Victorian Parliament
Opinion
Liberal Party
It’s hard dose of reality time for shambolic Victorian Libs
There’s no painless way to modernise the Victorian Liberals, but there is a road back to electoral contention.
- by Shaun Carney
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PwC tax scandal
PwC scandal sparks calls for Andrews to tighten rules on big consultancies
Integrity experts say the big four consulting firms with access to top levels of government should play by the same disclosure rules as lobbyists to remove conflict-of-interest risks.
- by Royce Millar and Sumeyya Ilanbey
Updated
Victorian byelection
Victorian Liberal MP Ryan Smith quits politics, triggering byelection
After 16 years in parliament, Warrandyte MP Ryan Smith says he has become increasingly uncomfortable with the “negative tone” of politics.
- by Sumeyya Ilanbey
‘Parents will pay this’: Liberals promise to abolish Victoria’s private school tax hike
But the party won’t commit to axing the increase to land tax for landlords, citing the need to be fiscally responsible.
- by Broede Carmody
Private schools with fees of $8000 set to lose payroll tax exemption
The head of Victoria’s Catholic school sector has lashed the tax change to affect some independent schools, and has warned there will be “significant consequences” for mid-fee schools.
- by Adam Carey
‘It’s like we don’t exist’: Timber towns grapple with log ban
Towns reliant on the logging industry were gutted at the Andrews government’s decision to fast-track the end of native timber logging to January next year.
- by Rachel Eddie and Annika Smethurst
‘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
‘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