THE BIG HITTERS MAKE A STAND – BABAKHAN MP BID
By Neil Keene

The Daily Telegraph (Australia)
October 25, 2006 Wednesday
Newcastle Edition

THE Liberal party looks set to fight fire with fire in Newcastle
in next year’s state election, with its own high-profile candidate
poised to take on TV celebrity and ALP frontwoman Jodi McKay.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal University of Newcastle lecturer and
outspoken meteorologist Martin Babakhan is preparing to run for the
party, if he can win preselection from the Newcastle branch.

Armenian-born Mr Babakhan, who emigrated to Australia in 1967, would
not confirm or deny his interest in state politics yesterday.

But his ambitions are well-known within the party’s Hunter ranks.

Mr Babakhan would face a monumental struggle to overcome the Labor
stronghold and to divert surging interest in Lord Mayor John Tate,
who is running as an independent candidate.

He must also win preselection ahead of Newcastle branch president
James Herrington.

However, the 63-year-old is well placed to give his opponents a run
for their money.

Mr Babakhan already enjoys a high public profile in the city thanks
to regular radio, television and newspaper appearances and could win
green votes with his knowledge and passion for the environment.

He is also a skilled political campaigner, having run for Newcastle
Council in the Citizens Group in a 2002 by-election.

He lost that race to Ward Four councillor Sonia Hornery, but has had
the past four years to hone his strategies.

Mr Babakhan told The Daily Telegraph that with the "soap opera"
surrounding the ALP’s installation of former newsreader Ms McKay,
the time was right for a stronger Liberal presence in the city.

"At the end of the day, we need Newcastle to prosper," he said.

"We have ports, we have energy, we have everything going for us,
but since the Olympics most of the money has been spent in Sydney."

Mr Babakhan suggested even if Mr Tate won office, the city would be
no better off.

"Whether it’s Tate or Jodi McKay, it doesn’t matter which one it is,
they will still head towards Labor," he said.

"That is not going to do the city justice."

Colleen Hodges, a Liberal party veteran and delegate to the party’s
state council, backed Mr Babakhan’s push into the state arena.

"He is a very good candidate," she said.

Preselection should take place next month.