T
he 2025/26 Victorian Budget has successfully renewed and expanded support for disadvantaged families and young people while remaining fiscally responsible, the head of
one of the state’s largest child welfare charities said today.
Anglicare Victoria CEO Paul McDonald said the Allan Government’s re-commitment to
funding a range of family services, family violence support programs and Out-of-Home Care shows why the state remains a national leader in the care economy.
“The free public transport initiative for all children will be a big help for struggling families, as well as those in foster, kinship and residential care. A lot of kids simply don’t have the money to pay their way to school or work, and this avoids a situation where they are made to feel like criminals for fare evasion, often through no fault of their own,” Mr McDonald said.
“The $123 million extension of payments to assist with school costs is also positive for foster
carers and the many families we work with. Anything that can help with household budgets is
welcome after years of rising rents, utilities and grocery price rises.
“The expansion of no-interest loans, emergency relief outlets across the state and a $100
power saving bonus for disadvantaged families are all important initiatives to help combat the
rising cost of living. We also welcome an additional $172 million to help survivors of family
violence with tailored support and legal costs,” he said.
Mr McDonald said the sector had been hoping for some significant investment in programs to
reduce youth re-offending and keep kids out of prison, following the tightening of bail laws
earlier in the year and funding for extra beds in the youth detention system.
“Given two thirds of young offenders have been in the care of the Victorian Government and
its agencies at some point, we believe additional investment is needed in innovative programs
to create opportunity and help them get back on track.
“We look forward to working more closely with the Allan Government on this in the future,” Mr
McDonald said.
For more information or to speak to Anglicare Victoria Chief Executive Paul McDonald,
please contact the AV media team on 0419 035 117 or media@anglicarevic.org.au.
