4.1. Employment and Local Economy ............................................................. 5

4.2. Education and Training........................................................................... 8

4.3. Health................................................................................................ 10

4.4. Support for vulnerable communities....................................................... 13

4.5. Gender Equity and Family Violence ........................................................ 18

4.6. Housing and Homelessness................................................................... 21

4.7. Transport and Connectivity ................................................................... 23

4.8. Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability.................................... 26

Through the 2021-22 Federal Budget, the Commonwealth Government announced a

range of key initiatives, including:



comprehensive aged care reforms, including improved residential care, additional

Home Care Packages, and measures to grow the aged care workforce



funding for women’s economic security and reduced family violence, including

affordable childcare, changes to superannuation and financial support, and additional

emergency accommodation for women and children escaping family violence



improved and expanded mental health services, including adult mental health

centres, suicide prevention services, expanded treatment options through Medicare,

and further development for the sector’s workforce and governance



investment in early childhood education through a four-year Strategic Reform

Agreement that aims to increase participation in the pre-school system, improve

school readiness, and expand data collection



support for employment and training programs for people who are unemployed,

including the Local Jobs Program, JobTrainer initiative, and Transition to Work

program



funding to begin detailed design and planning of upgrades on the Calder Freeway



investment in COVID-19 vaccine purchase and roll-out.

These (and other) initiatives have attracted community support and will guide Australia’s

recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. However, the Federal Budget includes gaps that

highlight some of the Commonwealth Government’s other priorities, including:



extending the waiting period for income support for migrants to four years,

effectively representing a $671 million cut in spending



not allocating funding for the construction of social housing, instead focussing on

housing affordability policies that improve access to the private housing market



introducing further income tax cuts that will cost the budget $25 billion in 2021-22,

provide increased savings for higher income households, and potentially undermine

the viability of future essential services



extending business tax concessions to 2023-24 that will cost the budget more than

$14 billion, despite limited evidence they provide an efficient mechanism for

generating employment

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

confirming a modest ($25 per week) increase in JobSeeker payments, while

committing additional resources to ensure compliance with stronger ‘mutual

obligation’ requirements



investing almost half its funds for low emission technologies into additional hydrogen

hubs and Carbon Capture Use and Storage, which will prolong reliance on fossil fuels.

Through the 2021-22 State Budget, the Victorian Government announced a range of key

initiatives, including:



comprehensive improvements to the mental health system, including community

based care, suicide prevention, improved access to mental health beds, and new

local services for adults, older people, young people and Aboriginal Victorians

(includes increased capacity at Westside Lodge in Sunshine and a new mental health

and wellbeing service for Brimbank)



investment in public transport infrastructure (e.g. trains, trams and track upgrades),

as well as matching funding provided by the Commonwealth Government to

commence detailed design and planning of upgrades on the Calder Freeway



building and upgrading school infrastructure, including $7.9 million for upgrades at St

Albans East Primary School



supporting the wellbeing of children and families, including an expansion of the child

protection workforce and out-of-home care placements, and increased funding to

support victims and survivors of family violence



extension of housing support, including targeted initiatives to address homelessness



continuing the roll out of universal three-year-old kindergarten to cover the whole of

Victoria by 2022



continuing Victoria’s public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021-22 State Budget builds on the Victorian Government’s ambitious 2020-21

budget, which included substantial funding for social and affordable housing and support

for students with a disability. However, it does include gaps that highlight some of its

other priorities, including:



limited investment in improving the accessibility of public transport, despite national

disability standards requiring all networks and infrastructure (with the exception of

trains and trams) to be fully accessible by the end of 2022



the continuation of an electric vehicle road user change (introduced in the 2020-21

Budget), which largely negates potential benefits from the introduction of an electric

vehicle subsidy scheme



no real increase in funding for the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation,

despite record losses since gaming venues re-opened in November 2020 and forecast

increases in taxes from all forms of gambling over the next four years.

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2. Introduction

The 2021-22 Federal and State Budgets were handed down in May 2021. They provide

an indication of national and state priorities for the coming year and beyond. The

purpose of this report is to assess the budgets in terms of their implications for social

justice in Brimbank. It will identify relevant program and funding opportunities, while

also contributing to the evidence base for local advocacy.

The City of Brimbank is located in the western and north-western suburbs of Melbourne,

between 11 and 23 kilometres from the Central Business District. In 2020, Brimbank’s

Estimated Resident Population was 208,247, and the population is forecast to steadily

increase over the next twenty years.

1

Brimbank is the second most socio-economically

disadvantaged municipality in the Greater Melbourne area, and the third most

disadvantaged in Victoria.

Brimbank City Council has a long-standing commitment to social justice for vulnerable

groups and communities. Since 2014, Council has partnered with the Brimbank Social

Justice Coalition to convene the annual Brimbank State and Federal Budget Forum. In

2018, Council adopted the latest version of the Brimbank Social Justice Charter, after

being first adopted in 2008. The Charter aims to create a more just society where

difference does not lead to disadvantage.

2

This report is structured as follows. It begins by

outlining the key assumptions and economic forecasts

underpinning each budget. It then explores eight

'areas of interest' by describing the local issues,

highlighting key budget initiatives, and outlining the

impacts for Brimbank.

The 'areas of interest' covered in this report include:



Employment and Local Economy



Education and Training



Health



Support for vulnerable communities



Gender Equity and Family Violence



Housing and Homelessness



Transport and Connectivity



Climate Change and Environmental sustainability.

The report concludes with suggestions for seeking more information about the 2021-22

Federal and State Budgets.

1

Unless otherwise stated, data presented in this report is sourced from .id Consulting (n.d.) 'City of Brimbank

Community Profile', https://profile.id.com.au/brimbank, accessed June 2021.

2

Brimbank City Council (2018)

,

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/plans-policies-and-strategies/policies/social-justice-charter, accessed June 2021



Economic growth is forecast at 6.5 per cent in 2021-22, and will continue at 3.25 per

cent in 2022-23.



Inflation is forecast at 1.5 per cent in 2021-22, and will rise to 1.75 per cent in 2022-

23.



Unemployment is forecast at 5.75 per cent in 2021-22, and will fall to 5.5 per cent in

2022-23.



Wages are expected to grow by 1.75 per cent in 2021-22, and then by a further 2

per cent in 2022-23.

3

Throughout this report, detailed information on the 2021-22 Federal and State Budgets is sourced from the following

government websites: https://budget.gov.au/2021-22/content/documents.htm (Federal Budget) and

https://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/state-budget/2021-22-state-budget (State Budget).

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4. Areas of interest

4.1. Employment and Local Economy

4.1.1. What are the local issues?

The most recent economic data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

shows that, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, all Australian

States and Territories have experienced minimal growth in payroll jobs and total wages.

4

During that time, Victoria has had the largest reduction (3.7 per cent as at January

2021), reflecting the effect of prolonged Stage 4 restrictions.

However, as restrictions eased in Victoria, the state has recorded an overall increase of

2.2 per cent in payroll jobs, and 5.0 per cent increase in total wages (covering the period

between March 2020 and 22 May 2021). Although there appears to be an economic

recovery taking place in Victoria, it is worth nothing that payroll jobs dropped by 7.7 per

cent between March and August, which has had a significant impact on Victoria returning

to pre-pandemic levels.

5

In terms of the economy in Brimbank, some of the key industries operating in the

municipality have been amongst the worst affected, including education and training

(Victoria University); accommodation and food services; transport, postal and

warehousing; manufacturing; and professional services.

6

Whilst the JobKeeper scheme

played a significant role in protecting local jobs, particularly for industries most severely

affected, the scheme ended at the end of March 2021.

Data from the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) also

highlights the following changes between the September 2019 quarter and September

2020 forecast figures:



Gross Regional Product (i.e. value of goods and services produced in Brimbank) is

forecast to be 14 per cent lower, a larger fall than forecast for Victoria.



Local jobs in Brimbank were forecast to be 4.1 per cent lower (jobs in Brimbank have

fallen at greater rates than elsewhere in Australia).



The impact on employed residents was higher than the local jobs impact, suggesting

that Brimbank residents who work outside the municipality lost jobs at a greater rate

than residents who work in jobs within Brimbank.

7

In March 2020, Council’s Economic Development Team launched a Business Impact

Survey to inform action and advocacy for government assistance, and to understand

short and long-term recovery priorities. Some of the key issues reported by local

4

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021), 'Weekly Payroll Jobs and Wages in Australia',

https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/earnings-and-work-hours/weekly-payroll-jobs-and-wages-australia/latest

release#data-download, accessed June 2021.

5

Ibid.

6

.id Consulting (n.d.) 'City of Brimbank COVID-19 Economic Outlook Tool', http://economy.id.com.au/brimbank/

covid19-quarter-impacts, data provided by National Institute of Economic and Industry Research, accessed June 2021.

7

Ibid.

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businesses included: loss of customers, loss of revenue, business closures, non-eligibility

for JobKeeper or government grants, and inability to operate remotely. These issues,

amongst others, highlight the uncertain nature of business in the municipality, and also

highlight the precarious nature of employment for many local residents.

8

The unemployment rate in Brimbank has historically been (and continues to be)

substantially higher than the rate in the Western Region and Victoria. Employment data

from the March 2021 quarter shows that the unemployment rate in Brimbank was 10.9

per cent, higher than the Western Region (8.5%) and Victoria (6.6%). Furthermore, the

data also indicates that the level of unemployment varies greatly amongst the different

suburbs within Brimbank. Some of the most disadvantaged suburbs (Delahey, Kings

Park, St Albans North, St Albans South, Sunshine North and Sunshine West) had higher

rates than Brimbank as a whole, whereas less disadvantaged suburbs (such as Keilor,

Taylors Lake and Cairnlea) had lower rates.

9

4.1.2. Key budget initiatives



$20.7 billion in tax relief for businesses over the next four years from 2021-22,

including extension of temporary full expensing of eligible business costs and

temporary loss carry-back measures.



$7.8 billion over two years from 2022-23 to retain low and middle income tax offset

for the 2021-22 income year.



$2.7 billion over four years from 2021-22 to expand the Building Skills for the Future

program, which supports business and training organisations to take on new trainees

and apprenticeships.



$1.2 billion over six years from 2021-22 for the Digital Economy Strategy to support

Australia to be a leading digital economy by 2030.



$147 million in 2020-21 to support businesses and workers with the Circuit Breaker

Action Business Support Package.



$50.9 million over four years from 2021-22 to support the international education

sector.



A number of other budget initiatives are expected to generate employment,

including:



investment to fund 246 new child protection practitioners around the State



funding of $18 million provided to trial a new whole-of-family support model for families in

Brimbank-Melton and Goulburn, will also support 30 jobs

8

Brimbank City Council (2021)

, adopted at 16 March 2021

Council Meeting, https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/council/council-meetings/2021-council-meeting-agendas-and

minutes, accessed June 2021.

9

Commonwealth Government (2021) 'National Skills Commission Labour Market Information Portal',

https://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/Downloads/SmallAreaLabourMarketsSALM/Estimates, accessed June 2021.

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

additional 120 graduate placements for nurses, 140 post-graduate mental health

scholarships, 60 new graduate placements for allied health professionals and additional

rotations for psychiatry



support for additional 6,000 roles for early childhood teachers and educators, as part of the

three-year-old kinder program



support more than 1,800 local manufacturing and supply chain jobs, as part of $3.2 billion

investment into Public Transport Network



10,000 jobs are expected to be created each year over next four years as part of the Big

Housing Build project.

4.1.3. What are the impacts for Brimbank?

The 2021-22 Federal and State Budgets include initiatives aimed at increasing the labour

force and reducing unemployment. The Commonwealth Government’s incentives to

business and training organisations to take on new trainees and apprenticeships are

likely to cascade down to local employment and investment in Brimbank in the coming

years. The investment in the digital economy is also welcomed and provides

opportunities to build on Council's vision for Sunshine as an emerging centre of research,

innovation and education. The Commonwealth government’s extension of tax relief for

low and middle income earners is also likely to be welcomed by a significant portion of

the labour force.

However, while the tax cuts are welcomed by many, they will be generally going to

people already in paid employment for the next financial year, without addressing the

needs of people living in extreme poverty who are either unemployed or on extremely

low incomes. In addition, the strong reliance on tax cuts to promote economic growth

does not always come to fruition. Many economists have suggested that middle income

households tend to save tax cuts rather than spend, and the reduction in tax receipts will

reduce available funding for some programs.

10

Similarly, tax cuts for business, do not

always lead to increased employment, and the ‘trickle down’ theory of economic growth

remains a contentious issue amongst many economists.

The Victorian Government’s investment in supporting industries and workers affected by

the COVID-19 crisis will be welcomed by many industries and workers. However, it

remains to be seen whether the longer term effects on increasing employment will

materialise, particularly now that JobKeeper has ceased. The investment into the

international education sector is also welcomed. However, as Australia’s international

borders remain largely closed, it is uncertain whether this investment will have any

positive impact on the economy, at least in the next year.

The Victorian Government has also invested in a range of other projects and programs

which are expected to generate local employment, particularly in the early childhood

sector, manufacturing and construction industries. This investment should be promoted

at the local level, in order to ensure that businesses in Brimbank (and local residents)

have the opportunity and encouragement to be involved in a tangible manner.

10

ABC (2020) 'Budget tax cuts tipped to boost household saving rather than lift us out of COVID recession',

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-08/federal-budget-tax-cuts-tipped-to-boost-savings-not-spending/12736080,

accessed June 2021.

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4.2. Education and Training

4.2.1. What are the local issues?

Rates of educational participation and qualification in Brimbank are generally below the

rates in other jurisdictions. This has flow-on effects in terms of job satisfaction and

socioeconomic circumstances.

The 2016 Census showed that 35.9 per cent of Brimbank residents aged 15 years and

over did not complete Year 12 or equivalent, higher than the rate for Greater Melbourne

(31.8%). These residents were more likely to be female, aged 50 years and over, and

unable to speak English well or at all.

At the same time, just 52.3 per cent indicated that they had completed Year 12 or

equivalent, lower than the rate for Greater Melbourne (59.4%). Data also revealed that

just under one-quarter (24.0%) of Brimbank residents were attending an educational

institution (ranging from pre-school to university), marginally lower than the rate for

Greater Melbourne (24.9%).

In 2016, 51.0 per cent of Brimbank residents aged 15 years and over had no

qualification, higher than the rate for Greater Melbourne (38.6%). A total of 15.0 per

cent had a vocational qualification, similar to the rate for Greater Melbourne (15.3%);

8.0 per cent had an advanced diploma or diploma, marginally below the rate for Greater

Melbourne (9.5%); and 16.0 per cent had a bachelor or higher degree, substantially

below the rate for Greater Melbourne (27.5%).

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) shows a consistent trend of children in

Brimbank not achieving optimal developmental markers as they enter and pass through

the school system. The 2009, 2012, 2015 and 2018 surveys all show significantly higher

rates of Brimbank children entering school who were developmentally vulnerable on two

or more AEDC domains, compared to the rates for Victoria. Data from 2017 also

indicates that Brimbank had a lower proportion of years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students at or

above the national minimum standard for literacy and numeracy.

11

On a more positive

note, children’s attendance at pre-school is similar to the rate across Victoria.

12

Census data from 2006, 2011 and 2016, consistently indicates that Brimbank had a

considerably higher proportion of disengaged young people (aged 15 to 24 years),

compared to Victoria.

13

Young people face a difficult time if they are unable to complete

school or move into further education or employment. For example, young people are at

greater risk of poor health, mental health difficulties and social problems, if they become

11

Victorian Government (n.d) 'Victorian Child and Adolescent Monitoring System',

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/research/pages/vcams.aspx, accessed June 2021.

12

Ibid.

13

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2016)

, data retrieved via TableBuilder at

https://auth.censusdata.abs.gov.au/webapi/jsf/tableView/tableView.xhtml, accessed June 2021.

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disengaged from activities and institutions which provide opportunities to develop skills

and experience positive relationships.

4.2.2. Key budget initiatives



$24.4 billion in 2021-22 for recurrent funding for schools across Australia, including

$14.7 billion for non-government schools and $9.7 billion for government schools.



$17.3 billion in 2021-22 funding for higher education, vocational and other

education, and student assistance, e.g. Higher Education Loan Program (HELP).



$2.0 billion over four years from 2021-22 for a Four-Year Strategic Reform

Agreement for the Early Childhood Education Sector.



$26.1 million over four years from 2021-22 to support an additional 5,000 short

course places in 2021.



$1.6 billion over four years from 2021-22 for school infrastructure, including building

13 new schools and upgrades at a further 52 schools.



$716 million over four years from 2021-22 in school programs and support for

Victoria’s teaching workforce, including mental health and tutoring programs, and the

establishment of the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.



$350 million over four years from 2021-22 for the Higher Education State Investment

Fund, which is working with universities to identify innovative and transformative

research projects.



$209 million over four years from 2021-22 to further support for the TAFE and

training sector.



$167.2 million over four years from 2021-22 to continue the roll-out of universal

three-year old kindergarten to every local government area in Victoria.

4.2.3. What are the impacts for Brimbank?

The 2021-22 Federal and State Budgets include initiatives aimed at improving the

developmental and educational outcomes for children and young adults. For example,

the Commonwealth Government’s investment into the Early Childhood Education sector

is welcomed and has attracted broad support from the sector. Additionally, there is

widespread support for the Commonwealth Government’s further investment into

schools and higher education.

However, closer analysis of the Budget Papers reveals that funding for universities will

actually be cut by 10 per cent over the next three years, while TAFE funding will reduce

by 24 per cent over the same period.

14

This reduction in funding for higher education is

concerning, particularly for a municipality like Brimbank where jobs growth and boosting

14

The Guardian (2021), ‘Australian universities brace for ‘ugly’ 2022 after budget cuts’,

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/13/australian-universities-brace-for-ugly-2022-after-budget

cuts, accessed June 2021.

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vocational education and skills is critical to improving the opportunities and outcomes for

young people. The Victorian Government’s contribution of $209 million to support the

TAFE and training sector is welcomed, but will not offset these Commonwealth funding

cuts over the next three years.

The Victorian Government’s investment into school infrastructure is welcomed, including

by families and teachers at the St Albans East Primary School, which is one of the

schools named to receive an upgrade ($7.9 million, due for completion in 2024).

Furthermore, the State’s further investment into the three-year-old kindergarten

program is welcomed, particularly as the sector in Victoria has required significant

investment for many years.

While the Victorian Government has invested a further $250 million in a tutoring

initiative to support school students worst affected by the pandemic, this has not been

renewed beyond 2021-22. Given the impact on Brimbank families and students, the

need for further support will be monitored and may become an advocacy focus in the

years ahead. Similarly, following significant investment in last year’s budget, a modest

$70 million has been allocated to support students with a disability.

15

With support

through the ‘Inclusion for All’ program not expected to reach Brimbank until 2024, this

remains an area to monitor for further advocacy.

4.3. Health

4.3.1. What are the local issues?

Health and wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It is also a reflection of

complex inter-relationships between an individual’s physical, mental and emotional

state, as well as broader social, cultural, economic and cultural factors. Data from the

Victorian Population Health Survey 2017 provides an overview of the physical and

mental health and wellbeing of Brimbank residents.

16

Self-reported health assessments are a powerful predictor of future health care use and

mortality. The percentage of Brimbank adults reporting ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ health

(33.0%), was significantly lower than the rate recorded in Victoria (41.6%) and the West

Division (40.2%), which includes Brimbank. Conversely, the percentage of Brimbank

adults reporting ‘Fair’ or ‘Poor’ health (27.7%) was significantly higher than the rate

measured in Victoria (20.3%) and the West Division (21.0%).

The percentage of Brimbank adults reporting a ‘low or medium’ level of life-satisfaction

(25.6%) was higher than Victoria (20.5%) and the West Division (21.4%). Conversely,

15

The Age (2021) ‘Victorian Budget 2021: Health, education, transport, what it means for you’,

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/victorian-budget-2021-health-education-transport-what-it-means-for

you-20210519-p57tcj.html, accessed June 2021.

16

All data in this section is sourced from Victorian Government (2017)

,

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/population-health-systems/health-status-of-victorians/survey-data-and

reports/victorian-population-health-survey/victorian-population-health-survey-2017, accessed June 2021.

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the percentage in Brimbank adults reporting ‘high’ or ‘very high’ levels (70.4%) was

lower than those in Victoria (73.2%) and the West Division (77.0%).

Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor for a range of conditions. The

evidence suggests that health benefits accrue with increasing levels of physical activity,

and this protective effect occurs even if physical activity is adopted in middle and later

life. The percentage of adult residents in Brimbank undertaking sufficient physical

activity to confer a health benefit (38.3%) was significantly lower than the percentage

for Victoria (50.9%) and the West Division (48.8%).

Local data also indicates that adults in Brimbank had a number of chronic health

conditions, including:



28.5 per cent of Brimbank adults diagnosed with two or more chronic diseases,

higher than Victoria (25.5%) and the West Division (25.4%)



7.0 per cent of Brimbank adults diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, higher than Victoria

(5.5%) and the West Division (5.5%)



8.2 per cent of Brimbank adults diagnosed with heart disease, higher than Victoria

(6.7%) and the West Division (7.3%)



5.2 per cent of Brimbank adults have suffered a stroke, significantly higher than

Victoria (2.4%) and the West Division (2.6%)



21.0 per cent of Brimbank adults smoke, higher than Victoria (16.7%) and the West

Division (17.0%).

Psychological distress is an indicator of poor mental health, and an important risk factor

for risky drinking, smoking and drug use. It has also been directly linked to a number of

diseases and conditions such as fatigue, migraine, cardiovascular disease, injury,

obesity, depression and anxiety. The proportion of adult residents in Brimbank at risk of

high or very high psychological distress was higher than in the Western Division and

Victoria, although the differences were not significant. Relatedly, the proportion of adults

in Brimbank who reported seeking professional help for a mental health problem in the

previous year, was higher than in the West Division and Victoria.

These findings from the Victorian Population Health Survey 2017 highlight a range of

physical and mental health challenges in Brimbank. More recently, the COVID-19 crisis

has caused unprecedented upheaval and disruption, with direct impacts on residents'

financial capacity, relationships, health and wellbeing. Indeed, challenges with personal

finances are one of the primary drivers of stress, and a survey conducted by Council in

October 2020 found that over one-third of respondents had either drawn down from

accumulated savings, term deposits, or from superannuation during the height of the

crisis.

17

17

Brimbank City Council (2020)

, internal

Council report.

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Additionally, many residents have experienced negative impacts of being isolated due to

COVID-19 restrictions, including impacts on mental health. As highlighted by the

Australian National University Centre for Social Research and Methods, loneliness or an

individual’s perception of social isolation is a recognised risk factor for poor mental and

physical health.

18

4.3.2. Key budget initiatives



$6.3 billion in 2021-22 for Victorian hospital services and public health responses,

including COVID-19 public health responses.



$2.3 billion over four years from 2021-22 to improve and expand mental health

services, including ‘Head to Health’ Adult Mental Health Centres, suicide prevention

services, and expanded treatment options through Medicare.



$879 million over five years from 2020-21 to support access to affordable medicines

through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.



$220 million over four years from 2021-22 to update and add new health services to

the Medicare Benefits Schedule.



$3.8 billion over four years from 2021-22 to transform the mental health system,

including investment in community-based care, suicide prevention, improved access

to mental health beds, school-based initiatives, and new services for adults, older

people, young people and Aboriginal Victorians.



$3.7 billion over four years from 2021-22 to meet demand for hospital services,

including more emergency department staff, extra highly specialised therapies, and

support for new wards as they open.



$1.3 billion in 2021-22 to continue Victoria’s public health response to the COVID-19

pandemic.



$1.2 billion over four years from 2021-22 to build and upgrade health infrastructure

across Victoria, including building and expanding 10 community hospitals.



$759 million over four years from 2021-22 for more paramedics, triage care and

support staff for Ambulance Victoria.



$264 million over four years from 2021-22 to establish 20 new local adult and older

adult mental health and wellbeing services, with the first six to be ‘fast-tracked’,

including one in Brimbank.



$9.4 million over three years from 2021-22 for an additional 10 beds at Westside

Lodge in Sunshine, which provides dual diagnosis and integrated treatment for

mental health and alcohol and other drug clients.

18

Cited in Brimbank City Council (2021) COVID-19 Community Impact Analysis – February 2021,

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/response-and-recovery-strategy, accessed June 2021.

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4.3.3. What are the impacts for Brimbank?

Investment by Commonwealth and Victorian Governments in mental health will be

welcomed by most analysts and health and social welfare agencies, particularly in light

of increased demand through the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding will

support a range of services and supports, and begin responding to the recommendations

of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. Local investment in

Brimbank is also welcomed and much-needed, including proposals for a new mental

health service to be delivered by the end of 2022, and increased capacity at Westside

Lodge for people affected by mental health issues and dependence on alcohol and other

drugs.

Notably, the Victorian Government has indicated that it will introduce a special levy to

fund its investment in mental health, and has indicated that this will apply to fewer than

five per cent of businesses.

19

It is hoped that this approach will attract widespread

support, given its potential to support vulnerable people without unduly affecting

business and employment. Nevertheless, the focus on mental health by the Federal and

Victorian Government is very positive, and provides the opportunity for ongoing

advocacy and dialogue to ensure that Melbourne’s west remains ‘front of mind’.

The Federal and State Budgets also included substantial investment in hospital services

and other public health responses, including responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal funding has also been provided to increase access to affordable medicine

through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This investment is welcomed and will

maintain Australia and Victoria’s well-established and high quality medical system.

However, it is important to note that analysis of the Federal Budget Papers reveal an

effective $93 million funding cut for Victoria through a reduced allocation through the

National Health Reform Agreement. It is concerning that Victorian hospitals will receive

relatively less funding in 2021-22, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19

pandemic.

4.4. Support for vulnerable communities

4.4.1. What are the local issues?

Brimbank is the second most socio-economically disadvantaged municipality in the

Greater Melbourne area, and the third most disadvantaged in Victoria. Its score of 921.0

on the ABS Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage puts it in the second lowest

decile nationally.

20

However, the level of disadvantage is unevenly spread throughout the

municipality, both in terms of location and the communities impacted.

19

The Age (2021) ‘Victorian Budget 2021: Health, education, transport, what it means for you’,

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/victorian-budget-2021-health-education-transport-what-it-means-for

you-20210519-p57tcj.html, accessed June 2021.

20

The City of Brimbank Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) measure the relative level of socio-economic

disadvantage and/or advantage based on a range of Census characteristics. The Index of Relative Socio-Economic

Disadvantage (IRSD) contains only disadvantage indicators (such as unemployment, low incomes or education levels,

lack of internet access), so is best used to distinguish between disadvantaged areas, but doesn’t differentiate between

those areas which are highly advantaged, and those just lacking a lot of disadvantage. This index is most commonly

used for funding allocations and advocacy.

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The St Albans (845.4) and Sunshine (880.6) Districts are the most disadvantaged in

Brimbank, both positioned in the lowest decile nationally. Conversely, the Keilor District

(1,049.0) sits within the third highest decile and experiences relatively low levels of

socioeconomic disadvantage. The following Brimbank suburbs all sit within the lowest

decide nationally: Kings Park (832.0), St Albans (837.0), Sunshine North (855.0),

Albanvale (879.0), Sunshine West (879.0), Albion (881.0) and Ardeer (896.0).

Over many years, the inflow of migrants has seen Brimbank develop into one of the

most culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) municipalities in Australia. A total of

47.8 per cent of residents are born overseas (compared to 33.8 per cent for Greater

Melbourne) and 44.6 per cent were born in mainly non-English speak countries

(compared to 27.0 per cent for Greater Melbourne).

Over half of our residents speak a language other than English, and there are over 170

languages spoken in Brimbank. Whilst the cultural and demographic diversity within

Brimbank has been a source of celebration, it has also highlighted the need to address

and support many of the vulnerable groups that reside in our municipality. For example,

there are relatively low levels of English proficiency in Brimbank, which can have flow-on

effects in terms of employment, education and access to services. Of the Brimbank

residents who speak a language other than English at home, more than one in eight

(13.4%) either do not speak English well or do not speak it at all. This is substantially

higher than the rate in Greater Melbourne (5.6%) and the Western Region (7.3%).

Data from 2019 indicates Brimbank attracted relatively large numbers of permanent

settlers within each settlement stream: Humanitarian (386 people, ranked 4th highest in

Victoria); Family (1,004 people, 6th); and Skilled (1,767 people, 11th).

21

Additionally,

data from June 2020 shows that Brimbank attracted 1,037 asylum seekers, second only

to Greater Dandenong (1,112 people).

22

In 2016, the median personal income of Brimbank residents aged 15 years and over was

$487 per week, compared to $673 for Greater Melbourne and $644 for Victoria.

Brimbank also had a higher proportion of residents in the ‘lowest’ and ‘medium lowest’

weekly income groups, and a lower proportion of residents in the ‘highest’ weekly

income groups. The situation is similar in terms of household income, where Brimbank

had a higher proportion in the ‘lowest’ (32.7%) and ‘medium lowest’ (28.8%) income

groups, and a lower proportion in the highest income group (14.4%).

21

Greater Dandenong (n.d.) 'Social Statistics - Asylum Seekers and Refugees and Immigration and Settlement',

https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/social-statistics-asylum-seekers-and-refugees-and-immigration-and

settlement, data provided by Department of Immigration and Border Protection, accessed June 2021.

22

Ibid.

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In 2016, 12,471 residents in Brimbank indicated a need for assistance with core

activities, and this represented 6.4 per cent of the total population, compared to 4.9 per

cent for Greater Melbourne. Of those residents that needed assistance, over half

(54.8%) were female, two-thirds were born overseas, and a total of 68 residents

identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Furthermore, the need for

assistance increases with age: while 10.7 per cent of residents in Brimbank aged 60 to

64 years required assistance with core activities, almost 60 per cent of those aged 85

years and over required assistance.

The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council recently announced that, from 1 July 2021

under the

, the Country in which Brimbank is located is

under the statutory care of its Traditional Owners, the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal

Council (to the south of the municipality) and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage

Aboriginal Corporation (to the north). This follows a rigorous review in which relationship

to Country, the inclusivity of their membership, and relationship to Apical Ancestors was

considered. Like many parts of Melbourne, the number of Brimbank residents identifying

as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is relatively small, with 816 residents (or 0.4% of

the population) recorded in the 2016 Census, an increase of 114 people since 2011.

In 2016, 18.9 per cent of Brimbank residents were aged 60 years and above, similar to

the rate in Greater Melbourne (19.0%) but higher than the Western Region (15.8%).

Between 2011 and 2016, this group grew by more than 6,000 people in Brimbank,

creating additional demand for support services and social inclusion activities.

In 2016, there were 11,350 lone person households in Brimbank, an increase of 836

households since 2011. Lone person households represent 17.5 per cent of all

households in Brimbank, lower than the rate for Greater Melbourne (22.0%) and the

Western Region (19.1%). While many residents are comfortable living alone, others

(particularly older people) may lack social interaction and be in need of social inclusion

activities.

In 2016, more of Brimbank’s young people aged 15 to 24 years were not in paid

employment or enrolled in education, compared to others across Metropolitan

Melbourne.

23

For example, 6.3 per cent of people aged 15 to 19 years were disengaged

(compared to 4.6 per cent), while 15.0 per cent of people aged 20 to 24 years were

disengaged (compared to 10.7 per cent). More males tend to be disengaged in the lower

age group (15 to 19 years), while more females are disengaged in the older age group

(20 to 24 years).

23

Greater Dandenong (n.d.) 'Social Statistics - Education and Literacy',

https://www.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/social-statistics-education-and-literacy, accessed June 2021.

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Local data on sexual orientation is not available. However, the ABS General Social

Survey 2019 found that 2.7 per cent of Australians identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual.

24

When applied to the Brimbank population, these results indicate that approximately

5,600 local residents may identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Notably, the national

survey found that people who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual are more likely to

report experiencing discrimination and less likely to get support in times of crisis from

people living outside their household.

Brimbank has experienced the highest losses from electronic gaming machines (EGMs)

of any Victorian municipality every year for the past decade. Since July 2011, more than

$1.3 billion has been lost in Brimbank. More recently, more than $80 million has been

lost in the six months to May 2021 at the unprecedented rate of more than $460,000 per

day.

25

It estimated that around 60 per cent of EGM losses are incurred by people

experiencing severe or moderate harm from gambling,

26

and more than 40 per cent of

people who use EGMs at least once per month experience some level of harm.

27

4.4.2. Key budget initiatives



$17.7 billion over five years from 2020-21 to fund aged care reforms, including

improved residential care, additional Home Care Packages, and measures to grow the

aged care workforce.



$13.2 billion over five years from 2020-21 to fund the National Disability Insurance

Scheme.



$9.5 billion over five years from 2020-21 to increase income support (including the

JobSeeker Payment) and further strengthen mutual obligation requirements.



$243.6 million over five years from 2020-21 to support improved economic, social

and education outcomes for Indigenous people.



$29.3 million over three years from 2021-22 to support refugee women and other

migrant women's safety and social economic inclusion.



$26.0 million over four years from 2021-22 to better support Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander women and children who have experienced or are experiencing family

violence.

24

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021) 'General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia',

https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/general-social-survey-summary-results

australia/latest-release, accessed June 2021.

25

VCGLR (n.d.) 'Gaming expenditure by local area', https://www.vcglr.vic.gov.au/resources/data-and

research/gambling-data/gaming-expenditure-local-area, accessed June 2021.

26

Productivity Commission (2010)

, Report No. 50, Vol. 1, Canberra, p. 5.34.

27

Armstrong, A., & Carroll, M. (2017)

, Melbourne: Australian Gambling Research Centre,

Australian Institute of Family Studies, p.33.

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

$17.9 million over four years from 2021-22 to establish a new Early Childhood

Program for young children aged 0 to 8 years with disability or developmental needs,

including information, workshops and supported playgroups.



$13.9 million over four years from 2021-22 to support early stage social enterprises

that improve the safety and security of Indigenous women (part of the Women’s

Economic Security Package).



over five years from 2021-22 by applying a four-year waiting

period for newly arrived residents to access most welfare payments.



Establishment of a new delivery model for the Adult Migrant English Program from 1

July 2023

.



$842 million over four years from 2021-22 for mental health and wellbeing support

for children and young people, including reformed Infant, Child and Family Mental

Health and Wellbeing Services, and expansion of 13 Youth Area Mental Health and

Wellbeing Services across Victoria

.



$464.9 million in 2021-22 for residential aged care, including an additional $29

million for the future provision of public residential aged care.



$448 million over four years from 2021-22 to support Aboriginal Victorians, including

dedicated mental health services, support for self-determination and treaty

processes, prevention of deaths in custody, and increased support and

responsibilities for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.



$54.7 million in 2021-22 for multicultural affairs policy and programs, including

settlement coordination, enhanced engagement with culturally and linguistically

diverse communities, and support for events and festivals to promote social

cohesion.



$44.8 million over three years from 2021-22 to support students with a disability,

including the Students with Disabilities Transport Program, and extension of outside

school hours and school holiday pilot programs for young people with a disability.



$45.4 million over four years from 2021-22 to celebrate and support the LGBTIQ+

community, including mental health and wellbeing services for trans and gender

diverse young people.



$38.4 million in 2021-22 for the Victorian Responsible Gambling Trust.



$15.6 million in 2021-22 for the Office for Disability, which supports the development

of the State Disability Plan and increased disability advocacy services.



$3.9 million in 2021-22 to continue existing mental health supports to people seeking

asylum who are ineligible for Medicare and income support.

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4.4.3. What are the impacts for Brimbank?

The Federal Budget included significant funding announcements for older people and

people with a disability. The aged care reforms have been widely supported and will

deliver an additional 80,000 home care packages and 33,000 new training places for

carers. Similarly, funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been

welcomed by disability groups and social service organisations. Both programs are

expected to directly benefit vulnerable residents in Brimbank. Funding for initiatives to

improve economic, social and education outcomes for Indigenous people have also been

welcomed, although some First Nations advocates have argued that the current level of

investment is not sufficient to make genuine progress to ‘close the gap’.

While these announcements have generally attracted support, others have been

criticised for not providing enough support for vulnerable groups. For example, the

Federal Budget has confirmed a modest ($25 per week) increase in JobSeeker

payments, while committing additional resources to ensure compliance with stronger

‘mutual obligation’ requirements. Additionally, new migrants to Australia will now need

to wait four years before they can access government benefits such as carers’ allowance,

paid parental leave, and family tax benefits. The Department of Home Affairs has stated

that savings from this measure will fund upgrades to onshore immigration detention

networks.

28

Both measures are expected to directly affect Brimbank residents,

particularly those in more vulnerable economic circumstances.

The State Budget includes funding for a range of services and supports that will support

vulnerable groups in Brimbank. Investment in mental health, Aboriginal Victorians, and

residential aged care are all welcomed, and build on the Victorian Government’s previous

support for social and affordable housing and improved access for school students with a

disability. Additionally, the budget includes further support for CALD and LGBTIQ+

communities, including through settlement coordination, targeted mental health and

wellbeing services, and support for events and festivals.

While the State Budget has introduced a wide range of measures to support vulnerable

communities, it fails to increase support for people experiencing gambling harm. This is

particularly important in Brimbank, which has experienced record losses on electronic

gaming machines since gaming venues re-opened following the COVID-19 restrictions.

Not only is there no real increase in funding for the Victorian Responsible Gambling

Foundation, the Budget Papers also reveal forecast increases in taxes from all forms of

gambling over the next four years.

4.5. Gender Equity and Family Violence

4.5.1. What are the local issues?

According to 2016 Census data, women rank lower than men on a number of key

indicators of gender equity. This limits opportunities for women, and can reduce their

28

The Guardian (2021) 'Migrants forced to wait four years for benefits in Australian budget's biggest cost-cutting

measure', https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/11/immigration-australia-federal-budget-2021-

migrant-families-four-year-wait-benefits-payments-cost-cutting-christmas-island-detention-centre, accessed June

2021.

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capacity to escape family violence if it occurs. It also creates financial disadvantage,

both in the short-term (due to reduced incomes) and later in life (due to reduced

superannuation). These factors have contributed to women over 55 years, becoming the

fastest growing group experiencing homelessness in Australia.

29



Education - according to the 2016 Census, a very similar percentage of Brimbank

males and females have completed Year 12 or equivalent (52.7% vs 52.0%).

However, there is a higher percentage of females in Brimbank whose highest

completed school level is Year 8 or below (10.8% vs 8.5%) or did not attend school

at all (3.8% vs 2.7%).



Qualification - over half (53.1%) of females in 2016 stated they had ‘no qualification’,

compared to 48.8 per cent for males. Fewer females attained a ‘vocational’

qualification (11.0% vs 19.0%), although a higher percentage of females have

attained a Bachelor or higher degree (17.3% vs 14.7%).



Employment - in 2016, there was a smaller percentage of unemployed males (9.7%)

in Brimbank, compared to females (11.2%). In terms of those residents in Brimbank

in employment, there was a far lower percentage of females employed on a full-time

basis (42.7%), compared to males (63.5%). Additionally, 43.6 per cent of females

in the workforce were employed on a part-time basis, compared to just 23.8 per cent

of males.



Income - when examining differences in individual incomes in Brimbank, there were

equal percentages of males and females classified in the lowest and medium-lowest

weekly wage groups. However, there were large disparities in terms of actual dollars

earned. For example, males classified in the lowest and medium-lowest income

quartiles earnt anywhere up to $815, while females in the same two classifications

earnt up to $516. More recent data collected by the Council highlights that the

COVID-19 pandemic impacted men and women differently in Brimbank, particularly

in terms of the impact on employment and economic security, health and wellbeing,

and the experience of family violence.

30

Family violence is a gendered issue, mostly perpetrated by men against women and their

children. Many studies have indicated that people who are abused in family relationships

are at greater risk of mental health disorders and problems, and their general health and

wellbeing are likely to be affected in both the short and long-term.

31

The Victorian Crime

Statistics Agency has indicated that strict COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 contributed to

the highest rates of family violence in Victoria’s history, including an increase in the first

time use of violence by male perpetrators.

More generally, between 2011-12 and 2017-18, the rate of recorded family violence

incidents in Brimbank increased by 27 per cent (to 262.7 per 100,000 residents). The

29

Australian Human Rights Commission (2019)

,

https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/age-discrimination/publications/older-womens-risk-homelessness-background

paper-2019, accessed June 2021.

30

Brimbank City Council (2021)

, adopted at 16 March 2021

Council Meeting, accessed June 2021.

31

Brimbank City Council (2018)

, prepared by the Policy, Advocacy and Research Unit.

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rate for the Northern and Western Metropolitan Region (which includes Brimbank),

increased by 31 per cent (263.6 per 100,000 residents) and the Victorian rate increased

by 33 per cent (290.0 per 100,000 residents).

32

The latest data provided by the Crime

Statistics Agency (from the LEAP database), indicate that for the year ending March

2021, the rate of family violence incidents was 1,448.6 per 100,000 residents, an

increase from the rate for March 2020 of 1,403.1 per 100,000 residents.

33

4.5.2. Key budget initiatives



$1.1 billion over four years from 2021-22 to support victims of family violence,

including financial support for women and children, additional emergency

accommodation, legal assistance services, children’s contact services, family law

frontline services, and reform of Family Law Courts.



$1.9 billion over four years from 2021-22 in measures to support women’s economic

security, including $1.7 billion for increased Child Care Subsidy for families with more

than one child.



$1 billion over four years from 2021-22 to expand the child protection workforce,

increase out-of-home care placements and a range of other supports for vulnerable

families, including funding for 246 new child protection practitioners.



$354 million over four years from 2021-22 to support victim survivors and address

family violence, including expanding the network of specialist family law courts

(including Sunshine), support packages and culturally safe responses, support for

children and young people impacted by family violence and sexual assault, and the

‘Putting Families First’ trial (which includes the Brimbank-Melton region).

4.5.3. What are the impacts for Brimbank?

The Commonwealth Government’s ‘Women’s Economic Security’ Package has been

welcomed as a significant improvement on the response provided in the previous

budget. It provides a $3.4 billion investment over five years towards improving the

economic security, safety and status of Australian women. Women’s Legal Victoria has

suggested that it is a ‘big win’ for women experiencing family violence, particularly

increased access to specialist legal assistance and wrap-around support.

34

While measures to support an increase in women’s economic security are welcomed,

analysis of the Budget Papers reveals that increased Child Care Subsidies for families

with more than one child accounts for 90 per cent of the investment. Other funding

streams (such as health and wellbeing, education and skills, and housing) are set to

receive relatively minimal additional funding. More generally, Gender Equity Victoria has

32

Crime Statistics Agency (n.d.) 'Latest crime data by area', https://www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au/crime

statistics/latest-crime-data-by-area, accessed June 2021.

33

Ibid.

34

VCOSS (2021) 'How social service organisations are reacting to the 2021 Federal Budget',

https://vcoss.org.au/analysis/2021/05/federal-response, accessed June 2021.

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highlighted that the Federal investment into gender equity is less than one per cent of

total government expenditure.

35

The Victorian Government has announced a wide range of initiatives to address family

violence and improve safety for women and children. Key measures include increased

funding for women’s health services, support for victim survivors, perpetrator

accountability programs, and a specialist family violence integrated court response

(including additional services at Sunshine). Additionally, the Brimbank-Melton region will

be a site for the Putting Families First program, a trial of multidisciplinary case

management teams that will work directly with families with multiple and complex

needs, to provide practical, personalised and targeted support.

These measures have attracted widespread support and will be welcomed in Brimbank.

However, increased investment in primary prevention of family violence is one area for

further advocacy. Respect Victoria has identified that just three per cent of the family

violence budget is directed to prevention, and suggested that this should increase to ten

per cent to achieve meaningful behaviour change within families and the community.

36

4.6. Housing and Homelessness

4.6.1. What are the local issues?

Housing affordability in Brimbank has declined substantially over the past ten years. The

median price of houses in Sunshine (up 85%), St Albans (up 90%) and Deer Park (up

80%) all increased substantially between 2009 and 2019.

37

Similarly, the median price

for units also increased in these locations: Sunshine (up 50%), St Albans (up 66%) and

Deer Park (up 68%). More recently, the sale price of dwellings in Melbourne has

increased by 8.1 per cent since the start of 2021.

38

At the same time, there is a lack of social and affordable housing in Brimbank. While

there are currently around 2,000 social and affordable housing dwellings, unpublished

research commissioned by Council in 2020 found that another 4,000 dwellings are

needed to meet current demand. Need was highest amongst very low income

households, with more than 80 per cent of this group experiencing rental stress.

39

Additionally, almost two-thirds of single adult households experience rental stress due to

Brimbank’s limited housing diversity, with more than 80 per cent of dwellings having

three or more bedrooms.

35

Ibid.

36

VCOSS (2021) 'Is this the budget Victoria needed? A VCOSS Guide to the 2021 Victorian Budget',

https://www.vcoss.org.au/advocacy/vicbudget2021, accessed June 2021.

37

Valuer-General Victoria (n.d.) 'Property sales statistics', https://www.land.vic.gov.au/valuations/resources-and

reports/property-sales-statistics, accessed June 2021

38

CoreLogic (2021) 'Hedonic Home Value Index: 1 June 2021', https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/

2021-06/20210601-CoreLogic-home-value-index.pdf, accessed June 2021

39

Rental stress occurs when a renting household pays more than 30 per cent of gross household income on housing

costs. Rental stress is an indicator of need for social and affordable housing, particularly when experienced by very low

and low income households earning in the bottom 40 per cent of incomes.

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Brimbank also has the highest incidence of homelessness in Melbourne’s west

40

, and the

largest number of people accessing specialist homelessness services in Victoria.

41

Research commissioned by Council in 2020 estimated that between 70 and 80 people

sleep rough on any given night in Brimbank.

42

Additionally, in recent months, there

appears to have been an increase in the number and visibility of people sleeping rough.

Despite existing and growing need, housing and homelessness support services in

Brimbank and Melbourne’s west are severely overstretched. Research conducted by the

Western Homelessness Network in 2019 found that the homelessness access point for

the Brimbank-Melton region was unable to provide appointments to around 200 people

each month due to limited resources.

43

Brimbank also has very few supported crisis

accommodation options, and many local rooming houses are not appropriate for

vulnerable clients.

4.6.2. Key budget initiatives



$1.6 billion in 2021-22 for the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement, which

sets out funding arrangements for housing and homelessness services between the

Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments (includes $420 million for Victoria).



$782.1 million over four years from 2021-22 to increase home ownership and

support jobs in the residential construction sector, including by:



extending the HomeBuilder program's commencement requirement from six months to 18

months for existing applicants (at a cost of $774.8 million over two years from 2021-22)



establishing the 'Family Home Guarantee' to support single parents with dependants to enter

(or re-enter) the housing market with a deposit of at least two per cent of the property price



extending the 'First Home Loan Deposit Scheme' to provide an additional 10,000 New Home

Guarantees in 2021-22 to support eligible first home buyers with a deposit of at least 5 per

cent of the property price.



$193.7 million over four years from 2021-22 for homelessness services, including

support for vulnerable households to establish and maintain private rental tenancies,

expansion of housing pathways for people existing prison, and delivery of assertive

outreach and supportive housing teams for rough sleepers.

40

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2018)

, Cat. No.

2049.0

41

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2019)

,

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual

report/contents/summary, accessed June 2021.

42

Brimbank City Council (2020)

, prepared by Black Ink Writing and Consulting,

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/community/homelessness, p. 17

43

Western Homelessness Network (2019)

, August 2019, p.5

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

$26.2 million to respond to rough sleeping, including funding for intensive wrap

around support, and additional head-leased properties for people facing long-term

homelessness.



Budget Papers state a target of 1,515 social housing dwellings to be built in 2021-22.

4.6.3. What are the impacts for Brimbank?

The 2021-22 Federal and State Budgets include important initiatives to address housing

and homelessness issues in Brimbank. The Commonwealth Government’s contribution to

homelessness services through the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement

(which is matched by the Victorian Government) provides a critical support and service

response. It is also noted that the Federal Budget provided funding for the Equal

Remuneration Order supplementation for homelessness sector workers (approximately

$56 million), following advocacy from the sector.

While this funding is welcomed, it is unlikely to meet current and emerging need for

housing and homelessness services in Brimbank. As noted, the system is currently

overstretched and substantial funding increases (over proposed levels) are needed to

ease the pressure on local services. This remains an important advocacy priority for the

local housing and homelessness sector.

Perhaps the biggest gap in either budget is the lack of investment from the

Commonwealth Government in the construction of new social and affordable housing. In

fact, federal spending on homelessness services and social and indigenous housing is

trending downwards over the forward estimates. While the Victorian Government did not

include any new social housing investment, the Budget Papers include a target of 1,515

new social housing dwellings in 2021-22, likely to be delivered through the Big Housing

Build program.

By contrast, the Commonwealth Government has focussed primarily on incentives within

the private market. The HomeBuilder Program, Family Home Guarantee and First Home

Loan Deposit Scheme all provide varying levels of support for households to enter the

private housing market. Given the significant shortfall in social and affordable housing in

Brimbank, investment by the Commonwealth Government (as proposed by the

Opposition in its Budget Reply Speech

44

) is needed to meet future demand.

4.7. Transport and Connectivity

4.7.1. What are the local issues?

Road congestion in Brimbank has increased significantly in the past decade and is likely

to worsen if the rate of private vehicle use continues to grow. Council’s Transport

Priorities Paper 2018 indicates that traffic volumes have increased on almost every

44

The Guardian (2021) 'Anthony Albanese pledges $10bn social housing fund in Labor's federal budget reply',

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/may/13/anthony-albanese-pledges-10bn-social-housing-fund-in

labors-federal-budget-reply, accessed June 2021.

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major road in Brimbank, with the congestion period now extending beyond the

traditional morning (7-9am) and afternoon (4-6.30pm) peaks.

45

Increased road congestion is also reflected in 'journey to work' data. While the

proportion of people travelling to work by car remained steady between 2011 and 2016

(71.4% vs 71.8%), this did represent an increase of almost 3,000 people due to

population growth. Additionally, the 2016 figure is above the rate for Greater Melbourne

(64.1%) and the Western Metropolitan Region (66.8%). While travel by public transport

did increase between 2011 and 2016 (and is slightly above the rate for Greater

Melbourne), active transport (walking and cycling) and working from home are well

below the average in Brimbank.

This reliance on private cars to travel to work is reflected in car ownership data. Almost

one in five households (19.8 per cent) own three or more cars, higher than the rate in

Greater Melbourne (15.9%) and the Western Metropolitan Region (16.4%). Additionally,

the proportion of households without a car is below the rate in Greater Melbourne (6.8%

vs 8.5%). Additionally, some low income households require (often multiple) vehicles to

access day-to-day needs due to a lack of feasible alternative modes of transport, which

places additional strain on household finances.

46

Through the Transport Priorities Paper 2018, Council identified the following key

transport priorities to build a more efficient and effective integrated transport network:



Urgent rail grade separations to improve capacity for all transport modes



Increased train frequencies on the Melton and Sunbury lines



A high frequency bus network that directly connects residential areas to town centres



Better links between town centres in the western suburbs and priority for public

transport



Easier to remember public transport frequencies, e.g. every 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 60

minutes



Improvements to the principal road network to manage growth in traffic demand



Completion of managed motorways on the Calder and Western Freeways



Upgrade Calder Freeway and Western Freeways to 'freeway standard'



Road grade separations where there are high turn movements to improve traffic flow.

More recently, Council has led the ‘Fix the Calder’ campaign, which sought immediate

and urgent upgrades along the Calder Corridor between the interchanges of the Western

Ring Road and Gap Road in Sunbury.

47

45

Brimbank City Council (2018) Transport Priorities Paper 2018, https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/transport

priorities-paper-2018, accessed June 2021.

46

Currie et al (2018) 'Alarming Trends in the Growth of Forced Car Ownership in Melbourne',

, https://apo.org.au/node/220716, accessed June 2021.

47

Brimbank City Council (2021) 'Fix the Calder', https://yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au/fixthecalder, accessed June

2021.

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4.7.2. Key budget initiatives



$2 billion over four years from 2021-22 for a new Melbourne Intermodal Terminal



$1 billion over four years from 2021-22 to extend the Local Roads and Community

Infrastructure Program, which will support local councils to maintain and upgrade

community assets and local roads.



$1 billion to extend the Road Safety Program into 2022-23, which will fund small

scale road safety projects such as road widening and audio tactile line marking and

barriers.



$50 million over two years from 2021-22 to commence detailed design and planning

of targeted upgrades on the Calder Freeway for safer and more reliable journeys

.



$10 million over four years from 2021-22 for the Outer Metropolitan Ring/E6 Corridor

Detailed Business Case.



$2.3 billion over six years from 2021-22 for Victoria’s rail network, including $986

million to build 25 brand new modern X’Trapolis 2.0 trains and supporting

infrastructure.



$367.6 million over four years from 2021-22 to deliver enabling infrastructure for

Next Generation Trams including construction of a new tram maintenance facility in

Melbourne's north-west.



$330.0 million over five years from 2020-21 for initiatives under the new

.



$71.6 million over two years from 2021-22 million to upgrade the Melton and

Wyndham Vale corridors to enable the future operation of higher capacity trains.



$50 million over two years from 2021-22 to commence detailed design and planning

of targeted upgrades on the Calder Freeway for safer and more reliable journeys



$39.4 million over four years from 2021-22 for a more productive road network for

freight, including a program of priority bridge upgrades and renewal works.



$15.9 million over two years from 2021-22 for active transport projects across

metropolitan Melbourne.



$15.5 million over two years from 2021-22 for public transport accessibility and

amenity upgrades.



$13.7 million over two years from 2021-22 for bus service improvements and reform.

4.7.3. What are the impacts for Brimbank?

The 2021-22 Federal and State Budgets include funding for a range of transport projects

and programs. The Commonwealth Government’s funding for the new Melbourne

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Intermodal Terminal (conditional on matching from the Victorian Government) will

increase the efficiency and capacity of the national rail freight network. The location of

the terminal has not yet been announced, which provides an opportunity to advocate for

it to be suitably located in Melbourne’s west. Ongoing federal investment in road safety,

local roads and community infrastructure is also welcomed, as well as funding to develop

a business case for the Outer Metropolitan Ring/E6 Corridor.

The State Budget provides significant investment in public transport rolling stock,

including new trains and trams. It matches the $50 million provided by the

Commonwealth Government to make $100 million available to commence work on

upgrades to the Calder Freeway, which was a major pre-budget advocacy priority for

Council. Further investment in rail and road upgrades will also be welcomed, including

improvements to the Melton and Wyndham Vale corridors.

While the Victorian Government has announced significant infrastructure investment,

there is relatively little funding available for active transport projects, bus service

improvements and public transport accessibility and amenity upgrades. These remain

key transport advocacy priorities, given the barriers to walking and cycling in Brimbank,

as well as the need for improved and more accessible bus services.

4.8. Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

4.8.1. What are the local issues?

In 2019, Brimbank’s total annual community emissions were estimated at approximately

3 million tonnes of carbon pollution per annum (3,002kt CO2-e).

48

Only Wyndham (3.07

million tonnes) recorded higher emissions in Melbourne’s west, noting that other

municipalities have smaller populations.

The largest source of community emissions in Brimbank is electricity and gas consumed

by buildings and facilities, which accounts for 81 per cent of total municipal emissions.

Industry is responsible for the majority of this consumption (45%), followed by

residential (20%) and commercial buildings (16%). Transport accounts for 16 per cent

of emissions, which is equal to or below the proportion in other municipalities in

Melbourne’s west. Notably, automotive transport (e.g. cars, trucks) contribute 95 per

cent of transport-related emissions.

49

Brimbank has relatively limited tree canopy cover, recording just six per cent coverage in

research conducted in 2018.

50

While this places Brimbank above some other

municipalities in Melbourne’s west (such as Melton and Wyndham), it is ranked 27th out

of 31 metropolitan LGAs on this measure. When coupled with more frequent extreme

weather events such as heatwaves, this lack of tree canopy increases the risk of heat

related health impacts, particularly for vulnerable residents.

48

All emissions data presented in this section are sourced from Snapshot (n.d.) 'Brimbank 2019 municipal emissions

snapshot', https://snapshotclimate.com.au/locality/australia/victoria/brimbank, accessed June 2021.

49

Ibid.

50

Victorian Government (2018) 'Mapping and analysis of vegetation, heat and land use',

https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-for-melbourne/plan-melbourne/cooling-greening

melbourne/mapping-and-analysis-of-vegetation,-heat-and-land-use, accessed June 2021.

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In 2019, Brimbank City Council declared a climate emergency and subsequently adopted

the Brimbank Climate Emergency Plan 2020-25.

51

The Plan outlines how Council will

implement its climate emergency declaration and commits to the following emission

targets:



zero net emissions for Council operations by 2030



an interim aspirational target for the Brimbank municipality of 70 per cent less net

annual emissions by 2030



zero net emissions for Brimbank municipality by 2040.

4.8.2. Key budget initiatives



$1.2 billion over ten years from 2021-22 for low emissions technology, including

partnership projects, additional hydrogen hubs, and the development of Carbon

Capture Use and Storage technologies.



$215.4 million over six years from 2021-22 to improve energy affordability and

reliability, including funding for battery and ‘microgrid’ projects, assistance for new

gas generators to become ‘hydrogen ready’, and support for key gas infrastructure

projects.



$209.7 million over four years from 2021-22 to establish the Australian Climate

Service, which will build capacity to anticipate and prepare for more extreme weather

events.



$11.0 million over four years from 2021-22 to further stimulate and incentivise

recycling behaviours among Australian businesses and communities.



$250 million over four years from 2021-22 to protect and preserve our natural

environment, including support for volunteers, grants to protect threatened species,

and improvements to waterways and wetlands.



$46.1 million over three years from 2021-22 to introduce a $3,000 subsidy for zero

emission vehicles for households and businesses.



$5.0 million in 2021-22 to plant half a million trees in Melbourne’s west.

4.8.3. What are the impacts for Brimbank?

The Commonwealth Government’s investment in the Australian Climate Service will

prepare for extreme weather events due to climate change, as well as supporting more

informed investment in future risk reduction and resilience projects. This has the

potential to support more effective responses to the impacts of climate change in

Brimbank.

The federal announcements in relation to low emissions technology are encouraging, but

do not appear to be well-targeted. For example, almost half of the funding is for

51

Brimbank City Council (2020)

, https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/plans

policies-and-strategies/plans/brimbank-climate-emergency-plan, accessed June 2021.

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additional hydrogen hubs and Carbon Capture Use and Storage systems, which aim to

prolong reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, funding to improve energy affordability and

reliability rely heavily on support for gas infrastructure projects. These initiatives will not

help Australia meets its emissions reduction targets, while contributing to climate change

that is likely to impact vulnerable residents in Brimbank.

The Victorian Government has announced significant funding to protect the natural

environment, while also introducing a subsidy program to encourage greater uptake of

zero emission vehicles. However, the electric vehicle road user change (introduced in the

2020-21 Budget) remains, which will reduce the effectiveness of the new subsidy

program. Nonetheless, in the absence of any significant federal incentives, this program

is welcomed and is likely to have some impact.

Funding to plant more trees in Melbourne’s west is also welcomed, given the significant

lack of tree canopy. However, the State Budget does have some gaps and areas for

potential advocacy, including lack of funding for rooftop solar systems on public housing,

and no investment in climate-resilient refuges that could provide shelter from extreme

weather events such as heatwaves.

52

52

VCOSS (2021) 'Is this the budget Victoria needed? A VCOSS Guide to the 2021 Victorian Budget',

https://www.vcoss.org.au/advocacy/vicbudget2021, accessed June 2021.

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5. More information

Please visit the following websites to learn more about the 2021-22 Federal and State

Budgets.

The Commonwealth Government's official Budget 2021-22 website - includes all of the

Budget Papers, as well as media releases, ministerial statements and other resources.

Federal Budget 2021: Winners and Losers (ABC News) - a brief overview of the 'winners'

and 'losers' arising from the 2021-22 Federal Budget.

Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) preliminary analysis and briefing - provides

a preliminary analysis of the Federal Budget on a range of topics, including income

support, climate change, and secure housing for people on low incomes.

The Victorian Government's official 2021-22 State Budget website - includes all of the

Budget Papers, as well as media releases, Treasurer's speech and other resources.

State Budget 2021: Winners and Losers (ABC News) - a brief overview of the 'winners'

and 'losers' arising from the 2021-22 State Budget.

Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) Budget Analysis - provides analysis of the

State Budget on a range of topics, including education and schools, inclusive

communities, and women's safety and economic security.