Union Leader Calls Out Labor MPs for Lack of Constituency Engagement Amid Rising Political Tensions in Victoria
Victoria’s Trades Hall Council Secretary, Luke Hilakari, has taken a bold stance against 23 state Labor MPs and candidates, accusing them of failing to engage with their constituents—reportedly having “zero conversations” over the past two weeks. With the impending election in November, Hilakari emphasizes that these representatives must ramp up their outreach efforts to counter the rising popularity of One Nation, a right-wing political party.
In an email dispatched to the involved MPs and candidates, Hilakari expressed his frustration, urging them to demonstrate a commitment to their electoral success. “If you don’t give a shit about winning… don’t expect support from the union movement,” he stated. As One Nation’s presence in Victorian politics increases, Hilakari announced that the union intends to launch its largest election campaign to date. The council seeks to identify which Labor MPs and candidates are actively campaigning, directing resources towards those showing genuine voter engagement.
Among the named MPs are notable figures such as Ministers Steve Dimopoulos, Sonya Kilkenny, Nick Staikos, Ros Spence, and Natalie Suleyman, many of whom represent marginal seats. Contrary to the lack of engagement reported for these individuals, data from Labor Party headquarters has shown that Premier Jacinta Allan connected with 32 constituents by knocking on 86 doors. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll also made contact with 11 voters through 35 door-to-door interactions. The standout in voter engagement was Sarah McKenzie, vying to reclaim the Richmond seat, who had 270 conversations—far exceeding her peers.
Hilakari has indicated that if these MPs do not improve their voter contact within two weeks, he would recommend that the union refrain from campaigning in their districts. Moreover, if he were part of the Labor Party’s administrative committee, he would suggest withdrawing support for candidates in marginal seats who fail to engage actively.
“Our union members are ready to sacrifice family time, attending street stalls, knocking on doors, and making phone calls because they understand the ramifications of a One Nation-Coalition government on the livelihoods of working Victorians,” Hilakari added. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, “The message is simple: start campaigning or start packing.”
In response to these claims, Premier Allan defended the Labor Party’s efforts, arguing that engagement extends beyond just door-to-door conversations. “There are forums, meetings, community events, and mobile office work that may not be reflected in the data but are crucial for community engagement,” she explained.
Kilkenny, one of the accused MPs, insisted that all Labor representatives are equally committed to serving Victorians, citing various engagement activities, including phone banking, attending community events, and legislative work.
Despite the backlash from some quarters within the party, Hilakari notes that many Labor MPs have welcomed his intervention, frustrated with colleagues who neglect their responsibilities. He acknowledged that a “small handful” of the MPs in question reached out to discuss his concerns, suggesting that he could have approached the issue with greater subtlety. However, he countered that the urgency of the situation demanded decisive action as the election approaches.
Polling data has revealed troubling trends for the Labor Party, indicating a drop in their primary vote to the low 20s, coinciding with a noticeable rise in One Nation’s support in Victoria. With the political landscape becoming increasingly competitive, Hilakari’s call for enhanced engagement among Labor MPs underscores the critical role of constituent interaction in the upcoming election cycle.
As the November election looms, Victoria’s political dynamics continue to evolve, with the Trades Hall Council pushing for a concerted and vigorous campaign among Labor candidates to secure public support and stave off the challenges posed by emerging right-wing factions.
