Victoria’s Labor Government will invest $3.6 million to expand language learning in kindergartens, with Hindi and Punjabi among the languages set to be taught to young children across the state.
The funding, announced in the 2026–27 Budget, will support 197 kindergartens through the Early Childhood Language Program, allowing educators to introduce 21 languages — including Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese — alongside six Victorian Aboriginal languages.
The program pairs kindergarten teachers with language specialists to weave language learning into everyday activities such as play, music, storytelling, art and movement, rather than formal classroom lessons.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said the initiative helps children connect with different cultures from an early age.
“Bilingual kinders give kids the opportunity to connect and share in language and culture across generations.”
About 7,000 children in Victoria are already learning a language other than English through kindergarten programs, with the expansion expected to significantly increase that number.
The investment comes as Australia’s cultural landscape continues to evolve. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, people born in India are now the largest overseas-born group in the country, with more than 970,000 residents, reflecting strong growth over the past decade.
The Budget also includes $9.8 million to continue the Building Blocks Improvement and Inclusion Grant program, aimed at upgrading early learning centres and making them more accessible and inclusive.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the broader investment in early childhood education is focused on giving children the best start in life, including access to diverse learning opportunities.
The language program is designed not only to support multicultural communities but also to expose all children to different languages and cultures during key developmental years.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
