Every family is affected by the cost of living. The Allan Labor Government is delivering real assistance.
If you are in immediate danger, call: 000
If you need to talk to someone, call Lifeline: 13 11 14
Below are a range of services provided by the Government, local services providers and more:
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.
Fair Fuel Plan
Mandatory fuel price reporting; a new fuel finder; prices set the day before and locked in for 24 hours.
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.
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.
Fair Fuel Plan
Mandatory fuel price reporting; a new fuel finder; prices set the day before and locked in for 24 hours.
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.
Free blind cord safety kits
Unsecured blind or curtain cords claim the lives of one or two Australian children every year. The free curtain and blind cord safety kit will help make looped curtain and blind cords safer in your home.
Free Public Transport for Under-18s
Our Government is making public transport free for everyone under 18, everywhere in Victoria. The new youth myki can be used like any other myki, to tap on and travel through ticket gates at stations and when getting on a bus or tram. The card will stay valid until the child turns 18.
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.
School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)
Our Government is boosting education opportunities and narrowing the digital divide through the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI). The SSBI includes $8.8 million that has been invested to provide up to 30,000 eligible families with no internet at home a free National Broadband Network service until 31 December 2025.
Families can check their eligibility by contacting the National Referral Centre, operated by Anglicare Victoria, on 1800 954 610.
Free TAFE
There are over 80 free TAFE courses for you to consider to up-skill and find your next job.
Workforce Australia
Get personalised support in looking for work through Workforce Australia.
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 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 personalized mentorship, we will provide 90 ambitious women in Victoria with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in cybersecurity roles.
More Specialist Women’s Health Clinics
The Victorian Government is delivering on their promise to open 20 specialised Women's Health Clinics. The next round of clinics have been announced. Women will be able to access specialists like gynaecologists, urologists, specialist GPs, nurses and allied health support closer to home – saving them time and money.
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.
Multicultural Centre for Women's Health
The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health is a non-for-profit organisation that advocates and educates to strengthen the health, wellbeing, safety, and leadership of migrant and refugee women in Australia.
This organisation is open Monday to Friday and can be contacted on (03) 9418 0999.
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.
Monash City Council
Services offered by the Monash City Council for seniors.
Boroondara City Council
Services offered by the Boroondara 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.
Whitehorse City Council
Services offered by the Whitehorse City Council for seniors.
Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria
A one-stop shop for renters, agents and landlords to resolve tenancy disputes over rent, damages, repairs and bonds
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
New Renting Taskforce
The Government is establishing a new renting taskforce to crack down on rental providers and estate agents who do the wrong thing.
Additionally, Victorians who suspect properties available for rent are being falsely advertised or do not meet minimum standards can now alert Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) directly through a new complaint form online.
Rental Bidding
The Government is cracking down through a new renting taskforce on landlords who use rental bidding to drive up rental prices.
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.
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).
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: 9412 6868 | Web: womenshousing.com.au/
Aboriginal Housing Victoria
Provides assistance and social housing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living in Victoria.
Call: 1800 248 842| Email: clientservices@ahvic.org.au| Web: https://www.ahvic.org.au
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
Melbourne City Mission - Youth
Provides long or short term accommodation and other personal supports including education, training and employment.
Call: 03 9614 3688
Monash Law Clinic
Monash Law Clinics provides free legal advice and assistance to the Victorian community across a range of legal issues - including:
Please call 1800 860 333 between 9:00am - 4:00pm (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) or email law-clinics@monash.edu to request an appointment.
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 organizations 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).
Justice Connect
Provides free legal assistance for a number of areas of law, including domestic building law, seniors law, homeless and not-for-profit law.
Please call 03 8636 4400 or visit their website to apply for legal help.
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.
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.
This web-page is still in the process of being updated. If there are any errors please call (03) 9561 0511.
