Victorian State Budget

The Victorian State Budget holds the potential to exert substantial influence across diverse sectors and we commend the ongoing commitment to the education sector, marked by strategic investment in pivotal areas.   This illustrates the government’s readiness to persevere and uphold its commitment to investing in proven and established programs and initiatives that are making a tangible difference.

The budget is reflective of strong investment in school education with a total output funding of $15.1 billion in 2024/25.  This is an increase of almost $1.1 billion since 2023/24. However, certain initiatives have evoked mixed reactions, with the $400 School Start Bonus emerging as a subject of considerable debate and scrutiny. 

For a comprehensive overview of the budget's commitment to educational provisions, please find the complete announcements accessible here  (refer to pages 12 to 23 for Department of Education budget outputs).

Below, we outline key funding initiatives and programs announced:

School Saving Bonus

Multiple members have reached out to us with concerns about the administrative workload tied to the $400 bonus for government school students. Details about the bonus can be found here , and we've been informed that the Department is actively working on its implementation. The Minister's office and senior Department heads have assured us that they are cognisant of the workload implications having expressed commitment to collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including the APF, to minimize pressure on school staff.

Finally whilst we applaud the state government’s investment and commitment to education, we once again call upon our state and federal governments to resource our schools at 100% of the SRS.