‘They’ve Given Up On Hastings’: Frank Schiefler Makes Liberal Pitch On Roads And Crime

Liberal candidate Frank Schiefler speaks with STPL News about housing, roads, crime and his push to restore 24-hour public access to Hastings police station.

Liberal candidate Frank Schiefler speaks with STPL News about housing, roads, crime and his push to restore 24-hour public access to Hastings police station.

The Peninsula election field is widening beyond Labor and Liberal, with Greens, One Nation, independents and other minor-party candidates stepping up campaigns across Frankston, Mornington, Hastings and Nepean ahead of Victoria’s 28 November poll.

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.

Tracee Hutchison, Nepean by-election, Nepean state election, November 2026 state election, community independent, Mornington Peninsula politics, Anthony Marsh, Victorian Electoral Commission

STPL News spoke with Nepean by-election candidates on election day, with candidates from Independent, Greens, Libertarian and One Nation campaigns taking part. Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh declined the opportunity.

Greens candidate Dr Sianan Healy has urged Nepean voters to back action on housing, climate and cost-of-living pressures, while questions remain over the detail behind the party’s local pitch.

Libertarian candidate Peter Angelico says the proposed Rosebud hospital should be funded without new taxes, arguing the Suburban Rail Loop should be cancelled to redirect infrastructure spending.

Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh is facing fresh signs of unrest in Nepean, with long-time Liberal supporters, public comments and a former party member’s full-page advertisement raising questions about his candidacy.

Anthony Marsh is under fresh scrutiny after campaign-period social media comments appeared to conflict with his earlier public position on Mornington Peninsula Shire’s municipal monitors.

One Nation candidate Darren Hercus has blasted both Liberals and Labor over Rosebud Hospital, backing a PPP rebuild plan and questioning why voters should trust more election promises.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 2025 federal election sees Flinders' long-standing Liberal seat under threat as Independent Ben Smith gains momentum against incumbent Zoe McKenzie.

STPL News invites Flinders residents to share authentic opinions on local election candidates for a special feature, focusing on community voices and pressing issues.

Independent candidate Ben Smith says the race for Flinders is neck and neck with incumbent Zoe McKenzie. With over 500 volunteers and strong local donations, he believes momentum is on his side. Read more on STPL News.

Greens candidate Adam Frogely lives 130 km from Sorrento and 96km from Somerville, raising questions about his ability to represent the electorate. Can passion compensate for distance and perhaps, logic?

If a snap federal election were held tomorrow, who would you vote for in the Flinders electorate? Share your opinion in our latest STPL News poll.

The race for the federal seat of Flinders is heating up, with Zoe McKenzie, Ben Smith, and Sarah Race battling for votes—despite no election date yet. Campaign spending, advertising controversies, and political clashes are shaping the contest.

Independent candidate Ben Smith calls for change in Flinders, criticizing decades of two-party rule for failing to improve roads, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure.

Nepean MP Sam Groth rises to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, while Mornington MP Chris Crewther has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing and Rental Affordability as Brad Battin reorganises the shadow cabinet following a leadership spill.