Community organisations have responded to the Victorian Budget 2026–27 with a mix of support for targeted funding and calls for sustained investment, particularly for multicultural and Aboriginal-led programs.
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria said the Budget includes practical measures that will assist migrant and refugee communities facing cost pressures, while urging political parties to commit to longer-term funding ahead of the state election.
ECCV pointed to initiatives such as subsidised public transport, fuel price caps and vehicle registration discounts as measures that will benefit multicultural Victorians. It also highlighted funding directed at community programs, including $3.4 million for anti-racism initiatives, $3.4 million to support people seeking asylum, and $61.9 million for English as an Additional Language programs in schools.
ECCV CEO Farah Farouque said further investment is needed beyond the current allocations. “It’s good to see several practical measures in the Budget, but beyond that we really need to see greater investment in multicultural organisations that do so much to support communities. We hope to see this addressed as we head into the state election.”
She also welcomed continued support for seniors’ groups. “I’m also pleased to see an additional two years of funding for grassroots seniors’ clubs, which play a vital role in supporting connection and wellbeing. ECCV has long advocated for an ongoing investment in ethnic seniors’ clubs.”
ECCV Chair Silvia Renda said multicultural communities should remain central to future policy commitments. “As Victoria heads toward a state election, multicultural communities must be central to the commitments of all political parties.”
She added that sustained support is essential for ongoing programs. “This Budget includes welcome measures, but they must be matched by sustained investment in the organisations and services that support culturally diverse communities every day.”
The organisation said additional funding will be required to maintain programs in the years ahead, particularly given ongoing cost pressures and barriers faced by culturally diverse communities.
Separately, the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency welcomed aspects of the Budget but raised concerns about the scale of investment in Aboriginal-led initiatives.
VACCA noted continued funding for existing programs, including the Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care program, which supports the transfer of responsibility for children on protection orders to Aboriginal organisations. It also acknowledged measures such as the expansion of Community Protecting Boorais and funding linked to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
“It’s good to see several practical measures in the Budget, but beyond that we really need to see greater investment in multicultural organisations that do so much to support communities. We hope to see this addressed as we head into the state election.”
Acting Deputy CEO Megan Van Den Berg said a shift in funding approach is needed to improve outcomes. “For VACCA to continue to deliver life-changing, holistic and integrated programs that close the gap, a complete reimagining of funding models is required. We know that Aboriginal-led and designed programs do achieve the best outcomes in our communities.”
She said access to services depends on sustained funding across multiple sectors. “Timely access to services and supports – in child and family services; family violence prevention, response and healing; education; homelessness prevention; and crime prevention and community safety – can only be achieved with appropriate funding.”
VACCA also raised concerns that existing allocations remain weighted towards mainstream systems, warning that stronger investment in Aboriginal-led prevention and early intervention is needed to meet Closing the Gap targets.
Both organisations said the Budget includes measures that will assist communities in the short term, while signalling that further funding and policy focus will be required as Victoria moves toward the state election.
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