Labor marginal lead among Indian-Australians tested in Victorian race

State Labor holds a marginal lead over the Liberal Party among Indian-Australian voters ahead of Victoria's state election on 28 November, polling suggests.

The Redbridge polling put Labor narrowly in front of the Liberals with this group, according to Redbridge director Kos Samaras, a former Labor strategist. The lead widens in a direct contest with One Nation, with Labor ahead 70-30 on a two-party-preferred basis, a straight count between the two after preferences. The Guardian

The findings come after India-born residents overtook England-born residents last year to become Australia's largest migrant group. As of 30 June 2025, 971,020 people living in Australia were born in India, narrowly more than the 970,950 born in England. Bloomberg Australia had 8.8 million overseas-born residents in 2025, compared with 18.8 million people born in the country.

Migration levels have become a point of difference between the major parties. Labor, the Coalition and One Nation have all unveiled plans to cut the net overseas migration intake. One Nation's hardline immigration policy targets family members of skilled migrants.

The debate follows the nationwide March for Australia anti-immigration rallies, first held last year using promotional material that singled out Indian migrants. Thousands of people attended the rallies. BBC The centre-left federal government condemned the rallies as "spreading hate".

Former minister Ed Husic rebuked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over his assertion that 'good people' attended the rallies. Melbourne teacher Kusum Mirchandani, who has lived in Australia for 21 years, said the targeting of the Indian community by the rallies made her feel hurt and upset.

Candidate nominations for the Victorian election open on Wednesday 4 November and close at 12 noon on Monday 9 November. The party or coalition with majority support in the lower house forms government.