Liberal Candidate Aiming for 11 Percent Swing in Labor Stronghold
Residents are expressing frustration with the increasing crime rates leading up to the by-election on Feb. 8.
The Liberal Party of Victoria’s candidate for Werribee in the upcoming by-election on Feb. 8, Steve Murphy, is advocating for change in his electorate.
The seat was previously held by Labor Treasurer Tim Pallas, who secured 17,512 votes (45.36 percent) at the 2022 election, defeating Liberal’s Mia Shaw with 9,779 votes.
With Pallas stepping down from politics last month after serving as treasurer since 2014, Murphy sees an opportunity to address community concerns, especially regarding escalating crime rates.
Recent data from the Crime Statistics Agency revealed a 9.9 percent increase in offenses in the City of Wyndham council area from July 2023 to June 2024.
This resulted in a total of 20,144 offenses, up from 18,323 the previous year.
Werribee, specifically, recorded the highest number of offenses at 5,463.
Related Stories
Murphy, a long-time resident of Werribee with 30 years of experience living, working, and raising his family in the region, has a deep understanding of the community.
His background as a former policeman, army trooper, town planner for Wyndham City Council, and real estate professional for 26 years, coupled with his involvement in various boards, including MacKillop College and leadership in Wyndham Track and Field Athletics, speaks to his commitment to the area.
‘People Are Tired of Crime’ in Werribee
In the wake of recent incidents like the stabbing of Tomas Petzler at Werribee station, highlighting the issue of gang violence, Murphy is committed to prioritizing crime reduction if elected.
The alarming number of offenses in the area, including 7,183 house-related offenses, has led many Werribee residents to call for tougher measures to address the prevailing crime situation.
Murphy acknowledges the community’s desire for stricter bail laws, with concerns raised about the inadequacy of current legislation in deterring young criminals from reoffending.
“I’m going to be a strong advocate for the community to bring about change,” Murphy emphasized.
Big Task Ahead to Win Voters’ Hearts
While winning the seat of Werribee will be a challenging feat, Murphy remains optimistic about the prospect of inspiring change in the region.
“We need an 11 percent swing. But I believe the people of Werribee can deliver it,” Murphy expressed, citing the neglect of essential infrastructure by the state Labor government over the past decade as a driving force behind the need for change.
“If the people of Werribee don’t change their vote, then nothing will change in Werribee.”
Competition for Werribee Seat Will Be Fierce
Murphy faces strong competition from Labor’s John Lister, who, like Murphy, has deep roots in the Werribee community through his teaching, firefighting, and volunteer work.
The Greens’ candidate, Rifai A. Raheem, brings a focus on issues like cost-of-living, housing affordability, and environmental sustainability to the table, presenting voters with diverse options to consider for the upcoming by-election.
