Cost of Living Relief

Cost of Living Relief

Ways The State Labor Government Are Helping with the Cost of Living

We know the rising cost of living is making it harder for families to make ends meet – that's why we’re helping households with initiatives like:

Free public transport for kids and teens under 18

Beginning 1 January 2026, all Victorians under 18 will be eligible for free public transport anywhere in the state. For families, it’ll deliver savings of up to $755 per child. 

 

Get Active Kids $200 vouchers

Eligible children may receive up to $200 to cover the costs for membership and registration fees.

 

Free Kinder 

Free Kinder is available in Three- and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs across Victoria at participating services, saving families up to $2,600 per child.

 

Free Glasses for Kids Program

Provides free vision screening and, if needed, further testing and free glasses to participating Prep to Year 3 students. 

 

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

Eligible students can receive a $400 payment to assist with the costs associated with school camps, sports and excursions. 

 

Smile Squad

Smile Squad delivers free oral health promotion, dental check-ups and treatment to Victorian government school students at school.

 

School Breakfast Clubs Program

Since the program was established in 2016, it has delivered more than 40 million healthy and nutritious meals to students in participating schools across the state

 

Chemist Care Now

We have enabled pharmacies to treat more conditions with medicines usually only available with a GP script - saving you a trip to the doctor. We're also covering the cost of consultation fees, enabling Victorians to access this pharmacist care for free.

 

Savings Finder

Delivering real help, right now, with over 90 benefits to ease the cost of living. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll help you find how you can save across housing, transport, health, fun and more

Virtual Women’s Health Clinic

Connecting women and girls across Victoria with free, expert advice and care.

Led by specialist nurses, the clinic provides support for a wide range of women’s health concerns, from menstrual and reproductive health to menopause and pelvic pain. Convenient, confidential and built around women’s real lives.

 

Chemist Care Now

We have enabled pharmacies to treat more conditions with medicines usually only available with a GP script - saving you a trip to the doctor. We're also covering the cost of consultation fees, enabling Victorians to access this pharmacist care for free.

 

Victorian Virtual Emergency Department

Provides free, 24/7 urgent care from the comfort of your home.

Adults and children can connect with experienced emergency doctors and nurses by secure video call – anytime, anywhere, no referral needed.

Whether it’s asthma, fever, vomiting, or other urgent issues, you can get fast, professional advice without visiting hospital.

Free Victorian Virtual Emergency Care - 24-hour online service

 

Nurse-on-Call 

Nurse-on-Call puts you in contact with a registered nurse for caring, professional health advice around the clock.

Call 1300 60 60 24 from anywhere in Victoria for free health advice, 24 hours a day.

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals

Partners in Wellbeing offer free, virtual support for Victorians aged 16 and over who are experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges, including those without Medicare or permanent residency.

If a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local is not yet open near you, you can call Partners in Wellbeing for support on 1300 375 330 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

 

Urgent Care Clinics

Providing healthcare to people who need urgent care but not an emergency response.

Urgent Care Clinics offer immediate care, including treatment for infections, fevers, cuts, burns, fractures and sprains. They are staffed by urgent care doctors and nurses.

 

Your Local Clinic

Warrnambool Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

3 Banyan Street

Warrnambool VIC 3280

03 9975 8403

Free public transport 

Public transport is free for children under 18, saving families up to $755, per child, per year.

This makes it easier for young people to stay connected, whether travelling to school, sport, work or social activities, while helping families save on everyday costs.

Victorian seniors, carers and disability support pensioners can now get free public transport on weekends.

 

Half Price PT

PT is half price across the state for everyone, every day, until 1 January 2027 and seat reservations returned on the Warrnambool line

 

Free L & P Plate Licences

Free learner (L) and probationary (P) plate licences and online testing.

VicRoads offers eligible probationary drivers a free, three-year licence for good driving.

 

Free vehicle registration

Eligible Victorian apprentices can receive a 100% discount on vehicle registration, saving up to $930 annually.

 

Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)

The Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS) provides financial assistance to eligible Victorians in rural areas who need to travel long distances for specialist medical or specialist dental treatment. VPTAS subsidises travel and accommodation costs.

Free Public Transport on Weekends

Victorian Seniors Card holders can travel for free on all weekends across all public transport anywhere in Victoria, including trains, trams, and buses. No application is required—simply tap on and off using your Seniors myki card and the weekend fare will automatically be $0.

 

Discount Directory

Discounts on a range of goods and services from participating businesses with your Victoria Seniors Card.

 

The Veterans Card 

Victoria thanks Australian Defence Force (ADF) members for their service. The digital Veterans Card - Victoria entitles all past and present ADF members living in Victoria to discounts and benefits including:

  • $100 off light vehicle rego
  • free trailer and caravan rego
  • free marine licence
  • fishing licence exemption
  • free transport on Anzac and Remembrance Days
  • veteran employment programs

 

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Making most prescription medicine affordable. Show your concession card at the pharmacy to receive the concessional rate.

 

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165 Liebig Street

Warrnambool VIC 3280

 

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(03) 9651 8238

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Electorate Office

Parliament House Spring Street
East Melbourne
VIC 3002

 

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(03) 9651 8238

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their country across Western Victoria region.

Authorised by J Ermacora, Parliament House Spring Street East Melbourne VIC 3002.