Victorian Politics

The recent declaration of a state of disaster by the Victorian Government has extended the coronavirus crisis. A health crisis generated an economic crisis. The second shutdown then generated a financial crisis for Victoria

A brutal fall in state economic activity, officially known as gross state product (GSP), is likely. The Victorian Chamber of Industry and Commerce has stated that thousands of businesses will close or transfer to other states. A 3.5% contraction in both 2020 and 2021 is expected as businesses fail or move and an additional 250,000 Victorians join the ranks of the unemployed, effectively doubling Victoria’s jobless rate to 13%.

State government revenue, comprising taxation and Commonwealth grants, is expected to fall by $7.0 billion, or 10%, in 2020/2021. Expenditures will increase by an estimated 5% through additional medical, hospital and coronavirus-related costs. Emergency funds of $24 billion have been set aside for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 years. Then there are the consequence of business failures, higher numbers of unemployed along with demands for higher public service salaries. Budget deficits of $12 billion or higher are projected for the next two years.

Net debt was $29.3 billion in Victoria at 1 July 2019. In the 2019/2020 budget, net debt was expected to increase to $69 billion over the next three years. It is now projected to increase to $100 billion over this period. 

Barbara of Eaglemont: ‘Watched the football last night.

'Saw better handballing at the premier’s conference this morning.’

Do the 19th century's reasons for creation of separate states still apply?

Wasn't it anyway just a temporary compromise to allay fears of centralism?

Now we have anarchy and over-government at the same time.

So many levels of government all countermanding each other.

Schmozzle and debt and a dog’s breakfast.

Everyone passing the buck and handballing around

and then claiming to be and being seen to be a strong leader.

But just creating scrimmage and a serial balls-up.

One of the many blessings of Little Mizz Shutdown

might be the reductio ad absurdum expose of the foibles of federalism.

Perhaps giving rise to a broad consensus and basis for an accord.

Maybe we can all agree on something!

Buckpasser! Not a good name for a leader.

Though it mightn't be a bad name for a horse, waddeyesay?