MELBOURNE—The Victoria government has announced a "no vision" budget that delivers maximum taxes and minimum services, state Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said.
Today's state budget includes $1.43 billion in tax cuts over four years.
But the government is still expected to reap a record $13.3 billion in tax in 2008-09, up three per cent on the previous year.
"In this budget alone, the government's tax take is increasing by more than one-and-a-half billion dollars, yet he's giving back barely $300 million - that's typical John Brumby," Mr Baillieu told reporters.
"This is a substantial increase in taxation in this state and our babies will be paying the bills long into the future."
Mr Baillieu said the government had made no substantial commitment to infrastructure projects and Victorians would continue to face overcrowded trains, long hospital waiting lists and want for other fundamental services.
"Nothing's changed in that respect, maximum taxation, minimum delivery of services," he said.
"We have a budget now which has expanded by 10 per cent in total revenues on last year's budget, expenses up nearly 10 per cent in the same period and debt increasing.
"The bottom line is our babies will be paying the bills for the mismanagement of this government, it's a substantial increase in revenues and expenditure and the irony of that is at the very time the federal government is preaching restraint the state government is actually expanding its budget and not delivering on fundamental services."
The winners and losers in today's $37.8 billion Victorian state budget:
WINNERS: * First home buyers - get a 17 per cent cut in stamp duty and an extra $3,000 for regional first home buyers.
* Low income earners - receive concessions for essential services.
* New mums - $180 million boost to maternity and child health services.
* Companies and investors - cuts to payroll and land taxes.
* Refugees - better access to health, justice, education and interpreting services.
* Aboriginal students - $40.7 million package to close the education gap for indigenous Australians.
* Students - commitment to rebuild, renovate or extend 128 schools.
LOSERS
* Health issues surrounding life expectancy of indigenous Australians not met, according to Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
* Victorian Council for Social Service says stamp duty cuts won't help low income earners or the disadvantaged into their own homes.
* Public transport users say there is no progress in easing overcrowded trains despite the record $1.8 billion to upgrade services, roads and freight networks.
* Australian Medical Association Victoria says the government has missed a golden opportunity to increase the number of beds in hospitals.
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