About the Department

State Budget 2003

Excellence for All

The State Government has just tabled its 2003-04 Budget Statement, which builds on its commitment to ensure that Victoria provides access to the best education for all students and that the State's education and training system continues to strive for excellence and encourage innovation.

 

The 2003-04 budget and the many initiatives included within it will play an important role in driving the Department's work in delivering on the Victorian Government's targets in education and training.

 

The Victorian Government will invest more than $285 million over the next four years to fund an extra 700 teachers and staff in our schools, enhance language studies and boost training options.

 

The budget also provides a substantial investment of $137 million in building new schools and modernising facilities.

Budget Highlights

2003-2004 Budget Highlights include:

  • $82 million over four years to employ an additional 450 secondary college teachers to support specialisation and excellence in secondary schools;
  • $49.5 million over four years to fund 256 primary school welfare officer positions;
  • $137 million for building programs at 58 Victorian schools and to upgrade TAFE equipment;
  • $11 million over four years to fund a Parents Returning to Work program;
  • $6 million over four years for excellence in language education;
  • $3.5 million boost over four years for VET in Schools;
  • $5 million over four years for Skill Up to fast track recently unemployed people into retraining opportunities;
  • $51.4 million over four years for employers to encourage higher traineeship and apprenticeship completion rates;
  • $62 million over four years to assist needy non-government schools;
  • $8 million over four years to give non-government schools continued access to the VicOne internet network; and
  • $4.8 million over four years to continue the On TracBudget Overview and Messagek program

If you want to find out more detailed information about this year's budget, you can access the latest budget news on the Victorian Government's website: (http://www.budget.vic.gov.au)

Budget Overview and Message

Media Releases

From the Minister for Education and Training & Minister for Education Services

Fact Sheets

The following Fact Sheets have been developed to provide information on individual budget initiatives: