The Victorian Government has released its 2024 budget, with a focus on one area in particular.
The Allan Government released its first budget on Tuesday, May 7, with more than $1.8 billion being invested into schools and education, to “continue building the education state” and “build a better future for Victoria’s children”.
A one-off $400 School Saving Bonus will be made available to families at government and those with concession cards at non-government schools from the start of the 2025 school year, to try to help cover the cost of learning essentials and extracurricular activities.
To try to help families with the cost of sporting club registration, uniforms and equipment, $6 million has been allocated to extend the existing Get Active Kids vouchers, which provide eligible families with up to $200.
The free Glasses for Kids program, which has provided free vision screening and prescription glasses for students who need it, will be tripled. The program has already assisted 34,000 children across Victoria, and the investment intends to help 74,000 more.
The budget has also invested $948 million to finish 16 new schools, as well as $6 million in tech schools to try to support STEM camps for regional students, and the delivery of tech school programs through remote learning.
“With its first budget, the Allan Labor Government is focused on helping families in Northern Victoria, delivering the projects and services our community deserves,” state Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said.
“From the $400 School Saving Bonus to free vision tests and glasses for kids who need them, this budget provides real cost-of-living support for local families.”
Community legal centres and specialist legal services, including Goulburn Valley ARC Justice Community Legal Centres, have been allocated $28.8 million, aiming to ensure Victorians can access legal support.
Aiming to support local sporting clubs, a further $300,000 will be put into the continued delivery of Basketball Victoria’s high-performance hubs, including in Shepparton.
Up to $250,000 has been allocated for lighting upgrades at Tatura Park, as well as $300,000 for a new pump track at the Benalla BMX Track.
A total of $1.5 million will be invested to support the work of regional food relief hubs, including Shepparton FoodShare.
A further $2.15 million aims to support joint land management of the Barmah National Park in partnership with Yorta Yorta people, trying to ensure Victoria’s First Peoples are at the forefront of preserving Victoria’s natural environment.
A $301.5 million investment will aim to continue supporting Victorians rebuilding and recovering from catastrophic weather events such as fires, floods and storms.
This will include repairs to schools, roads and other infrastructure, as well as temporary accommodation, relief payments and mental health support for people who need help.
A total of $185 million has been allocated to Victoria’s bushfire prevention and response, including boosting specialist aerial capabilities for built-up areas to support firefighters on the front line.
The investment includes new CFA pumper trucks for local firefighters and volunteers, helping to keep communities safe.