Victorian taxpayers have been left with a more than $18 million bill from the Andrews Government’s failed Suburban Hubs program.
The recent State Budget and Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) documents confirmed the closure of five worksites across Melbourne which aimed to provide Victorian Public Servants with flexible office and meeting spaces.
Announcing the Hubs in 2021, Minister Danny Pearson said the “New suburb government hubs will also bring workers into Melbourne’s suburbs, providing support to local economies and for local traders.”
Having spent a total of $18,253,781 on these Hubs as of June 2023, the program has now been cancelled.
Shadow Special Minister of State, David Davis, said hardworking Victorians were being punished for the incompetence of the Andrews Government.
“This was a fantasy all along and it is hardworking Victorians that have been left to pay the price,” Mr Davis said.
“In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, the Andrews Government has wasted $18 million on a program it has nothing to show for.
“Every dollar the Andrews Government wastes means one less for the critical health, education and local infrastructure services Victorians need and deserve.”
