The Allan Labor Government’s secret credit card continues to be used in over-drive, with public libraries the latest recipient.
Libraries relied on a $5.5 million Treasurer’s Advance to top-up funds as a result of another budget cut.
Originally designed for emergencies, Treasurer’s Advances have become Labor’s routine tool to prop up government operations, undermining transparency and bypassing proper budget processes.
The advances, akin to using credit card without any transparency or accountability, are an instrument that should be used by governments for urgent and unforeseen financial events.
There is nothing unforeseen or unpredictable about running Victorian public libraries.
The Allan Labor Government is mismanaging money and keeping its financial patch-up jobs secret.
This troubling trend extends beyond libraries, with nearly $10 billion allocated through Treasurer’s Advances in 2023-2024 alone.
Such reliance exposes deeper financial issues, with Victoria’s net debt projected to soar to $187.8 billion by 2028.
During a Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearing, the Department of Government Services confirmed libraries were inadequately funded in the state budget, requiring extra funds just to keep these essential services running.
Shadow Minister for Local Government, Peter Walsh, has slammed the government for its failure to plan effectively, labelling the increasing reliance on Treasurer’s Advances as a clear sign of Labor’s financial incompetence.
“The Allan Labor Government’s growing dependence on Treasurer’s Advances highlights its inability to provide consistent and transparent funding for critical services like public libraries,” Mr Walsh said.
“Libraries should be funded in a simple and straightforward way – not left to beg for handouts from Premier Allan and Treasurer Pallas.
“The government’s reliance on quick fixes, shonky financial reporting and shifting goalposts whilst using taxpayers’ secret credit card shows its failure to effectively manage Victoria’s finances.
“Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.”
