- Published:
- Tuesday 5 May 2026 at 1:05 pm
Every Victorian deserves respect and support, no matter who they are, where they’re from or who they pray to.
The Victorian Budget 2026/27 is investing more than $123.8 million to support multicultural and multifaith families and deliver a stronger, safer Victoria for all.
Giving children the best start in life
Every student deserves to feel safe and engaged in their learning.
The Budget invests $9.1 million to support students from migrant and refugee backgrounds to stay engaged in education through initiatives like homework clubs.
To give our youngest learners the opportunity to learn different languages, $3.6 million is provided to continue the Early Childhood Language Program in Victorian kindergartens.
The Budget also invests $61.9 million to support students with the English as an Additional Language program and provide interpreting and translating services in schools.
More support for seniors
Our seniors deserve dignity and respect, especially as the cost of living increases.
The Budget invests $5.3 million in the Multicultural Seniors Support Program.
The program provides small grants of up to $2,000 to around 1,000 multicultural organisations.
These grants deliver in-person or digital activities to keep older Victorians connected – like travelling together, taking in sights and playing games.
Our funding supports Public Liability Insurance and Group Personal Accident Insurance.
This helps to ease the stress, hassle and costs that multicultural seniors’ groups would otherwise face.
Working with the community to stop crime
We believe in strong consequences for violent crime.
But the causes of crime are complex, so we’re also funding prevention programs to get to the root of the problem.
The Budget invests $23.5 million to support students at risk of suspension and expulsion – because that’s where it all starts.
Our early intervention programs will help get kids back into education.
The Budget invests $8.1 million for specially designed support for at-risk African and Pasifika young people.
The Budget also invests a further $5.5 million to support the implementation of recommendations from the South Sudanese Australian Youth Justice Expert Working Group, including:
- Continuing dedicated local community programs for young people
- Planning to establish a South Sudanese Community Hub.
Racism is a crime, too
Hate has no place in Victoria.
The Budget invests $3.4 million for community-led projects to fight racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
This funding also supports those who are impacted by hateful behaviour.
We’ll continue to back important programs and partner with groups like the Bachar Houli Foundation, to make sure all young people are respected on and off the pitch.
Support for those in need
The Budget delivers $3.4 million to help people fleeing war with access to housing, health, education and social supports.
Funding supports the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and Australian Red Cross to deliver immediate essential supports, including utilities, clothing and food.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“No matter where you’re from, every Victorian deserves help with rising costs, safety on the street, and support to live a good life.”
“Our Budget funds the programs that help you belong.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt
"Racism is a crime and there’s too many people who want to sweep it under the rug.”
“From our tough anti-vilification laws, to supporting groups with local projects, we’re fighting it.”