Hastings left off Labor's priority campaign list

All Alone: Paul Mercurio Appears Abandoned by Labor Ahead of Victorian Election

Victorian Labor has reportedly deprioritised Hastings despite the electorate's razor-thin margin. Community survey results and a growing three-way contest place Paul Mercurio under increasing pressure ahead of November's state election.

**Labor has reportedly placed Hastings in the “too hard” basket ahead of November’s Victorian election, despite it being one of the state’s most marginal seats.**

According to the Australian Financial Review, Victorian Labor has effectively written off nine of its own seats, including Hastings, as it directs campaign resources to 26 priority electorates.

The move leaves first-term Labor MP Paul Mercurio defending a seat held by just 1.4 per cent without the same level of campaign support expected elsewhere.

Hastings overlooked

The AFR, citing five Labor sources, reported Hastings will not receive a dedicated field organiser under Labor’s current campaign strategy.

Field organisers coordinate volunteers, identify supporters and drive local campaigning. While Labor may still spend money in Hastings, its strongest ground campaign will focus elsewhere.

For one of Victoria’s most marginal seats, the decision is notable.

Community dissatisfaction

The reported strategy mirrors findings from STPL News’ “Rate Your State MP“ survey.

Based on 173 Hastings responses, Mercurio received an overall D+ rating.

Respondents most frequently raised concerns about:

Lack of delivery
Roads and infrastructure
Crime and community safety
Cost of living
Public transport
Electorate office responsiveness

Some respondents also alleged they had been avoided or blocked after criticising the MP or asking difficult questions. Those allegations have not been independently verified.

Other respondents praised Mercurio’s visibility, accessibility and attendance at community events.

Contest taking shape

image of Liberal Party candidate fro Hastings Frank Schiefler. — Liberal Party has endorsed **Frank Schiefler** to contest Hastings.

The Liberal Party has endorsed Frank Schiefler to contest Hastings.

One Nation has not yet announced a candidate, although support for the party continues to grow locally, across Victoria and nationally.

The AFR reported both Labor and Coalition insiders expect One Nation to influence the election outcome, although they disagree on where those votes will ultimately flow.

A key seat to watch

The AFR reported Labor fears significant seat losses at the November election.

Against that backdrop, Hastings remains one of Victoria’s most closely watched electorates.

Whether Labor’s strategy reflects confidence, limited resources or an assessment that the seat has become too difficult to retain remains unclear.

With a razor-thin margin, growing political competition and mixed community sentiment, Hastings is shaping as one of the key battlegrounds of the 2026 Victorian election.