State’s financial watchdog slams ‘reactive’ budget with no long-term plan

State’s financial watchdog slams ‘reactive’ budget with no long-term plan

The auditor-general has warned that prolonged operating losses and cash deficits are not financially sustainable following a review of the state’s reports for the past financial year.

  • byKieran Rooney andAnnika Smethurst

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‘Flipping mad’:Charges laid over Kew Recreation Centre roof collapse

‘Flipping mad’:Charges laid over Kew Recreation Centre roof collapse

WorkSafe Victoria is pursuing two construction companies in court following a lengthy investigation into the collapse,as locals demand answers from council on project delays.

  • byBrittany Busch
Almost $450,000 of fines handed out for dodgy rentals since March
Updated
Renting

Almost $450,000 of fines handed out for dodgy rentals since March

The Victorian government has revealed the details of rental reform promised last September,including a dispute resolution service.

  • byRachel Eddie
Scam nation:What’s going on with our most trusted companies?
Opinion
Opinion

Scam nation:What’s going on with our most trusted companies?

The disturbingly regular notifications from regulators that businesses and brands Australians trust have allegedly misled them is more sinister than the digital scammers we face every day.

  • byElizabeth Knight
Magistrate who mimicked interpreter’s accent to have sensitivity counselling
Exclusive
Courts

Magistrate who mimicked interpreter’s accent to have sensitivity counselling

A watchdog has ruled a Victorian magistrate portrayed a culturally insensitive stereotype and his conduct lacked professionalism and respect.

  • byMelissa Cunningham
WA childcare service accused of taking tens of thousands from parents
Exclusive
Childcare

WA childcare service accused of taking tens of thousands from parents

Consumer Protection is warning WA families to steer clear after at least 37 disgruntled customers claim to have lost more than $37,000 between them.

  • byMichael Genovese
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Real estate agency charged after auction sale smashes price guide

Real estate agency charged after auction sale smashes price guide

The townhouse in Melbourne’s north-east was initially listed for $900,000 to $950,000,then raised to $1 to $1.1million. It sold for more than $1.5 million.

  • byAlex Crowe
Calls to make ‘no refund’ claims illegal as retailers snub consumer law

Calls to make ‘no refund’ claims illegal as retailers snub consumer law

Consumer advocates say some businesses will continue to evade their responsibilities to repair,replace or refund faulty goods without reform of consumer law.

  • byJohn Collett
New federal corruption watchdog focuses on complaints to chase in 2024

New federal corruption watchdog focuses on complaints to chase in 2024

Almost 90 per cent of reports to the National Anti-Corruption Commission are dismissed as irrelevant – but have recent whistleblower prosecutions deterred those who know about serious wrongdoing?

  • byOlivia Ireland
Bitcoin to bust:World’s biggest Ponzi scheme could cause more heartache for Australians

Bitcoin to bust:World’s biggest Ponzi scheme could cause more heartache for Australians

Thousands of Australians will be under scrutiny as liquidators look to claw back money “won” in the Ponzi scheme that burned more than $2 billion in investment.

  • bySarah Danckert
Ministerial diaries to be made public in integrity overhaul

Ministerial diaries to be made public in integrity overhaul

Following calls from the corruption watchdog,Victorian ministers and parliamentary secretaries must now declare conflicts and disclose gifts and benefits.

  • byRachel Eddie