smh.com.au
Victorian Water Corporations Pay Millions to State Government
Victorian water corporations paid substantial sums to the state government as part of a COVID debt repayment plan, sparking concerns about potential impacts on water prices and essential services.
English
Australia
EconomyHealthGovernmentFinanceDebtWater
Melbourne WaterGreater Western WaterEssential Services CommissionTreasury Corporation Of VictoriaPorts Victoria
Tim PallasHarriet ShingErin O’donnellJess WilsonLachlan Bakewell
- How does the government justify its actions?
- The government defends the practice, stating that the money is reinvested in infrastructure projects like schools and hospitals and that water bills in Melbourne are among the lowest in Australia.
- What is the opposition's stance on this issue?
- The opposition criticizes the government's actions, calling it "debt-shifting" and accusing the government of taking money from public agencies to balance its own budget.
- Do these payments affect water customers' bills?
- While water corporations and the government claim the payments don't affect customer bills, concerns remain that essential services may be compromised to meet these financial obligations.
- How much money did Victorian water corporations pay to the state government?
- Victorian water corporations paid hundreds of millions of dollars to the state government in dividends and "efficiency dividends", part of a COVID debt repayment plan.
- What are the main concerns regarding the government's collection of these funds?
- Critics argue that these payments put upward pressure on water prices, impacting consumers during a cost-of-living crisis, and potentially leading to cuts in essential maintenance.