Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu (left) and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott will go head to head in the iconic swim.
Source: Herald Sun
TED Baillieu is obviously no stranger to the cut and thrust of politics, but Saturday’s Lorne Pier to Pub may prove to be a whole new kettle of fish.
The Victorian Premier will wait until Friday night to confirm his entry in case the heatwave means a fire emergency in the state.
But even if he makes it down to the Great Ocean Road, retired ALP minister and race regular Peter Batchelor has warned the seasoned swimmer to let first-time competitor Tony Abbott beat him.
Baillieu is thought to be the better ocean swimmer of the two, despite the Opposition Leader’s love of triathlons.
But Batchelor said: “Tony and Ted are old school boys, and that protocol would say federal overrides state, and the most senior of the two should be allowed to win. The question is, will Ted let him?
“I beat (former premier) Steve (Bracks) once at Lorne before realising it was a career-limiting move.”
Batchelor will swim in his 14th race, while ALP Federal Cabinet secretary Mark Dreyfus will swim his 10th.
A spokesman said the Premier had been swimming 10km a week in preparation for his 23rd Pier to Pub.
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