Schools, ethnic groups the winners

MULTICULTURAL communities are on the Baillieu Government’s agenda, with $24 million allocated over four years to various programs.

Independent schools, among them Victoria’s nine Jewish schools, are also set for a significant financial boost. And the Government has funded its election commitment to pay the $40,000 fee for the Community Security Group’s licence.

The pledges were part of a frugal budget that focused on basic needs.

“It is not a budget of quick fixes or easy answers. It is not a budget of spin,” Victorian Treasurer Kim Wells said. “This is a budget which lays out the challenges with honesty and candour, and begins the hard work of addressing them.”

In its first budget, the Coalition Government retained its reputation of providing maximum support for private schools, with Wells setting aside a $240 million allocation over five years for non-government schools. Independent schools educate around 37 per cent of Victorian students.

Caulfield MP David Southwick said this money will fill a need he heard expressed prior to the election.

“Independent schools have not been brought up to speed [with state schools],” he said. “This money is about being able to bring them level just on inflationary terms.”

Students with disabilities have also been remembered, with funding allocated to upgrade 10 special schools and $156 million to assist students with disabilities.

A $93 million package will also fund support for people with disabilities and their families. That package includes 1700 extra days of school holiday respite for families and carers, and 50 new supported accommodation places, such as those provided at Jewish Care’s Glen Eira Villas.

For the wider community, among the budget papers is a pledge to provide $4.4 million for a calendar of major multicultural events, including new and expanded festivals.
The Jewish community participates in a range of events, from Harmony Day celebrations to the annual St Kilda Festival.

Plenty of money has also been allocated to recognise the workers and volunteers who dedicate their lives to improving the state’s ethnic and religious communities.

In addition, half-a-million dollars has been dedicated to the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll, which will recognise migrants and refugees who have played a leadership role.

A pool of $5.2 million has been set aside to fund honours for volunteers, including the new Multicultural Volunteer Awards.

Southwick flagged that the Government would be encouraging diverse communities to work together on programs which are geared towards promoting tolerance.

“I am going to work with the community to look at ways we could work together with other multicultural communities,” the Jewish MP said.

NAOMI LEVIN