- Published:
- Thursday 20 May 2021
The Andrews Labor Government is investing in more support for seniors, Victorians living with disability and vulnerable communities – ensuring no one is left behind as we recover from the pandemic.
Not only does the Victorian Budget 2021/22 deliver on this additional investment, it will also create new jobs and new opportunities for Victorians to care for their communities.
That’s in addition to $436.9 million delivered in last year's Budget, which invested in better support services for Victorians in need, including the delivery of our 500‑strong Recovery Workforce.
As part of Labor’s ongoing support for public sector aged care, the Budget invests $65 million to redevelop the Glenview nursing home in Rutherglen in Victoria’s northeast, and complete detailed design and planning for redevelopments of public residential aged care facilities in Camperdown and Cohuna.
An additional nearly $29 million is provided for public sector residential aged care, including support for nurse‑to‑resident ratios, ensuring older Victorians in state‑run facilities are properly supported and cared for.
This year’s Budget builds on last year’s workforce efforts, delivering $6.1 million to continue the Disability Liaison Officers program.
This workforce, established during the pandemic, is helping ensure Victorians living with disability can navigate our health system and access the medical help they need, when they need it. This investment will continue their work, improving access to healthcare services for all Victorians.
We’re also making it easier for Victorians living with disability and their carers with $2.5 million to deliver more fully accessible public toilets across the state known as Changing Places, on top of the 33 already funded.
A boost of $1.7 million for disability advocacy will strengthen its vital role and provide support to Victorians navigating the NDIS, and $1.4 million will improve communications with Victorians with disability before, during and after an emergency or natural disaster.
These investments also support the development of the next Victorian State Disability Plan to be launched in December, which will focus on access, inclusion and the rights of people living with disability as we recover from the pandemic.
A further $14.5 million will expand the Good Money service, which delivers no‑interest loans and financial advice to Victorians in need – providing a safe alternative to payday lenders and loan sharks.
The service will be expanded beyond shop fronts, to phone and online services so no matter where they live, Victorians will be able to access this vital financial wellbeing service – expected to support 25,000 people on low‑incomes.
The Government is working to address isolation and loneliness, with $1 million to continue the hotline operated by the Australian Red Cross, which was established during the pandemic to provide emotional support and psychological first aid.
A $400,000 investment supports the Seniors Festival’s online program – including radio and video to reach older people at home and in aged care facilities.
A further $1 million will continue the important work of the Elder Abuse Prevention Networks and to continue elder abuse identification and response in public health services.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“As we recover, we want to make sure no one is left behind. It’s why this Budget invests in caring for Victorians – and creating new jobs for Victorians to do this important work.”
“Whether it’s caring for older Victorians in aged care, or simply being another voice on the end of the phone, these roles will be at the heart of our recovery.”
“These investments also lay the foundations for the development of the upcoming Victorian State Disability Plan, which will be at the heart of our efforts to create safer and more inclusive communities.”