Labor's candidate for the hotly contested seat of Melbourne believes voters will "come back to Labor" rather than elect a new government, despite a poll showing the seat is likely to be retained by the Greens.
A Galaxy poll conducted for the Greens shows Greens MP Adam Bandt, who holds the seat with a six per cent margin, is likely to win 52 per cent of the vote on a two-party preferred basis.
The poll also found 40 per cent of Liberal voters are intending to preference Mr Bandt - even though party leader Tony Abbott has directed candidates to preference the Greens last.
Labor candidate Cath Bowtell says voters are telling her they haven't made up their mind.
"I think it's going to be very close here in Melbourne ... people are particularly worried about a change in government and I think they are going to come back to Labor," she told reporters.
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"The feeling I'm getting is on the ground - and that's the only poll I'm doing, is talking to voters everyday - people who are making up their mind are saying, `What are we going to get if the government changes?"
Mr Bandt said he was on track to hold the seat of Melbourne but voters would decide their preferences themselves.
"The result will be close ... Melbourne voters are telling me they are disappointed with what's on offer from the old parties, especially when it comes to refugees, and they see we are offering a positive alternative," he said.
"Most voters, even many Liberal voters, also want a strong independent voice that can stand up to Tony Abbott."
The poll of 400 voters was conducted between Thursday and Monday.

