Will Victorian Labor come good on its pre-election promises?

With a flurry of promises in the lead up to the weekend’s state election, we wrap up those relevant for the for-purpose sector made by Dan Andrews and his party during campaigning.

Daniel Andrews led his party to victory in Victoria over the weekend, securing his third consecutive election win for the Labor government and cementing his position as one of the state’s longest serving premiers.

Andrews’ “hope always defeats hate” messaging rang out across the celebratory crowd on Saturday night as Labor formed a majority government, despite notable swings against the party in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.

Thank you so much Victoria. pic.twitter.com/SI8FOfid5d

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) November 26, 2022

While the predicted ‘greenslide’ didn’t quite eventuate and the Nationals’ resurgence in regional Victoria questioned the Coalition’s standing, the outcome was not surprising for many Victorians. 

The lead up to the election, however, was particularly nasty, with both sides of politics inciting personal attacks and a plethora of glitzy promises to win over voters. Now that it’s all over, what can Victorians expect from their state government? We break down Labor’s key election promises for the for-purpose sector. 

Cost of living

To counter rising pressure on households, Labor promised to deliver a fresh round of the $250 power saving bonus from next March. The government will also make vehicle registration free for eligible tradies and introduce a Victorian veterans card.

Community and tourism

LGBTIQ+ community organisations, pride events and health services have been promised a $22.2m boost to deliver better care, inclusion and support. This includes funding for a pilot program to address the needs of ageing LGBTIQ+ Victorians.

A number of $100K grants have been awarded to social enterprises, not for profits and community organisations including SisterWorks, Volunteering Geelong, Bluebird Foundation, The Nappy Collective, Ready Set and Big Group Hug.

Additional promises include $50m to build, upgrade and renovate new community infrastructure for multicultural and multifaith communities; a $34m investment in the live music industry; and a $30m package for brewers, winemakers and distillers.

Education

Free TAFE courses, free kindergarten and building and upgrading several educational facilities were among Labor’s headline promises. Extending after-hours care for specialist schools, support for Catholic and independent schools, and new government-owned and operated early education centres have also been promised.

The conversation around skills is changing.

VCOSS is thrilled vocational and applied learning is finally being accorded the value it deserves.

As such, we welcome Labor’s election pledge today to open six new Technical Schools. https://t.co/9Y6lvF1KTG

— VCOSS (@VCOSS) November 25, 2022

Environment

Following the federal government’s climate-focused footsteps, Andrews’ campaigned strongly on a raft of environment-related initiatives. This included increasing renewable energy targets to 65 per cent by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035; reaching net zero emissions by 2045 instead of 2050; and investing $42m for 100 community batteries.

Labor also promised to revitalise state-ownership of the State Electricity Commission (SEC), legislate renewable energy storage targets for 2030 and 2035, and to direct $1b to renewable energy projects that are overseen and run by SEC.

In addition, the government promised to develop a $10 million nature fund to support biodiversity projects being led by private or philanthropic groups.

Health

One of the most high-profile promises, Andrews’ promised to deliver free tampons and pads at public sites across Victoria. In other areas of women’s health, Labor promised to create 20 women’s health clinics, $5m for a new Women’s Health Research Institute and investment in a public IVF service.

Labor also promised to build or upgrade at least seven hospitals, including up to $1.05b for a new Maroondah hospital and $675m for a new West Gippsland hospital, as well as to provide free nursing and midwifery degrees and sign-on bonuses for nursing graduates to alleviate the state’s stressed healthcare system. In addition, over $330m has been promised to hire more triple zero staff and develop a sustainable funding model.

Mental health related promises included a new Statewide Trauma Service, as part of the response to the mental health royal commission, and $200m to place a mental health and wellbeing leader in all Victorian primary schools.

Housing

Addressing one of the most contentious issues in Australia, Labor promised over $5b to build more than 12,000 social housing homes by the end of 2025. 

It also promised to invest in installing air conditioners in over 40 public housing towers, and supported the Magpie Nest Housing partnership to provide accommodation for those at-risk of homelessness.

Sport

As well as supporting a significant number of upgrades to sporting grounds, facilities and playgrounds, Labor promised funding to improve the recruitment and retention of sport volunteers in partnership with Vicsport.

Transport

Labor’s biggest party platform centred on delivering the Suburban Rail Loop and Airport Rail Link. It also promised the removal of an additional 25 level crossings by 2030; new train stations in Keilor East, Tarneit West and Truganina; and improved train services to the west.

Meanwhile, regional Victoria has been promised cheaper public transport fares, with V/Line ticket prices to equal metropolitan train prices, more high-speed trains and additional weekend services. 

Congratulations @DanielAndrewsMP, what a great win. pic.twitter.com/nkrolgqPXD

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 26, 2022