Creating Jobs, Victorian Budget 2021/22 - Caring for Victorians - Amazon AWS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Victorian Budget 2021/22
Creating Jobs,
Caring for Victorians
OVERVIEW
The Secretary
Department of Treasury and Finance
1 Treasury Place
Melbourne, Victoria, 3002 © State of Victoria 2021
Australia (Department of Treasury and Finance)
Tel: +61 3 9651 5111
Fax: +61 3 9651 2062
Website: budget.vic.gov.au
Authorised by the Victorian Government
1 Treasury Place, Melbourne, 3002 You are free to re-use this work under a Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 licence, provided you credit the State of
Printed by Southern Impact, Mount Waverley Victoria (Department of Treasury and Finance) as author,
This publication makes reference to the indicate if changes were made and comply with the other
2021/22 Budget paper set which includes: licence terms. The licence does not apply to any branding,
Budget Paper No. 1 – Treasurer’s Speech including Government logos.
Budget Paper No. 2 – Strategy and Outlook Copyright queries may be directed to IPpolicy@dtf.vic.gov.au.
Budget Paper No. 3 – Service Delivery
Budget Paper No. 4 – State Capital Program ISSN 1440‑6969 (print)
Budget Paper No. 5 – Statement of Finances ISSN 2204‑7174 (online)
(incorporating Quarterly Financial Report No. 3) Published May 2021
Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 1
TREASURER’S MESSAGE
Last year, Victorians This Budget invests in more of the
achieved what no one services and support Victorians need.
else has. Now, we are on
As we deliver these investments, we’ll be
the road to recovery.
creating tens of thousands of new jobs.
But truly bouncing
And with it, a bright future for tens
back won’t just
of thousands of Victorian families.
happen by chance.
It’s a simple idea that’s at the heart
We need a long‑term
of this Budget.
plan that helps
Victorians recover. Ensuring every dollar of investment
is delivering a double benefit.
That means not
only supporting people in the short-term, Making our state stronger and fairer,
but actually investing in their future too. and getting more Victorians back to
work to make it happen.
It’s why this Budget invests in the support
people need – and the Victorians we need That’s been our record for the past
to deliver it. six years – and that approach will be
what drives our recovery.
That includes building a new mental health
system from the ground up. With this Budget, we’re creating jobs
and caring for Victorians.
We all know someone who’s struggled
with their mental health. And yet this issue
hasn’t really been taken seriously.
It’s why with this Budget, we’re delivering
transformational investment that will
fundamentally change the way mental health
support is offered in Victoria.
Tim Pallas
That means early intervention, dedicated Treasurer of Victoria
help for our kids, and care that’s available
in your community.
2
STRONG FOUNDATIONS
FOR GROWTH
Before the global pandemic, Victoria had created 523 000
new jobs since the Andrews Labor Government was elected –
more than any other state or territory.
In 2018-19, the last full financial year Young people were also among the hardest
before the pandemic, Victoria’s economy hit by the pandemic, with employment
was growing strongly at 3.1 per cent. for those under 30 falling by 15 per cent
between March and September 2020.
Like so many economies around the
world, however, COVID-19 had a serious In good news, we are now seeing the
economic impact. proportion of young people in work
returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Throughout the pandemic we acted decisively,
putting in place vital public health measures Regional employment is also strong.
that kept Victorians safe – and secured a More than 74 000 jobs have been created
stable foundation for recovery. in regional Victoria since November 2014 –
the fastest growth rate of all the states.
As a result of these measures, and the
We aim to continue this success.
sacrifices of Victorians, we are now in the
enviable position of easing restrictions At the same time, we understand that
and rebuilding our economy. our investments must continue to be
strategic and smart.
In fact, Victoria’s economy is already rapidly
recovering, with strong economic growth It’s why this Budget focuses on the
of 6.5 per cent forecast for next year. fundamentals by building infrastructure
and investing in services – but also building
Employment in Victoria has also rebounded,
and investing in opportunity as well.
and workforce participation is at an
all‑time high. Not only supporting Victorians in the short
term, but actually investing in their future too.
More than 200 000 jobs have been created in
Victoria, well ahead of the interim employment That means investing in our state’s future –
target in the Government’s Jobs Plan, and with it, driving the creation of a smart
announced as part of the 2020/21 Budget. and modern economy.
That’s more than 200 000 Victorians who That includes establishing Victoria’s capability
now have the security and certainty of a job. to manufacture mRNA vaccines, new support
dedicated to the professional development
Women, who bore much of the economic
of our teachers and transforming the General
brunt of the pandemic, have been
Motors Holden site at Fishermans Bend into
employed in the majority of these new jobs,
a global innovation hub.
and employed particularly in professional
services, retail trade and hospitality. These are investments that will not only
support Victorians in the short term, but
actually invest in their future too.
Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 3
4
VICTORIAN ECONOMIC FORECASTS (PER CENT)
2019 / 20 2020 / 21 2021 / 22 2022 / 23 2023 / 24 2024 / 25
actual forecast forecast forecast projection projection
Real gross state product –0.5 –2.00 6.50 3.25 2.75 2.75
Employment 1.2 –1.00 2.50 1.25 1.75 1.75
Unemployment rate 5.4 6.50 5.75 5.50 5.25 5.25
Consumer price index 1.7 1.50 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25
Wage price index 2.4 1.25 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50
Population 1.5 0.00 0.30 1.20 1.70 1.70
Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics; Department of Treasury and Finance
VICTORIAN EMPLOYMENT IS RAPIDLY REBOUNDING
120
115
EMPLOYMENT INDEX (NOVEMBER 2014=100)
110
105
100
95
90
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
02
01
01
01
01
01
01
02
N2
N2
N2
N2
N2
N2
N2
N2
JA
JA
JA
JA
JA
JA
JA
JA
Victoria New South Wales Australia excluding Vic.
Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 5
Our recovery In 2020, like all states and territories, the
pandemic severely impacted Victoria’s
As a result of the Andrews Labor Government’s financial position and outlook.
strong fiscal and economic management,
But we are well on the path to recovery.
Victoria was in a sound financial position
before the pandemic. As we set out in last year’s Budget, our
medium-term fiscal strategy is:
This allowed us to support Victorians when
it mattered most. » Step 1: Creating jobs, reducing
unemployment and restoring economic
The 2020/21 Budget invested $29.2 billion in
growth
output initiatives and $19.8 billion in capital
investments, creating the largest capital » Step 2: Returning to an operating
program in our state’s history. Through this cash surplus
investment, we helped to keep Victorians in
» Step 3: Returning to operating surpluses
jobs and provided support to families and
businesses struggling during the pandemic. » Step 4: Stabilising debt levels
We are already seeing this investment pay
We have made good progress on Step 1,
off, with our economy rapidly recovering and
and with this Budget, we’re ensuring we
Victoria emerging from the pandemic even
don’t take our foot off the pedal.
better than we could have hoped.
Our forward estimates also show we’re on the
This Budget continues to make the targeted
way to achieving Step 2 – with an operating cash
investments Victoria – and Victorians – need.
surplus of $1.1 billion now forecast in 2022-23.
These investments will drive our state’s
We’re working towards balancing the Budget
recovery by focusing on the fundamentals –
by investing carefully, and by strengthening
rebuilding our mental health system,
the state’s revenue to ensure we can keep
supporting families and children, investing
investing for the future.
in our schools and hospitals, and continuing
our build of road and rail. With strong, balanced and responsible
financial management, we’re securing our
At the same time, we’re making sure every
state’s recovery. Even more importantly,
dollar of investment delivers a double
we’re securing our people’s recovery too.
benefit – making Victoria stronger, and
putting Victorians to work to make it happen. This Budget and this Government are investing
in the plan and projects Victoria needs –
and the Victorians we need to deliver them.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT FISCAL AGGREGATES
Unit of 2019/ 20 2020 / 21 2021/ 22 2022 / 23 2023/ 24 2024 / 25
measure actual revised budget estimate estimate estimate
Net result from
transactions $ billion (6.5) (17.4) (11.6) (3.8) (2.1) (2.1)
Net cash flows from
operating activities $ billion (2.9) (17.4) (2.0) 1.1 2.4 3.0
Government
infrastructure
investment $ billion 12.0 14.5 24.2 21.7 22.7 21.6
Net debt $ billion 44.3 77.5 102.1 120.0 138.3 156.3
Net debt to GSP per cent 9.5 16.7 20.3 22.7 24.9 26.8
Source: Department of Treasury and Finance
6
» Building our
mental health system
» Creating jobs, and
caring for Victorians
» Ensuring opportunity
for Victorian workers
» A bright future for our kids
» Helping our hospitals and
health system to recover
» Delivering the roads
and rail our state needs
» Investing in strong,
connected communities
Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 7
8
INVESTING IN EVERY CORNER
OF THE STATE
Rutherglen new
Mildura base aged care facility
hospital planning
upgrade
New Irymple New Swan Hill Echuca Wellness
CFA station mental health Centre
clinical outreach
New Benalla
Police Station
Swan Hill District
Hospital upgrade
Shepparton
New Echuca
GOTAFE
mental health
upgrade
clinical outreach
Horsham school New Bendigo
bus services teaching and
leadership academy
Maryborough
New Horsham Hospital upgrade
mental health New Wangaratta
clinical outreach mental health
clinical outreach
New Hamilton
New Bass Coast
mental health
mental health
clinical outreach
Black Forrest clinical outreach
Drive road
upgrade
Ballarat new
trains build
Port Fairy new
VICSES facility
Torquay Phillip Island Wonthaggi
Lake Bullen Merri Community Community Surf Lifesaving
boating upgrade Hospital Hospital Club upgradeVictorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 9
STATEWIDE
» $556 million to build and expand 10 community
» $3.8 billion to transform our mental health system, hospitals
building the system from the ground up
» $386 million for a new Road Safety Strategy
» $3.7 billion to meet demand for hospital services, to develop new safety technologies, deliver
including more emergency department staff, extra infrastructure upgrades, and other improvements
highly specialised therapies, and support for new helping to keep Victorians safe
wards as they open
» $354 million to support victim survivors
» $3.2 billion for public transport services and and address family violence
infrastructure, including $986 million to build
» $288 million to boost our creative sector - supporting
25 new X'Trapolis 2.0 trains and supporting
jobs, developing homegrown talent and promoting
infrastructure for our metropolitan network, and
our people and content to the world
$613 million to support the reliability of V/Line train
services and maintain the regional rail network » $265 million to plan, upgrade and maintain
suburban, rural and regional roads, ensuring
» $1.6 billion for school infrastructure, including
a safe and reliable journey for local communities
upgrades at 52 schools, building 13 new schools
and additional stages at three further schools, » $252 million to provide housing support, including
and expanding six more across the state targeted initiatives to address homelessness
» $1.3 billion to continue our state’s public health » $250 million to protect and preserve our natural
response to the pandemic environment, including support for volunteers and
local community organisations to help conserve
» $1.2 billion to support children and families,
our native species and their habitats
including an expansion of the child protection
workforce and out-of-home care placements » $167 million to continue the roll out of universal
and help for vulnerable Victorian families three-year-old kindergarten, covering the whole
state in 2022
» $788 million to reduce the impact of bushfires
on Victorian communities, the economy and » $160 million to support Victoria’s tourism sector to
the environment drive visitation and employment
» $759 million in funding for more paramedics, more » $107 million to help drive economic activity and
triage care and support staff for Ambulance revitalise Melbourne’s central business district
Victoria, as well as targeted funding to improve flow » $86 million to establish the Victorian Skills Authority
in our busy emergency departments and open new to champion and strengthen the vocational
beds across the state as part of our $3.7 billion education and training sector
support for increased hospital demand » $70 million to establish public in-vitro fertilisation
» $716 million for school programs and support for services to help people who want to become parents
our teaching workforce, including $148 million to achieve their dreams
establish the Victorian Academy of Teaching and » $50 million to support establishing Victoria’s
Leadership, dedicated to the professional learning capability to manufacture mRNA vaccines
and development of Victorian teachers
New Bairnsdale
teaching and
leadership academy
Arts
Lakes Entrance
sustainable port Education
infrastructure Emergency services
Environment and parkland
New Bairnsdale Health
mental health
clinical outreach Mental health
New Central Gippsland
mental health clinical Public transport
outreach Regional investment
Roads
Morwell food Sport and recreation
manufacturing Strong communities
precinct10
BUILDING OUR
MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Mental health impacts all of us. Approximately half of all
Victorians will experience poor mental health in their lifetime.
Around one in five of us are struggling with it right now.
And if we haven’t experienced it directly, it’s Key investments delivered in this
the experience of someone we love – a parent, Budget include:
a partner, a child or a mate.
» $954 million to deliver community-based
Yet, for far too long, that suffering just wasn’t care, providing health and wellbeing support
being taken seriously enough. People were for Victorians wherever they live
either ‘not sick enough’ for help, or ‘too sick’
» $370 million to improve access to mental
to treat outside a hospital.
health beds and better acute care for
And when you reach out and ask for support – Victorians living with mental illness
there simply aren’t enough professionals
» $264 million for new local services for
to help.
adults and older adults – providing early
It’s why we established the Royal Commission care where people live
into Victoria’s Mental Health System, and it’s
» $196 million to support a dedicated
why we are delivering the biggest social reform
system for infants, children and families
in a generation: building our mental health
system – from the ground up. » $173 million for suicide prevention and
response – to continue our support
Last Budget began that work with $869 million,
for 13 Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal
then the single biggest investment in mental
Engagement (HOPE) sites including
health Victoria had ever seen.
four new sites for youth across Victoria
Now we’re delivering a record $3.8 billion
» $116 million to support the mental health
investment to truly transform the way
and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians,
mental health and wellbeing support is
including funding for Aboriginal Community
offered in our state.
Controlled Organisations.
Implementing the Royal Commission’s
recommendations will take a decade or more Together, these investments will also support
of reform. But this year’s Budget delivers a 3 000 new jobs - ensuring Victorians can
massive investment – and a massive next access care, where and when it’s needed.
step – in delivering on the recommendations
of the Commission.
Together, these investments will
support 3 000 jobs – ensuring
Victorians can get the care they need,
while also giving thousands more
Victorians the security of a jobVictorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 11
12
A front door and more These services will connect Victorians with
professional mental health support, early
pathways for care intervention with a focus on wellbeing,
pathways to more acute treatment and –
The Royal Commission told us that when it
critically – expanded operating hours,
came to accessing care, some Victorians
so care is available when it’s needed.
don’t know where to turn, or who to turn to.
The first six of these 20 sites have been
It means – too often – Victorians are denied
fast-tracked, with local services in Benalla,
the mental health support they need, until
Brimbank, Frankston, Greater Geelong, the
it’s too late.
Latrobe Valley and Whittlesea opening in 2022.
It’s why this Budget delivers $264 million in
This Budget is also investing $954 million to
local care, providing a ’front door’ for care,
establish 22 reformed area mental health and
with the first 20 of between 50 to 60 new
wellbeing services to replace current services.
local services to be delivered across Victoria.
These services will have more capacity to treat
These services will focus on early intervention, and support Victorians experiencing severe
ensuring Victorians get the care they need and complex mental health challenges.
much sooner and much closer to their families
And because it’s an issue that touches all
and communities.
of us, $6 million will go towards initiatives
including the creation of dedicated tools and
resources specifically designed to support
occupational mental health – just one of a
raft of reforms to support the wellbeing of
workers and workplaces.Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 13
This Budget also invests $141 million to deliver
Help for children five new Youth Prevention and Recovery
and young people Care (YPARC) units, totalling 50 beds
specifically for young people. Delivering
We know the earlier we can reach someone sub-acute care, services will be located in
struggling with their mental health, the better Melbourne’s North Eastern Metropolitan
their life outcomes. That’s particularly true region as well as the Barwon South-West,
when it comes to our kids. Gippsland, Grampians and Hume regions.
We also know that approximately 75 per cent This investment will include upgrading three
of diagnosable mental illness first emerges existing YPARC units in the South Eastern
before the age of 25, making these early years Metropolitan (Frankston and Dandenong)
so critical in ensuring lifelong mental health and Loddon Mallee (Bendigo) regions.
and wellbeing. Funding of $16 million will also see the
It’s why we’re investing $842 million in mental establishment of four new HOPE sites,
health and wellbeing support for children specifically designed and delivered for
and young people, ensuring we’re providing young people. These will be located at the
support to them, and their families, as early Royal Children’s Hospital, Alfred Health,
as possible. the Monash Children’s Hospital and Orygen.
This investment will see two separate streams These HOPE sites, which have already
of care created – one devoted to infants and achieved success as a service for adults,
children (ages 0 to 11) and one devoted to will provide individualised, intensive and
young people (ages 12 to 25). one‑on-one support for younger Victorians
as they recover.
An investment of $138 million will deliver
13 reformed Infant, Child and Family Mental Funding of $218 million will support a new
Health and Wellbeing Services providing local School Mental Health Fund, enabling schools
support that is specifically designed around to deliver tailored mental health and wellbeing
the needs of children and young people. support to their students, in addition to the
expansion of the Mental Health in Primary
We’re also investing $266 million to reform Schools pilot.
and expand 13 Youth Area Mental Health
and Wellbeing Services across Victoria and A further $16 million will see our existing
to support organisations providing mental Mobile Targeted Assertive Outreach teams,
health care to young people. This will deliver which provide support to young people
more hours of care for young people, including with multiple and complex needs, expanded.
extended and after-hours support. Funding will also be provided to Switchboard
A further $41 million will establish three to deliver LGBTIQ+ peer-led support, and
new multi-disciplinary community-based the Healthy Equal Youth project increasing
hubs, which will take a one‑stop approach support for young LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
to children’s health, including emotional, This Budget also supports youth-centred
developmental and physical health, research at Orygen, as well as delivery of
integrated with a range of other services online programs and workforce development,
and paediatricians. ensuring that we continue to provide our
These hubs will serve as a recognisable and kids the very best of care.
accessible front door for care, providing the
tailored support children and their families
need, when they need it.14
Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 15
Care in our rural and We’re also supporting follow-up care and
outreach services with $17 million for nine
regional communities new sites – including Bairnsdale, Hamilton,
Horsham, Echuca, Swan Hill, Wangaratta,
Right now, too many people living in rural
Bass Coast, Central Gippsland and
and regional Victoria cannot access care
West Gippsland.
close to home.
This Budget will also provide $11 million to
Instead, and often when they’re at their
deliver five new beds at the Mental Health
most vulnerable, they’re forced to travel
Acute Inpatient Unit at Warrnambool.
away from their communities, families
and support networks. Last year, we experienced new and innovative
ways of delivering care. It’s why a further
It’s why our record investment ensures that
$2.3 million will trial two new digital services,
care is extended to every corner of our state.
enabling rural and regional Victorians to
That includes delivering the first 20 new local access care from their own homes.
services embedded in local communities
An additional $11 million will deliver a Rural
across Victoria, providing a front door for
and Regional Workforce Incentive Scheme,
care for Victorians close to home. Three of
attracting and training more mental health
our first six sites are in regional Victoria –
professionals for our country communities.
Benalla, Latrobe Valley and Greater Geelong –
along with services in Brimbank, Frankston To oversee our investments and make sure
and Whittlesea. we’re meeting the needs of local communities,
eight interim regional bodies will also be
This investment has a double benefit of
established statewide, providing on-the-ground
creating and supporting jobs in regional
insight and expertise.
communities, getting even more Victorians
back into work. Together, these investments will give people
in regional Victoria a pathway to recovery
This investment will also deliver ongoing
in their own community, and close to friends
funding for the successful HOPE (Hospital
and family.
Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement) program,
ensuring the three regional sites funded
in last year’s Budget continue caring for
their communities.
These investments will give people
in regional Victoria a pathway to
recovery in their own community,
close to friends and family16
Supporting families Care when it’s needed most
and carers If you’re in need of serious support, you
shouldn’t have to wait for help. And yet
Not only is our current system failing Victorians
right now, that’s the experience of thousands
in need, it’s failing their families and carers too.
of Victorians.
Instead of feeling supported, they can be left
It’s the reason the Andrews Labor Government
scrambling for answers in an overburdened
is investing $370 million in acute mental
system. It’s why this Budget includes
health services, making sure that Victorians
$93 million in dedicated support for families
are getting the ongoing support they so
and carers.
desperately deserve.
This investment will ensure the voices of
That includes funding to make 53 recently‑built
families are being heard at the heart of our
acute and youth beds available for patients,
system, while also recognising the additional
and opening 35 acute mental health beds
support they need in caring for a loved one.
specifically for Victorian women in need.
This investment includes delivering eight family
Funding of $36 million will operationalise
and carer-led centres – providing a point of
24 Hospital in the Home beds, which have
support for families across our state.
been commissioned throughout 2020‑21.
These centres will provide personalised help These are an innovative alternative to
for families and carers, working with them to acute hospital‑based treatment, providing
understand their needs and connect them wraparound care for Victorians in the
to the right services. comfort of their own homes.
This work will also include practical help like This investment builds on the 179 additional
assisting with short-term respite and enabling beds funded in last year’s Budget.
family and carer peer support groups –
Funding will also ensure the nine new HOPE
creating connection and community among
sites funded in last year’s Budget can continue
Victorians who are caring for a loved one.
to provide care to their communities, including
We will also be improving access to locations in Warrnambool, Shepparton,
perinatal services, with $6.9 million to Mildura, Box Hill, the Royal Melbourne,
expand community perinatal health Monash Medical Centre, Austin Health,
teams across the state, so new and Broadmeadows and Epping.
expectant parents get the support they
Funding of $5.1 million will develop and trial an
need close to home.
intensive 14-day support program for adults
And recognising the unique experience of who are experiencing psychological distress.
our younger carers, this Budget includes
We will also start planning work to establish
$23 million to expand the range of support
a new Statewide Trauma Service, to bring
across Victoria for young people and children
together mental health practitioners, trauma
caring for a family member, including funding
experts, peer workers and Victorians with
for the Families where a Parent has a Mental
lived experience of trauma to undertake
Illness (FaPMI) program.
research, education and training to support
A further $9 million will deliver additional our mental health workforce deliver
support for parents, with new online parenting trauma‑informed care.
programs and dedicated group-based
And because we know this issue impacts
parenting sessions.
all Victorians, new resources will be
made available to workplaces, schools
and communities on how to identify and
support someone in acute need.Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 17
Protecting future
Last year, we were reminded of mental health funding
how much home matters. For many
Through the Royal Commission, Victorians told
Victorians, it provides the stable
us that it wasn’t enough to just build a new
foundation they need as they
mental health system – this transformational
recover from mental illness.
change needed to be protected.
The 2020/21 Budget funded
It’s the reason the Royal Commission
the Big Housing Build to deliver
recommended the introduction of a new
9 300 new social housing homes
revenue mechanism to protect the long-term
– including 2 000 for Victorians
funding and future of our mental health system.
living with mental illness.
By introducing a dedicated stream of funding
Now, this Budget provides $46 million
for mental health, we can continue to improve
so Victorians housed through the
our mental health system and protect this
Big Housing Build have the mental
reform well into the future.
health and wellbeing support they
need to recover. This includes funding A Mental Health and Wellbeing Levy will
to co-design and plan for a further apply to businesses with more than $10 million
500 housing places for young in wages nationally, less than 5 per cent of
people living with mental illness. employers, from 1 January 2022.
Revenue collected from the Levy can
only be invested in improving our mental
health system.
Businesses will also see the benefits of our
investment, with mental illness a massive
and ongoing cost to our economy.
The Royal Commission’s interim report
estimated that the economic cost of poor
mental health to Victoria was $14.2 billion
each year. This included a cost of $1.9 billion
a year to employers – with $1.6 billion in
lost productivity and $300 million due to
workplace injuries.
Our investments in targeted programs focused
on prevention and early intervention will also
help more people participate in work – taking
fewer sick days, and being their best at work.
It’s why this generational reform matters
so very much.
Rebuilding our mental health system will
change lives, save lives – and help our
state truly recover.18
CREATING JOBS AND
CARING FOR VICTORIANS
Over the past six years, our Big Build has been delivering the
road, rail, schools and hospitals our growing state needs.
Since 2014, the Andrews Labor Government Helping look after kids in care. Providing
has announced infrastructure investment more support to victims of family violence.
that has supported, or will continue to support,
Supporting those struggling with their
over 177 000 jobs.
mental health. Giving more Victorians the
Far more than numbers on a page, these security of a home.
jobs have changed lives – giving more
Not only will it make our state stronger,
Victorians the secure foundation on which
it will create new opportunity in every
to build their future.
corner of our state.
Now, as we recover from the pandemic,
Together, the investments made in this
we’re using that same approach.
Budget will support an average of 38 000 jobs
That means making sure every investment every year over the next four years.
is delivering a double benefit – supporting
With this Budget, we’re creating jobs,
Victorians in need, and supporting good,
and caring for Victorians.
stable jobs for Victorians.
GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
25 Average GII
2021-22 to 2024-25
($22.5 billion)
20
Average GII
2015-16 to 2024-25
($15.5 billion)
15
10
Average GII
2005-06 to 2014-15
($4.9 billion)
5
$ BILLION
0
6
8
‑1 0
12
14
16
18
20
22
‑2 4
‑0
‑0
11‑
17‑
15 ‑
13 ‑
21‑
19 ‑
09
23
07
05
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Source: Department of Treasury and FinanceVictorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 19
20
Building our mental This Budget also includes funding to
undertake a Statewide Mental Health
health workforce Workforce Strategy by the end of 2021,
fulfilling a key recommendation of the
Right now, when people need help, we just
Royal Commission, and beginning planning
don’t have a big enough workforce to respond.
on our mental health workforce needs
That means delivering significant reform into the medium and long term.
to our mental health system will require
These investments will give thousands of
a significant boost to our hardworking
Victorians the security and stability of a good
mental health workforce.
job, while ensuring that if you or someone
That means that as we continue our state’s you love needs help, help is available.
recovery, not only are we delivering the
mental health system Victoria needs –
we’re also supporting around 3 000 jobs.
But we understand that truly building a This Budget invests $324 million
mental health system that works will require in a package of early intervention
a strong pipeline of new and additional investments, including in health, child
mental health workers. protection, housing assistance, early
childhood and crime prevention.
We are investing a dedicated $206 million
in training support, delivering 120 graduate These investments focus on helping
placements for nurses, 140 postgraduate Victorians early – improving their
mental health scholarships, 60 new graduate lives and reducing their need for more
placements for allied health professionals intensive services later.
and additional rotations for psychiatry.
Funding will also develop and drive
Funding will also be provided to train and grow an Early Intervention Investment
our lived experience workforce, supporting Framework for future budgets –
more Victorians to use their direct experience investing more, earlier, and based
of our mental health system to support others. on what works.
Free TAFE continues to support Victorians to
train for these roles, with almost 1 900 students
enrolling in certificates in mental health and
mental health peer work since January 2019.
Not only are we delivering the
mental health system Victoria
needs – we’re also supporting
around 3 000 jobsVictorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 21
Helping families stay together A new trial – Frontline Victoria – will also
create a fast-tracked path for degree‑qualified
We know how important family is. career changers to move into a role within
the child and families’ services system –
And we know that, wherever possible, the strengthening the workforce and strengthening
best place for children is with their families. support for our kids.
Building on our $1.4 billion investment last In addition, our $1.2 billion investment will:
year, this Budget provides $1.2 billion to
protect our children and help keep vulnerable » Help siblings stay together and connected
families together. in the out-of-home care system
Not only will these investments improve the lives » Bring family services to schools, early
of children and families around Victoria, they’ll childhood education and community
also support around 1 000 jobs across our state. health hubs to make it easier for vulnerable
families to get the support they need
This includes $1 billion to expand the child
protection workforce, increase out-of-home‑care » Support carers through our helpline,
placements and provide a range of other training and support programs
supports for vulnerable Victorian families.
» Give kinship carers access to respite
This investment will also fund 246 new child
care placements, giving families a break
protection practitioners across the state.
Funding of $18 million is provided to trial a With this investment, we’ll help support
new whole-of-family support model for families young Victorians and their families, while
with complex needs in Brimbank‑Melton and also supporting more Victorians with a good,
Goulburn. At the same time, this investment secure job.
will also support 30 jobs.22
Keeping women » $14 million to strengthen the justice
system’s response to family violence,
and children safe including establishing legal services in
the Orange Door Network
Keeping women and children safe has
been our priority from the very beginning. » $7.3 million for a new Victims Legal Service
to provide critical support during
It’s the reason we established the
criminal proceedings
Royal Commission into Family Violence
and are implementing every one of its » $2.3 million for youth programs that promote
227 recommendations. healthy relationships, preventing family
violence from happening in the first place
This Budget provides a further $354 million
to support victim survivors and address » $1.3 million to give victim survivors who are
family violence. This investment includes: leaving violent situations comfort their pets
are being cared for
» $97 million to improve information sharing
to better protect victim survivors and
Recognising a growing need, this Budget
their families
also supports the Family Violence Graduate
» $78 million to expand the network of Program, helping up to 80 new graduates
specialist family violence courts to include with training and on-the-job support as
Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Geelong, they work to become specialists in family
Latrobe Valley, Melbourne, Ringwood violence services.
and Sunshine
Together, these investments will
» $49 million to continue to support victim also support hundreds of jobs in our
survivors with 24/7 crisis services, support growing family violence workforce.
packages and culturally safe responses
for our diverse communities
» $44 million to support children and young
people impacted by family violence and
sexual assault
» $18 million to deliver perpetrator
interventions, behavioural change
programs and accommodation
support for victim survivors
Keeping women and children
safe has been our priority from
the very beginningVictorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 23
More homes – and more This includes:
jobs – for Victorians » $194 million for services that prevent
homelessness, focusing on people who
The pandemic has shown us how much a need help in the rental market, young
home really matters. It also made it clear people leaving care and vulnerable
just how many Victorians are missing Victorians with complex needs
out on that security and stability.
» $26 million to better target early
That’s why the 2020/21 Budget invested intervention for rough sleepers
$5.3 billion in Victoria’s Big Housing Build.
» $17 million to help the Victorians housed
Our Big Housing Build is building thousands in hotels during the pandemic continue
of new homes for Victorians in need, while to find permanent accommodation
also supporting our recovery with 10 000 jobs
each year over the next four years. » $9.1 million to build and operate a new
Aboriginal refuge in Horsham to support
This Budget builds on our commitment to victim survivors of family violence
give more Victorians a place to call home,
while continuing to drive our state’s recovery. Together these investments are ensuring more
Victorians have the stable foundation of a
home – and more Victorians have the security
of a job.24
JOBS
Over the past six years, we’ve made jobs our priority.
And as we continue our rebuild, jobs – good,
secure, meaningful jobs – must be at the heart
of our recovery. That includes supporting our
skills sector to help more Victorians train, Jobs for Victoria: helping Victorians
retrain and find new opportunities. to find jobs and support Victorian
And making sure we’re using the ‘double benefit’ businesses
of our projects and policies to create good jobs
for the future – and for our future generations. For 20 years,
owning Beaufort
It’s this approach that underpins our Budget –
Butchery has
and our recovery. Just as importantly, it’ll help
more Victorians find employment – and with it, kept Rohan
security, stability and certainty. and Barbara
Quinton more
than busy, with
Continuing our rarely a day off.
economic recovery Now they finally
The Andrews Labor Government made a have some
historic investment in the 2020/21 Budget breathing room,
to establish the Jobs Plan. thanks to their
new employee, Christopher Cook, brought
This support, both during the pandemic and on with the help of a wage subsidy from
through the Jobs Plan, has helped our economy the Jobs Victoria Fund.
rebound. In fact, more than 200 000 jobs have
been created across Victoria – well ahead of Christopher, a qualified butcher, started
our interim target for 2022. at Beaufort Butchery in March this year,
after eight months out of the workforce.
Jobs in both regional Victoria and metropolitan
Melbourne rebounded strongly. Last year, things went from bad to worse
when he was laid off due to impacts of the
This year’s Budget builds on that work, pandemic and then suffered two hernias.
supporting an average of 38 000 jobs each
year over the next four years. We are funding As well as making it easier to pay bills and
$431 million to support businesses and live the kind of life he wants, the new job
create new jobs. at Beaufort Butchery has put a spring
back in Christopher’s step – something
That includes $147 million provided earlier this he lost during his extended period of
year to support businesses and workers with unemployment.
the Circuit Breaker Action Business Support
Package, and a further $51 million to support ‘You feel a bit lost, and like you don’t have
our international education sector. anything to do in life’, he says. By hiring
Christopher, Beaufort Butchery was eligible
The Andrews Labor Government will continue for a wage subsidy from the Jobs Victoria
to work with Victorian businesses to support Fund, which supports priority jobseekers,
their recovery, including $31 million to support including the long‑term unemployed.
our ongoing COVIDSafe activities. We’re also
bringing forward tax cuts for businesses to ‘It’ll help a lot, because we’re only small and
1 July 2021. The payroll tax‑free threshold it gives us a bit of a kick-start,’ Rohan says.
will be increased to $700 000 – reducing
tax for 42 000 businesses across the state.
The regional employer rate will also reduce
from 2.02 per cent to 1.2125 per cent from
1 July 2021, further reducing tax for around
4 000 regional businesses.Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 25
26
Implementing our Jobs Plan » We have established Apprenticeships
Victoria to connect the future pipeline of
Our Jobs Plan has supported thousands apprentices with our Big Build projects
of Victorian businesses and workers. and support 1 500 opportunities each
A total of $2.6 billion has been paid year to work on some of our biggest
out to 134 000 businesses in the three projects, including the new Footscray
rounds of the Business Support Fund. Hospital and North East Link
A further $262 million has been provided
to businesses through the Business » The $619 million Jobs for Victoria
Resilience Package. initiative is delivering new services
for people looking for work, including
Key Jobs Plan initiatives are also well Jobs Victoria Advocates, scaling up
underway, creating local jobs and setting of employment services and the Jobs
Victoria’s economy up for the future: Victoria Fund, which provides wage
» The $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria subsidies to businesses to employ
Fund was established to ensure Victoria jobseekers. At least 60 per cent of
remains at the forefront of research subsidies paid from the Fund will be
and innovation. An interim board has for women, reflecting the significant
been appointed, and will soon finalise impact the pandemic has had on their
an investment plan employment opportunities
» The $350 million Higher Education » We established the New Jobs Tax
State Investment Fund is working with Credit, which supports small and
universities to identify the projects medium businesses to rehire staff,
that will set our state up for the restore hours and create new jobs.
future – including the University of Under the initiative, the more eligible
Melbourne and Illumina Genomics Hub businesses increase employment, the
to bring together the best of genomic less tax they’ll pay. This year’s Budget
expertise and technology in Australia; continues the Credit, giving employers
the Digital and Bio Innovation Hubs and their staff ongoing certainty.
at La Trobe University’s Bundoora
campus, which will support students,
start-ups and Victorian businesses
to develop innovative new products
like anti‑viral medication and water
treatment solutions; and the Swinburne
University of Technology Hydrogen Hub
in Melbourne’s south-east. This facility
will create jobs and help to explore
new hydrogen technologies including
clean energy vehicles and hydrogen
storage containersVictorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 27
Jobs for Victoria is helping Victorians to find jobs while supporting
Victorian businesses
Coffee shop hires three employees ‘They come in when it’s not busy and
with wage subsidy practise making coffee and I’m the one
to try the coffee.’
Chris Choong runs the Jamaica Blue
The team is also culturally diverse, with
coffee shop in Westfield Fountain Gate.
‘some staff from refugee backgrounds,
He says the Jobs Victoria Fund wage
from Afghanistan and Iran. We are all
subsidy came at the right time. He can now
from multiple nationalities,’ says Chris.
put on new staff and grow his business,
while supporting new workers who may When hiring new staff, Chris chooses
not have had the same chance elsewhere. carefully but with an open mind and an
outlook that his staff can learn and grow
Chris says his coffee shop is a place where
on the job.
all are welcome. He has hired three staff
members, two from migrant backgrounds ‘It is not easy to find good people,’ he says.
and the other living with disability. ‘When I look [for new staff], skills are not
number one. What I look at is their attitude
Two of Chris’ current employees, Mia
and their loyalty.’
and Chloe, have autism, and Chris is
supporting them to train as baristas He found those assets in his new
at the cafe. team members.
‘If anyone is willing to learn … there is
always an opportunity...’28
This Budget also invests $33 million in our
Playing to our strengths agriculture industry to grow and protect the
Victoria is famous for its manufacturing sector so it continues to be a cornerstone
expertise, and is home to some of the very of our economy, in line with the Andrews
best fresh produce. This Budget plays to Labor Government’s transformative 10-year
our strengths, delivering new investment Agriculture Strategy.
in both sectors. That includes investing $12 million to deliver
To put Victoria at the forefront of advanced the establishment of a traceability information
manufacturing, engineering and design, this hub, the development of new systems to prove
Budget invests $179 million to deliver the first the origin and quality of Victorian produce, and
stage of the transformation of the former campaigns to promote the paddock‑to‑plate
General Motors Holden site at Fishermans journey of Victoria’s produce.
Bend into a global innovation hub.
The site will house the University of
Melbourne’s School of Engineering from 2024
and is expected to become a world-renowned
centre for innovation by 2051, supporting up
to 30 000 high-value science, technology,
engineering and mathematics jobs.Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 29
Victorian jobs for
Victorian workers Revitalising our CBD
Since coming to government, we’ve made Melbourne’s central business district
sure every Victorian benefits from our record (CBD) is a vibrant part of our state,
investment in infrastructure. but was hit hard during the pandemic.
That includes mandating minimum local Our support in this year’s Budget
content on major projects, including a builds on our investments in the
90 per cent minimum on construction projects. 2020/21 Budget to help businesses
and landlords to rebound and regrow.
We’ve also mandated the use of local
apprentices, trainees and cadets, creating This Budget provides $107 million
more opportunity for young Victorians. to help drive economic activity
and revitalise Melbourne’s central
To further this commitment, this Budget business district. This includes
provides $41 million to create even more $7.4 million for a new voucher scheme
opportunities for Victorian businesses to entice Melburnians and visitors
and workers. to city cafes and restaurants, and
This includes funding to oversee and enforce support CBD arts and cultural events.
compliance with the Local Jobs First Act 2003 The $200 million Melbourne City
and the Local Jobs First Policy, and to Revitalisation Fund – jointly funded
implement the Fair Jobs Code, supported with the City of Melbourne – will also
by a new unit to undertake education and help renew city spaces and support
compliance activities. CBD arts and cultural events.
This will make sure we’re getting a double This Budget also includes tax relief
benefit from every dollar of investment – measures to support home buyers
building and making in Victoria, while also and local construction jobs, including:
supporting Victorian jobs.
» A concession of up to 100 per cent
As part of this investment, funding for Ethical of stamp duty for new dwellings
Clothing Australia will ensure government worth up to $1 million in the
uniforms and personal protective equipment Melbourne local government area
(PPE) are bought from accredited ethical and
local sources. » Temporarily increasing the
eligibility thresholds for
off‑the‑plan purchases
» Extending the vacant residential
land tax exemption for new
developments
This builds on the significant
supports provided in the last Budget,
including payroll tax breaks and
land tax reductions for businesses
and landlords most impacted by
the pandemic.30
Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 31
Creating jobs in » $34 million to invest in our cultural institutions,
including new immersive exhibitions at
creative industries Melbourne Museum. This will include a new
Triceratops Gallery showcasing the
The Andrews Labor Government will
recent acquisition of the most complete
support our creative sector to bring back
Triceratops fossil skeleton ever found
jobs and create new jobs with a significant
Budget boost. » $24 million to deliver a sustainable
multi‑year investment funding framework
We are investing $288 million to further
for non-government creative organisations.
strengthen our reputation as our nation’s
This will mean greater certainty for these
creative capital.
organisations, while attracting audiences
This includes $121 million to transform the and supporting new opportunities for
Victorian screen industry by growing jobs, Victoria’s creatives
developing home-grown talent, and promoting
» $11 million to extend the Music Works
our people and content to the world.
program to support musicians, managers,
This investment will increase Victorian‑led technicians, venues, peak bodies and
screen production while also attracting small‑to-medium businesses and
international and interstate screen organisations to accelerate the recovery
productions, helping to create new and growth of Victoria’s music scene
opportunity for more Victorians.
» $4.5 million to invest in established and
This funding will also deliver flagship emerging creative neighbourhoods by
screen events and revitalise the Melbourne supporting affordable creative spaces
International Film Festival, reaffirming our for artists and enterprises. This will
position as Australia’s leading destination promote the creative reputation of these
for screen industry events. communities and help to create jobs in
metro, regional and outer-suburban areas.
This investment will help the sector recover An Emporium Creative Hub will be created
after the pandemic and position it for growth. in Bendigo together with the establishment
This includes: of the Brunswick Design District
» $79 million to support institutions and » $4.0 million in support for Victorians
the companies they support – like Arts from First Peoples, youth and diverse
Centre Melbourne, the Geelong Arts Centre backgrounds to obtain secure, well-paid
and the Melbourne Theatre Company work, and support leadership programs
for a diverse cohort of mid-career and
established creatives. This includes support
for First Peoples’ festivals and platforms
such as Yirramboi, Blak & Bright Literature
Festival and the Koorie Art Show, attracting
more visitors to Victoria and creating new
local jobs
We are investing $288 million to
further strengthen our reputation
as our nation’s creative capital32
Supporting our tourism sector This Budget will help strengthen Victoria’s
reputation as the nation’s leading business
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting destination, with a $43 million Business
Victoria’s tourism industry to bounce back Events Program to attract a strong pipeline
after a year of bushfires and pandemic. of business events to our state.
That includes a dedicated investment in A new $10 million distillery door grant
our state’s tourism sector, with $160 million scheme will continue to grow Victoria’s
in funding – building on our investments to distillery industry, supporting jobs and
bring more people into the heart of our city the visitor economy.
with the Melbourne Dining Experiences scheme.
A further $8.9 million will support our new
This package of support will highlight Victoria’s Visitor Economy Partnerships, driving more
strengths as a visitor destination and rebuild tourists to our regional communities.
the Victorian visitor economy brand.
Additional funding will also support new
Before the pandemic, Victoria attracted marketing and engagement activities,
a steady flow of business visitors, attracting more visitors and supporting
supporting local jobs in tourism, hospitality local jobs.
and other industries.Victorian Budget 2021/22 Overview 33
The skills our state needs We’re investing $209 million to further
support our TAFE and training sector.
As we continue to invest in the services our This investment includes:
state needs, skilled workers are in demand.
» Up to 12 200 extra subsidised training places
And across Victoria, our investments are in our TAFE and training system to ensure all
supporting tens of thousands of new jobs. Victorians can access training
This Budget invests $384 million in our » Providing 4 800 additional places in digital
skills sector to make sure Victorians are literacy and employment skills courses to
ready for these jobs. help get more Victorians back into work
» Increasing the funding provided to
Victorian Skills Authority: TAFEs and other registered training
championing our training sector providers to maintain high-quality training
across Victoria
In this Budget, we’re supporting thousands of
jobs. And the new Victorian Skills Authority will
We are delivering $72 million from the Building
be central to making sure it’s Victorians who
Better TAFEs Fund for projects that will help
are first in line.
set our students up for success, with funding
This Budget invests $86 million to establish the for upgrades at Bendigo Kangan Institute’s
brand-new Victorian Skills Authority, ensuring Broadmeadows Campus and GOTAFE’s
Victorians are getting the right skills that lead Archer Street Shepparton Campus.
to a good, secure job.
And to ensure our TAFEs have the modern
This also represents our next step in reforming tools and equipment they need to provide
the training sector and implementing the traineeships and apprenticeships, we
recommendations of the Skills for Victoria’s are providing $12 million to establish the
Growing Economy review – chaired by TAFE Equipment and Facilities Fund.
Jenny Macklin.
The Victorian Skills Authority will be an anchor
organisation, bringing together industry,
providers and other stakeholders to identify
priority training areas, culminating in an
annual Victorian Skills Plan.
The Victorian Skills Authority will also support
continuous improvement in the quality of
teaching and training across the system.
With a comprehensive training system that
supports students from day one to the first
day on the job, we’re getting thousands more
Victorians back to work.You can also read
