The Allan Government’s 2025/26 Victorian Budget pledges over $1 billion to support families, multicultural communities, and essential services, with more than $20 million specifically dedicated to multicultural programs.
This includes funding for multi-faith infrastructure, migrant support, the Greek Community of Melbourne, and the Vietnamese Museum of Australia.
“We’re ensuring that every Victorian, regardless of their culture, background, faith or identity, feels safe, welcomed and celebrated here in our state,” Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said.
Key allocations include $7.6 million for the Migrant Workers Centre, $3.6 million to assist new migrants and refugees, and more than $2 million for multicultural seniors. Youth initiatives also receive $20 million targeting culturally diverse communities.
Elsewhere, prominent Melbourne restaurateur and Greek Australian Chris Lucas strongly criticised the budget, calling it “extremely disappointing” for small businesses.
Lucas accused the government of using “frivolous expenditure to buy votes” and said the “no new taxes” claim was misleading.
“With over 60 new taxes and levies introduced in the last few years, this state has now become an investment no-go zone,” Lucas said, pointing to hikes in the emergency services and congestion levies.
Despite a projected $600 million surplus, Lucas argued that Victoria’s growing $194 billion debt and high tax burden are stifling economic growth and harming small businesses.
Source: The Australian.
