1897 Victorian colonial election
The 1897 Victorian colonial election was held on 14 October 1897 to elect the 17th Parliament of Victoria. All 95 seats in the Legislative Assembly were up for election, though 13 were uncontested.
George Turner's Liberal government was returned with an increased majority.
Background
Formal political parties began to evolve out of faction alignments at this election. The Liberal Party was formed to settle disputes between several Liberal candidates standing for the same seats. The Oppositionists at this election were largely made up of Conservative MPs.The National Party supported Opposition candidates, although the party also endorsed several Ministerialists, including Alfred Deakin.