Results of the 1996 Victorian state election (Legislative Assembly)

The 1996 Victorian state election, held on 30 March 1996, determined the composition of the Legislative Assembly, the lower house of the Parliament of Victoria. This election saw the Liberal-National Coalition, led by Premier Jeff Kennett, win a second term in office, though with a significantly reduced majority.

Key features of the election included:

• Outcome: The Coalition retained government, but with a substantial loss of seats to the Australian Labor Party, led by John Brumby. The overall result was a weakened Coalition government facing a more assertive opposition.
• Seats: The Liberal Party won 44 seats, the National Party won 9 seats, and the Labor Party won 29 seats. This resulted in a Coalition majority of 53 seats to Labor's 29.
• Swings: The election witnessed a significant swing towards the Labor Party, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the Kennett government's economic policies and public sector reforms.
• Key Issues: The election campaign focused on issues such as privatization, public sector job cuts, education, and healthcare. The Labor Party campaigned strongly against the Coalition's privatization agenda and promised to restore services.
• Significance: The 1996 election marked a turning point in Victorian politics. While the Coalition remained in power, the reduced majority signaled the beginning of the end for the Kennett government. The substantial gains made by the Labor Party laid the foundation for their victory at the 1999 election.
• Electoral System: Victoria uses a preferential voting system in single-member electorates for its Legislative Assembly elections.