Victoria Labor party pledges $400 million for bus services

The Victorian Labor government has announced a $400 million commitment to improve public bus services, specifically targeting Melbourne's outer western suburbs. Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams stated the investment aims to provide high-frequency, “turn-up-and-go” services, with buses running every 10 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week on key routes.

In response to the announcement, the advocacy group Fix Dandy Buses is calling for similar improvements in Melbourne's south-east. Convenor Peter Parker noted that while the western suburbs receive significant attention, Greater Dandenong and surrounding areas still face weekend service gaps of up to 60 minutes despite high demand. The group suggested that increasing frequency on routes such as the 828 between Berwick and Hampton would benefit multiple electorates.

Separately, Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has proposed a crackdown on illicit tobacco sales to combat organized crime. Her plan includes increasing medium-term closure orders for retailers caught selling illegal tobacco from 90 to 150 days and banning ATMs in tobacco stores.