Victorian budget winners and losers

The Victorian Labor government will deliver a $15.2 billion deficit this year, with net debt growing to $187.8 billion by 2028, but Treasurer Tim Pallas is forecasting an operating surplus of $1.5 billion by 2025-26.

There are no new taxes or levies for the first time in several years – although the state’s waste and fire levies are increasing – but the budget avoids many tough decisions save for a slowdown in infrastructure spending.