Fresh snag in Andrews-era Victorian corruption probe theaustralian.com.au/nation/politic…

An 84-year-old Jewish great-grandmother says she despairs for the Australia her family has called home for six generations, after she was pushed around and called a ­‘Zionist pig’ by pro-Palestine protesters. theaustralian.com.au/nation/greatgr…

Hundreds of police were forced to spend Sunday arvo keeping the peace outside Vic Parli, after a group of violent pro-Palestine protesters, yelling “intifada” and “from the river to the sea” ­rallied in opposition to a demonstration against anti-Semitism. theaustralian.com.au/nation/police-…

Riot police are concentrated on preventing Pro-Palestine protesters, some of whom have covered all but their eyes with keffiyehs, from leaving their designated protest area.

Several hundred protesters have gathered outside state parliament ahead of the “Never again is now” protest against anti-Semitism. 200m down the street a large police presence is keeping pro-Palestine protesters yelling “intifada, intifada” at bay.

Police in Melb are bracing for the potential of violent clashes, after pro-Palestine protesters circulated a poster on social media featuring a jackboot crushing a Star of David to promote their counter-rally ahead of a rally against anti-Semitism. theaustralian.com.au/nation/police-…

Vic OL John Pesutto previously said Kellie-Jay Keen Kellie-Jay Keen “absolutely” had “associations with Nazis”. Now he’s apologised and described her and Angela Jones as a “passionate women’s rights activists”. Moira Deeming MP's case against him continues. theaustralian.com.au/nation/politic…

Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto has reached out-of-court settlements with British activist Kellie-Jay Keen Kellie-Jay Keen and Melbourne gender critical feminist Angela Jones. Moira Deeming MP’s case is still headed to court in September. theaustralian.com.au/nation/politic… #springst

IBAC secret inquiry: Critical stage in fire brigade email probe theaustralian.com.au/nation/politic…

ALP motions slam Israel but not Hamas theaustralian.com.au/nation/labor-m…

The annual PAEC is broken tweet. Ban dixers from Gov MPs, make it more like Senate Estimates. Also get rid of the grandstanding and ask forensic questions. #springst

The Vic gov is being urged to overhaul its energy upgrades scheme – which experts warn is costing the poorest Victorians the most – after the spot price for carbon offset certificates surged by more than 57% in the past year. theaustralian.com.au/nation/politic… #springst

Age and disability pensioners, carers, single parents & JobSeeker and Youth Allowance recipients who depend on rent assistance to keep a roof over their heads will receive a 10% boost in the payment, in addition to a 15% increase last year. theaustralian.com.au/nation/14-mill…

Mental health-related presentations to Vic emergency ­depts have surged to a five-year high, as has the state’s suicide rate, amid warnings that last wk’s state budget shows the govt’s commitment to implementing the recs of its royal commiss is faltering. theaustralian.com.au/nation/politic…

The story of PJQ: Tragic girl’s life of drugs and exploitation theaustralian.com.au/nation/tragic-…

Victorians will face an interest bill of $26m/day by 2028, despite spending cuts and delays to major projects announced in Tuesday’s state budget. theaustralian.com.au/nation/politic… #springst

If I see one more reference to 'reigning in spending' ahead of the state budget ... It's definitely arguable that spending has reigned - but that's why it needs to be reined in! #springst

If the govt actually wanted to address financial obstacles to attending uni, they'd increase Youth Allowance, which for a student living in a sharehouse is currently $319.50/wk, plus max $62.74 rent assist. Those working to supplement YA are penalised 50c/$1 earnt over $75/wk.

Worth remembering HECS is a progressive tax (almost exclusively paid by the top half of the income distribution). Lowering HECS requires more taxes or less Govt spending elsewhere. Also there is almost no link between HECS and uni participation.

Victoria has vowed to hold its first offshore wind auction next year, a pledge that cements a timetable that industry sources say is likely to spur little action - via Col Packham theaustralian.com.au/business/renew… #springst