On May 20th 2025, the Victorian state budget was released with measures to address equitable access to quality education, however students’ concerns on funding and classroom safety have been ignored.
Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) is happy to see the Victorian Government announce an additional $1.5 billion in new schools. However, it is disappointing that the budget has confirmed Victoria will fall behind the rest of the states and territories in not receiving full funding until 2031 per the schooling resource standards.
VicSRC is thrilled to see the free public transport policy for people under 18, a win for Victorian students. VicSRC also supports the continued funding for Get Active vouchers for eligible students, and the increased payment boosts to the camps, sports and excursion fund, however VicSRC notes that these are temporary solutions to ensuring equitable access to quality education.
The budget also saw additional support for students with disabilities, with $355.8 million going towards improving disability inclusion practices in Victorian government schools, a win for accessible and inclusive education.
Oskar, (he/him) a year 9 student and VicSRC Executive Committee Member, says “[t]his budget’s additional investment to complete the statewide rollout of Disability Inclusion reforms is a vital step towards ensuring that every student has the support they need to thrive.”
“By providing extra funding for schools to recruit specialist staff, access expert coaching, and strengthen tailored support, we are moving closer to an inclusive education system where all students can succeed.”
With the forecasted surplus, the lack of mention of schooling resource standards in this year’s budget is incredibly concerning for students.
“Students have been waiting a long time for schools to be funded at the level we actually need. While this budget’s investment in curriculum and new schools is welcome, Victorian students don’t want to be left behind,” continues Oskar.
With the forecasted surplus, the lack of mention of schooling resource standards in this year’s budget is incredibly concerning for students.
“The beginning of the year the federal and state governments came to an agreement regarding the SRS, this was a major step towards fully funded government schools in Victoria. Students deserve better.”
While VicSRC acknowledges the need for everybody to feel safe at school, including teachers and school staff who play an invaluable role in the lives and education of students, it is disappointing funding is going towards security measures in classrooms, which will only create further distrust between students and their teachers. This is extra disappointing as there has been little funding allocated to targeting the increased racism, misogyny, and discrimination in schools. We need action that is preventative, not reactive.
VicSRC, as well as other organisations such as the Commission for Children and Young People, have long called for trauma informed training for teachers to address these concerns. VicSRC hopes the remaining funding prioritises capacity building for teachers that can support our most vulnerable students.
“While we do want school to be a safe and inclusive environment for students and staff, the emphasis on increased security for staff specifically ignores the research on the matter,” says VicSRC’s CEO, Julia Baron (she/her).
“What we need is support and training that is preventative, not reactive. The focus on security will only build further distrust between teachers, students and families, which is the last thing our students need to succeed”.
