Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:07): My question is to the Premier. The Premier says his department has found no other secret taxes or levies like the $8 billion secret tax on public transport fares. Given the Premier knew about this secret $8 billion tax but kept it hidden from Victorians for years, why should anyone believe him when he says there are no others?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:08): I will tell you one thing I found: $40 billion in cuts that will go to the heart of hardworking Victorians. That is what they promised. Warren Pickering and Jess Wilson –

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The Leader of the House is warned.

James Newbury: Speaker, I did have a point of order on relevance, but also the way he just spoke to the Leader of the Opposition was completely inappropriate.

The SPEAKER: There is no reason to be disrespectful in the chamber – absolutely none. The Premier has concluded his answer.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (14:08): Given the Premier’s lack of credibility on these matters, will he release his department’s advice so Victorians can see for themselves whether any other taxes, levies or charges have been kept secret?

 Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Premier) (14:09): Victorians cannot afford a Liberal–One Nation coalition. Forty billion dollars is one in seven public servants.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, it is not relevant to attack the opposition.

The SPEAKER: The Premier will come back to the question.

Ben CARROLL: I am not attacking; I am telling the facts. We are investing in schools and health, and they will cut it.