09/05/2026
We stand with the .for.multicultural.youth in their response to the Victorian Budget 2026/27.
While this budget includes some positive steps like disability inclusion in schools, extended transport discounts, and free TAFE expansion, it falls short of what young people need and deserve.
The budget overlooks critical areas:
• Generalist youth workers have disappeared from funding
• Mental health support remains underfunded during a crisis
• Housing insecurity continues to push multicultural young people to the margins
• Police funding increases while prevention programs lag behind
CMY CEO Carmel Guerra OAM highlights that despite $3.4 million allocated to address racism, this budget offers little reassurance to multicultural young people facing economic uncertainty, housing stress, and mental health pressures.
We know early intervention works. The evidence is clear. Yet we continue to fund responses over root causes.
With a state election approaching and young people representing one of the largest voting groups, this was a missed opportunity to invest in their futures.
Investment reveals priorities. What kind of Victoria do we want to build?
Read CMY’s full statement and detailed analysis here: https://cmy.net.au/news/victorian-budget-2026-27-budget-leaves-multicultural-young-people-waiting
