Voters have headed to the polls today for two significant state byelections in Victoria. These elections could offer insight into the upcoming federal government, as the historically Labor seat of Werribee and the Greens seat of Prahran are at stake, with the Liberals posing a challenge.
The resignation of former treasurer Tim Pallas from politics sparked the by-election in Werribee, a suburb in the outer western region. Labor candidate John Lister aims to secure the seat that has been firmly held by the party since 1976.
Lister expressed his desire to bring about positive change and advocate for investments in Werribee. Meanwhile, Liberal candidate Steve Murphy asserts that the only way to witness new developments in the region is to remove Labor from power.
“A loss in Werribee would confirm, more than the public polling, that the Labor brand has significant brand damage in Victoria which means federal Labor in Victoria might really struggle in some seats where they have historically not such as Bruce and Isaacs.
“So if Werribee survives, then it would give Labor some hope that they can scrape through with the next election, but if it’s a very significant swing against them in the double digits then it would suggest that they are in the final death throws.”
So far, more than 13,400 residents across both the Werribee and Prahran districts have cast their early votes.
Voting is open from 8am to 6pm today, with counting to begin shortly after.
