Ahead of the November 2026 Victorian state election, Vision Australia has released its election priorities highlighting five areas the next government should focus on to improve the independence, confidence and connection of the state’s blind and low vision community.
The election priorities cover several key areas, including community participation, access to information and employment, where change would lead to positive outcomes for the nearly 100,000 people in Victoria who are blind or have low vision.
“Vision Australia is extremely proud of our advocacy track record and we believe the priorities we have put forward ahead of the state election are initiatives that would significantly improve conditions and opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision if enacted by the next government,” Chris Edwards, Vision Australia Chief Mission Officer, said.
“The priorities we have outlined would have positive effect in all aspects of life for members of our community. By adopting these initiatives, the incoming state government would help people who are blind or have low vision be active and independent members of the community, help ensure they have equal access to information and improve employment opportunities for a cohort that face significant barriers to finding and maintaining work,” Chris said.
Vision Australia’s Victorian election priorities
Driverless Taxi Pilot
Fund an autonomous accessible taxi pilot in Victoria, co-designed with people who are blind or have low vision.
Attacks on Dog Guides
Create a specific offence and higher penalties for any owner of a dog that attacks a dog guide.
Audio Announcements on Public Transport
Introduce clear, audible and consistent bus announcements. Enhance onboard and platform announcements for trains.
Vision Australia Radio
Invest $250,000 in Vision Australia Radio so that Victorians who are blind or have low vision can continue to access high quality, relevant and accessible information which meets their needs.
Work Skills Traineeships
Fund a supported training and employment program in Victoria for people with disability.
Vision Australia has provided the priorities to key figures across the political divide and calls on the incoming government to consider the needs of the blind and low vision community in their decision making.
