km northeast of Melbourne, to chat about issues affecting the region.

Selfies were shared with eager voters, while Mr Reynolds sat to one side with a beer, watching as a pack of journalists, advisors and the party leader descended on the pub.

The small business owner, and previous Labor voter, tells AAP the region is stretched and tired.

"We need change. I worked in the meat industry for 25 years and we voted Labor. They weren't helping," he said.

"I've worked hard. I'm well off now, but I got to look after my grandkids."

Liberal candidate for Benambra Steve Martin joined Ms Wilson at the pub, where some locals were keen to bring the state of the roads into focus.

Matt, an auctioneer from Geelong, has been travelling for three weeks due to work commitments and firmly believes the roads are getting considerably worse.

"It's not just trying to dodge the potholes, it's trying to dodge the people trying to dodge potholes."

Opening of the article, excerpted from PerthNow. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.