Olivia Sanders

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Madeleine Stuchbery |Angus Verley |Olivia Sanders

Victoria's 79 councils have banded together to formally oppose Premier Jacinta Allan's new emergency services tax. The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has pushed back against the controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) in the face of ongoing protes105315898ts. It has passed a number of resolutions designed to return the responsibility of collecting the levy to the state government.

3 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Jean Bell |Olivia Sanders

Eleven people have died on Victorian roads in the past five days, bringing the state's road toll to 114 so far this year. A CFA captain says knowing those involved when attending a crash scene is every first responder's "worst fear". The head of a road trauma counselling service has urged Victorians to drive with extra care, as though all road users are family members. After a string of fatal crashes, Victorians are being urged to drive as if every car on the road contains a loved one.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Olivia Sanders |Jean Bell

Dan Tehan has clung onto the seat of Wannon, following a strong campaign from independent challenger Alex Dyson. The shadow minister for immigration and citizenship is now being touted as a potential opposition leader, following Peter Dutton's defeat. Political analysts say the Liberal party needs a new leader, but Mr Tehan might not be the pick for the job.

Feb 1, 2025 | abc.net.au | Daniel Miles |Olivia Sanders |Ashlee Aldridge

The rugged mountain ranges of the Grampians/Gariwerd National Park loom large over Shane Wells's western Victorian property. From the foot of his dam, Mr Wells can normally watch the sunrise just beyond the mountain ranges. But checking the pumps on his farm dam in the early morning light this weekend, Mr Wells noticed a change. "Usually you can see all the mountains with the sun coming up," Mr Wells said.

Jan 16, 2025 | abc.net.au | Olivia Sanders |Daniel Miles

Businesses in bushfire-prone Halls Gap say it is almost impossible to get insurance. Experts say the issue will only get worse as climate change leads to more severe and frequent extreme weather. Business owners are calling on the government to step in to ensure those living and working in disaster-prone areas can get insurance. When Asip Memishi bought the Halls Gap Hotel in late 2023, he never imagined it would be declared impossible to insure against fire.