The Victorian government is introducing new legislation to impose life sentences on organized crime figures who recruit children for serious offenses like firebombings. The move aims to combat the increasing use of vulnerable youth by crime syndicates, with new firearms laws also proposed to restrict licenses and strengthen background checks.
The Victorian government is introducing life jail terms for individuals who recruit children to commit serious crimes, such as firebombings and home invasions. New firearms laws will also tighten eligibility and background checks for licenses.
Victorian secondary schools will limit classroom device use to two hours per day from 2027, a national-first plan aiming to reduce screen time and encourage traditional learning methods. Primary school students will also face new screen time limits.
Advocates claim run-down hospitals in regional Victoria are being snubbed for funding due to being in 'safe seats' or lacking 'political relevance', prompting calls for an independent body to allocate state funding.
Cameron Bloomfield, a repeat child sex offender, was mistakenly honored as Victoria's "disability pride champion" before the government department realized his criminal past and revoked the award. Bloomfield's offenses date back to 2005, including indecent assault and attempting to procure sex with a child.
Victorian Minister Luba Grigorovitch apologised for providing 33 character references, including for individuals with convictions for assault and family violence, without conducting any background checks. She stated she will no longer provide such references.
Victorian Minister Luba Grigorovitch has apologized for providing six character references to individuals she now regrets, including a former taxi driver convicted of assaulting passengers and a Pakistani citizen with a history of domestic violence. She stated she will no longer provide such references.
An environmental group and local officials are raising concerns over the Victorian government's approval of the Warracknabeal Energy Park, Australia's largest wind farm. Critics argue potential impacts on human health, noise, and visual amenity were not fully considered, despite the government stating the project met environmental standards.
Victoria faces a political funding crisis six months before the state election, as the High Court struck down its donations laws. With no limits or disclosure requirements, integrity experts warn of unchecked influence. The government is racing to enact new, constitutionally sound laws.
In 2022, the Victorian government promised to build a new wildlife veterinary clinic in south-west Victoria. Despite being offered access to free land, it is yet to build the facility.
The Victorian government has overturned a ban on World Cup matches being shown on big screens at Melbourne's Federation Square.
Despite rising debt, the Victorian government has found money for hip-pocket measures and a justice system overhaul. These are some of the winners and losers from the 2026-27 budget.
Despite rising debt, the Victorian government has found money for hip-pocket measures and a justice system overhaul. These are some of the winners and losers from the 2026-27 budget.
Despite rising debt, the Victorian government's found money for hip-pocket measures and a justice system overhaul. These are some of the winners and losers.
The Victorian government has announced women facing the danger of family violence will be able to upgrade their home security under a $3.5 million pledge.
More than 1,000 workers across seven local councils in Melbourne are set to walk off the job next month on the same day the Victorian government releases its budget, with garbage collection to be impacted by the strike.
More than 1,000 workers across seven local councils in Melbourne are set to walk off the job next month on the same day the Victorian government releases its budget, with garbage collection to be impacted by the strike action.
More than 1,000 workers across seven local councils in Melbourne are set to walk off the job next month on the same day the Victorian government releases its budget, with rubbish collection to be impacted by the strike action.
