The Mornington Peninsula, often seen as a picture-perfect holiday destination, is grappling with a homelessness crisis that has become a key issue in the upcoming Nepean byelection. According to Jeremy Maxwell of Southern Peninsula Community Support, the region has the highest number of homeless people in greater Melbourne, with around 140 known cases but an estimated 300 in reality. Many sleep rough along the foreshore, and five people have died there in the past 18 months.
The state electorate of Nepean, long considered a safe Liberal seat, is facing a three-way contest on 2 May between Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh, community independent Tracee Hutchison, and One Nation's Darren Hercus. The byelection was triggered by the sudden resignation of Sam Groth. With Labor not fielding a candidate, the poll is seen as a test of Liberal popularity and whether One Nation poses a serious threat.
Census data shows residents are older, less diverse, and economically worse off than the Victorian average, partly due to a high proportion of retirees. However, demographics are shifting as sea-changers move into cheaper areas like Rosebud, pushing up house prices and rents. Most candidates have visited Southern Peninsula Community Support and committed to advocating for state government funding, which the organisation currently lacks.
Campaigns have focused on road conditions, community safety, the cost of living, and the fuel crisis, which is pronounced due to high car dependence. All three main candidates want to improve the Rosebud hospital, describing the 60-year-old facility as no longer fit for purpose. Hutchison criticised both major parties for neglecting the hospital, arguing the two-party system fails Nepean.
The Liberals have pledged $340m to rebuild the hospital and double its bed capacity if elected in November, while One Nation advocates a public-private partnership. The Liberals have sent text messages claiming One Nation wants to 'privatise' the hospital. Hercus initially agreed to an interview but pulled out following reports of infighting. After One Nation's strong showing in South Australia, the Liberals are campaigning hard, with state leader Jess Wilson urging voters to support the party to avoid making changing government harder.
