FED:Concern grows as contaminated alcohol hits bottle shops Suspected illicit alcohol is being sold by bottle shops across Victoria, NSW and Queensland, exposing consumers to serious health issues. AAP · May 19
NSW police charge two men after allegedly seizing more than $1m of illicit tobacco – as it happened All the day’s news as it unfolded The Guardian - AU · May 18
Concern grows as contaminated alcohol hits bottle shops Suspected illicit alcohol is being sold by bottle shops across Victoria, NSW and Queensland, exposing consumers to serious health issues. AAP · May 18
Climate change risks billions in roads, hospitals bills A state has been warned climate change-linked weather hazards endanger almost a fifth of the value of major infrastructure assets. AAP · May 18
Canada reports suspected hantavirus case linked to deadly cruise ship outbreak A Canadian passenger who travelled aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius has tested “presumptive positive” for the Andes strain of hantavirus, raising fresh concern as health authorities continue monitoring passengers linked to the outbreak that has already claimed three lives. Officials in Canada’s British Columbia province said the patient, one… The Times of India · May 17
A legendary romantic retreat: explore Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s Osborne See how the royal couple celebrated birthdays, their children and each other in this Italianate Isle of Wight haven The Guardian - UK · May 15
‘Refugees Are Welcome Here’ site could be part of ‘connected campaign’ to funnel votes to One Nation in Victoria Exclusive: Rightwing activist denies responsibility for set of aspiring political parties and their potential preferences, as Guardian analysis suggests links The Guardian - AU · May 15
Divisive former premier's statue sparks outrage Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews will be immortalised in a bronze statue, with the announcement raising eyebrows among his opponents. AAP · May 15
How not to say you’re sorry: Why governments keep getting apologies wrong In December 2025, the parliament of Victoria — Australia’s second-most populous state — delivered a formal apology to First Peoples for laws and policies that “took land, removed children, broke families, and tried to erase culture.” The Conversation · May 14
Victorian Labor signals tougher stance on young offenders after 109 charges against 14-year-old dropped The state’s opposition said case was proof ‘the justice system is broken’ The Guardian - AU · May 14
Giant's special advice to off-contract skipper Greene Off-contract GWS captain Toby Greene leaving Sydney to return home to Victoria? Not a chance, says Giants defender Connor Idun - it's too cold. AAP · May 12
Victorian politics still exposed to ‘dark money’ and foreign donations as MPs struggle to agree on urgent reforms Exclusive: state is now without caps on political donations or disclosure requirements, months out from November election The Guardian - AU · May 11
Changing tax rules for investors won’t shrink housing supply or raise rents. Just look at Victoria Labor’s anticipated reforms are not a panacea, but they could nudge Australia toward a more equitable trajectory The Guardian - AU · May 11
Full steam ahead: billions more locked in for rail line The federal taxpayer's stake in Victoria's massive Suburban Rail Loop public transport project has ballooned to $6 billion, as regional rail gets the axe. AAP · May 8
AAP · May 8 Public service hiring freeze pitched to help budget fix A would-be premier has gone some of the way to answering how she plans to embark on state budget repair while simultaneously promising to slash five taxes.
The Guardian - AU · May 7 Almost $4bn more for Victoria’s contentious Suburban Rail Loop to be included in federal budget Additional funding for the costly 90km public transport project promised before state’s November election
The Conversation · May 7 Australian gas exporters will be forced to set aside local supply for domestic users Producers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on Australia’s east coast will have to set aside 20% of their gas exports to be sold to domestic users from July next year.
The Guardian - AU · May 7 New gasfield approved near Twelve Apostles puts climate and ‘pristine’ ocean in jeopardy, environmentalists warn Victorian and federal Labor governments greenlight Otway basin drilling project with potential to supply one-third of state’s gas
The Guardian - AU · May 7 Federation Square ban on screening Socceroos World Cup games overturned Victorian premier Jacinta Allan has overturned a decision not to screen Socceroos matches at Fed Square following an angry response from the football community
The Conversation · May 6 Teens came first at Australia’s world-leading Centre For Youth Literature – until it was axed In 2019, the State Library Victoria announced it was retiring the “brand” of its groundbreaking Centre for Youth Literature.
AAP · May 6 Shock lottery deal 'handcuffs' state to gambling sector A surprise state lottery deal has "handcuffed" future governments to the gambling industry and undone years of reform, a leading advocate says.
AAP · May 5 'Living within our means': treasurer defiant on budget The door has been left ajar for a COVID debt levy to be unwound early as business buckles under the weight of state tax and regulation.
The Conversation · May 5 The Victorian budget is cleverly structured for an election. But is it too late to make a difference? About a year and a half ago, Jaclyn Symes replaced Tim Pallas as Victorian treasurer, ending Pallas’ record-breaking ten years in the role.
The Guardian - AU · May 5 Winners and losers: Victoria’s 2026 budget cuts transport costs and helps parents - but will future generations suffer? Motorists, public transport users, families with children and Melbourne growth suburbs among Labor’s budget beneficiaries
The Guardian - AU · May 4 Victorian budget 2026: state records first post-pandemic surplus but financial health uncertain as debt nears $200bn Labor’s 2026-27 budget shows $727m operating surplus for this financial year as debt forecast to soar by decade’s end