The Latest Breaking News from Ben Carroll

Public wages help drive $7.9b state spending surge

Spending by one state government has blown out by $891 million, after recording a $7.9 billion increase on the year before.

AAP · Oct 15

Victoria to become first state to make abortions free as Coalition matches Labor election promise

Exclusive: Out-of-pocket costs for abortion care to be covered regardless of who wins November election as Jess Wilson says Liberals and Nationals ‘will not allow Labor to play politics on this issue’

The Guardian - AU · Oct 15

Premier disappointed by COVID grants cover-up

A state's integrity watchdog has found public officials withheld news of $257 million in flawed COVID-19 business grants.

AAP · Oct 15

Albanese’s ratings slump in Redbridge poll after interest rate hike

In a federal Redbridge poll, the total vote for One Nation and the Coalition has been steady since late August at 50%, but Anthony Albanese’s net favourability slumped ten points to a record low -27, possibly reflecting the Reserve Bank’s interest rate hike last Tuesday.

The Conversation · Oct 4

Riders rally over potholes as land tax cut locked in

Land taxes will be slashed regardless of who wins Victoria's election in a pledge that could save 250,000 people sizeable sums.

AAP · Oct 4

Labor may be on the nose in inner Melbourne over public housing – but it’s taking the fight to the Greens

The government sees an opportunity to regain city seats with targeted policies such as allowing dogs in pubs and extending trading hours

The Guardian - AU · Oct 3

Bus likely faster than longed-for airport rail: expert

More details of the long-awaited Melbourne rail project have been revealed, but an expert says the airport bus will likely remain the faster option.

AAP · Sep 30

Peugeot recalls hundreds of cars in Australia over issue that could increase ‘risk of serious injury or death’ – as it happened

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The Guardian - AU · Sep 29

Victorian DemosAU poll has Coalition’s two-party lead narrowing, but they remain ahead

Two months before the Victorian election, a DemosAU poll has Labor narrowing the Coalition’s two-party lead to 52–48 from 55–45 in August.

The Conversation · Sep 29

Labor ratings hit new low despite leadership change

A change in leadership has failed to improve public perception of Labor in one state, as polling shows a collapse in confidence and a shift in voter priorities.

AAP · Sep 28