Victoria

Labor has unveiled a $30 road toll cap in Victoria, according to headlines published on 18 October across The Sydney Morning Herald, WA Today and Brisbane Times.

Victoria's major parties have unveiled competing cost-of-living pledges as the November state election approaches, with Labor promising a $30 weekly toll cap and the Coalition vowing to reverse the ban on gas connections in new homes within 100 days of winning office.

The Aarons family of Victoria faced an impossible choice when their dog Dobby, a Chihuahua Dachshund cross, needed emergency surgery after eating an olive oil bottle top and chewing up a Croc sandal. The procedure cost nearly $6000, forcing Caitlin and Jai Aarons to scramble for funds or consider letting their pet go. Their story reflects a growing trend across the state where families are skipping vet visits or incurring debt to afford care.

An investigation by The Age has found that AI-generated images are being used to fraudulently claim thousands of green certificates under Victoria's flagship energy saving scheme, with rogue operators leaving households out of pocket and without warranties for hot water systems and air conditioners.