The Allan Labor Government’s first Budget is dedicated to helping families in our community.

We’re helping locals, especially students, get home sooner and safer, with a $2.78 million investment, creating a safer pedestrian crossing at Diamond Creek Road in Greensborough.

The State Budget also delivers for local public transport, providing better links to the new bus interchange being built at Greensborough Station.

We know how important our frontline healthcare services are for patients and their families. And, this year’s Budget continues to invest in the services Victorian families rely on.

A $275 million investment at the Austin Hospital - for 29 additional emergency treatment spaces – will ensure locals get the help they need when they need it.

We’re also helping new parents, with $28.8 million for young families for those important checkups. Becoming a parent is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, but our Maternal and Child Health nurses are there to guide new families through those hazy early days, making sure mums and bubs are doing well.

With the current cost of living, covering school supplies and extracurricular activities can be hard on families doing it tough. Uniforms, camps and excursions – it all adds up.

That’s why we are providing a one-off $400 School Saving Bonus to help cover the costs, ensuring that kids have everything they need for the school day. Available from the start of 2025, the bonus will support families with children at government schools and eligible families at our non-government schools who need it most.

We’re also tripling our free Glasses for Kids program – making sure more young Victorians can be their best in the classroom, and beyond. Having already helped 34,000 kids across our state – this investment will support 74,000 more, providing free vision screening and prescription glasses for students.

And because we know that learning isn’t limited to the classroom, we’re investing $6 million to extend our Get Active Kids vouchers – providing up to $200 to help eligible families with the cost of sporting club registration, uniforms and equipment.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward

“This Budget delivers for our community. With investments in healthcare, public transport and supporting families - through our $400 school saving bonus and glasses for kids – we’re focusing on what families need..

“The new signalised pedestrian crossing for Diamond Creek Road is fantastic news for local residents, particularly students in the area. Thank you to Joanne Thom and everyone in our community who advocated for this vital safety upgrade – together we have achieved a great outcome.”