Ahead of the 2025-26 Victorian Budget, Jesuit Social Services has published its pre-Budget submission, highlighting opportunities for Government to target spending and policy-making, prioritising reach, strategies and programs that support children, young people and their families to live safe and healthy lives. In our first state pre-Budget piece, we focus on the need for sustained investment in education, training, and employment pathways.
Access to education, training, and employment is fundamental to breaking cycles of disadvantage and ensuring social and economic inclusion. Yet, despite the critical role these supports play in preventing and addressing vulnerability, government funding cuts are jeopardising programs that provide vital pathways for disadvantaged Victorians.
Jesuit Social Services has long worked with people facing complex barriers to education and employment, including homelessness, family violence, complex mental health, trauma, and caring responsibilities. Without sustained investment, these individuals risk falling through the cracks, further limiting their opportunities to meaningfully participate in the workforce.
In our recently published submission ahead of the 2025-26 Victorian State Budget, we highlight a range of investments that are needed to ensure all members of the community are able to thrive.
This includes continuing funding for our Skills First Reconnect Program, and providing bridging funding for the Jobs Victoria Mentors Service until more ongoing funding is available.
Jesuit Community College is one of our key programs helping people develop the foundational skills necessary for employment and further education. The College delivers literacy, numeracy, and employability training through both its Collingwood site and place-based programs in familiar, accessible locations. However, funding constraints are limiting the College’s ability to meet demand. Caps on subsidised places for accredited courses under the Skills First initiative have seen student numbers drop from 600 to 300, severely restricting access to foundational education for those who need it most.
For many young people, structural barriers and limited access to information about training and career pathways make it difficult to access employment services. Programs like Skills First Reconnect are essential in bridging this gap, helping participants re-engage with education and develop vocational skills that enhance their employment prospects. Jesuit Social Services has delivered the Skills First Reconnect program since its inception in 2016, providing targeted support to disengaged young people and adults. As the program undergoes review, we urge the Victorian Government to expand funding to ensure more individuals can benefit from this vital initiative.
Jobs Victoria Mentors is another critical initiative supporting jobseekers who face multiple barriers to employment. Through personalised assistance, Jesuit Social Services helps participants improve their employability and secure meaningful work. Our previous partnership under the Jobs Victoria Employment Service saw over 1,900 job placements in three years—a 43 per cent success rate. This model has been particularly effective for people involved in the justice system, addressing their unique challenges and providing pathways to stable employment. Since July 2023, we have placed 115 people with justice system contact into work, with only 9.5% reoffending—far below Victoria’s average recidivism rate of 46.9 per cent. These figures underscore the role of employment in reducing reoffending and highlight the need for continued Victorian Government investment in targeted employment support services.
While the Commonwealth holds primary responsibility for employment services, state-based programs like Jobs Victoria Mentors play a crucial role in addressing gaps in federal support. We advocate for a stewardship model where the Commonwealth collaborates with States and Territories to deliver localised, responsive employment services that align with national priorities. By strengthening partnerships and ensuring sustained investment in education, training, and employment programs, the Victorian Government can help create lasting opportunities for people experiencing disadvantage. The evidence is clear—these initiatives work. Now is the time to expand them, not cut them back.
