Politics
Victoria
Bail reform timeline halved as new bill enters parliament
The Andrews government will on Tuesday table its long-awaited reforms to the state’s bail laws after a coroner said earlier this year that the current system breached human rights.
- by Rachel Eddie and Annika Smethurst
Latest
Watchdog wants access to secret cabinet papers to investigate ministers
If granted, the additional powers would represent the biggest shake-up of cabinet secrecy in Victoria in years.
- by Broede Carmody
Schools that Excel southern winners: McClelland College and Balcombe Grammar School
A public school where students compete against teachers and an independent school with a custom-built marketplace have been awarded The Age’s Schools that Excel in Melbourne’s south.
- by Sherryn Groch
Exclusive
Victorian Parliament
The sole Victorian Liberal MP publicly backing the Voice
Only one Liberal MP has said they will vote Yes in the referendum and Opposition Leader John Pesutto is one of the last Liberal leaders yet to declare his view.
- by Annika Smethurst
‘Let’s not talk about us’: Liberals won’t sanction Renee Heath over speaking events
The parliamentary Liberal Party has no plans to sanction MP Renee Heath at next week’s party meeting, despite concerns over her appearance at two events attended by conspiracy theorists.
- by Broede Carmody
Opinion
Victorian Parliament
When MPs allegedly behave badly, justice plays little part in the consequences
If Daniel Andrews is serious about Victoria being an inclusive and safe state, he needs to focus on improving how his workplace handles serious allegations and the people involved.
- by Annika Smethurst
Andrews wary about axing voting quirk despite Labor Party backing overhaul
Tiny political parties can swap preferences and leapfrog more popular candidates into the upper house with few votes. Critics say it’s open to corruption, but proponents argue it represents the will of the people as they turn away from the major parties.
- by Rachel Eddie
Exclusive
Planning
‘Bed tax’: GST fears over Victoria’s proposed Airbnb tax
The opposition has warned a levy on the short-term rental platform, which is under consideration in Victoria, could have implications for the state’s GST share and even be subject to a federal takeover.
- by Broede Carmody
‘I see them as investments’: Andrews defends Ambulance Victoria’s $500,000 bill for consultants
The premier says Ambulance Victoria’s budget is well managed and “cultural change sometimes has some costs associated with it”.
- by Broede Carmody
Coalition demands government formally investigate Fowles allegation
The head of the Department of Premier and Cabinet has been asked to examine the “serious assault” allegation made against Ringwood MP Will Fowles.
- by Broede Carmody and Annika Smethurst
For the 30th time, Victoria swears in new royal representative
Margaret Gardner, the former vice chancellor at Monash University, has been sworn in as Governor of Victoria in a ceremony at state parliament.
- by Rachel Eddie