Author: Benita Kolovos Victorian state correspondent

Australia newsVictoriaVictoria state election 2026Victorian politics

Victorian Labor’s ‘unforgivable’ preferences decision risks Liberal-One Nation government, Greens warn

Exclusive: Ellen Sandell says Labor’s decision not to back progressives in key inner-seat could hand power to right-wing coalition in close electionGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Victorian Greens say Labor’s “frankly unf…

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Australia newsVictoriaVictoria state election 2026Victorian politics

Victorian election 2026: Concern and scepticism among Labor MPs as new poll shows party trailing One Nation

Ben Carroll refuses to be drawn on latest opinion poll that puts Labor at all-time low of just 18%, behind One Nation on 21% and the Coalition on 33%Get our daily political email, free app or daily news podcastVictorian Labor MPs are both sceptical and…

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Australia newsAustralian police and policingOne NationVictoriaVictoria state election 2026

Alleged attack on One Nation supporter not believed to be politically motivated, Victoria police say

Police also allege Torquay man was attacked with a ‘blunt weapon’ rather than a baseball bat as originally reportedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn alleged attack on a One Nation supporter is not believed to have been polit…

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Australia newsAustralian politicsAustralian trade unionsCoalitionLabor partyVictoriaVictoria state election 2026Victorian politics

Public service union refuses to back Labor at Victorian election, condemning job cuts and $1.2bn consultant spend

Exclusive: Community and Public Sector Union denounces ‘privatisation by stealth’, joining growing number of unions turning on Carroll governmentGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastVictoria’s public servants union says it will no…

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Australia newsAustralian politicsOne NationVictoriaVictoria state election 2026Victorian politics

Political leaders condemn ‘vicious’ alleged baseball bat attack on One Nation volunteer at his Victorian home

Police confirm arrest of 37-year-old and 14-year-old boy over alleged assault in Torquay on Sunday nightGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLeaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the alleged assault of a One Na…

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Australia newsAustralian trade unionsFirefightersVictoriaVictorian politics

‘Someone has been following me’: safety fears after bullet inscribed with ‘RAT’ left on Victorian minister’s car

Paul Edbrooke says he fears for family’s safety amid heightened concerns for MPs after alleged attack on Helen HainesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastVictoria’s emergency services minister believes he is being followed and fea…

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Australia newsAustralian police and policingBen CarrollVictoriaVictorian politics

‘I forgot to pay’: Victoria’s premier Ben Carroll drives off without paying for petrol, sparking police inquiries

After being contacted by officers, politician says, he has paid bill and is ‘grateful for the team at the servo for their understanding’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOn Tuesday night, Ben Carroll received a phone call: poli…

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Australia newsAustralian GreensBen CarrollLabor partyTransportVictoriaVictoria state election 2026Victorian politics

Labor promises $30 weekly cap for Victorian public transport amid push for free travel

Premier Ben Carroll says two-year limited cap will start on 1 January if re-elected, while Greens say there should be no faresGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPublic transport fares in Victoria will be capped at $30 a week if …

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AbortionAustralia newsVictoriaVictoria state election 2026Victorian politicsWomen's health

Victoria to become first state to make abortions free as Coalition matches Labor election promise

Exclusive: Out-of-pocket costs for abortion care to be covered regardless of who wins November election as Jess Wilson says Liberals and Nationals ‘will not allow Labor to play politics on this issue’Follow our Australian politics live blog for latest …

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