Brad Battin: Taxes and crime need to be lowered in Victoria

The new Victorian opposition leader says crime and taxes would be top of the agenda under a Coalition state government.

Victoria is at a crossroads. After a decade of mismanagement, it’s clear the current government has failed the people of this state. The cost of living is soaring, crime is spiralling out of control, and our health system is in crisis. The Labor Government’s approach of higher taxes, excessive spending, and inaction has left us with a state teetering on the edge.

On Friday, I had the great honour of being entrusted by my colleagues to lead the Victorian Liberal Party with one clear goal: to rebuild Victoria and deliver the prosperity that every Victorian deserves. Over the next 100 weeks, leading up to the next election, we will put forward a clear and practical vision for change.

We know the challenges Victorians face because we’ve lived them. I’ve raised my family in the outer suburbs, worked as both an employer and an employee, and seen first-hand how a lack of opportunity, high taxes, and a failing government have harmed families and communities. It is this experience that drives my commitment to rebuilding Victoria. Politics is about making choices that support people, not burden them. My team and I believe in a smaller, more efficient government, supporting small businesses, and ensuring that all Victorians have the opportunity to succeed.

Brad Battin after being voted in as leader of the Liberal Party on Friday. Picture: David Crosling

The rising cost of living is the number one concern for Victorian families. Under the current government, taxes have skyrocketed, bills have climbed, and wages have stagnated. Labor’s solution has been to increase taxes and burden businesses, making life harder for everyday Victorians. We will put money back in the pockets of Victorians, allowing them to keep more of what they earn and help ease the pressure on families.

Victoria’s infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. Roads are crumbling, public transport is underfunded, and essential projects are delayed, all while we’re paying more. These failures not only hinder economic growth but also impact daily life for Victorians. Under Labor, Victoria has become a state where delayed projects and massive overspending are the norm. The Liberal Party I lead will focus on government productivity, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly on projects that make a real difference. We will prioritise building the roads, rail, and essential infrastructure that will drive growth and improve the quality of life for all Victorians.

New Liberal Leader Brad Battin says more needs to be done to hold offenders accountable. Picture: Tony Gough

My team is determined to secure Victoria’s future as a sought-after destination for investment and opportunity. Businesses want certainty, reliability, and a government that supports their growth, not hinders it. The future of Victoria’s economy depends on creating an environment where businesses can thrive - where entrepreneurs can invest, expand, and create well-paying jobs. Under the current government, excessive taxes, red tape, and regulatory burdens have stifled innovation and slowed economic progress. The Liberal Party I lead will ensure that Victoria becomes a place where businesses are welcomed, supported, and given the freedom to succeed, driving growth and prosperity for all Victorians.

Safety is a basic right. Yet, under Labor, crime has become a major issue, with too many Victorians feeling unsafe in their own homes and communities. The current government’s approach to crime has been weak and ineffective. Victorians are frustrated by rising crime rates and a justice system that is failing them. My team will ensure that offenders are held accountable, that resources are allocated to support victims, and that our justice system restores safety and confidence in communities across the state.

New Liberal Leader Brad Battin with his wife Jo. Picture: Tony Gough

The Labor Government is out of money, out of ideas, and out of touch with Victorians. After more than a decade of debt, broken promises, and failed projects, they are also out of time. My team will offer a clear path forward by putting people first, ensuring that government is focused on what matters most: delivering results for families, communities, and businesses.

Labor will continue to argue for higher taxes, more debt, and more failed policies. But Victorians can’t afford another four years of this. They deserve a government that works for them, not against them. The Liberal Party, with our strong Coalition partners in The Nationals, is ready to lead Victoria to a better future - one built on sound policy, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to putting the people first.

This is the moment for real change. We will not wait. We will act, and we will deliver the leadership Victoria needs to reclaim its position as the most dynamic and prosperous state in the nation. Together, we can make Victoria the best place to live, work, and invest once again.

Brad Battin is the leader of the Victorian Liberal Party

Originally published as Brad Battin: Taxes and crime need to be lowered in Victoria