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Workers at eight Victorian councils have rejected a pay offer, continuing protected industrial action that has disrupted services. The councils, including Hume and Merri-bek, are in multi-employer bargaining with unions. The rejected offer included wage increases tied to the rate cap and a $1200 transition payment. The Australian Services Union reported a 98 per cent rejection rate among its members, leading to strike action and service disruptions.
Voters in the Melbourne outer-east seat of Pakenham are turning to One Nation ahead of next month's Victorian state election. Frustration over cost of living, crime and infrastructure delays is driving the shift. Labor holds the seat by a margin of 0.39 per cent, and its sitting member will not recontest it. The latest DemosAU poll shows One Nation's primary support dropping two points to 20 per cent. Labor has warned that Victoria risks a minority government including One Nation.
Typical home prices in 18 Melbourne suburbs have moved above the $950,000 cap for the federal first-home buyer scheme, according to new REA Group figures. The cap was lifted by $150,000 last October, but rising prices have pushed these suburbs beyond it again. Templestowe's median unit price now sits $31,500 above the limit. Industry figures say the scheme makes larger mortgages easier to access but does not necessarily make housing more affordable, while one builder reports packages starting at about $450,000.
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Get the appChef Amandeep Rolay has returned to hospitality with Rolay’z Kitchen, a takeaway business operating from a council-approved home kitchen in North Wonthaggi. The business drew about 150 people to a curry feast at Dalyston Hall on October 17. Rolay closed his Indian restaurant in Rhyll during the COVID pandemic. The takeaway serves dishes including butter chicken and rogan josh, prepared to order. Rolay plans to hold another feast about every three months.
A $120,000 upgrade will add two new meeting rooms, study pods and a revamped service desk to the Traralgon library. The state government is providing $80,000 and Latrobe City Council $40,000. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said libraries are about more than quiet reading, offering places to work, learn and study. Works on a $30 million Warragul library and learning centre have started, with the facility due to open by early 2028. Upgrade works at Traralgon are expected to begin toward the end of the year.
Labor MP Tim Watts has reflected on how politicians move freely among the public, following an attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Haines was allegedly struck twice by a four-wheel drive outside her electorate office in Wangaratta on 19 October and has suffered catastrophic injuries. A 43-year-old man has been charged, and police have not established a motive. Watts says threats against MPs have risen fourfold since 2020. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor have both condemned the attack.
Independent MP Helen Haines has been recovering in hospital after she was allegedly deliberately rammed by a 4WD outside her electorate office in Wangaratta. Haines, 65, had both legs amputated during emergency surgery, and her condition is now serious but stable. Colleague Allegra Spender told parliament that Haines's first words on waking showed concern for her staff, community, bystanders and medical personnel. Spender used the tribute to urge MPs to lower the temperature of political debate, saying abuse aimed at politicians can turn into violence.
Nearly two thirds of Melbourne home sellers who went to auction last week sold, despite having to reveal their reserve prices early. Greater Melbourne recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 60.1% from 539 auctions, according to realestate.com.au. A three-bedroom townhouse in Reservoir sold for $831,000 after attracting five registered bidders, with a young couple buying their first home. The agent lowered the reserve after buyer feedback and then agreed to $795,000 with the owners. Nationally, the preliminary clearance rate was 41.5% from 1,593 homes scheduled for auction.
Ten-year-old Brandon Winkworth raised $500 for Bread Hub Victoria after his school charity choice was not selected. The charity matched the amount, doubling it to $1000. The money will fund vouchers for disadvantaged people in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham to use swimming and gym facilities at Laverton Community Hub and Bayfit. Laverton Community Integrated Services chief executive Michael Pernar praised the boy's efforts. Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said the youngster's hard work was an inspiration. Brandon said he is proud of what he achieved.
Jockey Craig Williams will ride James J Braddock in this year's Melbourne Cup, despite not having ridden the four-year-old yet. The horse is trained by Joseph O'Brien, who is seeking further Cup success after previous wins with Rekindling and Twilight Payment. Williams won the 2019 Cup with Vow And Declare. He said co-owner Ozzie Kheir pressed him to commit to the ride last month. Co-owner Kevin Blake said the horse has been bouncing since arriving at Werribee from Ireland last week.