The Allan Labor Government is focused on what matters most to families in Bentleigh, delivering real help with the cost of living and more investment in frontline services.
For parents in Bentleigh, every dollar counts. It’s why we’re making public transport free for Victorians under 18, delivering savings of up to $755 a year – per child.
With free PT for under 18s, we’re ensuring cheaper school runs, more affordable weekends – and one less thing for families to worry about.
It’ll make Victoria the first state to introduce free public transport for kids and teens, with the investment beginning 1 January 2026.
The Metro Tunnel will open this year, with twin nine-kilometre tunnels running underneath the CBD and five new underground stations at Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac.
This critical infrastructure investment will double the size of Melbourne’s underground rail network and create a second rail line under the city, easing congestion in the City Loop for more reliable services on other lines.
It’ll also link the Sunbury line in the north-west with the Cranbourne-Pakenham lines in the south-east, creating a new continuous connection.
And to bring it all to life – this Budget invests $727 million to enable turn up and go services through the Metro Tunnel, and along the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines – meaning more trains for local families.
We know that every family deserves a great local school.
It’s why this Budget also invests $333 million for more than 35 school upgrades around the state – including $12.6 million for McKinnon Primary School.
This investment will include an upgrade of Block A and removal of four relocatable buildings to construct a new two-storey permanent facility – delivering an even better school for local families at McKinnon.
No one should miss out on the things that make school fun. But the cost of camps, school sports and excursions can be too much for some families in Bentleigh.
That’s why we’re increasing the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund to help families with a Health Care Card or concession card. Payments will increase from $154 per year for primary school students and $256 per year for secondary students to $400, from 1 January 2026.
King George Reserve in East Bentleigh is just one of many incredible open spaces in our community. With tennis and basketball courts and a great playground, it’s got something for everyone.
And with this Budget, we’re making it even better.
We’re investing up to $200,000 for lighting upgrades to make sure King George Reserve feels safe and accessible in the evenings and at night.
It’ll mean locals can get even more out of this fantastic sports and recreation space in East Bentleigh, year-round.
Playing sport keeps kids in Bentleigh active and healthy. But the cost of uniforms, equipment, memberships and more means some young Victorians are forced to sit on the sidelines.
That’s why with this Budget, we’re delivering more than 65,000 extra Get Active Kids vouchers for families who need it most.
These vouchers, worth up to $200, help with the cost of sport and recreation memberships, registration fees and essential equipment and uniforms.
With more vouchers, we’ll help remove the financial barrier for families, and make sure kids in Bentleigh get the chance to play the sport they love. It’s an investment that will make local sport in Bentleigh even stronger.
We’ve helped families in Bentleigh slash thousands off their power bills by switching to solar and making their homes more energy efficient. This Budget delivers more rebates for energy efficient heat pumps and solar hot water systems, so that more families can save up to $400 on their energy bills each year.
We’re also providing energy bill relief to those doing it tough in our community – with a $100 Power Saving Bonus to eligible Victorian households with a concession card, in time for their August winter bills.
Getting in to see a GP is hard – especially one who bulk bills. That means too many families in Bentleigh put off looking after their health.
This Budget invests a further $18 million to enable pharmacists to treat even more Victorians with even more conditions – without a trip to the doctor for a prescription. Previously trialled as the Community Pharmacy Pilot, this investment locks it in for good – and makes it even bigger.
That means pharmacies will be able to treat more conditions with medicines usually only available with a GP script – including allergies, nausuea, high blood pressure and minor wound care, with more conditions added progressively over the next two years. We’re also covering the cost of the consult – ensuring Bentleigh locals can access care for free.
This is a Budget – and a Government – focused on what matters most to Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
“We’re investing in the great local schools that families in Bentleigh deserve – including a major upgrade to McKinnon Primary.”
“We know that getting the kids to school can be a real cost for families in Bentleigh – which is why we’re making public transport free for every Victorian under the age of 18.”
