The Victorian Budget 2022/23 delivers more than $26 million for young people and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, helping them come together as we emerge from the pandemic.
Multicultural community organisations will receive $6.4 million to build and upgrade community facilities across Victoria. Funding will be provided to the Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund, making it easier for communities to connect and provide essential services in safe and accessible spaces.
More than $1.1 million will go towards multicultural festivals and events, helping communities celebrate and preserve traditions—while also boosting our events and hospitality industries as they recover from the pandemic.
Newly arrived migrants will be assisted with more than $6.7 million to ensure critical settlement services continue. Importantly, these services bridge gaps left by the Commonwealth—including support for community hubs, legal services and playgroups.
More than $4.4 million will deliver the Victorian African Communities Action Plan (VACAP), including support for Homework Clubs, School Community Liaison Officers and other key initiatives.
Almost $1.3 million will deliver the Empower Youth Program, connecting young people in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage with work or education and nurturing their health and wellbeing. A further $500,000 for Scouts Victoria and Girl Guides Victoria will encourage more young people to get involved.
More than $1.3 million will support more than 2,000 young people to find work in the sport and recreation sector by subsidising their accreditation.
As part of the Labor Government’s support for Aboriginal self-determination, funding of almost $600,000 will establish the Koorie Youth Council as a primary partner in delivering support for Aboriginal young people.
Funding is also provided to extend the work of the CALD Communities Taskforce, with more than $3.7 million to continue promoting vaccination and COVIDSafe behaviours in culturally tailored ways, ensuring no one is left behind as Victoria recovers from the pandemic.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Youth Ros Spence said, “We’re supporting organisations and events that keep a diverse range of Victorians connected, because we know it’s good for communities, and we know it’s good for jobs.
Victoria’s multicultural communities have remained strong throughout the pandemic—and we’re helping them to reconnect as we recover.”
OTHER BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
The Pandemic Repair Plan will include:
Training and hiring up to 7,000 healthcare workers, of which 5,000 are nurses More paramedics, more support for paramedics and increased capacity for Triple Zero call-takers and dispatchers An unprecedented package to recruit, train, upskill and support healthcare workers across the sector, helping relieve pressure on the system and improving care for all Victorians $2.3 billion to upgrade and build new hospitals, including $236 million to double emergency department capacity in Casey and Werribee A record investment in surgical capacity across the state to give Victorians the specialist care they need before they end up in the emergency department Funding to manage the pandemic across our health system and in the community into the future.
It includes our $1.5 billion Covid Catch-Up Plan to increase surgical activity beyond pre-pandemic levels by providing 40,000 extra surgeries in the next year—reducing the waitlist and building up to a record 240,000 surgeries annually in 2024.
More than $300 million to improve court systems, respond to demand across the justice system, improve community safety, support victims and provide better court services in regional areas.
Improve travel on Mickleham Road in Greenvale with $213 million for a 1.6 kilometre road upgrade—creating a safer journey and slashing travel times for thousands of drivers who use the road every day.
A $65 million package will attract innovative global companies to the state and help established Victorian businesses expand—creating thousands of jobs.
$112 million to manage our water sustainably into the future—ensuring green spaces remain green, supporting farmers and securing our drinking water supply.
$40 million in red tape busting building sector reforms and projects to unlock investment across the state.
A $114.8 million package to move more services online, cut paperwork for businesses and help drive down the cost of living for Victorians.
$77.4 million to community projects and programs—investing in the projects that matter to local residents while supporting Victoria’s continuing recovery from the pandemic.
$14.7 million to support and celebrate LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
$4 million in new support for Victoria’s veterans and their families as they transition back into civilian life.
$88 million to deliver new and improved community sports infrastructure and programs to boost participation in local sports clubs and organisations.
$245.8 million for our much-loved cultural attractions and booming screen sector—investing in the workers, businesses and institutions that make them shine.
More than $240 million to end family violence and build a better future for Victorian women.
$400 million in funding to support Aboriginal Victorians across a range of programs from health to education and family services.
$55.6 million to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence—making sure Victoria’s casino operator is held to the highest standards of probity and integrity.
More than $600 million as part of a sweeping package of investments focused on youth diversion, reducing reoffending, increasing mental health support and providing financial assistance to victims of crime.
$75 million to transform services for Victorians experiencing or at risk of homelessness—including tailored support to get them into permanent housing.
A $103.1 million package will boost real-life work experience opportunities for students, strengthen training opportunities to preserve Victoria’s Aboriginal heritage.
$2.6 billion so Victoria is ready to host the Commonwealth Games in 2026, and a further $111 million to boost tourism and support events.
$146 million to replace and refurbish beds at Public Sector Regional Aged Care Services (PSRACS) campuses, including 36 beds at Camperdown Hospital, 72 beds at Mansfield District Hospital and 38 beds at Orbost Regional Health, and to plan for upgrades at facilities in Bright and Heywood.
More than $1 billion for regional health infrastructure, and a raft of investments in nurses, doctors, ambos and allied health professionals who care for regional Victorians.
$78.3 million to boost manufacturing and grow Victoria’s international presence.
Some $193.4 million will be invested in regional development and agriculture, advancing the 10‑year agriculture strategy and helping the sector remain strong, innovative and sustainable.
$1.7 billion in extra support to help students reach their goals and get a first-rate education.
More than $333 million to add nearly 400 new staff to increase Triple Zero call taking and dispatch capacity for Triple Zero services and training more operators to allocate calls across the state.
$258.3 million to create fairer conditions and protect workers—including funding Victoria’s nation-leading Sick Pay Guarantee pilot scheme for eligible casual and contract workers.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 delivers more than $26 million for young people & culturally & linguistically #diverse communities, helping them come together as we emerge from the pandemic. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/ild8BmcYar
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) May 3, 2022
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
