The Allan Labor Government is focused on what matters most – delivering real help for families in need.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio today visited Geelong Foodshare to announce a big boost to food relief and a Power Saving Bonus – helping ease cost of living pressures for Victorians in need.
Food relief boost for families doing it tough
With the rising cost of living, more and more Australians are relying on food relief charities. That’s why the Victorian Budget 2025/26 provides $18 million to expand food relief right across Victoria.
The investment doubles the support provided to many dedicated orgsanisations who are working harder than ever to deliver food to families in need.
A $9 million investment doubles the Community Food Relief Program, with grants to strengthen local food delivery networks.
This includes $500,000 so Foodbank can deliver fresh and chilled food to rural and regional charity partners and deliver almost half a million kilograms of food across Victoria.
A $6 million investment doubles the Government’s support for the Regional Food Security Alliance and the state’s six regional Foodshares – in Geelong, Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura and Warrnambool.
This investment is all about helping regional families get access to food relief, when and where they need it.
Geelong Foodshare supports over 55 local organisations. In 2023-24, they delivered the equivalent of 2.2 million meals and supported 45,000 people through their mini-mart.
In addition, a $3 million investment will support Foodbank Victoria’s GROW program – rescuing surplus farm produce and diverting it to local community food relief programs, so it ends up on a plate.
$100 Power Saving Bonus for families in need
While energy companies put profits first, the Labor Government is on the side of families – helping them cut energy costs and take back control of their bills.
With a $50 million investment, the Government is providing real cost of living help to concession card holders with a $100 Power Saving Bonus.
The one-off $100 payment will be available from August, in time for winter energy bills.
Households with an eligible concession card will be able to apply by visiting the Victorian Energy Compare website or through a participating community organisation. Further details will be available soon.
All Victorians should visit the free and independent Victorian Energy Compare website to shop around for a better deal on their energy. Last year, users typically saved $240 per year on their energy bills by switching.
The $100 Power Saving Bonus is in addition to the Albanese Labor Government’s Energy Bill Relief Fund, which will slash $150 off energy bills for all households and eligible small businesses from July-December this year.
To make sure you are on the cheapest energy bill offer visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au or call 1800 000 832. To speak to an Energy Assistance Program advocate, call 1800 161 215.
The Power Saving Bonus is just one way the Labor Government is helping families. The Government is also:
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making public transport free for kids and teens
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making public transport free for seniors on weekends
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making it easier and cheaper to get access to care – including at the chemist, for free
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supporting families to pay for camps, sports and excursions
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helping households install more efficient heat pumps and solar water
Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“So many families and workers are doing it tough and I’m on their side.”
“I’m focused on what matters most – delivering real help with the cost of living for families who need it.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence
“No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or paying the bills – we’re making sure more Victorians can get the support they need, when they need it.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio
“While energy companies put profits first, we’re on the side of ordinary Victorian families – helping them cut energy costs and take back control of their bills.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos
“Every Victorian deserves good quality fresh produce no matter their circumstances. Foodbank’s GROW program is cutting food waste and getting fresh food on plates.”