Plan to lease Melbourne’s sewage treatment services expected to bring in $6.7bn over the next four years

The Liberals’ proposal to lease out Melbourne Water’s sewage treatment business would collect a windfall of about $6.7bn over the next four years.

Sewage treatment services could be leased out under the Coalition’s plan. Picture: John Appleyard

This article is the Herald Sun’s rolling election coverage. Read on for all the latest announcements and action from the campaign trail.

The Coalition have revived its 2018 pledge to lease Melbourne’s sewage treatment services to help fund its election commitments, partly-privatising the assets for a $6.7bn windfall.

The plan was outlined in the Liberals and Nationals pre-election policy costings, which also includes plans to raid the Victorian Future Fund and draw on budget contingencies.

About $7.6bn will come from contingencies over the next four years while the $10.2bn from the Future Fund, set up with the proceeds from leasing VicRoads licence and registration.

But one of the biggest surprises on the costing document is that a Matthew Guy Government would also fund its promises through leasing out Melbourne Water’s sewage treatment business over 50 years.

In 2018, this was announced in the same document and was estimated to provide $5bn in revenue.

It was promised the new private owners would be blocked from jacking up consumer fees, instead overseen by an independent regulator.

But this is now expected to bring in $6.7bn over the next four years.

Shadow Treasurer said the arrangement was not a privatisation.

“We regard that as a lease and we believe it’s a sensible step,” he said.

Opposition pledges to lower driving licence age

Victorians could get their driver’s licence at 17 if the Coalition wins the election at the weekend.

Victoria is the only state or territory in Australia that still requires probationary drivers licence holders to be aged 18 or over.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the licence shake-up would open up a world of opportunity for young people.

“We trust young Victorians to make the right decisions on the road,” Mr Guy said.

“This simple, commonsense change will mean Victorians are no longer at a disadvantage to other states, and bring us in line with the rest of the country.”

Opposition police spokesman Brad Battin said the change would benefit Victorians living along the NSW border.

“This rule has held back too many young Victorians for too long, especially those living along the border,” Mr Battin said.

“Our plan to provide simulation driver training to students will produce better, safer drivers on our roads earlier.”

“By lowering the driving age, we are opening up a world of work and study opportunities for 17-year-olds.”

Libs pledge better entitlements for Vic veterans

Victorian veterans would become the best supported in the country under a Coalition government, Matthew Guy has promised.

Under a Coalition plan, veteran Gold Card holders would have access to free public transport, while the half price taxi fare cap would be raised to $3000.

Mr Guy has also promised a comprehensive review into veteran entitlements.

“Anything we can do to recognise and say thank you to our veterans is a good thing,” Mr Guy said.

“Under these sensible measures, and under our plan, returned service men and women will save money on every day expenses, and be able to put those savings back in to what really matters.”

Matthew Guy has announced a Coalition government will provide extra support for veterans. Picture: David Crosling

Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs Tim Bull said the immediate changes and subsequent review would be welcomed by Victoria’s veteran community.

“The Liberals and Nationals respect our servicemen and women and we will ensure they are the best-supported in Australia when it comes to state and territory concessions,” Mr Bull said.

“Our veterans deserve more, which is why a review will also investigate concessions on fees for things such as household utilities, pet registration and drivers licences, as well as other fees that we know can be a burden to our community of Veterans.

“Victoria’s veteran community is calling for better support, and the Liberals and Nationals are committed to real solutions to show our support for people who have given so much,” he said.

Earlier this month Labor pledged to help veterans tackle the rising cost of living by providing $100 discounts on car registrations, as well as free trailer and caravan registrations.

Veterans would be able to obtain free fishing and boating licences in a bid to encourage outdoor recreation.

And they would also receive free public transport on Anzac and Remembrance days under a $37m scheme to establish a Victorian Veterans Card.

On top of the discounts, the card would give veterans access to dedicated employment programs to help them find careers after finishing their period of service.