Labor and the Liberals are celebrating their local campaigns during the Dunkley by-election, with both sides finding positives despite the swing against the Albanese government. Community leader Jodie Belyea secured the Victorian seat for Labor, even though there was nearly a four percent swing away from the government in Saturday’s by-election, which was triggered by the death of MP Peta Murphy in December.
The Liberals acknowledge that they fell short in the election, but they view the swing against the government as a positive sign for the upcoming general election, scheduled for May 2025. The margin in the seat was reduced from 6.3 percent to 2.5 percent, making it one of the most marginal seats in Victoria. Liberal frontbencher Jane Hume expressed pride in their campaign and optimism about their chances in the next election, especially since their primary vote was the highest in a decade.
Despite the swing against Labor, Jodie Belyea saw a slight increase in the primary vote, reaching almost 41 percent. Frankston Mayor Nathan Conroy also experienced a significant increase in people supporting the Liberals, with their vote rising to just over 39 percent. Cabinet minister Jason Clare cautioned against drawing too many conclusions from a single by-election, emphasizing that they can be challenging for governments.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended Jodie Belyea for running a strong campaign during the by-election. Albanese joined Belyea at a polling station on his 61st birthday and praised her integrity and passion for making a difference in her community. Belyea, a self-described “mum from Frankston with two dogs and a mortgage,” promised to be a strong local voice in Canberra.
Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley used the election result to urge the prime minister to address the cost-of-living crisis, emphasizing the need for concrete action on this pressing issue.