Fairfax Media’s Ipsos poll revealed Labor had formed a strong 56 per cent majority on a two-party preferred basis. 

However, the polling also showed that outside of Melbourne the race was at a 50 per cent deadlock between the two parties. 

While figures are not available for Ballarat specifically, it shows just how tight the election race has become in regional areas and goes some way to explaining the attention both Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews and Premier Denis Napthine are paying on the areas. 

This week alone both parties have spent large amounts of time in the Ballarat region  hoping to seal up the crucial  seats of Wendouree, Buninyong and Ripon, which are seen 

as being keys to whoever  forms government after the election. 

Ipsos managing director  Mark Davis said the polling  had occurred over the most  recent weekend. 

“The way that the sample  is drawn is proportionate to  the population of the state  on metro and non-metro  grounds,” he said.

“We draw a sample that will  cover the rest of Victoria and  the total number of interviews  are appropriate to the number  of residents in that area.” 

While it is expected polling  results will even up closer to  election, Labor appears to  have succeeded in selling its  education, health and jobs  platforms with the party clearly  ahead as the best party to  manage these portfolios. 

Interestingly, Dr Napthine is  still the preferred premier with  47 per cent of the vote outside  of Melbourne compared to 37 per cent for Mr Andrews. 

There was also a lower percentage of residents  outside Melbourne who were  yet to decide on their preferred  premier with only 13 per cent  undecided compared to 15 per cent in Melbourne.