Lack of Focus on Prevention and Fairness
Jesuit Social Services has criticised the Victorian Government’s 2026 State Budget for missing opportunities in fairness, prevention, and early intervention. Despite some positive measures, the organisation believes the budget falls short in addressing key social issues.
The budget introduces initiatives such as free public transport, free kindergarten and TAFE, increased social housing, and enhanced disability support. However, Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards argues that the nearly half a billion dollars allocated to prisons and law enforcement is misdirected, saying, “This Budget includes measures that will benefit the wider community… However, with nearly half a billion announced for prisons and law enforcement, once again money is being wasted at the wrong end of the system.”
“Victoria has had the largest police force in Australia since 2017-18 but remains the lowest funder of public school education in the country,” said Edwards. She emphasised the need for mental health support, housing, and better primary schools in disadvantaged communities. According to Edwards, the imbalance hinders community strength and growth.
Calls for Reform in Justice System
While the 2026 Budget does fund the Maribyrnong Community Residential Facility for two more years and introduces new initiatives through the Violence Reduction Unit, it does not sufficiently address the root causes of crime, according to Edwards. She noted, “The sentencing measures the government has recently enacted like mandatory sentencing and trying children as young as 14 as adults are regressive and harmful.”
Jesuit Social Services, with nearly 50 years of experience working with men and boys through the Men’s Project, stresses the importance of prevention and early intervention to tackle gender-based violence. Edwards argues the budget does not adequately support these efforts.
The Government’s cost-of-living relief is welcomed by Jesuit Social Services, yet Edwards expressed concern that it is not targeted at the most marginalised people. She stated, “This Budget is a missed opportunity to do much more to allow all Victorians, particularly marginalised people and communities most in need of support, to flourish.”
The Victorian Government announced nearly half a billion dollars for prisons and law enforcement. Despite this investment, Jesuit Social Services sees it as a misallocation of resources. They call for more funding towards education and community support.
In addition to justice system reforms, Edwards advocates for a review of the Sentencing Act to expand restorative justice approaches. She hopes this will not be just an opportunity to lock more children up.
