Labor narrowly holds on to seat of Werribee despite huge drop in support

Labor has declared victory in Werribee — retaining the seat it has held since 1979 — but a huge swing against the government has sent shockwaves through the ALP.

Labor has declared victory in Werribee, retaining the seat it has held since 1979.

But the win came with a massive 16.6 per cent swing against the government signalling a massive collapse in support in the heartland seat that has sent shockwaves throughout the ALP.

Labor’s John Lister narrowly beat the Liberal Party’s Steve Murphy by just a few hundred votes.

While voters flocked from Labor, the Liberal Party increased its primary vote share by just 3.6 per cent, with support increasing for minor parties and independents.

Mr Lister, alongside public transport minister Gabrielle Williams, will hold his first press conference as the winning candidate after lunch.

The Werribee by-election was prompted by the retirement of former Treasurer Tim Pallas in December.

Labor’s John Lister beat the Liberal Party’s Steve Murphy by just a few hundred votes. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Outer Melbourne Councils — a peak body representing 1.6m residents across 10 municipalities — said the result highlighted a growing frustration with infrastructure and service delivery across Melbourne’s broader outer suburban region.

“The result in Werribee needs to be a wake up call for all MPs and candidates in electorates across Melbourne’s outer suburbs,” an OMC spokesman said.

“People living across outer Melbourne — east, west, north or south — should have access to jobs, services and infrastructure no matter where they live.

“But investment isn’t keeping up with community need.”

Outer Melbourne Councils says voters have turned their back on the government over frustrations with transport, housing and safety. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

OMC said voters had turned their back on the government because of frustrations over with transport congestion, housing, overwhelmed services and community safety.

Several federal Labor MPs and party insiders fear their second spot on the Victorian Senate ticket could be in jeopardy after the state party’s primary vote plummeted at the Werribee by-election.

Premier Jacinta Allan was a notable absence from Mr Lister’s first official press conference in Werribee on Friday afternoon.

The Werribee by-election was prompted by the retirement of former Treasurer Tim Pallas in December. Picture: Aaron Francis

Instead, Mr Lister was flanked by senior minister Gabrielle Williams who was forced to defend the Premier’s whereabouts.

“I understand the Premier has other engagements. As you would imagine, her diary is very full,” she said.

“Our Premier is absolutely committed to making sure that our government continues to help people where they’re at (and) to understand their challenges.”

John Lister at the by-election after-party with Premier Jacinta Allan. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Ms Williams said the government was acutely aware of the community’s frustrations, as evident by the final Werribee vote.

“We will be doing more and we will be listening to what communities are telling us they need,” she said.

Mr Lister, who said he had spoken to Ms Allan on Friday morning, vowed to hit the ground running.

“What the people of Werribee are going to see is me out every day, as often as I can, talking to them, taking their concerns to government and advocating for what they need,” he said.

“As I’ve gone around to all corners of this electorate, I’ve been reminded of how amazing this place is.”

Mr Lister said cost of living was the biggest issue raised by his community, followed also by concerns around traffic and crime.

Mr Lister, a CFA volunteer, said he was up at 3am on Friday morning responding to a grass fire in Wyndham Vale.

He said he would remain a volunteer.

“We still need to get trucks out the door,” he said.

It’s not yet clear whether Mr Lister will be sworn into parliament next week.

Originally published as Labor narrowly holds on to seat of Werribee despite huge drop in support