Victorian premier Jacinta Allan has highlighted the role of small businesses during a visit to Manor Lakes Central, where she stopped by FoodEase, an Indian grocery that has been operating in the community for 14 years.
“Raj opened his grocer 14 years ago—and now it’s one of the best Indian staples in Manor Lakes Central,” she wrote in a post. “Small businesses like FoodEase are at the heart of the community and it was great to see so many locals filling their trollies.”
Allan said she had been encouraged by Werribee MP John Lister to pick up some local favourites during her visit. “On John Lister’s recommendation, I got a pack of the mini samosas—plus some sweets for the kids,” she added.
Her stop at the grocer comes as new polling suggests Labor is regaining ground in Victoria after a difficult start to the year. A Resolve Political Monitor survey for The Age shows Labor’s primary vote has risen to 32 per cent across July and August, up eight points from the critical low of 22 per cent recorded in March.
The same poll places the Coalition on 33 per cent, down eight points since March, with the Greens on 12 per cent and independents on 9 per cent. Others collectively account for 13 per cent.
The turnaround coincides with Allan’s announcement on working from home arrangements, which proved popular. Nationally, the Resolve survey found 64 per cent support for the option of working from home at least two days a week, compared with just 17 per cent opposed. Within Victoria, Labor’s vote share reportedly lifted from 30 per cent in July to 34 per cent in August following the policy announcement.
While opposition leader Brad Battin still leads Allan as preferred premier, his margin has narrowed. Battin is on 32 per cent, down from 36 per cent in March, while Allan has lifted from 23 per cent to 25 per cent. The survey also shows her net likeability rating improved by 11 points, though it remains negative overall at -21.
Labor’s recovery in the polls suggests voters are beginning to re-engage with Allan after months of political turbulence earlier in the year. Her decision to highlight local businesses such as FoodEase plays into Labor’s broader message of economic support and community connection.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
