Victoria's election campaign: Labor pledges mineral royalties to the regions, Coalition promises technical colleges

11 October 2026

On 11 October 2026 Victorian Premier Ben Carroll pledged that, if Labor is re-elected, all mineral resource royalties raised in Victoria would go to the state's regions. The scheme is expected to raise $500 million over four years and draws on a Western Australian program begun in 2008. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson promised 10 new technical colleges for trades such as plumbing, carpentry and electrics, costing $222 million over eight years. The Victorian state election is on Saturday 28 November 2026, and enrolment closes at 8 pm on 3 November 2026. Voting is compulsory for all Victorians who are Australian citizens aged 18 and older.