The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with delivering on its election promises for our community – investing in what matters for the people of Bentleigh.

We haven’t wasted a day delivering the services and projects that matter to Victorians. With the Victorian Budget 2023/24, we’re getting on with doing what we said we’d do.

Victorians remember the State Electricity Commission (SEC): it meant a fair deal on your power prices and good, stable jobs for workers.

That’s why we’re bringing it back – to drive down power bills and create thousands of jobs in renewable, government-owned energy.

An initial $1 billion investment in the SEC will help deliver 4.5 gigawatts of power – the equivalent replacement capacity of Loy Yang A – through renewable energy projects.

Bringing back the SEC won’t just mean more renewable energy, lower power bills and reduced carbon emissions – it’ll also help create 59,000 jobs.

As part of a more than $2 billion investment in schools across Victoria, this year’s Budget includes $7.3 million to make sure students at Cheltenham Secondary College have the learning spaces they deserve. This will go towards a master plan for the school and deliver permanent year 7 classrooms, replacing portables.

The students at Ormond Primary School are also set to benefit, with $100,000 to install new synthetic turf so kids have the spaces they need to play.

Every family should have a great local school. That’s why we will invest to kickstart planning to upgrade McKinnon Primary School, so students can get a world-class education.

Every Victorian should be able to get the healthcare they need, when they need it, close to home. That’s why we’re starting work on building a bigger and better Monash Medical Centre.

The Tower Expansion will include service and capital planning to get early works underway, to ensure the new and upgraded facilities meet the needs of our growing south-eastern suburbs.

We’re also supporting Radio Lollipop, which operates out of the hospital, with $200,000 to provide care, comfort and entertainment to sick children.

We’re ensuring women and their health are given the focus, funding and respect they deserve. A new comprehensive women's health clinic in Monash Medical Centre will change the way women’s health issues are treated, providing care and support for conditions like endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause and menopause.

Victorians shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket or wait days to get into a GP when they need treatment for minor illnesses and infections, vaccinations and or to get their contraceptive prescriptions reissued.

That’s why we’ll invest more than $19 million for a 12-month pilot program expanding the role of community pharmacists.

Sport and playgrounds are such a big part of our community, helping families in Bentleigh to stay active and get engaged.

In this Budget, we’ll invest $3 million to upgrade Mackie Road Reserve pavilion, $25,000 to deliver lighting upgrades at Coatesville Bowls Club and upgrade Cheltenham Playground at Glen Court/Chelsea St. We’re giving locals more opportunities to come together while supporting the next generation of sporting greats with the facilities they need to spark their sporting dreams.

Everyone should be able to cross the road safely. That's why we're delivering a pedestrian crossing on Centre Road near Balmoral Avenue.

All communities deserve great spaces to come together to celebrate and share in culture and tradition. We promised to build, upgrade and renovate new community infrastructure for Orthodox communities, and we’re doing just that with $100,000 for facilities at the Greek Orthodox Parish of "Saints Raphael, Nicholas & Irene”.

We’re also providing support and spaces for our Jewish community. This budget is delivering $3 million to fund a campaign against antisemitism and a $30,000 grant to upgrade the Etz Chayim Progressive Synagogue.

These are the things that matter – and the things we promised to Victorians.

And with this Budget, we’re getting on with delivering every election commitment we made at the last election.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos

“We’re doing what matters for the people of Bentleigh – and with this Budget, we’re starting work on all of the election promises we made to them.”

“We’re investing in the schools, hospitals and shared community spaces that people in our area can be proud of for years to come.”