Vic treasurer critical of federal budget

Victoria's Treasurer Tim Pallas has said the only way the state's schools and hospitals would get proper funding is with a federal Labor government.

Daniel Andrews

Daniel Andrews says voters are right to be sceptical about extra funds in the federal budget. (AAP)

Victoria's treasurer says the only way the state's schools and hospitals would get proper funding is with Bill Shorten as prime minister.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered his first federal budget, featuring the first surplus in more than a decade, on Tuesday night.

Victoria's treasurer Tim Pallas said another prime minister from Sydney had failed to deliver for his home state.

"This budget makes it crystal clear that if you want hospitals, schools and infrastructure funded properly then Victoria's only option is a Shorten Labor Government," he said after the budget announcement on Tuesday night.

The comments come after Premier Daniel Andrews said last minute giveaways wouldn't make up for years of neglect.

"I think Victorians know and understand last-minute election giveaways don't make up for six years of Sydney comes first and that's what's happened over the Abbott, Turnbull, Morrison years," he told reporters.

Mr Andrews has previously called on the Commonwealth to release $3 billion it set aside for the state's failed East West Link and spend it on other Victorian projects.

The state Labor government ripped up the East West Link contract in 2014, costing taxpayers more than $1 billion.

The budget includes $700 million for Liberal Sarah Henderson's ultra marginal seat of Corangamite in the Geelong region, which she holds by just 0.03 per cent.

Funds to duplicate 12.6 kilometres of track from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds will come on top of billions already pledged in a bid to save the seat.

Mr Morrison has already announced $2 billion for a 80km fast-rail link between Geelong and Melbourne, with the long-term project reliant on Victoria matching the federal commitment.

But Victoria has accused Mr Morrison of jumping the gun on the project, with the state government already spending $50 million investigating how to make it work.

Last federal budget, $7.8 billion was allocated to Victoria for infrastructure.


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2 min read
Published 2 April 2019 9:22pm
Source: AAP


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