Victorian election 2022: Bass, Western Victoria seats in play

Several regional seats are still in doubt but key ministerial jobs have been confirmed, ahead of a solitary Spring St sitting day.

A political pinball game of preferences is leaving Western Victoria’s fifth seat in play, with a winner to be determined soon.

Legalise Cannabis candidate Andrew Dowling was leading the race yesterday afternoon, ahead of Derryn Hinch Party MP Stuart Grimley and Greens candidate Sarah Mansfield.

If successful, Mr Dowling would join two other Legalise Cannabis MPs in the upper house, following the minor party’s success at last month’s state election.

Winners for the upper house are set to be announced by the Victorian Electoral Commission on December 13 at what is dubbed a button pushing event.

Reason Party's Fiona Patten, Jeff Bourman from Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party Victoria and Transport Matters Party's Rodney Barton vote in the Legislative Council at Parliament House in Melbourne. Picture Andrew Henshaw

With victorious candidates then confirmed, state parliament set to return for a single day on December 20.

Both the eastern and northern Victoria regions in the upper house will send minor party MPs to Spring Street following last month’s election.

Shooters Party MP Jeff Bourman returns as the fifth spot winner in Eastern Victoria while One Nation candidate Rikki-Lee Tyrrell and Animal Justice candidate Georgie Purcell are set to win the fourth and fifth seats for Northern Victoria.

The only lower house seat in doubt appears to be Bass, with Labor MP Jordan Crugnale ahead of Liberal Party candidate Aaron Brown at the time of publication.

On Monday, Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney and Water Minister Harriet Shing were reconfirmed in their respective portfolios at a ceremony at Government House.

Williamstown MP Melissa Horne takes over the roads ministry from Ben Carroll in the new-look Andrews cabinet.