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 healthcare, affordable transport or school essentials is non-negotiable. The Allan Labor government is getting on with the job of providing support.