Friday.

The former prime minister toured the town canvassing support for Rob Mitchell, Labor candidate for the federal seat of McEwen.

He said voters should not take the August 21 election lightly; it was an important decision for the future of Australia.

"When making an investment, whether it is in a car, or a company, Australians study form," he said.

"They look at form; they look at economic matters.

"Even up to date there's been form in health, education and the economy.

"There is no more important investment than your vote in an election. That's going to determine what is going to happen for the next three years."

Mr Hawke said good leadership was hard to find, but a large part of successful leadership was listening and communicating.

"People say all you need is to be a good communicator, and that's true, but a very big part is listening."

Mr Hawke said Mr Mitchell was a good candidate with a good message to sell.

"He knows the area and is very committed to it. I'm sure he'll do a great job." Mr Mitchell, who is contesting the seat for the second time after narrowly losing to incumbent Fran Bailey in 2007, said the vote count for the seat was likely to go down to the wire.

"Make no mistake, it will be tough and close, it will be very close."

Ms Bailey, now retiring, had raised allegations of vote rigging after first losing by seven votes to Mr Mitchell at the 2007 election.

But after several recounts, Mr Bailey was declared the winner by 31 votes.