Politics
Victoria
‘Ghost’ shifts: Big Build invoicing claims referred to police
The national rail safety regulator and rail operator Metro Trains are also investigating the claims of fraudulent invoicing and “ghost” shifts by labour hire companies contracted to remove level-crossings and build the Metro Tunnel rail project.
- by Annika Smethurst
Latest
Opinion
Victorian budget
Labor was politically savvy in targeting property investors and big business
The Victorian state budget has served as another reminder of how brilliant the Andrews government is at politics.
- by Annika Smethurst
Analysis
Victorian budget
At what cost: Tax reality bites as Victorians digest the budget
No one likes paying more tax. But in the wake of the state budget, Victorians need to think about the services they want – and the price they are willing to pay for them.
- by Angela Jackson
‘Borrowing to build’: Daniel Andrews fires up over Victoria’s growing debt
The state has the largest debt of 17 similar states around the world. But the premier says quality of life would be “fundamentally compromised” if government spending were slashed.
- by Broede Carmody
There are 17 states like Victoria around the world. None has more debt
Leading economists and credit agencies say while Treasurer Tim Pallas took steps in the budget to begin repairing the state’s finances, Victoria’s debt burden will not “decline meaningfully” soon.
- by Sumeyya Ilanbey
Private schools say they’ll be forced to increase fees as ‘sweetheart tax deal’ ends
Victorian private schools that charge above $7500 a year fear they will have to pay millions of dollars in payroll tax from next year. See the list of schools that could be hit.
- by Adam Carey, Madeleine Heffernan and Rachel Eddie
‘This will increase rents’: Economists weigh in on premier’s claim land tax won’t hit tenants
Daniel Andrews is adamant Tuesday’s budget did not adversely target everyday Victorians, but some economists say changes to land tax will increase rents.
- by Broede Carmody, Rachel Eddie and Jim Malo
Three years to go, but no detail: The glaring omission in the Victorian budget
The Andrews government has blamed the lack of detail on the Commonwealth Games in this year’s budget on the ongoing uncertainty regarding federal funding.
- by Broede Carmody and Benjamin Preiss
Is your school getting a facelift? Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs in school building blitz
Nine new schools will be built in suburbs including Fishermans Bend, Point Cook, Pakenham, Clyde North and Wollert. More than 40 schools will be upgraded and four schools will be expanded to meet growing demand.
- by Adam Carey
Analysis
Victorian budget
Kennett made it a villain, but Andrews never let debt spook him
Jeff Kennett says Daniel Andrews’ approach to state finances is not sustainable and there will come a day of reckoning – though he admits Andrews has picked the public mood.
- by Chip Le Grand
Analysis
Victorian budget
Taxes up, debt rising: Victoria’s finances are teetering above an abyss
Things could go badly wrong for the state government as it walks a fine line to rein in debt.
- by Josh Gordon