Recent polls had suggested the result was likely, though possibly a whole lot closer by election eve.

The fact Labor won so decisively was perhaps not so much a reflection of the Andrews campaign, as professional as it was over the past month.

Instead, it was the mark of a community not willing to show patience with governments failing to deliver.

On paper, the Coalition appeared to have got at least some of the job done, showing sound financial management through a budget surplus and pushing forward with its promised projects.

But the fact it took so long to get there seriously damaged a government initially hamstrung by the inertia that set in under Ted Baillieu.

For voters also concerned about the transparency of the East-West Link project, it was too little too late.

When combined with the “toxicity” some voters felt about the federal government, the die had really been cast.

Labor now has to get to work in a climate where voters don’t give second chances, so it must ensure it makes good on its promises for all Victorians.