Cost of Living Support

The Allan- Labor Government is committed to supporting families. Below are a range of services provided by the Government, local services providers and more.

General

Free L-Plate, P-Plate license and online testing

L-platers can save up to $51.40 in license and online testing fees and learner drivers going for their P-plates can save up to $133.30 in license and online hazard perception testing fees.

Solar Homes Program

The Solar Homes Program offers eligible Victorian households solar panel (PV) rebates and the option of an interest-free loan, hot water rebates, and an interest-free loan for solar batteries.

Victorian Default Offer 

The Essential Services Commission has announced the Victorian Default Offer will reduce households electricity bills an average of $100. 

Victorian Energy Compare

Find the best deal on your energy bills by comparing through the Victorian Energy Compare. 

3, 6 & 12 Month Registration

You can now choose to pay your vehicle registration in smaller installments.

Winter Gas Concession

Discounts on gas bills are available for eligible concession card holders to help ease the cost of living during the winter months.

Capped V/Line fares at metro rates

No matter where you live in Victoria, it will cost you the same amount to travel. The most you’ll pay is the same as a daily capped fare, which is currently $10.60 full fare, or $5.30 for concession.

Council rates and charge

The rate cap limits the maximum amount a council can increase general rates and municipal charges. The 2024-25 rate cap is 2.75 per cent. 

Discounts, bonuses for Victorians on new savings finder

Millions of Victorians will be able to quickly and simply access discounts, rebates and savings available to them through a new Savings Finder on the Service Victoria app and website.

Early Child-Care & Healthcare Support

Three & Four-Year-Old Kinder

Free three and four-year-old kinder, saving families up to $2,500 per child each year. Learn about how your child can access Free Kinder, the benefits of kinder, and how to find and enroll in a kinder program that suits your family’s needs. 

Baby Bundles

Baby bundles will be provided in hospitals at the time of birth and will contain key parenting information and resources to support the health, development and wellbeing of the babies.

NURSE-ON-CALL

Call 1300 60 60 24 for immediate, confidential expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Community Pharmacist Pilot

The 12-month pilot in Victoria from October 2023 to October 2024 allows people to receive some treatments at a local pharmacy without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription.

Early Parenting Centres

Early Parenting Centres (EPCs) are a free primary health service. They provide specialist support for Victorian families with children from birth to 4 years and deliver flexible, targeted services that aim to enhance the parent-child relationship.

Priority Primary Care Centres

Priority Primary Care Centres provide care for people with conditions that require urgent attention but not an emergency response. The centres help Victorians who need urgent care get help faster, while keeping our busy emergency departments free for those in critical, life-threatening situations.

Support for Families with Children

Prep Bags

Each Prep student attending a Victorian government school will receive a Prep bag to celebrate this milestone in their education journey. The bags are filled with engaging learning items and information for parents and carers to help families have a great start to the year.

Get Active: Kids Voucher Program

Eligible children may receive up to $200 to cover the costs for membership and registration fees. Applications will open in Spring 2024.

School Breakfast Clubs program 

The Victorian Government has committed a further $21.1 million in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 to expand the School Breakfast Clubs program to include all government schools that opt in across Victoria.

Kinder Kits 

Kinder Kits are activity boxes filled with books, educational toys and activities made especially for three-year-olds to enjoy at home. Families don’t need to order a Kit – your kindergarten service will provide the Kits to children in Term 1.

Help with school costs and fees 

Help is available through the Affordable School Uniforms program to meet the costs of uniforms and other key school items. Victorian state government school students are eligible to receive uniform items, school shoes, stationery packs and other essential school items such as travel passes at no cost.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund provides payments for eligible students to attend school camps, excursions, and sports and outdoor education programs.

Free Zoos and Museum visits for kids on weekends and during school holidays

Glasses For Kids

Provides free vision screening and, if needed, further testing and free glasses to participating Prep to Year 3 students. Glasses for Kids targets school communities across Victoria based on areas of disadvantage.

Smile Squad is the Victorian government’s free school dental program

Smile Squad delivers free oral health promotion, dental check-ups and treatment to Victorian government school students at school. Smile Squad helps students stay engaged in school and ready to learn.

Free sanitary pads and tampons in all government schools

Free pads and tampons are now available in every government school in Victoria – because being able to access sanitary products shouldn’t be a barrier to students getting the most out of their education.

Jobs, Education & Training

Free TAFE

There are over 80 free TAFE courses for you to consider to up-skill and find your next job.

Jobs Victoria

Get personalised support in looking for work through jobs Victoria.

Free Nursing & Midwifery Degrees

Through the Victorian Government you can get a free nursing degree. 

Free Secondary Teaching Degrees

Through the Victorian Government you can get a free secondary teaching degree.

Women

Women in Security Program 2024-2025 

The Women in Security Program is an initiative to increase the number of women in technical cybersecurity and cybersecurity leadership roles across Victoria. Through comprehensive training, certification opportunities, and personalised mentorship, we will provide 90 ambitious women in Victoria with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in cybersecurity roles.

Free Pads and Tampons in up to 700 public places

The Victorian Government has committed to providing free pads and tampons in vending machines located in public places across the state. These locations will include public hospitals, TAFEs, courts, libraries, staffed train stations and major cultural institutions like Melbourne Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria.

Seniors & Veterans

Concessions and Discounts for Veterans 

Find Victorian Government concessions and discounts available to veterans, and their families or carers. This includes discounts through the Veterans Card - Victoria.

Care Finders 

A free support service that supports vulnerable older Australians to access aged care services. 

Better Health Channel & Help At Home

Provides a range of resources to assist seniors to live at home for as long as possible. Additional resources here.

Ageing and Aged Care

A range of supports and services offered by the Victorian Government. 

Brimbank City Council

Services offered by the Brimbank City Council for seniors.

Victorian Pensioner Free Travel Vouchers

Pensioner Concession Card holders are eligible for annual free travel vouchers. The travel vouchers can be used on trams, trains and buses, including V/Line trains and coaches.

NURSE-ON-CALL

Call 1300 60 60 24 for immediate, confidential expert health advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Services Australia

Through the Commonwealth Government’s Services Australia website a range of services and supports including the Aged Pension, Disability Support Pension, Mobility Allowance, and more can be accessed.

Support for Renters

Restricting Rent Increases

New rules now exist for landlords for increasing rent between successive fixed-term rental agreements and limiting the number of increases to once annually. Any increase must now have 60 days notice in writing. 

Long-Term Rental Agreements

Renters can enter into rental agreements for 5 or more years for added security and stability. 

Rental Stress Support Package

The Government has provided $8 Million of additional funding for local organisations who provide essential supports for those facing rental stress including: Anglicare Victoria | Housing for the Aged Action Group (Haag) | Justice Connect | Tenants Victoria

Coming Soon: Portable Bond Scheme

The new scheme will allow renters to transfer their bond between properties.

Rental Bidding

The Government is cracking down through a new renting taskforce on landlords who use rental bidding to drive up rental prices.

Support for First Home Buyers

Homebuyer Fund

A shared home equity scheme making it easier for prospective home buyers. As little as 5% is needed for a deposit with the Government contributing up to 25% of the purchase price. 

Under-Quoting

New legislation means that real estate agents need to follow strict rules about how to estimate property prices. 

Stamp Duty 

Stamp duty has been abolished for first home buyers buying a property valued at less than $600k and tapered reaching up to $750k.

Stamp Duty - Off the Plan Purchases

If you buy off the plan, you only pay stamp duty on the land the property is sitting on. 

First Home Owner Grant

A $10,000 First Home Owner Grant is available when you buy or build your first new home.

Land Tax on Vacant Residential Properties

Helping to free up opportunities for first home buyers.

Sunshine Housing Office (DFFH)

Office details

Address: 16–18 Hertford Road, Sunshine VIC 3020

Operating hours: 8.45am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

Telephone: 1300 360 462

Access for people with disability: office and one interview room fully accessible. Accessible parking is not available on site.

Housing

Financial Support and Services for those facing Housing Stress

Housing Establish Fund - Up to $700

Eligible clients can receive $700 annually for the maintenance/establishment of private rental housing, emergency & short term housing and removalists/storage costs. 

Utility Relief Grant Scheme - $650 Payment

A $650 payment for bills every two years (Payment will be provided to the company).  

IPC Health – St Albans

Provides support to those at risk or experiencing homelessness including primary healthcare, case management and other supports. 

1 Andrea St, St Albans VIC 3021 | Call: (03) 9296 1200 | Email: harh@ipchealth.com.au 

Good Shepherd - Sunshine

Can provide loans, financial advice and other services. 

Level 1/24 Devonshire Road, Sunshine | Call: (03) 8312 8800 |
Email: sunshine@goodshep.org.au  

Anglicare Emergency Relief - St Albans

Walk -in service for food parcels available on: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. 9.30am-12.30pm.

The Martyr Anglican Church, Corner Alexina St & East Esplanade St Albans | Call: 1800 809 722

Anglicare in St Albans

Can provide financial counselling, emergency relief and other services

Parish of St Alban the Martyr, Alexina Street, St Albans, Victoria, 3021 | Call: 0408 316 414 | Web: https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/contact-us/locations/?lc_region=western

Holy Eucharist Parish

1A Oleander Drive St Albans | Call: (03) 9366 1310 | Fridays 10.30am-2pm

For people in Brimbank. Must have Centrelink or Immigration Card.

National Debt Helpline

A service for financial counselling.

Call: 1800 007 007 | Web: ndh.org.au/

St Vincent de Paul

Phone for delivery of food, vouchers and other material aid.

Call: 1800 305 330 | Web: www.vinnies.org.au/findhelp#!vic

Victorian Homeless Crisis Line

Open 24/7 to speak with a support worker if you are at risk or experiencing homelessness. 

Call: 1800 825 955

Salvation Army Social Housing Service Sunshine  

This is a provider of short-term, emergency and transitional housing. 

Services: Brimbank - Sunshine, Albion, Ardeer and Sunshine West 

Email: Sunshine.IAP@SalvationArmy.org.au | Call: (03) 9313 4300 | Address: 6/147 Harvester Road, Sunshine, VIC 3020

Melbourne City Mission - Youth

Provides long or short term accommodation and other personal supports including education, training and employment. 

Call: (03) 9614 3688

Unison Housing 

This is a provider of short-term, emergency and transitional housing. 

Services: Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong  

Email: info@unison.org.au | Call: (Footscray) (03) 9688 8300

Initial Assessment and Planning (IAP) – Homelessness assistance  

Seddon: (03) 9689 2777 | Werribee: (03) 9216 0300 

Social & Transitional Housing

Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG)

Can provide assistance and emergency housing services for those aged 50+.

Call: 1300 765 178 | Web: oldertenants.org.au

Victorian Social & Community Housing

This is housing provided by the Victorian Government. 

Applications can be submitted online here.

For any further assistance please contact our office. 

Women’s Housing Ltd

Provides low costs housing to women at risk of homelessness.

Call: (03) 9412 6868 | Web: womenshousing.com.au/

Monash Law Clinic

Monash Law Clinics provides free legal advice and assistance to the Victorian community across a range of legal issues - including: 

  • Criminal and traffic charges in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria

  • Centrelink matters

  • Infringements

  • Rental disputes

  • Family violence intervention orders

Please call 1800 860 333 between 9:00am - 4:00pm (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) or email law-clinics@monash.edu to request an appointment. 

Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre (BMCLC) 

Appointments and checks on eligibility can be arranged by calling (03) 8592 9077, or emailing legal@comm-unityplus.org.au.

Provides free legal services for people who live, work or study in the Brimbank, Melton and Bacchus Marsh communities.

Legal support in the areas of:

  • Family violence and intervention orders

  • Fines and infringements

  • Car accidents if you do not have insurance and are being chased for money

  • Minor criminal matters

  • Some family law (not property)

Legal Services

WEstjustice

Provides free legal help to people in the western suburbs of Melbourne. 

Call: (03) 9749 7720

JobWatch

Provides free legal information living in Victoria regarding any employment related matters.

Please call (03) 9662 1933 for their Telephone Information Service.

Victoria Legal Aid

Victoria Legal Aid provides free legal information and advice to people with legal problems, focusing on criminal law, family law and some civil law matters. 

Victoria Legal Aid also provides education to help build knowledge in the community about legal rights and responsibilities. 

If you would like to speak with a staff member at the Victorian Legal Aid, please call 1300 792 387 (Monday to Friday between 8:00am - 6:00pm). 

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)

Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) provides a range of information and advice services to support consumers to exercise their rights and regulated businesses, professionals and organisations to comply with the law.

If you would like to speak with a staff member at the Consumer Affairs Victoria, please call 1300 558 181 (Monday to Friday between 9:00am - 5:00pm).

Tax Cuts for all Australians

From July 1  2024, all Australians will be receiving a tax cut of at least $654 a year for incomes starting from $40,000 to a maximum of $4,529 for incomes of $190,000 or over.

Under the previous planned tax cuts, those on incomes less than $50,000 would have received nothing.

Paid Parental Leave

Parents of babies born or adopted on or after July 1st 2025 will in addition to receiving Government-funded Paid Parental Leave will now also receive 12% superannuation payments during this period as well.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Medicines on the PBS are capped at a price of $31.60 for two years. For pensioners and concession card holders, prices are capped at $7.65 per medicine for a period of five years.

$300 Energy Rebate

All Australian households will receive a credit of $300, which will go towards their energy bills.

This rebate will be paid in quarterly installments directly to your energy provider.

HECS Debt Support

Australians who have a HECS debt will now have their debt indexed at the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Wages Price Index (WPI) for any given year, and this will be backdated to the end of 2023, reducing the effective indexation for last year by 3.9%. This change will wipe approximately $3 billion worth of student debt.

Federal Support

Jobseeker Payment

Australians who find themselves unemployed can apply for Jobseeker payments, which will provide them with a fortnightly payment between $762.70 for a single person with no children to a maximum of $987.70 for an exempted carer.

You can apply for this payment through Centrelink.

Commonwealth Rent Assistance

Australians living in private rentals or community housing can apply for Commonwealth Rent Assistance, which has been increased by an additional 10% in the 2024 Federal Budget.

You can apply for Commonwealth Rent Assistance through Centrelink.

Paid Placement for Uni Students

Students who are required to undertake an unpaid placement as part of their course, including teaching, nursing and social services students, will now receive up to $319.50 a week to support them while they undertake this placement.

You can apply for this payment during your placement period through Centrelink.