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 Protectionist and 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.

Aftermath
In November 1899, Turner lost a vote of confidence when many rural Liberals abandoned him. Allan McLean, the member for Gippsland North, then formed a more conservative administration. The McLean-led Ministerialists lost the 1900 election, and Turner returned to power.