Media & Press Releases

Jan-11-2010

Victorian Economy Competes For Last Place

Today's release of CommSec's analysis of the economies of all States and Territories shows Victoria is competing hard for last place despite a relative improvement in the national economy in recent months, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"CommSec has put the Victorian economy in sixth place among the eight State and Territory economies. This demonstrates that the Victorian economy is not the economic powerhouse that is being painted by John Brumby," Mr Wells said.

Arrogant Treasurer Refuses To Tell Victorians The Truth On Staff Numbers

Treasurer John Lenders has demonstrated his arrogance by refusing to tell Victorians how many staff he employs, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"When asked the simple question 'How many ministerial staff did the Treasurer have in relation to all his ministerial capacities as at 31 December 2008', the Treasurer refused to answer and instead referred the question to the Department of Premier and Cabinet," Mr Wells said.

"When the Treasurer could just walk out into his office and do a headcount of his numerous staff, there is something very wrong if he refuses to answer such a simple question.

Brumby Govt Blocks Release Of Vfmc Fatcat Entertainment Expenses

Another example of the Brumby Government's interference in the operations of the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC) has come to light after revelations the government intervened to stop Victorians finding out how much money VFMC fatcats splashed out on entertainment.

VFMC Chairman John Fraser was recently gagged by the Brumby Government and stopped from releasing details of entertainment expenses by VFMC executive fatcats to the Opposition, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Brumby Government Must Release Vfmc Fat Cats Pay Fiasco Report

The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition is demanding that the Brumby Government immediately release the full review report of Dr Michael Vertigan into the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC) excessive executive salaries and bonuses fiasco, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"A media release distributed without full details of the review findings, or a copy of the report, simply smacks of a cover-up to protect the Premier and Treasurer John Lenders, and it shows they have something to hide," Mr Wells said.
"For the Brumby Government to state that the report would not be released due to 'privacy reasons' is a complete and utter cop out.

Brumby Fails Victoria’s Economy Again

State Accounts data for 2008-09 released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reinforce concerns about the health of the Victorian economy and Labor's lack of economic leadership.

Victoria's Gross State Product (GSP) growth rate of 0.8 per cent was below the national average growth rate of 1.1 per cent, and Victoria's GSP per capita fell by 1.1 per cent in 2008-09 compared to a national decline of 0.8 per cent.

"This means that while John Brumby and his Treasurer were patting themselves on the back last financial year, the Victorian economy was in recession on a population-adjusted basis," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Victoria’s Growth Stalls – Brumby And Lenders Can’t Be Trusted On The Economy

The September quarter National Accounts figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today raises questions about the underlying health of the Victorian economy and the Brumby Government's leadership, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Victoria had the second-weakest result of any state and was only prevented from an even worse result by the Rudd Government's generous stimulus payments and a surge in grants to Victoria," Mr Wells said.

Brumby And Lenders Cannot Be Trusted On State Budget Surplus

In Parliament today, the Victorian Treasurer John Lenders avoided questioning about the true status of Victoria's budget surplus in light of surprising developments in Queensland last week.
Last Friday, Queensland's Treasurer released the Queensland Government's Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Review. This Review indicated that the state's budget deficit had blown out yet again under Queensland's Labor Government.
The principle reason for the significant deterioration in Queensland's Budget was the Federal Government's decision to alter its policy of delivering capital grants to the states.

Brumby Burdens Business With Payroll Tax Slug

Hundreds more Victorian small businesses are being caught up in John Brumby's payroll tax net, threatening their ability to employ Victorians, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Answers by the Treasurer John Lenders to Questions on Notice submitted by the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition reveal another 841 Victorian businesses were added to Labor's payroll tax net in only six months, with 30,073 employers registered for payroll tax as at 30 June 2009.

Retail Sales Slump Shows Fragile Vic Economy

Today's Australian Bureau of Statistics data on Retail Trade for October 2009 showing a decline in Victoria's retail sales turnover of 0.9 per cent - compared to a national increase of 0.3 per cent - shows that Victoria's economy is fragile in the lead-up to Christmas, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"These figures are a sobering reminder that you can't trust the claims by John Brumby and the Treasurer about how well the Victorian economy is performing," Mr Wells said.

"Victoria recorded the worst result of any state in retail turnover figures, on top of recent data showing a 9.5 per cent decline in new business investment for the September 2009 quarter, the worst result of any mainland state.

Brumby’s Decade Of Record Taxes And High Spending

John Brumby and Labor have presided over a decade of record tax revenue and high spending, while vital basic services such as public transport, hospitals and police are worse, not better.

Exactly one year away from the next state election on 27 November 2010, a Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition analysis of Victoria's Annual Financial Reports from 1998-99 to 2008-09 shows that over its ten years, the State Labor Government has benefited from a record $300 billion in total revenue and close to $12 billion in accumulated budget surpluses, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Vic Business Investment Dives Under Brumby

Data released today shows new business investment in Victoria fell by 9.5 per cent during the September quarter of this year, the worst result of any mainland state and far in excess of the 3.9 per cent decrease recorded nationally, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"The Australian Bureau of Statistics Private New Capital Expenditure and Expected Expenditure data suggests Victoria's economy is still quite fragile and recovery from the recent economic downturn will be slow," Mr Wells said.

Canberra Saves Brumby’s Budget

Today's release of the 2009-10 Budget Update makes it clear that had it not been for the surge in Commonwealth Government capital works grants that have been treated as budget revenue, the Victorian Budget would be on a knife's edge, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

This Budget Update shows that the Victorian Budget will receive an additional $4 billion over the next four years with an average of $1.1 billion a year from 2010-11 to 2012-13 flowing into the operating amount from the Commonwealth Government grants. (Budget Update, p26 and 28).

Brumby’s Botched Duties Act Amendments To Hit Caravan Park Battlers And Families

John Brumby's seriously botched amendments to the Duties Act will soon hit many Victorian caravan park residents and holidaying families hard through higher site fees and lease rentals despite the State Government's introduction of a so-called caravan park exemption, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"John Brumby and his government botched the Duties Act amendment legislation from day one through an appalling and arrogant lack of consultation with stakeholders," Mr Wells said.

More Budget Blowouts And Bungles Under Brumby

Today's Auditor-General's Report on the Annual Financial Report for the State of Victoria 2008-09 reveals concerns about John Brumby's Budget deficits and warns Victoria's longer-term financial sustainability is at risk and "will need to be closely monitored", Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"This report confirms that Victoria's economy is still under pressure from the global financial crisis and that a number of factors will need to be 'continually monitored' by the Brumby Government 'in managing short and long term sustainability'," Mr Wells said.

Brumby’s Secret Plan For New Taxes On Victorian Families

John Brumby has a secret plan to slug Victorian families with new taxes, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"John Brumby's plan to introduce a raft of new taxes and imposts on Victorians by stealth is hidden in the Fire Services Funding (Feasibility Study) Bill 2009 which is due to be debated in Parliament this week," Mr Wells said.

"John Brumby cannot be trusted to tell Victorian families the truth about Labor's secret tax plan.

Brumby Bullies Deakin Uni To Claim Glory On Failed Satyam Deal

News that the Chancellor of Deakin University approved the transfer of ten hectares of university land worth millions of dollars to Satyam at no cost without the approval of the University's Council, which had met the previous day, is evidence that John Brumby bullied the University so he could claim the glory of announcing the Satyam deal less than a week later.

"John Brumby forced Deakin University's Chancellor to make a hasty decision to transfer the land to Satyam without approval of the full University Council in order to meet timelines for his 14 April 2008 media stunt to announce the $75 million Satyam IT Centre at Geelong," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Satyam Cover-up Continues: Labor Must Disclose Dealings With Deakin Uni

More serious questions have arisen over the failed Satyam deal in Geelong after revelations that potentially embarrassing details about the deal have been covered up on the Deakin University website.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today that the Brumby Government must come clean on whether it has gagged Deakin University from disclosing details of the doomed Satyam deal to prevent close examination of the relationship between the Brumby Government and Deakin University.

Still No Repayment Plan For Brumby’s Rising State Debt

Today's release of Victoria's Quarterly Financial Report for the three months ended 30 September 2009 shows state debt is increasing rapidly under a Labor Government that refuses to tell Victorian families how this debt will be repaid.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said the Quarterly Report shows that in the year to 30 September 2009, General Government Debt jumped alarmingly by 139 per cent, rising from $2.8 billion to $6.7 billion.

"It is very disturbing that the report also reveals there has been a budget deficit for three of the last four quarters, suggesting Victoria's economy is enduring a patchy recovery," Mr Wells said.

Lenders Creates Confusion Over First Home Owners Grant Cap

Victorian Treasurer John Lenders and Federal Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek have caused massive confusion amongst Victorian first home buyers about the exact level of the proposed First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) scheme cap to start on 1 January 2010, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Only a week ago, the Treasurer welcomed Minister Plibersek's announcement that the states would be allowed to set a house price cap on eligibility for the FHOG, a cap the Federal Minister stated would be set at $600,000 in Victoria," Mr Wells said.

Brumby’s Vfmc Remuneration Review Too Narrow

A leaked copy of the Brumby Government's terms of reference given to the State Services Authority for its review into the remuneration framework of the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC) shows that they are far too narrow, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"These weak and narrow terms of reference mean that the VFMC Remuneration Review will be a whitewash and it is only about protecting John Brumby and John Lenders.

Brumby Must Release Terms Of Reference Of Vfmc Bonuses Inquiry

The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition is calling on the Premier to immediately make public the terms of reference of the recently announced Vertigan Inquiry into the excessive executive salaries, bonuses and governance arrangements of the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC).

This follows the recent embarrassing news that VFMC executive salaries increased by a massive 42 per cent, and bonuses and other benefits were up 57 per cent in 2008-09, after $10 billion had been wiped off the value of the VFMC's investments over the last two years.

Vfmc Fatcats Rewarded For $10 Billion Loss With Massive Pay And Bonus Hikes

- Total VFMC losses of $10.2 billion in super and insurance funds in last 18 months

- VFMC executive salaries up 42 per cent and bonuses up 57 per cent over past year

The 2008-09 Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC) Annual Report has revealed taxpayers have rewarded VFMC executives with massive salary and bonuses increases despite a $10.2 billion loss during the year.

"Instead of being punished or demoted for this shocking result, the VFMC's fatcats have been feathering their nests with huge salary and bonus hikes," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"There is something wrong when the VFMC's fatcats lose more than $10 billion in taxpayers' funds while awarding themselves enormous salary and bonus increases."

Financial Report For Victoria - Debt On The Rise For Future Generations

The Financial Report for Victoria released today shows that Victoria is going
further into debt.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said despite record revenue of $39 billion and a land tax hike of $372 million, or 43 per cent, and record payroll tax reaping almost $4 billion, the Brumby Government is plunging the state into further debt.

Labor’s Bungled Duties Law A Legal Nightmare For Vic Business

Labor's recent amendments to the Duties Act have become a legal nightmare for many Victorians, confirming numerous warnings from the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition and major stakeholders including the Law Institute of Victoria when the legislation was being debated.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today Labor's failure to heed repeated warnings about the bungled amendments meant Victorians trying to negotiate long-term commercial lease arrangements were the victims of the Brumby Government's incompetence.

Mystery Deepens Over Satyam Debacle

Revelations today that the Brumby Government plunged an undisclosed amount of taxpayers' money into the now-collapsed $75 million Satyam project in Geelong after Satyam failed to meet the Rudd Government's criteria for funding raise more serious questions about Labor's handling of the Satyam debacle, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Something is wrong here, given the Brumby Government is saying one thing and the Rudd Government entirely another regarding the funding of the Satyam debacle," Mr Wells said.

Brumby Government Continues To Promote Satyam Despite Geelong Project Collapse

Despite last week's embarrassing announcement that the $75 million Satyam IT centre for Geelong had collapsed, costing 2,000 new jobs for the region, the Brumby Government is still promoting the Satyam project as a model case study to attract international investment to Victoria, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The Victorian Government's Multimedia Victoria website* still proudly promotes Satyam as an investment case study in order to attract other overseas IT companies to Victoria.

"The Brumby Government still sees fit to promote Satyam as a leading IT success story for Victoria," Mr Wells said.

25 New Taxes In Labor’s Ten Years

VICTORIANS STRUGGLE FROM BRUMBY'S BILLION DOLLAR TAX HAUL

In the 10 years Labor has been in government, Victorians have been hit with more than 25 new taxes, netting the government billions in extra cash, yet transport, hospitals, roads and law and order are only getting worse not better, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Since 2000, Labor have imposed 25 new and extended taxes on Victorian household budgets, yet our transport system is collapsing, hospitals are in crisis, we are paying more for water and violent crime is out of control in our suburbs," Mr Wells said.

Satyam’s Geelong Project Collapse A Jobs Disaster For John Brumby

Today's announcement by the Indian IT company, Mahindra Satyam that it is pulling out of its Geelong IT Centre project, which promised 2,000 new jobs for the region, is further evidence that after 10 years, Victoria is going backwards under John Brumby, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"The Satyam Geelong IT deal is another major project, trumpeted by the Brumby Labor Government as a coup for Victoria, which has turned into a complete shambles", Mr Wells said.

Victoria Now Has The Highest Unemployment Rate In Australia

Labour Force figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for August 2009 reveal that Victoria now has the highest unemployment rate in Australia at 6.3 per cent - an increase of 0.4 per cent compared to July 2009, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Nationally, unemployment remained steady at 5.8 per cent.

"This means 13,100 Victorians lost their jobs last month and a total of 178,900 Victorians are now unemployed," Mr Wells said.

Note Of Caution On Jobs

Today's ANZ job advertisements series raises a note of caution about the state of the Victorian jobs market, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"I hope that Victoria's job market is on the road to recovery, but the release of this ANZ jobs data should give policy-makers reason to pause," Mr Wells said.

Labor’s Tardy Response Lets Down Vic Industry Again

Labor's neglect of Victoria's troubled manufacturing sector has been exposed once again with the Treasurer taking a full year to respond to a call from the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition for Labor to release its policies on manufacturing and freight and logistics, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Twelve months ago in Parliament the Coalition highlighted Labor's failure to release important policies to help Victoria's long-suffering manufacturing and freight and logistics sectors," Mr Wells said,

Brumby’s Debt Splurge To Burden Our Future

Victoria's economy appears to have been spared the worst consequences of the global financial crisis, but this is no time for smug self-congratulations by the Brumby Government.

There are clear warnings that the road ahead may be far from rosy - the Rudd economic stimulus is wearing off, there are continuing signs of fragility in many developed economies, particularly in Europe, and the financial system in the USA is far from healthy and could still deteriorate further from its present weak position.
And in Victoria we face the burden of a huge surge in state debt over the next four years.

Brumby’s Increased Payroll Tax Burden On Victorian Businesses Places Jobs At Risk

The ever-increasing number of Victorian small businesses caught up in the payroll tax net by John Brumby is placing jobs at serious risk during the current economic downturn, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Figures obtained by the Opposition after submitting Questions on Notice to Treasurer John Lenders reveal that an additional 1,052 Victorian businesses were added to the payroll tax net in the 12 month period to 31 December 2008, with 29,232 employers now registered for payroll tax.
"At a time when the State Government should be doing all it can to support and assist businesses to retain staff or employ extra workers, John Brumby is putting the screws on even more Victorian businesses to increase payroll tax revenue to pay for his government's record spending spree.

More Empty Words And No Plan From Labor On Financial Services

Labor's much-touted financial services statement - released today after years of empty promises - is a massive disappointment, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.
"After three long years, all Labor has promised is another bureaucratic talkfest and the development of yet another industry strategy," Mr Wells said.
"There are no ideas from the Brumby Government on cutting the regulation strangling the financial services sector, only a promise for another inquiry into red tape in the sector by the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission.

John Brumby Again Misleads Victorians On 35,000 New Jobs From State Budget

Premier John Brumby has once again misled Victorians, attempting to convince them that 35,000 jobs announced in May's 2009-10 State Budget were new jobs when the reality is his own Treasurer has admitted the jobs were not new jobs at all, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"In State Parliament today, John Brumby again referred to 35,000 new jobs as a result of the State Budget," Mr Wells said.
(Legislative Assembly Question Time, Thursday, 13 August 2009)

"This follows on from the Premier's earlier original boast back in May that his Budget would create 35,000 new jobs.

"However, John Brumby's continued boasts of 35,000 new jobs are in stark contrast to his Treasurer's admissions to State Parliament only six weeks ago that the jobs were not new at all," Mr Wells said.

Victorian Investment Continues To Decline Under Brumby

· Victoria has suffered the biggest decline in the value of investment in works under construction of any state or territory in the last financial year
The latest Access Economics Investment Monitor report confirms the economic gloom for Victorian jobs and investment is set to continue under John Brumby, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The report shows that not only has Victoria suffered a 35 per cent reduction in investment in works under construction in the past financial year - the largest decline of any state - but also has the second-lowest growth in total investment, including works under construction, in the pipeline and possible projects, after New South Wales.

Report Confirms Gloomy Outlook For Victorian Jobs

- Victoria under Brumby will continue to perform at the bottom of the jobs pile
The latest Access Economics Business Outlook Report confirms a continuing gloomy outlook for Victorian jobs under John Brumby, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Despite a welcome upgrade for the Australian economy as a whole, today's report states that 'Victoria's current performance is weak, and its short term outlook is similarly weak' - far from the rosy picture Premier John Brumby has been painting of late.

Victorian Ppp Projects Threatened By Brumby’s New Duty Laws

Following the Brumby Government's recent controversial amendments to Victorian duties legislation, which included a number of retrospective provisions, industry sources have now confirmed that major Public Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects - whether planned, under construction or already built - could be threatened by multi-million dollar stamp duty assessments by the Victorian Government, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Gippsland Feels The Heat Of Brumby’s Jobs Con

- Unemployment rate increases from 3.6 per cent to 7.1 per cent
· 4,900 local jobs lost in June
· Victoria suffering highest underemployment rate in Australia

ABS Regional Labour Force Statistics for Gippsland reveal an alarming 3.5 percent jump in the unemployment rate in June, putting a lie to the Premier's arrogant boasts that Victoria's economy is the envy of the world, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
The data also reveals 4,300 more locals on the dole queue in just one month.

Victorian Unemployment Rate Hits 6.0 Per Cent Under Brumby

- Unemployment rate increases from 4.3 per cent to 6 per cent since August 2008
- 48,700 more Victorians unemployed than in August last year
- 60 per cent of jobs lost across Australia over the past year were lost in Victoria

ABS Labour Force Statistics for June reveal Victoria's unemployment rate has now hit 6 per cent, up from 4.3 per cent in August last year, a deeply worrying situation for Victorians, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Almost 170,000 Victorians are now unemployed - an increase of 48,700 or 40 per cent since August 2008. Disturbingly, the most recent jobseekers data also shows that Victoria has the highest under-employment and under-utilisation rate of all states. This means that a higher proportion of Victorians are finding it harder to gain sufficient work than in any other state.

Lenders Undermines Brumby Jobs Boast

John Brumby's claim that the 2009-10 State Budget will create 35,000 new jobs has been severely undermined by his own Treasurer, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Responding to questions by Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Legislative Council Members during Parliamentary discussion of the Budget yesterday, John Lenders stated that: " ... this budget secures 35,000 jobs that otherwise would not be secured" (Source: Hansard, Legislative Council, 25 June 2009).

"John Lenders' statement totally contradicts the Premier's claims which were repeated again this week that the 35,000 jobs in question were 'new jobs'," Mr Wells said.

Labor’s Lack Of Consultation Makes Duties Amendment Bill A Shambles

Labor's seriously flawed Duties Amendment Bill, finally passed in the Legislative Council this afternoon despite continued opposition by the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition, proves again that the arrogant Brumby Government is unwilling to properly consult on legislation which has major negative implications for many Victorians, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Victorian Treasurer Unable To Explain The Difference Between Gross And Net

Victorian Treasurer John Lenders' scant understanding of the Victorian Budget was exposed and on display in Parliament today according to Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells.

At question time today Mr Lenders was asked about a scathing article in today's Australian Financial Review by the former New South Wales Auditor-General Tony Harris but the Treasurer could not answer a single question on the subject.

Victorians Suffer While Brumby Boasts

ABS Labour Force Statistics for May reveal the Victorian unemployment rate has jumped from 5.7 per cent to 5.9 per cent, the second-highest unemployment rate in the nation.

The figures also reveal nearly 17,000 full-time jobs lost in May, as well as almost 30,000 more unemployed Victorians since January.

Victorians have also suffered more than 90 per cent of all the jobs lost in Australia since January which - on top of the fact that Victoria was the only state to lose jobs last year - paints an alarming picture for Victorian workers.

Victorian Economy Goes Nowhere Under Labor

- Grim news for jobs
- Victoria records zero yearly growth in demand
- Demand growth second lowest of all states

Today's ABS national accounts data show Victoria's final demand was stagnant, with zero growth for the year to March 2009, the second-lowest of all states.

And for the March quarter, Victoria's final demand went backwards by 2.1 per cent, more than double the national decline of 1.0 per cent.

"John Brumby is directly responsible for the Victorian economy going nowhere over the past year," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Coalition Calls For Full Audit Of Labor’s Land Tax Bills

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said the Brumby Government must immediately audit all 220,000 land tax bills issued for 2009 following revelations homeowners and small business had been wrongly slugged.

"Victorians who received a land tax bill need to check closely that they are not being taxed on their principal place of residence, which is exempt from land tax," Mr Wells said.

Victorians Warned After Labor Issues Bogus Land Tax Bills

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said Victorian property owners who received 2009 land tax bills should urgently check that they had not been wrongly slugged.

Mr Wells said in an extraordinary Brumby Government bungle, Victorians who were exempt from paying land tax had still been sent bills.

"Victorians who received a land tax bill need to check closely that they are not being taxed on their principal place of residence which is exempt," Mr Wells said.

Falling Near Record Low Business Investment Puts More Jobs At Risk Under Brumby

Today's release of data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that business investment in Victoria is stagnating, with our share of national business investment slumping close to a record low in the March quarter.

Labor Fails To Rule Out Boosting Debt Burden On Victorians

John Brumby and his Treasurer have again failed to quell the fears of Victorian families that Labor will plunge them into even more debt.

Appearing before Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) hearings today, the Treasurer refused to rule out going into even more debt beyond the $31.3 billion debt binge unveiled in last week's Budget.

The Premier and Treasurer refused to endorse Treasury forecasts predicting the Victorian economy will return to normal in three years, displaying a complete lack of confidence in their own forecasts.

House Of Cards Budget - Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells State Budget Reply Speech

On Tuesday, 5 May, the Treasurer presented the State Government's Budget for the 2009-10 financial year.
Given the difficult economic circumstances Victoria is currently facing, this year's Budget is fundamentally critical for the future of our State.

However, this and future generations will be burdened by the failures, financial mismanagement and massive debt legacy unleashed by the Brumby Labor Government in this Budget.

Victoria’s Phoney Budget Surplus

$2.8 BILLION RUDD BAILOUT SAVES VIC FROM DEFICIT DISASTER
Today's Victorian Budget would be more than $2 billion in deficit if not for an unprecedented $2.8 billion bailout from Kevin Rudd, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The phoney surplus has only been created after a huge injection of capital grants from the Federal Government, up from an estimated $459 million in the most recent Budget Update to $2.8 billion in 2009-10.

"If it were not for these Rudd Government capital payments, the Victorian Budget would have been in deficit by more than $2 billion," Mr Wells said.

Brumby’s $31.3 Billion Debt Legacy A Massive Burden For Future Generations And Aaa Credit Rating Under Threat

"...our state debt, at less than 3 per cent of GDP, which is a strong triple A credit rating..."

John Brumby, Neil Mitchell program, Tuesday 9 December 2008
State debt set to reach 10 per cent of Gross State Product
AAA credit rating - S & P trigger point will be breached
State debt blows out to more than $31.3 billion - $6000 debt for every Victorian
Government's interest bill to soar to $2.2 billion
Today's State Budget will burden Victorians with a massive $31.3 billion of government debt to cloak Labor's financial mismanagement, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"There is something seriously wrong with the Brumby Government when future generations of Victorians will have to carry a debt burden of more than $31.3 billion despite John Brumby collecting record revenues of more than $300 billion over the past decade," Mr Wells said.

Brumby’s Boasts Ring Hollow While Unemployment Skyrockets

Unemployment to rise by an additional 70,000 to more than 200,000 until 2013

After starting the year boasting that Labor's priority was 'jobs, jobs and jobs', the Brumby Government cannot escape responsibility for the Victorian unemployment rate rising to 7.75 per cent in the forward estimates and the number of unemployed increasing by an additional 70,000 to more than 200,000 until 2013 at least.

"Forecasts in today's State Budget of a massive increase in unemployment will be a rude shock to anyone who still thinks that Labor stands up for Victorian families," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

John Brumby’s Rapidly Rising Debt Must Meet Strict Criteria

Victorians are once again burdened by a State Labor Government addicted to debt and there are serious concerns over the Brumby Government's ability to demonstrate how borrowings will be used effectively to advance Victoria's productive output, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"The problem with John Brumby's increasing addiction to debt is that there is no identifiable plan or program in place that outlines exactly how Labor is going to pay back Victoria's debt in future years," Mr Wells said.
To ensure responsible and conservative economic management the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition would initiate strict criteria for spending options funded by borrowings.

State Budget Must Focus On Protecting Victorian Jobs

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today the 2009-10 State Budget was crucial to the future of Victoria's economy and must be focused on protecting and growing jobs for Victorians.
"The Brumby Government will be held accountable by Victorians for the way it handles the difficult economic and financial times ahead and what it does to save and create Victorian jobs," Mr Wells told the CEDA Trustees luncheon.
This year's State Budget is being framed in an economic climate best described as grim with extreme economic and financial challenges ahead for Victoria and Australia.
Mr Wells said in this environment the State Government had a responsibility to encourage and facilitate new investment and support business to maintain and grow employment.

More Victorian Jobs Disappear Under Brumby

At the beginning of this year John Brumby declared that his highest priority was jobs, jobs and jobs, but today's ABS Labour Force results for March have revealed once again that Victorians' jobs are fast disappearing under John Brumby's watch, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"Over the past 12 months Victoria's unemployment rate has increased by one-third from 4.2 per cent to 5.7 per cent in March," Mr Wells said.
"Today's data show that Victoria lost a further 5,200 full time jobs last month the second highest full time job loss in the nation after the basket case economy of New South Wales.
"In only the seven months since last August, Victoria has lost more than 40,000 full time jobs.

Brumby Needs Economic Lesson On Financial Management

Premier Brumby is engaging in financial policy making on the run, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Last year the Premier gave Victorians an iron-clad guarantee that the budget surplus would be 1 per cent of revenue, and in February this year he walked away from that commitment," Mr Wells said.

In the first six months of this financial year the surplus has shrunk to just $46 million, a far cry from the original budget estimate last May of $828 million.

Treasurer’s Do Nothing Approach Is Not An Option

For the third day in a row Treasurer John Lenders has refused to tell the Parliament how the Brumby Government will protect the Victorian budget from the potential loss of millions of dollars in federal funding due to the use of fraudulent patient data from our public hospitals, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"Just what is wrong with the Brumby Labor Government when its Treasurer refuses to address a fundamental issue of good economic management of Victoria's finances?" Mr Wells said.

Millions Of Dollars At Risk From Treasurer’s Irresponsible Inaction

There is something very wrong with the Brumby Labor Government if the inaction and complacency displayed in Parliament by the Treasurer John Lenders is any indication, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"In Parliament today, Treasurer Lenders avoided answering questions that go to the heart of responsible management of Victoria's weakened finances," Mr Wells said.

Vic Duties Bill Mired In Uncertainty

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Duties Amendment Bill is sending the wrong message to interstate and overseas investors and businesses wanting to create jobs by doing business in Victoria, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The Duties Amendment Bill was first introduced to Parliament last December and was blocked in the Legislative Council two weeks ago by the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition with Greens and DLP support.

The Bill, which in its original form would have imposed stamp duty on retirees and pensioners entering retirement villages, was amended following the Coalition's opposition and a public outcry about the proposals.

Brumby’s Greedy Land Tax Grab Costs Vic Jobs

In the midst of an economic downturn, Victorian jobs are under threat from John Brumby's insatiable greed for land tax revenue, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Every day more victims of Labor's vicious land tax grab come forward and make the simple point that they cannot afford to employ Victorians because land tax bills are out of control," Mr Wells said.

Vic Economy Slides Further While Brumby Blows Taxpayers’ Cash

Victoria's economy continues to slide further under John Brumby, according to the latest economic indicators released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Yet Victoria's Premier thinks it's more important to spend $1.5 million in taxpayers' funds on visits by elite foreign golfers than supporting Victorian jobs.

Brumby Hypocritical On Open Government – Questions Unanswered For More Than 2 Years

John Brumby continues to be hypocritical and simply cannot be believed when he states that his government is open, transparent and accountable, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Treasury-related questions were placed on notice with Parliament for government response on 19 December 2006 and incredibly, more than two years later, seven remain unanswered.

"Despite its spin and rhetoric, the Brumby Government in practice has an appalling record when it comes to being open, honest and accountable to the people of Victoria," Mr Wells said.

Anz Job Cuts A Vote Of No Confidence In Victorian Economy

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today's announcement of job cuts at ANZ is glaring evidence of Labor's complacency and inability to protect Victorian jobs.

"Labor bragged in September 2006 that ANZ moving its headquarters to Docklands was 'a vote of confidence in the state's economy' and that 'When the project is completed in 2009, we expect Docklands current working population to treble from 6,000 to 17,000'," Mr Wells said.
(See attached)

"Instead, ANZ is cutting Victorian jobs in 2009 and moving them to India, which is a vote of no-confidence in Victoria's economy.

7100 Jobs Gone In One Month – More Than Any Other State

PAPER-THIN SURPLUS EXPOSES VICTORIA'S VULNERABILITY
TO ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
· STATE-BASED SUPER SCHEMES LOSE $13 BILLION IN SIX MONTHS
· STATE'S NET ASSETS DROP $20 BILLION IN SIX MONTHS
· GOVERNMENT SECTOR DEBT UP 71 PER CENT IN SIX MONTHS

Brumby’s Massive $9.3 Billion In Investment Losses

Total VFMC losses of $9.3 billion in superannuation and insurance funds in last 18 months
Further $4.3 billion in superannuation and insurance funds lost in only three months

Total state investment funds under management by the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC) have now decreased by $9.3 billion, or 22.5 per cent, since 30 June 2007 and John Brumby was hiding a further massive $4.3 billion in superannuation and insurance fund losses by VFMC, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Victoria’s Jobs Market – Australia’s Worst

Today's ABS Labour Force results for February reinforce the growing gloomy prospects for jobs and the unemployed in Victoria, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Victoria's unemployment rate rose sharply from 4.8 per cent to 5.6 per cent, well above the national rate of 5.2 per cent.
Victoria lost 7,100 jobs in the month, more than any State, and 12,300 jobs over the year.

Duties Bill Bites The Dust

Treasurer John Lenders suffered an embarrassing defeat in the Victorian Legislative Council when debate for his Duties Amendment Bill was stopped by the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition with support of the Greens and the DLP MP, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"When debated in the Legislative Assembly last month the Coalition forced the Brumby Government to rush in four pages of amendments, and stymied a nasty cash grab that would have forced pensioners and retirees to pay stamp duty when entering into leases for accommodation in retirement villages and aged care facilities - transactions that were stamp duty free until the introduction of the Bill," Mr Wells said.

Brumby Fails To Reveal Investment Losses

VMFC fails to release December 2008 quarterly financial results
Billions lost in State Government superannuation and insurance funds

The Brumby Government has refused to release details of the performance of State Government funds over the December 2008 quarter despite a fall in the value of funds under management of nearly $5 billion up to September 2008.

Victorian Economy Limping Despite Labor’s State Of Denial

· Victoria's yearly growth in demand still the second-lowest in the nation
· Premier and Treasurer refusing to listen to Victorians as economy slows
and jobs are lost
Today's ABS national accounts data show Victoria's final demand has grown at only 1.6 per cent in 2008, the second weakest growth of all states, ahead of only the basket-case economy of New South Wales.
The result falls a full percentage point below the national growth rate of 2.6 per cent.

Brumby Hides The Truth On Labor’s Massive Land Tax Cash Grab

John Brumby is trying to hide the real reasons behind Labor's massive land tax cash grab when Labor should be open and honest with Victorians on financial issues, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"A letter sent by the State Revenue Office to land owners last week fails to mention Labor used a date of 31 December 2007 - during the reported peak of Melbourne's property price cycle - to assess property valuations for 2009 land tax assessments," Mr Wells said.

Brumby Government’s Land Tax Letter On Bushfires - Confusing And Cynical

The Brumby Government's letter to landowners affected by the bushfires, which was sent out with land tax bills last week, is confusing, lacks detail and is cynical in the extreme, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"The Opposition was led to believe that property owners who were affected by the bushfires would receive an exemption or waiver from paying their 2009 land tax liabilities," Mr Wells said.

Victorians Shocked By Brumby’s Massive Land Tax Hike

Many Victorian landowners have been shocked to learn they face land tax increases of up to 300 per cent this year, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

This year's land tax bills are based on 2007's inflated property prices, yet since then Victorian property values have fallen substantially.

"For the first time in Victorian history, land tax will fill John Brumby's coffers by more than $1 billion in the current financial year," Mr Wells said.

Coalition Forces Labor Backdown After Retirement Home Tax Blunder

Victorian Treasurer John Lenders was forced into a humiliating backdown today on stamp duty laws after failing to act earlier on a policy blunder which had caused unnecessary stress to thousands of senior Victorians.

The Treasurer has announced that he would introduce amendments to his botched Duties Amendment Bill 2008 introduced last year which alters Victorian stamp duty laws.

Budget Surplus Promise Broken – More To Come

Premier John Brumby and Treasurer John Lenders confirmed they have discarded their ironclad promise on the Budget surplus, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"In Parliament today both John Brumby and John Lenders made it clear that this promise has been quietly and summarily dumped," Mr Wells said.

Business Confidence At Record Low Under Brumby

The release of the VECCI Survey of Business Trends and Prospects for the December 2008 quarter has revealed that Victorian business confidence has plunged to a record low since the survey started in 1994, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"This is a damning indictment of the Brumby Government, and it is evidence of Labor's economic incompetence and mismanagement," Mr Wells said.

Brumby’s Stamp Duty Dash For Cash Will Hit Country Victorians Hard

John Brumby's proposed changes to Victorian stamp duty laws currently before Parliament will adversely affect country Victorian property purchasers and their solicitors upon settlement, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The Brumby Labor Government's proposed changes are incorporated in the Duties Amendment Bill 2008 recently introduced into Parliament and due for debate in February. The amendments will reduce the time period for payment of stamp duty on property transfers after settlement from the existing three months to only 14 days.

Treasurer Refuses To Reassure Retirees On New Stealth Tax

In Parliament today Treasurer John Lenders refused to reassure thousands of senior Victorians that they will not have to pay thousands of dollars more in stamp duty when they enter retirement homes or residential aged care facilities, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
There is growing evidence that the Brumby Government's proposed changes as incorporated in the Duties Amendment Bill 2008 will hit hard those retirees seeking to enter retirement homes or residential aged care facilities through leasehold arrangements and accommodation bonds, and the Brumby Government refuses to drop this greedy tax grab.

Brumby’s Retiree Stamp Duty – Stealth Tax

John Brumby's proposed changes to Victorian stamp duty laws amounts to taxation by stealth and will hit hard thousands of senior Victorians wishing to enter retirement homes or residential aged care facilities, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"The Premier is mounting an appalling attack on vulnerable pensioners and retirees at the worst possible time," Mr Wells said.

Brumby Out Of Touch On State Of Victorian Economy

Today's release of NAB's latest business survey has revealed Victoria has the lowest level of business confidence of all states and the second-worst business conditions, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"We know New South Wales has been a basket case for some time but it is now in the company of Victoria. And yet the Premier keeps saying things are just fine," Mr Wells said.

Brumby Clings To Scandal-plagued Satyam

John Brumby is still promoting the discredited Satyam Computer Services as a model case study to attract international investment to Victoria weeks after Satyam's Chairman admitted to a billion-dollar fraud, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Labor's Multimedia Victoria website* is still proudly promoting Satyam as an investment case study in order to attract other overseas IT companies to Victoria," Mr Wells said.

Victorian Families And Economy To Suffer At Hands Of Socialist Left

New faction deal secures Kosky's future

Embattled Transport Minister Lynne Kosky is now secure from dismissal following a secret factional deal inside the Brumby Government.

Kosky's Left faction has now secured control of the Brumby Government, firming up the Cabinet position of its leading member Lynne Kosky and ensuring John Brumby will never dismiss her.

Victorians would be horrified to learn that anti-business Socialist Left extremists have seized control of the Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Brumby Must Rule Out Tax Hike

Premier John Brumby must come clean with Victorian businesses and the community and rule out a tax hike in the May State Budget, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"The Premier has recently refused to rule tax hikes out, causing immediate uncertainty for Victorian businesses," Mr Wells said.

Housing Finance And Construction Data Raise Serious Concerns For Victorian Economy

The latest release of ABS economic data has raised further questions about the long term health of the Victorian economy even before the full effects of the economic downturn have hit, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The number of housing loans in Victoria in November last year fell 1.7 per cent, going against the national trend where housing loans rose 1.3 per cent. This is the tenth monthly fall in the last year.

Victorian Business Confidence Under Brumby Worst Of All States

"The most marked deterioration in confidence in recent months has been in Victoria. That has also been the case for business conditions where the deterioration has accelerated to the extent that there is little difference in the conditions reported by Victoria and NSW. That the two largest states are leading the economy down is not reassuring." NAB's Monthly Business Survey & Economic Outlook - Nov 2008

Today's release of the National Australia Bank (NAB) Monthly Business Survey for November has revealed that business confidence in Victoria has deteriorated dramatically over the past year and is now the worst of all states, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

The NAB survey also showed that there has been acceleration in the deterioration of Victorian business conditions in recent months and there is now little difference between the conditions in between Victoria and New South Wales - the previously so-called basket case state economy.

Brumby Must Restore Confidence

John Brumby's financial mismanagement will hit Victorian families hard with the Victorian economy deteriorating rapidly and unemployment rising.

"Today's Budget Update shows that John Brumby will be taking an additional $857 million this year from Victorian families via increased school and TAFE fees, charges on public hospital patients and fines on motorists," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Statement - Victorian Budget Update 2008-09

Victorian Budget Update 2008-09

Comments to be attributed to Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells:
"The Brumby Government's mid-year Budget Update is not good news for Victorians.
"The only reason the Brumby Government remains in surplus for now is because it's slugging new home buyers, motorists, hospital patients, parents and students an additional $850 million in fees, fines and charges this year.

Statement - Victoria Dragging Nation Down

State Final Demand September quarter 2008

Comments to be attributed to Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells:

"Victorian spending fell by an alarming 1.4 per cent in the last quarter, the worst of any state and dragging the rest of Australia down.

"Victoria recorded the worst annual growth in demand of any state - and is now performing below even the New South Wales economy.

Construction Plummets In North West Under Brumby Government

ANZ Bank's latest quarterly analysis of the economy of Victoria's North West shows approvals to spend on residential buildings has slumped.

In March, people in the region had sought approval for $36 million of construction to build their new homes. Six months later approvals have plummeted by $6 million.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said the multimillion-dollar decline happened long before the effects of the global economic crisis hit, and highlighted the falling decline in confidence in the Mildura and Swan Hill regions.

The ANZ analysis also shows that employment is contracting and that the region's unemployment rate at 5.5 per cent is well above the national average of 4.3 per cent.

Construction Plummets In Central Victoria Under Brumby Government

ANZ Bank's latest quarterly analysis of the economy of Central Victoria shows approvals to spend on residential buildings has slumped.

In March, people in the region had sought approval for $212 million of construction to build their new homes. Six months later approvals have plummeted by $14 million.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said the decline was happening long before the effects of the global economic crisis hit, and today's data highlights the fall in confidence for Bendigo, Shepparton and Echuca.

North East Victoria Jobs Disappear

ANZ Bank's latest quarterly analysis of the economy of North East Victoria shows more than 10 per cent of jobs have disappeared in the last 12 months.

The data from ANZ shows that employment is falling rapidly, and that the region's unemployment rate at 4.9 per cent is rising above the national average of 4.3 per cent.

Victorian Retail Sales Growth – Second Lowest Nationally Under Brumby

Today's release of retail sales turnover data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for October provides further evidence that Victoria's economy has slowed significantly when compared nationally over the past 12 months, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

The ABS figures show that growth in trend retail sales turnover in Victoria at 2.9 per cent was the second lowest of all states over the past year to October 2008, with only the basket-case economy of New South Wales performing more poorly.

Brumby Government’s Incompetence Revealed In $1.8 Billion Property Write-down

The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition has condemned the Brumby State Labor Government for incompetently managing the state's finances and trying to hide a $1.8 billion property valuation write-down, as revealed in the recently released Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) 2008 Annual Report, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"This massive $1.8 billion write-down in the value of government land by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, reflects incredible government incompetence," Mr Wells said.

Victoria’s Share Of Business Investment Hits Record Low Under Brumby

Today's release of data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that private capital investment in Victoria in the September quarter has hit the skids with a new record low share of total national investment.
"This data provides further reason for concern about Victoria's economy and the Brumby State Labor Government's incompetent economic management," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Disturbing Decline In Victoria’s New Dwelling Approvals Under Brumby

Today's release by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) of September 2008 quarterly data shows a serious and disturbing decline in the number of new residential dwelling approvals in Victoria compared to a significant increase nationally, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The ABS figures reveal Victoria's 9.1 per cent decline in new dwellings approved in the September 2008 quarter (3,137 dwellings in the June quarter compared to 2,853 in September) was the worst result of any state or territory and compares to a 6.9 per cent increase nationally.

Unemployment Rises Dramatically In North East Victoria

Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Labour Force figures for October 2008 reveal a dramatic increase in unemployment in North East Victoria over the past 12 months.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells, visiting Wodonga with Benambra MP Bill Tilley, said the Brumby State Labor Government's continuing failure to support regional industries and employment was biting hard.

Unemployment Rises Dramatically In North East Victoria

Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Labour Force figures for October 2008 reveal a dramatic increase in unemployment in North East Victoria over the past 12 months.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells, visiting Wodonga with Benambra MP Bill Tilley, said the Brumby State Labor Government's continuing failure to support regional industries and employment was biting hard.

Wodonga Home Buyers Continue To Be Hit Hard By Brumby’s Stamp Duty Take

The Brumby State Labor Government continues to slug Wodonga home buyers the second-highest stamp duty hit of all states while their New South Wales 'cousins' across the Murray pay absolutely zero stamp duty on an average first home, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

On a median priced home of $275,000, Wodonga first home buyers still pay $7,120 (inclusive of the $3,000 state grant) in stamp duty compared to NIL in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

For non-first home buyers purchasing a $275,000 home in Wodonga, Victorians pay $10,120 in stamp duty compared to $8,115 (19.8 per cent less) in New South Wales, $2,750 (72.8 per cent less) in Queensland, and $7,885 - (22.0 per cent less) in Western Australia.

"Stamp duty, particularly on property transfers, imposes an unacceptably heavy burden on the everyday lives of Victorians and it has skyrocketed 270 per cent from $1 billion in 1999 to an actual $3.7 billion in 2007-08," Mr Wells said.

"At a time when housing affordability remains close to a record low in Victoria - as revealed by the HIA-CBA's latest First Home Buyer Affordability Index for the September 2008 quarter - the Brumby Labor Government continues to preside over highly restrictive land release and planning policies."

The HIA's recent June 2008 quarter Victoria Outlook Report showed that Victoria will build 6,000 less homes than needed in 2008-09.

"The bottom line on housing affordability in Wodonga - and across Victoria - is that the Brumby Labor Government failed to make Victoria's housing market competitive, and instead used the years of wealth and prosperity to build its coffers when it should have been building confidence in our state," Mr Wells said.

Victoria’s Retail Sales Almost Stalled

Retail sales in Victoria in the September quarter were the second-lowest of all states growing only a slow 1.2 per cent over the quarter, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
This compares to growth of 2.3 per cent in the same period last year.
"In volume terms the Victorian retail sector has stagnated since the early months of 2008, with growth virtually unchanged from the March quarter," Mr Wells said.

Brumby Refuses To Rule Out More Taxes

Premier John Brumby today refused to guarantee that he would not raise taxes, and failed to honour his promise to maintain a Budget surplus at one per cent of revenue.

Asked in Parliament by the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition to end the denial and tell the truth about Victoria's financial position, John Brumby did neither.

In Question Time, John Brumby refused to guarantee that Victorians would not be slugged with more taxes and failed to affirm his commitment to maintain a Budget surplus at one per cent of revenue.

Quarterly Financial Report Confirms Economic Slowdown

Comments to be attributed to Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells:

"Today's quarterly financial report include concerning signs for Victoria's budget.
"The Labor Government is facing a serious decline in property taxes which it has relied on for years to fill its coffers.
"The Brumby Government has taken a $140 million hit to its stamp duty revenue in just three months, and if this trend continues there will be a significant shortfall in the Victorian budget - meaning even less money for schools, trains, police and hospitals.

Property Prices Fall But Brumby’s Stamp Duty Sting Remains

The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition has again condemned the Brumby Government for continuing to burden Victorians with the highest stamp duty payable in any state on an average non-first home buyer's family home.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said the Real Estate Institute of Victoria's latest property price report released today shows that the Melbourne median house price declined by 3.3 per cent in the September 2008 quarter.

Another Indicator Points To Falling Confidence In Victoria

ABS data released today indicates that consumer confidence is steadily falling in Victoria, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Demand for motor vehicles fell for the third month in a row in September in Victoria. Overall in the last quarter demand for motor vehicles fell 10.5 per cent in Victoria compared to a fall nationally of 7.6 per cent.

"This is consistent with other recent economic data that has shown a markedly weaker Victorian economy than there is in most of the rest of Australia," Mr Wells said.

Vic Business Confidence Drops Sharply

Business conditions second worst in Australia as confidence plummets

The National Australia Bank's (NAB) Monthly Business Survey and Economic Outlook for September 2008 has recorded a sharp decline in Victorian business conditions and business confidence, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"According to this new survey, Victoria now has the nation's second-lowest business confidence levels after South Australia, and second-lowest business conditions after New South Wales," Mr Wells said.

Brumby Must End Denial On Vic Economy

"It is of great concern that while the number of people employed across Australia has risen by 2,200 people in the last month, in Victoria there are now 6,500 fewer people employed," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Over the last year full-time jobs have fallen by 1200 in Victoria while growing by 173,600 nationally, and Victoria had only 14.3 per cent of the total jobs created nationally over the last 12 months - a percentage which has steadily fallen in recent times," Mr Wells said.

"Victoria is the only state to record a fall in the full-time workforce over the last year - even Tasmania was able to create an extra 8,900 full-time jobs over the last year while Victoria went backwards.

Brumby Ignores Hardworking Victorians

Premier John Brumby proved in Parliament again today that he has lost touch with the real needs of hardworking Victorian families who are doing it tough in difficult economic times, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

In Parliament today John Brumby totally ignored a question asking why Victoria's household consumption had fallen by almost half a per cent in the last quarter, a fact that has prompted comments by Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan that 'consumption has been particularly hard hit in New South Wales and Victoria'.

Victorian Economy Weakens Further

ABS data released today has confirmed that the fundamentals of the Victorian economy are fading significantly.

Retail sales in Victoria fell 1 per cent in August to grow only 2.8 per cent over the last year. Victoria was one of only two states to have a fall in the month.

This compares to growth of 0.6 per cent nationally in the month and 3.7 per cent growth over the last year.

Questions On Notice - A Sham

Questions on Notice first lodged on 19 December 2006 to the Victorian Treasurer have still not been answered 21 months later, making a mockery of Premier Brumby's promise that his government would be open, transparent and accountable, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"The failure of the Treasurer's Office to answer my long overdue Questions on Notice clearly demonstrates that John Brumby's promise to Victorians, announced at the time of his appointment as Premier, that his government would be open, accountable and transparent is a complete sham," Mr Wells said.

Business Conditions Worsen In Victoria

* Slump in business lending for plant and equipment
* Business conditions second worst in Australia

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released today shows a dramatic slump in business lending for plant and equipment in Victoria over the past month, and for the last year, reflecting deteriorating business conditions and confidence in this state, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The ABS figures show a steep decline in business lending for productive purposes in Victoria, and reinforce the results of the latest National Australia Bank's Monthly Business Survey for August 2008 that reveals Victoria now has the second-worst business conditions in Australia, just ahead of the seriously troubled New South Wales economy.

Confidence Failing In Victoria

Victorian housing and retail spending slump continues

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released today confirms many Victorians are suffering financially, with housing finance commitments continuing to fall and retail spending growth the second-worst in Australia after New South Wales.

The number of home loan approvals in Victoria fell for the sixth month in a row in July, by 2.2 per cent, which means loan approvals have fallen by nearly 21 per cent since January as more and more Victorians drop out of the housing market.

The fall in July was the worst result for any state and far more than the small 0.2 per cent drop nationally.

Retail sales growth in Victoria recorded the second-worst performance of any state in Australia behind NSW, contributing to Victoria's stagnation in this area since January.

Victorian Jobs Vanishing

Victoria suffers largest job advertisement fall of any state

ANZ Bank released data today that confirmed the jobs market in Victoria is rapidly weakening, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Only days after union leaders in Victoria condemned the Minister for Manufacturing and Industry Theo Theophanous for "failing to do what was necessary for Victorian manufacturing" and "dropping the ball", the latest ANZ job advertisement series shows in August Victoria suffered the biggest drop in job advertisements of any state.

Victorian Exports Slump

ustralian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released yesterday and today show Victoria's export sector has slumped, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Today's goods export data shows Victoria's export performance has stagnated over the last two years while other states, including non-resource states, leapt ahead.

Victoria's annual share of national goods exports has slumped to an all-time low of just 11.2 per cent (see Chart 1), while the value of Victoria's goods exports had stagnated at just over $20 billion per annum ($20.6 billion in the year to July 2008).

Victorian Households Doing It Harder

The June quarter 2008 National Accounts figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today demonstrates that ordinary Victorians are having problems making ends meet.

Victoria saw its household consumption contract in the June quarter by 0.4 per cent. This was the worst performance of any other State except New South Wales.

Brumby And Lenders Backflip On Economic Growth

Treasurer concedes budget growth forecasts wrong

Despite weeks of defending the State Government's forecast economic growth rate of 3 per cent for this financial year, Treasurer John Lenders is now finally admitting the figure is wrong and growth will be slower than expected, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Treasurer John Lenders has indicated growth is likely to fall below 3 per cent, stating that "... the general range of economic commentators would agree with those figures but probably say that the growth rate is a bit slower than the 3 per cent we predicted" (Herald Sun, 1 September 2008, p. 79).

Business Confidence Plunges In Victoria As Further Job Cuts Mount

The latest quarterly Sensis small and medium enterprises business survey for August shows that business confidence has taken a huge hit in Victoria over the last few months, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Victoria had the largest fall in business confidence of any State, according to the Sensis report for the quarter.

Financial Losses Continue To Mount In Victoria

The Brumby Government has continued to avoid responsibility for mounting losses in the state's principal investment body, the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC), Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Brumby Confused On Victorian Economy

Just two weeks after telling Parliament that Victoria was facing its toughest economic conditions since 1992, Premier John Brumby is arrogantly ignoring widespread economic data indicating that Victoria's economy is facing difficult times ahead by now boasting that "In Victoria the economic fundamentals are as good as you'll ever get" (Herald Sun, 13 August 2008, p.23).

"John Brumby is confusing Victorians on the true state of the Victorian economy and offering false hope to the community struggling in the face of high petrol prices, high interest rates, increased grocery prices and escalating water, electricity and gas prices," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Brumby Confirms Huge Financial Losses

John Brumby inadvertently let slip in Parliament this week that Victoria's principal investment fund manager, the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC), has suffered losses of billions of dollars in the value of the assets it manages.

Victorian Business Confidence Collapses Under Brumby

Today's release of the VISA-VECCI Survey of Business Trends and Prospects for the June 2008 quarter reveals Victorian business confidence has plunged to its lowest level since the survey started in 1997.

"This is a damning indictment of Labor's economic mismanagement and shows that after a year as Premier, John Brumby has not established a clear economic direction for Victoria," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Victoria Lags National Economy Again

The March quarter 2008 National Accounts figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today have reinforced Victoria's continuing status as a second-tier state economy under the Brumby Labor Government, showing Victoria again significantly lagged the national economy.

"Today's national accounts show Victoria has been the hardest hit of any state by the current economic downturn caused by the international credit crunch and rising global oil prices," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

Victoria's state final demand growth for the March quarter - the total demand for goods and services from households, governments, business investment and exports - slowed dramatically from 1.8 per cent growth in the previous quarter to 0.6 per cent and was the equal lowest of any state along with Tasmania. In comparison, South Australia grew 1.5 per cent in the March quarter, Western Australia 1.4 per cent, Queensland 1.1 per cent and NSW 0.7 per cent.

Brumby Sits On The Fence Over Gst On Fuel

Our famous 'can-do' Premier John Brumby and his equally 'decisive' Treasurer John Lenders are hoping that the proposal to remove GST on the fuel excise quietly goes away.

"When given the chance today in the media and in Parliament both Premier Brumby and Treasurer Lenders avoided putting forward any strong position on the best policy for Victoria and Victorians when dealing with the GST proposal," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

Wells Tells Senate Hearing Of Victoria’s Growing Financial Mismanagement

Victorian Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells today told a hearing of the Senate Select Committee on State Government Financial Management that Victorians had not received value for money from the doubling of the State Budget since 1999 under the State Labor Government.

Mr Wells said there were grave concerns the spiralling state debt, which is expected to increase more than five-fold to $23 billion by 2012, will be a millstone around the necks of future generations.

"Victorians are faced with maximum taxes for minimum services at a time when the Brumby Government is going on a debt-driven spending splurge," Mr Wells said.

Federal Budget Fails Victorians

Last night's Federal Budget has failed all Victorians.

"This Federal Budget is nothing more than a typical high taxing, high spending Labor Budget of old which will put further pressure on struggling Victorian families through increased prices and the looming threat of further interest rate increases to contain inflation," Victorian Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Budget Response

Treasurer Verifies Budget Failures And Deceit

In a series of questions on the Budget in Parliament today, Treasurer John Lenders revealed what a hoax the 2008-09 Budget really is, and its failure to deliver real improvements in services to Victorians.

Mr Lenders confirmed that even after the small 'cuts' to stamp duty, Victorian homebuyers will still be paying the highest stamp duty of any state for the same priced house across Australia.

In Parliament Mr Lenders:

· confirmed that land tax payers will pay more land tax this year than last despite the so-called 'cuts' to land tax; and
· refused to identify provisions anywhere in the Budget for additional hospital beds for Victoria's public hospitals beyond 14 maternity beds.

State Debt To Skyrocket

- Victoria's interest bill to hit $1.8 billion a year
- Debt jumps to $23 billion

The 2008-09 Victorian State Budget has outlined a massive and alarming blow-out in state debt over the next four years, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"The State Budget shows that the forecast net debt for the total non-financial public sector will blow out by a whopping 302 per cent, from $5.7 billion in 2008 to $22.9 billion in 2012," Mr Wells said.

"When compared to the actual non-financial public sector net debt level of $3.5 billion in 2002, there will be an expected 554 per cent increase by 2012, an astoundingly poor result," he said.

Melbourne Housing Prices Going Through The Roof

Melbourne housing prices grew well ahead of all other capital cities in Australia over the last quarter and last year, rapidly making Melbourne's housing the most unaffordable in Australia.

According to March quarter ABS data released today, established Melbourne housing prices rose 4.1 per cent in the March quarter 2008 and nearly 26 per cent over the last year compared to 1.1 per cent growth in the quarter and 13.8 per cent in the year for the Australian capital city average.
"Melbourne could become much more unaffordable as the housing supply continues to fall behind demand. The gap is widening fast with the rest of Australia," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

Brumby's Budgets - Wasted Years And Opportunities

The Victorian State Labor Government has been in office since 1999 during a period which has coincided with one of the longest periods of unbroken economic growth in Australia’s history. This period of prosperity has supplied an almost unprecedented flow of revenue into the State’s coffers.

Brumby’s Budgets Leaves Victoria’s Finances Vulnerable

A paper released today by the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition analysing next week's Victorian Budget has warned that the years of inaction, neglect and mismanagement by the Bracks/Brumby Labor Government has left Victoria's finances vulnerable and exposed.
"Brumby's Budgets - Wasted Years and Opportunities catalogues a history of wasted opportunity and failure to deliver better services to Victorians under the stewardship of John Brumby as former Treasurer and now Premier," said Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells.
"The Victorian State Labor Government has been in office since 1999 - a period coinciding with one of the longest periods of unbroken national economic growth in Australia's history. This period of prosperity has supplied an almost unprecedented flow of revenue into the state's coffers.
"Victorians have been slugged by record state taxes and supplied windfall revenues to the Victorian Treasury, which will have received at least $90 billion in GST by 2011. This will means the 2008-09 Budget has doubled since 1999 to $36 billion, but can anyone point to an improvement in services to match this vast increase in resources?" Mr Wells said.
Despite almost boundless financial resources, Labor has failed to deliver on its most basic obligation - to supply the basic services to all Victorians no matter where they live.

Victorian Business Survey Hits Decade Low

Expectations for Victorian businesses over the next 12 months have hit the lowest level under the Bracks/Brumby Labor Government, according to the latest business survey by the Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) for the March 2008 quarter.

"Fifty-eight per cent of businesses surveyed by VECCI believed the Victorian economy would be weaker over the next 12 months compared to only seven per cent that expected stronger economic conditions - leaving a decade low net 51 per cent of businesses believing things will get worse," said Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells.

Labor In Confusion And Panic On Housing Affordability

Premier Brumby and the Treasurer's apprentice John Lenders could not get their stories straight when asked in Parliament today about their much touted strategy to rezone 90,000 lots as residential in Melbourne's growth areas.

It has already been revealed that the Developer Contribution Charge, due to begin this year, could raise up to $720 million on the rezoned lots announced by the Premier last week.

But when asked in Parliament today to confirm the amount of stamp duty the sale of the 90,000 lots would bring into the Treasury coffers, the Premier and Treasurer refused to answer the question.

"On even the most conservative of estimates, the Brumby Government will gouge more than $600 million in stamp duty from the rezoned housing lots, although it could easily end up at more than $1 billion as property prices continue to rise. However, Brumby and Lenders don't want to talk about that huge tax impost and its effect on housing affordability," said Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells.

Brumby Takes Taxpayers To The Cleaners

The Mid-Year Financial Report released today is an indictment on the Premier and former Treasurer John Brumby. The report shows that Victorian taxpayers were being slugged more than ever by the Brumby Government.

The report also revealed a budget surplus of $1.172 billion for the first six months of this financial year.

"This is $331 million above the revised budget estimate of $842 million released only three months ago and nearly four times the original budget estimate for the full year delivered last May," said Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells.

Victoria Continues To Lag National Economy

The December quarter 2007 National Accounts figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released today confirm that under the Brumby Government Victoria continues to lag the national economy.

"Today's national accounts show that Victoria's status as an economically mediocre second-tier state has become entrenched," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

Victoria's state final demand - the total demand for goods and services from households, governments, business investment and exports - was lower than Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

State final demand grew 5.2 per cent in the last 12 months compared to 5.7 per cent growth nationally.

More Gst For Victoria But Which Black Hole Is It Filling?

The release of the Commonwealth Grants Commission's "Report on State Revenue Sharing Relativities 2008 Update" has revealed that Victoria will receive an additional $317 million GST revenue windfall this financial year, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"At a time when the Brumby Government is swimming in a sea of record state tax revenues from stamp duty, payroll tax and land tax, Victoria is now to benefit from a further unexpected GST revenue windfall.

"However, despite the record tax revenues, the Brumby Government is failing to address critical issues including:

· chronic hospital waiting lists;
· severe road congestion;
· a collapsing public transport system;
· a massive school maintenance backlog; and
· water security.

Treasurer’s Evasion Signals Cost Blow-out In Major Projects

The new Treasurer John Lenders refused point blank to answer any questions in Parliament today about the escalating costs of private partnership projects (PPPs) in Victoria.

The costs of PPPs are under severe pressure from the international credit crunch, adversely impacting on the price funds for major infrastructure projects.

"Mr Lenders' dodging of, and refusal to answer very simple questions in Parliament can only mean one thing: that he has received advice that the costs of Victoria's major infrastructure projects are set to skyrocket over the next few years," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

Treasurer Confirms Labor Can Never Be Trusted To Ease Tax Burden

Victorian Treasurer John Lenders has been caught fudging the truth on land tax cuts, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Answers received from the Treasurer from questions on notice reveal that 17,414 more Victorians are paying land tax - a rise of more than 10 per cent in just one year.
This contradicts the Treasurer's press release accompanying the 2005-06 Budget that claimed "in this Budget we will lift the threshold again to $200,000, eliminating land tax bills for 21,000 taxpayers"1.
The increase from 168,080 to 185,494 land taxpayers happened at the same time the then-Treasurer John Brumby was claiming to deliver $823 million worth of land tax cuts in the 2005-06 Budget.
Recently, the Treasurer has made the extraordinary claim "Victorians pay less land tax in 2008 following reforms", despite the 2007-08 Budget Update showing that land tax revenue is expected to reap $115 million more than the forecast.

Brumby Scraps Land Tax Cap - Victorians’ Land Tax Bills To Soar

1 February 2008

Tax bills are set to soar again because a greedy Brumby Government has scrapped its 2006 promise to mum and dad investors that it would cap land tax, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Victorian families investing for their future are only just recovering from the share market rattle and threats to their superannuation, and now John Brumby wants a bigger cut from their property investments.

This grab for more cash from property owners comes despite the Brumby Government’s $800 million budget surplus.

This greedy move will put more pressure on Victoria’s housing affordability crisis, with those already paying exorbitant rent to take the brunt of their landlord’s land tax bill.

Record State Tax Slug On Business Continues In 2008

Victorian businesses continue to be slugged with record levels of state taxes and charges in 2008 by the Brumby Labor Government, despite a massive forecast budget surplus of more than $800 million and signs of a potential deterioration in business conditions due to rising fuel costs, other cost pressures and increased interest rates under the Federal Rudd Labor Government, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"In the lead up to this year's May State Budget, John Brumby has a real opportunity to genuinely address the record state tax burden on business and assist in improving Victoria's national and international competitiveness," Mr Wells said.

State Debt Interest Bill To Reach $1.5 Billion

The forecast interest bill on state debt will hit $1.5 billion per year by 2010-11 (1), Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The 2007-08 Budget Update released last week showed net debt for the total non-financial public sector for Victoria will skyrocket from a low of $3.5 billion in 2001-02 to a massive $20 billion in 2010-11, taking Victoria dangerously close to the crippling debt levels experienced under the Cain/Kirner Labor Governments.

The cost of carrying the state's net debt will climb from an estimate at budget date (May 2007) of $1.1 billion to a new high of $1.5 billion per annum, taking valuable taxpayer funds away from desperately needed services and infrastructure improvements.

Victorian Public Servants’ Super Funds Caught In Centro Sub-prime Crunch

Victorian Government employees must be told exactly how much of their superannuation money is

invested in beleaguered company Centro Properties, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The Centro Properties Group, which has found itself at the mercy of the credit crunch from the US

sub-prime crisis, has seen its share price drop by over 75 per cent in just a few days.

VicSuper, the fund responsible for investing the superannuation funds for most Victorian

government workers, lists three investments in Centro Properties Group and related funds.

Debt Blow-out Despite Record State Tax Take

The release today of the 2007-08 Budget Update for Victoria has forecast a massive blow-out in state debt over the next four years, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"The Budget Update shows that the forecast net debt for the total non-financial public sector will blow out by a whopping 184 per cent, or almost triple, from $7 billion in 2007-08 to $20 billion in 2010-11.

"When compared to the actual non-financial public sector net debt level of $3.5 billion in 2002, the situation is much worse with an expected 471 per cent or five-fold increase by 2010-11," Mr Wells said.

The figures also show that forecast net debt for the total non-financial public sector in 2010-11 has increased by $4.7 billion - or 31 per cent - in just seven months since the 2007-08 State Budget was announced back in May.

So Much Money, So Little To Show For It

Today's 2007-08 Budget Update confirms once again that we have a State Government rolling in money from record taxes and record grants from the Commonwealth - but so little to show for it.

The update shows that in the six months since the Budget, the 2007-08 surplus has skyrocketed from $324 million to $842 million - more than double, or $517 million.

At the same time public sector debt is ballooning and is estimated to reach nearly $20 billion by 2011, the highest level since 1996, rapidly taking Victoria back to the levels of the Cain-Kirner days.

Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said the Brumby Government will tax Victorians by an extra $1 billion this year alone.

Auditor-general Confirms Liberal Fears Over Transurban Deal

The Auditor-General's report to Parliament today has raised serious concerns about how the Brumby Government funded the Tullamarine-Calder Interchange (TCI) and M1 road projects in its pre-election deal with Transurban, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

The report Funding and Delivery of Two Freeway Upgrade Projects tabled by the Auditor-General confirms suspicions that "there was no evidence to detailed consideration of funding sources other than the encashment of concession notes" for the TCI project.

Victoria’s Economic Rut Gets Deeper

The September quarter 2007 National Accounts figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released today confirm that for yet another quarter under the Labor Government, Victoria continues to lag behind the national economy.

"The rut of an underperforming second-tier state is becoming deeper and deeper," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

Victoria’s state final demand – the total demand for goods and services from households, governments, business investment and exports – was the weakest of any state over the last year with the exception of South Australia.

Brumby Must Now Deliver On Federal Funding Rhetoric

Following the election of the Rudd Federal Labor Government, it is now time for Premier Brumby to stop his endless Federal Government 'blame game' and deliver on his rhetoric alleging comparative unfairness and inequality of federal funding for Victoria, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Brumby has continually attacked the former Federal Coalition Government over the last eight years on every funding issue with the commonwealth, particularly comparative funding with other states under the existing fiscal equalisation formula applied to federal grants and GST revenue.

Treasurer Refuses To Investigate Financial Losses

Victoria's Labor Treasurer John Lenders revealed under Parliamentary questioning yesterday that he and the Brumby Government had no intention of finding out precisely what Victoria's exposure was to the sub-prime crisis in the United States.

"What is of real concern from Lenders' answers to questioning in Parliament is that we have a Treasurer who has not actually asked Treasury to report comprehensively on the potential exposure of Victoria to sub-prime," said Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells.

Brumby Hypocritical On Open Government - Treasury Questions Go Unanswered For 12 Months

John Brumby is being hypocritical and simply cannot be believed when he states his government is open, transparent and accountable, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Twenty-nine Treasury-related questions were placed on notice with Parliament for Government response on 19 December last year and lo and behold, now almost 12 months later, not a single answer has been received.

"Despite its spin and rhetoric, the Brumby Labor Government in practice has an appalling record when it comes to being open, transparent and accountable to the people of Victoria," said Mr Wells.

Victorian Economy Stuck In Second Gear

Economic growth in Victoria has now been below national growth levels in seven of the last eight years under the State Labor Government.

National accounts data released today reveals Victoria's economy grew by just 2.7 per cent, compared to 3.2 per cent nationally.

"Victoria has now firmly cemented its position as a second level state economy. The Brumby/Bracks Labor Government is satisfied with mediocrity as this extremely unsatisfactory economic result underlines once again," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

Brumby Bleeds Taxpayers Dry

Victoria released its latest Quarterly Financial Report today for the 2007 September quarter and it's bad news for Victoria's taxpayers, but particularly homebuyers, said Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells.

"Brumby's Treasury received more than $500 million more in state taxation and GST/federal grants than it did for the same period last year," said Mr Wells.

"In this quarter John Brumby took more than $200 million more in stamp duty alone from homebuyers in the quarter than during the same period last year.

On an annualised basis, this will mean Victorian homebuyers will be paying around $3.5 billion in stamp duty this financial year, which will be around 25 per cent above Labor's 2007-08 Budget estimate made barely six months ago.

"When home affordability is reaching record lows in Victoria, Labor continues to pile more and more problems onto homebuyers with the highest stamp duties in Australia bringing in huge, unbudgeted tax windfalls.

"But there is no relief in sight from John Brumby who is receiving record levels of revenue from record taxes," said Mr Wells.

Gst Windfall Should Be Spent On Fixing Our Ailing State

The Commonwealth mid-year economic and fiscal outlook has revealed that Victoria will receive an additional $1.5 billion in GST revenue, over the 2007-11 forward estimates.

This is another $1.5 billion on top of what the State Labor Government had put in its budget papers in May this year, and is yet another GST windfall for Victoria from the Federal Government.

The question is - what is the State Labor Government planning to do with this windfall?

Record Taxes And Still More Debt

The release today of the 2006-07 Financial Report for Victoria shows the Brumby Labor Government is drowning in cash but is still increasing public sector debt, said Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells.

The expected Budget surplus was $622 million for the 2006-07 financial year when the May Budget was brought down.

"We now find, barely five months later, that the surplus has blown out by more than double to $1,365 million - the largest surplus in five years," said Mr Wells.

"The reason for this massive rise in the surplus is record levels of taxation and record levels of grants (including GST) from the Federal Government.

"Once again the homebuyers and the property owners are taking the great weight of the burden of Labor's tax regime.

Brumby Must Come Clean On Ppp Funding Of Schools

The Brumby Labor Government's plans to use public private partnerships (PPPs) for the funding of schools must be publicly disclosed and detailed in an open and transparent manner prior to any final decision being made to proceed along this funding path, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"While the Liberal Party fully supports increased private sector participation in the provision of government infrastructure projects where it offers value-for-money, Premier Brumby must come clean and fully disclose to Victorians exactly what is being proposed and how the provision of new schools in particular will be financed.

"The State Labor Government has an appalling history of secrecy and a lack of open, transparent and accountable government, particularly when it comes to disclosing details of major projects.

Brumby - The Ultimate Hypocrite

John Brumby declared upon becoming Premier that his government would be open, transparent and accountable. The reality has proved different as Labor continues its deplorable record of secrecy, arrogance and lack of transparency and accountability, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

It is Premier Brumby who is the ultimate hypocrite. He espouses the principle of open, transparent and accountable government yet in practice has continually been obstructive, evasive and secretive.

Liberals Demand Full Disclosure On Ppp Funding Of Desalination Plant

The Brumby Labor Government needs to immediately publicly disclose full details of its preferred financing plan to use a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to build the proposed $3.1 billion Wonthaggi water desalination plant, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"Premier Brumby and Treasurer Lenders must advise Victorians exactly how the project is to be financed and what this means for consumers' bills.

Victorian Economy Performing Badly

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) June quarter 2007 National Accounts figures, released today, again confirm that under the Brumby Labor Government, Victoria continues to lag behind the national economy and its status as an underperforming second-tier state has become entrenched, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Victoria's economic growth, in seasonally adjusted terms, is the second lowest of all states and continues to lag below the national average, as it has done for five of the past seven years.

Yearly Interest Bill On State Debt Could Pay For 3,425 Extra Frontline Police

A forecast soaring interest bill will take valuable taxpayer funds away from police resources and is yet another example of the Brumby Labor Government failing Victorians, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"If the Brumby Government was to eliminate all state debt, following the lead of the Howard Federal Government, the yearly interest bill on total non-financial public sector net debt - estimated at $795 million for 2007-08 in this year's State Budget Papers - would be enough to pay for an extra 3,425 new police on the frontline over the next four years," said Mr Wells.

Brumby’s Real Legacy Starts To Emerge

Data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals the real
story of Victoria's economic progress under the new Premier and former
Treasurer, John Brumby.

Victoria's median gross household weekly income grew at close to the
slowest of any state between 2000-01 and 2005-06.

Victorian Infrastructure Lagging

Victoria's construction activity is slowing at a time when it should be
growing to combat the Bracks Government's poor investment in water,
transport and economic infrastructure over the last seven years.

Bracks Government Must Act Now On Taxes And Charges Crippling Housing

If Federal Labor wants to assist housing affordability Kevin Rudd needs
Premier Bracks to abandon his Government's restrictive land release
policies, review the excessive stamp duty 'triple treat' on new homes, and
scrap proposals for a new developer's tax.

State Labor To Blame For Housing Affordability Crisis

Housing affordability is the cancer of the Great Australian Dream, and
state governments refuse to relinquish their tax windfalls to provide the
remedy, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Economy To Be Hit By Skyrocketing Water Bills

The Liberal Party's support for desalination is well known.

It's extraordinary, however, that the Bracks Labor Government has released
its water plans without any proper consideration of the economic and
financial impact of the proposed doubling of water bills for households and
businesses, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Brumby Misleads Victorians On The Budget

Treasurer John Brumby misled Victorians about the budget and the ability of Labor to finance projects needed to tackle our water crisis.

On Wednesday he told listeners on radio 3AW that there was $3 billion in the budget ready to fund major water infrastructure that Victoria so desperately needs.

Public Sector Debt Will Rise

3 May 2007

Steve Bracks confirmed under questioning today that public sector debt will increase even more than what the budget documents estimate.

When asked about the funding measures for paying for new water infrastructure by Gordon Rich-Phillips, Mr Bracks confirmed that part of that funding will not only have to come from the water authorities borrowing, but that estimates of the amounts need to be borrowed are not included in the future estimates of the budget.

The Liberal Party has been pointing out the Bracks Government's heavy reliance upon debt in this year's budget, which the Labor Government has been trying to hide in spin and percentages.

Water authorities are entirely Government-owned public non-financial corporations and any debt they take on is added to public sector debt and recorded in official budget documents.

Net debt for the public non-financial corporations sector such as water authorities is already set to more than double from $3 billion in 2006 to $6.5 billion in 2011 .

With the addition of further debt for the water authorities this will increase by billions of dollars more to meet the funding that the Government is unable, or unwilling to pay for.

Not only will the customers of these State owned water authorities face increased water charges to raise revenue for these much needed water augmentation projects across the state, but they will be paying off the loans that the Bracks Government is forcing on the water authorities for years to come.

This will balloon the total state debt beyond the estimated $15.3 billion already forecast and is further evidence of the Bracks Government's almost total reliance on the credit card.

Premier And Treasurer At Odds On Water Infrastructure

Premier Bracks told the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee he did not know where the money he is promising for water infrastructure is coming from.

In response to a question from Liberal MP Richard Dalla-Riva the Premier could not pinpoint the $3 billion in unallocated capital funding in this week's budget which Treasurer Brumby is relying on to pay for Victoria's essential water infrastructure.

Kim Wells - Budget Reply Speech Text...

Victorians Want Value For Money - Not More Labor Debt!

"Victorians want value for money from this budget, they don't want a return to overdependence on debt to finance regular expenditure," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

"It is a reflection upon Labor that after eight years in power Labor has failed to adequately achieve their targeted class-room sizes*, failed to maintain our schools, failed to 'fix' public healthcare, failed to ensure our trains run on time, failed to reduce road congestion, failed to properly expand public transport and failed to invest in public utilities," Mr Wells said.

Unhappy Feet Go North!

The Premier's Office seldom allows the facts to get in the way of a good yarn.

Labor has sought to blame the migration of Victorians to other states as part of a phenomenon that occurred in the early 1990s during the Kennett Liberal Government.

The facts speak for themselves. In 1992, 21,000 Victorians were fleeing the Cain-Kirner mismanagement annually. Labor's economic outfall penetrated well into the life of the new Government, with annual migration peaking in mid-1994 at 30,000.

Liberals Suspicious Of New Ppp Guidelines

Labor's new guidelines for the public disclosure of information relating to
Public Private Partnerships (PPP's) do not ensure Victorians access to any
more information regarding value for money, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said
today.

Build The Desalination Plant

15th March 2007

Today's announcement of a $910 million surplus leaves the Bracks Government
no excuse but to adopt Liberal policy and build a desalination plant.

The mid year Financial Report release in Parliament today showed a surplus
of $910m for the first six months of this financial year compared to the
budget estimate of $374 million for the full year.

This is almost $540 million more than expected.

Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu said the Bracks Government has the funds
available now which should be immediately directed towards vital
infrastructure projects - which were Liberal Party commitments in the 2006
state election - to secure Victoria's future water.

"Labor has the funds to build a desalination plant, and build the Arundel
Dam.

"Before the election Treasurer John Brumby accused me of spending on
election commitments like "a mobile ATM - spending money everywhere
promising everything to everyone".

"But the Treasurer had the money - he knew the Liberal Party could afford
to build a desalination plant, he just didn't want the public to know.

"The treasurer said it was "dishonest for Ted Baillieu to go to the
electorate with spending plans that are not sustainable and plunge the
budget into deficit", but it turns out it was the Treasurer who was being
dishonest.

"Victorians are fed up with media spin, reports, reviews and delays. They
don't want another four years of Brumby gathering his election war chest -
they want water security.

"Swallow your pride Mr Brumby - accept the Liberal Party policy was right
all along - build the desalination plant now," Mr Baillieu said.

Victorian Economy Falling Further Behind

Today's national accounts data for the December quarter 2006 released by
the ABS, reveals that Victoria's economy continues to under-perform the
national economy, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.

Kim Wells Mp - Condolence Speech - Victorian Bushfires

25 February 2009 ASSEMBLY

*** DAILY HANSARD *** PROOF VERSION ONLY *** DO NOT QUOTE ***

Mr WELLS (Scoresby) -- I grew up in Bairnsdale in East Gippsland. It was a great place to grow up, with the river, the lakes, the surf and unlimited hiking and camping areas. But with this great beauty came the dangers of living in such an area: year on year of drought, followed by massive bushfires, followed by the Mitchell River flooding. It was a cycle of nature that we all became used to, and it meant that from an early age I had a great appreciation of volunteers and understood that communities cannot grow or survive in Victoria without them. Now all Victorians have witnessed and experienced the most devastating natural disaster in the nation's history, and again the dedication and outstanding work of our volunteers has come to the fore and been severely tested in the most tragic of circumstances.

The CFA (Country Fire Authority), the State Emergency Service, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Country Women's Association, the scouts, St Vincent De Paul, Rotary, the Lions Club and Apex are among the many volunteer groups.

They were readily supported by Victoria Police, who were just incredible, the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board and many government agencies. The work of these groups has been selfless and heroic.

I particularly wish to acknowledge the local CFA brigades in my electorate of Scoresby. The Scoresby

CFA assisted at Yarra Glen, Dixons Creek, St Andrews, Upper Ferntree Gully and Healesville. Rowville CFA members were deployed to Whittlesea, Upper Ferntree Gully, Narre Warren, Toolangi, Yea and Wallan. I also acknowledge their families who sent their brave loved ones into a very dangerous situation and waited at home, anxious for their safe return.

I also send our appreciation to the incredible firefighters who travelled here from interstate, as well as those sent from other countries including Canada, New Zealand and the USA. The relief these groups have provided to our battle-weary Victorian firefighters is immeasurable. New South Wales has also deployed police to the bushfire disaster zone -- 150 of them have been serving in the Kinglake, Marysville and Whittlesea areas. They are providing police officers who have been working in those areas for over a week with a break from their duties and some relief. For this we sincerely thank our New South Wales friends.

I also wish to acknowledge the tireless work of local state and federal members of Parliament from affected bushfire areas across the state. I know that their communities appreciate their dedication.

We are now starting to hear unfortunate horror stories about the heartache that some of our volunteers went through. We have heard stories of CFA volunteers who were out fighting fires for hours on end, only to find when they returned home that their own house had burnt to the ground. Worse still, we have heard about CFA volunteers who have been away from their own area fighting fires returning to find that their own family has been lost to the fires.

It is incredible to think that right now some CFA volunteer firefighters who have lost their houses and everything in them continue to fight the fires in other communities. I am sure they must have mixed emotions, but they choose to continue to protect other communities.

My local Scoresby brigade desperately fought a fire in Upper Ferntree Gully. The area around the Dandenongs is among the most fire prone in the world. CFA personnel told us there was a real fear that if the fire had spread to the 'chimney', it would have raced through that area at a rapid pace, and the result would have been devastating for the Dandenongs.

With brigades on the ground working against time, the fire bombers came and with pinpoint accuracy assisted in bringing the fire under control.

One Country Fire Authority officer told us it was the most incredible victory he had seen in 40 years as a CFA volunteer.

I also wish to highlight the continuing efforts of our local CFA volunteers.

As recently as Monday afternoon of this week a fire tanker and its crew of five members from my local Scoresby CFA brigade was called out to assist at the Nixon Road, Upwey, fire incident, which threatened many residential homes in the immediate Upwey and Belgrave area of the Dandenong Ranges and beyond. The Scoresby CFA tanker crew had been directed to fight an out-of-control section of the fire in the Birds Land Reserve of Lysterfield Park. It is my understanding that a sudden gusty and unpredictable wind change saw the fire come directly for them, and the situation turned into a burnover incident. The Scoresby crew immediately put into action their fire protection procedures and systems, including the use of heat shields, protective blankets and water overspray.

Three of the volunteers who sheltered in the back of the tanker were taken to hospital and treated for burns, but all had been released by Tuesday.

Fortunately for all concerned, it would appear that the safety protection systems and training put in place by the CFA following the terrible Linton tragedy in 1998 worked as intended and successfully aided the Scoresby crew to avoid a similar tragic outcome. The CFA needs to be commended for its hard work in implementing new fire protection strategies following Linton.

I wish to again thank and personally acknowledge the outstanding contribution of the Scoresby CFA during those difficult three weeks. I also wish the three individual Scoresby CFA members injured on Monday, Stuart Bluck, Wayne Harrison and Shaun Lane, all the very best for a full and speedy recovery, and I sincerely thank them and the entire crew of the Scoresby CFA brigade for their bravery and dedication in protecting our local communities in Scoresby and the outer east.

The devastation the Victorian bushfires wreaked is almost incomprehensible.

To date Victoria Police have confirmed that 210 people have died as a result of the bushfires across the state. It was not long ago that I visited the pub in the picturesque town of Marysville. Now that town is devastated, with many deaths recorded. Kinglake, Strathewen, St Andrews, Bendigo and Callignee are among the other communities that have lost loved ones. The damage inflicted by the fires may not be fully known for some time. To date we know that more than 2000 homes have been lost and 450 000 hectares burnt out. In addition there have been countless stock, pet and wildlife losses. Ambulance Victoria has been unable to collate the number of people injured. The figure is expected to be at least in the hundreds. It is known that many people, some in a critical condition, have been admitted to the Alfred hospital with burns. My thoughts are with those who are still bravely battling their injuries. I wish them a speedy recovery.

My sister-in-law in South Africa was watching reports of the Victorian bushfires on Sky News and her question was: how could a sophisticated country like Australia lose so many lives? It is a good question. We have the best-trained firefighters and the best fighting equipment available, and awareness programs were in place and regularly advertised. The state was well warned in the lead-up to Saturday, 7 February 2009 that the conditions and high temperatures were going to be worse than those of Ash Wednesday, in 1983. So what went wrong? Families of victims deserve answers. Citizens who did everything right in their communities deserve answers. The CFA, the State Emergency Service, the police and every volunteer group involved deserve answers.

I join with colleagues in offering our deepest condolences to the victims of the Victorian bushfires.

Productivity Commission Report Confirms Bracks Government Mismanagement

Today's Productivity Commission Report on Government Services for 2007 reveals that the Bracks Labor Government is failing Victorians in the important areas of education, vocational education and training, policing, corrective services and children's services.

$800 Million: Brumby's Capital Investment Black Hole

Further review of Labor's election promises confirms that the Government now faces an $800 million capital investment black hole, after Labor's own audit system broke down, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.

Mr Wells said the Labor Party's auditor, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, released a letter dated October 30, 2006, clearly stating:

The total value of capital investment commitments are within the unallocated capital budget contained in 2006-07 state budget forward estimates.

When we look at the figures Deloittes are looking at (Budget Paper No 2, p49), the total amount of unallocated capital budget is $2.2 billion, Mr Wells said.

"But when the Budget was updated in mid-November, $300 million was added to the $2.2 billion available for capital works, making the total value available for capital works $2.5 billion.

"Given that Labor released its capital works costings during the campaign which now totals $3.3 billion - there is a shortfall of $800 million on the record.

Victorian Economy Underperforms - Again

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) labour force figures show Victoria's unemployment rate in November was 4.7 per cent - above the national rate again.

This is the 28^th month out of the past 30 that Victoria's unemployment rate has been worse than the national rate.

There's a disturbing trend in Victoria's employment figures that shows that this state is falling behind the rest of Australia and not generating the jobs Victorians need.

Victoria lost 11,000 jobs in November while nationally over 36,000 jobs were created.

Baillieu Announces New Shadow Cabinet

Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu today announced a team that will hold Labor to its election promises while providing continued scrutiny of the Government's daily affairs.

"The new Shadow Cabinet benefits from a blend of experience and new faces.

"The Shadow Ministry will hold Labor to account for seven years of failure to deliver in the key areas of water security, health, education, and better public transport.

Liberal Plan - Fully Costed, Fully Budgeted

Shadow Treasurer Robert Clark today released the Liberal Financial Statement 2006. It shows that a Liberal Government will deliver its election commitments with budget surpluses of an average $240 million a year while maintaining strong reserves to meet future needs.

"The Liberal plan is fully costed and fully budgeted," Mr Clark said. "We will boost services and cut taxes and charges by eliminating Labor's waste and misuse of public funds.

Leaked Emails Reveal Not Enough Police For Booze Buses And New Crime Desks

In a further embarrassment for Police Minister Tim Holding, leaked email documents reveal that the much hailed 'Project Clarendon' has hit a serious hurdle.

The emails not only states that the police shortages are hampering the introduction of new "Project Clarendon" crime desks, but that there are insufficient police to staff booze buses in the first six months of 2007, Shadow Minister for Police Kim Wells said today.

800 Extra Frontline Police – Liberals

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

A Liberal Government will increase frontline police numbers by 800, Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu announced today.

In releasing A Liberal Government Plan for Victoria Police: Our Streets, Our Homes, Our Force, Mr Baillieu said a Liberal Government will provide $158 million for 700 additional police members.

A further 100 police members will be redeployed from non-core policing activities to operational street duties, bringing the total number of extra frontline police to 800. This will be done by employing 50 former police members and 50 protective service officers to carry out the non-core duties.

Assault On Intellectually Impaired: Bracks Scandalously Botches Law Changes

Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells today accused the Bracks Labor Government of scandalously failing to prevent a sexual predator from exploiting a loophole in the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) to take advantage of vulnerable people.

"An appalling crime has taken place in which two intellectually impaired persons were sexually assaulted on repeated occasions.

Liberals Provide Police Kiosk In Hargreaves Mall

A Liberal Government will install a police kiosk in Hargreaves Mall to deter anti-social behaviour, Shadow Police Minister Kim Wells announced today.

Joined by Liberal candidates for the Bendigo region Bruce McClure and Kevin Gibbons to make the announcement, Mr Wells said the kiosk was part of an active plan to provide the people of Bendigo with the community safety they deserved.

Libs Commit To New $1.4m Golden Square Cfa Station

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Kim Wells today announced that a Liberal Government was committed to building a new $1.4 million CFA station at Golden Square.

"I have visited CFA stations right across the state and conditions at Golden Square are among the worst", Mr Wells said.

Libs Back Cfa Volunteers Over Training Delivery

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Kim Wells today fully supported
calls by Victoria's 58,000 CFA volunteers that they "have a fair and equal
say in matters that affect them" including the delivery of training and
that they not be treated as "second class citizens" by Labor and the United
Firefighter's Union (UFU) during the current Enterprise Bargaining
Agreement (EBA) negotiations.

Liberals To Build New $1.5 Million Scoresby Cfa Station

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Kim Wells today announced $1.5 million funding towards a new Scoresby CFA station.

"I have visited CFA stations right across the state and conditions at Scoresby are among the worst, especially with the high level of activity that the brigade attends." Mr Wells said.

Libs Announce $1.2m Upgrade To Werribee Police Station

A Liberal Government will provide $1.2 million for an upgrade of Werribee Station, Shadow Police Minister Kim Wells and Liberal candidate for Tarneit Mark Rose announced today.

Mr Wells said the 20-year-old station was in drastic need of a refurbishment and upgrade.

"The conditions just aren't good enough for our hardworking police officers," Mr Wells said.

Liberals Commit 76 Extra Police For Geelong Region

Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells today reaffirmed that a Liberal Government would commit 76 additional police to the Geelong region.

Mr Wells made the announcement visiting Lara and Corio Police Stations accompanied by Liberal candidate for Lara, Angelo Kakouros.

"The Liberal Party recognises that frontline policing in the Geelong area is in crisis under Labor and we promise to fix the problem with 76 extra police for the region including the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast.

$150,000 To Make Croydon Safer For Shoppers

Shadow Minister for Police Kim Wells announced a Liberal Government will
fund a $150,000 police-monitored security camera operation in Croydon's
shopping precinct.

Joined by Liberal candidate for Kilsyth David Hodgett, Mr Wells told local
traders a Liberal Government was committed to making their precinct a safer
place.

Liberals Commit $300,000 For Mooroolbark Police Station Upgrade

A Baillieu Liberal Government will provide $300,000 to upgrade the Mooroolbark police station, Shadow Police Minister, Kim Wells, announced today.

Mr Wells made the announcement with Liberal candidate for Kilsyth, David Hodgett, while visiting the Mooroolbark police station.

Labor’s Union Mates Prevent Cfa Volunteers Obtaining Best Possible Training

The United Firefighters Union is campaigning against the Liberal Party by spreading malicious untrue statements in relation to the Liberal Party's policy of allowing the CFA to contract out training of volunteers including the option of employing accredited volunteers as trainers to supplement the current CFA training personnel.

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Kim Wells said the Liberal Party's position on the issue of CFA volunteer training was very clear. It will ensure that the CFA is allowed to choose the most appropriate, qualified and accredited persons for training possible without being dictated to or vetoed by the UFU.

Libs Announce New $5m Police Station For Somerville

A Liberal Government will provide $5 million for a new 24-hour police station in Somerville, Shadow Police Minister Kim Wells and Liberal candidate for Hastings Neale Burgess announced today.

Mr Wells said today's announcement was the culmination of Neale Burgess' lobbying and hard work.

Liberals Commit To 24 Hour Rowville Police Station

Scoresby MP and Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells and Liberal Candidate for Ferntree Gully, Nick Wakeling today announced that a Liberal Government would fully resource the Rowville Police Station to ensure it could operate
24 hours a day.

"The Bracks Labor Government has broken its 1999 election promise that Rowville Police Station would be a 24-hour station by failing to properly resource and provide sufficient staff meaning that currently it is barely able to open 16 hours a day," Mr Wells said.

Looking After Our Emergency Services

A Liberal Government will give Victorian emergency services the boost and support they deserve, with a $48.6 million package to maintain and upgrade infrastructure and support volunteers, Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu announced today. In Cockatoo with Shadow Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Kim Wells, Mr Baillieu said for too long staff and volunteers at the Country Fire Authority, Victorian State Emergency Service, Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Emergency Services Board and Life Saving Victoria had gone without adequate funding and support.

Liberals Announce $500,000 Upgrade For Prahran Station

A Liberal Government will provide $500,000 to upgrade the Prahran police station in Malvern Road, Shadow Police Minister Kim Wells and Liberal candidate for Prahran Clem Newton Brown announced today.

"Today's announcement is culmination of Clem Newton-Brown's lobbying and hard work," Mr Wells said.

Nursing Victoria Back To Health

Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu announced a Liberal Government will open 1000 more hospital beds, employ 200 doctors, 1000 nurses and 400 allied health professionals, and treat 190,000 more patients in its first term as part of a $1.7 billion plan to remedy the ailments of Victoria's public health system.

A Liberal Government will commit to immediate upgrades at Monash Medical Centre, Frankston Hospital and Warrnambool Hospital.

Mr Baillieu said more and more vulnerable Victorians faced growing elective surgery waiting lists, crowded emergency departments, ambulance delays, and a lack of outpatient services.

"Labor has failed to manage Victoria's health. It's had seven years to secure a health system Victorians can depend on, but spent money on self promotion and big-ticket blowouts instead.

"Today there are an estimated 36,000 people waiting for hospital treatment.

"There are people counting down the years - not the days - until they get their specialist appointment.

"There are lives hanging at the end of a 000 call wondering if an ambulance will make it.

"A Liberal Government will provide Victorians with reliable health care," Mr Baillieu said.

Liberals Announce New $5m Police Station For Daylesford

A Liberal Government will provide $5 million to construct a police station at Daylesford, Shadow Police Minister Kim Wells and Liberal candidate for Ballarat East Geoff Hayes announced today.

"Today's announcement is the culmination of Geoff Hayes' lobbying and hard work. It will ensure that Daylesford has the necessary police resources and facilities to properly deal with the community's law and order issues," Mr Wells said.

Liberals Maintain Support For Cfa Volunteers

The Liberal Party continues to strongly support the position of the CFA's 58,000 volunteers and Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria during the current EBA negotiations between the CFA and the United Firefighters Union.

We have continually warned the Bracks Government's Emergency Services Minister Tim Holding against signing the CFA Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) without prior agreement of CFA volunteers.

We also believe Labor is riding rough-shod over Victoria's CFA volunteers in favour of their union mates in the United Firefighters Union (UFU).

Liberals Commit 25 Extra Police For Ballarat Region

Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells today announced that a Liberal Government would commit 25 additional police to the Ballarat region whilst visiting with local Liberal candidates Geoff Hayes, Shane Brennan and Vic Dunn.

"The Liberal Party recognises that frontline policing in the Ballarat area is in crisis under Labor.

Liberals Provide Police Kiosk In Ballarat Cbd

A Liberal Government will install a police kiosk at Ballarat's Bridge Mall to deter violent and anti-social behaviour Shadow Police Minister Kim Wells announced today.

Joined by Liberal candidates for the Ballarat region Geoff Hayes and Shane Brennan, Mr Wells said the kiosk was part of an active plan to provide the people of Ballarat with the community safety they deserved.

Liberal Government Plan To Improve Public Transport

Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu announced today that a Liberal Government has massive improvements planned for Victoria's public transport.

The changes are tailored to meet the top expectations of regular travellers - more relevant services that arrive on-time, extensions into suburbs where trams and trains don't go, safer transport, and cheaper fares.

Labor To Resurrect Plan For Beaufort Paedophiles After Election

Shadow Minister for Corrections, Kim Wells, today slammed the Bracks Labor Government for deceiving the people of Beaufort over its resurrected plans to make Beaufort the paedophile capital of Australia following the state
election on November 25.

Labor’s Union Mates Come First: Cfa Volunteers A Distant Second

Labor's mates in the United Firefighter's Union (UFU) are holding the CFA to ransom and they've already started getting concessions from Labor's Minister in this sham emergency services policy, Shadow Emergency Services Minister Kim Wells said today.

Since current EBA negotiations began the UFU have withheld vital fire fighting equipment and delayed vital training programs for CFA volunteers.

Liberals Commit $500,000 For Ashburton Police Station Upgrade

A Baillieu Liberal Government would provide $500,000 to refurbish the old and tired Ashburton police station, Shadow Police Minister, Kim Wells and Liberal Candidate for Burwood, Graham Bailey announced today.

Making the announcement outside the station at 1 Y Street, Mr Bailey said local police officers were being forced to work in shoddy, cramped and substandard workplaces which were substantially hampering their duties.

Labor Debate Watch... Bracks' Fiction Vs. Reality

Steve Bracks Fiction:

"And that is why with 1600 extra police..."

Reality:

WRONG! Leaked police documents reveal that frontline police numbers have fallen by 748 over the past 2 years.

Steve Bracks Fiction:

"..we now have a 22% reduction in our crime rate."

Reality:

WRONG! We are living in a more violent community with violent crime up 29 per cent under Labor.

The number of victims of violent crime are at a record level being up 32 per cent under Labor.

Libs Give $200,000 Towards Seebeck Oval Upgrade

Knox cricket and footballs stars of the future will be given a helping hand thanks to a Baillieu Liberal Government's $200,000 commitment to upgrade the sports facilities at Seebeck Oval on Stud Road in Rowville, Liberal candidate for Ferntree Gully, Nick Wakeling and Kim Wells MP, Member for Scoresby, announced today.

Joined by Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation, Bruce Atkinson, in making the announcement, Mr Wakeling and Mr Wells said the funding would go to the Knox City Council to assist with the development of a second oval at the Seebeck Oval facility.

Libs Commit To Ferntree Gully Road Triplication

Scoresby MP Kim Wells and Shadow Minister for Transport, Terry Mulder have announced $12 million to triplicate Ferntree Gully Road from Jells Road, Wheelers Hill to Eastlink as the first stage of a three stage triplication project.

On a recent visit to the Scoresby electorate, Terry Mulder observed the already heavy traffic congestion along Ferntree Gully Road, with the looming prospect that traffic will increase along this road once East Link is completed and opened.

"The Liberal Party has committed to upgrade Ferntree Gully Road by adding a third additional lane in each direction between Jells Road and East Link.

"This would be part of a three stage process for the upgrade of Ferntree Gully Road - first stage Jells Rd to Eastlink, second stage Eastlink to Stud Road and third stage Stud Road to Scoresby Road", Mr Wells said.

Liberals Announce New $2m Police Station For Mortlake

A Liberal Government will provide $2 million to construct a police station at Mortlake, Shadow Police Minister, Kim Wells and Polwarth MP, Terry Mulder announced today.

"Today's announcement is a major win for the Mortlake community. It is the culmination of Terry Mulder's lobbying and hard work. It will ensure that Mortlake has the necessary police resources and facilities to properly deal with the community's law and order issues.

Liberals To Increase Police Presence In Frankston

A Liberal Government would boost frontline police and secure a beach patrol vehicle to provide a visible police presence and increase community safety in Frankston, Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells, accompanied by Liberal Candidate for Frankston, Rochelle McArthur announced today.

Mr Wells said that increasing Frankston's frontline police numbers was a high priority and that $20,000 would be provided to secure a beach patrol vehicle.

"Today's announcement is a major win for the Frankston community and is the culmination of Rochelle McArthur's lobbying and hard work in relation to the inadequate police numbers in the region.

Liberals Commit To 24-hour Bellarine

The Bellarine Police Station will be staffed 24-hours-a-day under a Baillieu Liberal Government, Shadow Police Minister, Kim Wells, announced today.

Joined by Liberal candidate for Bellarine, Don Gibson, in making the announcement, Mr Wells said the plan would ensure the people of Bellarine had the police protection they deserved.

"The station in Ocean Grove, will be manned 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week and will support other stations on the Peninsula," Mr
Wells said.

Liberals Announce New Police Station For Grovedale

A Baillieu Liberal Government will establish a new police station in Grovedale to service the Geelong's growing southern suburbs, Shadow Police Minister, Kim Wells announced today.

Joined by Liberal candidate for South Barwon, Michael King in making the announcement, Mr King said the Liberals' commitment would provide an active police presence in Grovedale and Waurn Ponds.

"Today's announcement is a major win for the Grovedale and Waurn Ponds communities and shows the Liberals' commitment to South Barwon and to community safety," Mr King said.

Liberals Provide Police Kiosk In Market Square Mall

A Baillieu Liberal Government will install a police kiosk in the Market Square Mall in Little Malop Street to deter violent and anti-social behaviour, Shadow Police Minister Kim Wells announced today.

Joined by Liberal candidate for Geelong, Scott Dixon in making the announcement, Mr Wells said the kiosk was part of an active plan to provide the people of Geelong with the community safety they deserved.

The kiosk will be policed every day and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Liberals Commit 76 Extra Police For Geelong Region

Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells today announced that a Liberal Government would commit 76 additional police to the Geelong region whilst visiting the region with local Liberal candidates Michael King, Scott Dixon and Don Gibson.

"An integral part of this announcement is the promise of 45 extra police solely for the immediate Geelong area.

Liberals To Abolish Zone 3

26 October 2006

A Liberal Government will abolish Zone 3 fares from the metropolitan transport system, Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu announced today.

The abolition of Zone 3, from July 1 next year, would mean a simpler and cheaper transport system for more than 1.5 million residents in Melbourne's east, south east, and the Mornington Peninsula.

The cost of a daily adult ticket will fall from $12.60 to $9.70, a saving of $2.90 a day. Hundreds of Zone 3 bus stops will also become part of the new, much larger Zone 2.

"For concessions, the cost of a two-hour ticket for a one-way trip from the outer suburbs or the Mornington Peninsula to the city will be $2.80 instead of $3.60, a saving of 80 cents a trip.

"Other existing tickets like the $2.50 all-zone Sunday Savers will remain."

"The current Zone 3 is grossly unfair. In Melbourne's north eastern suburbs, Zone 2 station Hurstbridge is 38kms from the city by train, but Ringwood is less than 26kms from the city and in the more expensive Zone 3."

Other stations like Bayswater, Boronia, Croydon, Ferntree Gully and Ringwood East are also in Zone 3 under Labor, but closer to the city by rail than Hurstbridge.

Under a Liberal Government railway passengers from 36 stations including Berwick, Boronia, Cranbourne, Dandenong, Frankston, Hastings, Lilydale, Pakenham and Ringwood will pay Zone 2 fares.

Liberals Now Commit To A $2 Million Full Scale Rowville Transport-link Feasibility Study

Liberal Candidate for Ferntree Gully, Nick Wakeling and Scoresby MP, Kim Wells, have today announced a full scale $2 million Rowville Transport-Link Feasibility Study which will include a train line.

Originally the Liberals committed $100,000 to advance feasibility work, building on that previously done by the City of Knox.

"Due to extraordinary public support for the Rowville Transport Feasibility Study, Nick Wakeling and I lobbied the Shadow Minister for Transport, Terry Mulder for the balance of funds to be brought forward so that a full feasibility study can be undertaken in one go," Mr Wells said.

Bracks Fails On 1999 Atm Security Election Promise

Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells today slammed the Bracks Labor Government for not delivering on its 1999 election promise to improve security for Automatic Teller Machines.

Labor was elected on promises to introduce legislation that would force banks to upgrade ATM security, and to install security cameras for all ATM's.

Despite numerous announcements and commitments not one ATM security measure promised in 1999 has been implemented.

Watchdog Slams Labor’s Opi Process

Shadow Minister for Police Kim Wells said concerns expressed by the watchdog monitoring Labor's Office of Police Integrity (OPI) have confirmed there are serious problems with the OPI process.

In his annual report Special Investigations Monitor (SIM) David Jones was blunt and critical in his report on the way the OPI conducts its business.

Cfa Pager Ban Threatens Firefighter And Community Safety

The Liberal Party today condemned Labor, and Minister for Emergency Services Tim Holding, for failing to take action to end the current United Firefighters Union (UFU) ban on the rollout of the Country Fire Authority's(CFA) new Emergency Alerting System pagers.

"Tim Holding's negligent inaction on this critical issue means that the CFA's 58,000 volunteers and local communities are at risk at the beginning of a long and dangerous fire season," Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Kim Wells said.

Liberal’s Plan For Mental Health

A Liberal Government will return Victoria to the forefront of mental health care in Australia with $225.7 million of initiatives, Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu announced today.

The plan is designed to tackle a problem that has become the western world's pandemic - and is worsening.

"Mental illness can no longer remain a hidden disease, an affliction compounded by social stigma," Mr Baillieu said.

"We must all recognise its impact on individuals, their families and friends, on communities and in the workplace," he said.

A Plan To Secure Melbourne’s Water Supply

Sunday October 8, 2006

Liberal Leader, Ted Baillieu, today launched the Liberal Party's Plan to Secure Melbourne's Water Supply containing a package of water saving, re-use, recycling, conservation and capture initiatives.

Today's important announcements further complement the Liberal Party's pre-election water policies announced in May and June which secure a long-term water supply for Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong.

"A Liberal Government will implement a comprehensive program to secure Melbourne and Victoria's water supply for generations," said Mr Baillieu.

"After seven years, Labor has mismanaged water conservation in Victoria.

"What's worse - Labor's still doing nothing about it...no plan other than to tell Victorians to use less - it's simply not good enough.

"In the meantime Labor has raked-in more than $2 billion from the State's water authorities, with as little as 6 percent being returned and re-invested in urgently needed water maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.

Labor's poor form on recycling - accounting for just 1 percent, is damming.

"The time for procrastination, conferences and meetings has ended. Victoria can ill-afford to wait another four years for Labor to act.

"As a State we need to better manage the water we have, and then we need to think creatively about how we re-use, recycle and capture more water.

Region 5 Boss Admits 24-hour Stations Do Close When Police Numbers Are Scarce

Shadow Minister for Police Kim Wells said police command has been forced to defend Labor's record on police numbers.

Following a leaked email which confirmed police had been instructed to close stations due to police shortages, Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans has revealed 24-hour stations were closed "from time to time".

Leaked Documents Prove Frontline Police Slashed

In yet another embarrassing leak for Labor, a Victoria Police internal memo
has revealed that frontline policing is under enormous strain.

Stun Guns An Urgent Priority For Police

A Liberal Government will ensure every police station has a stun gun if elected in November, Shadow Minister for Police Kim Wells said today.

Mr Wells said the Liberal Party had long supported Victoria Police's plea for the introduction of Taser stun guns.

Liberals Question Opi Public Hearings

The Liberal Party will not tolerate any Victoria Police member who takes
the law into their own hands, or those who deliberately breach police
regulations

Liberal Government’s Plan To Support Victoria Police

Shadow Minister for Police Kim Wells today unveiled a range of Liberal Government initiatives for Victoria Police, which Liberal Leader Ted Baillieu outlined to delegates in his address at last week's Victoria Police Association conference.

Privacy Commissioner Fails To Resolve Leap Files Fiasco

A report into Mr C's case is a disappointing whitewash and does absolutely nothing to resolve the extraordinary bungle involving Victoria Police LEAP files, Shadow Police Minister Kim Wells said.

Holding Lets Baldy Off The Hook

Mr Baldy has escaped a five year prison sentence because the Labor Minister, Tim Holding, is refusing to have the serial pedophile charged for his breach of his Extended Supervision Order, Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells, said today.

Record Rise In Victims Under Labor

A record number of victims of violent crime - 34,275 in 2005/06 (up 32 per cent since Labor were elected in 1999) makes a mockery of Steve Bracks' claim that Victoria is safer than ever, said Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells, today.

Baldy Walks The Streets – Holding Must Go!

The Premier and his incompetent Police Minister, Tim Holding, must intervene and ensure charges are laid against Mr Baldy for a serious breach of his Extended Supervision Order (ESO), Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells, said tonight.

Violent Crime Soars To Record

Shadow Minister for Police Kim Wells says the 2005-06 Victoria Police crime statistics released yesterday raise serious questions about Labor's commitment to reduce violent crime in Victoria.

"It is clear to us that Police Minister Tim Holding has not read the crime statistics correctly because it shows a worrying trend - violent crime continues to grow. For the first time ever, violent crime offences have surpassed 40,000," Mr Wells said.

Labor’s Political Interference Puts Police Staffing On Hold... Again

Senior police are outraged ongoing political interference by Labor has stalled the Resource Allocation Model for police staffing in Victoria, Shadow Minister for Police Kim Wells said today.

Labor Fails To Deliver On Atm Security

Despite regular reports of robberies at Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's), the Bracks Government has still failed to introduce its 1999 election promise.

Hoons Can Use Loopholes To Get Off

The Bracks Government's new 'hoon' laws have again been brought into question by the latest revelation that they are subject to possible exploitation through hardship provisions that Victoria Police must consider before the authorisation of any vehicle impoundment, Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells, said today.

Police Numbers Reach Crisis Point

Police numbers have now reached crisis point and the safety of Victorians is being placed at serious risk by the Bracks Government's failure to act, Shadow Minister for Police, Kim Wells, said today.

Nov-30-1999

Contact Kim:

9 Lynton Place,
Scoresby VIC 3179
• Phone: (03) 9764 8988
• Fax: (03) 9763 9816

• Email: kim.wells@parliament.vic.gov.au

• Website:
www.kimwells.com.au

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