Questions remain whether Victoria's election is tackling the big issues
Both the Coalition and Labor argue this election is the most consequential in the Victoria's history, but it's lacking stand-out moments or generation-defining policies.
Victoria's election campaign is currently lacking standout moments or generation-defining policies, despite both parties arguing that this election is the most consequential in the state's history. Crime remains a major issue for voters, with Victoria's crime rate rising over the past four years. The Coalition and Labor both emphasize law-and-order and mental health as key factors in their campaigns, with the latter highlighting the impact of inadequate mental health services.
Recent research suggests that about one in three homicides in Victoria in 2024 and 2025 were committed by people with psychosis, a significant increase from previous years. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of people with psychotic illnesses are more likely to be victims than perpetrators, and mental illness should not be stigmatized.
With the election just two weeks away, it would be beneficial for political leaders to address the actual drivers of the increase in crime, such as inadequate mental health services.
Brief written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
