Victorian state election 2018: Voters lavished with freebies and giveaways ahead of election
More than $7 billion in taxpayer-funded freebies and giveaways have been lavished on voters in the lead-up to Saturday’s election. Here’s a breakdown of Labor and the Coalition’s spendathon.
Victoria State Election
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria State Election. Followed categories will be added to My News.
More than $7 billion in taxpayer-funded freebies and giveaways have been lavished on voters in the lead-up to Saturday’s election.
The spendathon — equivalent to the Department of Justice’s annual budget — includes Labor’s promise of free baby bundles and dental care for children and Coalition commitments to discount TVs and car registration for P-platers.
Official costings will be released today to show how the major parties will pay for their promises, and whether cuts will be needed to make room in the Budget.
VICTORIA STAYS IN SURPLUS DESPITE PROPERTY TAX SLUMP
VICTORIA SET FOR A CASH SPLASH
BATTLERS TO GET CHEAP TVS, FRIDGES UNDER COALITION PLEDGE
It comes as RMIT analysis found that the cost of Labor promises thus far would total about $13.7 billion over the next four years — a 25.5 per cent increase on promises made before the 2014 poll.
The Coalition’s promised cash splash is tipped to cost about $10.3 billion over the next term but many of its policy costings have not yet been released.
RMIT Professor David Hayward warned that election freebies risked looking “tacky” and, in isolation, did little to sway voters.
“Sometimes what seems like a clever pitch is seen by voters as a cynical political promise,” he said. “People don’t mind their taxpayer money being spent, but they want their money spent on worthy causes. They hate waste.
“And it is the broader message, rather than the specifics of individual promises, that will win the day.”
Prof Hayward said voters were expecting to benefit from the state’s strong economy in recent times.
“People are sick of the politics of austerity and the promise of parties to balance the books,” he said.
“This has been a long period of economic growth and people want to see the fruits of that.”
Asked whether the taxpayer-funded freebies risked being seen as vote sweeteners, shadow treasurer Michael O’Brien said they were designed to cut the cost of living.
RELATED: HERALD SUN STATE ELECTION HUB
“The only people that seem to mind our policies to cut the cost of living are Labor because they can’t match them,” he said.
“We don’t want to be elected to government to make it harder for people. We will make it easier and tackle the rising cost of living.”
Treasurer Tim Pallas declined an interview but said in a statement that Labor had been “transparent” on its costings, with Treasury assessing commitments as they’ve been announced.
“Whether it’s free TAFE, free three-year-old kinder, half-price solar or free dental care in public schools — only Labor will take pressure off family budgets,” he said.
MORE STATE ELECTION NEWS:
DONKEY VOTE PODCAST: SANDWICHES CAN’T EASE CAMPAIGN BUS HELL
Libs retain Ripon after thriller re-count
The Liberals appear to have held on to their most marginal seat — but only just. This is how many votes separated MP Louise Stalety and Labor candidate Sarah De Santis.
O’Brien set to lead shattered Liberals
Former state treasurer Michael O’Brien appears set to take leadership of the Victorian Liberals. It comes after a 71-year-old retired naval officer who has never learnt to drive ended the leadership hopes of John Pesutto.