Victoria needs a fresh start

Over the past decade, Victorians have watched our state drift further away from the opportunities and prosperity that once made it the envy of the nation.

Families are facing higher costs, businesses are struggling under growing tax burdens, crime is at record levels and government debt continues to spiral out of control.

Wherever I go across Melbourne’s northern suburbs, people tell me the same thing: Victoria is not working the way it should.

That is why the Liberals and Nationals are taking our positive plan for Victoria’s future directly to the people through Jess Wilson’s Fresh Start Tour. Over the coming weeks, Jess and our team will visit every one of Victoria’s 88 Legislative Assembly districts to listen to communities, hear their concerns and outline our vision for getting Victoria back on track.

Too often under Labor, decisions are made from Spring St without understanding the realities facing local communities. Victorians deserve a government that listens, engages and responds to their needs. Whether you live in the suburbs, regional Victoria or the heart of Melbourne, your voice matters.

The Fresh Start Tour is about reconnecting government with the people it serves and demonstrating that there is a credible alternative to the failures of the Allan Labor Government.

Our team has developed a comprehensive plan to address the challenges facing our state. We have a 10-Year Economic Plan that will reduce taxes, support businesses, restore budget discipline and begin the task of reducing Victoria’s massive debt burden. We know that economic growth is not created by government spending alone; it comes from backing businesses, workers and entrepreneurs to succeed.

We also have a clear plan to make our communities safer. That means recruiting more police, reopening closed police stations, restoring Protective Services Officers to train stations, and ensuring serious offenders face serious consequences.

Housing affordability remains a major challenge, particularly for young families and first-home buyers. Our plan will fast-track housing approvals, support greater housing choice and help more Victorians achieve the dream of home ownership.

Importantly, we are committed to cleaning up corruption and restoring integrity to government through stronger oversight and accountability measures.

Victoria has enormous potential. We have world-class industries, vibrant communities and hardworking people. But after years of Labor mismanagement, we need a fresh start.

The Liberals and Nationals have a positive plan to reduce crime, lower costs and restore hope and prosperity to our state. And in the coming weeks and months, we are taking that message directly to the people of Victoria. •