The Allan government may be in some trouble as early voting closes ahead of tomorrow’s two key byelections in Werribee and Prahran.
Labor has dominated Werribee for 45 years but some voters 9News spoke to are feeling neglected.
“We haven’t had nothing done for Werribee for years and years,” Tagreed said.
“People are over it. School drop-off, we go from dual lane to single lane. The crime rate is not good,” Jason said.
“Everyone’s asking for change. All of the locals are asking for change,” Steve said.
Former treasurer Tim Pallas had kept the Labor seat safe since 2006 and most recently won with an almost 11 per cent margin at the last state election.
He announced his resignation in December, triggering a by-election in Werribee.
Since then, Resolve Strategic polling shows Labor’s primary vote has fallen to just 22 per cent in Victoria.
“In this case, I think we have a state government that’s in some trouble. We’ve got a retiring member that was very much a part of that,” Resolve’s Jim Reed said.
Speaking to ABC Radio today, Premier Jacinta Allan refused to answer whether her leadership would be under threat if Labor loses Werribee tomorrow.
“I’m focused on Victorians,” she said.
However, history is on Labor candidate John Lister’s side as the Liberal Party has been unable to flip a seat in a byelection since 1948.
“People are feeling it and they’re starting to speak up. Let’s hope it’s enough on the day. The reality on figures is history is not on my side,” Opposition Leader Brad Battin admitted.
Lister, a teacher and a firefighter, is promising to bring practical solutions to Werribee.
Labor suffered a 10 per cent swing when former premier Daniel Andrews retired in 2023.
A similar result would put Werribee on a knife’s edge.
Another by-election is also being held in Prahran.
Early voting has closed today and the booths will open from 8am to 6pm tomorrow.
The Victorian Electoral Commission is reminding residents that voting is mandatory and those who don’t submit a vote are risking a $99 fine.
“We’ve got about 40 per cent in Werribee and about 30 per cent in Prahran that have come out early or submitted postal votes,” Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said.
