The Victorian Greens have condemned Labor’s decision to run an open preference ticket in Prahran, warning it could hand the seat to a Liberal-One Nation coalition in an election that could hinge on just a fraction of votes.
Ellen Sandell, leader of the Greens in Victoria, described Labor’s move on Tuesday as “frankly unforgivable.” Prahran, an inner Melbourne electorate, is currently held by Liberal MP Rachel Westaway on a razor-thin margin of 1.3%. The seat has long been a battleground where preference flows have determined outcomes.
Labor’s choice to withhold preferences from the Greens in Prahran breaks with previous arrangements where progressive parties have exchanged preferences to consolidate votes against right-wing rivals. Sandell warned this decision risks splitting the progressive vote in a contest where every preference counts.
The Greens leader’s criticism came as the state gears up for what is shaping as a close election. A coalition between the Liberals and One Nation could gain power if Labor fails to sufficiently secure inner-city seats like Prahran. The minor party’s concerns highlight ongoing tensions between Labor and the Greens over electoral strategy and preference deals.
Prahran’s electorate has historically leaned progressive but has seen fluctuating support among major and minor parties. Westaway’s current 1.3% margin over challengers signals the seat’s volatility. Analysts say the distribution of preferences could be decisive, especially with One Nation contesting strongly in several seats.
Labor’s decision to run an open ticket means voters will not see a Labor-endorsed preference for the Greens on their ballots. This contrasts with past elections where preferences were directed to consolidate the left-leaning vote. Sandell’s remarks suggest the Greens view this as a strategic error that could weaken progressive representation.
The Greens have long campaigned on environmental and social justice issues that often overlap with Labor’s base, but the refusal to preference them in Prahran appears to have deepened divisions. This development could impact not only Prahran but also signal Labor’s broader approach to minor parties in metropolitan areas.
The Victorian election is less than a month away, and the outcome in marginal seats like Prahran will be closely watched. The Greens have framed Labor’s preference strategy as potentially handing power to a coalition that includes One Nation, a party with starkly different policy priorities.
Sandell’s statement on Tuesday made clear the Greens’ frustration but did not indicate whether the party plans to alter its own preference recommendations. The unfolding preference battle underscores the tactical complexities in close contests and the impact of minor parties on election results.
The Labor Party has not publicly responded to the Greens’ critique of its preference decisions in Prahran. With the electorate’s margin so narrow, the debate over preferences could prove decisive in determining the state’s next government.
According to The Guardian.
