Key facts
- ASU launched attack ads calling Premier Ben Carroll a liar.
- ETU will not run a statewide campaign for Labor.
- ETU will divert funds to prepare for the construction royal commission.
- ETU polling predicted Labor would win just 25 seats.
- ASU campaign targets council rate caps.
Two key unions in Victoria have withdrawn their support for the Labor government just a month before the state election. The Australian Services Union (ASU) has launched attack ads targeting Premier Ben Carroll, accusing him of lying about council rate caps, and will not conduct doorknocking for the party. The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has also decided against running a statewide campaign for Labor, opting instead to reallocate over $1.6 million to defend its members in an upcoming royal commission. The ETU cited internal polling suggesting Labor is set to win only 25 seats, a significant drop from previous forecasts.