The Victorian budget has invested in roads and tunnels at the expense of people, welfare groups say.
Treasurer Michael O'Brien said the government had made inroads to try to reduce the pressure on the cost of living, including $390 million in the 2014/15 budget to cut public transport fares and offer free trams in the Melbourne city centre and Docklands.
"Having a better public transport system helps people get around. We are investing in a way which actually helps people in cost of living," he said.
"Even our road maintenance substantially reduces wear and tear on cars."
But others attacked the budget for not having enough social focus.
Community Housing Federation of Victoria executive officer Lesley Dredge says the budget offers no growth money for social housing to ease a crisis in housing affordability.
Wesley Mission says families seem to be forgotten and has called on the government not to turn its back on the most vulnerable.
"Roads and tunnels may be important, but supporting families will enable all members of our community become economic participants to build a stronger state," chief Rob Evers said.
Mr Evers also said more affordable housing was needed because more than 35,000 Victorians are waiting for public housing.
"We welcome the funding for upgrades and refurbishments, but no new housing is being built to house those who urgently require a home," he said.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence says more than 80,000 Victorian families who have one of their young members unemployed would be disappointed by the budget.
Executive director Tony Nicholson said despite increasing youth unemployment, the budget did virtually nothing to increase the skills and work experience of young people to prepare them for work.
The Victorian Council of Social Service says it is concerned about large spending cuts on student support services and a significant fall in higher education and skills, with expected falls in the number of vocational education and training student numbers.
It says when the education maintenance allowance is cut next year, more than 200,000 Victorian students will start school without the current levels of assistance to buy books, uniforms and the technology they need.
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