The cost of living keeps rising, and Australians are paying the price. We know Victorians are paying more at the bowser and the supermarket, to get where they need to go, and for their electricity bills.
That’s why we’ve been getting on with delivering programs that help to drive down the cost of living for families across the state. We’ve made kinder free, delivered three rounds of the Power Saving Bonus, encouraged take‑up of the Solar Homes Program, delivered free Ls and Ps, set rate caps for all Victorian councils, and introduced the Victorian Default Offer.
In this Budget we're going even further by funding more initiatives that focus on providing relief in energy, transport and everyday living expenses:
- $400 million for another round of the hugely popular Power Saving Bonus, providing another $250 to households that use the Victorian Energy Compare website to search for the cheapest electricity deal.
- $190 million for fairer public transport fares for regional Victorians – capping regional public transport fares at the metro rate to make it easier for families and commuters in regional Victoria to leave the car at home and get around by train and bus.
- $141 million to install air conditioners across more than 40 high‑rise public housing towers, keeping homes cool for thousands of Victorians.
- $90 million to digitise essential government services, streamlining the way people interact with government to make sure Victorians can get the information and support they need faster. These services, delivered by Services Victoria, will make it easier to do business in Victoria.
- $50 million to help more Victorian families to access public fertility care, with up to 3,375 treatment cycles funded each year.
- $42 million to install 100 neighbourhood batteries across the state at targeted locations to drive down power bills even more – increasing the number of homes with access to a battery and providing crucial extra storage capacity for local communities.
Other cost of living initiatives in this Budget include:
- $42 million to recognise the service of Victorian veterans and their families and help them with the cost of living. This includes introducing the Victorian Veterans Card, which will entitle veterans to a $100 discount on the registration of one vehicle, free public transport on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, free trailer and caravan registration and free fishing and boating licences.
- $23 million to provide free period products in public places across the state. We’ll install up to 1,500 free pad and tampon machines at up to 700 public sites including courts, TAFEs, public libraries, train stations and major cultural institutions like the State Library of Victoria and the Melbourne Museum, so women can access period products where and when they need them.
- $17 million over four years to continue our Baby Bundle program – supporting new mums and dads across Victoria as they transition into parenthood and help them give their babies the very best start in life.
- $17 million to expand the Smile Squad free dental program to low‑fee Independent and Catholic schools from 2026 – saving parents time and money on trips to the dentist.
- $16 million for Solar Victoria to provide interest‑free loans to eligible households to install solar battery storage systems in their home.
- $16 million to keep providing pads and tampons in every government school free of charge. We’ll also develop resources and education materials and deliver pelvic pain education programs to 100 government schools per year.
- $10 million to deliver free car rego for our hardworking trade apprentices. Eligible bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, electricians, plumbers and other apprentices who rely on their vehicle for work will benefit from the saving – worth up to $865 every year.
Reviewed 21 May 2023