News

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.

Published

9 months ago

May 21, 2025

Ahron Young

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.

News

Ukraine Russia peace talks stall with no breakthrough

Zelenskiy blames Moscow for stalling Geneva peace talks; negotiations to resume amid unresolved eastern territory and nuclear power plant disputes.

Published

6 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Zelenskiy blames Moscow for stalling Geneva peace talks; negotiations to resume amid unresolved eastern territory and nuclear power plant disputes.

Two days of high-stakes negotiations in Geneva have ended without a breakthrough, as Ukraine and Russia failed to reach an agreement on key issues in the ongoing war. Despite international pressure, both sides walked away without a deal.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Moscow of deliberately stalling United States-mediated peace efforts, while Russia signalled it would not accept terms it sees as unfavourable. The White House says further talks are expected.

Major sticking points remain over territory in eastern Ukraine and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with both sides rejecting proposals that would involve significant territorial concessions.

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News

Iran on edge as military build up meets domestic unrest

Iran strengthens military and nuclear sites amid US carrier presence, escalating fears of confrontation and internal dissent pressure.

Published

6 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran strengthens military and nuclear sites amid US carrier presence, escalating fears of confrontation and internal dissent pressure.

Iran is ramping up military readiness as tensions with the United States intensify, with Tehran fortifying key nuclear sites and reviewing defence strategies amid the deployment of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region. Leaders in the Islamic Republic say they are prepared to respond to any imposed conflict, signalling a high-stakes standoff that could reshape regional security dynamics.

At the same time, the regime faces mounting domestic discontent, with security forces cracking down on dissent and carrying out widespread arrests following recent protests. While Iran insists it has made concessions toward a nuclear deal, Washington says key demands remain unmet, leaving negotiations in limbo and the country’s political future under strain.

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News

Jesse Jackson dies at 84 civil rights leader and presidential candidate

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, dies, leaving a legacy in equality advocacy and global diplomacy.

Published

1 day ago

February 18, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, 84, dies, leaving a legacy in equality advocacy and global diplomacy.

Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson has passed away at the age of 84. Known as a servant leader, he dedicated his life to giving a voice to the oppressed and advocating for equality worldwide.

Jackson founded Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, and served as a special envoy to Africa under President Bill Clinton, leaving a lasting impact on global diplomacy and social justice.

He also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, played a key role in US politics, and helped secure the release of hostages abroad, remaining a tireless advocate until his passing.

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