Reported at www.abc.net.au: Victorians are heading to the polls for by-elections in the Prahran and Werribee electorates, which are seen as critical for assessing the performance of state and federal Labor governments and the prospects of the Liberal Party.

In Prahran, a contest is expected between the Greens and the Liberal Party after the resignation of Greens MP Sam Hibbins, while Werribee will be contested by Labor and Liberal candidates following the resignation of former Treasurer Tim Pallas.

Key issues such as law and order, cost of living, and local infrastructure are influencing voter sentiment ahead of the elections.