Victoria’s Treasurer Jaclyn Symes has handed down her first budget, describing it as a “responsible” plan that supports frontline services and delivers “meaningful” cost-of-living relief. Marking the first return to surplus since the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2025 state budget outlines a $600 million net operating gain.
While the surplus is significantly lower than the $1.6 billion forecast in December 2024, Symes emphasised the government’s intent to ease financial pressures on households and invest in key infrastructure. The budget includes specific support for families, regional communities, and public transport, with funding aimed at visible, immediate impact.
Families, students and seniors emerge as budget winners
According to the Victorian Government, this year’s budget introduces a suite of initiatives aimed at alleviating daily costs for households, particularly those with children or concession cards.
Among the headline measures, families with children under 18 will benefit from free public transport, potentially saving up to $755 per child each year. Free kinder will also be extended across the state, valued at up to $2600 annually per child.
Additional support includes an increase in annual education payments for eligible families—those holding concession or healthcare cards—rising to $400 for camps, sports and excursions. A further 65,000 vouchers worth up to $200 will be issued to help with school-related expenses such as uniforms and memberships.
In education infrastructure, 322 million will go toward upgrading 35 existing schools. An additional $361 million has been earmarked for two new schools in Aintree North and Officer, while $237 million will secure land for future educational facilities in growth areas like Casey and Melton.
For seniors, the budget promises free weekend public transport, extending mobility and cost relief to older Victorians.
Infrastructure boost for transport and regions
Significant investment is also directed at public transport and regional development. A total of $727 million will support increased services on the Sunbury, Pakenham and Cranbourne lines, and contribute to the activation of the Metro Tunnel, featuring two 9km rail lines and five new CBD stations.
Sunshine Station will undergo a major transformation into a “transport superhub” with $4.1 billion in funding.
In regional Victoria, health and road infrastructure receive focused attention. According to the budget documents, $84 million will enhance regional ambulance services, while $12 million is allocated to the opening of the upgraded Maryborough and District Hospital.
Road maintenance across the state receives a boost with $976 million for resurfacing and pothole repair, including $81 million dedicated specifically to regional roads.
Although extensive in scope, the budget has received criticism for its limited support for renters and exclusion of non-concession households from key cost-relief measures.
A $100 energy bonus will only be available to those with concession cards, despite over 900,000 households qualifying. Renters, meanwhile, have not been directly addressed in any of the fiscal measures.
