Candidate Chris Brown says he can keep the federal seat of Fremantle in Labor hands despite suggestions the Greens could win it in a voter backlash due to his links to a militant union.
The seat has been held by Labor since 1934 and is being vacated by Melissa Parke.
Her predecessor and former WA premier Carmen Lawrence has been critical of Mr Brown's preselection, saying those uncomfortable with his role as a Maritime Union of Australia organiser may vote for the Greens in protest.
But Mr Brown says his local credentials make him confident he's "in a strong position" to win.
"I've been born and bred in Fremantle, I've lived and breathed Fremantle all of my life, I've had my family history that goes back to 1851 in Fremantle, so I know the electorate very well," Mr Brown told AAP on Sunday.
"I'm a father first and a husband, and somebody who lives in the community.
"Sure, I've been a union member most of my working life - a proud union member - but at the end of the day, this is a community position, to speak on behalf of the community."
Greens leader Richard Di Natale told reporters in Perth last week that Fremantle voters wanted an MP with "strong progressive views ... and I don't think they will get that with the Labor candidate".
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