The 2025 Victorian State Budget will be a pivotal time for education. With the recent reports of delayed funding per the schooling resource standards to 2034, and last year’s VCE exam administrative error, this budget will be crucial to understand the next few years and how it will impact today's students.
For a student focused budget, VicSRC spoke to two of our Executive Committee members, Imogen (she/they) and Greta (she/her) about what they are looking for on May 20th, 2025.
A budget that reaffirms commitment to fully funding government schools as per the schooling resource standards
VicSRC is concerned to hear of recent reports that the timeframe to achieve full funding may be delayed.
School funding per the schooling resource standards should continue to be a priority for the education state, as it is for Victorian students.
"In the budget, we would love to see clear commitments and answers in relation to reports that fully funding government schools as per the SRS have been delayed." - Imogen (she/they)
A budget that continues support for key programs like Respectful Relationships and Safe Schools
Continuing support will mean so we can learn from our progress so far to make these initiatives as effective and accessible as possible.
VicSRC is hearing from more and more students the need for a Respectful Relationships and Safe Schools program that is relevant to students, reflecting the classroom’s current context.
Students have shared that teachers should have the right support to also confidently deliver this curriculum.
"In the budget, VicSRC would love to see further investments in Respectful Relationships. It is crucial to invest in a youth-reflective Respectful Relationships curriculum to ensure maximum effect for all Victorian students." - Greta, (she/her).
A budget that continues a focus on secondary school reform
This budget is an opportunity to build on work already done and recognise that there is a lot more work to do to ensure every student is set up to succeed.
The recent 2025 ACARA results, which saw retention in Victoria slightly improve, is encouraging. However more work needs to be done to make secondary school more inclusive and accessible.
"More investments towards earlier promotion of alternative senior secondary pathways, and continued support for curriculum changes to reflect this, are needed." - Imogen (she/they)
A budget that expands funding for community programs and initiatives, such as Project REAL and One Red Tree.
Place-based programs like Beyond the Bell help students where they're at, supporting their engagement, wellbeing, and outcomes.
Regional and rural students have long shared the discrepancies in programs between them and metropolitan students
"Place based regional and rural schools need to be funded and supported to help ensure that students have access to the same programs and resources that metropolitan students do." - Imogen (she/they).
A budget that increases investment in tackling racism, misogyny, and discrimination in schools
VicSRC has heard directly from students that discrimination in the classroom and playground has increased over the years, with students wanting better investment in teacher professional development and schools to tackle these issues.
It is important that we respond quickly and effectively to these rising issues, making sure school is a safe place for everyone.
"It’s not enough to just simply discourage racism, misogyny and discrimination; it’s crucial that we invest in anti-discrimination programs and reshape our curriculum to ensure cultural inclusivity for all students; not just those who currently benefit from the system." - Greta (she/her)
To understand more of what students want to see actioned, you can read our most recent Congress report here.
