Mark Tait, 53, was on Friday unveiled as the candidate for the Wodonga-based seat.

He said he had “no doubt” his involvement with the building union, which has been criticised for its militant behaviour by Liberal Party MPs, would attract comment.

However, Mr Tait said the CFMEU’s actions in Sydney and Melbourne were not replicated on the Border.

“It’s a vastly different experience up here,” he said.

The father of two adult children said he first considered a political tilt in 2016 after speaking to Labor’s then federal election candidate and former Wodonga councillor Eric Kerr.

“It’s a lovely area to be, it’s probably one of the best spots in Australia, so I just thought it was time to have a go,” Mr Tait said.

He faces a tough task against incumbent member for Benambra Bill Tilley, who holds the seat by a margin of around 10 per cent.

Asked what he thought of the job Mr Tilley had done in his 12 years as an MP, Mr Tait was circumspect.

“I think Bill has been there a long time,” he said.

“I’m not really here to say much about Bill yet, I will just move on with that and no doubt Bill and me will have a talk.

“But he has been in a long time, he’s pretty well respected in the area so we’ll just take that as it comes.”

Mr Tait cited spending by the Victorian government on Beechworth Secondary College as a specific commitment to Benambra by Labor.

He said his priorities were education, childcare and infrastructure growth issues in Wodonga.

Married to Leanne and dad to Jesse and Samantha, Mr Tait moved to Cobram 22 years ago and has worked for the CFMEU in Wodonga throughout that time.

After living between the two places, Mr Tait said he had now made Wodonga his home.

“I’m an expat Kiwi, came here when I was 18 and became naturalised in 2000 so I didn’t get caught up in any scandals,” he said.

“I’m married, I’ve got two children and I’ve got three beautiful grandchildren and I love all sorts of sports, but my passion is rugby. 

“I’ve worked in the construction game in Australia for probably the last 30-odd years, started off in Melbourne, did a bit in Brisbane.

“Moved up here to try to improve the area, to have a look.

“Originally come here for one year and never went back.” 

In addition to Mr Tilley, Mr Tait will be competing against independent candidate Jacqui Hawkins, who launched her bid for Benambra in April. 

Labor is still to announce candidates for Nationals-held North East seats of Euroa and Ovens Valley.

However, it is expected the runner for Euroa will be named next week with the Ovens Valley contender emerging the following week.

The election is on November 24.