The Victorian Government has released its 2025–26 Budget, with some broad measures aimed at training and small business. While we recognise the Government’s ongoing commitment to economic recovery and workforce development, the Budget stops short of delivering the targeted support needed to address the specific challenges facing the electrical industry and small business contractors.

Skills Shortage
The Budget includes broad initiatives aimed at addressing skills shortages, though there is a lack of targeted support for the electrical trade specifically. Key training and skills budgetary measures include:

• $171 million to meet training demand via Free TAFE, helping up to 20,000 Victorians reskill or upskill
• $121 million for the TAFE Services Fund for student support and facility maintenance
• $23 million to strengthen the apprenticeship system and improve completion rates
• $9.3 million for scholarships and professional development for TAFE and adult education teachers
• Expansion of Skills Solutions Partnerships with TAFEs and universities for new short courses and on-the-job training

Small Business Support
Support for small businesses is general in nature but includes some initiatives relevant to our members:

• $3 million for the Small Business Toolkits Program, including local workshops, webinars, and business advice
•  $1 million for the Boosting Business Skills Mentoring Program, supporting 1,000 small businesses in priority sectors
• Increased access to government contract opportunities

MEA Advocacy
MEA continues to work closely with the Victorian Government and regulators to advocate for a stronger operational, regulatory, and financial environment for our members. Our key policy priorities remain:

• Small Business Support – grants, security of payment reforms, and harmonised licensing
• Workforce Development – targeted apprenticeship support, diversity initiatives, skilled migration, and RTO teacher funding
• Electrification – reduced red tape of installation rules for contractors

While this year’s Budget contains some helpful measures, MEA will continue to push for more targeted support for the electrical industry and small business sector to ensure a sustainable and skilled future workforce.

You can read the full breakdown of the Victorian 2025–26 Budget here.