While a lot of attention in paid to federal budgets, it’s worth paying attention to state budgets as well, these financial decision often impacting the things that mean the most to single mother families, such as health, education, housing, and local taxes.
On 20 May, the Victorian Government handed down it’s 2025-2026 budget, and while the headlines might highlight no new taxes, and a projected surplus to address a staggering state debt, we’ve drilled down on the detail, to give you an insight into what it means for you.
The good news…
Payments through the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund will be increased. Currently, eligible primary school students receive $154 per year, while eligible secondary students receive $256. From Term 1, 2026, all payments will be increased to $400, helping students to join camps, go on excursions and play on a team with their friends.
Every Victorian child will get free public transport from 1 January next year, via a new youth Myki, valid across the state. The benefit will apply to all forms of public transport including trams, trains, buses and coach services.
The Victorian Free Kinder program will continue with free Three-Year-Old Kinder, and an increase in the amount of time at kindergarten for four-year-old children with Pre-Prep.
Reform to disability support in our schools is projected to better support for families and help more students. A $319.8 million investment will complete the rollout of existing Disability Inclusion reforms, which delivers extra funding for schools to recruit and train specialist staff and provide tailored support for students.
More Victorian students at risk of disengaging from education will be supported through a $25.6 million investment in the Navigator program and resources to address chronic absenteeism. The program provides case management support to the most severely disengaged learners to help create a pathway back to education.
There will also be a more than $5 million investment in funding for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to deliver locally responsive kinder programs and support kids to grow up with a strong connection to culture.
The roles of pharmacists will also be expanded in a bid to help Victorians avoid costly GP appointments. They’ll be able to treat more conditions and consultations will be free.
Eligible households with a concession card will be able to access a $100 Power Saving Bonus through a $50 million package, and $30 million will also be set aside to install electric heat pumps and solar hot water systems.
The not so good news…
A new emergency services levy will be introduced, in a bid to address the state’s eye-watering debt. The levy will be charged alongside council rates and will raise funds for fire services, the State Emergency Service, triple-0 and the State Control Centre.
If you work in the Victorian Public Sector, the news could be grim, with the government flagging thousands of public servant jobs will be cut, although how many and which jobs has not been identified.
There is no new money to be spent on building homes, including public and social housing.
There’s also no money to address issues identified by opposing parties, including action to address climate change, supermarket price-gouging, or rent increases.
You can read a more detailed breakdown of the Victorian State Budget on the ABC and Guardian websites.
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