Opposition Leader Jess Wilson confirmed on Tuesday that the Liberals and Nationals will preference One Nation ahead of Labor at this month’s state election.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday morning, Wilson stated that Coalition how-to-vote cards will instruct voters to place Labor, the Greens, and the Victorian Socialists at the bottom of the ballot. This strategy mirrors the Coalition’s approach from the 2022 election. It aims to capture anti-Labor sentiment across much of the state. However, it risks alienating voters in metropolitan and culturally diverse electorates.
The only way to change the government is for a number one next to the Liberals and Nationals,
Wilson said at the press conference.
The default position to preference One Nation is subject to candidate-level scrutiny. Wilson noted that due diligence is underway regarding more than 700 candidates. If a One Nation candidate is found to hold offensive views, the Coalition may preference them lower on a case-by-case basis.
Did You Know? Placing Labor and the Greens at the very end of the ballot paper has consistently been One Nation’s approach.
Coalition preference decisions may spark political backlash
Such a move could trigger negative reactions within specific multicultural or city districts where Pauline Hanson’s movement lacks popularity.
Labor Minister Anthony Carbines argued on Tuesday that the preference arrangement demonstrates that Wilson intends to work cooperatively with One Nation in parliament. Carbines stated that Labor will place One Nation at the bottom of its ticket.
Polling indicates that the Coalition may win a majority government in its own right.
Upcoming Electoral Deadlines
Applications for official how-to-vote cards remain open until noon on November 20. Under electoral rules, only registered cards can be distributed within 400 meters of voting centers on election day.
Questions about how-to-vote card deadlines and Coalition preferences
When is the deadline for how-to-vote cards?
Applications for how-to-vote cards close at noon on November 20. Only registered cards are permitted for distribution within 400 meters of voting centres on election day.
Who will be preferenced ahead of Labor by the Coalition?
The Liberals and Nationals will preference One Nation ahead of Labor as a default position, alongside other parties placed above the bottom of the ticket.
What exceptions apply to the Coalition preference decision?
Wilson confirmed that exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis if due diligence reveals that individual candidates hold offensive views.
How might local preference arrangements shift the balance of power in marginal Victorian electorates?
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