The Victorian opposition has pledged to bring the state budget back to surplus within five years if the Liberal and National coalition wins next year’s election. This announcement by shadow treasurer Louise Staley comes after the Andrews government announced a plan in November 2020 to overturn the COVID-19 induced economic downturn with an unprecedented $23.3 billion budget deficit by the next financial year. Staley told reporters on April 26 that the coalition will overturn the Andrews government’s state deficit through sustained economic growth, reducing government “waste,” and lobbying the commonwealth for a greater share of the GST. “It should not be a difficult aspiration,” Staley said. “Other states are absolutely heading towards balancing their budget in that timeframe.” “The alternative to that aspiration is to constantly run budget deficits, out into the never-never,” Staley added. Treasurer Tim Pallas had forecasted a deficit of $155 billion in 2023/24, which would then …