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
Melbourne, Healesville, and Werribee Zoo: Kids visit free (zoo.org.au)
National Gallery of Victoria: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/kids/
Melbourne Museum:
https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/
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.