Victorian Opposition leader Jess Wilson has moved into a strong position ahead of the State election, with the latest Newspoll showing her party leading Labor by 10 points on a two-party preferred basis.
The poll, conducted by Pryxis Polling & Insights for The Australian, puts the Coalition ahead 55-45. The latest figures represent an increase from the Coalition’s lead at 52-48 recorded in July and 10-point swing away from Labor since the 2022 election.
Labor’s primary vote has fallen four percentage points to 24 per cent since the previous poll, conducted in the final days of Jacinta Allen’s premiership.
Meanwhile, the Coalitions’s primary vote has risen three points to 33 per cent, suggesting the Opposition is strengthening its position.
One Nation also recorded an increase, gaining one percentage point to reach 20 per cent. Similarly, the Greens have risen by one point, bringing their primary vote to 14 per cent.
Ms Wilson edged ahead of Ben Carroll 48 per cent to 34 per cent as preferred premier, with 18 per cent of voters undecided.
The findings suggest Labor faces a growing challenge to retain government, as support for the Coalition and One Nation puts further pressure on the party.
If elected premier when Victoria heads to the polls on 28 November, Ms Wilson would inherit significant economic challenges, including managing the State’s debt, and addressing financial pressures that have built up over recent years.
Speaking to Sunrise on Monday morning, Ms Wilson said “turning the State around” would not be an easy task, but the Coalition’s 100-day plan would start delivering change from the moment it took office.
“We need a majority Liberal and Nationals government to get straight to work,” Ms Wilson told host Natalie Barr.
“A strong government, a competent government, that is ready to start from day one. And that’s what my focus is.
“That’s why we have a 100 day plan to get straight to work and to make sure we start turning this Sate around immediately.”
Ms Wilson said she was aware of the challenges facing the State, but said the Coalition was prepared to put in the work.
“It will take time, and I’ll always be upfront about the challenges that this State faces,” Ms Wilson added.
“We have a plan to recall the Parliament before Christmas, to put in place our strong new veil and sentencing laws, real adult crime adult time, to make sure that we are reducing crime this side of Christmas.
“And I’ve said, we will sit on Christmas Eve to get this done, because my priority is to keep Victorians safe.”
Meanwhile Health Minister Mark Butler said Victorian Premier Ben Carroll was facing a tough fight ahead to retain office.
“Well, after 12 years, and some of the very difficult years for Victoria, particularly through COVID, it’s no surprise that this is going to be an uphill battle for Ben Carroll and the Labor team,” Mr Butler told the ABC.
“I do say the campaign hasn’t yet started, and campaigns can change things.
“But I think everyone recognises this is gonna be a tough one for Victorian Labor, but then Carroll’s working to his utmost to make sure he puts an alternative, compelling vision for the Victorian people to consider in the election.”
If the Coalition is voted in, the result would end 12 years of Labor rule in Victoria.
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