Victorian families, including those in Wyndham, will receive cost of living relief, expanded education support and targeted multicultural funding under the 2026/27 State Budget, as the Allan Government outlines a combined package aimed at easing pressure on households and strengthening community safety.
The Budget includes more than $123.8 million to support multicultural and multifaith communities, alongside local measures in Melbourne’s west focused on transport costs, healthcare access and school support.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the approach was designed to address everyday pressures while maintaining broader community programs. “No matter where you’re from, every Victorian deserves help with rising costs, safety on the street, and support to live a good life.” She added, “Our Budget funds the programs that help you belong.”
In Wyndham, transport relief forms a central part of the package. Free public transport will be provided until the end of May, followed by half-price fares from June through to the end of the year. The government estimates this will save an average commuter more than $1,300. A 20 per cent reduction in vehicle registration fees is also included, offering up to $186 in savings for a single-car household and up to $372 for families with two vehicles.
Education spending is a major component of the Budget, with funding directed at both early learning and school-age support. Statewide, $9.1 million has been allocated to help students from migrant and refugee backgrounds remain engaged in education through programs such as homework clubs. A further $61.9 million will expand English as an Additional Language support and interpreting services in schools, while $3.6 million will continue the Early Childhood Language Program in kindergartens.
In Wyndham, additional education measures include $59.4 million in support for families with school-aged children, covering programs such as School Breakfast Clubs, more affordable uniforms and the expansion of the Glasses for Kids initiative, which provides free eye tests and glasses.
Early childhood education remains a priority, with continued investment in Free Kinder, saving families up to $2,700 per child each year. The Budget also includes nearly $500 million for new and upgraded kinders and childcare centres, alongside $419.6 million for new school construction and $25.4 million for upgrades across 24 schools.
Support for seniors is included through a $5.3 million allocation to the Multicultural Seniors Support Program, offering grants of up to $2,000 to community organisations. These funds are intended to support social activities and cover insurance costs, helping older Victorians remain connected.
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The Budget also outlines a series of measures aimed at crime prevention and community safety. A $23.5 million investment will support students at risk of suspension or expulsion, with a focus on early intervention to keep young people engaged in education. An additional $8.1 million will fund targeted programs for at-risk African and Pasifika youth, while $5.5 million will support initiatives linked to the South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group, including planning for a community hub.
Police and justice system capacity is also being expanded. Funding includes $62 million to recruit 200 police reservists for administrative roles, allowing frontline officers to focus on operational duties, and $7.2 million to increase prosecution capacity at Wyndham Law Courts. A further $33.5 million has been allocated to the Violence Reduction Unit.
Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt said the Budget also addresses racism and social cohesion. “Racism is a crime and there’s too many people who want to sweep it under the rug.” She added, “From our tough anti-vilification laws, to supporting groups with local projects, we’re fighting it.”
To support these efforts, $3.4 million has been allocated to community-led projects addressing racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. The same amount will fund services for people fleeing conflict, with support delivered through organisations such as the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Australian Red Cross, covering essentials including housing, food and utilities.
Healthcare investment remains a focus in Melbourne’s west, with $95 million allocated to open and operate the Werribee Mercy Hospital Emergency Department later this year. The expansion will double capacity and include 67 treatment spaces, alongside specialised areas for mental health and paediatric care. Additional funding will support post-natal beds, sonography appointments and nursery cots for babies with complex needs.
Infrastructure spending also features prominently. The Budget includes $1.04 billion for road repairs and upgrades across Victoria, along with almost $100 million to improve bus services, including connections to the new West Tarneit Station. Additional nine-car VLocity trains will be introduced on the Wyndham Vale line during peak periods, increasing capacity by up to 50 per cent.
Local MPs said the package reflects both immediate cost pressures and long-term investment needs. John Lister, Member for Werribee, said, “As a local I understand the pressures families are facing, and what our community needs. This budget delivers real cost of living relief and investment into services and facilities for families across Werribee.” Mathew Hilikari, Member for Point Cook, said the measures would ease household costs and improve mobility, while Dylan Wight, Member for Tarneit, pointed to continued investment in healthcare, schools and transport.
The Budget also continues funding for outreach services aimed at reducing homelessness, including a $17.5 million package for nine new teams supporting rough sleepers across Melbourne’s west.
Separately, a deal to extend Victoria’s lottery licence by 40 years has delivered a $1.1 billion windfall to the state, contributing to the government’s fiscal position.
The combined measures position the Budget as a mix of targeted relief and broader investment, with a focus on cost of living, education, safety and multicultural support across Victoria and in growth areas such as Wyndham.
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