OK boomer: the generational change that could shake up Victorian politics

Much has been made about voters shifting away from the major parties and towards independents and Greens candidates.

According to the 2021 census, Millennials, aged 25-39, are neck and neck with the baby boomers as the largest generational group in Australia, each representing about 21% of the Australian population. A further 18% of the population are members of generation Z (10-24 years old).

This is a demographic that is being closely watched in Victoria as the state heads to the polls in November.

Labor faces stiff competition though from the Greens, which earlier this week, the party announced a plan to increase the power of renters across the state and ensure they have access to long-term secure and affordable housing.

The plan involves several initiatives, including capping rent increases in line with wage growth, establishing a housing ombudsman and better regulating estate agents.

Climate 200, which provided crucial funding for the federal teals, last month polled Victorian voters and found potential support for similar independents in the Liberal-held seats of Brighton, Caulfield, Kew and Sandringham, and the Labor seat of Hawthorn.

Independent candidates are also expected to stand in Benambra and the south-west coast, both held by the Liberals, and several Labor seats including Melton and Werribee. There is also a large field of micro-parties contesting upper house.

The Coalition, meanwhile, announced last month it will legislate an emission reduction target of 50% by 2030 as well as a pathway to net zero by 2050, bringing it in line with Labor, in a move designed to secure support in inner-urban electorates.

Labor has also endured several scandals since coming into office.

Whether their policy pledges will be seen as cynical attempts to stop young people abandoning major parties in November remains to be seen.