Labor Holds Werribee Seat but Suffers Major Swing in By-Election

The seat, traditionally a Labor stronghold, saw a dramatic swing of more than 10 per cent away from the party compared to the 2022 state election, when former Labor treasurer Tim Pallas secured a 10.9 per cent margin. Pallas, who won 45 per cent of the primary vote in 2022, stepped away from politics, prompting the by-election.

Labor’s primary vote at this by-election dropped to 28.9 per cent, a clear indication of voter dissatisfaction. Mr Battin described the outcome as a warning to the Allan Labor government, stating that “you can’t keep neglecting the west.”

“There is a very strong message in this campaign and this election,” Battin said. “And that’s a message for the Allan Labor government, you can’t keep neglecting the west.”

The election result follows a series of setbacks for Labor, particularly in Victoria’s western suburbs. Residents have voiced frustration over inadequate infrastructure, congestion, and underfunded public services. Recent controversies, including the state government’s handling of police resources and local transport issues, have further eroded confidence in Labor’s leadership.

Victorian government minister Gabrielle Williams acknowledged the outcome, confirming that John Lister would be Werribee’s next representative in parliament. She expressed confidence in Lister’s ability to advocate for the community while also recognising the need for reflection.

“We’re very pleased about that and we know that John is going to use his experience advocating for his local community over the course of the campaign, to take that strong voice for Werribee into the Victorian parliament,” Williams said. “We know there’s more to do, we’re listening, we have been listening, and we are very much focused on continuing to do the work that Victorians are asking us to do, and that the people of Werribee have demanded that we do, and we have taken that very seriously.”

Lister, a local teacher, thanked the community for their support and assured residents that their voices had been heard.

“We’ve heard the message from voters loud and clear. We need more, and the work hasn’t stopped and we will continue,” he said. “What I can assure everyone who’s voted in this election is I will be in your corner every day fighting for what Werribee needs.”

The by-election result signals a shift in political sentiment in Melbourne’s west, highlighting growing discontent with the Labor government’s performance in the region.