The state Coalition is facing defeat in November, with recent polls placing both Labor and opposition leader Daniel Andrews ahead less than a 100 days before the election. 

“The polls are reasonably close, which sort of evaporates once you call a campaign. In those circumstances I think Napthine, who is a relatively new premier, has a chance to rebuild,” Dr Hewson said. 

Dr Hewson, who led the party at a federal level from 1990 to 1994, before being replaced by Alexander Downer, said Dr Napthine had struggled to build his profile among voters. 

“People are probably still judging. He’s probably not that well-known,” Dr Hewson said. 

“People have to feel like they know you before they trust you and it takes a while.

“Denis seems to be a decent person who has come into the job in difficult circumstances. 

“He’s tried to do a good job and he’s had some ruptures with the balance of power in his Parliament. 

“He’s got the image of being a country vet and being able to relate to people is his great asset and it’s a sharp contrast to Labor in that sense.”

The electorate had come to expect more promises from the major parties, Dr Hewson said, adding the public was scrutinising outcomes more than ever before. “They all promise everything and they raise a lot of expectations and I think you will see a greater focus on outcomes,” he said. 

Earlier this month, former prime minister Malcolm Fraser offered a strong endorsement for the South West Coast MP, urging Victorians to back the Napthine government for a second term.