WODONGA police officer Tony Blucher has taken leave from Victoria Police to work as an electorate officer for federal member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella.
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Mr Blucher said he was taking leave without pay from the force for 12 months to work full-time with Mrs Mirabella, based at her Wangaratta office.
He began the job on January 8 and described his new role as an opportunity to “test the waters” in a political role during the lead-up to a federal election later in the year.
“I was pretty much in the right place at the right time and will be working on a number of projects for Sophie,” he said.
Mr Blucher completed his law studies by distance education last June and is now completing the requirements for admission as a solicitor.
He said the new role also allowed him a break from shift and weekend work to spend more time with his young family.
Mr Blucher, a member of the Liberal Party, was a candidate for the Wodonga council at the 2005 Victorian local government election.
He was one of five candidates brought together under a ticket labelled the ratepayers’ voice.
The ratepayers’ voice was partly financed by a Wodonga development quartet comprising the Milos family’s Rancho Holdings, Eric Pietila’s Nordcon Pty Ltd, Graham Searle from Southern Vale Homes and builder brothers Andy and John Alatalo.
Three of the candidates — Jenny Hanuska, Rod Wangman and Anna Speedie — were elected to the council, while the unsuccessful candidates were Mr Blucher and Paul Schupina.
