PoliticsPage 2

In a sweeping policy reset ahead of the November election, Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has pledged to fully fund the state's public schools under the Gonski standard while launching a major economic and community reform agenda.

The Victorian Coalition has announced a major policy pledge to deploy armed Protective Services Officers across seven major hospitals to tackle rising violence. The proposed two-year pilot program aims to protect frontline medical staff and patients from aggressive incidents.

Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel has urged voters to research candidates thoroughly after a pro-Israel activist successfully registered the 'Free Palestine' party name. The controversial move exploits Victoria's unique group voting system to divert progressive preference votes toward conservative candidates.

A powerful federal inquiry has laid bare the devastating toll of systemic racism on First Nations families, detailing urgent concerns over biased child protection removals and failures in policing.

A federal inquiry into racism has heard harrowing testimonies from prominent media figures and elite athletes detailing severe harassment, doxxing, and structural failures. Witnesses warned that systemic racism is silencing First Nations voices across both the media landscape and national sporting institutions.

A group of western Victorian landowners have been slapped with fines for blocking energy officials from their properties. The penalties have sparked outrage among local farmers who vow to fight the state government in court over property rights.

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll says he is prepared to give evidence at the upcoming royal commission into Big Build corruption. The announcement comes amidst a fierce debate with the opposition over the inquiry's scope and witness list.

Army veteran Warren Pickering has been announced as One Nation's Victorian state leader for the upcoming November election. The party is launching a major campaign effort across the state, aiming to challenge the major parties in both houses of parliament.

Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson has officially joined the Victorian Cabinet following a swift caucus meeting on Thursday. Premier Ben Carroll opted to fill just a single frontbench vacancy as the government streamlines its ministry ahead of the November state election.

Ben Carroll has officially commenced his tenure as Victorian Premier, making his first day on the job count with the immediate announcement of a royal commission into the state's construction sector. This pivotal move sets the tone for his leadership, though it faces scrutiny and high expectations from across the political landscape.

Western Metropolitan Region MP Moira Deeming has formally resigned from the parliamentary Liberal Party, announcing her decision to continue representing her constituents as an independent. This move follows weeks of internal conflict and the party's earlier decision to revoke her candidacy for the upcoming state election.

Victorian Labor is on the brink of a tumultuous leadership battle as Premier Jacinta Allan declares her intention to fight a challenge from Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. This move could drag the party into a month-long internal vote just months before a state election.

Victoria's political sphere is in upheaval as Deputy Premier Ben Carroll confirms his bid for the Labor leadership, directly challenging Premier Jacinta Allan. This move follows reports of a delegation urging Allan to step down due to a loss of caucus support, just months before the state election.

A wave of frustration with traditional parties is sweeping across regional Victoria, threatening to reshape the political landscape in the upcoming November election. In the state's eastern electorates, a significant surge in support for an emerging political force is putting pressure on both the Labor government and the Coalition.

A leading public policy academic has called for a comprehensive inquiry into Victoria's Big Build infrastructure program. The demand follows escalating allegations of union corruption and growing public concern over the allocation of taxpayers' money.

Australian authorities have escalated travel advisories for numerous Middle Eastern nations, prompting a wave of anxiety among citizens with upcoming international plans. The updated warnings reflect a volatile geopolitical landscape and a heightened risk of military conflict in the region.

Local leaders from Queensland have taken their fight against proposed federal disaster funding changes to Melbourne, fearing the new cap will severely impact their communities. Mayors are demanding urgent clarity on how a potential funding gap will be covered, emphasizing Queensland's frequent exposure to natural disasters.

Wyndham City Mayor Preet Singh has resigned from his leadership post following months of intense public scrutiny over a character reference provided for a convicted child sex offender. Despite stepping down as mayor, Singh will continue to serve as a councillor for the municipality.

A prominent federal lawmaker has put forward significant legislative reforms, including the creation of exclusion zones around Jewish institutions and stronger online content removal powers, to combat a troubling rise in antisemitism across the nation. These proposals were shared during a pivotal national inquiry into antisemitism and social cohesion.

Friends, family, and prominent figures from across Australia's media and political landscapes gathered in Melbourne to pay their final respects to legendary broadcaster and former senator Derryn Hinch. Fondly remembered as a tenacious journalist and a passionate advocate for justice, Hinch's life was celebrated as one lived fully and with immense impact.

Victoria's Premier has strongly condemned a mobile billboard depicting her as a 'witch,' arguing that such imagery fosters a culture of disrespect for women that contributes to gendered violence. The controversial truck has reappeared on city streets despite widespread criticism from across the political spectrum.

The Victorian government is set to introduce groundbreaking legislation aimed at combating anonymous online abuse by compelling social media companies to reveal user identities. These proposed laws will also significantly lower the hurdles for parents seeking to sue tech giants over psychiatric harm inflicted upon their children.

The Australian government has officially upgraded its travel warning for Laos following the tragic poisoning deaths of two young citizens. The decision reflects growing diplomatic frustration over the lenient charges laid against a local distillery owner.

A prominent Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party has been formally disendorsed, effectively ending her candidacy for the upcoming state election following a contentious internal dispute. This political blow coincides with revelations that the MP is facing potential bankruptcy due to substantial legal costs.

Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming faces the prospect of bankruptcy as a key financial backer demands repayment for her successful defamation case. This latest development intensifies the deep divisions within the party, with her political future also hanging precariously.

As the next Victorian state election draws near, a surge of new political parties is reportedly exploiting the state's unique group voting ticket system to manipulate voter preferences. This controversial practice could soon be abolished, bringing Victoria's electoral laws in line with other states.

A Victorian Liberal MP is challenging her party's bid to disendorse her, taking the internal dispute to the Supreme Court after refusing to apologize for an alleged incident with a colleague. The high-stakes legal battle unfolds as she defends her right to use internal complaint processes without fear of reprisal.

Hepburn Shire Council has been effectively shut down after a private citizen laid criminal charges against multiple councillors, leaving an insufficient number to form a quorum. This unprecedented situation prevents the council from making critical decisions and has prompted concerns about the disruption to local democracy.

Health Infrastructure Minister Melissa Horne has voiced "alarming" and "extremely serious" concerns regarding new allegations of union pressure on Victorian construction sites. She has formally sought assurances from the state's infrastructure delivery authority that all projects adhere to the highest standards of probity.

A Melbourne mother faces serious terrorism charges, with authorities alleging she exposed her young children to graphic Islamic State propaganda videos. Police are strongly opposing her bail, citing a risk of spreading extremist ideology, while her defence claims she has renounced her past views.

Victorian motorists grappling with deteriorating roads and rising repair costs could see relief under a new $5 billion pledge from the opposition. The extensive plan aims to eliminate one million potholes and establish a dedicated body for road maintenance across the state.

Australia mourns the passing of Derryn Hinch, the iconic broadcaster and former senator, whose life was defined by both fierce journalism and impassioned campaigns. Known as 'The Human Headline,' Hinch left an indelible mark on the nation's media landscape and political discourse.

Hepburn Shire's mayor has been forced to temporarily step down from his duties after a private citizen laid charges against him, sparking concerns about the vulnerability of local government officials. He argues these "private prosecutions" exploit a legal loophole, posing a significant threat to democratic processes and the community.

Environmental groups across Victoria are raising serious concerns that large, hollow-bearing trees, crucial for endangered wildlife, are still being removed from state forests under the guise of fire management. This comes despite the recent ban on native timber harvesting and the introduction of a new state framework, sparking a heated debate and a federal court challenge.

A towering figure in Australian media and politics, Derryn Hinch, known as the 'Human Headline' for his outspoken views and crusades, has passed away at the age of 82. His storied career spanned decades as a broadcaster, journalist, and senator, leaving an indelible mark on public discourse.

Tributes are flowing for veteran broadcaster and former senator Derryn Hinch, who has passed away in his sleep at age 82. Known as the 'Human Headline', Hinch is being remembered as a fearless crusader for justice.

Over 20,000 fervent supporters converged in Melbourne to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lauded India's booming economy and ambitious future goals. The event underscored the strengthening ties between Australia and India, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also addressing the enthusiastic gathering.

A parliamentary inquiry into last summer's devastating bushfires has revealed critical understaffing and significant funding shortfalls within the Country Fire Authority. An attempt by the CFA to retract its candid initial submission only brought more scrutiny to the vital service's operational challenges.

Police have apprehended seven individuals in connection with an extensive investigation into alleged fraudulent activities within a local council and a Shepparton business. The arrests follow a referral by the Greater Shepparton City Council itself after internal financial discrepancies were identified.

Victorian MP Moira Deeming has issued an apology to her supporters, acknowledging "distractions" have overshadowed her legislative work. The apology comes as she navigates a contentious preselection battle and legal challenges within her own party.