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Victoria faces record debt with public job cuts imminent

Victoria’s budget forecasts record debt, proposes public sector job cuts, and faces criticism over tax increases and lack of clarity.

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Victoria’s budget forecasts record debt, proposes public sector job cuts, and faces criticism over tax increases and lack of clarity.

In Short:
Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has unveiled her first budget, projecting a $600 million surplus despite rising net debt and plans for significant public sector job cuts to save $3.3 billion. Reactions are mixed, with opposition leaders criticising increased taxation and insufficient focus on climate change, while some welcome funding for health and crime prevention.

Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has presented her first state budget, indicating a projected surplus of $600 million amidst soaring net debt, which is expected to reach $167.6 billion this year and further rise to $194 billion within three years.

The budget has flagged significant public sector job losses, with the government noting plans to save $3.3 billion by eliminating inefficiencies, although specific details on job cuts remain scarce. Symes mentioned that approximately 1,200 full-time equivalent positions are included in the savings, with additional cuts likely after a report from bureaucrat Helen Silver in June.

Debt bomb

Opposition Leader Brad Battin condemned the government’s approach to debt, arguing it burdens Victorians through increased taxation, particularly criticising the new Emergency Services Levy. The Greens have also expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting a lack of focus on climate change in the budget.

While the net debt is projected to remain stable, cost increases for state projects have amounted to $3.3 billion. Despite the looming cuts, the budget allocates substantial funds to health and crime prevention, including $11.1 billion for health services and $1.6 billion for crime reduction initiatives.

Tax revenue is expected to rise significantly, spurred by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, which will place additional financial strain on landholders, particularly farmers. Reactions to the budget have been mixed, with some welcoming support for struggling families, while others decry job cuts and insufficient investment in regional development.

Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.

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Bondi Beach shooting: Chaos at Hanukkah Festival – What we know

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Gunmen open fire at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Festival; chaos ensues, raising safety concerns for public events.


What started as a joyful summer Sunday at Bondi Beach quickly descended into chaos when a gunman opened fire during a Hanukkah festival, leaving multiple dead and injured. The attack prompted an immediate counter-terrorism response as authorities scrambled to contain the situation. Witnesses described the horror unfolding in a busy public space, with brave bystanders and first responders stepping in to help.

The attack raises serious questions about the safety of major public events and religious gatherings. Why are such spaces increasingly vulnerable to violence, and how do authorities assess and prepare for these risks? Experts point to growing concerns about radicalization and the challenges of protecting open, high-profile locations.

In an exclusive interview, we speak with Tim Harcourt from UTS to explore the bigger picture. He discusses the role of bystanders, the impact of such incidents on public safety, and how authorities balance immediate response with long-term safety measures. Tune in for insights into how our communities can stay safer in an unpredictable world.

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#BondiBeach #HanukkahFestival #TerrorAttack #PublicSafety #CounterTerrorism #FirstResponders #AustraliaNews #PublicEvents


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Trump and Albanese sign rare-earth deal: What it means for U.S.-Australia relations

Trump and Albanese’s rare-earth deal reshapes U.S.-Australia relations amid rising geopolitical challenges.

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Trump and Albanese’s rare-earth deal reshapes U.S.-Australia relations amid rising geopolitical challenges.


In a groundbreaking meeting in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a historic rare-earth deal that marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two nations. This agreement signals a potential alignment amid growing concerns over defense, technology, and foreign policy. As both countries face shifting geopolitical dynamics, this deal could redefine their strategic collaboration.

The U.S. and Australia have long been key allies in countering China’s influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. This deal, which focuses on rare-earth materials crucial for defense and technology sectors, demonstrates how both nations are looking to strengthen their ties. Australia’s role as a strategic partner is now more critical than ever, with the growing influence of China posing a shared challenge.

Chris Berg, an expert from RMIT University, discusses the implications of this partnership, including its impact on Australia’s security needs and its relationship with the U.S. regarding Taiwan, the Middle East, and the broader Indo-Pacific. From the AUKUS agreement to the U.S.-Australia approach to Palestine, these issues are shaping the future direction of bilateral relations.

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#AustraliaUSRelations #RareEarthDeal #TrumpAlbanese #USAlliance #Geopolitics #IndoPacific #AUKUS #MiddleEastEurope


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Bondi Beach terror attack: Hanukkah celebrations turned tragic

Gunmen attack Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in 16 deaths and outrage over rising anti-Semitism in Australia.

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Gunmen attack Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in 16 deaths and outrage over rising anti-Semitism in Australia.


In a devastating and unexpected attack, two gunmen opened fire on crowds celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, leading to at least 16 deaths and numerous injuries. This horrific act of terror has shocked the nation, igniting widespread outrage and calls for unity against anti-Semitism. The Jewish community, along with the public, is grappling with the unimaginable loss and trauma caused by the attack.

Government officials have condemned the violence, and law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to prevent further incidents. While details about the gunmen are still emerging, the bravery of bystanders who intervened to stop the shooting has been widely praised. This act of terror has sparked a crucial conversation about safety, security, and the ongoing issue of anti-Semitism in Australia.

As the nation mourns, leaders from both religious and community sectors are calling for solidarity, urging authorities to take stronger action against hate-driven violence. Rabbi Abraham Cooper from the Simon Wiesenthal Center joins us to share his perspective on the impact of this tragedy on the Jewish community and how Australia can address the rise of anti-Semitism in the country.

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#BondiBeach #HanukkahAttack #AntiSemitism #AustraliaTerror #JewishCommunity #GunViolence #SydneyTragedy #PublicSafety


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