SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER 2026 - Debt is once again becoming a significant national policy issue and nowhere more so than in Victoria.
The state’s debt position is shaping as a key issue, with new independent research showing eight-in-ten Victorians say debt and deficit is an important factor in the upcoming election.
Research* commissioned by independent advocate AMPLIFY has found that 79% of Victorians rate the state’s 'debt and deficit' as important, including 52% rating the issue as 'very important'.
Victoria's debt is approaching $200 billion, more than NSW, Queensland and Tasmania combined, and the interest alone is costing $24 million a day.
The research found more than two-thirds (71%) of Victorians consider the debt to be concerning to them personally. Almost two-thirds (65%) say they are likely to consider debt and spending when they cast their ballot, including 30% 'very likely' to.
More than three-quarters of voters (76%) want to see a credible plan to tackle Victoria’s debt, and the same proportion (76%) also want reducing the debt and Budget deficit to be treated as a priority.
AMPLIFY Executive Director Martin Codina said the results show that Victoria’s precarious debt position has become a significant concern for Victorians.
“With Victoria’s debt approaching $200 billion, it is already larger than NSW, Queensland and Tasmania combined. Victorians know that the state can’t keep endlessly borrowing without a credible plan to pay it back,” Mr Codina said.
“Interest alone is costing Victorians $24 million every day. Families and small businesses are already facing severe cost of living pressures, and they are clearly worried about what Victoria’s debt means for them and the future of Victoria.”
*WOLF+SMITH independently surveyed a representative sample of 1,500 Victorians in September 2026.
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