Tim Pallas

TIM PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (14:29): I recently had the great privilege and honour of attending the official opening of Metcash’s new distribution centre in Truganina, with the member for Kororoit – a $90 million facility that will service independent grocers and retailers, liquor retailing as well, right across Victoria. It will see something like 800 new jobs created in this community. Not too much earlier, about a month earlier, I also attended the opening of a Coles centre that is going to employ 1000 people at full production. So there we have, in the freight and logistics capital of this nation, a new capital of the freight and logistics capital of the nation: it is Truganina. But that is really only the start of the story.   Our startup community is thriving. We have got over 3500 startups, scale-ups and unicorns calling Victoria home, with the Victorian startup community employing 64,000 people globally and about half of those people here in Victoria. These startups have an estimated value of $129.3 billion, and to put that into some context, it has grown effectively 20-fold since 2016. Our startup ecosystem has grown by 600 per cent just in terms of raw numbers of startups since 2017. Of course interstate folk may well look at Victoria and see the best coffee, the best events, the best live art, the best music scene and the best Premier, and they would be right. But we do have hidden gems as well. Our startups, our higher education, our business investment and our advanced manufacturing are setting the pace. Why is it that this state is seen as the investment location of the nation? It is because of jobs.

TIM PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (13:31): I rise to update the house on a very exciting development at the Ison Road rail overpass bridge in the great community of Werribee. Recently the large beams for the overpass bridge were installed, providing another connection between Wyndham’s north and south over the national rail line. It caused quite a stir in the community. In fact local residents came out of their houses or pulled over onto the roadside to witness these beams being transported along Cottrell Street in the early hours of the morning. It was an impressive sight, with the beams securely loaded on massive transport trucks carefully navigating the turn through on Bulban Road. The beams are now safely lifted and secured in place to form part of the vital link connecting residents of Wyndham’s booming western area directly to the Princes Freeway. Major Road Projects Victoria are now getting ready to start work on the next section of the Wyndham West link supported by a $60 million contribution from the state government to Wyndham council for a 1.3-kilometre extension of Ison Road. This project is a huge step towards easing the transportation needs of the area’s booming population and will remove much of the traffic congestion through Werribee’s CBD. As I have mentioned before, when launching Victoria’s Building Equitable Futures Strategy, this project has over 30 per cent women working on it. It is so good that this government is building such support.

The Allan Labor Government is enhancing Victoria’s local waterways with projects that protect the environment and create more green open spaces for the community to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Minister for Water Harriet Shing recently opened the second round of the Green Links Grant Program, with $2 million to be invested across projects that help to restore and improve local waterways all over Victoria. Under round two, eligibility has been extended to also include projects delivered by schools – giving young people more opportunities to get involved in restoring and safeguarding the state’s precious rivers and creeks. Community groups, water and land managers, Traditional Owners, local councils and now schools are encouraged to apply for project funding between $20,000 and $350,000. Victoria’s waterways are home to more than 1,800 species of native plants and 600 species of native animals and revegetation projects are essential for the health of our waterways and their parkland corridors. Projects funded through the Green Links Grants are creating more environmental corridors and helping native plants flourish. Funding will help target urban areas that have experienced a loss of green spaces. The first round of the Green Links Grant Program saw 23 projects share more than $6 million, supporting the revegetation of almost 200 hectares of land across the Yarra, Maribyrnong, Werribee, and Barwon Rivers and their connecting tributaries and waterways. Successful projects include $464,000 to improve habitat conditions and connectivity along a 4 kilometre stretch of the much-loved Merri Creek in Melbourne’s inner north, more than $700,000 for 13 revegetation sites along the Yarrowee River and tributaries around Ballarat, and much more. The $10 million Green Links Grant Program builds on the Labor Government’s $262 million investment in maintaining the health and resilience of waterways and catchments across regional Victoria and Melbourne. For more information on the Green Links Grants Program and future funding opportunities, visit water.vic.gov.au/grants/green-links-grants. Quote attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing “As our communities grow, it’s so important to respect and protect our precious waterways and the environments that we know and love - the Green Links Grants are helping more people to get involved, and to make a positive and lasting difference.” Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “Projects funded through the Green Links Grants are creating more environmental corridors and helping native plants flourish – supporting the long-term health of our creeks and rivers now and into the future.”

The Allan Labor Government is investing millions across the state to upgrade and build new local sports facilities. Member for Werribee Tim Pallas MP announced that applications are now open for the 2024/25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund. Through the 2024/25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, metropolitan councils can apply for funds towards a range of community sports infrastructure and active recreation projects including sports courts, lights, change rooms, playgrounds, skate parks, to benefit local clubs and communities. The fund has three funding streams including community facilities, community sports lighting, and planning. Previous projects in Werribee to receive grants from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund include $1 million towards the redevelopment of the Galvin Park Football Netball Cricket Pavilion, which is also supported by the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund $2 million contribution. Since 2014 the Labor Government has invested more than $2.3 billion to deliver world class community sport infrastructure that boosts participation and improves accessibility for more Victorians. Applications are open until 17 February 2025. For more information or to apply online visit sport.vic.gov.au/funding/local-sports-infrastructure-fund Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas MP “Sport is the heart and soul of Wyndham, we are getting on with upgrading infrastructure so clubs can keep up with soaring demand, while also making them accessible and more inclusive.” “I urge eligible councils and sporting organisations to partner and apply for projects that will make a real difference to our community.

Volunteer emergency services organisations in Little River have received a funding boost to support their ongoing service to the local community as part of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) grants. Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes has announced the 2024-25 VESEP grant recipients that will share in more than $15 million to purchase new equipment, improve emergency response capability and support community safety. Little River Fire Brigade has received $24000 funding towards a new Engine Bay Door which will allow volunteers to better assist the community during an emergency. VESEP is an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and undertake minor facility improvements. Since 2015, the Allan Labor Government has provided $138 million in VESEP grants, ensuring volunteer groups throughout the state have the resources, equipment and facilities they need to continue their vital work supporting local communities. Through this round of grants, Country Fire Authority brigades have received more than $11 million, Victoria State Emergency Service units received more than $2.5 million, Life Saving Victoria’s surf lifesaving clubs received more than $879,000 and Marine Search and Rescue crews received more than $368,000. There are 268 projects to receive a grant as part of the 2024-25 program. Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes “We know this funding will a vital boost for our selfless volunteers who are always there for Victorians when they need them.” “Volunteers look forward to the VESEP grants every year – we’re proud to support the vital fundraising work they do with this program.” Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “Congratulations to all the deserving volunteers in Little River. The Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program is an important annual program providing a critical boost to local volunteers, ensuring their equipment and facilities are up to date.”

TIM PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (14:27): We on this side of the house believe that more homes means more opportunity, and that is why the Allan Labor government is slashing stamp duty on off-the-plan apartments, units and townhouses to cut up-front costs, speed up building and make it more affordable to everybody –   Tim PALLAS: With regard to the announcement that I made last Monday – last Monday, for those who are a bit slow picking up media releases – I announced that first home buyers and owner-occupiers can access stamp duty concessions when they buy off the plan.   Tim PALLAS: I am trepidatious, but I am going to soldier on. One of the most important things you can do for Victorians is to recognise the material circumstances that they confront. Nothing gives greater certainty to Victorians than the security of a roof over their head and the acknowledgement that there is a government that is motivated to ensure that they will get there.   We know that the building industry has been doing it tough in recent times, in no small circumstance due to peaking prices around commodities and also of course a consistently high level of interest rate charges. What this has meant is that there has been an inability to deliver the level of housing stock that we need to assure people of the certainty and security of a roof over their head. That is why this government, more than any other government in the nation, is producing more housing stock, more housing approvals. But we need to do so much more, and that is why this government will continue its efforts to not only loosen up the burden of tax where it is appropriate to get people into homes but also help developers get on and deliver that housing stock that is so vital to their future.

TIM PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (13:50): It was my privilege to join the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Wyndham Community & Education Centre recently in my electorate. The centre is one of Victoria’s largest adult and community education providers. Led by CEO Dr Jennie Barrera and team, the centre aims to deliver leading educational, social, cultural and community services, and it hosts a range of community programs in the Wyndham city area. Present on the day was former federal member Julia Gillard, who officially named the centre’s original building the Julia Gillard Community College. Since 2014 the state Labor government has provided $4.2 million to the Wyndham Community & Education Centre, and almost $2.5 million of that was provided for their new building, which I had the honour to officially open on the day. Funded through the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund, this type of investment in infrastructure is important for our local multicultural communities. It fosters social cohesion and inclusion, ensuring that all Victorians feel a sense of belonging and are free to share and celebrate their cultural heritage. Victorians come from more than 300 different ancestries, speak 290 ‍languages and follow more than 200 different faiths. One in two Victorians were born overseas or have a parent who was born overseas. Our diversity is our strength. It is something Wyndham is proud of. Congratulations to Jenny and the team for a wonderful celebration.

TIM PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (10:03): I am a very proud local member standing here to celebrate the success of the Werribee Football Club, VFL premiers for season 2024. The Werribee Tigers held off the Southport Sharks in the grand final, roaring to victory by 6 points to break a 31-year premiership drought. You could not wipe the smile from the face of CEO Mark Penaluna when the final siren went, and justifiably so. After four grand final losses since their last premiership in 1993 it was so good to see Werribee lift the premiership trophy again. This victory means so much to the club but also to my community, who continue to celebrate, and we will long remember the victory.   I take this opportunity for some special acknowledgements. Dom Brew the grand final team captain was awarded the Bruce Montgomery Trophy for the second consecutive year as the club’s best and fairest player. Jack Henderson was awarded the Norm Goss Medal as the best on ground during the VFL grand final. Dom and Jack were inducted as life members of the Werribee Football Club along with Louis Pinnock. Four players from the successful team were named in the VFL team of the year: Dom and Jack along with Riley Bice and Nathan Cooper – a remarkable achievement. Importantly, to Werribee’s CEO of 21 years, the indomitable Mark Penaluna, congratulations, mate – a well-deserved flag after a near lifetime of service to the club.

Busy Victorian families will save time and avoid the dreaded double drop off thanks to the Allan Labor Government, with 11 more kinders set to open at government schools in 2026 and 2027. Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas announced the additional 11 kinders which will open from 2027 – providing easy access to a great early education for families and kids. The new kinders will create more than 1,700 additional places for local families at: • Manor Lakes P-12 College (opening 2026) • Iramoo Primary School • Point Cook South P-9 (interim name) • Skye Primary School • Fishermans Bend Primary School (interim name) • Mirniyan Primary School • Clyde Creek North Primary School (interim name) • Carwatha College P-12 • Sunbury College • Footscray North Primary School • Benalla P-12 College Clarke Street Campus In 2027, the Labor Government will deliver 10 new kinders – helping busy Victorian families ditch the dreaded double drop off, and providing a smooth transition for kids from kindergarten to school. This announcement also increases the total number of kinders being delivering in 2026 to 23. The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036. Since 2019, the Labor Government has delivered 60 new or expanded kindergartens on or near school sites. This includes a kinder being delivered on site or next door to every new government primary school built since 2021. Our nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms are transforming early childhood education, helping young Victorians have the very best start in life. Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn “We’re building new kinders at schools right across the state, making quality kindergarten programs easier to access and making life easier for Victorian families.” “These kinders will create more than 1,700 kindergarten places for Victorian children, bringing quality kindergarten programs to communities where they are needed most.” Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “We’re proud to be delivering more local kinder places for families in the Werribee area – ensuring more local kids get a great early education.”

The Allan Labor Government is supporting multicultural media organisations to continue their critical role reflecting the diverse voices, stories and experiences of Victorian communities and providing access to essential information. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas announced grants of up to $25,000 will be available through the 2024-25 Multicultural Media Grants program to support multicultural media organisations across the state. The grants will help multicultural media organisations with the cost of production and publication, equipment upgrades, and training and development for volunteers and staff. Funding through the program will help multicultural media organisations be better resourced, improve their quality of service and expand their reach with audiences. The most recent round of the program included a grant to support Africa Media Australia in Wyndham to train their contributors in digital storytelling and the production of videos and podcasts – helping extend their audience reach across Melbourne’s western suburbs. Based in the heart of Melbourne’s Turkish community in Hume, Dunya Turkish Newspaper received funding to purchase new equipment to increase the quality of their production and outreach to the Turkish speaking community. Sunraysia Community Radio Association in Mildura received a grant to train more volunteer presenters – boosting the number of people from multicultural communities that can present their own shows. Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $4.4 million through the Multicultural Media Grants program to support more than 100 multicultural media outlets across the state. Applications for the grants opened on 11 October 2024 and close on 8 November 2024. For more information and to apply, visit vic.gov.au/multicultural-media-grants-program. Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt “This investment helps our multicultural media organisations to continue their role in amplifying the voices, stories and experiences of our vibrant state.” “We know that in-language news and information, and representation of culturally diverse Victorians is essential to community cohesion. This funding will support multicultural media organisations to expand their reach into Victoria’s diverse communities.” Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “We recognise the crucial role of Victoria’s multicultural media organisations, and the Multicultural Media Grants program offers grants to improve service capabilities and to expand services and reach into Victorian communities.”

TIM PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (14:31): It really gives me great pleasure to update the house on the state’s stellar jobs growth. More than 862,000 new jobs have been created since the Labor government was elected in 2014. We now have a record labour force of 3.78 million Victorians in work. Indeed Victoria has created more than 130,000 jobs over the last 12 months, more than any other state over this time. Unemployment remains at historic lows, more than two percentage points lower than when we came to office. For those playing at home, that is what we inherited from those opposite. So it is no wonder that Deloitte Access Economics projects Victoria to have the strongest economy over the next five years. It is good news for anybody who might be looking for a new job – anybody in close proximity who might be looking to retrain and upgrade their skills.   The news is just as good in regional Victoria, which has benefited from the government’s preferential payroll tax rate and a record $45 billion worth of investment over the past decade. More than 150,000 ‍new jobs have been created in regional Victoria alone since this government was elected, a 22.9 per cent jump, the highest growth of any state and a dramatic improvement compared to the anaemic four years of jobs growth that occurred under those opposite. While those opposite squabble about their jobs, we are focused on the jobs of Victorians, and in a very emphatic way we can demonstrate to Victoria that we are materially shifting the dial and creating jobs.

HELPING BUSY FAMILIES COVER THE COSTS OF KIDS SPORT IN WERRIBEE The Allan Labor Government is helping busy Werribee families with the cost of living and making sure more kids get the opportunity to play the sport they love, with another round of $200 sport vouchers on offer. Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced the next round of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program is now open – helping eligible families cover the costs of sports memberships, registration fees, uniforms and equipment. The Victorian Budget 2024/25 invested $6 million to extend the program and encourage more Victorian kids to join a local sports club or try a new activity. Eligible families who hold health care cards or other concession cards can apply for vouchers of up to $200 per child. Almost 150,000 vouchers have already been provided to families since the program launched in 2020 – with thousands more to come from this upcoming round. More than half of the families say their kids would not have been able to participate in sports without the voucher. From soccer to dance, there are more than 70 sports and more than 2,000 activity providers included in the program across the state, meaning kids in Werribee have the chance to take part in the sport and activities they love. Families can apply for the vouchers online before redeeming them at an activity provider like a local sporting club. The program is open to kids aged up to 18 who are named on a Commonwealth Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, and named on a Medicare Card. A special consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, migrants and international students. For more information and to apply for a voucher visit getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers. Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “This program is helping thousands of kids to play the sports they love and addressing cost of living - this is a big win for families in Werribee.” Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan “We’re helping busy families by making sure every child can get active this summer – whether they like basketball or ballet, every kid deserves to have a go at the sport they love.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence “We’ve seen almost 150,000 vouchers given to families through the program – these vouchers are a win for healthy habits, a win for communities, and a win for the huge number of kids who would otherwise not be able to participate.”

Victoria’s top exporters have been celebrated at the 45th Governor of Victoria Export Awards, with 14 businesses taking out top honours for championing homegrown products and services on the global stage. Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas last week joined the Governor of Victoria, Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, to congratulate the winners representing key industries including agribusiness, food and beverages, resources and energy, manufacturing, advanced technologies and sustainability. Victorian advanced technology company PMY Group, which provides technology infrastructure for live sport, entertainment and the leisure sector, was named Victorian Exporter of the Year and took out the Advanced Technologies award. PMY Group export their technology systems for events across 12 countries, including the US Open, Wimbledon, Invictus Games and Olympic organising committees, as well as venues hosting the NBA, NFL and the Rugby World Cup – taking Victorian innovation to the world. Founder of The Paw Grocer Jenny Richards received the Global Victoria Women’s Award for her remarkable achievements in growing her small business into a global brand. Jenny’s passion for her product and diversification strategy helped launch her business on the international market, and now exports to the Middle East, Hong Kong and Singapore. The state awards form part of the Australian Export Awards, with Victorian winners qualifying for consideration at the national awards in November. Exports play a critical role in Victoria’s ongoing economic growth by contributing more than $67 billion and helping to support more than 330,000 jobs ranging from food and agribusiness to technology, health and international education. The Allan Labor Government’s network of 23 international trade and investment offices is the largest and most effective of any Australian state or territory, supporting over $1 billion in export sales from almost 3,000 Victorian businesses participating in export programs and other key initiatives in 2023/24. For a full list of the winners, visit global.vic.gov.au. Quotes attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas “Our 2024 winners and finalists showcase the quality of Victoria’s homegrown products and services that are providing solutions to real world problems.” “Victorian businesses are leading the way and exporting their innovations to the world – creating local jobs and driving economic growth in the process.”

The Allan Labor Government is creating highly skilled jobs and boosting the state’s technology sector by partnering with a global tech company to scale up operations in Victoria. In Delhi today, Premier Jacinta Allan announced that Sonata Software, a global tech company, will establish its Centre of Excellence in Melbourne – with support from the Labor Government. This will create around 100 new Victorian jobs over the next three years for data engineers, solution architects and technical analysts. Sonata Software, a leading Modernization Engineering company, provides digital transformation services to clients across retail and consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, telecom, media and technology, banking and financial services and insurance. The Centre of Excellence will focus on the retail and manufacturing industries to service Sonata Software’s growing demand in Australia for generative AI and data solutions, leveraging the talent and expertise from Victoria’s top education institutions to support the Centre’s research and development. Victoria’s world-class technology infrastructure and talent, renowned culture of innovation and thriving education and financial services sectors were key factors in Sonata Software’s decision to establish the Centre of Excellence in Melbourne. Sonata Software’s growing presence in the state will drive digital innovation and transformation across key local industries, developing IT solutions for global businesses. The company will also look to source talent from the Labor Government’s Digital Jobs program for new roles, tapping into the program’s pool of experienced workers who have newly acquired digital skills. Victoria’s tech sector contributed $35.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2023 and supports almost 280,000 tech workers across more than 22,000 businesses. Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan “We’re backing Sonata Software’s expansion in Victoria because it will deliver more jobs and boost our booming tech sector.” Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas “Victoria’s thriving tech sector continues to be a magnet for global tech companies, enhancing our state’s innovation capabilities and creating valuable opportunities for our highly skilled workforce.” Quote attributable to Sonata Software Country Head and Vice President for Sales Biju John  “With our Centre of Excellence in Melbourne, we are tapping into Victoria’s vibrant ecosystem of innovation and technology which allows us to bring Sonata Software’s world-class services closer to our local clients.”

Schools in Werribee are receiving a boost to essential maintenance projects, thanks to the Victorian Government. Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced schools in the area are among 59 to share in over $20 million in funding for 62 maintenance projects under the Planned Maintenance Program (PMP). The schools include Iramoo Primary School and Westgrove Primary School. The PMP provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government schools. The program ensures schools can undertake essential work in classrooms and other school buildings such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some external works like improving pathways. Works are determined by a rolling facilities evaluation process, which provides up-to-date information on the condition of schools to create a faster and more targeted allocation of funding. The Victorian Government has invested $16.9 billion over the past 10 years to build new schools and deliver more than 2,200 school upgrades − supporting more than 26,000 jobs in construction and associated industries. It is now ahead of schedule in its commitment to open 100 new schools by 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024. The Victorian Government is building the Education State so every student can access a great local school and a quality education no matter where they live. For a list of schools receiving funding under the Planned Maintenance Program, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/planned-maintenance-program. Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Ben Carroll: “This program is about ensuring that every Victorian school is kept up-to-date, so that every child can access a high-quality education in a high-quality environment.” “We are constantly evaluating our schools and making sure every single classroom is safe, engaging, and will complement the top-class education we are committed to providing.”   Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas: “I’m delighted to see Werribee share in funding to make sure our students have the best facilities to learn in.”

The Allan Labor Government today welcomed Victoria’s AA+ credit rating by international credit agency, Fitch Ratings. The Fitch rating affirms a stable outlook for Victoria and states our ‘strong and diverse economy’ will support a continued recovery in the state’s fiscal position, following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This positive news follows a report last week from another international credit ratings agency – Moody’s – that affirmed Victoria’s current Aa2 credit rating with a ‘stable outlook’. Moody’s report said the “stable outlook reflects our expectation that the state's large and diverse economy will remain resilient”. The positive outlook from both Moody’s and Fitch is an endorsement of the Government’s strong and sustainable financial management. Economic indicators show our plan is working – our economy is now 11 per cent larger than before the pandemic and 50 per cent larger than when we came to government. That growth is predicted to continue, with Deloitte Access Economics forecasting that the Victorian economy will grow faster than the national average over the next five years. In 2022, Treasury obtained a private credit rating from Fitch to provide further perspective on the credit market in the pandemic. Fitch assessed Victoria as being rated AA+ in this earlier rating and has now affirmed that rating today. This private rating will be tabled shortly. The Victorian Budget 2024/25 confirmed the strengthening of Victoria’s fiscal position and we have created with the addition of a fifth step to the fiscal strategy: the reduction of net debt as a proportion of the state’s economy. Due to our sensible and disciplined approach, debt is now reducing as a share of the economy for the first time since 2017. more than 850,000 new jobs have been created in Victoria since the Labor Government was elected in 2014, with total employment in the state now at a record 3.78 million. Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas “Our economic strategy is right for the times, and we are focused on driving growth and reducing debt.” “We are focused on things that matter to Victorians, helping with the cost of living and making sure that we are supporting families, jobs, businesses and local communities.” “This positive credit rating shows that our strong and stable financial management is working”