Thursday, 4 December 2025

 David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:58): To close out the year I want to reflect on where things are in the great state of Victoria – a state of the state report, if you will. Gross debt rose from $168.8 billion to $187.9 billion and is projected to reach $236.6 billion by June 2029. Failure to constrain escalating costs of major infrastructure projects and public sector wages continues to put pressure on the budget. There are predictions of electricity shortages as Victoria stumbles with the renewable energy transition, with rising costs and conflict over land access for transmission infrastructure likely to continue. Farmers do not want to let people on their land, and I do not think they are likely to back down. Our roads remain un-carworthy, with many potholes better described as craters causing damage to vehicles. Car insurance is up nearly 10 per cent in Victoria, as thefts and carjackings continue to surge. With arson, theft and aggravated burglaries, crime remains a serious issue. With the government’s new censorship regime coming into effect shortly, free speech is also in decline. The government has struggled to get corruption under control, with the issues with the CFMEU persisting. Overinflated land tax bills and the government’s new emergency services levy have led to a growing protest movement. In short, things are pretty grim in Victoria. There is hope, however. I believe in the Victorian people, and in 2026 there will be an election. In just under a year people will have the option to vote Libertarian and help get Victoria back on track.