Petition Government expenditure

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that Victoria's increasing public debt places a significant long-term financial burden on taxpayers through higher borrowing costs and interest payments. During periods of substantial public debt and budget deficits, government expenditure should be prioritised towards essential public services, critical infrastructure and reducing debt. Discretionary grants and funding programs should be subject to greater fiscal discipline to ensure public finances remain sustainable and that future generations are not burdened with unnecessary debt.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to review discretionary grant and funding programs, prioritise expenditure on essential services and critical infrastructure, introduce stricter fiscal criteria for approving new discretionary grants while the State remains in a budget deficit, and require any significant expansion of discretionary grant programs to be supported by a sustainable funding source or a budget surplus, unless necessary to respond to emergencies, natural disasters or other exceptional public interest circumstances.