Budget bills pass parliament

The Appropriation (2025-2026) Bill 2025 and Appropriation (Parliament 2025-2026) Bill 2025 were debated concurrently after being introduced into the Legislative Assembly.

The Treasurer sits in the Legislative Council but a twist in procedure allowed Jaclyn Symes to deliver her first budget speech in the Lower House.

‘Our economy is strong,’ Ms Symes said.

‘Over the past decade, Victoria has led the states in real economic growth, creating over 900,000 jobs and adding $138 billion to Victoria’s economy.’

The lowering of public transport fares also noted as a key budget boost for users and families.

‘Passengers have saved well over $100 million since the introduction of our fairer regional fares,’ Ms Symes said.

‘It’s why we’re making public transport completely free for every Victorian under the age of 18.’

Free weekend public transport is also being expanded to seniors card holders in the state.

Ms Symes said the budget delivers the first operating surplus since before the pandemic, with average surpluses of $1.9 billion over the forward estimates.

“ ‘Families and businesses are carefully considering every dollar. They rightly expect their government to do the same.’ ”

Treasurer Jaclyn Symes

In his budget reply speech Shadow Treasurer James Newbury said Victoria needs change.

‘We were once the place to be. We had the most liveable city. Now we are the highest taxed state with the biggest level of debt,’ he said.

Mr Newbury pointed to inflation throughout 2024 being above the national average, as well as unemployment.

‘At the same time as our economy slides the government keeps spending too much and remains addicted to tax,’ he said.

‘Total expenses in last year’s budget update were expected to grow by just 0.2 per cent in the coming year, but they have blown out by $8.2 billion. That is 41 times the growth forecast.’

Mr Newbury said the Liberal–National coalition would put $3 billion back into the pockets of Victorians.

“ ‘Costs are too high and taxes are too high, and we are committed to making things easier.’ ”

Shadow Treasurer James Newbury

As the budget bills progressed through the parliament, MPs considered several other pieces of legislation in late June.

The Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Justice Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2025 and State Taxation Acts Amendment Bill 2025 all passed the parliament and received Royal Assent.

The Corrections Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Financial Management Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 and Roads and Ports Legislation Amendment (Road Safety and Other Matters) Bill 2025 passed the Legislative Assembly and are bound for the Legislative Council.

A range of new bills were introduced and considered including the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Amendment (Right to Housing) Bill 2025.

Initiated by Greens and Northern Metropolitan MP Anasina Gray-Barberio, this private member’s bill aims to enshrine the right to adequate housing, including accessibility, affordability, habitability and safety.

Private member’s bills introduced into the Upper House usually do not gather enough support to pass.

Other new bills include the Crimes Amendment (Performance Crime) Bill 2025 which criminalises a person publishing material to draw attention to their involvement in certain serious offences.

The Domestic Building Contracts Amendment Bill 2025, Local Jobs First Amendment Bill 2025 and National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025 were also presented to parliament for the first time.

The next sitting week for both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council begins on Tuesday 29 July 2025.

You can check the progress of all the bills and legislation on the parliament website.