Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas outlines plan to generate $4 billion in savings

·

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas has revealed he is seeking to find $4bn worth of cuts in the state’s budget, as the Andrews government battles delays and cost blowouts on major projects and a sluggish economy.

Mr Pallas on Wednesday conceded his 2019-20 budget target of $1.8bn in savings over four years had been revised up to $4bn.

The news comes as the government faces delays amid a dispute on its West Gate Tunnel project, a $3bn blowout on its Metro Rail Tunnel, a court battle with local councils over the $16bn North East Link, and economic headwinds as a result of the bushfires and Coronavirus.

The Treasurer downplayed the situation, saying he did not “think people should be greatly concerned”.

“Any government that doesn’t look at its historic expenditure, doesn’t redirect that spend to equip not only its commitments, but also the changing priorities of the society … well I think they would need necessarily to be held to account,” Mr Pallas said.

“It is certainly my view that I am driving an efficient budget.

“I’m not having out of date, unproductive programs … and our aim will be to try and avoid losses in staff numbers, but to the extent that that’s not possible we have industrial obligations that we have to meet, and it will be a last resort.

“Our aim of course will be to ensure that every Victorian can have some confidence that in the current environment this government’s working as hard as it can to make sure they’re getting value for money out of the government spend.”

Asked what would be cut, Mr Pallas said there were “plenty” of options, refusing to rule out public service job losses.

He said the government was effectively cutting $1bn a year from an annual budget of approximately $60bn.

“I’m not running a lazy budget, and I’m not going to be in the position where the need for relevant and in need services is compromised by providing for long term and poor performing alternative programs,” Mr Pallas said.

Coalition treasury spokeswoman Louise Staley said cuts to hospitals had already resulted in waiting lists blowing out.

“The Treasurer needs to tell us where these new cuts, these new $4bn of cuts, are coming from,” Ms Staley said.

“The Treasurer is cutting $4bn, and he won’t tell Victorians, he won’t tell public servants where those cuts are coming from.

“Is it country hospitals? Is it country roads? Is it schools? He’s told us that he’s going through every line item. Nothing is off the table. He needs to tell us where those cuts are going to fall.”

Sourced by: The Australian

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Soldiers of God’ accused of desecrating historic Greek Orthodox church in Nazareth

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth has accused the “Soldiers of God” of attacking the site while it was closed.

Prosecutor backs conditional release of convicted neo-Nazi figure Ilias Kasidiaris

An appeals court prosecutor has recommended the conditional release of Ilias Kasidiaris, the convicted leader of neo-Nazi group Golden Dawn.

Energy links, electric buses and social housing in Greece’s €8 billion overhaul

Greece has unveiled an ambitious €8 billion programme, funded by the European Union, aimed at addressing key national challenges.

Stefanos Tsitsipas faces tough decisions after painful Wimbledon withdrawal

Stefanos Tsitsipas was forced to retire from his Wimbledon first-round match against French qualifier Valentin Royer due to a back injury.

Melbourne stage comes alive with innovative theatrical tribute ‘Alexander’s Journey’

An audience that filled every seat at the Clocktower Centre on 29 June was treated to Alexander’s Journey.

You May Also Like

Manchester United captain arrested in Mykonos after assaulting police officers [VIDEO]

Harry Maguire was taken to Mykonos police station after allegedly assaulting a police officer in the early hours of Friday.

Lesvians in Sydney celebrate 110th anniversary of the island’s liberation

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW commemorated the 110th anniversary of the liberation of the Greek island of Lesvos.

Disabled man found crying over mother two days after she died from COVID-19

A 61-year-old disabled man was found crying, hugging his 90-year-old mother in a Kavala neighbourhood two days after she had passed of COVID-19.