In short:
Labor is stepping up its attacks in Victoria as One Nation’s rising support begins to reshape the election contest, including in Wyndham. The growing vote is raising pressure on both major parties ahead of November.
One Nation Rise Unsettling Political Landscape
Signs of nervousness are emerging within the Allan Labor Government as One Nation’s vote looms as a potential disruptor ahead of Victoria’s November election.
Labor figures have begun targeting the Liberal Party over its positioning, accusing it of chasing the same voters as One Nation, despite no formal preference deals being confirmed.
The shift follows the South Australian election, where One Nation secured 22.6 per cent of first preference votes, overtaking the Liberals on 19.2 per cent after a significant swing.
The result has heightened concern within Labor ranks about whether a similar result could unfold in Victoria.
Speaking in Parliament, Laverton MP Sarah Connolly criticised the Liberal Party.
“They might use softer words but they are chasing the same votes.”
“I call them the Liberal One Nation misinformation Coalition. That is exactly, exactly what they are and they must be called out for it.”
“When Peter Dutton, remember him, singled out Lebanese Muslims, Jacinta Price singled out Indian Australians and we saw it only weeks ago when Renee Heath from the other place stood in this Parliament, talking about who is a good Muslim and who is a bad Muslim.
“It is that kind of language from those opposite divisive and divides people. It feeds exactly the same kind of politics that One Nation thrives upon.”
Headaches For Labor in Wyndham
Premier Jacinta Allan has also previously accused Liberal leader Jess Wilson of moving closer to One Nation, though no preference arrangements have been outlined by either side.
At the same time, Labor is facing criticism over its own tactics, including claims taxpayer-funded multicultural events are being used to promote government messaging.
There is also ongoing speculation about internal pressure on Allan’s leadership and renewed calls for a royal commission into the CFMEU.
Despite the attacks, the focus remains on One Nation’s growing vote.
Estimates suggest the party could attract between 20 and 25 per cent of the vote in Victoria, placing it in contention alongside Labor and the Liberals and raising the prospect of a more fractured contest.
In Wyndham, where multicultural communities play a significant role in election outcomes, the debate carries added political weight.
Labor’s position in Werribee tightened following a swing against the party at last year’s by-election.
With no preference deals confirmed and One Nation’s vote trending upward, Labor’s messaging suggests a party increasingly concerned about where those votes may land.
