Friday, 28 August 2026

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Finance, Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Government Services) (12:37): The Carroll Labor government respects every single taxpayer dollar. That means running a prudent government behind the scenes so we can deliver first-rate frontline services that everyday Victorians rely on. We have delivered this whilst running the only operating surplus on the eastern seaboard.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister to continue.

Enver ERDOGAN: We have delivered an operating surplus – the only state on the eastern seaboard to do so. But good government never stops looking for better value, and that is why we are taking three further steps that were announced today by the Premier. First, we are targeting a $70 million reduction in spending on consultants and external advisers, because we are backing our public service; we know how capable and hardworking they are. Where expertise already exists within government, taxpayers should not have to pay twice. Consultants will still of course have a role, especially where their specialist expertise is needed or there is a surge capacity that is required – of course they will. Secondly, the Premier has directed ministers to stop new discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as branded merchandise for internal staff, artwork and bronze plaques. Third, we will implement two further recommendations of the Silver review by winding up the standalone Infrastructure Victoria and Economic Growth Victoria. Our work in infrastructure and economic growth will continue; the duplication will end. Together with bringing the Suburban Rail Loop Authority into the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority, these reforms will reduce the number of public entities and boards by 29. These decisions protect frontline services, reduce unnecessary spending and support our fiscal strategy to stabilise and reduce debt as a share of the economy. That is what it means when we say respecting the taxpayer dollar, trusting our public servants, stripping out duplication –

Sonja Terpstra: On a point of order, President, I know those opposite cannot actually see that we have a gallery full of children here watching this behaviour right now, but what I want to say –

Members interjecting.

Sonja Terpstra: You are showing your best behaviour. What I was going to say is I am sitting behind the minister and I actually cannot hear a word that the minister is saying. The constant interjections coming from those opposite are unruly, and you should call the house to order.

The PRESIDENT: I call the house to order.

Enver ERDOGAN: This is what it means to respect the taxpayer dollar, trust our public servants, strip out the duplication and focus spending where it matters most. This is a new direction under Premier Carroll.