Bracks Announces November 30 Victorian State Election

The Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, has announced a State election for November 30, the earliest possible date allowed by Victoria's Constitution, and one year earlier than necessary. There are 88 seats in the Legislative Assembly, of which the ALP currently holds 44. It has governed since October 1999 with the support of 3 independent members. A redistribution has weakened the ALP's hold on a number of seats and it is estimated that the government will need to pick up 6 seats to form a majority government.

In announcing the election, Bracks said he would debate his opponent, Robert Doyle, on television and indicated a preference for the ABC's Stateline program. Doyle has been the Liberal leader for several months, since defeating Denis Napthine in a party-room challenge.

Bracks said he was calling an election because he wanted a mandate to govern in his own right.

• Listen to Steve Bracks' election announcement
• Listen to Robert Doyle respond to the announcement

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