Daniel Andrews’, Matthew Guy’s Labor and Liberal policies

From free kindergarten to cheap public transport, both major political parties have come up with ambitious ideas to influence voters in the Victorian election.

Here’s how Labor and the Liberals will tackle key issues if elected on Saturday.

EDUCATION

Liberals

The Coalition has pledged a total of $1 billion to build and upgrade schools across the state over the next four years.

More than $700 million will be earmarked for the non-governmental sector.

Another $200 million would be used to modify state school curricula.

Free school meals for public school students as part of a two-year pilot project are also part of their plans.

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The Labor Party pledged a total of $1.6 billion in education funding in its campaign.

Free kindergarten for 140,000 children is central to their plans and would cost $270 million in 2023.

The party also plans to spend $584 million to establish 50 new government-owned and run early childhood education centers.

ENVIRONMENT

Liberals

The opposition has pledged to legislate an emissions reduction target of 50% by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Rebates will be given to one million homes to install household batteries and the party plans to immediately reverse the Andrews government’s 2030 native timber ban.

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In addition to the Liberals’ environmental promises, Labor promises to increase renewable energy targets even further.

These targets would aim to reduce emissions by 60% by 2030, 95% by 2035 and net zero by 2045.

A Labor government would also use the revived SEC to distribute $1 billion to renewable energy projects.

HEALTH

Liberals

The Coalition’s health plans are based on a commitment to upgrade more than 25 hospitals across the state.

This includes over $900 million for a new children’s hospital in Werribee, $750 million for a new hospital in Mildura and $550 million to rebuild Caulfield Hospital.

A mammoth $2.4 billion rebuild of Alfred Hospital is an important part of the Liberals’ health care pledge if they win the election.

This would be paid for by scrapping the current government’s Cheltenham-Box Hill rail line.

The party has ambitious plans to cut waiting lists for elective surgeries in half during one term of government and offer Victorians $200 million in dental vouchers.

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Women-focused initiatives are at the center of Labor’s plans if they win another government term.

Free tampons and pads would be distributed free of charge at 700 public sites across the state.

Nursing and midwifery diplomas will be free for the next two years.

Like the Liberals, hospitals would get a financial boost, including a new $1.05 billion Maroondah Hospital.

A further $855 million in upgrades would be handed out to the North Hospital and $675 million for a new hospital in West Gippsland if Labor wins on Saturday.

TRANSPORTATION

Liberals

The party has proposed a cap of $2 a day for public transport on the Melbourne network and to halve the price of V/Line fares.

Health and elderly care workers would also benefit from free public transport under a Liberal government.

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The government was quick to follow through on promises of discounted transport by pledging to cut regional V/Line fares to the same price as metropolitan fares.

200 additional weekend services would be added to the regional rail network.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Liberals

The current government’s commuter rail loop would be abandoned if the Liberals formed government because of the high price.

Instead, a second subway tunnel is planned, along with $10 billion in road improvements.

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Labor’s infrastructure plans are underpinned by the gigantic, decades-long program to build Melbourne’s commuter rail loop, which is expected to have a total price tag north of $100 billion.

An Airport Rail Link is also part of the rail network expansion, as are 25 additional level crossings by 2030.

More than $650 million would be used to improve rail services to the western suburbs, as well as three new stations.