Taking action for our suburbs and our regions

Babies and young families, home buyers and Victoria’s suburbs and regions are the big winners in this years Brumby Labor Government State Budget.

Victoria is in the middle of a baby boom. Over 70,000 births recorded last year – the highest since 1971 and that’s why we’re rolling out initiatives to make sure families have the services they need.

We’re taking action to help mothers and their children. There is a boost to maternity and child services, including new maternity beds and additional special care nursery cots at suburban hospitals; and improved early years care and education.

We are helping young families to buy their first home. First homebuyers eligible for the First Home Bonus will now be eligible for the Principle Place of Residence concession and there is an additional $3,000 for first homebuyers purchasing a newly constructed home in regional Victoria.  This will mean First Homebuyers in regional Victoria will be eligible to receive up to $15,000 worth of assistance to buy a new home, making regional Victoria an even more attractive place to live work and raise a family.

By taking action on roads and public transport there is a record $1.8 billion investment, delivering extra morning peak train services, station upgrades, and significant road projects across Victoria.

Education remains our number one priority. That’s why there is a boost to education including funds to rebuild, renovate or extend 128 schools and an education reform program to lift standards for students.

To deliver quality health services there is more for hospitals to treat an extra 16,000 elective surgery patients and 33,500 outpatient appointments and 60,000 patients in emergency departments.

Doing business in Victoria has been made easier. There are $1.43 billion in new tax cuts and reduced business costs, including cuts to stamp duty, land tax, payroll tax and WorkCover premiums.

The Brumby Labor Government’s eight years of investment in liveability – in key services and infrastructure – have made Victoria a great place to live, work and raise a family.

This Budget is an action plan to maximise the opportunities and address the challenges of a growing population by providing the best possible services and infrastructure for local families.