Our submission to the Victorian State Budget

In a tight fiscal environment, our submission this year proposes solutions that would make a significant difference to the lives of Victoria’s unpaid carers now, while also laying the foundations for services that will help meet their future needs.   

We have recommended three initiatives to the government for investment in 2025-26:  

• A financial relief package for Carer Card recipients to provide practical financial assistance and relieve cost of living pressures. We also want to see targeted work with industry to grow the number of benefits for Carer Card holders.  
• An early intervention program for new carers that would equip carers to sustain themselves in a longer-term caring role, rather than waiting until they are in crisis and need immediate help.  
• Growth in funded respite to ensure unpaid carers across the state have access to high quality support when they need it, where they need it.   

Carers Victoria has also advocated for carers to be included in any cost-of-living relief packages or concessions the government might be considering.  

Our budget submission is just one piece of a broader suite of advocacy that Carers Victoria is currently working on to improve supports for carers as we head towards an upcoming Federal election in 2025, and the Victorian State election in 2026.    

Download to read our budget submission.