Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has started door-knocking in her Bendigo East electorate months ahead of the state election, signalling that Labor is taking reports of a possible challenge in her long-held seat seriously.
Security footage obtained by media outlets showed Allan distributing campaign material in Bendigo East as preparations begin for Victoria’s state election on November 28. Allan has represented the seat since Labor’s 1999 election victory, but internal polling reports suggest the electorate is no longer being viewed as completely secure.
The early campaign activity has increased focus on Allan’s political position at a time when opinion polls indicate Labor may face a difficult path in its attempt to secure a fourth term in government. Some local residents reportedly reacted negatively to the campaign efforts, with one voter saying they closed the door on her and another describing the move as appearing “desperate”.
Bendigo East has traditionally been a strong Labor seat. During the 2022 state election, Allan secured 48.3 per cent of the primary vote, compared with 27.4 per cent for the Liberal candidate, while One Nation received 5.7 percent.
However, the political environment has changed significantly since then. Recent polling has suggested declining support for Labor, with surveys showing the Coalition leading on a two-party preferred basis and concerns over Allan’s personal popularity affecting voter sentiment.
Additional polling also suggested Labor’s primary vote has fallen, while many voters believe the party should consider a leadership change before the election. Allan’s approval ratings have also been reported as being under pressure.
At the same time, Labor is facing challenges from the growing support of One Nation in regional and outer suburban areas. Analysts say a fragmented vote and changing preference flows could make once-safe seats far more competitive.
Attention has also focused on spending linked to the Premier’s social media promotion, after reports claimed significant funds had been used for Facebook and Instagram advertising. Opposition figures have criticised the expenditure, while Labor maintains that government communication and public information campaigns are standard practice.
Broader concerns among Victorian voters, including debt, cost-of-living pressures, health services, crime and government accountability, are expected to play a major role in the upcoming election campaign.
Labor plans to campaign on its record in infrastructure, health, education, energy and employment, while the Coalition is expected to focus on issues such as debt, taxes, public safety and service delivery.
For Allan, the stakes are both political and personal. A defeat for Labor would end the party’s 12 years in government, while losing Bendigo East would turn the Premier’s own electorate into a symbol of wider voter dissatisfaction across Victoria.
As the election approaches, Bendigo East is increasingly being seen as one of the key battlegrounds to watch. What was once considered a safe Labor seat is now emerging as a major test of Allan’s ability to reconnect with voters.