Uniting Vic.Tas welcomes the Victorian 2026/27 budget measures across homelessness, food security, financial counselling, disability inclusion, and the continuation of free kinder for all Victorian children.
However, the budget fails to provide sustainable long-term funding for vital services.
“Whilst these investments are much needed, many households are facing a far greater hardship than this budget recognises,” says Uniting CEO Carol Jeffs.
“Sadly, these measures are a drop in the ocean and do little to move the dial to reduce poverty and disadvantage in the community.
“A broad 20% rego rebate spreads $750m thinly across everyone, including those who don’t need assistance, while those families and individuals doing it tough continue to fall behind.”
Uniting adds the government’s investment of $860m to build 7,000 new social housing homes over the next decade falls significantly short of the level required to meet demand.
“Victoria is lagging behind other states and territories when it comes to providing safe and secure social housing across the state,” says Ms Jeffs.
“Infrastructure Victoria has recommended building 4,000 new social homes every year for the next 15 years to lift social housing from just 2.8% of all homes to the national benchmark of 4%.”
With 10,000 people sleeping rough on Victoria’s streets each year, according to a recent report by the Council to Homeless Persons, greater investment is needed to deliver the pipeline of new social housing.
“Without sustained investment in social and affordable housing, Victoria will continue to struggle with entrenched homelessness,” says Ms Jeffs.
Uniting acknowledges the government’s $2.7 million package to expand financial counselling services to help navigate periods of financial stress.
“We’ve seen a 15.2% increase in demand over the last year for people seeking financial counselling services across our services, with most presenting with complex financial situations including family violence, mental health issues and housing stress.”
With the November state election on the horizon, Uniting Vic.Tas implores all political parties to support policies for those Victorians who are doing it tough.
“We urge all parties to prioritise policies that genuinely target support to people experiencing poverty, trauma and disadvantage to ensure they get the help they need,” says Ms Jeffs.
