Media & Press Releases
Dec-22-2011
Coalition Government Strengthens Victoria’s Financial Services Industry
Treasurer Kim Wells today released the government response to the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) Report, On Sound Commercial Terms.
Mr Wells said the Victorian Coalition Government\'s productivity and competitiveness agenda would support the financial services industry to expand and would strengthen Victoria\'s position as a leading financial services hub in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Dec-15-2011
Coalition Government Strengthens Finances To Grow Victoria's Economy
Victoria\'s Budget will record a surplus of $1.3 billion in 2014-15 and net debt will be $804 million lower in the 2011-12 Victorian Budget Update delivered by Treasurer Kim Wells today.
Dec-12-2011
Kick Off For New Soccer Facility At Eastern Recreation Precinct
Budding Eastern Metropolitan soccer stars now have a dedicated soccer facility to improve their skills thanks to the completion of the new Knox Regional Football Centre at the fast developing $32 million Eastern Recreation Precinct in Knox.
Dec-05-2011
News Feature - Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
Baillieu Government\'s
First 12 Months....
Building on our achievements
Delivering on commitments to Victorians
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
Baillieu Government\'s
First 12 Months....
Building on our achievements
Delivering on commitments to Victorians
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
Baillieu Government\'S First 12 Months.... Building on our achievements
- Delivering on commitments to Victorians
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
Building on our achievements anddelivering on commitments to Victorians
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
Building on our achievements...
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
Building on our achievements andDelivering on commitments to Victorians
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
Building on our achievements and Delivering on commitments to Victorians
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
Building on our achievements and Delivering on commitments to Victorians
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Dec-05-2011
Victorian Coalition Government's Achievements In Its First 12 Months
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard over the year to deliver on its promises to Victorians.
Our commitments have been delivered despite $2 billion in black holes, cost overruns and unfunded projects left by the former Labor Government, tough economic circumstances and a $4.1 billion reduction in GST revenue from the Gillard Government.
We have kept the trust placed in us by Victorians and delivered on our commitments in challenging circumstances.
More than 130 of our commitments have already been implemented and the Coalition Government will continue to work hard to ensure all our commitments are delivered to benefit Victorian families.
Improving productivity and growing the economy
Declining productivity hurts all Victorians. That\'s why the Coalition Government has moved to improve the long-term decline in productivity in Victoria by revising the industrial relations principles applying to firms seeking government building and construction work so taxpayers get better value for money.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also delivered on the Coalition Government\'s commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
Restoring basic services
The Coalition Government\'s commitments are designed to restore basic services to the levels which Victorians expect after years of neglect under the former Labor Government.
There have already been improvements in train punctuality and reliability, and 635 more train services per week together with more funding for basic maintenance will ensure network improvements continue.
Recruitment is well underway for new police and Protective Services Officers to ensure Victorian streets and railway stations are safer.
The Budget also included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12, including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists. This includes new funding for extra ambulance paramedics.
The Coalition Government has also funded new schools, including specialist schools, to help improve education standards in Victoria.
Helping with the cost of living
The Coalition Government\'s first year included a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered big stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
Integrity of government
The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to restore the trust in government that was eroded by spin, misconduct and waste under Labor.
We have introduced legislation to implement an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
We have introduced a tough new Fundraising Code of Conduct that includes sweeping reforms to fundraising practices in Victoria.
These reforms will also apply to former members of Parliament, senior staff and party officials who now work as lobbyists, providing a clear set of guidelines with which all Coalition members will be required to comply.
In Parliament, standing orders have been tightened by putting time limits on answers to questions without notice and fining MPs who are ejected.
Pay rises for Members of Parliament have been capped at 2.5 per cent.
Boosting community safety
The Coalition Government funded in its first Budget the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government.
Because of our commitment, 1700 more police (including 100 transit police) will be recruited to protect Victorians.
Recruitment is also underway for 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers who will patrol every metropolitan railway station and major regional railway stations after dark to protect commuters.
A range of justice reforms were also passed, including tough new hoon laws to reduce dangerous driving and impound and crush the vehicles of repeat offenders, new dangerous dog legislation and the abolition of home detention and suspended sentences for serious crimes.
Funding was also provided for councils and community groups to implement practical community safety projects such as security lighting and CCTV, and to develop and deliver local solutions to graffiti.
Fighting for the interests of Victoria
The Victorian Coalition Government has worked hard in the last year to vigorously represent the interests of Victorian families and Victoria.
We secured a better health deal from the Gillard Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria\'s country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the devastating Victorian floods received the support they needed to get back on their feet.
We have lobbied for the development of a national reform agenda to reduce federal and state administrative duplication by eliminating overlaps.
Pressure from Victoria resulted in the Gillard Government\'s agreement to review the GST, especially after Victoria\'s GST revenue was cut by $4.1 billion.
The Coalition Government also released economic analysis showing the devastating impact of the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax on Victorian families and businesses.
This analysis showed that by 2015, there will be 35,000 fewer jobs than would have been the case without a carbon tax; investment will be down almost $6.3 billion, or 6.6 per cent; per capita income will be more than $1,050 lower; and the Victorian State Budget is predicted to be almost $660 million worse off.
The Deloitte Access Economics report also highlighted the devastating impact the Gillard Government\'s carbon tax will have on regional Victoria.
The Coalition Government also appeared before Fair Work Australia to terminate the damaging Qantas industrial dispute after the Commonwealth refused to act until planes were grounded worldwide. Up to that point, our concerns had been dismissed by the Gillard Government as a \'media stunt\'.
Protecting vulnerable Victorians
The Coalition Government\'s first year in office included major commitments to support vulnerable Victorians.
Our first Budget included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers, $34 million to strengthen palliative care, and - in the critical area of child protection - a $98 million commitment to transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
As part of this commitment, the Coalition Government is implementing a plan to increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers in Victoria.
The 2011-12 Victorian Budget also provided an additional $88 million package to address neglect of mental health issues.
The Coalition Government has taken tough action against bullying by passing new laws making it clear that serious bullying is a serious crime that can be punished by a prison term of up to 10 years.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government\'s first Budget reduced unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
In its first year, the Coalition also terminated Labor\'s wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced the government\'s advertising spend by 40 per cent and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor\'s messes and plugging Labor\'s black holes
The need for the Coalition Government to take a responsible approach to economic management was underlined by the $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government\'s mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor\'s incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge widening project.
The Coalition Government has been working hard to put each of these projects on a responsible footing, including determining the full risk of each project so taxpayers are not exposed to further losses.
For example, the Coalition Government announced its intention to proceed with the myki ticketing system while putting a much stronger framework around the project to ensure costs and project management do not spiral out of control as occurred under Labor.
Unfortunately in some cases contracts signed under Labor condemn taxpayers to many years of financial pain. For example, the desalination plant contracts made public under the Coalition Government require payments of almost $2 million a day for the next 27 years even before any water has been purchased.
The Coalition Government has introduced a rigorous process so that major projects now have proper governance, management, design and financial costing to ensure that these projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Building on our achievements:
Policies implemented by the Victorian Coalition Government since its election
- Racing integrity protected with $4 million Coalition grant
- Regional Victoria Living Expo to entice tree change
- Coalition Government delivers on commitment to clean up at Brookland Greens Estate
- $3.2m pilot opens door for people with mental illness
- Coalition Government launches Places Victoria
- Independent report on Labor\'s shabby consultation over the Geelong Ring Road Section 4C
- New options for Geelong\'s general aviation sector
- Emergency Management legislation passes Parliament
- New headspace sites to enhance access to youth mental health
- Coalition Government gives a boost to secure Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic
- Victorian Design Review Panel to help strengthen Victoria\'s leadership in design
- Baillieu cracks down on illegal puppy farms
- Gippsland carers get funding boost
- Minister click starts new Shrine of Remembrance website
- Victorian Coalition Government to establish new Work and Learning Centres in Geelong and Carlton
- Government unveils $10 million Mental Illness Research Fund
- Communities given greater say in wild dog control
- Victorian Coalition Government delivers on commitment to help problem gamblers
- Expert panel to hold public forums on review of VET fees and funding
- Tougher laws against illegal brothels introduced to Victorian Parliament
- Minister makes $20 million commitment to support Communities for Nature
- More Victorian kids to get the chance to learn how to swim
- Coalition puts price on fox and wild dog scalps
- Young people get the chance to Be Heard!
- Mayors to advise Minister
- Funding for Scouts Victoria and Girl Guides Victoria supports young Victorians
- $440,000 upgrade to Gilwell Park Scouts Centre
- Coalition reinvigorates Victorian Young Farmers
- Funding boost for Victoria\'s smallest kindergartens
- Traralgon South Primary School lights up
- $100,000 to strengthen mens\' sheds
- Timboon P-12 School receives electronic speed signs
- Coalition to deliver 60 new Landcare facilitators
- Independent Road Safety Camera Commissioner Bill passes Parliament
- Yea\'s bid for saleyards upgrade wins $400,000
- Coalition implements state-wide bushfire mapping in response to Royal Commission recommendations
- Victorian Coalition Government delivers stronger gambling integrity measures
- Victoria leads by establishing the Settlement Co-ordination Unit
- Coalition restores community\'s rights on wind farm planning
- Bong ban to end Labor\'s mixed message to kids and youth
- Victorian prisoners to get access to condoms
- Responsible Alcohol Victoria launches new website
- Minister launches Public Safety Infrastructure Grants
- Discussion paper: Port of Geelong well-placed for future relocation of car trade
- $5 million to improve safety in bushfire-prone communities
- Minister launches grants to stamp out graffiti
- $20 million to make studying easier for regional students
- New ward for the Geelong Hospital
- Minister launches Community Safety Grants for local crime prevention initiatives
- Harness racing returns to country tracks under Coalition Government
- Green light for safer turns into Stud Road
- Our Place continues to support community
- Vic Coalition launches $1 billion boost for regions
- Vic Coalition Govt delivers on promise to expand access to government subsidised training
- Hoons on notice as tough new laws start tomorrow
- Government delivers website on hospital performance
- Coalition abolishes forced euthanasia of pound animals
- Rebates on water-efficient products for all Victorians
- 12 new Yarra Ranges bus shelters fulfill election promise
- Coalition Government delivers the keys for home buyers
- Coalition cuts ambulance membership fees in half
- Kids can now visit the zoo for free
- Vic Coalition announces new loan scheme to support bushfire-affected small businesses
- Apache Cat wins another million for retired legends
- Groundwork for recreational boating industry strategy
- Election commitment met: feasibility study for Yarra Valley gateway tourism centre
- Walsh announces funding for Living Ballarat
- Coalition reforms GAIC to improve housing affordability
- Election commitment met: business case for Old Gippstown heritage park
- Coalition delivers key planning reform with new Urban Renewal Authority
- New legislation delivers for second Victorian container port
- Coalition Govt honours Indigenous Victorians with nation\'s first-ever Indigenous Honour Roll
- Coalition commits financial support for bushfire planning
- Independent assessment process for possible expansion of urban growth boundary in growth areas
- $5 million boost for Bendigo Airport
- Coalition delivers $1 million for greyhound adoption
- Coalition Government delivers on $130m Wallan-Kilmore Bypass election promise
- $20 million for Dingley Bypass planning
- Historic day for Victoria\'s CFA volunteers
- Coalition Government\'s Budget delivers for students with special needs
- Coalition Government secures Eaglehawk Primary School\'s future
- Victorians to have their say about Vocational Education and Training Fees
- Coalition Government delivers on metro level crossing removal to end congestion and improve safety
- Minister unveils landmark health plan
- Coalition Govt delivers on commitment to expand Frankston Hospital
- Coalition Govt invests further $100 million in vital government school maintenance
- Coalition Government delivers on Skilled Stadium overhaul
- Parliament gives true independence to Bushfire Implementation Monitor
- Coalition Govt announces first DPC Regional satellite offices in Ballarat and Bendigo
- Coalition delivers on Rock Eisteddfod Challenge
- Coalition restores public holiday flexibility to country Victorians
- Coalition Government delivers more transit police
- Coalition Government gives communities a say on bottle shops
- Coalition reduces the risk of alcohol-related harm to our children
- Restoring four lanes makes Black Forest Drive safer
- Stud Road bus lane pain to end
- Coalition honours indigenous Victorians
- Public comment invited on direct election of Geelong Mayor
- Coalition Government extends freeze on late-night liquor licences
- New unit aims to improve housing affordability
- New peri-urban planning unit
- Coalition delivers on racing commitments to regional Victoria
- Living Victoria roadmap calls for urgent water reform
- Coalition Government delivers on additional race meet at Avoca
- Napthine confirms Bendigo to go the extra distance
- Coalition to legislate $1 billion regional growth agenda
- CFA Volunteer Charter to be enshrined in legislation
- Revitalising Victoria\'s manufacturing industry
- Revealed: The true cost of John Brumby\'s desalination plant
- Victorian Taskforce established for National Disability Insurance Scheme
- Coalition Government delivers early year-round discounts on electricity bills
- Work to begin immediately on $2 million Rowville rail feasibility study
- Victorians to have their say on Registered Aboriginal Parties
- Baillieu Government seeks national approach on race wagering and betting
- Coalition to deliver true independence for Bushfire Implementation Monitor
- Baillieu Government delivers on election commitment to end Easter Sunday trading confusion
- Coalition gives principals power to search, confiscate and ban school yard weapons
- Coalition to strengthen independence of Victorian Multicultural Commission
- New era for Ringwood Railway Station and bus interchange under Coalition Government
- Protecting Victoria\'s vulnerable children: inquiry launched
- Coalition Govt announces major overhaul of Victoria\'s road safety cameras
- Coalition Govt helps bushfire survivors
- Major changes to TAFE training fees for youth Health Care Card holders
- Research begins on strategic cattle grazing to reduce bushfire risk
- Liquor licensing fees halved for low risk licensees
- Coalition continues policy implementation with community safety legislation
- Coalition delivers on reduction in ministerial staff positions
- Coalition Government leads discussions on implementation of NDIS
- Development controls removed at Portland and Narrawong
- Planning amendment paves way for Portland helipad
- $3 million for Mildura Airport redevelopment
- Baillieu Government acts on planning to protect Melbourne\'s character
- Coalition delivers for small business with clearways changes
Nov-26-2011
Coalition Government Delivers The Keys For More Than 4000 First Home Buyers
The Victorian Coalition Government\'s election commitment to slash stamp duty for first home buyers has assisted more than 4,000 Victorians to purchase their first home.
Nov-23-2011
Strong Outcome For Victoria Despite Challenging Times
Treasurer Kim Wells today welcomed data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicating that Victoria\'s economy grew by 2.5 per cent in 2010-11, as forecast in the 2011-12 Victorian State Budget.
Nov-10-2011
Victoria Records Strong Full Time Job Growth In October
Full time jobs growth was the main driver of Victoria\'s strong labour market performance in October according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Nov-10-2011
Victoria On Track To Achieve Surplus After Challenging September Quarter
Treasurer Kim Wells today confirmed that Victoria remains on track to achieve the forecast 2011-12 budget surplus of $140 million.
Nov-10-2011
Vcec Draft Report Opportunity For Community To Contribute To Victoria's Competitiveness
Treasurer Kim Wells has encouraged all interested Victorians to contribute their ideas on the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) draft report for a state-based reform agenda.
Nov-07-2011
Standard & Poor's Confirms Victoria's Triple-a Credit Rating
Standard & Poor\'s have highlighted the strong and responsible financial management of the Victorian Coalition government in today\'s AAA credit rating confirmation.
Oct-18-2011
Young People Invited To Get Involved
The Member for Scoresby and State Treasurer, Kim Wells, has invited young people aged 12-25 years to apply to join the Baillieu Coalition Government’s new Youth Ministerial Advisory Committee called Involve.
Oct-17-2011
Have Your Say About New Fire Services Levy
Treasurer Kim Wells has announced a second stage of public consultation for the design of the new property based Fire Services Levy.
Oct-13-2011
Coalition Delivers Strong Result For 2010/11 Financial Year In Challenging Times
The 2010/11 Annual Financial Report tabled in Parliament today by Treasurer Kim Wells shows that the Victorian general government sector recorded a strong net surplus of $517 million for the 2010/11 financial year.
Oct-05-2011
Weekend Knox, Maroondah And Yarra Ranges Bus Routes To Be Accessible
In another milestone for Melbourne’s increasingly popular multi-modal public transport network, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder announced today that from 8 October 2011 all weekend and public holiday bus routes in Knox, Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges would be operated by low-floor, fully accessible buses.
Oct-04-2011
National Tax Forum
The Commonwealth Tax Forum held in Canberra today should be an opportunity to properly examine the interaction of state and federal taxes and the appropriate sharing of spending responsibilities.
Sep-08-2011
Victoria Leads Full Time Job Growth
Victoria was the only state to record an increase in full-time employment in August according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force data released today.
Sep-07-2011
National Accounts Show Strong Growth For Victoria’s Economy
Today\'s National Accounts data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Victoria\'s economy grew by 0.6 per cent in the quarter to be 2.3 per cent higher over the year.
Jul-05-2011
Coalition Government Releases Consultation Paper For New Fire Services Funding Model
The Victorian Coalition Government has released a community consultation paper for the design and implementation of a fairer, more equitable system to fund fire services in Victoria. Treasurer Kim Wells said the consultation paper was the first step in introducing a significant and long-overdue reform to ensure Victoria’s fire services were appropriately funded.
Jun-28-2011
Coalition Government Delivers The Keys For Home Buyers
The Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to make purchasing a new home more affordable for first home buyers, young farmers, pensioners and concession card holders, and self funded retirees. Treasurer Kim Wells today confirmed that for contracts settled from 1 July the Coalition Government will cut stamp duty by 20 per cent for eligible home buyers and will progressively increase this cut to 30 per cent from 1 January 2013, 40 per cent from 1 January 2014 and 50 per cent by September 2014.
Jun-14-2011
New Laws To Tackle Supply Of Alcohol To Minors
Member for Scoresby, Kim Wells, says new State Government laws will ban adults from supplying alcohol to minors in a private home unless parental consent is given. Mr Wells said the laws, which were passed in Parliament on May 5 and come into effect in February 2012, send a clear message that giving alcohol to under-age drinkers without parental permission is illegal. “This legislation is about handing back control to parents. This is an important new law that is really aimed at protecting the health of young people.”
Jun-14-2011
Helping Knox Families Pay The Bills
Help is at hand for Knox families struggling to meet cost-of-living pressures, said Member for Scoresby and Victorian Treasurer Kim Wells. Mr Wells was responding to recent calls by the Knox Emergency Relief Network for Federal Government financial help to help low-income families. He said the State Government had announced a number of initiatives in the recent budget which would help ease the burden on families finding it tough to meet the costs of essential services.
Jun-14-2011
Kindergarten Grants Announced
Five kindergartens in the Scoresby electorate will benefit from grants provided under a new $3.4 million State Government funding package, said the Member for Scoresby, Kim Wells. Mr Wells said the package would provide a $2500 flexible grant which kindergartens could spend on information technology – such as computers or software – or on office or play equipment. “The new IT and Equipment Grants program is part of the Victorian Coalition’s commitment to ensuring children receive the best education possible before starting school,” Mr Wells said.
May-24-2011
Victorian Coalition Government Achievements In Its First Six Months
Delivering on its commitments in tough times
The Victorian Coalition Government's 2010 election commitments set out a detailed four-year program to strengthen the quality of life of all Victorians.
These commitments were delivered in the 2011-12 Victorian Budget despite a massive $4.1 billion cut to GST revenue by the Gillard Government and a series of financial black holes totalling $2 billion left by the former Labor Government.
The Budget funded the largest-ever recruitment of Victoria Police in a single term of government, with 1,700 police to be hired to protect Victorian families and make our streets safer and 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers to be recruited to keep railway stations safe after dark.
The Budget included a record $13 billion in health spending in 2011-12 including new programs to improve health service delivery and drive down waiting lists and a huge total infrastructure capital spending program of $6 billion in 2011-12 to reverse years of neglect of infrastructure by fixing the basics, especially in transport.
The Budget also delivered on the Coalition's commitment of a $100 million minimum surplus each year and reduced spending growth - which has averaged eight per cent a year over the past decade - to 3.2 per cent a year.
The Coalition Government is proud that it has delivered on its commitments to Victorian families.
Fighting for Victorian families
The Coalition Government in the Budget funded a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
The Budget delivered huge stamp duty cuts for first home buyers, pensioners and young farmers and gave relief to families with a 50 per cent cut in ambulance membership fees.
It also provided $445 million for eligible households to benefit from a year-round electricity concession and enable water and sewerage concessions to keep pace with increasing costs - benefiting an estimated 815,000 Victorians.
The Coalition Government has also stood up for Victorian families by securing a better health deal from Julia Gillard and the Federal Government, including more funding, greater transparency and protecting Victoria's country hospital boards from amalgamation.
Communities and families affected by the calamitous Victorian floods also continue to receive support to ensure they can get back on their feet.
Ending waste
The Coalition Government's Budget cut unnecessary wasteful spending by $2.2 billion, including savings from a reduction in ministerial staff, media and marketing positions, consultants, government advertising, political opinion polling, travel, office floorspace and consumables.
The Coalition has also terminated Labor's wasteful plan to spend $20 million on fairy lights for the Westgate Bridge, immediately halted taxpayer-funded party political advertising, reduced by 40 per cent the government's advertising spend and reduced by 25 per cent the number of taxpayer-funded ministerial advisers compared to those employed by the former Labor Government.
Fixing Labor's messes and plugging Labor's black holes
The cost pressures facing the Budget were compounded by $2 billion in black holes left by the former Labor Government's mismanagement, incompetence and under-funding of infrastructure projects.
Because of Labor's incompetence, many Victorian major projects are subject to serious cost blowouts and cost pressures which in some cases are greater than the initial cost of the project, including myki, LEAP/LINK and HealthSmart as well as Regional Rail, the Melbourne Market redevelopment and the West Gate Bridge.
The Coalition Government is determined to put each of these projects on a responsible footing and is investigating the full risk and exposure of each project in order to mitigate further losses of taxpayer funds before progressing with the projects.
Labor conducted 1100 reviews during its time in office, and given that the reviews already completed by the Coalition Government have revealed that Labor's incompetence and mismanagement in government was even worse than previously thought, it is understandable that Labor is very nervous about these reviews.
The reviews being undertaken by the Coalition Government are mostly into the black holes, cost blowouts and hidden project failures and costs left by the former Labor Government.
This is the responsible thing to do, especially given that the irresponsible and incompetent approach of the former Labor Government is what got these projects into such a mess in the first place.
This mess may have been the fault of the former Labor Government, but the Coalition Government is determined to fix it.
For example, the Coalition Government has already funded Labor's black holes for health services and major capital works, including nurses' holiday pay ($55 million), an IT system for the Royal Children Hospital IT ($24.9 million) and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre ($45 million).
Responsible and caring for Victorians
The Budget extended a hand to Victorians in need because Victorians want a government that cares.
The Budget's focus on supporting vulnerable Victorians included a $200 million package to support those with a disability, their families and carers.
The Budget also provided $34 million to strengthen palliative care.
In the critical area of child protection, a $98 million Budget commitment will help transform the child protection workforce and services in Victoria and ensure better support for our most vulnerable children.
The Coalition Government will increase the frontline child protection workforce by at least 160 staff, or approximately 20 per cent - the largest-ever increase in frontline child protection workers.
For too long, governments have set aside difficult problems in the mental health sector, and the Budget provided an additional $88 million package to address this longstanding neglect.
May-19-2011
First Home Grant Fraudsters To Face Jail
The Victorian Coalition Government will introduce tough new penalties including a maximum 12 month jail term for individuals who submit fraudulent First Home Owner Grant applications.
Treasurer Kim Wells said the Coalition Government was committed to stamping out fraudulent claims for the grants which assist first home buyers to enter Victoria's competitive property market.
"Anyone making a false claim is not only ripping off the program, they are ripping off all decent Victorian taxpayers," Mr Wells said.
May-05-2011
Inquiry To Identify Best Practice Policy Initiatives For Management Of Government Infrastructure Projects
Treasurer Kim Wells has requested the Victorian Parliament's Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) to undertake an inquiry into Strengthening capacity for delivering significant infrastructure projects. (Terms of Reference attached)
Treasurer Wells said a key priority for Coalition Government is to ensure that significant infrastructure projects are properly managed, delivered on time, and on budget.
May-03-2011
State Budget 2011-12 Speech By Treasurer Of Victoria, Hon. Kim Wells Mp
Speaker, five months ago the Baillieu Coalition Government was elected to office with a simple but fundamental promise - to fix the problems and build the future.
That promise underlined what Victorians increasingly understood: that many of our State's great qualities - its liveability, its safe streets, its transport system, its affordable lifestyle - were steadily being eroded.
The Government's first budget delivers on that promise. It is not a budget of quick fixes or easy answers. It is not a budget of spin.
This is a budget which lays out the challenges with honesty and candour, and begins the hard work of addressing them.
Victorians have high expectations of government. They expect governments to honour commitments and support them in their daily lives.
Victorians want the cost of living eased.
They want their State to grow and they want that growth to be managed, for services to keep pace with demand. They want new infrastructure to serve new communities, and for our streets and civic spaces to be vibrant and safe.
They expect responsible government - focused and disciplined - but also a caring government.
That is why the Baillieu Government's election commitments - delivered in this budget - focus on these basic, community needs.
The Government is making a record investment in community safety, centred on a significant rise in police presence.
The Government is delivering a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
It is taking the first steps towards achieving an additional 800 beds across our public hospital system.
The budget will fund, in the coming year, one of the biggest infrastructure investments in Victoria's history.
The Government is purchasing new trains, fixing level crossings, planning new investments to expand and rejuvenate the rail network, and investing in arterial roads.
The budget will establish a $1 billion Regional Growth Fund, which will set its sights not just on regional centres, but on our country communities which have been neglected for too long.
And there is a renewed focus on some of the most disadvantaged Victorians - those often forgotten over the past decade. The Government will enhance disability services, expand child protection, deliver new mental health initiatives and fund a massive new upgrade to special and autistic schools across the State.
These are the things that set this Government apart. This budget will deliver responsible and caring government, in challenging times.
May-03-2011
State Budget 2011-12 Speech By Treasurer Of Victoria, Hon. Kim, Wells Mp
www.budget.vic.gov.au
INTRODUCTION
Speaker, five months ago the Baillieu Coalition Government was elected to office with a simple but fundamental promise - to fix the problems and build the future.
That promise underlined what Victorians increasingly understood: that many of our State's great qualities - its liveability, its safe streets, its transport system, its affordable lifestyle - were steadily being eroded.
The Government's first budget delivers on that promise. It is not a budget of quick fixes or easy answers. It is not a budget of spin.
This is a budget which lays out the challenges with honesty and candour, and begins the hard work of addressing them.
Victorians have high expectations of government. They expect governments to honour commitments and support them in their daily lives.
Victorians want the cost of living eased.
They want their State to grow and they want that growth to be managed, for services to keep pace with demand. They want new infrastructure to serve new communities, and for our streets and civic spaces to be vibrant and safe.
They expect responsible government - focused and disciplined - but also a caring government.
That is why the Baillieu Government's election commitments - delivered in this budget - focus on these basic, community needs.
The Government is making a record investment in community safety, centred on a significant rise in police presence.
The Government is delivering a $1.2 billion package of measures to ease cost of living pressures for Victorian families.
It is taking the first steps towards achieving an additional 800 beds across our public hospital system.
The budget will fund, in the coming year, one of the biggest infrastructure investments in Victoria's history.
The Government is purchasing new trains, fixing level crossings, planning new investments to expand and rejuvenate the rail network, and investing in arterial roads.
The budget will establish a $1 billion Regional Growth Fund, which will set its sights not just on regional centres, but on our country communities which have been neglected for too long.
And there is a renewed focus on some of the most disadvantaged Victorians - those often forgotten over the past decade. The Government will enhance disability services, expand child protection, deliver new mental health initiatives and fund a massive new upgrade to special and autistic schools across the State.
These are the things that set this Government apart. This budget will deliver responsible and caring government, in challenging times.
May-01-2011
Incorrect Claims In Today’s Sunday Herald Sun
A report in today's Sunday Herald Sun on page 11 incorrectly claims that I requested the Department of Treasury and Finance to renovate my ministerial office.
No refurbishments or alterations to my office have ever been requested.
The Department of Treasury and Finance commissioned some minor work at the time of the change of government.
Apr-28-2011
Vcec To Begin Productivity Improvement Inquiry
Treasurer Kim Wells has today requested that the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) to begin a broad-ranging inquiry to identify priority reform areas that could improve Victoria's productivity, labour force participation, and overall competitiveness.
"The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to lifting Victoria's productivity, growing the state economy, and encouraging new business investment and job creation," Mr Wells said.
"This inquiry will identify regulatory reform priorities to boost Victoria's competitiveness and grow our economy in areas including state taxes and regulation, infrastructure services, and Victoria's education and skills base.
"Under the Brumby Labor Government regulation in Victoria became increasingly complex and costly," Mr Wells said.
Apr-27-2011
Interim Report Of The Independent Review Of State Finances
Treasurer Kim Wells today released the interim report of the Independent Review of State Finances.
Mr Wells said the interim report of the Independent Review of State Finances prepared by three of Australia's most respected public finance experts reinforces the analysis of the Victorian Economic and Financial Statement released earlier this month.
"These reports confirm that Victoria's finances went into a structural deficit under the Brumby Labor Government," Mr Wells said.
Apr-14-2011
Victorian Economic And Financial Statement
The Victorian Economic and Financial Statement, April 2011 provides an update of the
economic context and financial impacts on Victoria's finances.
Premier Ted Baillieu said the report showed that Victoria's finances will experience a
downward revision of more than $5 billion as a result of at least $2 billion in capital cost
blowouts inherited from the Brumby Labor Government, a $2.5 billion GST revenue cut and a
$550 million deferral of project funding by the Gillard Government.
Treasurer Kim Wells said there were massive black holes in a series of major projects and
programs that the Brumby Labor Government knew about and hid from the Victorian public.
Apr-07-2011
Gillard Govt Cuts Vic Gst Revenue By $2.5 Billion
The Gillard Government has confirmed that it will cut Victoria's GST revenue by $2.5 billion, Treasurer Kim Wells said today. The Gillard Government has singled out Victoria for an unprecedented cut despite its acknowledgement that its system is fundamentally flawed and its confirmation that it will be reviewed. The Victorian Coalition strongly opposed this unprecedented cut at today’s Commonwealth Treasurers meeting and called for the Gillard Government to put its unprecedented $2.5 billion cut on hold until the review of the GST is completed.
Mar-31-2011
Vcec Conference: Opening Dinner Speech, Kim Wells Mp - Melbourne, 31 March 2011
Welcome to VCEC's Regulatory Reform Conference. It is good to see so many of VCEC's friends and key stakeholders here tonight.
The guest list really reads like a Who's Who of Victoria's economic policy elite, which bodes well for the work over the next few days.
I have long been an admirer pf VCEC's work, in highlighting inefficiencies across various areas of government activity.
I am motivated by a strong instinctive dislike for waste in government. A key lesson from my own upbringing was that you have to live within your means and not waste what you have.
Despite my Ministerial duties, I still spend a lot of time in my electorate, among the people I represent. It would be fair to characterise them as honest, hardworking taxpayers and I know that they often shake their heads at the duplication and needless inefficiency they sometimes observe in government.
Those are the basic values which I bring to the job of Treasurer, and which have implications right across the policy activities of the Victorian Government, including regulatory policy.
Mar-30-2011
Commonwealth Must Reverse Unjustified $2.5 Billion Cut To Victoria’s Gst
Today Prime Minister Julia Gillard has conceded the merits of the Victorian Government's
argument in relation to GST distribution.
Given this concession, the Commonwealth should immediately suspend the unjustified $2.5
billion cut to Victoria's GST revenue recommended by the Commonwealth Grants
Commission (CGC) 2011 Update, until the outcome of the review is completed.
It is clear that the Commonwealth has no confidence in the existing formula.
Therefore it defies logic that Prime Minister Gillard would proceed with the $500 million cut in
Victoria's revenue each year while the flawed formula itself is being reviewed.
Mar-28-2011
Stud Road Bus Lane Pain To End
The bus lanes on Stud Road between Ferntree Gully Road and Kelletts Road would be removed by the end of March, Minister for Roads Terry Mulder announced today.
Mr Mulder and Local MPs Nick Wakeling and Kim Wells said this was another Coalition election promise delivered.
Mr Mulder said the former Labor Government installed this particular section of bus lanes in March 2010 which has caused nothing but frustration and delay for many Knox residents.
Mar-09-2011
Coalition Government Delivers In First 100 Days
Released 9 March 2011
Coalition Government delivers in first 100 days
The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government has delivered on a broad range of key commitments in its first 100 days in office, including reducing the cost of living, increasing transparency, ending waste and standing up for the interests of Victorian families.
Since being given a mandate for change and reform by Victorians on 27 November last year, the Coalition Government has taken a commonsense and sensible approach to governing Victoria.
We have governed with integrity and decency, ending the toxic culture of abuse, bullying and intimidation that marked the previous government.
We are realistic about the challenges facing Victoria and its government, and know that making improvements in areas such as the shortage of infrastructure across the state, the revitalisation of Victoria's manufacturing industry and housing affordability won't happen overnight.
Our first 100 days shows that we are determined to stick to our plan and meet our commitments to Victorian families.
We are also determined to protect Victorian families from the Federal Government's attempt to strip $2.5 billion in GST revenue and cut funding for essential infrastructure and services such as the Regional Rail Network.
The ruinous legacy of the former Labor Government has left Victoria with cost blowouts on major projects and a financial burden that Victorians will have to bear for many years to come.
The recent terrible floods across Victoria and Queensland and the ongoing reconstruction and recovery of areas ravaged by the 2009 bushfires remind us that natural disasters are a wildly unpredictable challenge for all levels of government.
Despite only being in government for a short period, we took swift action to help people and businesses affected by the floods and continue strong support for people affected by bushfires.
We also renegotiated the Commowealth health care agreement to secure much-needed extra health care funding for Victorians.
We gave a commitment to provide modern, open and accountable government that has integrity at its core. We have already ended taxpayer-funded party political advertising, slashed advertising costs and reduced the number of spin doctors.
We will soon release a code of conduct for Ministers, MPs, staff and office holders and planning for an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission is well advanced.
The record of our first 100 days shows the Coalition Government is getting on with the job, delivering on its key election promises and addressing the issues it outlined in the election campaign.
That means providing responsible economic management, fixing and improving services, addressing community safety and security concerns, protecting vulnerable children, assisting country and regional Victoria and dealing with Labor's waste, mismanagement and secrecy.
From lifting the veil on Labor's costly mismanagement of the desalination plant to introducing tough new laws to deal with alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour and violence on our streets, the Coalition Government has worked hard to fulfil its commitments.
Feb-17-2011
Rowville Rail Study Announced
Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder today announced that work will start immediately on the Rowville rail link feasibility study.
Mr Mulder said the $2 million feasibility study would examine a range of construction, operational, land use and environmental considerations.
"Establishing a new rail link is a major undertaking," Mr Mulder said.
"Extensive planning work is required to provide a full assessment of what a new rail line to Rowville would involve.
"This study will allow us to appropriately scope the project to ensure that the Coalition Government is delivering the best transport outcomes for passengers in the area.
"The most likely route for a Rowville rail link would involve construction of a new 12 kilometre double track railway from Rowville to Huntingdale, with potential new stations at Rowville, Waverley Park, Springvale Road and Monash University.
"The feasibility study process will include significant community consultation with all interested members of the community," Mr Mulder said.
Member for Scoresby and Treasurer Kim Wells said the Coalition Government was delivering its election commitment to begin the Rowville rail link feasibility study within 100 days of being elected to government.
Jan-25-2011
Coalition Government Announces Commissioners For The Independent Review Of Victoria’s Finances
The Coalition Government today announced the three commissioners who will conduct the independent review of Victoria’s finances and the terms of reference for the review.
Treasurer Kim Wells said this review is the first root and branch analysis of Victoria’s finances for more than a decade.
“This review will be conducted by three of Australia’s most respected public finance experts,” Mr Wells said.
The review will be chaired by Dr Michael Vertigan AC and include Don Challen and Professor Ian Harper.
Jan-19-2011
Unemployment Falls Sharply In Victoria
Victoria\'s unemployment rate fell sharply in December from 5.5 per cent to 5.2 per cent.
Treasurer Kim Wells said Victoria\'s unemployment rate was the second-lowest of all Australian states.
"Today\'s data showing a fall in Victoria\'s unemployment rate follows strong results released yesterday for building activity and a strong rise in consumer sentiment," Mr Wells said.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Building Activity results for the September Quarter showed that total building work rose 5.4 per cent in Victoria. This was the strongest growth of any state, well ahead of national growth of 0.1 per cent.
Over the year, Victoria was the only state to have positive growth in total building work done, growing 3.5 per cent against a fall nationally of 8.9 per cent.
"The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index showed that Victorian consumer sentiment increased markedly in January to make Victoria the second-highest reading of all states behind Western Australia," Mr Wells said.
"These are encouraging results that again demonstrate Victoria\'s economy is well positioned to meet the challenges of a weaker national economy and international uncertainty in global markets.
"On a range of key indicators Victoria\'s economy is outperforming every other state, or is second only to Western Australia," Mr Wells said.
Victorian regional unemployment fell by 0.4 per cent to 4.7 per cent in the three months to November and is the lowest unemployment rate of any regional economy except for WA.
"The Coalition is implementing a responsible fiscal and economic reform agenda to generate new jobs, increase business investment, and grow our trade exports," Mr Wells said.
Jan-19-2011
Unemployment Falls Sharply In Victoria
Victoria\'s unemployment rate fell sharply in December from 5.5 per cent to 5.2 per cent.
Treasurer Kim Wells said Victoria\'s unemployment rate was the second-lowest of all Australian states.
"Today\'s data showing a fall in Victoria\'s unemployment rate follows strong results released yesterday for building activity and a strong rise in consumer sentiment," Mr Wells said.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Building Activity results for the September Quarter showed that total building work rose 5.4 per cent in Victoria. This was the strongest growth of any state, well ahead of national growth of 0.1 per cent.
Over the year, Victoria was the only state to have positive growth in total building work done, growing 3.5 per cent against a fall nationally of 8.9 per cent.
"The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index showed that Victorian consumer sentiment increased markedly in January to make Victoria the second-highest reading of all states behind Western Australia," Mr Wells said.
"These are encouraging results that again demonstrate Victoria\'s economy is well positioned to meet the challenges of a weaker national economy and international uncertainty in global markets.
"On a range of key indicators Victoria\'s economy is outperforming every other state, or is second only to Western Australia," Mr Wells said.
Victorian regional unemployment fell by 0.4 per cent to 4.7 per cent in the three months to November and is the lowest unemployment rate of any regional economy except for WA.
"The Coalition is implementing a responsible fiscal and economic reform agenda to generate new jobs, increase business investment, and grow our trade exports," Mr Wells said.
Jan-19-2011
Unemployment Falls Sharply In Victoria
Victoria\'s unemployment rate fell sharply in December from 5.5 per cent to 5.2 per cent.
Treasurer Kim Wells said Victoria\'s unemployment rate was the second-lowest of all Australian states.
"Today\'s data showing a fall in Victoria\'s unemployment rate follows strong results released yesterday for building activity and a strong rise in consumer sentiment," Mr Wells said.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Building Activity results for the September Quarter showed that total building work rose 5.4 per cent in Victoria. This was the strongest growth of any state, well ahead of national growth of 0.1 per cent.
Over the year, Victoria was the only state to have positive growth in total building work done, growing 3.5 per cent against a fall nationally of 8.9 per cent.
"The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index showed that Victorian consumer sentiment increased markedly in January to make Victoria the second-highest reading of all states behind Western Australia," Mr Wells said.
"These are encouraging results that again demonstrate Victoria\'s economy is well positioned to meet the challenges of a weaker national economy and international uncertainty in global markets.
"On a range of key indicators Victoria\'s economy is outperforming every other state, or is second only to Western Australia," Mr Wells said.
Victorian regional unemployment fell by 0.4 per cent to 4.7 per cent in the three months to November and is the lowest unemployment rate of any regional economy except for WA.
"The Coalition is implementing a responsible fiscal and economic reform agenda to generate new jobs, increase business investment, and grow our trade exports," Mr Wells said.
Jan-13-2011
Coalition Government Delivers On Commitment To Set Up Inquiry On Feed-in Tariffs And Barriers To Local Generation
The Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its election commitment to establish a Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) inquiry to determine the most appropriate regulatory framework to encourage Victorian households and businesses to create and deliver renewable and low emissions energy to the electricity grid.
Treasurer Kim Wells and Energy and Resources Minister Michael O\'Brien today announced the commissioning of an inquiry into the design of Victoria\'s electricity feed-in tariffs and the regulatory barriers to distributed power generation.
Nov-15-2010
Opposition Challenges Government To Release Its Costings To Auditor-general
The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition has called on the Treasurer John Lenders to agree to the Auditor-General conducting an independent review of both Labor and Coalition election policy costings.
Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells has written to Mr Lenders repeating the challenge he gave to Mr Lenders on ABC's Stateline program on Friday, to which the government has failed to respond.
Under the proposed arrangements, both parties would submit their costings to the Auditor-General for independent review and the Auditor-General would report publicly prior to the election on whether each party's policies are affordable within the budget forward estimates.
Nov-09-2010
John Brumby’s Budget Update – Massive Taxes And Debt
Today's release of the Victorian Pre-Election Budget Update (PEBU) confirms that the Brumby Labor Government is the highest taxing state government in history, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said.
The PEBU also reveals a virtual doubling of general government sector net debt from an actual $8.0 billion in 2009-10 to a forecast $15.6 billion in 2013-14 - a 95 per cent increase (PEBU 2010, p.18).
The corresponding interest bill on this increased state government net debt will more than double from an actual $843.3 million in 2009-10 to a forecast $1,849 million in 2013-14 - a 119 per cent increase (PEBU 2010 p.30 and 2009-2010 Financial Report p.14).
Today's PEBU release also shows that state taxation revenue continues to rise at record levels.
Oct-07-2010
Treasurer Silent On Treasury’s Dodgy Desal Costs
John Brumby's Treasurer today refused to explain a massive $2.3 billion discrepancy between the $15.8 billion cost of the desalination plant in last month's Treasury 2009-10 Financial Report and the $18.1 billion revealed by the Auditor-General today.
"Today's Auditor-General's report on the Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria 2009-10 reveals a huge discrepancy between Treasury's financial reporting and the real cost of the desalination plant to Victorian families," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Sep-15-2010
Financial Report For Victoria - Victorians Taxed At Record Levels While Debt Rises
- Budget would be in deficit without huge boost in Commonwealth grants (p14)
· Taxation regime becoming less competitive and is now well above national average and closing in on NSW (p8)
· Total public sector net debt increases to $14.8 billion from $10.7 billion, or $4.1 billion in one year (p34)
· Total public sector net debt jumps 38 per cent in just one year
· Total public sector net debt as a proportion of GSP increases from 3.7 per cent to 4.7 per cent (p33)
· Increase in infrastructure program largely due to Commonwealth Building the Education Revolution and stimulus grants
Aug-27-2010
Brumby Adopts Coalition Policy – Yet Again
The Brumby Government was dragged kicking and screaming to replace Victoria's inequitable insurance-based Fire Services Levy (FSL) with a fairer property-based system after 18 months of intense pressure for reform from the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"Labor has known for years how unfair and inequitable the FSL has been, and everyone but John Lenders and John Brumby has acknowledged that the FSL was a tax that placed a heavy burden on many Victorians, yet Labor has done nothing until today," Mr Wells said.
Aug-11-2010
More Abuse, Bullying And Intimidation From Brumby Govt
John Brumby's ministers have again been exposed as abusing, bullying and intimidating critics after his Treasurer wrote to CommSec berating the company for daring to point out that Victoria's economic performance was one of the worst in Australia.
"John Brumby and his thuggish ministers have form in abusing, bullying and intimidating critics," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Jul-06-2010
Brumby Shatters Dreams Of Victorian First Home Buyers
Forecasts that housing in Melbourne will be less affordable than Sydney within three years are another sign that John Brumby is out of touch with struggling Victorian home buyers.
The July 2010 Bankwest First Time Buyer Deposit Report reveals that the average time needed for a Melbourne couple to save for a 20 per cent first home deposit of $112,500 has blown out from 4.4 years in March 2009 to 5.7 years - the second-longest time of any capital city.
Jun-22-2010
No Tax Relief For First Home Buyers Under Brumby
The Treasurer in Parliament today ruled out any tax relief for first home buyers, showing Labor has no idea about the struggle faced by young Victorians trying to buy their first home.
Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said Labor's arrogance proved the Brumby Government was greedy and not listening to first home buyers.
"Home affordability is at record lows in Victoria - first home buyers are being priced out of the housing market and thousands have given up looking over the last few months," Mr Wells said.
Jun-21-2010
Brumby Neglects Regional Victoria As Unemployment Soars In Latrobe
*UNEMPLOYMENT REACHES 8.6 PER CENT IN MORWELL
* THOUSANDS STILL STRUGGLING TO FIND A JOB IN VICTORIA
New data reveals unemployment in Latrobe reached 8.6 per cent in parts and John Brumby's regional blueprint was designed to mask the appalling neglect of families in regional Victoria, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Unemployment data released by the Commonwealth Government shows unemployment in Latrobe during the March 2010 quarter stood at:
· 8.6 per cent in Morwell, an increase from 7.8 per cent at the previous 12 months.
· 7.5 per cent in Moe, an increase from 7 per cent at the previous 12 months.
Jun-16-2010
Brumby Neglects Regional Victoria As Unemployment Soars In The Geelong Region
· UNEMPLOYMENT 9.6 PER CENT IN CORIO
· THOUSANDS STILL STRUGGLING TO FIND A JOB
New data reveals unemployment in parts of the Geelong region reached 9.6 per cent and John Brumby's regional blueprint announcement yesterday was designed to mask the appalling neglect of families in regional Victoria, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Unemployment data released yesterday by the Commonwealth Government shows unemployment in the Geelong region during the March 2010 quarter stood at:
· 9.6 per cent in Corio, rising from 7.8 per cent for the previous twelve months.
· 6.5 per cent in Geelong, rising from 5.3 per cent for the previous twelve months.
· 5.8 per cent in Geelong West, rising from 4.9 per cent for the previous twelve months.
Jun-10-2010
Vic Unemployment Rate Rises Under Brumby
Victoria was the only mainland state to record an increase in unemployment in May, with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showing an increase in Victoria's unemployment rate to 5.4 per cent, above the national average of 5.2 percent and further evidence of Victoria's current fragile economic performance.
Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said John Brumby and his Treasurer had failed to make a dent in the unemployment rate, with Victoria's unemployment rate increasing by 0.1 per cent in May.
Jun-09-2010
Pompous Lenders Misleads On Growth Again
The Treasurer has again deceived Victorians by misrepresenting the March quarter National Accounts figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) last week.
"Once again the Treasurer is making the erroneous claim that growth in State Final Demand is the same as economic growth of the Victorian economy," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"For his benefit, I will again advise that growth in state final demand measures spending (including imports, excluding exports but unadjusted for inventories) while economic growth, as reported by an increase to gross state product, measures production (including exports but excluding imports); they are not the same thing and are often be very different.
Jun-02-2010
Caution Not Hype Needed On Economy
The March quarter National Accounts figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today hold a warning about the basic strength of the Victorian economy, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"The increase in final demand in Victoria of 0.4 per cent in the quarter was below the national growth rate of 0.6 per cent and the third-weakest result amongst the states. The change was below even that of New South Wales which has been the weakest performing state for years.
"The result would have been far worse had it not been for solid consumer and government spending in the quarter, generated by the continued effects of government stimulus payments and programs funded from Canberra," Mr Wells said.
May-27-2010
Lenders Ignorant Of Budget Impact Of Labor’s Suspended Sentences Backflip
Treasurer John Lenders today admitted he had no idea about the costs and budgetary impact of the Brumby Government's recent cynical 'copy-cat' policy backflip on the abolition of suspended sentences.
"John Lenders' three-week-old state budget estimates are now looking decidedly shaky and suspect due to Labor's backflip," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
May-26-2010
Treasurer Will Do Nothing To Stop Rudd’s Job Killer Mining Tax
The Treasurer proved again today how weak the Brumby Government is in defending Victorian jobs from real and present dangers.
When asked in Parliament today whether he would add the Brumby Government's voice to the growing concern about the Rudd Government's Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT) from the Queensland, South Australian, West Australian and New South Wales Governments, the Treasurer refused to answer.
"It is beyond belief that John Brumby and his Treasurer refuse to tell Kevin Rudd to reverse his attack on the resources industry which will cost Victorian jobs and damage hundreds of businesses across Victoria," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
May-12-2010
Brumby’s Poisonous Relationship With Rudd Means Victorians Lose Out In Federal Budget
Premier John Brumby's poisonous relationship with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd means that Victorians have lost out in last night's Federal Budget, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"Victoria fared poorly from the Federal Budget, as it did at last month's COAG meeting on health reform, and the no-love-lost, often poisonous relationship between John Brumby and Kevin Rudd is again largely to blame," Mr Wells said.
"Victoria has missed out on crucial funding for roads, rail and ports, and vital infrastructure funding will go to the resource-rich states instead.
May-11-2010
Lenders Misleads Victorians On Debt Strategy
John Brumby's Treasurer has been caught out today trying to mislead Victorians by claiming he has had a long-term strategy to manage Victoria's ballooning debt.
In today's Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) hearing, the Treasurer was asked why this year's Budget papers had for the first time referred to a debt strategy (Budget Paper 2, p53).
"The Treasurer claimed that the debt strategy was an ongoing commitment and was in last year's Budget papers," Shadow Treasurer and PAEC member Kim Wells said today.
May-06-2010
Victorian Coalition Commits To Minimum Annual State Budget Surplus Of $100 Million
A Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government is committed to ensuring a minimum annual state budget surplus of $100 million if elected at November's state election, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"The Coalition makes this pledge of ensuring a minimum annual $100 million state budget surplus in the spirit of transparency, accountability and responsible financial management principles, all guiding parameters that have been particularly lacking over Labor's decade of waste and mismanagement.
May-06-2010
News Feature - Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells Mp - State Budget Reply Speech 6 May 2010
KIM WELLS MP
STATE BUDGET REPLY
6 MAY 2010
The Coalition's way forward
Already, the Coalition has publicly announced more than 60 policies since the 2006 state election including many with a strong focus on law and order issues.
Interestingly, more than 50 previously announced Coalition commitments have been 'adopted' by Labor to date since the last state election.
A sure and telling sign of a tired and policy-starved government that has run out of ideas.
May-06-2010
News Feature - Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells Mp - State Budget Reply Speech 6 May 2010
KIM WELLS MP
STATE BUDGET REPLY
6 MAY 2010
The Coalition's way forward
Already, the Coalition has publicly announced more than 60 policies since the 2006 state election including many with a strong focus on law and order issues.
Interestingly, more than 50 previously announced Coalition commitments have been 'adopted' by Labor to date since the last state election.
A sure and telling sign of a tired and policy-starved government that has run out of ideas.
May-06-2010
Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells - State Budget Reply Speech, 6 May 2010
KIM WELLS MP
STATE BUDGET REPLY
6 MAY 2010
The Coalition's way forward
Already, the Coalition has publicly announced more than 60 policies since the 2006 state election including many with a strong focus on law and order issues.
Interestingly, more than 50 previously announced Coalition commitments have been 'adopted' by Labor to date since the last state election.
A sure and telling sign of a tired and policy-starved government that has run out of ideas.
May-06-2010
Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells - State Budget Reply Speech, 6 May 2010
KIM WELLS MP
STATE BUDGET REPLY
6 MAY 2010
The Coalition's way forward
Already, the Coalition has publicly announced more than 60 policies since the 2006 state election including many with a strong focus on law and order issues.
Interestingly, more than 50 previously announced Coalition commitments have been 'adopted' by Labor to date since the last state election.
A sure and telling sign of a tired and policy-starved government that has run out of ideas.
May-06-2010
Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells - State Budget Reply Speech, 6 May 2010
KIM WELLS MP
STATE BUDGET REPLY
6 MAY 2010
The Coalition's way forward
Already, the Coalition has publicly announced more than 60 policies since the 2006 state election including many with a strong focus on law and order issues.
Interestingly, more than 50 previously announced Coalition commitments have been 'adopted' by Labor to date since the last state election.
A sure and telling sign of a tired and policy-starved government that has run out of ideas.
In recent months, we have announced a range of law and order policies including:
- 1700 new police able to be deployed to areas of under-resourcing and need across the state including 100 new transit police patrolling the public transport network;
- 940 Protective Services Officers manning all metropolitan and major regional train stations from 6pm until the last train, seven days a week;
- The abolition of suspended sentences;
- Banning violent drunks from licensed premises;
- Banning the sale of knives to minors;
- A shake up of liquor licences;
- Tough new anti-hoon laws;
- Outlawing criminal bikie gangs;
- Strengthening Neighbourhood Watch; and
- Establishing an independent broad-based anti-corruption commission.
A solid plan designed to clean up our streets and make them safe again.
In terms of restoring general State Government services and infrastructure there needs to be a return to fixing the basics.
We need to ensure the effective and efficient use of existing resources within current programs to rebuild service provision.
To mention just a few:
In public transport, we must fix the basic infrastructure to ensure existing and future customer demand requirements are met.
In health, we need to fix the State's ageing infrastructure to meet the growth in demand.
This is why we have proposed to establish a $1 billion Health Infrastructure Fund, paid for from the proceeds of the current sale of electronic gaming machine licences and we have challenged the Brumby Government to match it.
The revenue stream from the sale of the EGM licences should be channelled into a dedicated fund to provide productive capital investments in health for the long term benefit of Victorians.
With respect to better assisting business in Victoria to drive the economy forward, the Coalition is critical of the level of red tape businesses today encounter.
And that is why a high priority for the Coalition will be working closely with business to drive down the level of unnecessary complexity of government compliance and regulatory red tape requirements across all business sectors.
The Coalition is also committed to undertaking a detailed review of the State tax base and Government imposts after a full and proper analysis of the Henry Review and its recommendations on State revenue and the Federal Government's response.
Other Treasury-related policy initiatives of the Coalition include:
- A commitment to a minimum annual budget surplus of $100 million;
- A commitment to overhaul the cost and time management of major projects;
- A review of the Fire Services Levy to make the funding of fire services fairer;
- An independent public inquiry into Victorian Government investments, following the unprecedented loss of more than $10 billion in funds by the Victorian Funds Management Corporation;
- A transparent and independent audit of the State's finances; and
- The production of a "Stronger Victoria" report - a comprehensive analysis of the State's economic competitiveness.
Of course, further Coalition policy initiatives will be announced in the lead up to the November election.
May-04-2010
Brumby’s $31.7 Billion Debt Legacy For Future Generations
- State debt blows out to more than $31.7 billion by 2014
- Government's interest bill to soar to $3.2 billion annually
Today's State Budget reveals that total public sector net debt will increase to $31.7 billion by 2014 under John Brumby due to waste and mismanagement, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"The Brumby Government has benefited from an unprecedented flow of record revenues of more than $340 billion yet state debt will increase dramatically to almost $32 billion - a level not seen since the disastrous days of the Cain-Kirner Governments.
May-03-2010
Brumby’s $10 Billion Blowout On State Projects
John Brumby has overseen budget cost blowouts of more than $10 billion on state government projects in Victoria in his eleven years as Treasurer and now Premier, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Figures released today by the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition show that project management under John Brumby's leadership has been a complete shambles, and the difference between the originally budgeted cost of projects and the subsequent actual cost to Victorian taxpayers now stands at $10.7 billion and is still rising.
May-03-2010
Henry Review Backs Vic Coalition On Fire Services Levy Abolition
The Henry tax review's recommendation to scrap the Fire Services Levy (FSL) imposed on insurance policies to pay for Victorian fire services supports the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition's position that the FSL model is inequitable and requires reform, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
The Henry review's support of the Coalition's FSL position comes after calls by lawyers for the Bushfires Royal Commission to abandon the current FSL model because it is inequitable and lacks transparency.
"The current FSL is grossly unfair because it encourages people to under-insure or not to insure at all," Mr Wells said.
Apr-29-2010
Victorians Still Slugged The Highest Stamp Duty In Australia Under John Brumby
Despite a fall in average Victorian property prices during the March quarter this year, Victorians are still paying the highest stamp duty payable in any state, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
The recently released March Quarter REIV 2010 Property Price Report shows that the Melbourne median house price has fallen to $524,500.
"The fact remains that despite John Brumby's spin and rhetoric, he is making it more difficult for home purchasers," Mr Wells said.
Apr-16-2010
Bushfires Royal Commission Lawyers Agree Fire Services Levy Is Inequitable
Lawyers for the Bushfires Royal Commission have joined with the Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition in acknowledging the current Fire Services Levy (FSL) model is inequitable, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"The Coalition welcomes Counsel Assisting's submission to the Royal Commission today which states that the current FSL model should be abandoned as it is inequitable and lacks transparency," Mr Wells said.
Mar-25-2010
Mar-11-2010
Brumby Taxes While Debt Climbs
Victoria's Budget is being kept afloat by taxes, fees and charges on hard-working Victorians and ever-higher levels of debt.
Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said despite record state taxes and charges and a huge increase in Federal grants from the Rudd Government stimulus package, the Budget barely recorded a surplus.
Mar-11-2010
Victoria – Highest Job Losses In February
Today's release of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Labour Force data for February shows that 15,100 Victorian jobs were lost during the month.
This was the worst result for any state in the month.
"If it hadn't been for a half-percentage-point fall in the state's labour force participation rate because people have become disillusioned and are dropping out of the labour market, Victoria's unemployment rate would now be sitting at just under six per cent," Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
Mar-05-2010
Brumby Warned On Vic Economy
John Brumby is not listening to business about tough conditions in Victoria, despite a number of recent reports sending him warnings about the health of the Victorian economy.
The March 2010 Sensis Business Index showed business confidence in Victoria in the latest quarter falling to the lowest in the nation, with the job prospects and employment levels of Victorians declining dramatically to below the national average.
Mar-01-2010
Brumby Breaks Promise On Greater Gst Take
John Brumby has failed to use his cosy relationship with his Labor mates in Canberra to secure an increased Goods and Services Tax (GST) allocation for Victoria, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"John Brumby told Victorians three years ago that a Labor Government in Canberra would mean higher GST allocations for Victoria," Mr Wells said.
Feb-11-2010
Stagnating Jobless Rate Signals Caution On Vic Economy
Today's release of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Labour Force data for January revealing Victoria's unemployment rate has not fallen from 5.3 per cent over the past three months while the national rate has declined by 0.4 per cent should send a warning signal to John Brumby on the current state of the Victorian economy, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"These figures indicate that John Brumby should stop patting himself on the back and start asking himself why Victoria's unemployment rate has not moved since November last year," Mr Wells said.
Feb-08-2010
Victorian Treasury Study Confirms Brumby Cannot Manage Projects
Revelations from a Victorian Treasury commissioned study that government infrastructure projects have blown out by 45 to 55 per cent confirms that John Brumby just cannot manage major projects in this State, Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said today.
"John Brumby has increasingly favoured 'alliance contracting' as a funding model for infrastructure projects in Victoria and by doing so has exposed taxpayers to greater risks and enormous cost blow outs," Mr Wells said.
Feb-01-2010
Vic Economy Still Fragile Despite Brumby’s Boastful Hype
Today's release of the January 2010 ANZ Job Ads Series shows an alarming decline in Victorian newspaper job ads and demonstrates our state's economy is still fragile despite John Brumby's boastful hype.
Shadow Treasurer Kim Wells said the 26.9 per cent drop in Victorian job ads - the worst result of any state - is in stark contrast to Labor's self-congratulatory backslapping on the economy.
"More than 150,000 unemployed Victorians and the thousands of school leavers who are entering the workforce will look at these figures with alarm," Mr Wells said.
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.
Jan-06-2010
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.
Dec-30-2009
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.
Dec-21-2009
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.
Dec-17-2009
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.
Dec-16-2009
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.
Dec-10-2009
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.
Dec-04-2009
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.
Dec-03-2009
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.
Nov-27-2009
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.
Nov-26-2009
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.
Nov-26-2009
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).
Nov-25-2009
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.
Nov-24-2009
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.
Nov-24-2009
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.
Nov-19-2009
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.
Nov-17-2009
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.
Nov-11-2009
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.
Nov-09-2009
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.
Oct-31-2009
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.
Oct-28-2009
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.
Oct-15-2009
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."
Oct-14-2009
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.
Sep-28-2009
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.
Sep-15-2009
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.
Sep-14-2009
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.
Sep-13-2009
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.
Sep-11-2009
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.
Sep-10-2009
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.
Sep-07-2009
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.
Sep-04-2009
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,
Sep-03-2009
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.
Aug-26-2009
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.
Aug-19-2009
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.
Aug-13-2009
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.
Jul-28-2009
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.
Jul-21-2009
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.
Jul-16-2009
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.
Jul-16-2009
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.
Jul-09-2009
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.
Jun-26-2009
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.
Jun-25-2009
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.
Jun-23-2009
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.
Jun-11-2009
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.
Jun-03-2009
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.
Jun-01-2009
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.
May-30-2009
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.
May-28-2009
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.
May-12-2009
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.
May-11-2009
Newsletter - Something Is Wrong In Victoria
Newsletter - Something is wong in Victoria.
May-07-2009
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.
May-05-2009
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.
May-05-2009
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.
May-05-2009
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.
Apr-29-2009
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.
Apr-28-2009
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.
Apr-09-2009
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.
Apr-08-2009
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.
Apr-02-2009
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.
Mar-31-2009
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.
Mar-25-2009
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.
Mar-24-2009
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.
Mar-19-2009
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.
Mar-18-2009
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.
Mar-13-2009
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.
Mar-12-2009
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
Mar-12-2009
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.
Mar-12-2009
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.
Mar-11-2009
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.
Mar-05-2009
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.
Mar-04-2009
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.
Mar-03-2009
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.
Mar-01-2009
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.
Feb-20-2009
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.
Feb-19-2009
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.
Feb-04-2009
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.
Feb-03-2009
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.
Feb-03-2009
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.
Feb-03-2009
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.
Feb-02-2009
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.
Jan-27-2009
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.
Jan-18-2009
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.
Jan-16-2009
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.
Jan-14-2009
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.
Jan-14-2009
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.
Dec-09-2008
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.
Dec-03-2008
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.
Dec-03-2008
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.
Dec-03-2008
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.
Dec-02-2008
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.
Dec-02-2008
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.
Dec-02-2008
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.
Dec-02-2008
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.
Nov-28-2008
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.
Nov-27-2008
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.
Nov-26-2008
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.
Nov-20-2008
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.
Nov-20-2008
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.
Nov-20-2008
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.
Nov-17-2008
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.
Nov-13-2008
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.
Nov-13-2008
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.
Nov-01-2008
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.
Oct-21-2008
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.
Oct-14-2008
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.
Oct-09-2008
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.
Oct-08-2008
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'.
Sep-30-2008
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.
Sep-29-2008
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.
Sep-10-2008
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.
Sep-09-2008
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.
Sep-08-2008
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.
Sep-04-2008
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).
Sep-03-2008
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.
Sep-02-2008
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).
Aug-28-2008
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.
Aug-20-2008
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.
Aug-13-2008
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.
Aug-01-2008
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.
Jul-28-2008
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.
Jun-04-2008
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.
May-27-2008
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.
May-19-2008
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.
May-14-2008
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.
May-08-2008
Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Budget Response
May-07-2008
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.
May-06-2008
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.
May-05-2008
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.
May-02-2008
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.
Apr-29-2008
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.
Apr-22-2008
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.
Mar-11-2008
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.
Mar-06-2008
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.
Mar-05-2008
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.
Mar-04-2008
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.
Feb-26-2008
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.
Feb-12-2008
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.
Feb-01-2008
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.
Jan-19-2008
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.
Dec-19-2007
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.
Dec-19-2007
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.
Dec-12-2007
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.
Dec-12-2007
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.
Dec-05-2007
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.
Dec-05-2007
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.
Dec-04-2007
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.
Nov-23-2007
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.
Nov-21-2007
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.
Nov-16-2007
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.
Nov-15-2007
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.
Nov-01-2007
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?
Oct-10-2007
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.
Sep-26-2007
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.
Sep-25-2007
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.
Sep-19-2007
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.
Sep-08-2007
Victoria Leads Full-time Job Growth
Victoria was the only state to record an increase in full-time employment in August according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics ...
Sep-04-2007
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.
Sep-03-2007
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.
Aug-02-2007
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.
Jul-18-2007
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.
Jul-16-2007
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.
Jul-03-2007
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.
Jun-20-2007
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.
May-04-2007
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.
May-03-2007
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.
May-03-2007
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.
May-03-2007
Kim Wells - Budget Reply Speech Text...
Apr-30-2007
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.
Apr-25-2007
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.
Mar-23-2007
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.
Mar-15-2007
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.
Mar-07-2007
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.
Feb-27-2007
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.Jan-31-2007
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.
Dec-20-2006
$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.
Dec-07-2006
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 28th 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.
Dec-06-2006
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.
Nov-23-2006
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.
Nov-22-2006
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.
Nov-21-2006
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.
Nov-17-2006
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.
Nov-16-2006
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.
Nov-16-2006
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.
Nov-16-2006
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.
Nov-15-2006
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.
Nov-15-2006
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.
Nov-15-2006
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.
Nov-14-2006
$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.
Nov-14-2006
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.
Nov-14-2006
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.
Nov-14-2006
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.
Nov-14-2006
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.
Nov-13-2006
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.
Nov-13-2006
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.
Nov-09-2006
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.
Nov-08-2006
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.
Nov-08-2006
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).
Nov-08-2006
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.
Nov-08-2006
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.
Nov-08-2006
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.
Nov-08-2006
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.
Nov-07-2006
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.
Nov-06-2006
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.
Nov-04-2006
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.
Nov-03-2006
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.
Nov-02-2006
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.
Nov-02-2006
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.
Oct-31-2006
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.
Oct-30-2006
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.
Oct-30-2006
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.
Oct-30-2006
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.
Oct-30-2006
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.
"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.
"An integral part of this announcement is the promise of 45 extra police solely for the immediate Geelong area.
Oct-26-2006
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.
Oct-17-2006
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.
Oct-16-2006
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.
Oct-16-2006
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.
Oct-13-2006
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.
Oct-11-2006
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.
Oct-08-2006
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.
Oct-04-2006
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".
Oct-04-2006
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.
Sep-26-2006
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.
Sep-26-2006
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
Sep-17-2006
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.
Aug-23-2006
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.
Aug-17-2006
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.
Aug-16-2006
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.
Aug-16-2006
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.
Aug-15-2006
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.
Aug-09-2006
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.
Aug-07-2006
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.
Aug-01-2006
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.
Jul-31-2006
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