Lean, lean, lean

This is one of the leanest Victorian budgets in years, according to Victoria’s peak social advocacy body VCOSS.

“This budget doesn’t have the big spending initiatives of recent years, and actually cuts funding in some program areas,” VCOSS CEO Emma King said.

VCOSS notes significant investments in health and education.

We also welcome $500 million of new funding for prevention and early intervention initiatives that promote wellbeing.

“We hope this is an early step towards a genuine wellbeing approach.”

Welcome new investments have also been made in:

• vocational pathways in secondary education
• kindergarten for three year old children
• literacy and numeracy support
• Aboriginal self determination
• mental health
• women’s health are also welcome.

But Ms King warned the challenge of properly funding community services over the long-term remains.

“Community service organisations play a crucial role keeping our state strong, helping communities thrive and supporting people through hardship,” Ms King said.

“VCOSS will continue to advocate relentlessly for increased and sustained support for Victorian communities, and the community organisations that serve them.”