Latest news with #VICTORIAN
The Advertiser
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Anger and praise for stripped-back state budget
REACTION TO THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET PROPERTY AND BUSINESS GROUPS "It has come to something when the confirmation of no new business taxes is presented as good news" - Gavan Ord, CPA Australia business policy adviser "It's difficult to avoid the conclusion of what matters most to Victorian government is getting re-elected" - Keith Ryan, Housing Industry Association Victoria executive director "It's a good thing we weren't expecting too much" - Tim Piper, Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group "While we welcome no new taxes and the operating surplus, the incentives to grow and propel the private sector are modest" - Paul Guerra, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executiveUNIONS "There is absolutely no doubt that the budget does not deliver for parents, for students, for teachers and other staff in our schools" - Justin Mullaly, Australian Education Union Victorian branch president CHARITIES AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS "Today the Victorian government has shown once again that the lives and futures of Aboriginal children and young people don't matter" - Nerita Waight, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive "Doubling the current food relief budget means that regardless of whether you're in regional or metropolitan Victoria, you now have much better access to healthy food" - Dave McNamara, Foodbank Victoria chief executive "For young people to get on public transport for free is really welcomed" - Farah Farouque, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria chief executive TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT "It's fantastic to see transport put at the forefront and investment in public transport" - Chloe Aldenhoven, Friends of the Earth Melbourne campaigns co-ordinator "It doesn't fix every problem by any means but it's a good step forward" - Daniel Bowen, Public Transport Users Association spokesman "Victoria cannot have a healthy and sustainable infrastructure investment program in the long-term without prioritising healthy and sustainable balance sheets in the short and medium-term" - Adrian Dwyer, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia chief executive HEALTH "I'm really pleased today to be able to see the $31 billion investment to Victoria's publicly funded health care services" - Leigh Clarke, Victorian Healthcare Association chief executive "While we're injecting huge sums of money into our hospital system, the reason that we're needing to do that is that we're failing to care for people closer to home" - Anna Robinson, Community Health First chair CREDIT RATINGS AGENCY "Victoria's fiscal outlook is slowly improving after several years of yawning deficits and rapidly rising debt" - Rebecca Hrvatin, S&P Global Ratings analyst POLITICIANS "This is a responsible budget" - Treasurer Jaclyn Symes "This is a budget that delivers cost-of-living help when it matters most" - Premier Jacinta Allan "This budget is simply a shopping list" - Shadow Treasurer James Newbury "You can't fix a cost-of-living crisis by continuing to increase taxes" - Opposition Leader Brad Battin "The treasurer's speech didn't mention climate change or the environment once - that's a massive red flag" - Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell "A missed opportunity to deliver economic outcomes for regional Victoria" - Shane Sali, Regional Cities Victoria chair and mayor of Greater Shepparton REACTION TO THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET PROPERTY AND BUSINESS GROUPS "It has come to something when the confirmation of no new business taxes is presented as good news" - Gavan Ord, CPA Australia business policy adviser "It's difficult to avoid the conclusion of what matters most to Victorian government is getting re-elected" - Keith Ryan, Housing Industry Association Victoria executive director "It's a good thing we weren't expecting too much" - Tim Piper, Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group "While we welcome no new taxes and the operating surplus, the incentives to grow and propel the private sector are modest" - Paul Guerra, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executiveUNIONS "There is absolutely no doubt that the budget does not deliver for parents, for students, for teachers and other staff in our schools" - Justin Mullaly, Australian Education Union Victorian branch president CHARITIES AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS "Today the Victorian government has shown once again that the lives and futures of Aboriginal children and young people don't matter" - Nerita Waight, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive "Doubling the current food relief budget means that regardless of whether you're in regional or metropolitan Victoria, you now have much better access to healthy food" - Dave McNamara, Foodbank Victoria chief executive "For young people to get on public transport for free is really welcomed" - Farah Farouque, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria chief executive TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT "It's fantastic to see transport put at the forefront and investment in public transport" - Chloe Aldenhoven, Friends of the Earth Melbourne campaigns co-ordinator "It doesn't fix every problem by any means but it's a good step forward" - Daniel Bowen, Public Transport Users Association spokesman "Victoria cannot have a healthy and sustainable infrastructure investment program in the long-term without prioritising healthy and sustainable balance sheets in the short and medium-term" - Adrian Dwyer, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia chief executive HEALTH "I'm really pleased today to be able to see the $31 billion investment to Victoria's publicly funded health care services" - Leigh Clarke, Victorian Healthcare Association chief executive "While we're injecting huge sums of money into our hospital system, the reason that we're needing to do that is that we're failing to care for people closer to home" - Anna Robinson, Community Health First chair CREDIT RATINGS AGENCY "Victoria's fiscal outlook is slowly improving after several years of yawning deficits and rapidly rising debt" - Rebecca Hrvatin, S&P Global Ratings analyst POLITICIANS "This is a responsible budget" - Treasurer Jaclyn Symes "This is a budget that delivers cost-of-living help when it matters most" - Premier Jacinta Allan "This budget is simply a shopping list" - Shadow Treasurer James Newbury "You can't fix a cost-of-living crisis by continuing to increase taxes" - Opposition Leader Brad Battin "The treasurer's speech didn't mention climate change or the environment once - that's a massive red flag" - Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell "A missed opportunity to deliver economic outcomes for regional Victoria" - Shane Sali, Regional Cities Victoria chair and mayor of Greater Shepparton REACTION TO THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET PROPERTY AND BUSINESS GROUPS "It has come to something when the confirmation of no new business taxes is presented as good news" - Gavan Ord, CPA Australia business policy adviser "It's difficult to avoid the conclusion of what matters most to Victorian government is getting re-elected" - Keith Ryan, Housing Industry Association Victoria executive director "It's a good thing we weren't expecting too much" - Tim Piper, Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group "While we welcome no new taxes and the operating surplus, the incentives to grow and propel the private sector are modest" - Paul Guerra, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executiveUNIONS "There is absolutely no doubt that the budget does not deliver for parents, for students, for teachers and other staff in our schools" - Justin Mullaly, Australian Education Union Victorian branch president CHARITIES AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS "Today the Victorian government has shown once again that the lives and futures of Aboriginal children and young people don't matter" - Nerita Waight, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive "Doubling the current food relief budget means that regardless of whether you're in regional or metropolitan Victoria, you now have much better access to healthy food" - Dave McNamara, Foodbank Victoria chief executive "For young people to get on public transport for free is really welcomed" - Farah Farouque, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria chief executive TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT "It's fantastic to see transport put at the forefront and investment in public transport" - Chloe Aldenhoven, Friends of the Earth Melbourne campaigns co-ordinator "It doesn't fix every problem by any means but it's a good step forward" - Daniel Bowen, Public Transport Users Association spokesman "Victoria cannot have a healthy and sustainable infrastructure investment program in the long-term without prioritising healthy and sustainable balance sheets in the short and medium-term" - Adrian Dwyer, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia chief executive HEALTH "I'm really pleased today to be able to see the $31 billion investment to Victoria's publicly funded health care services" - Leigh Clarke, Victorian Healthcare Association chief executive "While we're injecting huge sums of money into our hospital system, the reason that we're needing to do that is that we're failing to care for people closer to home" - Anna Robinson, Community Health First chair CREDIT RATINGS AGENCY "Victoria's fiscal outlook is slowly improving after several years of yawning deficits and rapidly rising debt" - Rebecca Hrvatin, S&P Global Ratings analyst POLITICIANS "This is a responsible budget" - Treasurer Jaclyn Symes "This is a budget that delivers cost-of-living help when it matters most" - Premier Jacinta Allan "This budget is simply a shopping list" - Shadow Treasurer James Newbury "You can't fix a cost-of-living crisis by continuing to increase taxes" - Opposition Leader Brad Battin "The treasurer's speech didn't mention climate change or the environment once - that's a massive red flag" - Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell "A missed opportunity to deliver economic outcomes for regional Victoria" - Shane Sali, Regional Cities Victoria chair and mayor of Greater Shepparton REACTION TO THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET PROPERTY AND BUSINESS GROUPS "It has come to something when the confirmation of no new business taxes is presented as good news" - Gavan Ord, CPA Australia business policy adviser "It's difficult to avoid the conclusion of what matters most to Victorian government is getting re-elected" - Keith Ryan, Housing Industry Association Victoria executive director "It's a good thing we weren't expecting too much" - Tim Piper, Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group "While we welcome no new taxes and the operating surplus, the incentives to grow and propel the private sector are modest" - Paul Guerra, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executiveUNIONS "There is absolutely no doubt that the budget does not deliver for parents, for students, for teachers and other staff in our schools" - Justin Mullaly, Australian Education Union Victorian branch president CHARITIES AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS "Today the Victorian government has shown once again that the lives and futures of Aboriginal children and young people don't matter" - Nerita Waight, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive "Doubling the current food relief budget means that regardless of whether you're in regional or metropolitan Victoria, you now have much better access to healthy food" - Dave McNamara, Foodbank Victoria chief executive "For young people to get on public transport for free is really welcomed" - Farah Farouque, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria chief executive TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT "It's fantastic to see transport put at the forefront and investment in public transport" - Chloe Aldenhoven, Friends of the Earth Melbourne campaigns co-ordinator "It doesn't fix every problem by any means but it's a good step forward" - Daniel Bowen, Public Transport Users Association spokesman "Victoria cannot have a healthy and sustainable infrastructure investment program in the long-term without prioritising healthy and sustainable balance sheets in the short and medium-term" - Adrian Dwyer, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia chief executive HEALTH "I'm really pleased today to be able to see the $31 billion investment to Victoria's publicly funded health care services" - Leigh Clarke, Victorian Healthcare Association chief executive "While we're injecting huge sums of money into our hospital system, the reason that we're needing to do that is that we're failing to care for people closer to home" - Anna Robinson, Community Health First chair CREDIT RATINGS AGENCY "Victoria's fiscal outlook is slowly improving after several years of yawning deficits and rapidly rising debt" - Rebecca Hrvatin, S&P Global Ratings analyst POLITICIANS "This is a responsible budget" - Treasurer Jaclyn Symes "This is a budget that delivers cost-of-living help when it matters most" - Premier Jacinta Allan "This budget is simply a shopping list" - Shadow Treasurer James Newbury "You can't fix a cost-of-living crisis by continuing to increase taxes" - Opposition Leader Brad Battin "The treasurer's speech didn't mention climate change or the environment once - that's a massive red flag" - Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell "A missed opportunity to deliver economic outcomes for regional Victoria" - Shane Sali, Regional Cities Victoria chair and mayor of Greater Shepparton
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Anger and praise for stripped-back state budget
REACTION TO THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET PROPERTY AND BUSINESS GROUPS "It has come to something when the confirmation of no new business taxes is presented as good news" - Gavan Ord, CPA Australia business policy adviser "It's difficult to avoid the conclusion of what matters most to Victorian government is getting re-elected" - Keith Ryan, Housing Industry Association Victoria executive director "It's a good thing we weren't expecting too much" - Tim Piper, Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group "While we welcome no new taxes and the operating surplus, the incentives to grow and propel the private sector are modest" - Paul Guerra, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executiveUNIONS "There is absolutely no doubt that the budget does not deliver for parents, for students, for teachers and other staff in our schools" - Justin Mullaly, Australian Education Union Victorian branch president CHARITIES AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS "Today the Victorian government has shown once again that the lives and futures of Aboriginal children and young people don't matter" - Nerita Waight, Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive "Doubling the current food relief budget means that regardless of whether you're in regional or metropolitan Victoria, you now have much better access to healthy food" - Dave McNamara, Foodbank Victoria chief executive "For young people to get on public transport for free is really welcomed" - Farah Farouque, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria chief executive TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT "It's fantastic to see transport put at the forefront and investment in public transport" - Chloe Aldenhoven, Friends of the Earth Melbourne campaigns co-ordinator "It doesn't fix every problem by any means but it's a good step forward" - Daniel Bowen, Public Transport Users Association spokesman "Victoria cannot have a healthy and sustainable infrastructure investment program in the long-term without prioritising healthy and sustainable balance sheets in the short and medium-term" - Adrian Dwyer, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia chief executive HEALTH "I'm really pleased today to be able to see the $31 billion investment to Victoria's publicly funded health care services" - Leigh Clarke, Victorian Healthcare Association chief executive "While we're injecting huge sums of money into our hospital system, the reason that we're needing to do that is that we're failing to care for people closer to home" - Anna Robinson, Community Health First chair CREDIT RATINGS AGENCY "Victoria's fiscal outlook is slowly improving after several years of yawning deficits and rapidly rising debt" - Rebecca Hrvatin, S&P Global Ratings analyst POLITICIANS "This is a responsible budget" - Treasurer Jaclyn Symes "This is a budget that delivers cost-of-living help when it matters most" - Premier Jacinta Allan "This budget is simply a shopping list" - Shadow Treasurer James Newbury "You can't fix a cost-of-living crisis by continuing to increase taxes" - Opposition Leader Brad Battin "The treasurer's speech didn't mention climate change or the environment once - that's a massive red flag" - Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell "A missed opportunity to deliver economic outcomes for regional Victoria" - Shane Sali, Regional Cities Victoria chair and mayor of Greater Shepparton
The Advertiser
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Health and cost-of-living help dominate budget
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET * $2.3 billion in cost-of-living relief, much of it aimed at families with children aged under 18 * $3.3 billion will be slashed from the public service and a predicted 1200 full-time equivalent positions lost but details of the cuts and changes to programs are not yet known * Net operating surplus of $600 million in 2025/26 but net debt is tipped to hit $194 billion in mid-2029 as interest payments rise to $29 million each day * The government says health and wellbeing account for one third of expenditure KEY COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES * New $100 Power Saving Bonuses for households with a concession card holders, costing $50 million * The Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund for students who live with a concession card holder will jump to $400 per child, to the tune of $152.3 million * An additional 65,000 Get Active Kids vouchers for families to spend on school uniforms, fees and equipment worth up to $200 per child in 2026, which costs $15 million * Rebates for electric heat pumps and solar hot water systems, costing $30 million * $18 million for food relief charities and supporting organisations * Camping fees will stay half price for two more years, costing $10.5 million * Under 16s can continue to visit zoos for free on weekends, public holidays and school holidays under a $15 million program KEY HEALTH SPENDING: * A record $31b in health funding * The additional $11.1 billion includes $9.3 billion for hospitals and $497 million for mental health * $437 million to triple the capacity of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, which offers free consultations with doctors and nurses * $167 million to improve ambulance response times, including recruiting more staff at Triple Zero Victoria * $18 million to permanently allow pharmacists to provide certain medications without a doctor's script, including the contraceptive pill, and expand which conditions they treat KEY EDUCATION SPENDING: * $4.9 billion in education finding, including $1.5 billion for new schools and upgrades to existing schools * Extra $133 million in funding for core subjects including additional $47m to improve maths education, introducing a numeracy check for students in Year 1 and upskilling maths teachers * $27 million for pathway coordinators in government secondary schools * $319.8 million to roll out disability inclusion reforms KEY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT SPENDING * $318 million for free public transport for under 18s and $2.2 million for free public transport for seniors on weekends * $727 million to turn on the new Metro Tunnel under the CBD, with the final opening date still unknown * $4.1 billion to expand Sunshine Station, which will be connected to the future airport rail line and Suburban Rail Loop * $976 million to upgrade roads and bridges across the state in 2025/26, including fixing pot holes * Extra $270 million to improve the regional rail V/Line network and $52m to increase services on three lines KEY JUSTICE SPENDING * $1.6 billion to roll out new bail laws, including $727 million to create an extra 1088 prison beds * $287 million for a new Financial Assistance Scheme to support victims of crime with medical expenses, emergency financial help and counselling * $65 million for a tobacco and liquor regulator, which has been touted as a way to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade fuelling a criminal gang conflict KEY INVESTMENT SPENDING: * $240 million to boost business growth and investment in the state, including a new $150 million Victorian Investment Fund KEY EMERGENCY AND DISASTER FUNDING * $40 million to replace Fire Rescue Victoria trucks and $17.4 million for the organisation to improve cyber security after it was hit by a cyber attack in 2022 * $10 million so the State Control Centre can run 24/7 KEY HOUSING SPENDING: * $61 million to extend stamp duty concessions for homes on off-the-plan townhouses, units and apartments until October 2026 * $4 million to expand Mortgage Stress Victoria KEY ENVIRONMENT SPENDING: * $32.6 million to maintain the health of creeks and rivers, including the Murray Darling Basin * $21.1 million to protect parks, bush and coastline * $16.6 million in additional funding to Agriculture Victoria for emergencies and to support animal welfare KEY INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS SPENDING: * An extra $167 million for culturally-responsive and self-determined services in health, education and housing KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET * $2.3 billion in cost-of-living relief, much of it aimed at families with children aged under 18 * $3.3 billion will be slashed from the public service and a predicted 1200 full-time equivalent positions lost but details of the cuts and changes to programs are not yet known * Net operating surplus of $600 million in 2025/26 but net debt is tipped to hit $194 billion in mid-2029 as interest payments rise to $29 million each day * The government says health and wellbeing account for one third of expenditure KEY COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES * New $100 Power Saving Bonuses for households with a concession card holders, costing $50 million * The Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund for students who live with a concession card holder will jump to $400 per child, to the tune of $152.3 million * An additional 65,000 Get Active Kids vouchers for families to spend on school uniforms, fees and equipment worth up to $200 per child in 2026, which costs $15 million * Rebates for electric heat pumps and solar hot water systems, costing $30 million * $18 million for food relief charities and supporting organisations * Camping fees will stay half price for two more years, costing $10.5 million * Under 16s can continue to visit zoos for free on weekends, public holidays and school holidays under a $15 million program KEY HEALTH SPENDING: * A record $31b in health funding * The additional $11.1 billion includes $9.3 billion for hospitals and $497 million for mental health * $437 million to triple the capacity of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, which offers free consultations with doctors and nurses * $167 million to improve ambulance response times, including recruiting more staff at Triple Zero Victoria * $18 million to permanently allow pharmacists to provide certain medications without a doctor's script, including the contraceptive pill, and expand which conditions they treat KEY EDUCATION SPENDING: * $4.9 billion in education finding, including $1.5 billion for new schools and upgrades to existing schools * Extra $133 million in funding for core subjects including additional $47m to improve maths education, introducing a numeracy check for students in Year 1 and upskilling maths teachers * $27 million for pathway coordinators in government secondary schools * $319.8 million to roll out disability inclusion reforms KEY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT SPENDING * $318 million for free public transport for under 18s and $2.2 million for free public transport for seniors on weekends * $727 million to turn on the new Metro Tunnel under the CBD, with the final opening date still unknown * $4.1 billion to expand Sunshine Station, which will be connected to the future airport rail line and Suburban Rail Loop * $976 million to upgrade roads and bridges across the state in 2025/26, including fixing pot holes * Extra $270 million to improve the regional rail V/Line network and $52m to increase services on three lines KEY JUSTICE SPENDING * $1.6 billion to roll out new bail laws, including $727 million to create an extra 1088 prison beds * $287 million for a new Financial Assistance Scheme to support victims of crime with medical expenses, emergency financial help and counselling * $65 million for a tobacco and liquor regulator, which has been touted as a way to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade fuelling a criminal gang conflict KEY INVESTMENT SPENDING: * $240 million to boost business growth and investment in the state, including a new $150 million Victorian Investment Fund KEY EMERGENCY AND DISASTER FUNDING * $40 million to replace Fire Rescue Victoria trucks and $17.4 million for the organisation to improve cyber security after it was hit by a cyber attack in 2022 * $10 million so the State Control Centre can run 24/7 KEY HOUSING SPENDING: * $61 million to extend stamp duty concessions for homes on off-the-plan townhouses, units and apartments until October 2026 * $4 million to expand Mortgage Stress Victoria KEY ENVIRONMENT SPENDING: * $32.6 million to maintain the health of creeks and rivers, including the Murray Darling Basin * $21.1 million to protect parks, bush and coastline * $16.6 million in additional funding to Agriculture Victoria for emergencies and to support animal welfare KEY INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS SPENDING: * An extra $167 million for culturally-responsive and self-determined services in health, education and housing KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET * $2.3 billion in cost-of-living relief, much of it aimed at families with children aged under 18 * $3.3 billion will be slashed from the public service and a predicted 1200 full-time equivalent positions lost but details of the cuts and changes to programs are not yet known * Net operating surplus of $600 million in 2025/26 but net debt is tipped to hit $194 billion in mid-2029 as interest payments rise to $29 million each day * The government says health and wellbeing account for one third of expenditure KEY COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES * New $100 Power Saving Bonuses for households with a concession card holders, costing $50 million * The Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund for students who live with a concession card holder will jump to $400 per child, to the tune of $152.3 million * An additional 65,000 Get Active Kids vouchers for families to spend on school uniforms, fees and equipment worth up to $200 per child in 2026, which costs $15 million * Rebates for electric heat pumps and solar hot water systems, costing $30 million * $18 million for food relief charities and supporting organisations * Camping fees will stay half price for two more years, costing $10.5 million * Under 16s can continue to visit zoos for free on weekends, public holidays and school holidays under a $15 million program KEY HEALTH SPENDING: * A record $31b in health funding * The additional $11.1 billion includes $9.3 billion for hospitals and $497 million for mental health * $437 million to triple the capacity of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, which offers free consultations with doctors and nurses * $167 million to improve ambulance response times, including recruiting more staff at Triple Zero Victoria * $18 million to permanently allow pharmacists to provide certain medications without a doctor's script, including the contraceptive pill, and expand which conditions they treat KEY EDUCATION SPENDING: * $4.9 billion in education finding, including $1.5 billion for new schools and upgrades to existing schools * Extra $133 million in funding for core subjects including additional $47m to improve maths education, introducing a numeracy check for students in Year 1 and upskilling maths teachers * $27 million for pathway coordinators in government secondary schools * $319.8 million to roll out disability inclusion reforms KEY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT SPENDING * $318 million for free public transport for under 18s and $2.2 million for free public transport for seniors on weekends * $727 million to turn on the new Metro Tunnel under the CBD, with the final opening date still unknown * $4.1 billion to expand Sunshine Station, which will be connected to the future airport rail line and Suburban Rail Loop * $976 million to upgrade roads and bridges across the state in 2025/26, including fixing pot holes * Extra $270 million to improve the regional rail V/Line network and $52m to increase services on three lines KEY JUSTICE SPENDING * $1.6 billion to roll out new bail laws, including $727 million to create an extra 1088 prison beds * $287 million for a new Financial Assistance Scheme to support victims of crime with medical expenses, emergency financial help and counselling * $65 million for a tobacco and liquor regulator, which has been touted as a way to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade fuelling a criminal gang conflict KEY INVESTMENT SPENDING: * $240 million to boost business growth and investment in the state, including a new $150 million Victorian Investment Fund KEY EMERGENCY AND DISASTER FUNDING * $40 million to replace Fire Rescue Victoria trucks and $17.4 million for the organisation to improve cyber security after it was hit by a cyber attack in 2022 * $10 million so the State Control Centre can run 24/7 KEY HOUSING SPENDING: * $61 million to extend stamp duty concessions for homes on off-the-plan townhouses, units and apartments until October 2026 * $4 million to expand Mortgage Stress Victoria KEY ENVIRONMENT SPENDING: * $32.6 million to maintain the health of creeks and rivers, including the Murray Darling Basin * $21.1 million to protect parks, bush and coastline * $16.6 million in additional funding to Agriculture Victoria for emergencies and to support animal welfare KEY INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS SPENDING: * An extra $167 million for culturally-responsive and self-determined services in health, education and housing KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET * $2.3 billion in cost-of-living relief, much of it aimed at families with children aged under 18 * $3.3 billion will be slashed from the public service and a predicted 1200 full-time equivalent positions lost but details of the cuts and changes to programs are not yet known * Net operating surplus of $600 million in 2025/26 but net debt is tipped to hit $194 billion in mid-2029 as interest payments rise to $29 million each day * The government says health and wellbeing account for one third of expenditure KEY COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES * New $100 Power Saving Bonuses for households with a concession card holders, costing $50 million * The Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund for students who live with a concession card holder will jump to $400 per child, to the tune of $152.3 million * An additional 65,000 Get Active Kids vouchers for families to spend on school uniforms, fees and equipment worth up to $200 per child in 2026, which costs $15 million * Rebates for electric heat pumps and solar hot water systems, costing $30 million * $18 million for food relief charities and supporting organisations * Camping fees will stay half price for two more years, costing $10.5 million * Under 16s can continue to visit zoos for free on weekends, public holidays and school holidays under a $15 million program KEY HEALTH SPENDING: * A record $31b in health funding * The additional $11.1 billion includes $9.3 billion for hospitals and $497 million for mental health * $437 million to triple the capacity of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, which offers free consultations with doctors and nurses * $167 million to improve ambulance response times, including recruiting more staff at Triple Zero Victoria * $18 million to permanently allow pharmacists to provide certain medications without a doctor's script, including the contraceptive pill, and expand which conditions they treat KEY EDUCATION SPENDING: * $4.9 billion in education finding, including $1.5 billion for new schools and upgrades to existing schools * Extra $133 million in funding for core subjects including additional $47m to improve maths education, introducing a numeracy check for students in Year 1 and upskilling maths teachers * $27 million for pathway coordinators in government secondary schools * $319.8 million to roll out disability inclusion reforms KEY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT SPENDING * $318 million for free public transport for under 18s and $2.2 million for free public transport for seniors on weekends * $727 million to turn on the new Metro Tunnel under the CBD, with the final opening date still unknown * $4.1 billion to expand Sunshine Station, which will be connected to the future airport rail line and Suburban Rail Loop * $976 million to upgrade roads and bridges across the state in 2025/26, including fixing pot holes * Extra $270 million to improve the regional rail V/Line network and $52m to increase services on three lines KEY JUSTICE SPENDING * $1.6 billion to roll out new bail laws, including $727 million to create an extra 1088 prison beds * $287 million for a new Financial Assistance Scheme to support victims of crime with medical expenses, emergency financial help and counselling * $65 million for a tobacco and liquor regulator, which has been touted as a way to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade fuelling a criminal gang conflict KEY INVESTMENT SPENDING: * $240 million to boost business growth and investment in the state, including a new $150 million Victorian Investment Fund KEY EMERGENCY AND DISASTER FUNDING * $40 million to replace Fire Rescue Victoria trucks and $17.4 million for the organisation to improve cyber security after it was hit by a cyber attack in 2022 * $10 million so the State Control Centre can run 24/7 KEY HOUSING SPENDING: * $61 million to extend stamp duty concessions for homes on off-the-plan townhouses, units and apartments until October 2026 * $4 million to expand Mortgage Stress Victoria KEY ENVIRONMENT SPENDING: * $32.6 million to maintain the health of creeks and rivers, including the Murray Darling Basin * $21.1 million to protect parks, bush and coastline * $16.6 million in additional funding to Agriculture Victoria for emergencies and to support animal welfare KEY INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS SPENDING: * An extra $167 million for culturally-responsive and self-determined services in health, education and housing
West Australian
20-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Health and cost-of-living help dominate budget
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET * $2.3 billion in cost-of-living relief, much of it aimed at families with children aged under 18 * $3.3 billion will be slashed from the public service and a predicted 1200 full-time equivalent positions lost but details of the cuts and changes to programs are not yet known * Net operating surplus of $600 million in 2025/26 but net debt is tipped to hit $194 billion in mid-2029 as interest payments rise to $29 million each day * The government says health and wellbeing account for one third of expenditure KEY COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES * New $100 Power Saving Bonuses for households with a concession card holders, costing $50 million * The Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund for students who live with a concession card holder will jump to $400 per child, to the tune of $152.3 million * An additional 65,000 Get Active Kids vouchers for families to spend on school uniforms, fees and equipment worth up to $200 per child in 2026, which costs $15 million * Rebates for electric heat pumps and solar hot water systems, costing $30 million * $18 million for food relief charities and supporting organisations * Camping fees will stay half price for two more years, costing $10.5 million * Under 16s can continue to visit zoos for free on weekends, public holidays and school holidays under a $15 million program KEY HEALTH SPENDING: * A record $31b in health funding * The additional $11.1 billion includes $9.3 billion for hospitals and $497 million for mental health * $437 million to triple the capacity of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, which offers free consultations with doctors and nurses * $167 million to improve ambulance response times, including recruiting more staff at Triple Zero Victoria * $18 million to permanently allow pharmacists to provide certain medications without a doctor's script, including the contraceptive pill, and expand which conditions they treat KEY EDUCATION SPENDING: * $4.9 billion in education finding, including $1.5 billion for new schools and upgrades to existing schools * $859 million to continue Free Kinder programs for an estimated 160,000 children * Extra $133 million in funding for core subjects including additional $47m to improve maths education, introducing a numeracy check for students in Year 1 and upskilling maths teachers * $27 million for pathway coordinators in government secondary schools * $319.8 million to roll out disability inclusion reforms KEY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT SPENDING * $318 million for free public transport for under 18s and $2.2 million for free public transport for seniors on weekends * $727 million to turn on the new Metro Tunnel under the CBD, with the final opening date still unknown * $4.1 billion to expand Sunshine Station, which will be connected to the future airport rail line and Suburban Rail Loop * $976 million to upgrade roads and bridges across the state in 2025/26, including fixing pot holes * Extra $270 million to improve the regional rail V/Line network and $52m to increase services on three lines KEY JUSTICE SPENDING * $1.6 billion to roll out new bail laws, including $727 million to create an extra 1088 prison beds * $287 million for a new Financial Assistance Scheme to support victims of crime with medical expenses, emergency financial help and counselling * $65 million for a tobacco and liquor regulator, which has been touted as a way to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade fuelling a criminal gang conflict KEY INVESTMENT SPENDING: * $240 million to boost business growth and investment in the state, including a new $150 million Victorian Investment Fund KEY EMERGENCY AND DISASTER FUNDING * $40 million to replace Fire Rescue Victoria trucks and $17.4 million for the organisation to improve cyber security after it was hit by a cyber attack in 2022 * $10 million so the State Control Centre can run 24/7 KEY HOUSING SPENDING: * $61 million to extend stamp duty concessions for homes on off-the-plan townhouses, units and apartments until October 2026 * $4 million to expand Mortgage Stress Victoria KEY ENVIRONMENT SPENDING: * $32.6 million to maintain the health of creeks and rivers, including the Murray Darling Basin * $21.1 million to protect parks, bush and coastline * $16.6 million in additional funding to Agriculture Victoria for emergencies and to support animal welfare KEY INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS SPENDING: * An extra $167 million for culturally-responsive and self-determined services in health, education and housing
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Health and cost-of-living help dominate budget
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2025/26 VICTORIAN BUDGET * $2.3 billion in cost-of-living relief, much of it aimed at families with children aged under 18 * $3.3 billion will be slashed from the public service and a predicted 1200 full-time equivalent positions lost but details of the cuts and changes to programs are not yet known * Net operating surplus of $600 million in 2025/26 but net debt is tipped to hit $194 billion in mid-2029 as interest payments rise to $29 million each day * The government says health and wellbeing account for one third of expenditure KEY COST-OF-LIVING MEASURES * New $100 Power Saving Bonuses for households with a concession card holders, costing $50 million * The Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund for students who live with a concession card holder will jump to $400 per child, to the tune of $152.3 million * An additional 65,000 Get Active Kids vouchers for families to spend on school uniforms, fees and equipment worth up to $200 per child in 2026, which costs $15 million * Rebates for electric heat pumps and solar hot water systems, costing $30 million * $18 million for food relief charities and supporting organisations * Camping fees will stay half price for two more years, costing $10.5 million * Under 16s can continue to visit zoos for free on weekends, public holidays and school holidays under a $15 million program KEY HEALTH SPENDING: * A record $31b in health funding * The additional $11.1 billion includes $9.3 billion for hospitals and $497 million for mental health * $437 million to triple the capacity of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, which offers free consultations with doctors and nurses * $167 million to improve ambulance response times, including recruiting more staff at Triple Zero Victoria * $18 million to permanently allow pharmacists to provide certain medications without a doctor's script, including the contraceptive pill, and expand which conditions they treat KEY EDUCATION SPENDING: * $4.9 billion in education finding, including $1.5 billion for new schools and upgrades to existing schools * $859 million to continue Free Kinder programs for an estimated 160,000 children * Extra $133 million in funding for core subjects including additional $47m to improve maths education, introducing a numeracy check for students in Year 1 and upskilling maths teachers * $27 million for pathway coordinators in government secondary schools * $319.8 million to roll out disability inclusion reforms KEY INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT SPENDING * $318 million for free public transport for under 18s and $2.2 million for free public transport for seniors on weekends * $727 million to turn on the new Metro Tunnel under the CBD, with the final opening date still unknown * $4.1 billion to expand Sunshine Station, which will be connected to the future airport rail line and Suburban Rail Loop * $976 million to upgrade roads and bridges across the state in 2025/26, including fixing pot holes * Extra $270 million to improve the regional rail V/Line network and $52m to increase services on three lines KEY JUSTICE SPENDING * $1.6 billion to roll out new bail laws, including $727 million to create an extra 1088 prison beds * $287 million for a new Financial Assistance Scheme to support victims of crime with medical expenses, emergency financial help and counselling * $65 million for a tobacco and liquor regulator, which has been touted as a way to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade fuelling a criminal gang conflict KEY INVESTMENT SPENDING: * $240 million to boost business growth and investment in the state, including a new $150 million Victorian Investment Fund KEY EMERGENCY AND DISASTER FUNDING * $40 million to replace Fire Rescue Victoria trucks and $17.4 million for the organisation to improve cyber security after it was hit by a cyber attack in 2022 * $10 million so the State Control Centre can run 24/7 KEY HOUSING SPENDING: * $61 million to extend stamp duty concessions for homes on off-the-plan townhouses, units and apartments until October 2026 * $4 million to expand Mortgage Stress Victoria KEY ENVIRONMENT SPENDING: * $32.6 million to maintain the health of creeks and rivers, including the Murray Darling Basin * $21.1 million to protect parks, bush and coastline * $16.6 million in additional funding to Agriculture Victoria for emergencies and to support animal welfare KEY INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS SPENDING: * An extra $167 million for culturally-responsive and self-determined services in health, education and housing
