Richard Willingham

The Victorian premier denounces speculation about her leadership as "scallywag" gossip amid growing concern that she could cost Labor government in November's state election.

An investigation by the auditor-general has failed to determine whether the upgrade to Victoria's public transport fare payments is delivering value for money.

From Monday, Victorians will be able to use phones and credit cards to pay for public transport on a small number of lines as part of a trial.

Liberal party MPs and insiders have been infuriated by the publishing of a preselection candidate's blistering statement about a veteran MP.

Australia's top infrastructure body has placed Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop project on the highest priority list for the nation despite raising serious concerns about its business case merely a year ago. 

Pressure on Jacinta Allan intensifies, with several of the premier's own MPs saying they want to see a royal commission into alleged criminality and corruption within the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union.

Pressure is mounting on Premier Jacinta Allan, as she challenges claims that billions in taxpayer dollars were funnelled to criminals via the CFMEU under her watch.

The right-wing party's prized recruit, Barnaby Joyce, made a key appearance deep in National Party territory as the 2026 Victorian election campaign began to take shape, Richard Willingham writes. 

When retiring first-term Liberal Sam Groth told his leader he was quitting politics, forcing a by-election, Jess Wilson didn't try to talk him out of it. 

Retired tennis star and former deputy Liberal leader Sam Groth will quit Victorian parliament next week, about a month after announcing he would not contest November's state election.

The Allan Government's plan to merge VicHealth with the health department hits a major political roadblock, with the state opposition vowing to vote against the move.

Victorian Greens MP Tim Read reveals he will retire from politics at this year's election after he was diagnosed with metastatic cancer — but not before one last political fight.

Government funding of Victoria's Country Fire Authority rose by more than $20 million last financial year according to the CFA's annual report. 

Taxpayers have funded $1.6 million in payments to the firefighters union via Fire Rescue Victoria, court documents allege, under an income protection scheme the state's fire chief has said should outrage all Victorians.

The Australian Federal Government has announced it will fund a national buyback scheme to reimburse gun owners who hand in surplus, newly banned or illegal firearms under tougher gun laws being proposed in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. 

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonno Duniam joined Richard Willingham today on ABC Drive to discuss. Press play to hear the full interview.

This morning in Bondi thousands of surfers, lifesavers and swimmers pushed out into the blue on a perfect morning at Bondi, to reflect on the week that has been, and the 15 lives lost in the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi last Sunday night.

Among the throng out on the waters was local MP Independent for Wentworth Allegra Spender, who joined Richard Willingham on ABC Drive this afternoon. Press play to hear the conversation.

The long-awaited West Gate Tunnel project will open on Sunday, with Labor hoping it's enough to win voters back.

After being plagued by cost blowouts and delays, Melbourne's West Gate Tunnel will be ready to take motor vehicles from Sunday, say multiple sources.

The Victorian government makes a historic apology to Aboriginal Victorians, in one of the first public acts to follow the signing of the state's treaty agreement.

Staff used vile and derogatory terms to describe people dealing with the collapse of their builder, according to a Victorian Ombudsman's report.

A financial election advantage for the three biggest Victorian political parties will be removed in the face of a High Court challenge that has argued the state's donation laws are unconstitutional.

On paper, Labor should be confident that it will score an unprecedented fourth term in office when Victorian voters go to the ballot box in a year's time, with the Liberal opposition still scrambling to present as an electable alternative.

Victoria's first female Liberal Party leader is facing a gargantuan task to unite her party and prove the opposition is worth voting for, Richard Willingham writes.

The opposition leader was informed by a delegation of MPs that he had lost the support of the party room, less than 12 months into his tenure as leader and just over a year out from the state election.

Marlo Baragwanath warns the state government's crackdown on youth offenders will result in less humane treatment in detention centres.