Victoria’s government has been in caretaker mode since the evening of November 3, the night that the governor-general issued the writ declaring when the election will take place.

Since then, Ben Carroll’s big red bus and the Liberals’ Jess Express have been gallivanting around the state trying to drum up support for their cause ahead of election day. You might then be wondering why they’re only “launching” their campaigns now.

The answer lies in convention. Government ministers do not claim travel or political vehicle allowances after the campaign is launched, except for any travel related to their specific duties as a cabinet minister.

Under…

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