child protection policy victoria education

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New Child Safe Standards start in Victoria on 1 July 2022 to better protect children

News  1 July 2021

The Victorian Government has announced that the new Standards will commence on  1 July 2022 , giving organisations time to plan, prepare and comply. 

The eleven new Standards will replace Victoria’s current seven standards and principles .

Key changes include new requirements:

• to involve families and communities in organisations’ efforts to keep children and young people safe
• for a greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people
• to manage the risk of child abuse in online environments
• for greater clarity on the governance, systems and processes to keep children and young people safe.

Changes have been made to support greater national consistency, reflecting the  National Principles for a Child Safe Organisation  developed following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

There will be some unique features in the new Standards. A new standard focuses on cultural safety for Aboriginal children and young people and was recommended by Justin Mohamed, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, after undertaking an Aboriginal-led development process.

‘Creating organisations that properly include Aboriginal children, young people and their families, and that acknowledge and appreciate the strengths of Aboriginal culture, can make such a difference. Organisations will have requirements to ensure racism within the organisation is identified, confronted and not tolerated. We know that if Aboriginal children and young people feel safe to be themselves in an organisation, this better protects them from child abuse’ reflected Justin Mohamed, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People.

The new Standards provide greater clarity for organisations on actions required to meet minimum standards. Victoria has over five years’ experience of mandatory Child Safe Standards, so many organisations will have well developed child safety frameworks.

Organisations will need to get to know the new Standards, identify what changes they need to make and plan to comply by  1 July 2022 . Until then, organisations will need to continue complying with the current Standards. 

The Commission has produced initial guidance to assist organisations to understand the new Standards:

• New Child Safe Standards Information Sheet (PDF, 146kb)
• New Child Safe Standards Information Sheet (Word, 132kb)

To access the New Child Safe Standards Information Sheet in community languages, click  here .

• What’s new? Overview of the new Child Safe Standards (PDF, 362kb)
• What’s new? Overview of the new Child Safe Standards (Word, 522kb)

To access the What's New? Overview of the new Child Safe Standards Sheet in community languages, click  here .

• What’s changing? Compare current and new Child Safe Standards (PDF, 402kb)
• What’s changing? Compare current and new Child Safe Standards (Word, 528kb)
• Frequently asked questions (PDF, 257kb)
• Frequently asked questions (Word, 133kb) .

More guidance to help organisations move to the new Standards will be released over the coming months. You can  subscribe here  to make sure you are notified of new releases.

Child Safe Standards regulators and peak or industry bodies may also be able provide information and support to assist organisations to transition to the new Standards.

You can contact the Commission with questions or queries:

Telephone:  1300 782 978 or (03) 8601 5281

Email:   [email protected]

Visit the Commission’s website:   www.ccyp.vic.gov.au

Child protection privacy and information sharing

As a school staff member you are permitted to share certain information about a child who has been impacted by abuse. This page provides guidance on the specific information sharing requirements.

On this page

Sharing information to support child wellbeing and safety, information sharing with school staff, information sharing with dffh and victoria police, information sharing with family services, information sharing with school community, further guidance for principals.

• Policy on requests for information about students

Resources for identifying and responding to all forms of abuse in Victorian Schools

The Victorian Government is progressing information sharing and family violence reforms to improve the wellbeing and safety of Victorian children and reduce family violence.

From Term 2 2021, the Child Information Sharing Scheme, the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme and the Family violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework expanded to include a range of Victorian education and care workforces.

Many organisations already work together to do this and many Victorian education and care workforces will become part of a system of sharing, requesting and using information about child wellbeing or safety .

It will allow professionals working with children to gain a complete view of the children they work with, making it easier to identify wellbeing or safety needs earlier, and to act on them sooner.

A range of resources are available to ensure that Victorian education and care workforces have the knowledge and information needed to work consistently and collaboratively to identify and respond to child wellbeing and safety needs.

Resources to support sharing information

The following resources are intended to help organisations prepare their workplaces for implementation and provide guidance on how to share information confidently, safely and appropriately under these new reforms to improve children’s wellbeing and safety. They have been designed for:

• centre-based education and care services
• government, Catholic and independent schools
• system and statutory bodies
• education health, wellbeing and inclusion workforces.

Information Sharing and Family Violence Reforms

These resources complement the delivery of 'Information Sharing and Family Violence Reforms' briefings and online modules for education and care workforces. They should be adapted and used as appropriate in alignment with existing organisational requirements and procedures.

• Information Sharing and Family Violence Reforms: Guidance and Tools

For more information on training, resources and guidance, visit the Information Sharing and MARAM website

Privacy laws allow school staff to share a child’s personal and health information to enable other school staff to:

• support the education of the student, plan for individual needs and address any barriers to learning
• support the social and emotional wellbeing and health of the student
• fulfil duty of care obligations to the student, other students, staff and visitors
• make reasonable adjustments if the student has a disability, including a medical condition or mental illness
• provide a safe and secure workplace.

Therefore as a school staff member you are permitted to share certain information about a child with other staff members, without the consent of a parent or guardian and without breaching privacy laws.

What kind of information can be shared?

The type of information that may be appropriate to share with other school staff about a child who is impacted, or suspected to be impacted by child abuse may include:

• that the child is in a difficult situation
• that the child should be monitored and may need support
• the content of any Student Support Plan, including any signs or symptoms that the child may display when they are in need of support, and any strategies or support services that have been put in place to support the child while they are at school.

As a school staff member, privacy legislation permits you to disclose personal information about a child to Department Families Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Child Protection if:

• it is authorised or permitted by law
• or if it is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious and imminent risk to health, safety or welfare of any person.

Reporting suspected child abuse to DFFH Child Protection or Victoria Police does not constitute a breach of Victorian privacy laws because these disclosures are specifically permitted under the Children Youth and Families Act 2005 and the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

Disclosure of information to DFFH Child Protection in good faith does not constitute unprofessional conduct or a breach of professional ethics. This means that you cannot be successfully sued or suffer formal adverse consequences in your work.

If you've made a report or referral your identity will be protected, unless you consent to its disclosure or the disclosure is specifically authorised by a Court or Tribunal.

Request of information from DFFH Child Protection or Victoria Police

If you receive a request from an officer from DFFH Child Protection or Victoria Police for information relating to a child who has been impacted (or is suspected to have been impacted) by child abuse, you should:

• obtain the request for information in writing

ensure that the written request includes the following information: 

• the name of the officer, the organisation in which they work, and their contact details
• description of the information and documents that are being sought
• the reasons why the information and documents are being sought
• what authority the person or their organisation believes that they have to access the requested information and documents.

In these cases, you may be permitted to share the requested information and documents but you are not compelled to do so.

For further information, refer to our policy on  requests for information about students .

Once Family Services (or other service agency) commences providing services to a child and their family, as a school staff member you can only share information with this agency with the consent of the child's parents (and the child if they are old enough to consent).

This is because service provision in these circumstances is by voluntary agreement between the family and the service provider.

Family Services are allowed to consult with DFFH Child Protection at any time, if necessary.

Planning and care should be taken before providing any information about child abuse to the school community. You and your principal should be aware that that even confirming the existence of an allegation can lead to the identification of a victim.

Principals who are uncertain about how to respond to a particular request for information and documentation can contact the following support services for guidance.

Government schools

Government school principals who are unsure when information can be shared can contact the department's Legal Division for advice and assistance on (03) 9637 3146 .

Catholic schools

Catholic school principals can contact:

• Archdiocese of Melbourne – Student Wellbeing Information Line: (03) 9267 0228
• Diocese of Sale – Child Protection Officer: (03) 5622 6600
• Diocese of Ballarat – Child Safety: (03) 5337 7135
• Diocese of Sandhurst – Assistant to the Director of Legal, Industrial and Human Resources: (03) 5443 2377 .

Policy on requests for information about students

Requests for information about students.

Available in the Policy and Advisory Library

Watch the video: protecting children and young people from abuse is our responsibility (opens in a new window)

The information in this video has been taken from the PROTECT guide: Identifying and responding to all forms of abuse in Victorian Schools.

Download the PROTECT guide

Updated 17 April 2024

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Child protection

You should make a report to Child Protection if you have formed a reasonable belief that a child has suffered or is likely to suffer significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect and their parent has not or is unlikely to protect them from harm of that type.

Meeting the needs of children and making sure they are safe in the family is a shared responsibility between individuals, the family, the community and the government. When adults caring for children do not follow through with their responsibilities, are abusive or exploit their positions of power, then child protection is empowered to investigate the concerns and intervene to protect the child legally when required.

The Victorian Child Protection Service is specifically targeted to support those children and young people at risk of harm or where families are unable to protect them.

The main functions of Child Protection are to:

• Investigate matters where it is alleged that a child is at risk of significant harm
• Refer children and families to services that assist in providing the ongoing safety and wellbeing of children
• Make applications to the Children's Court if the child's safety cannot be ensured within the family
• Administer protection orders granted by the Children's Court.

Mandatory reporting of child abuse

The following professional groups are required to make a report to child protection where they form a reasonable belief, that a child has been or is at risk of significant harm, as a result of physical or sexual abuse, and the child’s parents have not protected or are unlikely to protect the child from that abuse:

• Registered medical practitioners
• Nurses including midwives
• Victorian police officers
• Registered teachers and school principals
• Out of home care workers (excluding voluntary foster and kinship carers)
• Early childhood workers
• Youth justice workers
• Registered psychologists
• School counsellors
• People in religious ministry.

As a mandated reporter, you are legally obliged to:

• Make a report to Child Protection if you believe on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection from physical injury or sexual abuse
• Make the report as soon as practicable after forming your belief
• Make a report each time you become aware of any further grounds for your belief.

In addition, any person who believes on reasonable grounds that a child needs protection can make a report to Child Protection. Child protection will decide when follow up is required and how to classify the report. This may mean providing advice to the reporter, progressing the matter to an investigation, or referring the family to support services in the community, or taking no further action.

To make a report refer to the Reporting child abuse  page. More information is available on the Mandatory reporting page of our Providers site.

Failure to disclose child sexual abuse offence

It is an offence for an adult not to disclose child sexual abuse. The offence requires that any adult who holds a reasonable belief that a sexual offence has been committed in Victoria by an adult against a child (aged under 16) disclose that information to police. The offence applies to all adults in Victoria, not just professionals who work with children, unless they have a reasonable excuse. Further information about the  Offences to improve responses to child sexual abuse   and how to report is available on our Providers site.

Child protection law

Child protection law strengthens the Victorian Government’s response to children and young people in out-of-home care, their parents and carers, and the services that support them.

For a detailed overview of changes to the law that will support more timely decision-making and permanency for children, see Changes to child protection law  on our Providers site.

Leaving children unattended

In Victoria it is an offence for a person responsible for a child to leave the child unattended for any longer than is reasonable, without making appropriate arrangements for the child’s supervision and care. This includes leaving a child at home, or in a car, or anywhere else unattended.

The Leaving children unattended section on   Changes to child protection law  in our Providers site, contains guidance for adults responsible for children about leaving children unattended and includes an overview of Victorian law.

Families & children

• Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care
• National Redress Scheme
• Children in care
• Reporting child abuse
• Child protection contacts
• Child protection orders
• Charter for children in out-of-home care
• Parenting and family support
• Sexual assault
• Family violence

Last updated on 19/12/2022

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and pay respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge that Aboriginal self-determination is a human right and recognise the hard work of many generations of Aboriginal people.  

We are committed to safe and inclusive workplaces, policies, and services for people from LGBTIQA+ communities and their families.

Deaf, hearing or speech impaired? Contact the National Relay Service: Phone: 1300 555 727 , or visit: www.accesshub.gov.au  

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing State Government of Victoria, Australia © 2024

School operations

Equal Opportunity and Human Rights – Students

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that schools comply with legal obligations to provide inclusive educational environments where students are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their attributes.

• Schools are required to comply with a number of legislative obligations that relate to equal opportunity and human rights
• It is unlawful for schools to discriminate against students on the basis of certain protected attributes (for example, race, religious belief or activity, disability, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation) – refer to ‘Definitions’ below for a complete list of protected attributes
• All schools must have a local policy (for example, an Inclusion and Diversity Policy) which explains that discrimination will not be tolerated. The School Policy Templates Portal External Link has a template Inclusion and Diversity Policy External Link (staff login required) available for schools to download.
• A range of resources and programs are available to support students and schools to prevent and address bullying, racism and other forms of discrimination. These are available in the Resources tab .

The department values the human rights of every student.

Schools must comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2016 (Vic) External Link .

Schools must take steps to create a school community and learning environment where all students are welcomed, accepted and treated equitably and with respect regardless of their backgrounds or attributes such as race, religious belief or activity, gender identity, disability or sexual orientation so that they can participate, achieve and thrive at school. For a full list of protected attributes, refer to the ’Definitions’ section below.

• must not unlawfully discriminate when deciding who should be enrolled as a student and on what terms
• must not unlawfully discriminate against a student by denying or limiting access to any benefit provided by the school or by subjecting a student to any other detriment because of the student’s attribute
• must not unlawfully discriminate against a student by expelling them because of the student’s attribute – refer to Expulsions for more information
• must make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities who require adjustments to enable them to participate in their education and other school activities (for example, school sports, concerts and other events) on the same basis as their peers without a disability
• must take steps to provide an educational setting that is safe for all students and which is free from bullying, unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, disability harassment (such as hurtful or humiliating comments or actions about a person’s disability) or victimisation
• must acknowledge and respond to the diverse needs, identities and strengths of all students
• must encourage empathy and fairness towards others
• must challenge stereotypes that promote prejudicial and biased behaviours and practices
• must create a learning environment for all students that acknowledges, respects and values different cultures and identities including Koorie cultures
• must respond to complaints and allegations appropriately and ensure that students are not victimised for making a complaint or asserting their rights.
• must have a local policy (for example, an Inclusion and Diversity Policy) which explains that discrimination and other related unlawful behaviours will not be tolerated. The School Policy Templates Portal External Link has a template Inclusion and Diversity Policy External Link available for schools to download
• must act compatibly with human rights and give proper consideration to human rights when making decisions (refer to 'Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities' for more information below).

Bullying, unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, disability harassment, vilification, victimisation and other forms of inappropriate behaviour

Bullying, unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, disability harassment, victimisation, vilification and other forms of inappropriate behaviour targeting individual students or groups because of their attributes must not be tolerated. Schools must take appropriate measures, consistent with the Student Engagement Policy and the Bullying Prevention and Response Policy to respond to students who demonstrate these behaviours.

Students with disability

Schools have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate students with disabilities. A reasonable adjustment is a measure or action taken to assist students with disability to participate in their education on the same basis as their peers without a disability. Reasonable adjustments will be made for students with disability in consultation with the student, their parents or carers, their teachers and, if appropriate, their treating practitioners. Schools must support students with disability, and consult with students, in accordance with department policy including Students with Disability , Student Support Groups , Individual Education Plans (IEPs) , Student Support Services , Behaviour – Students , Enrolment and Duty of Care .

Supporting students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Education plays a critical role in promoting social cohesion and building resilience in communities. Schools provide an environment where respectful relationships, acceptance of diversity, knowledge of other cultures and an understanding of global issues and events can be developed.

The Intercultural Capability Curriculum must be taught in Victorian government schools from Foundation to Year 10 to build awareness and respect for cultural diversity. Refer to the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority website External Link for more details.

Schools must offer interpreting and translation services to parents and carers who have limited or no English language skills to communicate key information about their child’s education. Refer to the department's Interpreting and Translation Services Policy .

Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Every Victorian is equal before the law and is entitled to equal and effective protection against discrimination, and to enjoy their human rights without discrimination.

Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities contains 20 basic rights that promote and protect the values of freedom, respect, equality, and dignity.

Public authorities, including all Victorian government schools, must act compatibly with the human rights in the Charter. This applies to actions undertaken in day-to-day work with students and families.

Schools must also give proper consideration to human rights when making decisions. This is known as the ‘procedural’ obligation for a public authority. Proper consideration to human rights must be undertaken before a decision is made which may impact on people’s human rights. Limitations on human rights, for example to protect the safety of others, should be reasonable, justifiable and proportionate.

More information about the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities can be found on the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission website External Link .

Definitions

Antisemitism Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. For further information refer to: International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance External Link .

Attribute A personal characteristic that is protected by State or Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation. These include: race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief or activity, political belief or activity, age, intersex status, physical features, pregnancy, carer and parental status, breastfeeding, marital or relationship status, lawful sexual activity, employment activity, industrial activity, expunged homosexual conviction or personal association with anyone who is identified with reference to any protected attribute.

Direct discrimination Treating or proposing to treat someone unfavourably because of that person’s protected attribute.

Indirect discrimination Imposing or proposing to impose an unreasonable requirement, condition or practice that has or is likely to disadvantage a person or group of people with a protected attribute.

Sexual harassment Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature towards another person which could reasonably be expected to make that other person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated. It may be physical, verbal, visual or written.

Unlawful discrimination Direct or indirect discrimination

Vilification Conduct that incites hatred towards or revulsion or severe ridicule of a person or group of people on the basis of their race or religion.

Victimisation Subjecting a person or threatening to subject them to detrimental treatment because they (or their associate) has made an allegation of discrimination or harassment on the basis of a protected attribute (or asserted their rights under relevant policies or law).

Related policies

For students.

• Behaviour – Students
• Bullying Prevention and Response
• Duty of Care
• Health Care Needs
• Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Koorie Education
• LGBTIQ Student Support
• Marrung – Aboriginal Education Plan External Link
• Pregnancy and Parenting – Students
• Student Engagement
• Student Support Groups
• Student Support Services
• Students with Disability
• Aboriginal Employment
• Equal Opportunity – Employees
• Respectful Workplaces
• Sexual Harassment – Employees
• Workplace Bullying

Relevant legislation

• Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth) External Link
• Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) External Link
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) External Link
• Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth) External Link
• Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) External Link
• Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 (Vic) External Link
• Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (Vic) External Link
• Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) External Link
• Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) External Link

For advice on any issues relating to human rights and discrimination law, Victorian government school principals can contact the Legal Division:

Legal Division 03 9637 3146 [email protected]

Other contacts relevant to this topic are:

Inclusive Education Division [email protected]

Safe Schools 03 9637 3699 or 03 9637 3690 [email protected]

Religious or racial discrimination Report racism or religious discrimination in schools External Link

Reviewed 21 February 2024

• Print whole topic

Policy last updated

26 April 2023

Wellbeing, Health and Engagement Division There are multiple contacts for this topic. Refer to the contacts heading at the bottom of the page

Who are the winners and losers in Victoria's 2024 state budget?

Families with school-aged children are among the biggest winners in this year's Victorian state budget.

But as the government grapples with rising debt, there are some cuts and delays to major projects.  

Who are the budget winners and losers? 

Winner: State school students

Victorian state school students will receive some relief under the new School Saving Bonus . It's part of a $287 million package where every child at a government school will receive a one-off payment of $400 each in the form of a credit.

The money can go towards uniform expenses, camps, school excursions and sporting events. Families with multiple children can combine the payments to use. It's expected to roll out in term four, ahead of the 2025 school year.

Concession card holders at non-government schools will also be eligible for the one-off payment.

The government is also investing in eyesight tests for kids, tripling its Glasses for Kids program.

Winner: School infrastructure

This year's budget will see $1 billion invested to build 16 new schools which are expected to open in 2026.

They include:

• Ballarto Road Primary School
• Casey Central Primary School
• Clyde Creek North Primary School
• Clyde Creek North Secondary School
• Cobblebank Secondary School
• Horseshoe Bend Primary School
• Leneva (Frederic Street Road) Primary School
• Lockerbie Specialist School
• Mickleham South Primary School
• Plumpton Primary School
• Point Cook South Specialist School
• Tarneit Plains Primary School
• Toolern Waters Primary School
• Wallan East Primary School
• Warralily Park Primary School
• Wollert Andrews Road Primary School

The funding will also go towards additional stages of construction at Mickleham Secondary College and Wollert Secondary School.

A further 25 schools across the state will undergo upgrades.

Loser: Kinder and childcare

Free Kinder programs began in 2023 in most Victorian centres.

Under the scheme, the government provides 15 hours of four-year-old kinder a week, and five to 15 hours of three-year-old kinder a week.

That was supposed to increase to 30 hours a week for four-year-old kinder from 2026, but Victoria's state budget papers reveal this has now been delayed to 2032 .

Victoria is also in the process of building 50 new state government-owned and operated early learning centres.

But the budget reveals the construction of some of those centres has also been delayed, with the last 20 to be built by 2032.

Winner: Teachers

Almost $140 million has been set aside in a bid to attract and retain more teachers in Victorian schools.

This includes $63 million which will go towards the mental health and wellbeing of school staff.

Money will also go towards additional training for teachers, including $21 million for 100 primary school teachers to undergo a 20-day intensive training to strengthen their maths knowledge and coaching skills and $16 million for specialist training to help teachers better manage students' behaviour.

Winner: Major hospitals

More than $900 million will go towards upgrading the Austin Hospital's emergency department and delivering a new emergency department and additional beds at the Northern Hospital.

The Monash Medical Centre will receive nearly $500 million to expand, increasing its maternity care capabilities, while adding more operating suites and intensive care beds.

Loser: Community hospitals

Plans to build three community hospitals in Emerald Hill, Eltham and Torquay are now being reviewed and are likely to be scrapped. 

The community hospitals were promised six years ago. 

Community Health First welcomed an investment in healthcare but said the budget was a "missed opportunity". 

"Community health services have had no increase in funding over many years, despite record population growth and cost-of-living pressures putting healthcare out of the reach of many Victorians," it said. 

"Today's budget does nothing to address this challenge and improve access to community-based healthcare for Victorians."

Loser: Mental Health

Thirty-five mental health and wellbeing clinics — a recommendation of the royal commission —  are being delayed.

The government planned to open 50, but so far only 15 have opened.  

Winner: Family violence services

The budget allocates $211 million to be invested in the safety of women and children.

Money will go towards interventions to prevent family violence, help victim-survivors, and stop violence before it starts.

This includes a further investment in the government's Respectful Relationships program which has been rolled out at some schools.

Winner: Renewable energy

For the government to reach its target of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035, it's investing more in solar, hot water and battery storage — almost $50 million in total.

There will be $38 million going towards helping Victorians install electric heat pumps and solar hot water systems, while $6.1 million will be set aside to extend the interest-free loan program to install solar battery storage systems in homes.

The government will invest $3.4 million in continuing the Energy Assistance Program to help vulnerable customers navigate the energy market.

Neutral: Aspiring home owners

The budget confirmed what most young Victorians already know: owning a home is becoming an increasingly challenging goal.

Budget analysis highlighted that in the mid-1990s, the average Victorian house price was roughly 3.5 times average household incomes.

But in the last few years, that ratio has doubled, recently peaking at seven times average incomes.

It means the average time taken for 25 to 34-year-olds to save for a deposit has risen from five years in the mid-90s to seven or eight years more recently.

In recognition of this, the budget has allocated a one off $700 million supplement to the government's Victorian Homebuyer Fund, where the government assists homebuyers by taking a stake in the purchase.

The program will then be replaced by a federal government scheme. 

In response to the budget, the Property Council of Australia said it was "deeply concerned by the complete absence [of] any positive action to alleviate the immense fiscal burden on the industry". 

"[The $700 million supplement] will not result in more homes being built and is in reality only tinkering around the edges of the real problem — a critical lack of new housing supply," Victorian executive director Cath Evans said. 

Loser: Tip users

One of the ways the government is trying to pull in more revenue with this budget is through an increase to the state's waste levy.

It currently sits at $129.27 per tonne for metropolitan industrial and municipal waste left at the tip. But from July next year, that'll increase to $169.79 per tonne.

The government says a "proportional" increase will also be applied at rural landfills, which attract lower levies than those in the city.

Loser: Ratepayers

The state's fire services property levy is applied to all properties and helps fund the state's firefighting services.

From July, the government will begin collecting a higher levy from properties than it has in previous years.

The government says the median increase for the following property types is as follows:

• Residential: $35 rise
• Commercial: $73 rise
• Industrial: $35 rise
• Primary production: $150 rise
• Public benefit: $13 rise
• Vacant: $143

Loser: Major projects

The $13 billion Melbourne Airport Rail Link project will be delayed by at least four years to 2033.

The Upfield Train line level crossing removal has also been delayed until at least 2030.

Loser: Casual workers

Casual workers won't get paid for sick leave following the abolishment of a government COVID-era plan, with no further funding after the middle of the year.

The state is instead calling on the federal government to take over. 

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Governor Newsom Unveils Revised State Budget, Prioritizing Balanced Solutions for a Leaner, More Efficient Government

Published: May 10, 2024

The Budget Proposal — Covering Two Years — Cuts Spending, Makes Government Leaner, and Preserves Core Services Without New Taxes on Hardworking Californians

Watch Governor Newsom’s May Revise presentation here

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:  The Governor’s revised budget proposal closes both this year’s remaining $27.6 billion budget shortfall and next year’s projected $28.4 billion deficit while preserving many key services that Californians rely on — including education, housing, health care, and food assistance.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today released a May Revision proposal for the 2024-25 fiscal year that ensures the budget is balanced over the next two fiscal years by tightening the state’s belt and stabilizing spending following the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic, all while preserving key ongoing investments.

Under the Governor’s proposal, the state is projected to achieve a positive operating reserve balance not only in this budget year but also in the next. This “budget year, plus one” proposal is designed to bring longer-term stability to state finances without delay and create an operating surplus in the 2025-26 budget year.

In the years leading up to this May Revision, the Newsom Administration recognized the threats of an uncertain stock market and federal tax deadline delays – setting aside $38 billion in reserves that could be utilized for shortfalls. That has put California in a strong position to maintain fiscal stability.

“Even when revenues were booming, we were preparing for possible downturns by investing in reserves and paying down debts – that’s put us in a position to close budget gaps while protecting core services that Californians depend on. Without raising taxes on Californians, we’re delivering a balanced budget over two years that continues the progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve, from getting folks off the streets to addressing the climate crisis to keeping our communities safe.” – Governor Gavin Newsom

Below are the key takeaways from Governor Newsom’s proposed budget:

A BALANCED BUDGET OVER TWO YEARS.  The Governor is solving two years of budget problems in a single budget, tightening the state’s belt to get the budget back to normal after the tumultuous years of the COVID-19 pandemic. By addressing the shortfall for this budget year — and next year — the Governor is eliminating the 2024-25 deficit and eliminating a projected deficit for the 2025-26 budget year that is $27.6 billion (after taking an early budget action) and $28.4 billion respectively.

CUTTING SPENDING, MAKING GOVERNMENT LEANER.  Governor Newsom’s revised balanced state budget cuts one-time spending by $19.1 billion and ongoing spending by $13.7 billion through 2025-26. This includes a nearly 8% cut to state operations and a targeted elimination of 10,000 unfilled state positions, improving government efficiency and reducing non-essential spending — without raising taxes on individuals or proposing state worker furloughs. The budget makes California government more efficient, leaner, and modern — saving costs by streamlining procurement, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and reducing redundancies.

PRESERVING CORE SERVICES & SAFETY NETS.  The budget maintains service levels for key housing, food, health care, and other assistance programs that Californians rely on while addressing the deficit by pausing the expansion of certain programs and decreasing numerous recent one-time and ongoing investments.

NO NEW TAXES & MORE RAINY DAY SAVINGS.  Governor Newsom is balancing the budget by getting state spending under control — cutting costs, not proposing new taxes on hardworking Californians and small businesses — and reducing the reliance on the state’s “Rainy Day” reserves this year.

HOW WE GOT HERE:  California’s budget shortfall is rooted in two separate but related developments over the past two years.

• First, the state’s revenue, heavily reliant on personal income taxes including capital gains, surged in 2021 due to a robust stock market but plummeted in 2022 following a market downturn. While the market bounced back by late 2023, the state continued to collect less tax revenue than projected in part due to something called “capital loss carryover,” which allows losses from previous years to reduce how much an individual is taxed.
• Second, the IRS extended the tax filing deadline for most California taxpayers in 2023 following severe winter storms, delaying the revelation of reduced tax receipts. When these receipts were able to eventually be processed, they were 22% below expectations. Without the filing delay, the revenue drop would have been incorporated into last year’s budget and the shortfall this year would be significantly smaller.

CALIFORNIA’S ECONOMY REMAINS STRONG:  The Governor’s revised balanced budget sets the state up for continued economic success. California’s economy remains the 5th largest economy in the world and for the first time in years, the state’s population is increasing and tourism spending recently experienced a record high. California is #1 in the nation for new business starts , #1 for access to venture capital funding , and the #1 state for manufacturing , high-tech , and agriculture .

Additional details on the May Revise proposal can be found in this fact sheet and at www.ebudget.ca.gov .