He also said he was committed to seeing through the $315 million Greenline project, which would create a four-kilometre Yarra River-side promenade.
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Koutoufides credited Khan as his inspiration for running for lord mayor, despite having no political experience.
“I’ve never met a guy that’s so committed and given 100 per cent, and [he] is probably the main reason why I decided to go ahead with this.”
Koutoufides admitted the campaign would be challenging given he was not a politician. The 51-year-old played 278 games for Carlton from 1992 to 2007, and starred in the Blues’ 1995 premiership win.
Koutoufides playing for Carlton in 2000.Credit: Pat Scala
“It’s going to put me out of my comfort zone,” he said.
“I’ve been living a very peaceful life, and so this is going to test me, for sure, but the reason why I want to do it is for the City of Melbourne, so I’ve just got to toughen up.”
Koutoufides said Liu, who lost her seat of Chisholm, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, at the 2022 federal election, brought “great balance to our team” and was a hard-hitter, while Ramini was a long-time friend.
The remaining names on his ticket would be announced in coming weeks, he said.
The Morrison government’s public criticism of the Chinese government was touted as a possible factor following her election loss.
Two months after she lost her federal seat, Liu unsuccessfully ran for Liberal preselection in the hope of joining Victoria’s upper house.
With Broede Carmody
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