25 pieces
Victoria
Twelve years of Labor government in Victoria, under Daniel Andrews, Jacinta Allan and now Premier Ben Carroll: the largest state debt in Australia, crime 13% higher than three years ago, a Melbourne that feels less safe, and major projects billions over budget. The record, issue by issue.
The record
New CrimeVictoria's crime wave: the numbers behind the fearCrime in Victoria rose sharply from 2023 to 2025. Offences fell 2.1% in the year to June 2026 but are still 13.2% above three years ago. Bail law was loosened, then reversed.VictoriaThe nation's largest state debtVictoria carries the heaviest net-debt load of any state, with interest now among its fastest-growing costs.VictoriaThe Big Build and its cost blow-outsA vast infrastructure pipeline delivered real transport gains alongside repeated, audited overruns.VictoriaThe Suburban Rail Loop: cost versus benefitA generational orbital-rail project whose business case and price tag have drawn sustained independent scrutiny.VictoriaYouth crime and the bail debateRising youth offending and repeated changes to bail law in search of the right balance.VictoriaThe Allan government scorecardA sourced ledger of promises kept, broken and deferred.
624,624offences recorded, year to June 2026 (CSA)
+13.2%recorded crime above three years earlier
1,340unfilled Victoria Police roles, Sep 2026
Debt and the big projects
VictoriaThe nation's largest state debtVictoria carries the heaviest net-debt load of any state, with interest now among its fastest-growing costs.VictoriaPandemic-legacy debtThe lasting fiscal shadow of the longest lockdowns in the country.VictoriaThe Suburban Rail Loop: cost versus benefitA generational orbital-rail project whose business case and price tag have drawn sustained independent scrutiny.VictoriaThe Big Build and its cost blow-outsA vast infrastructure pipeline delivered real transport gains alongside repeated, audited overruns.VictoriaThe North East Link costThe state's most expensive road project and what its budget reveals about infrastructure cost control.VictoriaLevel-crossing removals: value for money?A popular program that removed dangerous crossings — at a cost worth measuring against the benefit.VictoriaThe 2026 Commonwealth Games cancellationThe state walked away from hosting over a cost blow-out — a decision that became a national symbol of budgeting gone wrong.VictoriaDesalination and water costsA standby desal plant and the recurring cost of water security in a drying climate.
Crime and integrity
VictoriaYouth crime and the bail debateRising youth offending and repeated changes to bail law in search of the right balance.VictoriaIBAC and integrity in VictoriaThe anti-corruption commission's findings and the perennial fight over its resourcing and reach.VictoriaThe CFMEU and construction cultureGovernance and conduct scandals in the construction union that reach into public projects and costs.VictoriaThe Belt and Road falloutThe dumping of the state's China infrastructure deal and what it revealed about state foreign policy.
Energy, housing and tax
VictoriaThe gas ban and electrificationBanning gas in new homes accelerates decarbonisation and raises questions about cost and choice.VictoriaLand-tax and property-tax hikesA widening net of property taxes to repair the budget has reached far more households and investors than first flagged.VictoriaThe housing statement and affordabilityAn ambitious housing target meets a construction sector and planning system struggling to deliver it.VictoriaRenting reforms and the rental crisisSome of the country's most extensive renter protections land in the tightest rental market in memory.VictoriaThe native-timber logging banAn early end to native-forest logging protects forests and displaces regional workers and towns.VictoriaThe WorkCover crisisThe workers'-compensation scheme's deteriorating finances forced premium rises and contested eligibility changes.
Services and the regions
VictoriaAmbulance ramping and the health systemRamped ambulances and stretched emergency care remain a persistent, measured strain on the system.VictoriaTeacher and nurse shortagesWorkforce gaps in schools and hospitals that no pay deal has yet closed.VictoriaMelbourne's homelessnessRough sleeping and housing stress in a wealthy city, and the policies meant to end it.VictoriaRegional Victoria's neglectThe gap between a booming capital and country communities that feel left behind.VictoriaMyki and public-transport faresAn ageing ticketing system and fare settings that shape who can afford to move around the city.VictoriaTreaty and the First Peoples' AssemblyAustralia's most advanced treaty process — its promise, its powers and its contested reception.VictoriaThe Allan government scorecardA sourced ledger of promises kept, broken and deferred.