Victoria Chronicles: January to June 2026

The start of the year meant that there were just months until the state election which was due to be held in late November.The opposition had selected a new leader in late 2025, while the government had advanced its new 'adult time for adult crime' laws before the end of 2025.The first half of 2026 was marked by continuing internal challenges for the Coalition, as well as questions about the premier's future as Labor Party leader.A byelection was also a feature of the first half of the year, as was major changes to the ministry.The electoral system for the Legislative Council also came under scrutiny in the leadup to the state election.