Politics
Victoria
Editorial
Victorian budget
State’s finances tied to a runaway debt train of government’s own design
Victoria is the financially weakest state in the federation. It didn’t have to be this way.
- The Age's View
Latest
Opinion
Victorian budget
Pallas says Labor’s promises have been delayed. Many would say they’ve been broken
Parents whose children will never attend promised childcare or see promised school upgrades are unlikely to be satisfied by the treasurer’s postponement of election pledges.
- by Annika Smethurst
Exclusive
Education
Police warn unis to break up protests as staffer threatens to burn camp
Victoria Police told universities there is a strong likelihood of violence if they don’t break up pro-Palestine student encampments on their campuses, warning that agitators who are not students are inflaming tensions.
- by Sherryn Groch and Chris Vedelago
‘Bleakest budget’ for mental health didn’t fund promised new agency
Premier Jacinta Allan’s first budget failed to fund an overdue support service to be run by people with first-hand experience of ill-mental health.
- by Rachel Eddie and Broede Carmody
The three-minute budget: Everything you need to know
Find out what will affect you most in this year’s Victorian budget.
- by Broede Carmody
Editorial
Editorial
Victoria is driving towards a debt cliff. Here’s one way to hit the brakes
Projections that the state’s debt would rise from $135.9 billion this year to $187.8 billion by mid-2028 highlight a need for drastic action.
- The Age's View
More than 100 projects delayed as blowouts hit bottom line
Delays will affect signature projects in education, health and housing as the government shields the budget from rising costs.
- by Kieran Rooney
Victorian budget 2024 as it happened: Cuts, delays, taxes revealed as treasurer hands down state budget
The Victorian treasurer delivered his 10th budget which both he and Premier Jacinta Allan pressed was “sensible and disciplined” amid burgeoning state debt.
- by Alex Crowe
Arden hospitals ditched over Metro Tunnel electromagnetic interference
Interference from the new Metro Tunnel station at Arden has forced the Victorian government to ditch a $5 billion plan to build new hospital campuses there.
- by Aisha Dow and Cara Waters
School bonus divides as rich reap benefits and poorer private areas miss out
Public school students in wealthy suburbs will get $400 each to help with learning costs while their private peers in poorer areas miss out.
- by Rachel Eddie and Robyn Grace
Video: Victorian budget 2024 explained in two minutes
Treasurer Tim Pallas’ 10th budget is full of bad news and a $25 million-a-day interest bill.
- by Kieran Rooney