Cost of living support

$250 Energy Payment for all Victorians

The Andrews Labor Government will put $250 into your pocket while making sure every Victorian has the best electricity plan.

All you have to do is visit the Victorian Energy Compare website and apply. You don't have to switch, but seven out of ten Victorians who log on can find a cheaper deal.

To apply visit: powersavingbonus3.energy.vic.gov.au/

Sick Pay for Casual Workers

The Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee provides eligible casual and contract workers with a guarantee they will receive sick pay when they can’t go to work. Because no worker should have to choose between a day’s pay and their health – or the health of a loved one.

Eligible industries include

Hospitality
Food trades or food preparation
Supermarkets
Retail
Sales
Aged and disability care
Cleaning and laundry
Security

For more information visit: vic.gov.au/sick-pay-guarantee

Annual council rate caps

Before the end of each year the Minister for Local Government sets the local council rate cap for the next year. The rate cap limits the maximum amount a council can increase general rates and municipal charges.

To see this year's annual council rate cap visit: esc.vic.gov.au/local-government/annual-council-rate-caps

Free Kinder in 2023

Free Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder will be available across Victoria at participating services in 2023 at both long day care and sessional (standalone) services. Free Kinder means a saving of up to $2,500 per child, each year, and also means more than 28,000 Victorians can return to work, including almost 26,600 of which are women.

Learn more about free kinder here: vic.gov.au/give-your-child-the-best-start-in-life

Free Learner and Probationary Licences

Aspiring L-platers will save up to $51.40 in licence and online testing fees. While learner drivers going for their P-plates will save up to $133.30 in licence and online hazard perception testing fees.

Over 138,000 Victorians who get their Ls each year and 121,000 who get their Ps will have more money in their pockets thanks to these changes.

Free TAFE

Free TAFE covers tuition fees for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training.

From 2023, Free TAFE will offer more than 70 courses across growth industries, including Early Childhood Education, Health, Construction & Infrastructure, Agriculture, Hospitality and Community & Disability Services.

With thousands of jobs available in these industries now and in the future – find a Free TAFE course that’s right for you here: vic.gov.au/free-tafe

Smile Squad Vans Providing Free Dental to Kids

Smile Squad is a Victorian Government program that offers free dental care to all primary and secondary Victorian government school students. It does not include cosmetic treatment. The service provides high quality annual dental check-ups and follow-up treatment for students. It also may include:

X-rays
Fluoride varnish
Scale and clean
Fissure sealants
A free dental pack: a toothbrush, toothpaste and information
Advice about dental health and diet.

If a child needs more treatment, like a filling, Smile Squad will contact parents/guardians and make a second appointment. These extra treatments are also completely free.

Find out more: https://www.smilesquad.vic.gov.au/

Solar Panel and Battery Rebates

Solar Panel Rebates are available of up to $1,400 plus the option of an interest-free loan for existing homes and homes under construction. Find out more: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-panel-rebate

Solar Battery Rebates is supporting eligible Victorian Households to install a solar battery by providing a point-of-sale discount up to a maximum of $2,950 for eligible customers. Rebates are available in every Victorian postcode. Find out more: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-battery-rebate

Free Pads and Tampons in schools

Free pads and tampons are now available in every government school in Victoria – because being able to access sanitary products shouldn't be a barrier to students getting the most out of their education.

To find out more: https://www.vic.gov.au/free-sanitary-pads-and-tampons-all-government-schools

Service Victoria Savings Finder

The Service Victoria Savings Finder build on more than 80 government services already available through the Service Victoria website and mobile app aimed to help Victorians with the rising cost of living and ensure they are accessing discounts and rebates available to them.

To find out more: https://service.vic.gov.au/services/savings-finder/benefits-and-rebates

Free Registration for hard-working Apprentices and Tradies

The current 50 per cent discount on motor vehicle registration for eligible trade apprentices will be expanded to 100 percent, to support the skills of the next generation of Victorian workers.