Victoria allocates $318M for free public transport for under-18s, amid debt concerns.

Victoria's 2025/26 budget allocates $318 million over four years to offer free public transport for children under 18 starting January 2026, potentially saving families up to $755 per child annually. This cost-of-living support measure faces criticism due to Victoria's projected net debt of $187.3 billion by mid-2028, with daily debt servicing costs of $25 million. Premier Jacinta Allan defends the fiscal strategy, while the opposition questions the government's financial management.