Vic State Budget – Help with the cost of living

The Victorian State Budget, released on 20th May, has included measures to help with the cost of living. Here is a summary of these measures, based on this Victorian Government website update.

Support for Families & Children

• Free Public Transport for Under 18s: Starting 1 January 2026, children and teens ride free across Victoria – saving families up to $755 per child annually.

• Free Kinder for 3 & 4-Year-Olds: Continued investment ($859 million) saves families up to $2,600 per child per year.

• Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund: Annual support increases to $400 per student for concession card holders from 2026.

• Get Active Kids Vouchers: More than 65,000 additional vouchers (up to $200 each) to help cover sport-related costs.

Support for Seniors

• Free Statewide Public Transport on Weekends: For Victorians aged 60+ with a Seniors Card from 1 January 2026.

Healthcare Access

• Expanded Free Pharmacist Care: $18 million investment to treat more conditions (e.g. allergies, high blood pressure) without needing a GP visit. Consultation fees will be fully covered.

Free Zoo Access

• Continued free entry for children under 16 on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays at Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park and Werribee Zoo.

Energy and Utilities Relief

• $118 million to reduce energy bills, including:

  • $100 Power Saving Bonus for concession card holders.

  • $30 million to help 27,000 households install electric heat pumps or solar hot water (saving up to $400/year).

  • $12 million for insulation discounts under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program (cutting bills by $400/year).

  • $26 million for renewable energy project development.

  • SEC pilot one-stop-shop for all-electric home transitions (potential savings of $1,400/year).

Fair Fuel Plan

• New scheme to cap and lock fuel prices, requiring service stations to publish prices a day in advance. Prices will be locked for 24 hours and shown via the Service Victoria Fuel Finder app.

Food Relief and Financial Support

• $18 million additional funding for food relief organisations, including Foodbank and regional Foodshares.

• $5.1 million to expand Good Shepherd’s Good Money no-interest loan program for essential expenses.

• $4 million extra support for Mortgage Stress Victoria, helping people stay in their homes.