Election Priorities for Children and Families: Victoria State Election 2026
Last updated: 24 Aug 2026
Election Priorities for Victoria’s children and families
Every child deserves to be safe, heard and connected to their culture, family and community, yet too many children, young people and families across Victoria are being let down by systems that are under pressure and unable to meet growing need.
The Centre stands alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, supporting Aboriginal-led approaches, Treaty, the truth-telling and healing journey advanced through Yoorrook, and the leadership of Gellung Warl, VACCA and the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance.
The Centre is the peak body for child and families services in Victoria and Tasmania, representing 180 member organisations. For over 100 years the Centre has advocated for the rights and wellbeing of childre, young people and families, ensuring their right to be heard, to be safe, to access education and to remain connected to family, community and culture.
We call on all parties and candidates to commit to the following priorities:
Our commitment to respectful debate this election
15 Sep 2026
As Victoria approaches the State Election on 28 November, the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre) is committed to inclusive, collaborative and respectful public messaging that promotes the rights and wellbeing of children, young people, their carers and families.
Federal housing commitment offers new hope for young people and women escaping violence
15 Sep 2026
The Centre joins over 200 members of the Home Time youth housing coalition in welcoming the Australian Government's decision to extend the Housing Australia Future Fund crisis and transitional housing program, supporting the delivery of around 500 additional homes.
Alex and Amy’s story: foster care is part of everyday life
14 Sep 2026
When Alex and Amy first started talking about foster care, it was not a question of if, but when. Now, more than a year into caring for their foster son, they say the experience has become part of everyday family life.