Victorian Pre-budget Submission 2026-2027

Summary of recommendations 

Download the full submission here.

Recommendation 1 

Reverse the decision to absorb VicHealth into the Department of Health; keep VicHealth independent and increase its funding. 

Recommendation 2 

Develop and fund an integrated food system and food security strategy for Victoria with a range of associated elements and measures.  

Recommendation 3  

Develop a Food Systems and Food Security Fund for Victoria via hypothecated taxation i.e.:  

• Extension of the existing Payroll Tax Surcharge 

• Targeted land tax specifically for land owned and purchased by the major supermarket chains (MSC) and the major fast-food chains, acknowledging the negative externalities that these commercial actors in the form of non-communicable disease and ecological degradation 

• Commercial and Industrial Property Tax 

• Use Land Value Capture (LVC) mechanisms to capture the uplift in value of all residential properties within 1 km of community food infrastructure assets, such as community gardens and community orchards. Following the precedent set out in the Suburban Rail Loop and following earlier Victorian practice that helped finance essential infrastructure (Betterment Levies), establish a LVC mechanism in all existing and future suburban developments to fund a major increase in community food infrastructure. 

Recommendation 4 

Invest in municipal and public markets and community food infrastructure.  

Recommendation 5 

Fund a range of measures to improve healthy food access, including a school meals program in Victoria.  

Recommendation 6 

Fund a range of measures to support the transition to a Circular and Sustainable Food Economy, including a Centre for Regenerative Agriculture.