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Victorian Budget Hub
Why does the Victorian Budget matter?
The delivery of the budget is a set-piece annual economic event for the Victorian Government.
It’s when the government reveals how much money it wants to spend on specific program areas, and how it plans to raise revenue. It’s also an opportunity for governments to detail its broader thinking and reform agenda.
In addition, it’s a significant moment for the Victorian community sector.
Budget day is often when social sector organisations learn if funding for programs has been renewed, altered or discontinued.
Read about the budget development process on the Department of Treasury and Finance website.
How does VCOSS influence the budget?
VCOSS does a significant amount of work before, during and after the budget is delivered, to ensure the best outcomes for Victorian social service organisations, and the people they serve.
Our budget work occurs in seven distinct phases.
1. Extensive member consultation
We consult with members about what should be in the budget. This is in addition to regular and ongoing member engagement.
2. Formal budget submission
We present a broad and detailed sector submission to the government, detailing the polices and approaches that warrant investment. Read 2024 submission.
3. Pre-budget advocacy
Our submission is supported by intense public and private advocacy, including meetings with ministers, parliamentary secretaries and backbench MPs, and media commentary.
4. Member briefing
We hold a pre-budget briefing for VCOSS members, detailing what to expect on budget day and how to navigate the budget papers. Register for 2024 briefing.
[BUDGET DAY]
5. Budget response and analysis
On budget day, VCOSS provides an immediate high-level analysis of the budget. This takes the form of media commentary and direct communications with VCOSS members. Our analysis is expanded over subsequent days and weeks as the VCOSS team delve deeper into the budget papers and seek clarity from government officials. Throughout this period, we also amplify member responses to the budget.
6. Post-budget event with the Victorian Treasurer
VCOSS holds a traditional budget week public event with the Victorian Treasurer. The Treasurer personally briefs attendees on the social policy elements of the budget, and attendees are able to ask questions.
7. Post budget advocacy
We will make representations to government about unforeseen consequences, missed opportunities and further opportunities for progress coming out of the formal budget process.
Shaping the 2024 Victorian Budget
The VCOSS 2024 Victorian Budget submission argues Victoria must make solving the cost-of-living crisis a top priority for expenditure, and the solutions must be long-term.
Not just band aids for today, but a bedrock of equity for generations to come.
Past budget cycles
2023 Victorian Budget
2022 Victorian Budget
Making sense of the Victorian Budget papers
The Victorian budget papers run to literally thousands of pages.
So how do you find the detail you need, without getting bogged down?
Most social spending initiatives will be detailed in Budget Paper 3: Service Delivery.
The below video and guide will help you navigate the key documents.
VCOSS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, and we pay respect to Elders and Ancestors. Our business is conducted on sovereign, unceded Aboriginal land. The VCOSS offices are located on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung land in central Naarm.