There is increasing speculation that the new prime minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, will call an election soon.
Labor candidates in branches in Victoria have been told to prepare for an election in the first two weeks of August.
Insiders have told the ABC that Ms Gillard has been advised to strike while the iron is hot and while the opinion polls favour Labor.
An early announcement would also give the Opposition less time to consolidate its campaign against the new leader.
