Victorian Premier John Brumby has visited Government House to trigger the formal dissolution of parliament, a day before the official start of the election campaign.
Mr Brumby arrived at Government House at 9.25am (AEDT) on Monday to meet with Governor David de Kretser.
He was expected to hand over the writs to officially dissolve both houses of parliament ahead of the November 27 election.
But the writs will not be formally signed until Tuesday,Melbourne Cup day, when the government will officially go into caretaker mode at 6pm (AEDT).
A small media contingent was outside the gates of Government House as the premier arrived, uncharacteristically early, for his appointment with the governor.
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The premier emerged just under 30 minutes later but did not stop to speak to the media.
The event is a formality as the state has pre-determined election dates.
Victorians will head to the polls on November 27.
Greens spat
Meanwhile, Australian Greens leader Bob Brown has accused Labor of getting desperate after it labelled one of his party's key candidates in Victoria a hypocrite.
The man in question, barrister Brian Walters, has defended a mining company in a workplace death case, the Sunday Herald Sun reports.
Ironically, his client, La Trobe Valley mining partner Downer EDI, produces dirty brown coal, which the Greens have campaigned against.
Victorian Education Minister Bronwyn Pike, who holds the seat of Melbourne, has branded Mr Walters a "hypocrite".
Mr Walters has denied any conflict of interest.Senator Brown has now weighed into the stoush, accusing Ms Pike and Labor of engaging in "very, very low politics".
Brown said it was 'pretty disgusting tactics' from Brumby.
Polls suggest major Green gains in the state.
