Billions for schools, kindergarten in Victorian budget
SPENDING ANNOUNCED BY THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT IN THE 2023/24 STATE BUDGET:
HEALTH:
* $320 million for the hospital infrastructure delivery fund for works at seven hospitals
* $162m to build three new residential facilities in Cohuna, Maffra and Numurkah
* $44m for eight new PET scanners
* $30m for a new ambulance station at Armstrong Creek
* $23.8m for women's health, including 20 new women's health clinics
* $12m for mRNA Victoria to deliver manufacturing facilities in the state
FLOOD RECOVERY:
* $7.1m to support councils and Emergency Recovery Victoria in undertaking secondary flood impact assessments
* $500,000 for early intervention and psychological services for communities impacted by floods
EDUCATION:
* $2.1 billion to upgrade, maintain and build schools across the state
* $1.7b for kindergarten reforms, including free kinder and 100 new centres
* $205m to support and develop the state's teachers
* $169m for school camps, excursions and sporting trips
TRANSPORT:
* $100.5m to get the Metro Tunnel ready for its 2025 opening date
* $41.1m for cheaper public transport fares in the regions
* $54.6m to maintain the regional rail network
* $30m for road maintenance and renewal works across the state
* $9m to upgrade the Melton train line
EMERGENCY SERVICES:
* $117.4m to improve Ambulance Victoria's capacity to respond to growing demand
* $40m for Forest Fire Management Victoria
* $34m to upgrade facilities including fire stations and Life Saving Victoria facilities
* $2m to support reform of the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority
ABORIGINAL VICTORIANS:
* $21.9m to prepare the First Peoples' Assembly and the state for treaty negotiations
* $20.9m for reforms to reduce Aboriginal over-representation in child protection and family services
* $3.7m to enable traditional owner participation in recognition and settlement agreements with the state
JUSTICE:
* $74.5m to prevent and address gambling harm
* $36m to maintain and secure the Western Plains Correctional Centre
* $7.8m for specialist family violence legal assistance at court
* $4.5m for preventing youth offending through early intervention