A key reform announced in today’s Victorian Budget 2023/24 is to replace the old stamp duty system for commercial and industrial properties with an annual property tax to boost business growth and create jobs. According to the Economic Growth Package announced today by the treasurer, the existing lump-sum stamp duty structure for commercial and industrial…

Australia’s peak retail body, the Australian Retail Association, says an increase in WorkCover premiums is the last thing businesses need amid rising inflation and a crime wave targeting small businesses. On May 19, the Victorian Labor government announced a 42 percent increase to the Workcover premium paid by the state’s businesses into joint funds used…

State leader Premier Daniel Andrews has gone on the political offensive in the culture wars inviting five cross-dressers to Parliament House in response to the cancellation of drag storytime events across Melbourne. On May 17, the drag queens were hosted by the Victorian Labor premier and Minister for Equality, Harriet Shing, to celebrate the International…

Victoria remains confident funding will come to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games despite being snubbed in the federal budget. Treasurer Jim Chalmers instead announced $3.4 billion (US$2.3 billion) across ten years for the 2032 Olympic Games in Queensland, supporting venue infrastructure including $2.5 billion to develop Brisbane Arena. To be shared across a number of…

State leader Daniel Andrews has delivered a stinging tirade at families and Melbourne locals who opposed a drag storytime event at a public library. In a speech to the Victorian Parliament, the Labor premier labelled the actions of those protesting the Monash City Council’s decision as “shameful.” Andrews claimed it was “not an exercise in…

An anti-corruption investigation has found the staff in the Daniel Andrews’ government exerted pressure on health department officials to award a $1.2 million contract to a health union. The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission released its Operation Daintree report on Wednesday, after investigating the awarding of the contract in the lead-up to the 2018 election. The…

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has defended the state’s new public drunkenness laws arguing that the move to decriminalise public intoxication will not add an extra burden for police officers—despite unions arguing otherwise. “Will it be easy? No. Of course, it’s a big shift,” the premier said on April 13. “This is a reform that is…

Unlike his state counterparts, newly elected New South Wales (NSW) Labor leader Chris Minns will not be jetting off to China in the immediate future. “I’m not going to China. There’s enough on my plate right here in NSW,” he told 2GB radio on April 6. “Cost of living is going through the roof, inflation…

Commentary The secretive visit by the Victorian premier to China raises issues that have not been answered by Daniel Andrews. Flying out of the country with just two days’ notice to the community, the premier was not accompanied by any media or industry representatives, despite the claim that the mission was to discuss trade and…

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan has announced his decision to visit China for the first time in four years.  McGowan said the visit is a “great opportunity” to strengthen partnerships with the Chinese communist leaders, as well as industry leaders across energy, resources, science and innovation, international education, and aviation.  It will be the first visit…