Cash injection for hospitals in treasurer's budget
Hospitals will receive a major cash injection when the treasurer of the nation's second most populous state hands down her first budget.
The Victorian budget being delivered by Labor's Jaclyn Symes on Tuesday will offer a record $31 billion for health, including an additional $1.6 billion into the system over the next four years.
Nine new or expanded hospitals, including new builds in Frankston and Footscray, will benefit from an extra $9.3 billion.
This will include $634.3 million to open and operationalise these projects.
The state government handed hospitals a $1.5 billion lifeline in 2024 after backing down on plans to force health services to merge.
The funding is the most significant injection that has been invested in the state's health and hospital system, Premier Jacinta Allan said.
"It's about making sure that care for a growing, aging population continues to be delivered in local communities as more and more demand comes onto our hospital system," she said.
Other measures in the health boost include an additional $48.2 million for urgent care clinics and making a community pharmacy prescribing trial permanent with no costs to consumers.
"This is about ensuring that working people and families can avoid a trip to the GP. It saves them time and money," Ms Allan said.
Budget papers have been delivered amid the treasurer, delivering her debut budget after replacing Tim Pallas in December, looks to soften the blow of mounting debt with a few "surprises".
Ms Symes has already leaked out several key fiscal details, including a $1 billion reduction to the forecast operating surplus next financial year and no new or increased taxes.
Net debt will stay below $200 billion over the next four years and peak as a share of the economy in 2026/27.
But just how high it grows will remain a mystery until Ms Symes takes her feet to give her maiden budget address.
"We have had to make tough decisions," she told reporters on Monday.
The Allan government has already unveiled $727 million to "operationalise" the Metro Tunnel, $61 million to slash stamp duty for off-the-plan apartments, units and townhouses for another 12 months and a $976 million "Better Roads Blitz".
Another $318 million has been earmarked over four years for children under 18 to travel free on public transport, saving families up to $755 a year per child.
Ms Symes signalled more cost-of-living support could be on the way for cash-strapped Victorians.
"There's more surprises still to come," she said.
Her budget speech could be overshadowed by farmers and volunteer firefighters swarming the steps of parliament on Tuesday to protest a recently passed emergency services levy.
The expanded levy was announced in December and originally forecast to raise an extra $2.14 billion over the next three years to cover more emergency and disaster bodies.
It prompted backlash but passed parliament after the government compromised on rebates for emergency volunteers and a slightly decreased levy rate for farmers.
Public servants will also be in the budget firing line on Tuesday, with thousands to lose their jobs as the government tries to rein in its ballooning wages bill.
Hospitals will receive a major cash injection when the treasurer of the nation's second most populous state hands down her first budget.
The Victorian budget being delivered by Labor's Jaclyn Symes on Tuesday will offer a record $31 billion for health, including an additional $1.6 billion into the system over the next four years.
Nine new or expanded hospitals, including new builds in Frankston and Footscray, will benefit from an extra $9.3 billion.
This will include $634.3 million to open and operationalise these projects.
The state government handed hospitals a $1.5 billion lifeline in 2024 after backing down on plans to force health services to merge.
The funding is the most significant injection that has been invested in the state's health and hospital system, Premier Jacinta Allan said.
"It's about making sure that care for a growing, aging population continues to be delivered in local communities as more and more demand comes onto our hospital system," she said.
Other measures in the health boost include an additional $48.2 million for urgent care clinics and making a community pharmacy prescribing trial permanent with no costs to consumers.
"This is about ensuring that working people and families can avoid a trip to the GP. It saves them time and money," Ms Allan said.
Budget papers have been delivered amid the treasurer, delivering her debut budget after replacing Tim Pallas in December, looks to soften the blow of mounting debt with a few "surprises".
Ms Symes has already leaked out several key fiscal details, including a $1 billion reduction to the forecast operating surplus next financial year and no new or increased taxes.
Net debt will stay below $200 billion over the next four years and peak as a share of the economy in 2026/27.
But just how high it grows will remain a mystery until Ms Symes takes her feet to give her maiden budget address.
"We have had to make tough decisions," she told reporters on Monday.
The Allan government has already unveiled $727 million to "operationalise" the Metro Tunnel, $61 million to slash stamp duty for off-the-plan apartments, units and townhouses for another 12 months and a $976 million "Better Roads Blitz".
Another $318 million has been earmarked over four years for children under 18 to travel free on public transport, saving families up to $755 a year per child.
Ms Symes signalled more cost-of-living support could be on the way for cash-strapped Victorians.
"There's more surprises still to come," she said.
Her budget speech could be overshadowed by farmers and volunteer firefighters swarming the steps of parliament on Tuesday to protest a recently passed emergency services levy.
The expanded levy was announced in December and originally forecast to raise an extra $2.14 billion over the next three years to cover more emergency and disaster bodies.
It prompted backlash but passed parliament after the government compromised on rebates for emergency volunteers and a slightly decreased levy rate for farmers.
Public servants will also be in the budget firing line on Tuesday, with thousands to lose their jobs as the government tries to rein in its ballooning wages bill.
Hospitals will receive a major cash injection when the treasurer of the nation's second most populous state hands down her first budget.
The Victorian budget being delivered by Labor's Jaclyn Symes on Tuesday will offer a record $31 billion for health, including an additional $1.6 billion into the system over the next four years.
Nine new or expanded hospitals, including new builds in Frankston and Footscray, will benefit from an extra $9.3 billion.
This will include $634.3 million to open and operationalise these projects.
The state government handed hospitals a $1.5 billion lifeline in 2024 after backing down on plans to force health services to merge.
The funding is the most significant injection that has been invested in the state's health and hospital system, Premier Jacinta Allan said.
"It's about making sure that care for a growing, aging population continues to be delivered in local communities as more and more demand comes onto our hospital system," she said.
Other measures in the health boost include an additional $48.2 million for urgent care clinics and making a community pharmacy prescribing trial permanent with no costs to consumers.
"This is about ensuring that working people and families can avoid a trip to the GP. It saves them time and money," Ms Allan said.
Budget papers have been delivered amid the treasurer, delivering her debut budget after replacing Tim Pallas in December, looks to soften the blow of mounting debt with a few "surprises".
Ms Symes has already leaked out several key fiscal details, including a $1 billion reduction to the forecast operating surplus next financial year and no new or increased taxes.
Net debt will stay below $200 billion over the next four years and peak as a share of the economy in 2026/27.
But just how high it grows will remain a mystery until Ms Symes takes her feet to give her maiden budget address.
"We have had to make tough decisions," she told reporters on Monday.
The Allan government has already unveiled $727 million to "operationalise" the Metro Tunnel, $61 million to slash stamp duty for off-the-plan apartments, units and townhouses for another 12 months and a $976 million "Better Roads Blitz".
Another $318 million has been earmarked over four years for children under 18 to travel free on public transport, saving families up to $755 a year per child.
Ms Symes signalled more cost-of-living support could be on the way for cash-strapped Victorians.
"There's more surprises still to come," she said.
Her budget speech could be overshadowed by farmers and volunteer firefighters swarming the steps of parliament on Tuesday to protest a recently passed emergency services levy.
The expanded levy was announced in December and originally forecast to raise an extra $2.14 billion over the next three years to cover more emergency and disaster bodies.
It prompted backlash but passed parliament after the government compromised on rebates for emergency volunteers and a slightly decreased levy rate for farmers.
Public servants will also be in the budget firing line on Tuesday, with thousands to lose their jobs as the government tries to rein in its ballooning wages bill.
Hospitals will receive a major cash injection when the treasurer of the nation's second most populous state hands down her first budget.
The Victorian budget being delivered by Labor's Jaclyn Symes on Tuesday will offer a record $31 billion for health, including an additional $1.6 billion into the system over the next four years.
Nine new or expanded hospitals, including new builds in Frankston and Footscray, will benefit from an extra $9.3 billion.
This will include $634.3 million to open and operationalise these projects.
The state government handed hospitals a $1.5 billion lifeline in 2024 after backing down on plans to force health services to merge.
The funding is the most significant injection that has been invested in the state's health and hospital system, Premier Jacinta Allan said.
"It's about making sure that care for a growing, aging population continues to be delivered in local communities as more and more demand comes onto our hospital system," she said.
Other measures in the health boost include an additional $48.2 million for urgent care clinics and making a community pharmacy prescribing trial permanent with no costs to consumers.
"This is about ensuring that working people and families can avoid a trip to the GP. It saves them time and money," Ms Allan said.
Budget papers have been delivered amid the treasurer, delivering her debut budget after replacing Tim Pallas in December, looks to soften the blow of mounting debt with a few "surprises".
Ms Symes has already leaked out several key fiscal details, including a $1 billion reduction to the forecast operating surplus next financial year and no new or increased taxes.
Net debt will stay below $200 billion over the next four years and peak as a share of the economy in 2026/27.
But just how high it grows will remain a mystery until Ms Symes takes her feet to give her maiden budget address.
"We have had to make tough decisions," she told reporters on Monday.
The Allan government has already unveiled $727 million to "operationalise" the Metro Tunnel, $61 million to slash stamp duty for off-the-plan apartments, units and townhouses for another 12 months and a $976 million "Better Roads Blitz".
Another $318 million has been earmarked over four years for children under 18 to travel free on public transport, saving families up to $755 a year per child.
Ms Symes signalled more cost-of-living support could be on the way for cash-strapped Victorians.
"There's more surprises still to come," she said.
Her budget speech could be overshadowed by farmers and volunteer firefighters swarming the steps of parliament on Tuesday to protest a recently passed emergency services levy.
The expanded levy was announced in December and originally forecast to raise an extra $2.14 billion over the next three years to cover more emergency and disaster bodies.
It prompted backlash but passed parliament after the government compromised on rebates for emergency volunteers and a slightly decreased levy rate for farmers.
Public servants will also be in the budget firing line on Tuesday, with thousands to lose their jobs as the government tries to rein in its ballooning wages bill.
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The island state is heading to the polls on July 19 - its fourth election in seven years - after Premier Jeremy Rockliff refused to step down after losing a no-confidence motion. Mr Rockliff was returned to power in minority at the most-recent March 2024 poll, but lost support of parliament in stunning fashion last week. The Liberals on Friday revealed their candidate list for the northwest electorate of Braddon, including ex-federal MP Gavin Pearce and former senator Stephen Parry. Under Tasmania's Hare-Clark voting system, seven MPs are elected in each of the state's five electorates. Mr Pearce held Braddon at federal level for six years from 2019, but announced in June 2024 he would not re-contest the seat. The seat was taken by Labor with a sizeable swing as Anthony Albanese swept to power in May. "It's almost like I read the tea leaves. (But) I did it (left) for the right reasons. The rigours of federal politics weighed on my personal commitments," Mr Pearce said on Friday. 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- The Advertiser
Woodside given more time to consider gas plant rules
A final call on Woodside's massive gas project has been delayed with the energy giant granted more time to consider federal conditions on cultural heritage and air quality. Woodside had 10 days to respond to Environment Minister Murray Watt's provisional approval to push out the life of its North West Shelf project in Western Australia but an unspecified extension has since been granted. Under the proposal, the project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - will be able to keep operating until 2070. The tentative approval has angered Indigenous groups fearful it will damage nearby ancient rock art, as well as environmentalists concerned it will hasten climate change. Protesters took the campaign to the offices of five federal Labor MPs in Perth on Friday where they handed over an open letter opposing the project signed by more than 60 scientists and experts. The North West Shelf's go-ahead is subject to strict conditions about the impact of air emission levels, provisions the environment minister says will ensure the 60,000-year-old Murujuga Indigenous rock art is not destroyed. Senator Watt said discussions with Woodside had been constructive and it was not uncommon for proponents in this situation to take a bit longer to respond. "I can't predict exactly when it will be that Woodside will provide those comments," he told ABC radio on Thursday. The energy giant confirmed the extended consultation period on Friday. "Woodside recognises the importance of the matters being addressed by the proposed conditions of the environmental approval including cultural heritage management and air quality," the company said in a statement. Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the public had a right to see the conditions proposed by the minister. "Australians who are worried about the protection of the ancient Murujuga rock art, which has been nominated for World Heritage listing and is right next door to Woodside's gas hub, deserve to see what Woodside is being allowed to negotiate behind closed doors," Ms Rollins said. "In addition to the damage to the rock art, extending the NW Shelf gas hub until 2070 locks in decades more climate pollution and will drive demand to open new gas fields." A final call on Woodside's massive gas project has been delayed with the energy giant granted more time to consider federal conditions on cultural heritage and air quality. Woodside had 10 days to respond to Environment Minister Murray Watt's provisional approval to push out the life of its North West Shelf project in Western Australia but an unspecified extension has since been granted. Under the proposal, the project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - will be able to keep operating until 2070. The tentative approval has angered Indigenous groups fearful it will damage nearby ancient rock art, as well as environmentalists concerned it will hasten climate change. Protesters took the campaign to the offices of five federal Labor MPs in Perth on Friday where they handed over an open letter opposing the project signed by more than 60 scientists and experts. The North West Shelf's go-ahead is subject to strict conditions about the impact of air emission levels, provisions the environment minister says will ensure the 60,000-year-old Murujuga Indigenous rock art is not destroyed. Senator Watt said discussions with Woodside had been constructive and it was not uncommon for proponents in this situation to take a bit longer to respond. "I can't predict exactly when it will be that Woodside will provide those comments," he told ABC radio on Thursday. The energy giant confirmed the extended consultation period on Friday. "Woodside recognises the importance of the matters being addressed by the proposed conditions of the environmental approval including cultural heritage management and air quality," the company said in a statement. Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the public had a right to see the conditions proposed by the minister. "Australians who are worried about the protection of the ancient Murujuga rock art, which has been nominated for World Heritage listing and is right next door to Woodside's gas hub, deserve to see what Woodside is being allowed to negotiate behind closed doors," Ms Rollins said. "In addition to the damage to the rock art, extending the NW Shelf gas hub until 2070 locks in decades more climate pollution and will drive demand to open new gas fields." A final call on Woodside's massive gas project has been delayed with the energy giant granted more time to consider federal conditions on cultural heritage and air quality. Woodside had 10 days to respond to Environment Minister Murray Watt's provisional approval to push out the life of its North West Shelf project in Western Australia but an unspecified extension has since been granted. Under the proposal, the project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - will be able to keep operating until 2070. The tentative approval has angered Indigenous groups fearful it will damage nearby ancient rock art, as well as environmentalists concerned it will hasten climate change. Protesters took the campaign to the offices of five federal Labor MPs in Perth on Friday where they handed over an open letter opposing the project signed by more than 60 scientists and experts. The North West Shelf's go-ahead is subject to strict conditions about the impact of air emission levels, provisions the environment minister says will ensure the 60,000-year-old Murujuga Indigenous rock art is not destroyed. Senator Watt said discussions with Woodside had been constructive and it was not uncommon for proponents in this situation to take a bit longer to respond. "I can't predict exactly when it will be that Woodside will provide those comments," he told ABC radio on Thursday. The energy giant confirmed the extended consultation period on Friday. "Woodside recognises the importance of the matters being addressed by the proposed conditions of the environmental approval including cultural heritage management and air quality," the company said in a statement. Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the public had a right to see the conditions proposed by the minister. "Australians who are worried about the protection of the ancient Murujuga rock art, which has been nominated for World Heritage listing and is right next door to Woodside's gas hub, deserve to see what Woodside is being allowed to negotiate behind closed doors," Ms Rollins said. "In addition to the damage to the rock art, extending the NW Shelf gas hub until 2070 locks in decades more climate pollution and will drive demand to open new gas fields." A final call on Woodside's massive gas project has been delayed with the energy giant granted more time to consider federal conditions on cultural heritage and air quality. Woodside had 10 days to respond to Environment Minister Murray Watt's provisional approval to push out the life of its North West Shelf project in Western Australia but an unspecified extension has since been granted. Under the proposal, the project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - will be able to keep operating until 2070. The tentative approval has angered Indigenous groups fearful it will damage nearby ancient rock art, as well as environmentalists concerned it will hasten climate change. Protesters took the campaign to the offices of five federal Labor MPs in Perth on Friday where they handed over an open letter opposing the project signed by more than 60 scientists and experts. The North West Shelf's go-ahead is subject to strict conditions about the impact of air emission levels, provisions the environment minister says will ensure the 60,000-year-old Murujuga Indigenous rock art is not destroyed. Senator Watt said discussions with Woodside had been constructive and it was not uncommon for proponents in this situation to take a bit longer to respond. "I can't predict exactly when it will be that Woodside will provide those comments," he told ABC radio on Thursday. The energy giant confirmed the extended consultation period on Friday. "Woodside recognises the importance of the matters being addressed by the proposed conditions of the environmental approval including cultural heritage management and air quality," the company said in a statement. Australian Conservation Foundation climate campaigner Piper Rollins said the public had a right to see the conditions proposed by the minister. "Australians who are worried about the protection of the ancient Murujuga rock art, which has been nominated for World Heritage listing and is right next door to Woodside's gas hub, deserve to see what Woodside is being allowed to negotiate behind closed doors," Ms Rollins said. "In addition to the damage to the rock art, extending the NW Shelf gas hub until 2070 locks in decades more climate pollution and will drive demand to open new gas fields."
