State budget: what we do and don't know so far
WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW IS IN THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET:
* $727 million to "operationalise" the new Metro Tunnel, slated to open later in 2025
* An extra $98.7 million to run more train services on other lines
* $2 billion to redevelop the Sunshine Station as part of building a rail line from Melbourne Airport to the CBD
* $727 million to increase beds and hire more staff across the prison system
* $61 million to slash stamp duty for off-the-plan apartments, units and townhouses for another 12 months
* $152.3 million to increase the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund
* $15 million to deliver Get Active Kids Vouchers for another two years
* $15.9 million to help more drought-hit farmers and communities over winter
* $976 million for a "Better Roads Blitz" to fix potholes and upgrade road surfaces
* $2.2 million over four years to expand free public transport for seniors on weekends
* $318 million over four years to allow anyone under 18 to travel free on public transport
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW:
* How high is net debt projected to rise after it was forecast to hit $187.3 billion by mid-2028
* Will the budget still be forecast to get back in the black to the tune of $1.6 billion by 2025/26
* What will the projected wages bill be after Treasurer Jaclyn Symes flagged efforts to cut between 2000 and 3000 Victorian public servant jobs
* How many lapsing government programs, worth a total of $21.3 billion, will have their funding renewed
* Will the Emergency Service Volunteer Fund levy raise less than the $2.1 billion in forecast extra revenue before the government offered rebates to CFA and SES volunteers and some farmers
* Will a revised completion date be listed for Melbourne Airport Rail after it was pushed back at least four years to 2033 because of a now-resolved dispute
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