Politics
Victoria
Updated
Australia votes
Allan seeks to charm caucus as concerns mount over state Labor poll slump
Federal Labor MPs are struggling with how they should campaign in a state vital to Labor’s electoral fortunes when the state branch is so on the nose.
- by Kieran Rooney, Rachel Eddie and Olivia Ireland
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Australia votes
Jacinta Allan’s sinking popularity inflicts brand damage on Albanese’s election hopes
An exclusive survey shows support for the Victorian Labor Party has collapsed to crisis levels – and it will have a huge influence on the federal political contest.
- by Chip Le Grand and Paul Sakkal
Cutting Sunshine hub would kill Airport Rail, says Allan
The Victorian premier responded to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s announcement that he would pull federal funding from the SRL East and Sunshine rail hub if elected.
- by Rachel Eddie, Kieran Rooney and Chip Le Grand
‘Hasty political decision’: Final report slams Commonwealth Games failures
The Victorian government’s decision to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games was flawed, inadequate and marred by a series of failures, according to a final report into the event’s cancellation.
- by Kieran Rooney
Dutton pledges to axe $2.2 billion from Suburban Rail Loop ‘hoax’
The federal opposition leader will announce on Tuesday that, if elected, he will withdraw federal funding for the rail loop, branding the project a cruel hoax.
- by Chip Le Grand, Kieran Rooney and Paul Sakkal
Victoria’s legal bill jumps $74m in months as historical abuse claims surge
A surge in historical sexual abuse claims against the state government have driven a $74 million jump in Victoria’s legal liabilities over six months.
- by Kieran Rooney and Clay Lucas
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Healthcare
Fears wording of new bill could result in fewer nurses in ICU
Three peak healthcare bodies say that the Victorian government’s draft laws would not stop hospitals from cutting up to three senior nurses per day in the state’s largest ICUs compared to current industry standards.
- by Broede Carmody and Kieran Rooney
Battin wants Pesutto to keep seat amid bankruptcy threat from Deeming’s costs
Liberal elders are running out of options on how to spare former party leader John Pesutto from bankruptcy, which would force his exit from parliament and a byelection.
- by Rachel Eddie
Court releases video of Portelli exchange with police
A court has released footage capturing the moment billionaire Adrian Portelli was pulled over by police in luxury car
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Liberal Party
Deeming’s costs could bankrupt Pesutto. This donor doesn’t care
Bankruptcy disqualifies anybody from being a member of parliament. Under this scenario, a live possibility, Pesutto would be forced out and a byelection called for his marginal seat of Hawthorn.
- by Rachel Eddie
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Victorian budget
Food banks, homeless services fear funding axe as horror Victorian budget looms
Community organisations providing relief to vulnerable Victorians have been told tough decisions will be made in the May state budget.
- by Daniella White