The Victorian government’s recent announcement of free public transport for children seems like a welcome relief for many families struggling with the rising cost of living. Taking my daughter to the city on weekends often costs more than the actual activities we’re heading to, so I understand why many parents are celebrating this news.

However, something doesn’t sit quite right about this announcement. While scrolling through online discussions about this initiative, I spotted several comments pointing to a more troubling reality: this feel-good announcement coincides with a $2.4 billion cut to public school funding. The timing feels calculated, like offering someone a chocolate bar while picking their pocket.