Is Victoria still the place to be after eight years under Daniel Andrews?
Over eight years Dan Andrews has made some significant reforms that have changed Victoria. But is it still the place to be?
State Election
Don't miss out on the headlines from State Election. Followed categories will be added to My News.
When voters hit the polls on Saturday they might ask themselves whether Victoria is better placed now than when the Andrews government first came to power in 2014.
Daniel Andrews’ bold infrastructure program and socially progressive agenda has changed the state.
Almost 70 level crossing removals have been completed, the Metro rail project is well under way, as is the North East link.
Significant reforms on issues including assisted dying, safe access zones for women’s health services, and medicinal cannabis have all been passed.
Public drunkenness has been decriminalised, kinder is free, and Victoria has become the first state to begin treaty negotiations with First Nations groups.
But when comparing data between 2014 and now, is Victoria still the place to be?
Finances
Net debt
2014: $21.2bn
2022: $116bn
Net debt to Gross State Product
2014: 6 per cent
2022: 20.3 per cent
Government spending
2014-15: $2.0bn surplus
2022-23: $9.7bn deficit
Government wages
2014-15: $18bn
2022-23: $32bn
Taxes
2014-15: $16.9bn
2022-23: $30.5bn
Health
Ambulance Code 1 response times
2014: 73.1%
2022: 64.3%
Number of elective surgery patients on the waiting list
2014: 38,078
2022: 84,955
Median waiting time for elective surgery
2014: 29 days
2022: 34 days
Population
2014: In the March quarter of 2014 and over the year, Victoria gained more people from interstate migration than any other state.
2022: Population growth has slowed to 0.9 per cent with Victoria the only state or territory to record a decrease in population in 2021.
Cost of living
Consumer Price index
2014: 2.8
2022: 4.0
Wage index
2014: 2.7
2022: 2.4
Unemployment rate
2014: 6.2
2022: 4.3
Transport/infrastructure
Government infrastructure investment
2014: $5.5bn
2022: $21.2bn
Level Crossing Removals
2014: 0
2022: 67
Metro Tunnel is on track to open in 2025 and early works have begun on the Suburban Rail Loop.
The promised West Gate Tunnel was due to be open this year but is at least another two years from completion.
Crime
2014: 7806 offences per 100,000
2022: 7121 offences per 100,000 people today.
Criminal matters finalised within established timeframes in the Magistrates’ Court
2014: 89.9%
2021: 44.1%
Melbourne’s world ranking
2014: World’s Most Liveable City
2022: Melbourne falls to 10th on the list
More Coverage
Top scientist to drive state’s clean energy push
The Victorian government has revealed its expert panel appointed to resurrect the state electricity commission months after the election.
Liberals win last seat in Victorian election
The Liberal Party has finally claimed the electorate of Narracan two months after the state election, bringing the Coalition to one more seat than it held after 2018.