The latest from Vic News Today

Your trusted source for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and local stories that matter to you.

News•about 9 hours ago

Toll Tangle: Linkt Admits to Widespread Overcharging, Pledges Full Refunds for Victorian Motorists

Toll operator Linkt is set to refund tens of thousands of Victorian drivers after a systemic classification error led to widespread overcharging on CityLink and the West Gate Tunnel for up to a decade. The company, through its parent Transurban, has promised full, inflation-adjusted refunds, compensation for inconvenience, and will waive charges for those who were undercharged.

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News•about 9 hours ago

Firefighters Union Loses Supreme Court Bid to Halt Corruption Report's Release

Victoria's United Firefighters Union has failed in its Supreme Court challenge to prevent the publication of a significant anti-corruption report. The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission's 'Operation Richmond' details alleged misconduct during a 2016 industrial dispute, but its release is now contingent on a potential appeal.

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News•about 9 hours ago

AFL Icon Nicky Winmar Convicted on Assault Charges Following Bendigo Court Hearing

Former AFL star Neil Elvis "Nicky" Winmar has been found guilty of assaulting a woman in northern Victoria, with a magistrate accepting the victim's account of the incident. The case will return to court in August for a pre-sentence hearing, where Winmar's barrister is expected to seek a community corrections order.

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News•about 10 hours ago

The Equalisation Enigma: Is the AFL's Competitive Balance a Myth or a Reality?

Amidst passionate debate about the AFL's competitive balance, data reveals a league more tightly contested week-to-week and over the long term than often perceived. However, while struggling clubs show significant rebound potential, persistent challenges for those at the bottom remain a focus of ongoing equalisation efforts.

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News•about 10 hours ago

Supreme Court Pauses Liberal Bid to Revoke Moira Deeming's Preselection

Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has secured a temporary reprieve, preventing the party from revoking her preselection ahead of the upcoming state election. This follows her legal challenge in the Supreme Court, which paused the party's planned action after she refused to apologize over allegations against former leader Matthew Guy.

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News•about 10 hours ago

Alleged Abduction: Victoria Police Withdraws Charges Against Two Teenagers

Charges have been formally withdrawn by Victoria Police against two males previously accused in the alleged abduction of a teenage girl near a Melbourne school. This development follows their arrests and a court appearance by 18-year-old Ayom Deng, with police confirming notification to all involved parties.

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News•about 11 hours ago

AFL Leadership Accused of 'Failure' as Late Star Adam Hunter's Friend Demands CTE Accountability

Dave Andrews, best friend of the late Adam Hunter who suffered from CTE, has penned a searing letter to the AFL Commission, accusing the league of failing its duty of care to players. His powerful critique draws parallels to the James Hardie asbestos scandal and demands urgent, transparent action on player brain health for all levels of the game.

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Crime & Justice•about 11 hours ago

Bail Controversy Erupts After Teen's Fatal Stabbing in Melbourne's North

A 15-year-old boy was fatally stabbed outside a Melbourne hospital, leading to murder charges against two teenagers, one of whom was on bail. The tragic incident has prompted a community outpouring of grief and a firm stance from Victorian Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny on serious consequences for knife crime.

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News•about 11 hours ago

Woman Avoids Jail After Assaulting Senator Lidia Thorpe Outside MCG

Ebony Jan Bell has received a 12-month community corrections order, avoiding prison time, for her 2024 assault on federal senator Lidia Thorpe outside the MCG. Senator Thorpe, who sustained injuries and missed parliamentary sitting days, had consistently advocated against a custodial sentence for Bell.

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Community & Culture•about 17 hours ago

Community Gripped by Grief: Two Arrested After 15-Year-Old Fatally Stabbed Outside Craigieburn Hospital

A 15-year-old boy has tragically died after being stabbed outside a medical centre in Melbourne's north, sparking a major homicide investigation and two arrests. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, as friends remember a 'loyal and funny' young man.

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Community & Culture•about 17 hours ago

Beyond the Street: Melbourne Exhibition Unveils Australia's Hidden Crisis of Female Homelessness

A poignant new exhibition in Melbourne unveils the harrowing realities of female homelessness across Australia, sharing the deeply personal stories of women forced onto the streets, often as a direct result of family violence.

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Politics & Policy•about 17 hours ago

Essendon Coach Search: Dean Solomon Weighs Future as James Hird Enters Fray

Interim coach Dean Solomon remains tight-lipped about his aspirations for Essendon's top job, even as former premiership captain James Hird officially throws his hat into the ring for the hotly contested role. The Bombers' future leadership is now at the centre of a significant search.

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Sport•about 17 hours ago

Adelaide Thunderbirds Eye Grand Final Hat-Trick, Inspiring Next Generation of Netball Stars

The Adelaide Thunderbirds are poised for a historic third grand final victory in four years against the Melbourne Vixens, with passionate fans making the pilgrimage to witness what could be another iconic chapter in women's sport.

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Community & Culture•about 17 hours ago

Australia's Visa Fee Shockwave: Sudden Hikes Spark Outcry Among Migrants and Students

A series of unannounced and substantial increases to Australian visa fees has left thousands of international students and long-term residents reeling, sparking widespread anger and accusations of exploitation. Many now face unexpected financial burdens and bureaucratic hurdles, questioning Australia's commitment as a welcoming destination.

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Crime & Justice•about 17 hours ago

Melbourne Teen Faces Court Amidst Shocking Forced Marriage Abduction Allegations

An 18-year-old Melbourne man has been remanded in custody following his court appearance on serious charges, including the alleged abduction of a 17-year-old girl with the intent to force her into marriage. The incident near a south-east Melbourne school has sparked a swift police response and significant concern.

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Politics & Policy•about 17 hours ago

Victorian Liberal MP Launches Supreme Court Challenge Amidst Pre-Selection Firestorm

Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has escalated her internal party conflict, initiating Supreme Court proceedings against the state president just hours before a crucial meeting to decide her pre-selection. The legal challenge unfolds against a backdrop of intense controversy surrounding an alleged physical altercation with a party colleague.

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Health & Environment•about 17 hours ago

Crisis Deepens: 'Toxic' Culture and Patient Risks Exposed at Albury Wodonga Mental Health Service

A scathing exposé reveals a deeply entrenched 'toxic' workplace culture within Albury Wodonga Health's mental health service, driving experienced clinicians away and raising critical concerns about patient safety, including a tragic inpatient death.

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Crime & Justice•about 17 hours ago

Craigieburn Stabbing: Teen Charged with Murder as Police Unravel Complex Investigation

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the tragic death of a 15-year-old in Melbourne's north, as police continue to piece together the events surrounding the fatal incident with further arrests.

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Politics & Policy•3 days ago

Moira Deeming's Future as Liberal Candidate on the Line in Urgent Party Meeting

The Victorian Liberal Party is gearing up for a pivotal meeting this Friday to determine the future of controversial MP Moira Deeming's preselection for the Western Metropolitan Region, with her candidacy hanging in the balance amidst recent high-profile incidents.

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Crime & Justice•3 days ago

Pattaya's Battle for Its Soul: A City's Struggle Against Its Notorious Image Amidst High-Profile Crime

The vibrant Thai city of Pattaya, grappling with a recent murder investigation involving an Australian national, faces an ongoing uphill battle to redefine its international reputation beyond its infamous sex tourism industry. Despite extensive efforts to attract family-friendly tourism, the city's neon-lit nightlife continues to cast a long shadow, hindering its rebranding ambitions.

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