This week’s State Budget inflicts more pain on Victorian workers, families and businesses when they
can least afford it, the Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Region Gaelle Broad said today.
“In recent weeks I have spoken to many people who are having trouble k eeping up with rising
costs,” Ms Broad said.
“There have been some very sad stories, including working people who are forced to live in their cars
and visit welfare services daily for food and a shower before they go to their job.
“I am shocked that this is happening in regional Victoria in 2023.
“Under Labor Victoria is going broke. Some have said this budget is worse than the disastrous
Cain/Kirner years,” Ms Broad said.
“Life is only going to get harder under Labor,” Ms Broad said.
“We are looking at potential cuts to disability services, domestic violence support, community health,
road safety and more because this Government has overspent over many years, with major project
cost blowouts.
Some facts about the State Budget:
• We have the highest debt of any state – more than QLD, NSW and Tasmania
combined.
• We are now paying over $10 million a day in interest, and it’s getting worse.
• Victorians pay more tax than any other state or territory.
• $30 billion of taxpayers’ money has already been wasted on project cost blowouts.
• In 2014 our state debt was $22 billion, now it’s over $100 billion and growing.
• Since they were elected nine years ago, Victoria’s tax take is set to double.
• Victoria’s credit rating is AA, down from the previous AAA rating.
“We pay our taxes because we expect the government to invest in health, in education, in building
better roads and providing emergency services,” Ms Broad said.
“We need more nurses, teachers, and police. We need less debt and government waste, and more
support for industries and small business.
“Above all, we need to support families who are doing it tough.”
Photo caption: Homeless people camp in tents in the middle of Bendigo while the multi-million dollar GovHub rises in the background
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
