Two Victorian unions withdraw support from Labor ahead of state election

Union backlash against the Labor government

In the final weeks before the Victorian state election, two of the state’s most influential unions announced a sudden shift in their relationship with the ruling Labor Party. The Australian Services Union (ASU) has begun a series of television and radio advertisements that accuse Deputy Premier Ben Carroll of dishonesty. At the same time, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) state council voted to stop funding a statewide Labor campaign and to redirect money toward legal support for members facing the construction royal commission.

The timing of these moves has raised questions about internal party dynamics, the impact on voter sentiment, and the strategic calculations of the unions themselves.

Australian Services Union launches attack ads

The ASU, traditionally aligned with Labor on issues such as workplace safety and wage negotiations, released a video titled "Ben Lied. Labor lies" across multiple media platforms. The advertisement features a voice‑over that repeats the claim that Carroll has misled voters about his role in recent infrastructure projects. The union also announced that its volunteers will not engage in door knocking for Labor in the weeks leading up to the poll.

ASU officials said the decision reflects growing frustration among rank‑and‑file members who feel the government has ignored key union priorities, especially around the ongoing construction royal commission. A spokesperson told reporters that the union’s actions are meant to protect workers’ interests rather than to support a particular political party.

For more information about the union’s position, see the Australian Services Union website.

Electrical Trades Union redirects funding

On Wednesday, the ETU state council passed a motion to halt the allocation of campaign funds that had previously been earmarked for a statewide Labor advertising push. The council cited the need to allocate more than $1.6 million of the previous election’s support toward legal expenses for members who may be called before the construction royal commission.

While the ETU has not ruled out future political engagement, the council emphasized that its immediate priority is to safeguard the rights of electricians and apprentices who could face legal scrutiny. The union’s decision marks a sharp departure from its usual practice of providing financial assistance to Labor candidates in marginal seats.

Details of the ETU’s stance are available on the Electrical Trades Union website.

Implications for the Victorian election

The withdrawal of union support arrives at a critical moment for Labor, which has relied on union networks to mobilise volunteers and deliver targeted messaging in key electorates. Analysts suggest that the loss of door‑knocking volunteers and a $1.6 million funding shortfall could weaken the party’s ground game, especially in outer‑urban seats where union members form a significant portion of the electorate.

Opposition parties have welcomed the development, with the Liberal‑National coalition promising to highlight the unions’ criticism in their own campaign material. However, political observers caution that the impact may be limited if Labor can compensate through other grassroots channels.

The Victorian Electoral Commission has confirmed that the election will be held on 26 November, leaving just over a month for parties to adjust their strategies.

Historical context of union‑party relationships

Unions have long been a cornerstone of the Australian Labor Party’s support base. Since the early twentieth century, organised labour has provided both financial contributions and volunteer manpower. In recent decades, however, tensions have emerged over policy disagreements, particularly on issues such as industrial reform and climate change.

Instances of unions publicly breaking with Labor are relatively rare but not unprecedented. In the 2018 federal election, the Australian Workers Union withheld funding from the party over concerns about workplace safety legislation. The current episode echoes that pattern, suggesting a broader trend of unions demanding greater accountability from their traditional political allies.

What voters can expect

Voters in the coming weeks are likely to encounter a more fragmented political landscape. Campaign messages from Labor may appear less coordinated in areas with strong union presence, while opposition parties will likely amplify the unions’ criticisms.

Key points to watch include:

• How Labor responds to the ASU ads and the ETU funding decision.
• The extent to which the unions mobilise their members on non‑electoral issues, such as the construction royal commission.
• Whether other unions follow the lead of the ASU and ETU.
• Shifts in voter sentiment in marginal electorates that have historically leaned Labor.

Political commentators also note that the unions’ actions could influence post‑election negotiations, especially if Labor needs to secure support for legislative initiatives.

Potential impact on policy

If Labor suffers a swing against it, the party may be compelled to revisit its stance on the construction royal commission, workplace safety reforms, and infrastructure spending. Conversely, a strong electoral performance despite the union setbacks could reinforce the party’s policy direction.

Role of media coverage

Media outlets such as ABC News have been tracking the unions’ moves closely, providing daily updates that shape public perception. The narrative surrounding union discontent may become a focal point in televised debates and newspaper editorials.

The construction royal commission itself remains a pivotal issue. Its final report, expected later this year, will determine whether further legal action is taken against industry players. The unions’ decision to allocate funds toward member defence underscores the high stakes involved.

As the election draws near, the political environment in Victoria will be defined by how parties adapt to the loss of traditional union backing and how voters interpret the significance of these internal disputes.