The Allan Labor Government has unveiled a budget focused on easing cost pressures on Victorian families while expanding access to quality education across all age groups. With more than $4.9 billion directed toward early learning, school infrastructure and student support, the 2025/26 state budget pitches itself as both a financial relief package and an education blueprint.
One of the centrepieces is the expansion of the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund. Starting Term 1, 2026, payments for eligible students will rise to $400—up from $154 for primary students and $256 for secondary—aimed at ensuring no child misses out on key school experiences due to household financial strain. The $152.3 million injection builds on existing programs such as free school breakfasts, dental checkups, swimming lessons and sanitary products in government schools.
Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll said the change was designed to “make sure no child is missing out” while recognising the pressures families are under. “We’re helping them cover the cost of camps, sporting activities and excursions,” he said.
The budget also includes close to $2 billion to support kindergarten services, including continued funding for Free Kinder, the extension of Three-Year-Old Kinder, and the rollout of Pre-Prep programs. Fifty government-run early learning and childcare centres will be supported, with $15 million set aside for Building Blocks grants to improve and expand kindergartens.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the Free Kinder policy alone gives families back up to $2,600 each year, helping parents return to work if they choose, while giving children an early advantage. “Our reforms in kinder and early childhood education are making sure every child gets the best start in life,” she said.
On school infrastructure, the state’s building program continues at pace. Victoria is investing $1.5 billion to add more than 13,000 student places, with new schools set to open in Officer and Aintree by 2027. Additional facilities are being added at schools in Cranbourne, Tarneit, Truganina and Werribee, alongside land acquisitions worth $237 million to prepare for further growth.
The Government says it is on track to deliver 100 new schools by 2026, with a record 19 due to open next year. Upgrades are also planned across 35 schools through a $321.7 million package, with another $342 million allocated to maintenance. A final $312 million will fulfil outstanding commitments from the 2022 election.
Beyond buildings, the budget invests in the learning that happens inside classrooms. Literacy and numeracy remain top priorities. A total of $133.3 million has been set aside to support improved learning outcomes, including $81.1 million for lifting standards in reading and maths. Phonics instruction and a Year 1 Phonics Check will receive $12.9 million in support.
Maths instruction, often cited as an area of concern, will receive a $46.6 million boost. This includes the introduction of a Numeracy Check for Year 1 students, and advanced maths camps for nearly 1,000 Year 9 and 10 students to engage in real-world problem-solving. Teachers too will benefit, with funds to support micro-credentialling for secondary school maths instruction.
Another $10.4 million will expand the School-wide Positive Behaviour Support program to 408 more schools, nearly doubling its reach. The move follows past reforms such as banning mobile phones in schools and advocating age limits for social media use.
Students in Dandenong and Warrnambool will benefit from $9.2 million for local Tech Schools, with ongoing support to similar institutions in Hume, Brimbank, Wangaratta and Frankston. The Government is also putting $18.5 million into the Koorie Literacy and Numeracy Program to help close the gap in educational achievement for First Nations students.
The education package doesn’t stop at academic outcomes. A $319.8 million commitment will complete the rollout of the state’s Disability Inclusion reforms, aimed at ensuring all students have access to tailored support. This builds on a $1.6 billion investment since 2020.
An additional $33.4 million will expand transport services for students with disabilities, including six new bus routes to help specialist school students get to class. Meanwhile, $25.6 million will support the Navigator program, which helps re-engage students at risk of dropping out, and $30.8 million will maintain the LOOKOUT program for students in out-of-home care.
Support for English as an Additional Language students has also been expanded, with $56.6 million directed towards helping mainstream and dedicated language schools meet rising demand. More than $5 million will support Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to offer kinder programs rooted in local culture.
On teacher recruitment and retention, $158.7 million has been committed to ease national shortages. Programs such as Career Start, Teach Today and Teach Tomorrow will be extended, supporting up to 1,200 teacher education students to work while they study. There’s also a focus on filling hard-to-staff roles in rural and regional schools, with $15.2 million allocated to attract talent to these areas.
Minister Ben Carroll summed up the Government’s education agenda as a push for both fairness and excellence. “We’re making sure that every Victorian child, no matter where they live, can rely on a great public education—building new classrooms, but also supporting the learning that happens inside them,” he said.
Premier Jacinta Allan, visiting students from Killara Primary School in Sunbury and Rangebank Primary School in Cranbourne, highlighted how investments in infrastructure like the Metro Tunnel are designed to complement investments in education. “These kids are the future passengers of a city that’s investing in them—not just with new trains but with new classrooms and kinder places,” she said, referring to the budget’s dual focus on connectivity and classroom access.
The 2025/26 Budget makes clear that for the Allan Government, education remains a frontline issue—both for easing today’s cost pressures and for shaping the workforce and citizens of tomorrow.
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📚#Victoria’s 2025/26 #Budget boosts #education with $4.9B for early learning, schools & student support. 🏫 Camps Fund rises to $400. 💰 Major investments target equity, literacy, numeracy & infrastructure. 🛠️ #TheIndianSun @BenCarrollMP
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