May
Ratings agencies pan Victorian budget’s lack of restraint
A $2.3 billion cost-of-living package including household energy rebates in Jaclyn Symes’ first budget will send debt to a record within four years.
Four reasons Allan’s claims the election vindicates her don’t stack up
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan claims the federal result is an endorsement of her and the Suburban Rail Loop. Even some Labor figures say that’s delusional.
Jacinta Allan claims federal election result cements her authority
The Victorian premier says that Labor’s national victory is an endorsement of her leadership and the controversial Suburban Rail Loop.
April
We traced the Suburban Rail Loop to ask voters about the election
The mega rail project is a lightning rod for judgement about government priorities. It’s route also runs through several at-play seats. Here’s what voters say.
‘Not going to happen’: Dutton accuses Allan of SRL obsession
The opposition leader promised to stop funding Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop, making it a defining issue in the federal election in Victoria.
March
Dutton to scrap SRL funding, pledges $1.5b to Melbourne airport link
The funds being announced by Peter Dutton on Tuesday will be matched by the state opposition leader Brad Battin, lifting airport rail funding to $13 billion.
PM won’t rule out more Suburban Rail Loop funding despite warnings
Anthony Albanese says he believes it’s a viable project – “When you have an infrastructure project, quite often in the early stages, there’s some criticism of it.”
Inside the rollercoaster week in Victorian politics
Crime, the CFMEU, cost blowout fears on the Suburban Rail Loop and a new stoush with the top cop. These stories show why Premier Jacinta Allan may think a week is a long time in Victorian politics.
Allan told she needs an exit strategy for SRL
Infrastructure Australia has cast doubt on the Victorian government’s ability to fund a third of SRL East through value capture and warns of more cost blowouts.