The Victorian government has faced scrutiny following an auditor-general’s report released on Wednesday, which highlights concerns regarding the state’s massive infrastructure agenda, known as the 'Big Build.' Central to the report is the finding that the government implemented secret increases to public transport fares to generate revenue for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) and other infrastructure projects.

The auditor-general’s findings cast doubt on the financial viability of the first stage of the project, SRL East, a 26km tunnel network connecting Cheltenham to Box Hill. The report questions whether the project can be completed on time or within its projected budget. The funding model for SRL East relies on a combination of $11.5 billion from the Commonwealth government and $11.5 billion from the state government, alongside additional revenue streams. The auditor-general’s analysis suggests that the current financial planning for these multibillion-dollar projects lacks the transparency and certainty required for such large-scale public investments.

While the government has framed the Big Build as a necessary investment in the state's future, the auditor-general’s report suggests that the reliance on fare increases and the complexity of the project's budget pose significant risks to taxpayers. The report serves as a formal critique of the government's fiscal management, specifically highlighting how public funds are being redirected to cover the costs of the rail loop.