Thursday, 15 May 2025

Questions without notice and ministers statements

Budget 2025–26

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:01): My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, I refer to the 368 government programs due to end unless extended on 30 June, totalling almost $22 billion in core government services, including $173 million in suicide prevention funding, which if it lapses is an effective cut to this critical service. I therefore ask, Treasurer: will you guarantee that the $173 million in suicide prevention funding will be restored in full, or will you support a harsh cut to these critical services?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:01): I thank Mr Davis for his question. As happens every budget year as we approach the budget, there is funding that is potentially lapsing that is considered as to whether it will be renewed or not in the budget. This happens each and every year. To indicate that a lapsing program will not be re-funded would be very irresponsible, Mr Davis. The government is making responsible decisions that reflect the priorities of Victorians, and this will be reflected in the budget next week.

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:02): I would indicate that suicide prevention is the sort of service that should get priority. In the Parliamentary Budget Office analysis another program that will lapse is early years education, where $31 million of funding will crash to zero unless restored. I therefore ask, Treasurer: will you guarantee the restoration of the $31 million of early education funding, or will you choose to continue to fund more concrete or projects like the SRL as your priority?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Regional Development) (12:03): Mr Davis, we have a very strong record on identifying projects and services that Victorians rely on. We have outstripped expenditure on early years – and you can ask the minister herself this question – more than any other state. We have led the nation in mental health support following the royal commission.

Mr Davis, I make the point about not ruling things out before a budget. I have told you again and again that by standing there saying that, you are trying to create fear in the community that funding will not be provided. Funding will be revealed in the budget next week, and this type of commentary is really, really unhelpful.