The Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, has questioned Treasurer Jaclyn Symes during the Parliamentary Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) Budget Hearings over Victoria’s rising debt and infrastructure borrowing, and whether there is any credible plan to return the state to a cash surplus.
Ms Benham raised concerns that under current budget settings net debt will continue to rise without a clear plan to reduce it.
During questioning of Department of Treasury and Finance Secretary Chris Barrett, Ms Benham also sought clarity on the government’s reliance on borrowing to fund infrastructure. Department staff confirmed that while infrastructure can theoretically be funded without debt, borrowing continues to underpin major project delivery.
The Treasurer did not directly answer key questions about whether there is a plan to return to a cash surplus or how rising debt will be brought under control, instead relying on broader references to existing budget settings and forecasts.
“Victorians are being told debt will keep climbing, yet there is no clear plan to bring it under control,” Ms Benham said.
“There is no transparency on whether returning to a cash surplus remains a government objective.”
Ms Benham also raised concerns about the Allan Labor Government’s $1.14 billion Lottery Corporation licence extension, including its budget treatment and whether taxpayers could have secured a better outcome through a competitive process.
“This deal does not pass the pub test.”
Ms Benham said the government’s handling of major financial decisions raised broader concerns about transparency and accountability.
“These are significant financial decisions with long-term consequences, and Victorians deserve a government that is fully accountable for them.
“Only The Nationals and Liberals have a plan to secure your future.”
Video of Ms Benham’s questioning of the Minister and Department can be viewed at Treasurer – 15th May 2026.
