Budget 2025–26
Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (09:48): Last week the Allan Labor government revealed a budget that delivers on services, builds infrastructure and provides help with the cost of living – a budget that delivers what matters most to Victorians. The cost-of-living measures are wideranging and will help where they are needed. We will see statewide free public transport for under-18s from next year and statewide free public transport for seniors on weekends from next year; the expansion of and making permanent the community pharmacy pilot, providing free support to Victorians in their community pharmacy for a wider range of services; a $200 Get Active Kids voucher to help with uniforms, equipment and memberships; increases to the camps and excursions fund for eligible primary and secondary school students; and a $100 power saving bonus for eligible concession card holders. We know that these measures will not solve everything, but they will go a long way to helping Victorians and their household budgets. Our budget is here to help those in need, because access to quality health care, affordable transport or school essentials is non-negotiable. The Allan Labor government is getting on with the job of providing support.