STPL News is running an ongoing “Rate Your MP” community survey to track what residents want prioritised in 2026 and how people describe their day-to-day experience with local representation.
We are not publishing individual MP scores at this stage. Instead, we are releasing an interim snapshot of the issues residents most want action on, based on responses received so far.
This early data will continue to evolve as more locals participate.
Hastings: Crime, roads and cost of living dominate
In Hastings, respondents most frequently selected:
- Crime and safety: 88.9%
- Roads and transport: 77.8%
- Cost of living: 66.7%
- Housing: 55.6%
- Jobs and the economy: 55.6%
Just over half of Hastings respondents, 55.6%, said they have contacted their MP or their office for help or support, indicating many residents are drawing on direct experiences as well as broader impressions.
Mornington: Cost of living and roads tie for top concern
In Mornington, the most selected issues were:
- Cost of living: 66.7%
- Roads and transport: 66.7%
- Crime and safety: 57.1%
- Housing: 42.9%
- Jobs and the economy: 38.1%
A second tier of concerns also featured regularly:
- Health: 28.6%
- Education: 23.8%
- Environment and coast: 23.8%
In Mornington, 57.1% of respondents reported contacting their MP or office for help or support.
Frankston: Cost of living and crime lead, with education and housing close behind
In Frankston, early responses most frequently nominated:
- Cost of living: 80.0%
- Crime and safety: 80.0%
- Education: 60.0%
- Housing: 60.0%
Other issues were also raised:
- Health: 40.0%
- Jobs and the economy: 40.0%
- Planning and development: 40.0%
In Frankston, 60.0% of respondents said they have contacted their MP or office for help or support.
What the early pattern suggests
Across Hastings, Mornington and Frankston, the interim results show a consistent theme:
- Cost of living is a leading concern in every electorate.
- Crime and safety and roads and transport are high priorities across the region.
- Housing features strongly across all three electorates.
- A substantial share of respondents say they have sought help directly from their MP’s office.
Have your say
The survey remains open, and STPL News will continue to report on what residents raise as participation increases.
You do not need to have contacted an MP’s office to take part. The survey asks about priorities, communication, engagement and experiences where applicable.
Take the survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ov4vfeeWhRbCIEIUdEy0nI_lPK-Qkk1zBSNQi4ohad4/viewform
How this data was collected
STPL News’ “Rate Your MP” survey is an ongoing, voluntary community survey open to residents of Hastings, Mornington and Frankston. Participants are asked about local priorities, communication, engagement and their experiences with their MP’s office. Responses may be used in reporting with identities kept private unless explicit permission is provided. Percentages reflect early responses received to date and may change as more residents participate. A separate, modified survey for Nepean will be launched once the by-election result is announced.
