New analysis has revealed the remarkable extent to which secretive Treasurer's Advances are being misused by the Allan Labor Government.
Documents provided to the Victorian Parliament's Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) has confirmed Treasurer Tim Pallas approved 161 programs to receive a collective $9.56 billion of funding via secretive Treasurer's Advances across 2023-24, including:
- $1.45 billion in additional funding for our hospitals.
- $84.3 million in additional operating funding for the Department of Education.
- $110 million for the Tutor Learning Initiative.
- $152.75 million for phase one of the Melbourne Arts Precinct transformation.
- $57.4 million for the Power Saving Bonus.
- $5 million for the Victorian contribution towards the Geelong City Deal.
- $14.98 million for operation and wages funding for the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
- $2.2 million for operating and wages funding for the Department of Treasury and Finance.
- $2.7 million for operating and wages funding for the Department of Government Services.
Treasurer's Advances are intended to be a mechanism to provide additional funding for emergency or unforeseen expenses, such as natural disasters, but have become increasingly used to finance core government functions and operating costs under the Allan Labor Government.
ALiberals and Nationals Government will implement a Plan for Financial Integrity, which will include a cap on Treasurer's Advances as part of a legislated Charter of Budget Honesty.
Leader of the Opposition, John Pesutto, said: "The Allan Labor Government's increasing reliance on emergency payments to fund core government business reflects just how dire Victoria's finances have become.
"Labor's misuse of Treasurer's Advances undermines transparency, accountability and proper financial management – it must not be allowed to become the new norm.
"Only a Liberals and Nationals Government I lead will restore integrity to Victoria's finances, and we have a clear plan to achieve this."
Shadow Treasurer, Brad Rowswell, said: "Labor is using these secretive payments for one simple reason – to keep taxpayers in the dark as to the true state of Victoria's finances.
"There is nothing unforeseen about funding our hospitals, schools or paying public servants and Labor stop using Treasurer's Advances for basic government functions.
"Labor cannot manage money and Victorians are paying the price."
