Victorian Liberal campaign bus reverses into shopfront after leader’s short pressers

A campaign bus belonging to the Victorian Liberal Party reversed into the front of a small business in Bentleigh on Friday. The vehicle, dubbed the "Jess Express," struck the shopfront after leaving a nearby cafe where party leader Jess Wilson had served brunch to reporters. The bus had been launched earlier that day in a bid to improve Wilson’s relationship with the local press.

The incident marks the culmination of a difficult week for the opposition. On Thursday, Wilson’s team cancelled a scheduled press conference following confusion over the Coalition’s plan to pause and review the multibillion dollar Suburban Rail Loop project. The cancellation occurred just days before the bus debut, adding to a narrative of missteps in the final stretch of the election campaign.

Journalists have focused on Wilson’s handling of media interactions in recent days. On Thursday, she announced a $100 million investment in medical research at the Burnet Institute. While the room of researchers responded enthusiastically, Wilson stayed for only four minutes and 39 seconds during the question period. She answered a single question from each of the nine journalists present before ending the session. Reporters had been left waiting for an hour prior to the announcement.

The short appearance came amid pressure over the party’s budget promises. Labor treasurer Colin Brooks spent 20 minutes earlier that day reviewing a booklet titled "Jess Wilson’s Dodgy Costings." The document lists 30 Coalition promises that Labor claims have not been costed, and dozens more that are underquoted. Brooks suggested the Liberals are avoiding scrutiny, stating they treat the Victorian people with contempt by trying to coast to victory.

Labor has also highlighted its own financial challenges, including net debt forecast to reach $199 billion within four years. Critics question how the Coalition plans to deliver a surplus by 2032 while making $8 billion in election promises and offering tax cuts. Wilson, as shadow treasurer, defended her party’s numbers on Friday, saying voters must wait until after early voting begins to see official costings. She stated that the government must first release its pre-election budget update.

Wilson also addressed the Liberals' plan to sell $1.3 billion in government owned land. She confirmed that cleanup costs for sites, including a plot where radioactive cow carcasses were buried, were factored into independent Parliamentary Budget Office estimates. Labor argued the plan includes land earmarked for first home buyers, further complicating the financial picture.

Reactions to the bus collision were mixed. The store owner said he was not overly concerned provided his awning is repaired. He confirmed he remains undecided on his vote and did not rule out supporting the Liberal Party. Wilson and her team, including federal senator James Paterson and communications director Kane Silom, were on the bus when it arrived at the Bentleigh cafe.

The campaign also faces friction over debate formats. News24 and Nine Network have requested a three way debate involving Wilson, Premier Ben Carroll, and One Nation leader Warren Pickering. Wilson has insisted on a traditional one on one format with Carroll, arguing only the two major parties can form government. Carroll wants Pickering included, aiming to keep the idea of a Liberal One Nation coalition alive despite polling suggesting the Coalition can win on its own. Wilson said on Thursday that she agreed to a debate next week, but Labor refused, citing a separate offer for Pickering to appear in a 10 minute segment on Nine.