Victorian unions pull support from Labor ahead of state election

The Guardian reported that two major unions in Victoria have withdrawn support for the Labor government a month before the state election. The Australian Services Union (ASU), which aligns with Labor, launched a series of attack ads that label the opposition leader Ben Carroll a liar and carry the slogan “Ben Lied. Labor lies”. The union also said it will not conduct door‑knocking for Labor in the coming weeks.

At the same time, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) state council voted not to run a statewide campaign for Labor. The Guardian noted that the ETU had spent more than $1.6 million supporting the party at the previous election, but those funds will now be redirected to help members who may be called before the construction royal commission.

Both unions said the decisions reflect concerns about the upcoming royal commission and the political climate, marking a significant shift in traditional union‑Labor ties just weeks before voters head to the polls.

Why it matters

The withdrawal of union backing could weaken Labor’s campaign momentum and influence voter perceptions ahead of the Victorian election.

Key details

Location

Australia · Oceania

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

28 Oct 2026, 10:40 IST

Key names

Labor-aligned Australian Services, Labor, Victorian, ASU

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianTwo key unions turn on Labor, running attack ads and pulling campaign funds a month out from Victorian election 28 Oct, 10:40

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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