CREATING JOBS AND CARING FOR ELTHAM
The Andrews Labor Government is creating jobs and caring for the people of Eltham.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 will support an average of 38,000 jobs every year over the next four years, while also investing in the care and services our community needs.
Montmorency Primary is one of 52 Victorian schools that will be upgraded in this year's Budget. This $5.37 million investment will redevelop and modernise the school’s multi-purpose assembly hall, known as the ‘Castle’. Not only will this give our students new learning spaces, it'll create good jobs for Victorians. Across the state, our investment in more and better schools is expected to support 3,500 jobs.
Recognising the key role of schools in supporting the wellbeing of our students, this Budget also invests in a new School Mental Health Fund. This investment will allow schools to choose and implement mental health and wellbeing programs that best meet the needs of their students. The Mental Health in Primary Schools pilot will also be expanded to include 90 government schools and 10 non-government schools.
The Labor Government is delivering on its promise to the people of Eltham, investing in a brand-new community hospital. This investment will give locals the confidence that they have access to the best possible care, close to home – while also creating new jobs.
Our transport system connects locals to work, to school and to each other. This Budget invests $1.2 million to improve the accessibility and safety of nine existing bus stops around Greensborough Station. We’re also improving pedestrian connections between Greensborough to Montmorency with $2 million in early works for cycling infrastructure along the rail corridor.
With this Budget, the Labor Government will help more families experience the joys of parenthood, helping to cover the costs of invitro fertilisation (IVF). IVF can help people who want to become parents achieve their dreams. But for many Victorians, it's unaffordable and out of reach. This Budget delivers $70 million to establish public IVF services – which will be free for up to 4,000 patients every year.
This Budget also includes a once in a generation investment to build our mental health system from the ground up. $3.8 billion will transform the way mental health support is offered in Victoria, with early intervention, a dedicated stream of care for our kids, and the recruitment of thousands of new workers.
An investment of $954 million will deliver 22 reformed area mental health and wellbeing services to replace current services. These services will have more capacity to treat and support Victorians experiencing severe and complex mental health challenges, in their own communities.
Young Victorians are at the heart of our reform, with $842 million in mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people. This investment will see two separate streams of care created – one devoted to infants and children and one devoted to young people. This investment will deliver more early intervention, more intensive support for those who need acute care, and three new community-based hubs, providing a one-stop approach to children’s mental health, health and development.
Not only are we delivering the mental health system Victoria needs – we’re also supporting around 3,000 new jobs. From doctors to nurses, support staff to peer workers, this investment is creating new opportunities for thousands of Victorians. To train and recruit this critical workforce, we’re also funding new scholarships, job placements and continuing our Free TAFE courses.
With this Budget, we’re creating new jobs and caring for Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“This is a Budget that invests in the things that matter to our community – better mental health services, transport and education – all the while driving the creation of new local jobs.”
“By investing in our schools we’re investing in the future of our kids. The amazing students and staff at Montmorency Primary School deserve the very best learning spaces, and that’s what this Labor Government is delivering.”