Former treasurer Wayne Swan isn't overly confident of holding onto his north Brisbane seat. Source: AAP
WAYNE Swan isn't overly confident of holding onto his north Brisbane seat.
The former federal treasurer says he's energised but realistic that the electorate of Lilley can swing.
Mr Swan lost Lilley in 1996, only to regain it in the 1998 election.
At noon, he strolled across the road from his Kedron home of 30 years to vote at the local school.
In tow were his children Lab and Matt, the latter a first time voter.
Politicking to the end, Mr Swan talked up the Labor's disability care scheme and the NBN before pointing out the school hall they would vote in was built by the Labor government during the global financial crisis.
"We're really proud, he works really hard for Lilley," daughter Lab said.
Mr Swan believes voters made up their minds long ago and thinks Lilley, which he holds by a marginal 3.2 per cent, could go down to preferences.
"Elections aren't won or lost on the last day, the last week or the last month: in many ways they are decided much earlier than that," he said.
"What you've done in the previous three years is more important."
A voter calling herself Lauren said that she appreciates what Mr Swan has done for the school, where her children are educated, and the local community.
"And I like his persona," she said.
"I am disappointed in the Labor party, but he is one member that I would still be committed to."
Small business owner Ken said he was voting for change.
"I don't think we'll survive without it," he told AAP.
"We need to see money going back into small business. It's really suffering and everyone I talk to is the same."
Local man Michael wanted to see Mr Swan pay for broken budget promises.
"He's done his dash, it's been a long dash," he told AAP.
