Victorian budget winners and losers

VICTORIAN BUDGET 2018/19:

WINNERS

* PUBLIC SCHOOLS - $2.8 billion for building and planning 28 new primary and secondary schools, with a focus on developing and regional areas.

* MENTAL HEALTH - Record $705 million for mental health and drug addiction support services, regional rehab facilities and six new hospital emergency crisis hubs.

* APPRENTICES - Thirty free TAFE courses and 18 pre-apprenticeship courses in growth industries including aged care, agriculture, construction and engineering.

* COURTS - New bail and remand court with more prosecutors, judges and magistrates.

* REGIONAL BUSINESSES - Businesses employing at least 85 per cent local people will pay half the metropolitan payroll tax rate.

LOSERS

* HOUSEHOLDS - Increased council fees amid recycling squeeze with struggling households eligible for small increase in help paying energy and water bills. Customers visiting government-run comparison website to pocket $50.

* ENVIRONMENT - No new significant funding to tackle climate change.

* CATHOLIC AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS - No new funding.

* PUBLIC HOUSING - No action on recommendations of Infrastructure Victoria, which put social housing as one of the top three priorities for Infrastructure spending.

Source: Victorian Government