Labor's budget of lies, debt and decline
While Labor was locked in budget briefings spinning their deceitful numbers to journalists, thousands of real Victorians rallied on the steps of Parliament – CFA volunteers, farmers, and regional communities united in outrage against Labor's cruel new Emergency Services Tax.
These are the hardworking Victorians who are battling drought, rising costs and collapsing services – and who Labor is punishing with a tax grab dressed up as reform.
The Allan Labor Government has handed down a deceitful, reckless and irresponsible budget that will leave Victorian families worse off, services underfunded and our state drowning in debt.
Despite receiving a $3.7 billion GST windfall, Labor has delivered a $1 billion worse final result than forecast. This is not a responsible budget. It is an admission of failure.
Leader of the Opposition Brad Battin said Victorians should be deeply concerned about what this budget means for their future.
"This is a budget built on lies, fantasy forecasts and spiralling debt. Labor has run a cash deficit, and Victoria's debt is now set to blow out to $194 billion by 2028-29 – knocking on the door of $200 billion. That will be $28.9 million in interest every single day paid by all Victorians – or $10 billion every year," Mr Battin said.
"That's why we are seeing crumbling roads, record hospital waitlists and Labor cutting $2.4 billion from our public schools. Victorians are paying more and getting less."
"Labor promised discipline, but what we've got is deceit. They've cooked the books, and once again it's hardworking families and essential services that are being punished."
Shadow Treasurer James Newbury said Labor has proven it simply cannot manage money.
"This budget confirms what Victorians already know: Labor is addicted to debt and dishonest forecasts. They promised to hold expenses steady at 0.2 per cent growth. Instead, they blew the budget by $8.2 billion in just 12 months," Mr Newbury said.
"That is 41 times what they forecast. And with that track record, no Victorian can believe a word Labor says."
"This is a government that borrows more, spends more and achieves less. Labor's addiction to reckless spending is driving down our services and driving up the cost of living."
Mr Battin said the Liberals and Nationals will always stand for honest budgeting, responsible spending and protecting essential services.
"Victorians deserve a government that tells the truth, spends within its means and delivers the services we need. That's what the Liberals and Nationals are committed to."
