Opposition: Quarter of Vic projects to be built in regional Victoria during the first term

Matthew Guy has come out swinging claiming “regional Victorians have missed out for too long” while making a bold guarantee for state projects.

At least a quarter of Victorian projects would be built in regional Victoria during the first term Liberal Nationals government, with the state Opposition to lock in spending outside Melbourne if elected.

Speaking at the Victorian Nationals state conference in Shepparton, Nationals leader Peter Walsh announced the creation of a Regional Infrastructure Guarantee under a Matthew Guy led government.

Mr Guy said the guarantee will require that 25 per cent of all new capital investment by the state be allocated to regional Victoria across their first term.

“Regional Victorians have missed out for too long under city-centric Labor governments,” he said.

“Only a Liberals and Nationals government elected in November will treat our regional communities with respect by guaranteeing a fair share of 25 per cent of new infrastructure investment.

Victorian Liberal Party leader Matthew Guy during Question Time in the Legislative Assembly in the Victorian parliament: David Crosling

“New projects like the $750 million Mildura Base Public Hospital or a restored country roads and bridges program are exactly the transformational infrastructure our regional communities need.”

The Coalition estimates that the Andrews Government has dedicated 13 per cent of its capital spending to the regions in its latest budget.

“It’s time for our fair share in regional Victoria,” Mr Walsh said.

“Our guarantee to direct 25 per cent of the government’s new infrastructure spend into regional Victoria will deliver new and upgraded hospitals, schools and sports grounds, and the modern road and rail that we deserve.”

Mr Walsh also accused Labor of cutting the regional development budget and of failing to properly fund road maintenance.

“Regional Victorians have had enough. Only a change in government in November will deliver regional Victorians our fair share,” he said.

Andrews government props up WorkSafe with $300m boost

The Andrews government will throw in another $300m to prop up WorkSafe and stop premiums from going up in July.

The government has agreed to keep the target WorkCover premium rate, charged to businesses to fund the workers compensation scheme, at its current level of 1.272 per cent for the next financial year.

But the claims WorkSafe assesses are becoming more complex and the authority’s finances have been affected by the financial fallout of the global pandemic.

It’s believed their financial projections have worsened compared to last year, with the expanded role of the scheme to cover mental injuries creating added pressure.

Victorian Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

To ensure it can keep running without charging more from businesses, Victoria will provide $300m to the scheme.

In the past financial year, WorkSafe received a $550m bailout to offset WorkSafe’s losses.

“We know it’s been a tough few years for businesses – that’s why we’re keeping WorkCover premiums low so businesses can continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic,” Minister for Workplace Safety Ingrid Stitt said.

“Victorian workers need to know that when they ask for help, the WorkCover scheme is there to support them and their families – this investment ensures that help is there as we get on with making our workplaces safer.”

The Andrews government will throw in another $300m to prop up WorkSafe. Picture: AAP

Victorian Auditor-General Andrew Greaves last year flagged serious uncertainty about outstanding liabilities at WorkSafe and questioned whether its finances were sustainable.

Volatile international markets have affected WorkSafe’s projections and the state is looking to keep the scheme sustainable by getting better at preventing injuries.

An independent review in March recommended reforms to that would improve their response for modern concerns such as mental injuries.

Other government policies are also underway to tackle mental health in workplaces.

“All Victorians should have peace of mind knowing they’re protected while they work, that’s why we’re ensuring WorkCover has the support it needs to help all Victorians injured in their workplace recover and return to work,” Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson said.