Annika Smethurst
State Political Editor
Annika Smethurst is state political editor for The Age.
Pokies will close six hours a day, but gambling losses are expected to increase
Victoria’s pokies are due to close six hours a day starting later this year, but the state budget still tips annual gambling losses – and tax revenue – will rise.
- by Rachel Eddie and Annika Smethurst
Opinion
Victorian budget
Pallas says Labor’s promises have been delayed. Many would say they’ve been broken
Parents whose children will never attend promised childcare or see promised school upgrades are unlikely to be satisfied by the treasurer’s postponement of election pledges.
- by Annika Smethurst
Exclusive
Victorian budget
Sweeping hospital mergers on table after Victoria’s bad-news budget
Victoria’s 76 health services could be slashed to 12 in an efficiency-driven overhaul revealed as the government dropped a budget notable for soaring debt, higher taxes, stalled projects and abandoned promises.
- by Aisha Dow, Annika Smethurst and Kieran Rooney
Cuts, delays and taxes in bad-news budget that fails to rein in debt
Treasurer Tim Pallas’ 10th budget includes payments of $400 per child for the families of children in Victorian public schools. But it’s the only bit of good news in a budget that leaves Victoria with a $25 million-a-day interest bill.
- by Annika Smethurst and Kieran Rooney
Analysis
Victorian budget
The boastful Daniel Andrews tweet that is no longer fit for purpose
Soft tacos or crunchy tacos? We have to choose because Victoria can’t have both - despite promises from now-departed premier Daniel Andrews.
- by Annika Smethurst
Relief for struggling families but Victoria’s crushing debt burden to rise
Support for parents of school children and housing affordability will be priorities in a state budget that will show Victoria’s net debt hitting a new peak.
- by Annika Smethurst, Kieran Rooney and Rachel Eddie
Opinion
Domestic violence
Jacinta Allan needs to do more than walk the protest walk on violence against women
The image of Allan and other Labor MPs leading a march of incensed protesters fed up with inaction and holding signs saying “The system has failed us” felt a bit off.
- by Annika Smethurst
Exclusive
Greens
Greens councillors tear up membership, slam leadership over ‘surveillance, disinformation, fear’
Two more councillors have quit the Victorian Greens – and up to five more are tipped to soon follow suit – as a broader internal dispute threatens to split the party.
- by Annika Smethurst
Opinion
Victorian budget
Beware of budget spin: Pallas set to pitch poor economy as a win for Victorians
It is difficult to decide which is more worrying – Victoria’s precarious economic position or the government desperately trying to spin a tale of success.
- by Annika Smethurst
Ellen Sandell the stability choice for ambitious Victorian Greens MPs
Melbourne MP Ellen Sandell is the new leader of the state Greens after Samantha Ratnam stepped down to contest the federal seat of Wills.
- by Broede Carmody and Annika Smethurst