The Latest Breaking News from Brad Battin

New knife crime laws as record number taken off streets

Tougher penalties for knife crime are planned as a staggering number of bladed weapons are being seized in one state - equating to almost 50 a day.

AAP · Nov 16, 2025

Victoria’s proposed ‘adult time’ plan to impose life sentences on children condemned by advocates

In a move akin to Queensland’s youth crime laws, Jacinta Allan’s proposal could see children as young as 14 face 20-year jail terms in ‘alarming race to the bottom’, human rights expert says

The Guardian - AU · Nov 11, 2025

Budget-busting Labor casts tax-cut cost stone at rivals

A Labor government with a poor budget record has called attention to the cost of opposition tax policy promises in an unusually early pre-election ploy.

AAP · Oct 28, 2025

Melbourne Metro Tunnel train services will soon begin – but what is the ‘summer start’ and when is the ‘big switch’?

From December trains will run every 20 minutes, with commuters having to wait until 1 February for ‘turn up and go’ services

The Guardian - AU · Oct 7, 2025

Liberals off the hook for cow poo conspiracy

Liberal MPs who landed in the poo after being accused of conspiring to help dump a gift box full of cow manure to a state premier's office, are off the hook.

AAP · Sep 23, 2025

Police bill tops $25m as weekly Gaza protests bite

City traders say weekly protests against the war in Gaza are crushing business as independent costings put the police bill at $25 million.

AAP · Sep 18, 2025

Embattled party sharpens poll focus on 'crime crisis'

A state Liberal party is honing its focus on crime, announcing a beefing-up of knife search powers ahead of an election, while denying members are disunited.

AAP · Sep 12, 2025

Victorian Liberal party shapes up for ‘nastiest, most toxic’ state council in years amid leaks and infighting

State party’s deep divisions on show as sexist messages force resignation of director days before annual meeting

The Guardian - AU · Sep 11, 2025

Victorian Liberals director resigns after messages mocking the party’s women’s council revealed

Stuart Smith resigned on Thursday morning and apologised for WhatsApp messages contained in the Liberal party headquarters staff group chat

The Guardian - AU · Sep 11, 2025

Text leak claims top Liberal as 'women problem' returns

A Liberal heavyweight has quit after his WhatsApp messages about women were leaked ahead of leaders and party faithful gathering for a key meeting.

AAP · Sep 10, 2025