Regional Victorians ditching Labor over cost of living and neglect
An Accent Research study found almost half of Victorians who voted Labor in 2022 now plan to vote differently this November.
Six weeks out from the Victorian state election, Labor faces a serious threat in regional areas. Research by Accent and the University of Melbourne found almost half of 2022 Labor voters intend to switch.
The top concerns are cost of living, crime, and hospital care. Regional voters say Labor has ignored them and become complacent, pointing to the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund which hit farmers with bill increases in the tens of thousands.
Some are turning to the Liberals, others to One Nation, though voters say it is frustration rather than loyalty to another party. The previously safe Labor seat of Bendigo East will be closely watched on election night after the resignation of former premier Jacinta Allan.
Traditionally safe Labor seats could also be vulnerable to One Nation. One Nation support in competitive Victoria could be a test of its strength in a government-deciding election.
- almost half
- 2022 Labor voters switching
- six weeks
- Days until election
- 63
- David Pickering's age
Why it mattersLabor looks set to lose seats it has held for decades, and One Nation could emerge as a serious force in a state election for the first time.
AustraliaVictorians voting on 28 November face the real possibility of a change of government after years of Labor rule.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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