YACVic Survey: YACVic 2026-27 State Budget Sector Recommendations

Every year the Victorian Government sets out its State Budget, a plan for how it will raise and spend money across the state. The Budget doesn’t just show where the dollars go; it also reflects the government’s values and priorities. In the lead-up to the 2026 election, the 2026–27 State Budget will be especially important, as it’s a chance for the government to demonstrate what matters most to them, and to the community.

Our budget bid is YACVic’s way of telling government what young people and the youth sector need to thrive, with our advice informed by your voices. We’ll make a set of recommendations for where investment is most urgently needed (from housing and mental health, to education, youth justice, transport, and more) to uphold young people’s right to the support and opportunities that enable them to flourish.

We are now seeking feedback from our YACVic Members, young people and the youth sector on our draft budget bid priorities. Your insights are essential in identifying the strengths of young people, the system challenges they face, and the pressures on the youth sector.

Your responses will directly shape our final recommendations. We’ll align our bid with your feedback and use it as our blueprint for advocacy with government next year. As we move into an election year, having a strong, united voice across the youth sector is more important than ever.

By completing this survey, you’re helping us send a clear message: young people deserve to be at the heart of Victoria’s future.

Read last year's submission here: Youth Affairs Council Victoria | Submission to the 2025-26 Victorian State Budget

We would love to hear your thoughts on these issues, why they are/aren't important to you, and if there is anything else you think we should consider when advising the government where to invest funding in 2026-27.

Are you a young person (aged 12-25)? Complete our survey and enter the running to win 1 of 3 $50 gift cards! Simply complete the survey and follow the link the enter the draw :)

About you *

I am a young person (aged 12-25)I work or volunteer with young people/at an organisation that engages young people

There are different questions for 'young people' and 'worker/volunteer', so we can capture the perspectives of all our Members. If you identify as both, you're welcome to choose the option which interests you, or you can complete both surveys :)

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You can respond to all sections of the budget bid, or choose just the areas you're interested in. Select to see the questions. *

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1. A strong and sustainable youth sector

What’s the issue?

Youth workers and organisations support young people across Victoria – helping with education, mental health, housing, and creating safe spaces to connect. But the youth sector is under pressure. Most organisations only get short-term funding (1–2 years), which makes jobs insecure, increases stress, and makes it harder toplan for the future. Rising costs also mean many organisations don’t have enough money to run their services properly. On top of this, youth work students face financial hardship while doing long unpaid placements, and organisations don’t have enough resources to host them well.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Longer contracts: Increase standard funding contracts to seven years, so youth services canplan aheadand keep staff.
Fair funding: Boost base funding to cover therealcosts of delivering services, including rising wages, superannuation, insurance, and compliance costs.
Better student support: Work with the Commonwealth to provide payments for youth work students on unpaid placements, and fund organisations so they can deliver high-quality, well-supported placements.

Why it matters:

For young people: Secure, well-funded services mean better programs, stable youth workers, and stronger relationships of trust.
For youth workers: Longer contracts and fair funding reduce burnout and job insecurity, making the workforce more sustainable.
For students: Support during placements will build a stronger, better-prepared future workforce.

Without these changes, services risk losing skilled staff, students face burnout before they even start their careers, and young people miss out on the consistent support they need.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one change or investment you would like to see in the 2026-27 State Budget that would have the most significant positive impact on young people in your area? Why do you think it should be funded? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

Listed below are the recommendations we included in our 2025-26 Budget Bid. Let us know what we should prioritise this year by selecting ‘Keep’, ‘Remove’ or ‘Unsure’, and your answers will help inform our priorities for recommendations in the 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid.

You're welcome to provide more feedback in the comment box below, or get in touch with a member of our Policy team if you'd like to arrange to take part in further consultation at policy@yacvic.org.au.

1.1 Increase default contract terms to seven years for government funded community service organisations, including both service agreements and common funding agreements, as recommended by the Productivity Commission.

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1.2 Fund an independent review into the Victorian Government’s contracting and procurement arrangements to investigate how they could better incentivise collaboration, promote sustainability and enable innovation in community service delivery.

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1.3 Boost base funding to the community sector to meet the real cost of delivering essential services, including accounting for indexation.

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1.4 Address student placement poverty by working with the Commonwealth to introduce support payments for youth work students undertaking unpaid placements.

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1.5 Increase support to youth sector organisations so they can deliver high quality youth work placements, Including through: Dedicated funding to youth sector organisations to ensure they have the resources and capacity to provide high quality student learning experiences and coordination. Specific funding for peak bodies (including YACVic) to support placement capacity building for placements across the youth sector.

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Would you like to tell us more about your choices/priorities? Please provide more feedback here.

2. Support young people early, where and when they need it

What’s the issue?

Many young people face challenges like mental health struggles, substance use, school disengagement, and family stress. But too often, services only step in when things have already reached crisis point. Young people told us they need earlier support, closer to where they live, study and socialise – especially in schools and local communities. Many also want safe and inclusive spaces, like youth hubs, where they can connect, learn and feel supported.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Fully fund Victoria’s Youth Strategy (2022–27) and deliver all 74 initiatives promised.
Increase funding for youth workers in schools and communities, so young people can get help early.
Make sure youth workers in schools are properly paid under the SCHADS Award, so they stay in the sector.
Invest in safe and inclusive youth hubs across Victoria, especially in regional areas, and support the Youth Hub Network to strengthen their work.

Why it matters:

Getting help early prevents small issues from becoming big crises.
Stronger services in schools and communities mean young people don’t fall through the cracks.
Safe spaces and hubs create belonging, connection and opportunities for young people to thrive.

Without these changes, young people may miss out on the early help they need, miss out on local support, and schools and communities will struggle to keep young people engaged.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

2. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

Listed below are the recommendations we included in our 2025-26 Budget Bid. To tell us what we should prioritise this year by selecting ‘Keep’, ‘Remove’ or ‘Unsure’, and your answers will help inform our priorities for recommendations in the 2026-27 Budget Bid.

2.1 Allocate funding over the next four years to fully implement the 74 initiatives in ‘Our Promise, Your Future: Victoria’s Youth Strategy 2022-27.’

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2.2 Increase investment in youth services and generalist youth workers embedded in high-need schools and community. This will support place-based capacity building and respond to young people’s co-occurring issues – such as mental health, AOD and educational disengagement.

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2.3 Ensure all youth workers in schools are covered by and renumerated under the Social Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) award level, to increase job attractiveness, retention and workforce capacity.

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2.4 Invest in repurposing more community spaces into youth hubs, to expand the availability of safe, accessible and inclusive spaces where young people can engage in activities, events and programs outside of school.

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2.5 Allocate funding to peak bodies to support the ‘Youth Hub Network.’ This would support youth hubs to develop and share relevant resources, training, information and advocacy for best practice with young people.

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Comments/feedback

3. End youth homelessness and housing insecurity

What’s the issue?

Too many young people in Victoria don’t have a safe, stable place to live. On Census night in 2021, over 7,600 young people (aged 12–24) were experiencing homelessness. The current housing system doesn’t meet the unique needs of young people, with many young people stuck in short-term or unsafe housing, unable to afford rent, or miss out on additional support. Aboriginal young people, disabled young people, young people with experience in out of home care or the youth justice system, and those from migrant and refugee backgrounds are especially impacted.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Create a Victorian Youth Housing and Homelessness Strategy co-designed with young people.
Build a dedicated youth housing model that meets the needs of 15–24 year olds.
Provide 5,000 new social housing tenancies for young people, with at least 10% for Aboriginal young people.
Dedicate 15% of new housing funds (Social Housing Accelerator Fund and Regional Housing Fund) to youth housing.
Fund rental subsidies so young people can afford private rentals.
Invest in prevention and early intervention services to stop homelessness before it starts.
Deliver the 500 supported housing places for young people with mental health needs, already promised by the Royal Commission but not yet funded.

Why it matters:

Stable housing is the foundation for education, work, and wellbeing.
Without housing, young people can’t focus on school, jobs, or their health.
Safe, secure homes reduce long-term costs for government by breaking the cycle of homelessness early.

Without these changes, more young people will face housing instability, risk homelessness becoming long-term, and lose the foundation they need for education, work, and wellbeing.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

3.1 Develop a co-designed Victorian specific Youth Housing and Homelessness Strategy, focused on ending youth homelessness by coordinating services, supports, and interventions tailored to young people.

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3.1.1 Dedicated youth housing model: The design, development and implementation of a dedicated and fit-for-purpose youth housing model for young people (15-24) in the Victorian homelessness system – to empower young people with the skills and resilience to transition to housing independence.

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3.1.2 Social Housing:5000 social housing tenancies for young people to improve access to affordable, safe and youth-appropriate housing and to meet rising demand.

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3.1.3 Aboriginal youth housing stock: 10 per cent of all youth housing stock allocated to Aboriginal young people.

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3.1.4 Investment in social housing: Dedicate 15 per cent of the combined Social Housing Accelerator Fund and Regional Housing Fund to social housing for young people, better supporting a data driven approach to housing stock that is proportionate to youth homelessness.

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3.1.5 Subsidy modelling:Fund the modelling of sufficient subsidy levels so young people can meet market rents until they can support the rent unassisted, including across all tenancy types.

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3.1.6 Prevention and early intervention services:Increase investment in dedicated funding for prevention and early intervention services to address the needs of young people before they experience homelessness. This should prioritise populations overrepresented in homelessness and marginal housing, focusing on holistic support and tenancy maintenance.

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3.2 Fund the 500 supported housing places for young people experiencing homelessness and mental ill health, as promised through the mental health royal commission (Rec 25) and now overdue.

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Comments/feedback

4. Support young people to be healthy and well

What’s the issue?

Young people are increasingly struggling with their health and wellbeing, with the pressures of a cost of living crisis, housing crisis, climate anxiety and increasing rates of loneliness and isolation. Mental health challenges and suicide rates are rising, and many services are stretched and can’t meet demand. Young people also face barriers accessing specialised supportin, including for alcohol and drug issues, especially in regional areas. Many young people face additional barriers including discrimination, long waitlists, and not enough inclusive services.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Fund more youth mental health services beyond headspace, including early intervention and suicide prevention led by young people.
Deliver on the Royal Commission promise to create a youth-led mental health agency.
Expand youth alcohol and drug services, including more beds for detox and reducing wait times.
Support pill testing trials with youth-designed education campaigns.
Scale up the Trans and Gender Diverse Health Initiative and fund training for professionals on inclusive care.
Invest in mental health programs for LGBTIQA+ young people in multicultural, multifaith and Aboriginal communities.

Why it matters:

Young people deserve safe, timely and inclusive health support.
Better mental health and AOD services reduce crises, hospitalisations, and long-term harm.
Supporting LGBTIQA+ young people improves wellbeing, safety and belonging in all communities.

Without these changes, young people will keep facing long waits or gaps in care, rising mental health challenges will go unaddressed, and many will miss the chance to recover and thrive.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

4. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

4.1 Increase investment in tailored youth mental health supports and services beyond the headspace model, both in community and schools (see also recommendation 2.2 regarding investment in generalist youth workers to better support mental health prevention and early intervention).

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4.2 Invest in youth-led suicide prevention and mental health education that is place-based and supports capacity building, such as Live4Life.

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4.3 Fund the establishment of a non-government agency led by people with lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress, as promised through the mental health royal commission (Rec 29) and now overdue.

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4.4.1 Invest in increasing the capacity of the youth AOD sector, by: Funding youth AOD practice leads, programs and services to address barriers to access and lengthy appointment wait-times. To focus on critical place-based and cohort-specific need, including for rural and regional Victoria, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, LGBTIQA+ young people, and refugee and migrant communities.

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4.4.2 Invest in increasing the capacity of the youth AOD sector, by implementing 20 additional youth residential detoxification beds across Victoria. 

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4.5 To support the rollout of the Victorian Governments new drug checking trial, invest in a co-designed information and social education campaign targeting young people 18-25 who use elicit substances.

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4.6 Scale-up the Victorian Trans and Gender Diverse Health Initiative to increase access to vital healthcare support, including specialised mental health and peer support.

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4.7 Invest in training and education for community and health sector professionals on best practice inclusive support for trans, gender diverse and non-binary young people, particularly in rural and regional areas, to increase accessibility to safe healthcare.

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4.8 Invest in place-based mental health and wellbeing programs to support LGBTIQA+ young people from multicultural, multifaith, and Aboriginal communities – including through the Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) project.

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Comments/feedback

5. Invest in a safe future for young people free from family violence

What’s the issue?

Family violence doesn’t just affect adults – young people experience it too. But the system isn’t designed to support them properly. Services often focus on parents or younger children, leaving older young people without tailored help. Many don’t even know what family violence looks like or where to go for support.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Fund youth-specific family violence responses, co-designed with young people, so they’re recognised as victim-survivors in their own right.
Develop youth-designed information and resources to help young people understand family violence and where to get help.

Why it matters:

Young people need safe, trusted services that understand their unique experiences.
Early support can break the cycle of violence and create safer futures.
Information designed by young people ensures it’s relevant and accessible.

Without these changes, the system will continue to overlook young people’s unique experiences of family violence, limiting their ability to access safety, stability and long-term wellbeing.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

5. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

5.1 Fund youth-specific family violence service responses, co-designed with children and young people, within the Orange Door Network, family violence services, child protection and other family services. This would ensure young people are supported as victim survivors in their own right, with unique needs distinct from children and adults.

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5.2 Invest in developing youth specific information and resources so young people understand family violence and where to access support specific to their needs. This must be designed and developed for young people, by young people.

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Comments/feedback

6. Safe, inclusive and supportive schools

What’s the issue?

Some students don’t feel safe, supported, or included at school. Bullying, racism, trauma, and disengagement from learning are growing issues. Too many students are pushed out of school instead of supported. Teachers often don’t have the training or resources to deal with trauma or mental health issues, leaving students without the help they need.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Fund flexible learning options (in-school and online) so students with diverse needs can stay engaged.
Expand and strengthen Navigator to support students at risk of leaving school.
Support trauma-informed, early intervention programs in schools.
Provide ongoing professional development for teachers on trauma and mental health.
Fund stronger support for multicultural and EAL students, and keep Out-of-School Hours Learning Support Programs stable.
Create a student mental health taskforce to give students a say on what’s working and what’s not.

Why it matters:

Schools should be safe and inclusive places where every student can thrive.
Early support keeps students connected to education and reduces long-term disadvantage.
Listening to students ensures schools reflect their real needs and experiences.

Without these changes, schools will remain under-resourced to support diverse learners, limiting opportunities for students to feel safe, included, and able to achieve their goals.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

6. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

6.1 Increase funding to mainstream flexible in-school and remote learning options to support students with diverse learning needs to remain supported and engaged in school. Flexible learning options to be individualised, student-centred and student-led to ensure they are appropriate and accessible for all young people.

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6.2 Increase funding and expand eligibility criteria for programs such as Navigator, to support disengaged students much earlier.

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6.3 Invest in place-based collaboration to support trauma-informed and culturally safe, early intervention and prevention initiatives for young people in schools, rather than reactive punitive responses (see also recommendation 2.2regarding investment in generalist youth workers to better support mental health prevention and early intervention).

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6.4 Provide regular and ongoing trauma-informed professional development for teachers and other school staff to better understand: The impacts of trauma on child brain development and its effect on behaviour; and how to identify and respond to students impacted by trauma, such as adjusting their learning, having conversations about mental health and suicide, and linking them in with relevant services and supports.

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6.5 Agree to and fund recommendations 29, 30 and 50 of the Legal and Social Issues Committee Final Report from the inquiry into the state education system:

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The Victorian Government investigate the need for additional appropriate supports for culturally and linguistically diverse students, with a view to establishing a program of Multicultural Support Officers (Rec 29). 

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That the Department of Education commit to funding that ensures the longterm stability of Out-of-School Hours Learning Support Programs (Rec 30).

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That the Victorian Government review English as an Additional Language reference funding with a view to ensuring that every student requiring support is reached (Rec 50).

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6.6 Establish a student mental health taskforce to consult with students about their experiences and report back to government.

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Comments/feedback

7. Youth Justice

What’s the issue?

Victoria’s justice system often punishes young people instead of supporting them. Many who end up in the system have already experienced trauma, poverty or discrimination. The earlier a young person enters the justice system, the more likely they are to get stuck in a cycle of reoffending. Certain groups – like First Nations young people, young people in out-of-home care, and those from multicultural backgrounds – are overrepresented.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Fund youth crime prevention programs, including reinstating the Youth Support Service.
Increase youth workers in schools and communities to provide early support and diversion.
Resource evidence-based reform and advocacy through the Smart Justice for Young People coalition.
Fully fund the Working Together Action Plan to end overrepresentation of certain groups in the justice system.

Why it matters:

Early support keeps young people out of prison and connected to education, family and community.
Evidence shows community-based solutions work better than punishment.
Ending overrepresentation builds a fairer, safer system for everyone.

Without these changes, the justice system will continue to rely on punitive responses instead of building on young people’s strengths, missing the chance to support pathways to education, connection, and community leadership.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

7. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

7.1 Provide secure funding for youth crime prevention programs which keep high-need communities and young people safe and supported – including reinstating funding for the Youth Support Service run by the Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS).

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7.2 Increase investment in youth workers in high-need schools and community settings, recognising their central role in early intervention and prevention to divert young people from youth justice system (See recommendations 2.2 and 6.2).

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7.3 Fund concerted evidence-based approaches to youth justice reform, research and policy – including the Smart Justice for Young People Coalition.

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7.4 Fund the implementation of Working Together: An Action Plan to End the Over-representation of Particular Groups of Young People in the Criminal Justice System.

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Comments/feedback

8. Intergenerational fairness, disasters and climate change

What’s the issue?

Young people are deeply worried about climate change and natural disasters. Many report climate anxiety and feel like governments aren’t acting fast enough. At the same time, young people are often left out of decision-making, even though they’ll live with the impacts the longest.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Create a Victorian Commissioner for Future Generations to make sure long-term impacts on young people are considered in decisions.
Establish a Youth Climate Advisory Council with real influence.
Fund a framework to support young people with climate anxiety, co-designed with youth.
Support a Disaster Resilience Coalition of young people to contribute to emergency planning.
Scale up youth-led disaster response and training programs.

Why it matters:

Young people deserve a say in shaping their future.
Climate action and disaster planning must include youth voices.
Supporting young people’s leadership creates hope and resilience in the face of crises.

Without these changes, decision-making will continue to overlook young people’s ideas and leadership, and Victoria will miss valuable opportunities to build hope, resilience, and fairer outcomes across generations.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

8. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

8.1 Invest in the establishment of a Victorian Commissioner for Future Generations.

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8.2 Establish a Victorian child and youth advisory council on climate. Crucially, ensure accountability measures are established to track the implementation of youth council advice by government.

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8.3 Pilot the development of a framework co-designed with young people to address navigating conversations around climate anxiety and the rise of disasters and extreme weather events, in partnership with the youth mental health sector.

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8.4 Fund the development of a state-wide Disaster Resilience Coalition of young people to provide advice and expertise on the State Emergency Management Plan and the Municipal Emergency Management Plans, ensuring young people’s voices are included in disaster resilience at all levels of government.

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8.5 Scale-up place-based youth participation projects that build local skills and enhance qualification pathways for young people to respond to disasters and extreme weather events.

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Comments/feedback

9. Address rural transport disadvantage

What’s the issue?

In rural and regional Victoria, public transport is often too expensive, unreliable, or non-existent. Many young people don’t have a licence or car, which makes it hard to get to school, work, training, health services or social activities. Youth workers also struggle to reach training and professional development opportunities.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Create a Rural and Regional Transport Fund to make travel more affordable for young people and youth workers.
Conduct a youth-focused transport needs analysis in partnership with young people and the youth sector.

Why it matters

Without transport, young people miss out on education, jobs, services and social life.
Better transport means stronger connections, less isolation, and fairer opportunities for rural and regional young people.

Without these changes, regional transport systems will continue to limit access to study, work, and community life, reducing opportunities for rural young people to share their talents and contribute fully to their communities.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

9. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

9.1 Fund the development of a rural and regional transport fund to remove significant access barriers for young people and youth workers. To support the attendance of professional development, events, education, work and support services.

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9.2 Develop a comprehensive and place-based analysis of the public transport needs of young people, through engagement and co-design with young people and the youth sector.

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Comments/feedback

10. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Self Determination

What’s the issue?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people deserve culturally safe services and genuine self-determination. But many mainstream services still don’t reflect Aboriginal ways of knowing and doing. There’s also a need to ensure government follows through on truth-telling and Treaty commitments.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Fund the implementation of Yoorrook Justice Commission recommendations.
Resource Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to deliver services in housing, health, mental health and justice.
Expand funding for youth-specific Aboriginal programs like Koorie Youth Council and Marram Nganyin mentoring.
Provide cultural competency training for mainstream organisations.

Why it matters:

Self-determination leads to better outcomes for Aboriginal young people.
Strong community-controlled services support cultural connection, healing and resilience.
Cultural competency is everyone’s responsibility.

Without these changes, governments will fall short of their commitments to truth, Treaty and self-determination, and Aboriginal young people will continue to be denied the resources and respect they need to lead strong futures for their communities.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

10. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

10.1 Provide ongoing investment to meaningfully implement current and upcoming recommendations from the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

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10.2 Appropriately fund and resource Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations delivering essential programs for Aboriginal people across housing, health, mental health, and youth justice.

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10.3 Expand dedicated funding for youth specific Aboriginal supports – such as through the Koorie Youth Council and Marram Nganyin Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program.

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10.4 Fund training and development to strengthen cultural competency of mainstream organisations to enable best practice engagement and allyship.

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Comments/Feedback

11. Disabled young people

What’s the issue?

Many disabled young people don’t get the support they need, especially those not covered by the NDIS. They face barriers in education, employment, and accessing services, often due to ableism and poor accessibility. Disabled young people want their voices heard in shaping the policies that affect them.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Fund policy, research and leadership opportunities led by disabled young people.
Embed disability inclusion training across services, co-designed and led by disabled young people.
Ensure minimum accessibility standards in housing, health and mental health services.
Support disability advocacy organisations to help young people navigate systems like the NDIS.
Fully fund Disability Liaison Officers and the Disability Identifier Project.
Provide career guidance programs for disabled young people led by disability organisations.

Why it matters:

Disabled young people deserve to be leaders, not just service users.
Inclusive policies and services benefit whole communities.
Investing in accessibility now prevents exclusion and long-term disadvantage.

Without these changes, systems and services will remain inaccessible, limiting opportunities for disabled young people to shape policy, lead solutions, and showcase their skills and expertise.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

11. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

11.1 Invest in policy, research and capacity building with disabled young people to ensure their voices are heard when implementing reforms from Victoria's Youth Strategy and Inclusive Victoria.

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11.2 Embed delivery of disability-led disability inclusion and awareness training across community, health, education and allied sectors to combat ableism and improve inclusive and accessible service delivery for this cohort. Training should be co-designed, led and delivered by and with disabled young people, such as Together Training.

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11.3 Dedicate funding to implement minimum accessibility standards across all generalist service providers in mental health, health, and housing services, co-designed with disabled people and the disability sector.

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11.4 Provide targeted funding to disability advocacy bodies working with disabled young people and the community sector so they can support young people to understand the changes to the NDIS and address system gaps within services. This includes ensuring organisations are supported to meet new compliance standards and supporting disabled young people to realise their rights.

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11.5 Dedicate funding to promote the Disability Liaison Officer program and fully fund the implementation of the Disability Identifier Project.

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11.6 Provide disability-specific career guidance for disabled young people transitioning from education to employment, provided by disability-led organisations and counsellors with lived experience of disability.

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Comments/Feedback

12. Anti-racism and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds

What’s the issue?

Young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds often face racism in schools, workplaces, and their communities. This impacts their mental health, sense of belonging and opportunities. While Victoria is multicultural, not enough investment has been made to tackle racism and support young people’s leadership in this space.

What we asked for in the 2025–26 State Budget:

Invest in youth-focused anti-racism initiatives as part of Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy.
Expand whole-of-school anti-racism programs like Schools Standing Up to Racism.
Provide ongoing funding for support programs for migrant and refugee young people, especially in rural areas.
Increase funding for youth- and community-led multicultural programs like Culture Spring.

Why it matters:

Racism has real and lasting harmful effects on young people’s lives.
Anti-racism work builds safer, more inclusive schools and communities.
Supporting migrant and refugee youth strengthens Victoria’s multicultural future.

Without these changes, institutions will continue to allow racism to persist, missing the chance to create safer, more inclusive communities where young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds can lead and thrive.

What is one change or investment that would have the most positive impact on you/young people in your area? *

What is one thing you want to government to know about this issue and its impact on you/young people? *

What is one thing you would like the Victorian government to know about this issue? E.g. Why is it important receives funding? *

Is there anything we haven’t included that you think we should know?

Thank you for your insights! Your quote may be published in YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission.

Read on to vote on which recommendations we keep in this year's budget bid, or go to the bottom of the page to see the next section :)

12. Feedback on 2025-26 Sector Budget Bid Recommendations (Optional)

12.1 Invest in youth focused initiatives in Victoria's Anti-Racism Strategy. 

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12.2 Invest and expand whole-of-school approaches to combat racism, including tailored approaches for primary and secondary schools – such as Schools Standing up to Racism.

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12.3 Ensure ongoing funding and scale-up support programs for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, focusing on regional and rural areas.

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12.4 Increase funding for youth- and community-led programs which strengthen multicultural youth participation and integrate youth-led solutions into decision-making processes, such as Culture Spring.

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Comments/Feedback

Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'A Strong and Sustainable Youth Sector'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Supporting young people early'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'End youth homelessness and housing insecurity'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Support young people to be healthy and well'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Invest in a safe future for young people free from family violence'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Safe, inclusive and supportive schools'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Youth Justice'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Intergenerational fairness, disasters and climate change'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Address rural transport disadvantage'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Self Determination'.

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Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Disabled young people'.

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You will be taken back to the start of the survey; you're welcome to submit multiple responses, or just the one!

Thank you for your feedback on our budget bid priority, 'Anti-racism and young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds'.

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You will be taken back to the start of the survey; you're welcome to submit multiple responses, or just the one!

Thank you for your feedback on YACVic's 2026-27 Sector Budget Bid Submission priorities!

Click 'submit' to send us your response.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our friendly Policy team at policy@yacvic.org.au.

Gift Card Giveaway

Follow the link below to register you details and enter our gift card giveaway to win 1 of 3 gift cards, valued at $50!

YACVic Pre-Budget Bid Survey Gift Card Giveaway

YACVic are looking for passionate young Victorians to join us in our advocacy to the Victorian Government for their 2026-27 Budget Bid priorities. If you would be interested in:

Writing a blog for YACVic's website on a budget advocacy topic of your choice
Speaking to the media about an advocacy topic
Attending meetings with MPs and Advisors
Participating in events for the youth sector
Receive training around sharing your story safely, meeting with MPS, and working with media

Enter your contact details below and our friendly Advocacy Team will send you an Expression of Interest Form with more information :)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our friendly Policy team at policy@yacvic.org.au.

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