Victoria’s financial situation is apparently so dire the state has appealed to the Albanese government for help, ahead of what all expect to be an excruciating state budget. And yet, last week, two new state projects were announced, both involving the private companies of businessmen long noted for their close personal ties to Premier Daniel Andrews.

On Friday, Anthony Pratt’s Visy was one of three companies to secure a portion of Victoria’s new container deposit scheme, part of a $515 million five-year commitment that also includes rivals TOMRA Cleanaway and Return-It.