The winners and losers from the Victorian budget

Treasurer Tim Pallas has handed down the 2022-23 election-year Victorian budget with some sweeteners for households, and a health splurge. Read about the winners and losers:

WINNERS

• Sick people Thousands of new staff and infrastructure to be funded, including $333 million to hire almost 400 triple-zero workers and $124 million for more paramedics.
• Job seekers The budget predicts employment to grow strongly in coming years, with a record 3.5 million Victorians in work by June and record job vacancies. It means employers will pay more payroll tax, worth $6.8 billion in 2022-23.
• Rail staff An extra 300 people will be hired to work on the Metro Tunnel once it opens in the years ahead.
• Commuters Regional commuters will make use of $250 million worth of new VLocity trains and $205 million in V-Line upgrades.
• Regional Victoria Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo and Gippsland will have millions spent on sports infrastructure and athlete hubs as part of a total $2.6 billion spent on preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
• Teachers and students Teachers will get a 90-minute cut to face-to-face teaching hours each week, giving them more time to prepare for lessons in a $779 million investment. Thirty-six special schools will be upgraded at a cost of $326 million.
• Melbourne’s west As previously flagged there will be a new hospital in Melton, costing up to $1 billion, although it is not yet clear when the project will be completed, as well as a $2.4 million fund to support festivals and events in the area.
• Community safety $342 million will be spent on 500 police officers and 50 protective service officers.
• Family budgets $250 rebates for every household that compares energy deals to find the best price and save money.

LOSERS

• Motorists Treasury expects international petrol prices to remain “elevated” well into next year, with the outlook for the longer term “uncertain”.
• Big builders Pallas says the state may soon need to slow the pace of its building.
• Melbourne’s outer-north Did not receive any funding to help build a massive freight terminal creating up to 20,000 jobs at Beveridge, as was sought by the Commonwealth. However, the government committed funding to Mickleham Road.
• Regional schools There is $581.5 million for the construction of 13 new schools, but all are in the outer suburbs of Melbourne.
• CBD No new money for the CBD’s recovery after last year’s $107 million investment, although growing suburbs get a $50 million funding boost.
• Crown casino The government intends to bring taxes on pokie winnings for Crown into line with other pubs and clubs, reaping in $30 million a year.

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