Victoria’s election priorities: What business needs to know

Victorians want the next State Government to focus on safer communities, cost-of-living relief and better healthcare, according to SEC Newgate’s special Victorian edition of its Mood of the Nation research. 

The findings were explored at a briefing hosted by the Committee for Melbourne with SEC Newgate on 7 October. The discussion examined community sentiment ahead of the 2026 State Election, covering housing, transport and energy alongside the pressures facing households. 

For a business audience, the research offers a useful lens on the priorities that will shape the election debate: practical improvements to everyday life, reliable services, and greater accountability. 

A focus on safety and essential services 

SEC Newgate found that 73 per cent of Victorian respondents nominated crime and community safety as a priority for the next State Government. Cost-of-living relief followed at 65 per cent, with improving healthcare services at 58 per cent. 

Just 26 per cent believed Victoria was heading in the right direction, compared with 51 per cent in November 2022. The findings point to a challenge for the next government: rebuilding confidence while responding to immediate community concerns. 

Among the highest-rated actions were shorter ambulance waiting times, more police resources, faster road repairs and stronger penalties for corruption involving public funds. Improving government integrity and accountability was a priority for 42 per cent of respondents. 

Different communities, different priorities 

The research also highlighted differences across Victoria. Younger people and renters placed greater emphasis on housing affordability and public transport, while regional Victorians were particularly focused on roads and regional healthcare. 

Older Victorians gave greater weight to crime, ambulance response times, government efficiency, integrity and road maintenance. Women placed comparatively greater emphasis on healthcare, ambulance response times and support for victims of family violence. 

What business can take from the findings 

The survey measures community sentiment, rather than business confidence. Its value for employers is in understanding the concerns of the people they employ, serve and work alongside. 

For businesses considering the election debate, the findings provide a prompt to look beyond headline announcements and ask how proposed policies will address safety, affordability and essential services across metropolitan and regional Victoria. 

The message from SEC Newgate’s research is a strong preference for delivery and accountability. As the election approaches, the next government faces the task of showing how its commitments will translate into tangible improvements for Victorian communities. 

Read the Committee for Melbourne's event reflections here, and watch a recap of SEC Newgate’s Victorian research findings here.