Victorian Labor's Open Ticket in Prahran Risks Liberal-One Nation 2026

Victorian Labor's decision to run an open ticket in the inner-Melbourne seat of Prahran has ignited a political firestorm, with the Greens warning it could inadvertently deliver government to a Liberal-One Nation coalition. Greens leader Ellen Sandell called the move "frankly unforgivable," arguing that Labor is showing its true colours by refusing to direct preferences to the minor party in a seat it lost in a 2025 byelection.

The controversy centres on Labor's how-to-vote material, which will encourage voters to place candidate Meghan Hopper first but leave the remaining boxes blank. This means Labor supporters will not receive guidance on where to allocate their preferences, a decision that could have significant ramifications in a seat held by Liberal Rachel Westaway on a razor-thin 1.3% margin.

Why Labor's Open Ticket Matters in Prahran

Prahran is a key battleground where preference flows could determine the outcome. The Greens lost the seat in a 2025 byelection despite a 13.4% swing in their favour, a result influenced by Labor's decision not to field a candidate and unfavourable preference flows from other candidates, including former Labor MP Tony Lupton, who ran as an independent.

Now, with Labor back in the race, its preferences are seen as crucial for the Greens to reclaim the seat. By running an open ticket, Labor is effectively stepping back from the contest, leaving its voters to make their own choices. Sandell argues this could inadvertently help the Liberals and One Nation not only secure Prahran but also form government.

The Numbers Behind the Risk

The 1.3% margin makes Prahran one of the most marginal seats in Victoria. In such a tight contest, even a small shift in preferences can be decisive. The Greens believe that without Labor's explicit guidance, some center-left voters may preference the Liberals ahead of the Greens, or simply not know how to best support a progressive alternative.

This risk is amplified by the presence of One Nation, whose preferences could flow to the Liberals. If Labor voters don't follow a recommended preference flow, the combined Liberal and One Nation vote could surpass the Greens, delivering the seat to the conservatives.

The Greens' Response and Broader Implications

Sandell's criticism underscores the growing tension between Labor and the Greens in Victoria. The Greens have long been a thorn in Labor's side, but the two parties often rely on each other's preferences to defeat the Liberals in inner-city seats.

Labor's open ticket could signal a willingness to distance itself from the Greens, perhaps in an attempt to appeal to moderate voters who are wary of the minor party. However, the Greens argue that this strategy is short-sighted and could backfire spectacularly by handing power to a coalition that includes One Nation, a party with controversial views on a range of issues.

What This Means for Voters

For voters in Prahran, the open ticket means they will need to inform themselves about the candidates and their preferences. Without Labor's guidance, they must decide where to direct their second, third, and subsequent preferences. This places a greater burden on voters to understand the political landscape and the potential consequences of their choices.

It also raises questions about the role of how-to-vote cards in modern elections. Some argue that open tickets empower voters, while others contend that they create confusion and lead to unintended outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Victorian Labor's open ticket in Prahran leaves preferences blank, potentially aiding the Liberals and One Nation.
• The Greens need Labor preferences to win back the seat they lost in a 2025 byelection.
• Prahran is held by the Liberals on a 1.3% margin, making it highly marginal.
• Greens leader Ellen Sandell calls Labor's decision "frankly unforgivable."
• The outcome could influence which party forms government after the election.

Comparing Preference Strategies

What to Watch Next

As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Prahran and how voters respond to Labor's open ticket. The Greens will be hoping that their message resonates and that voters will choose to support them despite the lack of official guidance. Meanwhile, the Liberals will be looking to capitalise on any confusion or apathy among progressive voters.

The broader implications for Victorian politics are significant. If Labor's strategy backfires and the Liberals win Prahran with One Nation's support, it could embolden the conservatives and weaken Labor's position. On the other hand, if the Greens prevail, it would validate their approach and send a warning to Labor about the risks of alienating its traditional allies.

This is not the first time preferences have caused controversy in Victoria. Recently, the Victorian Liberals' One Nation preference deal shook up key seats, drawing criticism from various quarters. The debate over preferences is likely to intensify as the election draws nearer.

For those following the unfolding saga, it's worth noting that James Ashby has denied any One Nation-Labor preference deal in Victoria, a claim that adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Meanwhile, the disendorsement of Moira Deeming as a Victorian Liberal candidate has further destabilised the political landscape. The background to this story is set out in Victorian Election: Cost Pressures Threaten Labor Heartland. A related thread runs through James Ashby Denies One Nation-Labor Preference Deal in Victoria. Earlier coverage in Australian Unions Turn on Labor Ahead of Victorian Election shows how the argument developed.

Scrutiny of political dealings is also high, with the ICAC hearing a Labor councillor's fear over a Liberal fundraiser, highlighting the tensions beneath the surface. These developments, combined with Australia news like unmarked graves and a supermarket nationalisation plan, paint a picture of a volatile political environment. A closer look at the same subject appears in Victorian Labor Puts Abortion Access on Election Agenda. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Muslim Votes Matter Softens Anti-Labor Stance for Victorian Election. The same theme surfaces in Pauline Hanson’s Comments Spark Political Firestorm in Australia, which takes a different angle.

Ultimately, the decision in Prahran could have ripple effects far beyond the seat itself. Voters will need to weigh the risks and make their voices heard. Context on how this played out before sits in Victorian Labor's Union Trust Crisis Threatens Election Campaign. A companion piece, Socialist Teachers Target Victorian Labor MPs in State Election, approaches the same subject from another angle.

FAQ