A re-elected Victorian Labor Government would invest $43 million to expand access to Indian and other modern languages in schools across the state, with Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali and Tamil among the languages set to benefit.
The commitment, announced by Premier Ben Carroll, would allow students to study languages online through an expanded Victorian School of Languages (VSL) program, regardless of whether their local school offers the subject.
Online Classes to Cover All 44 Modern VCE Languages
Under the proposal, the Victorian School of Languages would expand its online language program from the current 17 VCE languages to all 44 modern VCE languages from 2028.
The expansion would make it possible for students across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria to access online classes in languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali and Tamil.
Labor has also committed to exploring the possibility of introducing Sanskrit for Victorian students.
Premier Ben Carroll said language learning could help young people maintain connections with their heritage while creating opportunities for their future.
“Learning a language doesn’t just help young people stay connected to their past – it can unlock their future,” Carroll said.
He also reaffirmed the party’s support for Victoria’s Indian community, saying: “Labor will always back our Indian community.”
Carroll said every Victorian student should have the opportunity to study their preferred language, regardless of where they live.
Thousands More Students Could Access Language Education
More than 16,000 Victorian students are studying a VCE language this year, while around 800 currently access online language classes through the Victorian School of Languages.
The proposed $43 million investment would increase the school’s capacity to deliver online lessons and provide thousands more students with access to language education.
Minister for Education Gabrielle Williams said the investment would improve access, particularly for students in regional and rural communities.
“By investing in the Victorian School of Languages, we’ll give more students better access to language education – particularly in regional and rural communities,” Williams said.
The announcement forms part of Labor’s education commitments ahead of the Victorian election.
The government has also contrasted the proposed investment with what it describes as a $40 billion cuts agenda from a Liberal–One Nation Coalition, arguing that reduced education funding could put language programs at risk.
If implemented, the expansion would provide more students with opportunities to learn languages connected to their family heritage and cultural backgrounds while making language education more accessible across Victoria.
