All parents of kinder kids will receive $100 cash back, Premier Denis Napthine has promised if he is re-elected in three weeks time.
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Launching the Coalition's state election campaign in Ballarat — which was heavy on anti-Labor rhetoric, painting them as the enemy of country Victoria — the Premier also outlined a $75 million youth unemployment strategy.
Dr Napthine also said that a re-elected Coalition government would put a primary welfare officer in all state schools.
The kindergarten rebate would be available for every Victorian child attending kinder in the year before primary school, with the Coalition estimating it would cost $23 million over four years with more than 200,000 families benefiting.
"The Coalition government recognises that young families are feeling cost-of-living pressures and this is simple, effective and financially responsible way to help ease those pressures," Dr Napthine said.
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan emphatically declared that they would win the election but conceded it would be a tight battle.
Dr Napthine said with the Coalition having delivered on its 2010 commitment to provide an extra 150 primary welfare officers, it would increase the program to cover all state primary schools.
That project will cost $78 million over four years.
The government has also moved to address youth unemployment with a $75 million fund to give business incentives to employ young people.
The strategy will support Victorians aged 15-24 years who have been unemployed for six month and are not enrolled in full time education or training.
Business will be given $2000 to help with recruitment and start-up cost as well WorkCover premium rebates for those companies that employ a young person for 12 months. There would also be payroll tax exclusion for new employees for up to one year.
Labor has also promised a similar incentive scheme for businesses employing the long-term unemployed.
Earlier Liberal delegates had to run a gauntlet of anti-government protesters from Trades Hall as they entered the Ballarat Lodge.
Protesters, in particular from the paramedics and firefighters union, picketed the event and heckled attendees as they entered the building.
"Worst ambulance response time ever" and "can you hold your breath for 23 minutes?" were screamed at arriving delegates, including former Premier Jeff Kennett. Ted Baillieu slipped in through a side door.
Inside Dr Napthine, Mr Ryan, local candidates and Planning Minister Matthew Guy pushed the idea that Labor was bad for Victoria and could not be trusted. There was a strong flavour that only the Coalition had country and regional Victoria's interests at heart.
Capturing the mood Dr Napthine also announced a $100 million regional cities infrastructure fund available for Victoria's 10 largest regional cities. The money would come out of the existing Regional Infrastructure Fund and be available for CBD revitalisation, recreation upgrades and cultural projects.
The Premier also used the event to detail a $3.9 billion package to buy new rolling stock for the state's rail and tram network.
Ballarat includes three marginal seats and the campaign launch comes two weeks after Labor's Geelong event and less than three weeks before the poll.
The next week is seen as crucial by some strategists for the Liberal party to regain the agenda and momentum of the election.
Dr Napthine's son, Tom gave a heartfelt introduction to his father, describing how proud he was.
- THE AGE
