Media Statements

Statement - Labor’s Friday cover-up: State Budget delayed to hide financial mess

Statement from the Shadow Treasurer

James Newbury, Shadow Treasurer

In a last-minute, late-Friday announcement, the Allan Labor Government has underhandedly delayed the release of the Victorian State Budget by two weeks, raising serious concerns about what they are trying to hide.

With Victoria already drowning in debt and taxes at record highs, Labor’s decision to push back the Budget release at the eleventh hour is nothing short of a desperate attempt to cover up the true state of the books.

The Coalition has repeatedly called on the Allan Labor Government to come clean on the state of Victoria’s finances, but this delay only reinforces fears that Labor is hiding financial irregularities.

Shadow Treasurer, James Newbury, said Victorians should be deeply concerned about what’s coming:

“The state’s finances must be in complete disarray if Jacinta Allan needs an extra two weeks just to work out how to spin and lie about another disastrous Budget.”

“This is a government that has spent ten years sneaking out bad news late on a Friday, hoping Victorians won’t notice. But the numbers don’t lie – Victoria is broke under Labor.”

“Make no mistake – this Budget will be another high-taxing catastrophe that will slug families, businesses, and homeowners to pay for Labor’s economic mismanagement.”

“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage the books and Victorians are paying the price.”

Victorians are struggling with skyrocketing debt, cost-of-living pressures, and crumbling essential services – they deserve honesty and accountability – not secrecy and spin.

The Liberals and Nationals that will fix the economic mess left by Labor and delivers Government that is transparent, responsible, and respectful of taxpayers’ money.

James Newbury, Shadow Treasurer