Local Schools Affected By Victorian Teachers Strike Over Pay And Conditions
Local schools across the Mornington Peninsula were affected as teachers, principals and education support staff joined a statewide strike over pay and conditions.
Category Politics
Political related news across the Mornington Peninsula & Frankston
SA Labor Win Overshadowed by One Nation Surge, Raising Questions for Victoria
Labor has won comfortably in South Australia, but the bigger story is One Nation’s surge and the collapse of the Liberal vote. With similar political conditions emerging in Victoria, the Nepean by-election is now shaping as an early test ahead of the November state election.
Nepean By-Election Nominations Open As Candidate Field Begins To Take Shape
Candidate nominations have officially opened for the Nepean District by-election, with the Victorian Electoral Commission urging prospective contenders to move quickly ahead of the April deadlines. The by-election will be held on Saturday 2 May. VEC Opens Formal Nomination Process…
Liberal Party Accused Of Double Standards As Anthony Marsh Signs Appear On Council Land In Rosebud
Anthony Marsh campaign signs appear to be on council land in Rosebud, raising questions over compliance and double standards in the Nepean by-election.
Nepean race rocked as leaked texts reveal Anthony Marsh backed Labor
The Nepean by-election campaign has been thrown into fresh controversy after leaked text messages revealed Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh privately backed a Labor candidate during the 2022 Victorian state election.
Nepean candidate Peter Angelico outlines business-focused pitch in by-election campaign
Libertarian candidate Peter Angelico says his Nepean by-election campaign will focus on business pressures, local infrastructure and growing voter frustration with the major parties.
Darren Hercus says One Nation will not play ‘support role’ in Nepean
One Nation candidate Darren Hercus says the party does not want to play a support role in the Nepean by-election, instead pitching itself as a genuine contender while campaigning on cost of living, housing, crime and Rosebud Hospital.
Nepean By-election 2026: Candidates Announced
Five candidates have announced campaigns for the 2026 Nepean by-election following the resignation of Sam Groth. STPL News is tracking the candidates and key developments as the campaign unfolds.
Fact check: Did Anthony Marsh increase road funding by 72% as stated in Jess Wilson’s video?
A claim that Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh increased road funding by 72% is examined against council records, budgets and procurement documents. The fact check looks at when the increase occurred and what decisions led to the higher spending.
Tracee Hutchison Announced Independent Bid for Nepean By‑Election
Rosebud local Tracee Hutchison has launched her campaign as a community independent in the Nepean state by-election. She will contest against Liberal candidate and MPSC mayor Anthony Marsh, Darren Hercus, Libertarian Peter Angelico, and the Greens candidate. Hutchison pledges to fight for local healthcare, ensure fair government spending, and be the first woman to represent Nepean.
Interim Results: “Rate Your State MP” Survey
STPL News has published an interim snapshot of results from the Rate Your State MP survey, covering Hastings, Mornington and Frankston for the 2022–2026 term. The survey is ongoing and voluntary. See response totals, key themes and interim grades, and take the survey.
Liberal Party Preselection Candidate Resigns & Nominates for One Nation in Hastings
Former Liberal Party member Shane Osborne has confirmed to STPL News he has nominated to run for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in Hastings after withdrawing from Liberal preselection and resigning his membership. The Liberals have not announced a candidate at publication time.
Nepean By-election: Liberals go all-in on Anthony Marsh as One Nation moves in
The Nepean by-election is set for 2 May after Sam Groth’s resignation. Labor is not running, One Nation has named Darren Hercus, and a Roy Morgan poll shows One Nation leading in Victoria. Anthony Marsh’s past statements and a verified how-to-vote card have added scrutiny as the May by-election and November state election approaches.
Mayor Anthony Marsh Selected as Liberal Candidate for Nepean By-election
Anthony Marsh has been confirmed as the Liberal Party’s candidate for Nepean, after weeks of reporting on his preselection bid and internal division within local party ranks.
Early Snapshot: What Hastings, Mornington and Frankston Residents Want Prioritised in 2026
STPL News’ Rate Your MP survey is tracking what locals want prioritised in 2026. Early responses point to cost of living, crime, roads and housing as key issues across Hastings, Mornington and Frankston.
Marsh’s Paper Trail Collides With Nepean By-election Reality
Anthony Marsh’s previous written survey responses on party affiliation and political donations are being revisited as the Mornington Peninsula mayor seeks Liberal preselection for the Nepean by-election on 2 May 2026.
Have Your Say: STPL News Launches ‘Rate Your State MP’ Survey
STPL News has launched a community feedback survey inviting residents in Hastings, Mornington and Frankston to rate their local state MP’s performance during the current parliamentary term (2022–2026). Nepean will open after the by-election result.
Marsh Preselection Bid Confirmed
Key claims first reported by STPL News about Anthony Marsh’s bid for Liberal preselection in Nepean have now been confirmed by major media reporting.
Liberals Divided As Senior Sources Flag Mayor Marsh For Nepean Preselection
Senior Liberal Party sources claim Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has recently joined the party and intends to seek Nepean preselection following Sam Groth’s resignation announcement.
Shock Exit: Sam Groth Quits Parliament, Nepean Thrown Into By-election
Sam Groth has resigned as the Liberal Member for Nepean, prompting a by-election. In a statement dated 4 February 2026, the Leader of the Opposition thanked Groth for his contribution and said the contest would focus on cost of living, crime, health and housing ahead of the November 2026 state election.
‘Victoria Is Not Bushfire Ready’: Firefighter Groups Issue Statewide Warning
Firefighter groups have issued an open letter warning Victoria, including Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, is “not bushfire ready”, raising concerns about fleet age, funding transparency and hazard-reduction burning as the bushfire season continues.
Sam Groth to Quit Politics, Will Not Contest Nepean at 2026 State Election
Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth has announced he will not continue in Parliament beyond the 2026 state election, citing pressure on his family and internal party issues. His departure leaves the Liberals with a Nepean vacancy less than 12 months from polling day, as the party is also yet to announce a candidate for Hastings.
Letter to the Editor: Questions That Deserve Answers
Local resident Graham Griffiths raises questions about federal funding, migration settings and humanitarian aid, calling for clearer explanations from government decision-makers in his latest Letter to the Editor.
Jess Wilson Becomes New Victorian Opposition Leader As Liberals Attempt “Another” Reset Ahead Of 2026 Election
Jess Wilson has been appointed Victorian Opposition Leader following yet another Liberal Party leadership change, a year before the 2026 state election. The shift highlights ongoing instability within the party as it works to reset its direction and present a credible alternative to voters ahead of polling day.
Frankston locals invited to put questions to leaders at Ballam Park barbecue
Frankston locals will have the chance to meet Mayor Kris Bolam, Jodie Belyea MP and Paul Edbrooke MP at the Pollies BBQ on Saturday 15 November at Ballam Park.
Push to Establish Marine Sanctuary in Mt Eliza Gains Council Backing
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor Stephen Batty has backed a proposal to establish a marine sanctuary along the Mt Eliza coast, aimed at protecting the unique reef system between Daveys Bay and Moondah Beach. Community group Mt Eliza Marine Advocacy Inc is leading the campaign, with broader consultation planned over the coming months.
Locals Lead Parliament Protest Over Mt Eliza Animal Neglect
Locals lead a snap protest at Victoria’s Parliament calling for urgent action over ongoing horse neglect at Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property.
Week 8 of Mount Eliza Horse Protests Draws Long-Term Advocates and Legislative Action
Week 8 of horse welfare protests in Mount Eliza sees renewed calls for action. Meanwhile, advocates urge supporters to sign two state petitions for legal reform.
New Rules for Attending Council Meetings Spark Community Backlash
Mornington Peninsula Shire now requires online registration to attend council meetings. The 'out of the blue' facebook post has generated further criticism from residents who see this as another attempt to silence debate and shut down free speech by the council.
Debate Denied: Climate Motion Shut Down at Council Meeting
Tensions rise at Mornington Peninsula Council's meeting last night following a series of protests against cuts and policy changes.
Protests on the Peninsula: Community Rallies Against Council Cuts to Arts, Climate and First Nations Support
Over 100 locals rallied in Rosebud against Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s funding cuts to arts, climate action, and First Nations support. Community groups demand urgent reversal.
Sixth Week of Protest Outside Mt Eliza Property Amid Ongoing Horse Welfare Concerns
For the sixth week in a row, protesters gathered outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property, calling for action over alleged horse neglect.
Chris Crewther MP to Lead 21km Walk for Bowel Cancer Awareness
Chris Crewther MP will lead a 21km coastal walk through Mount Eliza, Mornington, and Mount Martha to raise awareness for early-onset bowel cancer ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Flinders Election Result Prompts Reflections from Zoe McKenzie, Ben Smith and Sarah Race
Zoe McKenzie has retained Flinders after a close contest against Ben Smith and Sarah Race. All three candidates have spoken out following the result.
Zoe McKenzie Provisionally Retains Flinders as Count Nears Completion
Zoe McKenzie is set to retain the federal seat of Flinders, leading independent challenger Ben Smith in a close race. The AEC has not yet declared a final result.
Opinion: The Tobacco Wars – A War Never Fought
OPINION: Renee Heath MP argues that the State government’s failure to act on illicit tobacco trade has created perfect conditions for organised crime.
Shire Budget Shake-Up: Councillor Cam Williams Explains New Funding Model
STPL News spoke with Councillor Cam Williams to clarify recent concerns and confusion surrounding changes to the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s budget and funding model.
Shire Not Backing Hastings Club Despite MP News Report
Claims published by MP News this week suggesting the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has “stepped in to save the Hastings Club” have been rejected by local councillor Kate Roper, who says the article is confusing. In a story titled “Shire…
Flinders seat still undecided as record ballot count continues
The Flinders seat remains undeclared as the AEC navigates a record number of ballots and a complex three-candidate preferred count. Zoe McKenzie leads on primary votes and Sarah Race edges past Ben Smith.
Backlash Brewing Over Shire’s Arts Funding Cuts
The Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio MP, has criticised the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for slashing the Performing Arts Development Fund from $500,000 to $250,000, warning of serious impacts on local arts and culture.
Jodie Belyea Credits Hard Work and Positive Campaign for Dunkley Win
In an interview with RPP FM radio, Jodie Belyea attributes her re-election success to hard work, innovative policies, and personal voter connections in the Dunkley federal election.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt Loses Melbourne Seat in Federal Election Upset
Greens leader Adam Bandt has lost his seat of Melbourne to Labor's Sarah Witty, marking a significant federal election upset and ending Bandt's 15-year tenure in Parliament.
Sarah Race’s Effective Grassroots Campaign – RPP FM Interview
Labor’s Sarah Race ran a strong grassroots campaign in the 2025 Flinders electorate, door-knocking 10,000 homes and nearly matching Ben Smith’s primary vote—despite being outspent by Zoe McKenzie and Smith.
Labor Secures Historic Second Term as Coalition and Greens Suffer Major Setbacks
Labor has claimed victory in the 2025 federal election, returning Anthony Albanese as Prime Minister. Peter Dutton loses Dickson, Greens collapse, and Flinders remains undecided.
Zoe McKenzie Likely to Retain Flinders, But Local Swings Show Regional Divide
Liberal MP Zoe McKenzie holds Flinders in 2025 election. Regional divides emerge; support grows in Somerville but wanes in Rosebud and Dromana. Final results pending.
2025 Live Election Coverage: Dutton Loses Seat
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is projected to lose his Queensland seat of Dickson, with Labor's Ali France leading. If confirmed, this marks a significant political shift and Dutton's first loss since 2001.
Conroy Sign on War Memorial Prompts Election Day Fury
Outrage has erupted in Frankston after a campaign sign for Liberal candidate Nathan Conroy was placed on a local war memorial on election day, prompting swift removal and fierce backlash.
Dunkley Decides: Final Hours of Voting in Crucial Federal Contest
The 2025 federal election is underway in Dunkley, a critical seat for the Albanese Government. Voters have until 6pm to decide between Labor’s Jodie Belyea and Liberal’s Nathan Conroy.
Liberal Stronghold at Risk: Flinders Faces Political Earthquake
The 2025 federal election sees Flinders' long-standing Liberal seat under threat as Independent Ben Smith gains momentum against incumbent Zoe McKenzie.
Election Fatigue Sets In
Election fatigue is rising across Victoria as voters face back-to-back campaigns. With no major electoral break until 2027, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula mental health services are feeling the strain.
