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Portrait of Joe McCracken

Joe McCracken

Liberal Party · Victoria · Victorian Legislative Council · Western Victoria (VIC) · incumbent

Joe McCracken was born on 30 January 1988 and grew up in Ballarat, where he worked in his family's pub. He attended St Patrick's College, Ballarat, and gained a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Management before working as an accountant in Ballarat. He later completed a Diploma of Education and began teaching at Trinity College, Colac, in 2013. [source]

Sourced positions

A verified position is the member's own stated view or vote, supported by the listed sources. This page records public statements and conduct only — see methodology.

Gender & LGBTQ+ policy verified

Liberal MLC for Western Victoria. In October 2023 he voted for Moira Deeming's motion calling for a parliamentary inquiry into gender-affirming care, which was defeated 21-16. He chairs the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee's inquiry into anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes (hearings 2026), stating 'violence against any Victorian because of who they are is wrong.'

Freedom of speech verified

Voted against the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024, which repealed the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 and expanded vilification protections (Legislative Council, second reading, 1 April 2025; Ayes 22, Noes 17). Voted for the Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Bill 2025, which allows police to direct the removal of face coverings at protests and expands stop, search and move-on powers (Legislative Council, second reading, 2 December 2025; Ayes 30, Noes 8).

Gambling & gaming reform verified

Voted against the second reading of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Repeal and Advisory Councils Bill 2024, which abolished the Foundation (Legislative Council, 20 June 2024; Ayes 23, Noes 13). Voted for the second reading of the Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024 (Legislative Council, 27 May 2025; Ayes 35, Noes 1). Voted against the third reading of the Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (Legislative Council, 17 June 2025; Ayes 22, Noes 14).

Hunting (duck & native birds) verified

Voted against establishing the Legislative Council's Select Committee on Victoria's Recreational Native Bird Hunting Arrangements, on the motion to establish it (Legislative Council, 9 March 2023; Ayes 20, Noes 15). The committee was established and its majority report later recommended ending recreational native bird hunting. Voted for Jeff Bourman's motion on deer hunting (Legislative Council, 13 November 2024; Ayes 32, Noes 6; agreed to).

Native forest logging verified

Voted against the third reading of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Repeal Bill 2024, which repealed the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 following the cessation of native forest logging on 1 January 2024 (Legislative Council, 20 June 2024; Ayes 20, Noes 12).

Animal welfare verified

Voted against Georgie Purcell's motion on wildlife rescue (Legislative Council, 20 March 2024; Ayes 22, Noes 13; agreed to).

Record last updated 2026-08-13.