Victorian State Election 2026 Party Pledges

Election Priorities In Victoria

As the November 28 state election approaches, the Labor government and the Liberal-National Coalition, alongside the Greens and One Nation, have detailed extensive platforms to win voter support. Key areas of contention include public safety, healthcare access, and the management of state infrastructure.

Crime And Public Safety

Labor intends to recruit 1,500 police officers and establish a second police academy in Wyndham. They are proposing stricter sentences for serious offenses and a $170 million unit to combat organized crime. The Coalition proposes a more aggressive approach, pledging 3,000 new officers and the reopening of over 40 police stations. They also plan to introduce laws targeting organized crime leaders and reform the bail system with a one-strike rule for those offending while on bail.

The Greens advocate for a $1 billion investment in community safety and crime prevention, focusing on early intervention and raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14. One Nation suggests offering sign-on bonuses to veterans and interstate officers to boost police numbers, while proposing that children charged with serious violent crimes be treated as adults.

Health And Social Services

Healthcare promises vary significantly across the spectrum. Labor is centering its campaign on free public dental care through 10 new clinics and expanding maternity services in Melbourne’s west. The Coalition is prioritizing the reduction of elective surgery waitlists with a $1.27 billion investment and significant upgrades to regional hospitals in areas like Drouin East and Mildura.

The Greens propose making all dental care free via 20 public clinics and mandating that a portion of the health budget be dedicated to prevention. One Nation aims to reduce hospital administration to increase frontline staffing and proposes a families funding package for expectant mothers.

Infrastructure And Transport

Road maintenance is a primary concern, with Labor pledging to fix 500,000 potholes and upgrade several major freeways. The Coalition has promised $5 billion for road repairs and the fixing of one million potholes. The Greens suggest bringing road management back into government hands and expanding safe bike routes, while One Nation proposes a public portal for reporting potholes.

Transport debates are dominated by the Suburban Rail Loop. Labor remains committed to the project but seeks $2 billion in savings. The Coalition intends to pause and review the project, instead investing $1.7 billion in hybrid electric trains. One Nation seeks to cancel the loop entirely to fund the Airport Rail Link and the electrification of the Melton Line.

Education And Environment

In education, Labor is focusing on curriculum reform and funding for school uniforms and breakfasts. The Coalition proposes 10 new technical schools and three select-entry high schools. The Greens advocate for completely free public schools and universities, while One Nation proposes a school voucher system and a knowledge-rich syllabus.

Environmental policies show a deep divide. Labor targets net-zero emissions by 2045. The Coalition maintains this target but would repeal the ban on home gas and cancel certain transmission projects. The Greens propose a moratorium on AI data centers and a ban on native forest logging. One Nation intends to scrap all net-zero targets and repeal the ban on nuclear energy.

Housing And Cost Of Living

Labor plans to build 26,500 homes for first-time buyers and gradually roll back land tax. The Coalition would reverse land tax increases to 2023 levels and expand the Capital City Zone for more inner-city housing. The Greens propose a two-year rent freeze and the abolition of street auctions. One Nation suggests increasing the foreign purchaser duty and easing restrictions on granny flats.

To address the cost of living, Labor proposes weekly caps on public transport and toll roads. The Coalition focuses on cutting various taxes, including payroll taxes on schools. The Greens suggest energy-efficiency vouchers for households, while One Nation proposes abolishing stamp duty on insurance and providing sports vouchers for children.