DUNKLEY — The 2025 federal election is underway, and voters in the marginal Victorian seat of Dunkley have just hours left to cast their ballots. Polling booths close at 6:00pm, and anyone still in line at that time will be allowed to vote.
The contest between Labor’s Jodie Belyea and Liberal challenger Nathan Conroy is being closely watched across the nation, with Dunkley regarded as one of the key federal electorates the Albanese Government must retain to maintain a parliamentary majority.
A Rematch in a High-Stakes Marginal
Dunkley, which includes Frankston, Seaford, Carrum Downs and parts of the Mornington Peninsula, has been a political battleground since the 2024 by-election following the death of former Labor MP Peta Murphy.
In that contest, Jodie Belyea held the seat for Labor but suffered a 3.6% swing to the Liberals, reducing the margin to just 2.7%. This time, with a general election in play and national swings in outer-suburban areas, the stakes are higher than ever.
Local Issues Shaping the Vote
Voters in Dunkley have cited cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, and crime as top priorities. These are common issues across Melbourne’s outer suburbs but are particularly acute in Frankston and its surrounds.
- Nathan Conroy is campaigning on economic reform and public safety.
- Jodie Belyea has pointed to Labor’s infrastructure investments and support services in the region.
👉 Cost of Living Report – News.com.au
Full Candidate List (Ballot Paper Order)
Eight candidates are contesting Dunkley:
- Nathan Conroy – Liberal
- Robert Thurley – Independent
- Jessica Davis – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation
- Peter Nicholes – Family First
- Matt Maber – The Greens
- Andrew Gatley – FUSION (Planet Rescue, Whistleblower Protection, Innovation)
- Jodie Belyea – Australian Labor Party
- Lisa Abbott – Legalise Cannabis Party
Last Chance to Vote
Polling places opened at 8:00am and will close at 6:00pm. Voters must be in the queue before the cut-off time to be eligible.
📍 Local voting centres include:
- Frankston High School
- Seaford North Primary
- Carrum Downs Secondary
- Karingal Primary
- Mount Erin Secondary
🗳 Visit the AEC website to confirm your polling place.
Result May Signal National Trend
Dunkley is seen as a bellwether seat, and the outcome here could set the tone for the broader Victorian result. A loss for Labor in Dunkley would place pressure on the government’s majority, while a win would be seen as validation of its performance in suburban seats.
Counting will begin as soon as polls close, with early trends expected tonight. A definitive result may not be declared until Monday or even later next week depending on the margin.
