Royalties and technical colleges in Victorian election spotlight

Victorian voters are set to head to the polls on November 28, with the state election campaign heating up as major party leaders announce duelling policies. Labor Premier Ben Carroll and Coalition leader Jess Wilson have unveiled plans to boost regional Victoria and address skills shortages.

Labor's 'Royalties for the Regions' policy

Premier Ben Carroll has pledged that a re-elected Labor government would direct 100 per cent of all mineral resource royalties into regional Victoria, citing a Western Australia-style "royalties for regions" policy as inspiration. The premier said Victoria's minerals endowment was estimated to generate $500 million over the next four years.

"Victoria was once the biggest producer of gold in the world, and now we are on the cusp of another boom," Mr Carroll said.

"If the wealth comes out of regional Victoria, the wealth should go back into regional Victoria — it's that simple."

Mr Carroll noted the recent approval for the Avonbank Mineral Sands Project in the Wimmera as well as the Southern Cross Gold Sunday Creek exploration project as examples of a mineral resource revival in Victoria.

Coalition's technical colleges plan

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has announced that a Coalition government would establish 10 new technical colleges statewide, adopting a South Australian model. The proposed technical colleges would differ from Labor's Tech Schools in that students would be enrolled full time from years 10 to 12.

"My team is backing the next generation of tradies to get the skills they need sooner for a rewarding career," Ms Wilson said.

"A house doesn't build itself, and our ambitious agenda to deliver more homes and more housing choice for Victorians needs a skilled workforce to deliver it."

"Not every student thrives in a traditional classroom, and not every young person wants to go to university. They deserve another pathway to a great career."

The Coalition anticipates the college will cost $222 million over eight years and educate a cumulative 5000 students in trades including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, healthcare and hospitality.