Politics
Victoria
Opinion
Victorian Parliament
When MPs allegedly behave badly, justice plays little part in the consequences
If Daniel Andrews is serious about Victoria being an inclusive and safe state, he needs to focus on improving how his workplace handles serious allegations and the people involved.
- by Annika Smethurst
Latest
Andrews wary about axing voting quirk despite Labor Party backing overhaul
Tiny political parties can swap preferences and leapfrog more popular candidates into the upper house with few votes. Critics say it’s open to corruption, but proponents argue it represents the will of the people as they turn away from the major parties.
- by Rachel Eddie
Exclusive
Planning
‘Bed tax’: GST fears over Victoria’s proposed Airbnb tax
The opposition has warned a levy on the short-term rental platform, which is under consideration in Victoria, could have implications for the state’s GST share and even be subject to a federal takeover.
- by Broede Carmody
‘I see them as investments’: Andrews defends Ambulance Victoria’s $500,000 bill for consultants
The premier says Ambulance Victoria’s budget is well managed and “cultural change sometimes has some costs associated with it”.
- by Broede Carmody
Coalition demands government formally investigate Fowles allegation
The head of the Department of Premier and Cabinet has been asked to examine the “serious assault” allegation made against Ringwood MP Will Fowles.
- by Broede Carmody and Annika Smethurst
For the 30th time, Victoria swears in new royal representative
Margaret Gardner, the former vice chancellor at Monash University, has been sworn in as Governor of Victoria in a ceremony at state parliament.
- by Rachel Eddie
Exclusive
Victorian Parliament
Former Liberal MP accused of online harassment by female party member
Bernie Finn has vowed to fight “nonsense” allegations of online harassment made by a prominent former member of the party.
- by Annika Smethurst
Andrews shoots down exiled MP’s hopes of returning to Labor
The premier poured cold water on Will Fowles’ hopes of returning to the party room, as pressure mounts on the Ringwood MP to resign as the chair of a high-profile committee.
- by Broede Carmody
Exiled Labor MP under pressure to quit lucrative committee role
Will Fowles, who has denied an assault allegation levelled against him this week, remains the member for Ringwood and the chair of an investigatory parliamentary committee.
- by Rachel Eddie and Annika Smethurst
Help for parents to ensure doctors don’t ignore fears over dying kids
Victoria will establish an advocacy system for hospitals to ensure that the concerns of parents are escalated after a rise in preventable deaths and harm among children.
- by Rachel Eddie
Exclusive
Floods
Flooded retirement home built a metre too low after Melbourne Water rule change
The removal of flood rules around a section of the Maribyrnong River that discouraged building on the land allowed waters to hit the Avondale Heights retirement village.
- by Clay Lucas