Victorian Labor Crisis: ASU and ETU Unions Withdraw Support, Launch Attack Ads Before Election

Two key Victorian unions have dramatically turned on the Labor government a month before the state election, threatening its re-election prospects. The Australian Services Union (ASU) has launched attack ads targeting Deputy Premier Ben Carroll with the slogan 'Ben Lied. Labor lies,' and confirmed it will not doorknock for Labor. Meanwhile, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has resolved to divert its campaign funds, having spent over $1.6 million supporting Labor at the last election, to defend members facing the construction royal commission. The unions' withdrawal highlights deep discontent over government policies and could significantly weaken Labor's ground game and advertising reach. With union support traditionally a cornerstone of Labor campaigns, this rift may embolden the opposition and shift the election dynamics. The coming weeks will test whether Labor can overcome this internal revolt or face a tighter race than expected.