Crime issue may bring Labor undone. How have rising rates affected your suburb?
The Victorian Labor government faces political pressure as crime rates in Melbourne and regional areas reach decade-highs. Voters are increasingly concerned about law and order, which may impact the upcoming November 28 election.
Why it matters
Rising crime statistics are becoming a central issue in regional politics, potentially threatening the incumbency of the Labor party.
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Share A A A Throughout Labor’s 12 years in government in Victoria, crime has been a chronic political problem for the party. Over its three terms, three premiers have ridden the crime-rate rollercoaster, flipping from progressive policies to blunt crackdowns amid escalating voter anxiety.
The state’s crime rate hit a record high in 2025, coinciding with erosion of the party’s primary vote. If the polls are to be believed, law and order will be a decisive factor when voters decide on November 28 whether to turf Labor out.
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