Victorian Labor

The problem isn’t the leader, it’s the Liberals.

First David Southwick lied about being a professor. Now he's updated his Wikipedia page to lie about being the new Deputy Liberal Leader? No one tell @ChrisCrewther!

No photo can fully capture what fire has taken from Natimuk - or what it has put people through. Loss like this sits heavy. And it changes everything. But one thing stayed with me. These words: We’re a tough people. We’ll rebuild. We’ll stand together as a community. From someone who has lost their home. Who has lost everything – except hope. That strength is real. And it’s what recovery will be built on – step by step, together.

John volunteers with the Werribee Fire Brigade. When fire tore through Harcourt, he was there - protecting lives, homes and community.

This is near Natimuk today. From above, the scale of devastation is clear. Right now, there is one priority: supporting this community through the recovery ahead.

Returning home and seeing the devastation fires have had on communities so close to ours is truly heartbreaking. My thoughts are with all those who’ve lost their homes and businesses in Harcourt and across other parts of Victoria.

Australians across the country are facing extreme and dangerous weather conditions. We will continue working closely with states and territories to respond, recover, and help communities through what comes next. To the many emergency responders and volunteers already on the ground working around the clock, thank you.

I’ve just received another briefing by the Emergency Management Commissioner at the State Control Centre. So many communities across Victoria are being told to leave tonight, including mine. I’m thinking about my neighbours. Friends. And all families across the state facing the same decision - leaving homes they love to protect the people they love most. I cannot be any clearer. If you are told to leave - do not wait. Follow the advice. Leave now.

These fires are widespread, fast-moving and devastating. Tonight, I have declared a State of Disaster in 18 fire-affected local government areas and one alpine resort - allowing authorities to order evacuations, control movement through dangerous areas, and act as decisively as possible.

Tonight, I declared a State of Disaster, which gives our authorities additional powers to confront an emergency of extraordinary scale and danger. It's all about one thing: protecting Victorian lives. And it sends one clear message: if you have been told to leave - go. This applies to: - Alpine Shire - Ararat Rural City - Colac Otway Shire - Corangamite Shire - East Gippsland Shire - Golden Plains Shire - Greater Bendigo City - Horsham Rural City - Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (Unincorporated) - Mansfield Shire - Mildura Rural City - Mitchell Shire - Moira Shire - Mount Alexander Shire - Murrindindi Shire - Pyrenees Shire - Strathbogie Shire - Towong Shire - Wellington Shire

Today, every part of Victoria is under a total fire ban again. Every district is forecast High Fire Danger. That means fires can start quickly - and become dangerous just as fast. No fires to be lit under any circumstances.

Our heart goes out to everyone across New South Wales at this devastating moment.

Victorian Labor grieves with the Jewish community across Australia. On the first night of Hanukkah, this act of cowardice and terrorism calls us and all Australians to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and first responders.

Statement from the Premier.

Jess Wilson and the Liberals are divided on everything except cutting the services Victorians rely on.

They're a shambles.

The countdown is on! Metro Tunnel and its five new stations will open on Sunday 30 November.

All aboard Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel. In two weeks the new Metro Tunnel will open to passengers, getting you to work, home and around the city faster. It’s a city building project that will transform Melbourne. And with our commitment to building the Suburban Railway Loop, we’re delivering the infrastructure that Victorians deserve.

Victoria has a true partner in the Albanese Labor Government - a partner that is committed to building the infrastructure our state needs. This morning Anthony Albanese and I took a trip through the Metro Tunnel. A project that will transform our city when it opens later this month. And with the strong backing of the Prime Minister and his Government, we’re getting on with delivering more city-shaping projects like the Suburban Rail Loop and Airport Rail.