Victoria budget splurges despite debt

Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has handed down a budget designed to woo voters ahead of a critical state election.

The plan includes significant hip-pocket measures, such as school vouchers and energy rebates, even as net debt is projected to soar toward $199 billion.

While the government claims the budget is 'disciplined', opposition leaders have criticized the reliance on optimistic economic growth forecasts that are already being threatened by the Iran war.

The budget also includes a major overhaul of the justice system and performance standards for emergency services following a pandemic-era crisis.