The results of the Werribee by-election have left both Labor and the Liberal Party on edge, with Labor currently leading by a mere 441 votes.
The outcome is still uncertain, with outstanding postal votes yet to be counted.
A Surprising Turn of Events
Despite being tipped to hold the seat, Labor is facing a double-digit swing, with both major parties failing to secure more than 30% of the first preference vote.
The Liberal Party’s strong performance has raised eyebrows, with the party’s leader, Brad Battin, claiming that the race is far from over.
“We’re seeing on two-party preferred, which is the vote that actually matters, that we’re actually just behind the Victorian Labor Party,” Mr. Battin said.
“No one would believe me if I said that was going to happen, but it has.”
Labor’s Lead, But Not Out of the Woods Yet
Labor candidate John Lister has expressed satisfaction with the campaign, but the party’s poor result in a traditionally safe Labor electorate is expected to lead to some soul-searching.
Premier Jacinta Allan has acknowledged that the party needs to do more to address voters’ concerns.
“By-elections are an opportunity for people to make sure their voice is being heard,” Ms. Allan said.
“It is absolutely clear from listening that we need to do more, that we must do more, and we will do more.”
Greens Concede in Prahran, Liberals Gain
In a separate by-election, the Liberal Party’s Rachel Westaway is projected to win the seat of Prahran, with the Greens’ Angelica Di Camillo conceding defeat.
The result has been seen as a vote against the Labor government and the Greens, with Ms. Westaway promising to rebuild Chapel Street, improve safety, and create jobs.
What Does This Mean for the Federal Election?
Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud believes that the by-election results will cause concern for Labor ahead of this year’s federal election.
“I think Victoria is the intersection of a very poor state Labor government and a very poor federal Labor government, and [voters have] lived experience of both governments and what they’re doing, their cost-of-living, and the safety of their streets,” he said.
As the counting continues, one thing is clear: the outcome of these by-elections will have significant implications for the upcoming federal election.
Stay tuned for further updates and analysis.