10 Ways the State Labor Government are Putting Money Back in Your Pocket

1. Kinder is now Free (Permanently)

This is the biggest overhaul to early childhood education in Victoria. Here’s what you need to know:

• From 2023, three and four year old kinder will be free meaning families will save up to $2,500 a year for every child.
• From 2025, we’ll begin to open 50 government owned child care centres across the State in areas that need them most.
• And also from 2025 we’ll transition from 15 hours of four year old kinder to a 30 hour pre-prep program of play-based learning for every four-year-old child in Victoria.

It’s about putting money back in your pocket—and giving every young Victorian the very best start in life.

To find out more, go to: www.vic.gov.au/kinder

2. Over 80 Free TAFE Courses

There has never been a better time to upskill, change or kick-start your career with the State Labor Government’s Free TAFE initiative.

Free TAFE covers tuition fees for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training.

Free TAFE offers more than 80 courses across growth industries, including Early Childhood Education, Health, Construction & Infrastructure, Agriculture, Hospitality and Community & Disability Services.

With thousands of jobs available in these industries now and in the future – find a free TAFE course that’s right for you.

For more visit https://www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe or call 13 18 23.

3. Delivering the Sick Pay Guarantee

You shouldn’t have to choose between a day’s pay and looking after your and your loved ones' health.

That’s why the Victorian Government has introduced the Sick Pay Guarantee. Eligible casual and contract workers in many industries can now register online, and access up to five days of sick and carer’s pay per year.

And as part of the pilot, the Government is doing all the admin for the program and making payments directly to workers—meaning no extra paperwork for businesses.

Head to www.service.vic.gov.au/services/sick-pay-guarantee to find out more and check if you are eligible.

4. Victorian Energy Upgrades Program

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program helps Victorians cut power bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Since 2009, the program has supported over 2 million households to upgrade their appliances and equipment.

Products include lighting, space heating and cooling, water heating, and draft sealing.

Every Victorian household can participate in the program and be eligible for incentives for energy-efficient products and services. Your participation is voluntary. The average household can save between $120 and $1,100 a year on energy costs depending on the upgrade.

See how you can save here: https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/for-households/victorian-energy-upgrades-for-households

5. Free L and P licences

We’re making L and P licences free!

New learner drivers will save up to $51.40 in learner licencing and online testing fees. While probationary drivers will save up to $133.30 in probationary licence and online hazard perception testing fees.

For more info go here: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/licence-fees/motorist-package

6. Free Dental for Victorian Children

The Victorian governments free dental program is coming to Bayswater. 

The friendly Smile Squad dental team is now offering the following services to students in all Victorian government schools: 

• free oral health packs 
• free annual oral health examinations, and 
• free follow-up treatment as needed. 

For more information visit: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/smile-squad

7. Safe Driver Reward

We’re bringing back the Safe Driver Discount later this year. Full licence holders (car, motorcycle, and heavy vehicle) who haven't incurred demerit points or committed other road safety offences for three years prior to their licence renewal will receive a 25 per cent discount on their next renewal as part of the Safe Driver Discount program.

For more info go here: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/licence-fees/motorist-package

8. Solar Victoria Rebates

We’re helping Victorians make the switch to solar, save on power bills and build a cleaner, renewable future.

You may be eligible for a rebate for installing solar panels, a solar battery or solar hot water system.

For more info go to www.solar.vic.gov.au or call 1300 376 393.

9. Capped Council Rates

The Fair Go Rates system began in 2016 to limit uncontrolled rate hikes and reduce cost-of-living pressures for Victorians.

The cap is set each year by the Minister for Local Government with advice from the Essential Services Commission, guided by the Consumer Price Index.

Before the Fair Go Rates system was introduced residents faced an average rate increase of 6 per cent every year.

10. Introduced Short Term Rego Renewal

Pay less upfront when you choose a 3 or 6 month registration renewal. Short-term rego payment gives people more flexibility with how and when they pay – helping them manage their household budget.

And hundreds of thousands of Victorians are now paying their registration every three months or every six months, allowing them to pay less upfront and spread the cost of renewing their registration across the year.

For more info go here: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/registration-fees/short-term-rego