Labor dominated the 2022 election, but polling indicates a swing to the opposition and a much tighter contest this time around.
On a two-party preferred basis, analysts describe the current position as either very close, or a slight coalition lead, with Labor’s vote softening in outer Melbourne suburban seats, some regional areas and mortgage-belt electorates.
Polls consistently point to five issues driving voter concern: cost of living, housing affordability, health system waiting times, crime and youth offending, and state debt and infrastructure spending.
Ovens Valley MP, Tim McCurdy has his sights squarely on regional infrastructure spending, which he says has been overlooked for too long.
Mr McCurdy said a Coalition government would guarantee to work closely with the Federal Government, the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority and the NSW Government, to see the new Yarrawonga Mulwala Bridge was finally delivered.
“After more than 11 years of delay from Labor just to confirm the route, our focus will be on making sure the project is ready to proceed as soon as federal funding becomes available," he said.
“Communities across the Ovens Valley are continually missing out on critical infrastructure investment and a future Nationals and Liberal government would restore fairness through a new Fair Share Guarantee.”
The guarantee would ensure regional Victoria received 25 per cent of all new government infrastructure spending, reflecting the one in four Victorians who live in regional communities.
“For years, Labor has treated regional Victoria as an afterthought,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Regional families pay their taxes just like everyone else, yet our roads, hospitals, schools and community infrastructure continue to be neglected while billions are poured into Melbourne projects.”
Under the Fair Share Guarantee, 25 per cent of all new Victorian Government infrastructure expenditure would be directed towards regional projects including roads, schools, hospitals, emergency services, mental health facilities and other essential community infrastructure.
Mr McCurdy said Independent Parliamentary Budget Office analysis found that less than 12 per cent of infrastructure spending in the 2025-26 State Budget was allocated to regional Victoria.
“Our region contributes enormously to Victoria through agriculture, tourism and small business, yet we continue to miss out on the investment we deserve,” he said.
“This is not a promise; it is a guarantee that regional Victoria will finally get its fair share.”
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