Neos Kosmos is hosting an open candidates forum in Melbourne on 29 October, ahead of the Victorian state election. Six candidates from Labor, the Liberals, the Greens, the Victorian Socialists and independents will take part. Political reporter Benita Kolovos will moderate the discussion. Candidates will introduce themselves, answer questions, then take questions from the audience. The event is free to attend on registration, with doors opening at 6pm at the Greek Community of Melbourne.
A video piece argues that Victoria's upcoming state election will be historic regardless of which side wins. The source material is largely a list of related headlines rather than a full analysis, so the specific reasoning is not set out. Those headlines touch on the Labor government and the Coalition, the rising profile of One Nation, a proposed public transport fare cap, and free abortion access. Other items cover disputed campaign tactics, immigration debate among Indian diaspora voters, and a Covid grants scandal. The overall picture is of a campaign shaped by competing policy promises and contested political conduct.
Tasmanian Labor leader Josh Willie says he is staying on despite internal friction over Braddon MP Shane Broad's online posts. Broad, from the party's right faction, called parliament chaotic and said it was being steered by the Greens and independents, who he argues represent only a minority of Tasmanians. He called for a Labor party able to win a majority of seats. Broad lost the 2021 leadership contest to David O'Byrne, and it is unclear whether he has support from other MPs or members to mount another challenge.
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Victorian state MPs from across the political spectrum have called for increased security after reporting threats to themselves, their families, staff and volunteers. Premier Ben Carroll plans to meet the electoral commissioner about security for the November 28 poll, and a special cabinet meeting is reportedly planned. Former premier Jacinta Allan said in August that she worried an MP would be killed. Some MPs say social media has escalated abuse, and some are considering stepping back from politics.
Community leaders in Bendigo have set up Voices for Bendigo, an independent group that says it has no plans to run a candidate in the Victorian state election. Spokesperson Claire Flanagan-Smith said the group wants more residents of Bendigo East and Bendigo West to take part in politics, describing it as a community movement for people who feel disconnected. Sue Fricke, a representative of the group, said it would continue after the election but is not a political campaign and does not endorse any person or party.
Vikki Campion, a News Corp columnist and wife of federal One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, has begun working as a part-time media adviser for the party's New South Wales executive ahead of the March state election. Campion said she works as a contractor and reports to the state executive, which she described as separate from the federal party. She said she has no plans to run as a candidate. Campion continues to write a weekly column for the Saturday Telegraph, which said the role was a natural extension of her career as a conservative commentator.
The Victorian Liberals are heading into November's state election united after years of factional conflict. Leader Jess Wilson, the party's first millennial leader, is seen by one pollster as well placed to become premier. Recent polling put the Liberal-National coalition at 27 per cent, ahead of Labor on 25 per cent and One Nation on 23 per cent. Analysts say the coalition's dealings with One Nation remain a key question, and Ms Wilson has ruled out any alliance with the party.
