15 October

Largest ever new schools project under way
Treasurer Michael O'Brien and Minister for Education Martin Dixon said students in metropolitan and regional growth areas will benefit from the largest ever new school infrastructure project in Victoria under the Napthine Government's Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. What's proposed is an estimated $223 million package to build 13 new schools in growth areas of metropolitan and regional Victoria. Public Private Partnership Expressions of Interest are now open. Expressions of Interest are due by 13 November 2014, with detailed tender documents to be released to shortlisted consortia in early 2015.
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$140,000 in grants to connect Victorian students with the world
Mr Dixon said students at 14 schools across the state are on track to becoming citizens of the world thanks to $140,000 in sister school grants from the Victorian Coalition Government. "Sister school partnerships provide students with real world exposure to other languages, cultures and ideas, while laying the groundwork for lasting networks and friendships with young people overseas," Mr Dixon said. Thirteen government schools and one catholic school succeeded in receiving $10,000 each to assist in setting up a partnership, bringing the total number of government schools with sister schools to a record high of 305.
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Napthine too little, too late on training quality control
Shadow Minister for Higher Education and Skills Steve Herbert said Premier Denis Napthine's last-minute changes to funding in the training market as reported are too little, too late. The Government is making changes to its funding rules by making TAFEs and private training organisations forecast their enrolments and justify blowouts. "Tweaking at the margins now won't solve the training quality problems that the Liberals have denied since the last election," Mr Herbert said. "People have a clear choice between the Napthine Government which has ruined TAFE, or a Labor government that will support TAFE and ensure our kids get the skills they need."
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13 October

$9 million commitment to upgrade McKinnon Secondary College
Premier Denis Napthine and the Member for Bentleigh Elizabeth Miller visited students and teachers at McKinnon Secondary College, and announced a $9 million funding commitment to upgrade the school, under a re-elected Coalition Government. "I'm delighted to announce a $9 million upgrade of McKinnon Secondary College if the Coalition Government is re-elected," Dr Napthine said. "The McKinnon school community will have flexibility to use this $9 million investment to deliver modern, state-of-the-art learning environments for the benefit of the students and staff. "This will include refurbishing school buildings and improvements to the Year 12 area, music and canteen facilities and the library foyer.
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$9.6 million commitment to upgrade Bentleigh Secondary College
Dr Napthine said a re-elected Napthine Government has committed to a $9.6 million upgrade for Bentleigh Secondary College. "It was a pleasure to visit students and teachers at Bentleigh Secondary College to announce this $9.6 million commitment to upgrade of Bentleigh Secondary College if the Victorian Coalition Government is re-elected," Dr Napthine said. "The investment is part of building better schools for students in the Bentleigh electorate and will deliver high quality modern facilities, including two new basketball courts and a school community carpark." "This future investment in Bentleigh Secondary College is due to the hard work and dedication of the local member, Elizabeth Miller."
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Coalition pledges $2.1 million to upgrade Kew High
Mr Dixon announced Kew High School will receive a $2.1 million upgrade under a re-elected Coalition Government. Mr Dixon made the announcement during a visit to the school with Liberal candidate for Kew Tim Smith and retiring Member for Kew Andrew McIntosh. "The Victorian Coalition Government is building better schools for all Victorian students and I'm delighted to announce that under a re-elected Napthine Government Kew High School will undergo a $2.1 million upgrade," Mr Dixon said. "The Napthine Government is committed to improving education in Kew by ensuring students and families have access to the very best facilities and learning spaces available."
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12 October

$50,000 grant to support Bully Zero Australia hotline
Mr Dixon said the Napthine Government has further strengthened its commitment to stamping out bullying through a $50,000 grant to the Bully Zero Australia Foundation to support its vital bullying helpline. The funding was announced at the 2014 Bully Zero Charity Ball fundraiser at Etihad Stadium. Bully Zero Australia Foundation's 24-hour bullying hotline provides a vital service for people of all ages affected by bullying, and the Napthine Government is proud to be supporting it with this $50,000 grant. The Bully Zero Australia Foundation and the Napthine Government share a goal to establish a culture of zero-tolerance for bullying.
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10 October

Two new schools for Armstrong Creek
Premier Denis Napthine said families in Geelong's Armstrong Creek growth area will benefit from two new schools announced by Premier Denis Napthine and Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos. Adjacent to the City of Geelong's new community hub development, the new schools, including a primary school and a special school, will support growth in Armstrong Creek and the Geelong region. "Armstrong Creek is forecast to expand rapidly, and these two co-located schools will offer new education opportunities for families in the area, and in close proximity to other community services," Dr Napthine said. The Armstrong Creek growth area is one of the largest growth fronts in the country.
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16 October

Napthine Government commits more than $22 million for two 40-bed Youth Foyers
Premier Denis Napthine and Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell announced that a re-elected Napthine Government will commit $22.1 million for two new 40-bed Education First Youth Foyers to support vulnerable young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Each foyer will provide 24-hour supported accommodation, seven days a week for young people aged 16 to 24 with support for them to access education, training and employment services, while providing them with independent living skills. Dr Napthine expressed hope that this could help break the cycle of youth homelessness.
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Regional employment continues to grow
Treasurer Michael O'Brien said employment in regional Victoria increased by 3,100 over the year to September, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures. "There are now 22,200 more people employed in regional Victoria than when Labor left office. These figures demonstrate that the Victorian Coalition Government is supporting jobs growth and investment in regional Victoria," Mr O'Brien said. "Employment in regional Victoria over the three months to September was led by Hume (2,700), Shepparton (2,800) and Latrobe Gippsland (2,100). Employment also increased in Bendigo (300) and Ballarat (300)."
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15 October

New workplace pact aims to improve compliance
The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) is joining forces with the Fair Work Ombudsman to help improve compliance with federal workplace laws relating to apprentices and trainees. The VRQA has signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Fair Work Ombudsman. It follows similar MoUs the Fair Work Ombudsman has signed recently with the Accommodation Association of Australia (AAoA), the Australian Hotels Association (AHA), Restaurant and Catering Association (RCA), and the Australian Security Industry Association Ltd (ASIAL). Deputy Fair Work Ombudsman (Operations) Michael Campbell co-signed the MoU in Melbourne with VRQA Director Lynn Glover.
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13 October

Expansion of Aegis Services Australia to create 550 new jobs
Dr Napthine said Aegis Services Australia will expand its business processing outsourcing operations in Victoria, creating 550 new jobs. "200 new jobs will be created next year, and an additional 350 jobs in 2016," Dr Napthine said. "This expansion will see Aegis Services Australia (Aegis), a global outsourcing and technology company, establish Victoria as its Asia-Pacific hub for business processing outsourcing. "This announcement is an example of the Victorian Coalition Government's commitment to creating Victorian jobs and boosting our economy, as announced last week with the Victorian Jobs in the 21st Century plan.
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10 October

Regional Growth Fund delivers jobs for Toora
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said forty-five new jobs will be created in Toora with ViPlus dairy announcing it will embark on a $50.4 million expansion that will boost production of high quality locally produced dairy products for the export market. Deputy Premier and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan joined The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region Danny O'Brien in Toora to announce the Victorian Coalition Government would invest $1.5 million to support the expansion. The Coalition Government's $1.5 million investment will be provided through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund, and is the 38th project to be supported by the Regional Growth Fund in South Gippsland.
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16 October

VEET to operate in 2015 then close to save on bills
Minister for Energy and Resource Russell Northe reaffirmed that the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme will continue to operate next year to provide participating businesses time to adjust before the scheme is closed at the end of 2015. The Government decided to close the VEET scheme at the end of 2015 after a review found continuing with the scheme would impose costs on the economy and on many households. The review found that if the scheme were to continue with its current targets, it would be at a net cost to the Victorian economy of more than $700 million.
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15 October

Mining activity easier to find with new web map
Mr Northe launched Australia's first web tool specifically designed to help Victorian communities locate mining and exploration activities in their regions quickly and easily. Mr Northe hoped the easy-to-use Mining Licences Near Me web tool would ensure greater transparency for communities regarding industry activity in their region, both onshore and offshore, including minerals, gas and quarries. The tool responds to Recommendation 10 from the Economic Development and Investment Committee inquiry into Greenfields Mineral Exploration and Project Development in Victoria which calls for greater transparency of applications for exploration licences.
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Bills to increase under Napthine sham energy statement
Labor MP Lily D'Ambrosio said the Napthine Government's energy statement is a sham that will send energy bills skyrocketing. "It won't only drive up energy prices, it will leave vulnerable people more exposed to bill shocks and disconnections and it doesn't support cheap renewable energy or jobs of the future," Ms D'Ambrosio said. "The Energy Statement, released just 47 days before the election, is a huge disappointment for the renewable energy sector, already overlooked under Denis Napthine's error-plagued jobs plan. This plan won't secure Victorian's energy - it will secure higher profits for energy companies and higher bills for families and small business."
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13 October

Energy plan to power Victoria's economy
Mr Northe said the Victorian Coalition Government released Victoria's Energy Statement, its energy plan to make sure Victoria has the safe, reliable and affordable energy needed to underpin the state's economy and liveability. Mr Northe said the statement set out the Napthine Government's policy direction for dealing with rapid change in the energy sector. "The Coalition Government is setting out a strong plan to ensure all Victorians continue to have access to the safe, affordable and reliable energy that underpins not just our economy but our way of life," Mr Northe said.
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14 October

$160,000 For Swan Hill Landcare Groups
Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh said landcare groups across Swan Hill have received almost $160,000 boost to deliver local environmental projects. The Victorian Government is supporting the local groups who will share in the funding to boost the health of the region's land and waterways. "The Victorian Government will invest almost $161,000 in 11 local groups that will deliver rabbit and pest plant control programs," Mr Walsh said. "Our local environment will benefit from the Victorian Landcare Grants program that focuses on providing local community groups with the support they need to deliver environmental benefits at a local level."
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More than $21,000 boost for Mallee Landcare groups
Member for Mildura Peter Crisp said landcare groups across the Mallee have received a $21,960 boost for local environmental projects. The Victorian Coalition Government has provided the funding for local community groups in the Mildura to benefit the health of the region's land and waterways. "More than $21,000 in funding will be invested in a range of projects that will see levels of rabbits and pest plants controlled, and wetlands restored," Mr Crisp said. "Our environment will benefit from the Victorian Landcare Grants program that supports our local community groups to deliver environmental benefits at a local level."
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10 October

Coalition invests in Campaspe River health
Mr Walsh said recreational fishing in the Campaspe River is set to improve thanks to a $155,000 investment from the Victorian Coalition Government to improve fish habitat. The new 'rock fishway' at Echuca Weir has been funded through the Coalition Government's $3.73 million Caring for the Campaspe initiative. This project will open up 27 kilometres of river habitat for fish passage, allowing native fish such as Murray cod and golden perch to move more freely up and down the Campaspe River for feeding and spawning. The 40-year-old Echuca Weir previously restricted fish movement and the community and local fishers had been calling for it to be upgraded for years.
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15 October

Coalition Government delivers $2 billion surplus for 2013-14
Treasurer Michael O'Brien said the Victorian Coalition Government has delivered an operating surplus of $2 billion for the 2013-14 financial year - the strongest budget result since 1998-99. Mr O'Brien said the result reflected the Coalition Government's strategy to build stronger state finances that support policies to grow the economy and create jobs. "This budget surplus helps to fund our record $27 billion infrastructure program without relying on unsustainable debt. Labor's reckless approach would put all of this at risk," Mr O'Brien said.
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14 October

Government welcomes VLRC report on forfeiture rule
Attorney-General Robert Clark has welcomed a report from the Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC) tabled in Parliament examining the common law rule of forfeiture. The forfeiture rule prohibits people who have unlawfully killed another person from inheriting from their victim in certain circumstances. In 2013 Mr Clark asked the VLRC to review the common law forfeiture rule and the circumstances in which it should no longer be appropriate for a person who has killed another person to benefit from that death. The VLRC issued a consultation paper in March this year and considered submissions from a range of organisations and individuals.
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15 October

Expert advisory group for Sunshine North asbestos
Minister for Health David Davis said an expert advisory group has been appointed to advise on public health actions required following the possibility of a cluster of asbestos-related deaths and illnesses. "The purpose of the expert advisory group is to provide the Government and Department of Health with high quality, independent scientific and technical advice on a possible cluster in the area around the former asbestos plant in McIntyre Road," Mr Davis said. "The Department has already asked the Victorian Cancer Registry to conduct an urgent, detailed analysis of the data it has about cancer-related diseases in the area. This will include mesothelioma and other lung cancers."
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Coalition delivers 679 additional paramedics
Mr Davis said the Ambulance Victoria annual report shows Victoria has more paramedics than ever before. "The annual report noted that transfer times at metropolitan hospitals have improved considerably, due to the reforms introduced by the Victorian Coalition Government following the report from the Ambulance Transfer Taskforce," Mr Davis said. "Victoria now has 679 more paramedics than when our Government came into office in 2010. Before coming to office, the Coalition committed to rolling out an extra 310 paramedics and 30 patient transport officers across the state but these figures clearly show the Coalition Government has well exceeded that figure."
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14 October

Discounts For Working Seniors
Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh said the Victorian Government will expand the Victorian Seniors Card program in 2015 to provide business discounts to more than 160,000 seniors who are still working 35 hours or more per week during the 2014 Victorian Seniors Festival. "This will provide access to a wide range of business discounts currently enjoyed by more than 940,000 Victorian Seniors Card holders," Mr Walsh said. Currently, more than 4000 businesses across Victoria participate in the Seniors Card business discount program with most offering a minimum of 10% discount on goods and services.
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Local hospitals win prestigious healthcare awards
Nationals Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy congratulated two local hospitals who won prestigious awards at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. Northeast Health Wangaratta won the Regional health service of the year and Yarrawonga Health won rural health service of the year in the Premier's Health Service of the Year section of the awards. Mr McCurdy said the awards were wonderful recognition of the work of our local hospitals. "Congratulations to Margaret Bennett, chief executive officer of Northeast Health Wangaratta and her hard working team," Mr McCurdy said. "The contribution of the board, management and staff is significant in this accolade."
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13 October

Protecting our health professionals from violence
Mr Davis said the Napthine Government will seek to pass new laws protecting nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers from threatening behavior, violence and assault. Mr Davis said the Justice Legislation Amendment (Confiscation and Other Matters) Bill 2014 will send a clear message that assaults on doctors, nurses and other health professionals providing care are unacceptable. "Offenders who assault health practitioners in hospitals or anywhere that they are providing or supporting care will face up to six months jail and fines, double the penalty for a common assault," Mr Davis said.
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Discounts for working seniors
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Government will expand the Victorian Seniors Card program in 2015 to provide business discounts to more than 160,000 seniors who are still working 35 hours or more per week during the 2014 Victorian Seniors Festival. "This is a significant expansion that will provide access to a wide range of business discounts currently enjoyed by more than 940,000 Victorian Seniors Card holders," Mr Walsh said. Currently, more than 4000 businesses across Victoria participate in the Seniors Card business discount program with most offering a minimum of 10% discount on goods and services.
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Victoria moves on medicinal cannabis trials
Mr Davis said an agreement between Victoria, the Commonwealth and other states and territories has paved the way for a nationwide approach to exploring further how cannabis can offer relief to patients suffering from a range of debilitating or terminal illnesses. Mr Davis welcomed the support of the Prime Minister, other Premiers and Chief Ministers for the establishment of a ground-breaking clinical trial of medicinal cannabis. "We want to better understand how medicinal cannabis can help improve quality of life for seriously ill patients," Mr Davis said. "This important agreement allows us to work collaboratively."
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12 October

New $1 billion cancer centre reaches high milestone
Premier Denis Napthine and Mr Davis said the world-class $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Project has marked an historic milestone, with the 13-storey building in Parkville reaching its full height of 72 metres. Dr Napthine applauded the major 'topping out' milestone as the final steel beam was lifted into place at the building's highest peak. "Construction of the world class $1 billion VCCC Project is on budget and on track to be operational in 2016," Dr Napthine said. "The lifting of the final beam signifies the completion of the external structure of the VCCC Project's south side."
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16 October

Foreign investment drives property confidence higher
The Victorian branch of the Property Council of Australia said foreign investment in the Victorian property industry has driven business sentiment higher in the December 2014 quarter. The latest ANZ/Property Council Survey shows Victorian respondents' sentiment increased from 131 on the index for the September quarter to 135 for the December quarter. "Foreign property investors are helping lift industry buoyancy by playing an active part in the local market," said Property Council Victorian Executive Director Jennifer Cunich. 37, 33 and 30 per cent of respondees in the residential, commercial and retail sectors reported between 10-50 per cent of their sales were to foreign buyers during the quarter respectively.
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14 October

$2 million investment provides more food for vulnerable Victorian families
Premier Denis Napthine and Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell said SecondBite will have a permanent home in Kensington, a warehouse in outer Melbourne and a refrigerated van and cool room that will expand freezer capacity across regional Victoria thanks to a $2 million investment by the Napthine Government. Dr Napthine and Ms Lovell made the $2 million funding announcement with SecondBite CEO Elaine Montegriffo at Queen Victoria Market during Anti-Poverty Week 12-18 October. The $2 million investment meant SecondBite would be able to purchase its Kensington warehouse and another warehouse in outer metropolitan Melbourne.
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Napthine Government cleaning up Labor's contaminated housing mess
Ms Lovell said a valuable piece of vacant public housing land in Highett St, Richmond will be made usable thanks to the Napthine Government. "Labor bought this dud block of land in 2001 and instead of getting it cleaned up so it could be used to house those in need, three of Labor's Housing Ministers choose to do nothing and left it sitting vacant," Ms Lovell said. The Napthine Government is now opening tenders for soil remediation work to be done so the land can used, and is getting on with delivering its Social Housing Framework released earlier this year.
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15 October

Procuring big time and cost saving for councils
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) celebrated MAV Procurement's five years' of operation that has seen 42 tenders that Victoria's 79 councils participated in more than 1,500 times. Cr Bill McArthur, President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) said the strong show of support demonstrated the value of working together to achieve time and cost savings through collaborative purchasing. "The average timeframe for conducting a council tender is in excess of two months. MAV Procurement has relieved councils of this workload, delivering significant time and process efficiency savings for what collectively amounts to more than 1,500 individual council tenders," Mr McArthur said.
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13 October

$1 million more in new books for Victorian libraries
Minister for Local Government Tim Bull said all Victorian libraries will share in an extra $1 million worth of new books for their collections before the 2015 Premiers' Reading Challenge. Mr Bull said the popular annual challenge encouraged more children to read, to read more often and to read more widely. "This 2014-15 allocation from the Premiers' Reading Challenge Book Fund provides a wonderful boost to library stocks, for the benefit of Victoria's young readers," Mr Bull said. Since the challenge began in 2005, nearly 1.8 million children and young people have turned the pages of more than 30 million books.
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16 October

$60 million to boost successful manufacturing in South Australia and Victoria
Victorian Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett, Federal Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane and South Australian Minister for Automotive Transformation, Manufacturing and Innovation Susan Close said manufacturers in South Australian and Victoria will have the opportunity to capitalise on new market opportunities and create new jobs and investments, through the $60 million Next Generation Manufacturing Investment Programme. Mr Macfarlane said the programme was focussed on identifying new investment opportunities to assist Australia's manufacturing industry as it transitions from its traditional base to new higher-value added and globally-linked manufacturing.
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15 October

Manufacturing investment brings new jobs to Geelong region
Mr Hodgett and Mr Macfarlane said more than 80 manufacturing jobs will be created in the Geelong region thanks to three new projects funded under the Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund (GRIIF). Local manufacturers Quickstep Operations Pty Ltd, Organic Dairy Farmers of Australia Limited and Farm Foods Pty Ltd will receive a total of $2.9 million to extend their existing production, enabling them to develop new products and move into new markets. Quickstep will use grant funding of $1,766,625 to develop a $5 million automotive pilot production facility at Deakin University's Carbon Nexus Precinct in Waurn Ponds.
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271 new jobs to be created with grants for 53 Victorian manufacturers and networks
Mr Hodgett announced support for 53 manufacturing companies and networks, with over $10.5 million in grants to boost productivity, create jobs and expand export trade. Mr Hodgett said that $6.1 million in grants were announced under the Coalition Government's Investing in Manufacturing Technology (IMT) program along with $2.1 million in grants under the Manufacturing Productivity Networks (MPN) program, further demonstrating the Napthine Government's ongoing commitment to Victoria's manufacturing businesses and industry. These initiatives build on Victorian Jobs in the 21st Century, which commits $274 million to grow Victorian manufacturing.
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Coalition commits to new food & beverage trade roles
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government will establish three new in-country food and beverage trade specialist roles if re-elected in November. Mr Walsh said a re-elected Coalition Government would deploy food and beverage trade specialists to the Middle East, Japan and Thailand. "The Victorian Coalition has already confirmed that, if re-elected, we will invest a further $60 million to continue Growing Food and Fibre, our targeted research, development and extension initiative," Mr Walsh said.
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10 October

$102,500 grant to expand capabilities of Bendigo manufacturers
Mr Hodgett announced a $102,500 grant to assist Bendigo manufacturers to bolster their business capabilities. Mr Hodgett announced the grant to the Bendigo Manufacturing Group under the Victorian Coalition Government's Manufacturing Productivity Networks (MPN) program during a visit to the Bendigo headquarters of furniture manufacturer, Jimmy Possum. "The grant will allow the Bendigo Manufacturing Group to establish the Bendigo Manufacturing Business Systems Project, which will help local manufacturers develop and implement validated and auditable business systems in fields such as quality assurance and environmental management," Mr Hodgett said.
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Call for applications for Business of Design Week, Hong Kong
Minister for Innovation Louise Asher is inviting applications from Victorian design businesses interested in attending Asia's leading annual event for design, innovation and brands - Business of Design Week, running from 1 to 6 December in Hong Kong. "The Victorian Coalition Government is offering assistance to firms interested in attending Business of Design Week. A maximum of 15 grants are available through the Export Design Program," Ms Asher said. "The networker grants, each valued at up to $2,500, will cover the cost of travel, accommodation and conference entry." "With support from the Victorian Government's Export Design Program, Victorian-based companies can participate in Business of Design Week."
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15 October

Victorian Ombudsman calls for better reporting in psychiatric facilities
The Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass said poor record keeping, particularly the absence of incident reports, has prevented her from reaching conclusions about allegations of the use of excessive force on patients at an adult acute psychiatric facility. "Good record keeping practices foster a culture of transparency and accountability that needs to be in place to ensure people deprived of their liberty are protected when they cannot protect themselves." Ms Glass said. "The paucity of records kept by the facility means I cannot provide the public with that assurance in this instance, which I acknowledge can be frustrating for patients, staff subject to allegations, and Community Visitors."
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14 October

Celebrating outstanding mental healthcare in Victoria
Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge paid tribute to the outstanding work of Victoria's mental health and drug and alcohol services as well as the employers and educators who create opportunities for people with a mental illness to work and study. Attending the 2014 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards, Ms Wooldridge presented awards in four categories to people and teams working to provide high quality mental health and drug and alcohol treatment across the state at a special ceremony in Melbourne. Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare) consumer consultant Julie Dempsey took out the award for outstanding achievement by an individual or team in mental healthcare.
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10 October

Coalition commits to record investment to address eating disorders
Ms Wooldridge said a re-elected Coalition Government will invest more than $10 million in a package to improve treatment and support for people with an eating disorder, their families and carers. The Coalition's investment recognised the need for early intervention and access to timely and appropriate treatment to ensure that people do not suffer the long-term health problems associated with developing an eating disorder. In addition to the $10 million election commitment, the Napthine Government also announced an immediate $2.14 million investment to support the implementation of the Victorian Eating Disorders Strategy.
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$350,000 funding for headspace Bendigo
Ms Wooldridge said young people in Bendigo will benefit from the Victorian Coalition Government's $350,000 investment to support the establishment of a new expanded headspace centre. headspace provides youth-specific services which cover mental health care, drug and alcohol services and vocational support for young people aged 12 to 25 years. Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge said the new premises means headspace Bendigo's partners, including Bendigo Community Health, YSAS, Bendigo Health and Mind Australia, can support more young people, earlier in the onset of their illness and potentially prevent long-term issues.
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Letter To The Editor - Headspace
Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh said "can I say how delighted I am that Swan Hill is about to get a Headspace Centre. I have been working with local community groups and the State Minister for Mental Health, Mary Wooldridge, for many years to secure a Headspace Centre in Swan Hill. The need for such a Centre here is indisputable and it will no doubt prove to be an extremely valuable addition to mental health services in our region and, in particular, for our youth. I look forward to its establishment and its positive contribution to the hard working existing service providers."
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14 October

Napthine Government reinforces its support for Victoria's multicultural media
Premier Denis Napthine and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Matthew Guy have commended the multicultural media's role in ensuring all Victorians can access information and feel connected to the community. Dr Napthine said the purpose of the conferences was to provide multicultural media representatives with access to senior members of the Victorian Government, and to provide information on the Victorian Coalition Government's key initiatives, including those specifically relating to multicultural affairs and citizenship. Mr Guy said more than $24.4 million has been allocated to the Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship portfolio in this year's State Budget.
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14 October

Reforms and restructures put Places Victoria back in the black
Minister for Planning Matthew Guy said Government urban renewal authority Places Victoria has delivered a strong financial performance for the 2013-14 financial year, achieving a $43.5 million profit. The Victorian Coalition Government's urban renewal authority has proved its ability to be a sustainable and enduring business by delivering a significant profit in 2013-14 while also returning capital to the Victorian Government, repaying debt and increasing its cash reserves. "Places Victoria is now in strong position to focus on its core urban renewal mandate. It has been tasked with the important role of working closely with both government and the private sector.
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13 October

Donald Memorial Park Receives Funding Boost
Nationals MP Peter Walsh announced The Victorian Government is investing $18,000 from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund to improve facilities at the popular Donald Memorial Park The Donald Amenity Improvements Project will upgrade infrastructure at the park, creating an attractive and functional open-air space for locals of all ages to enjoy. "The Donald Memorial Park is a popular spot for family outings and community activities, including the local 'Back Yard' cricket competition," Mr Walsh said. "It is also home to a regular market and is a pleasant stopover for travellers on the Sunraysia Highway on their way to and from Mildura.
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14 October

Compulsory blood tests for drivers who kill or injure
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells said the Napthine Government has continued its crackdown on motorists who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. Mr Wells announced that any driver involved in an accident which kills or seriously injures someone else will be subjected to a mandatory blood test for drugs. "There will be no exceptions and there will be no excuses when there is an accident that results in someone losing their life or someone suffering a life changing injury," Mr Wells said.
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13 October

Report finds 'considerable progress' on East Gippsland fire reform
Mr Wells released the 2013-14 Fire Season Compliance Report, by Inspector-General for Emergency Management, Tony Pearce. The Inspector-General's report highlights the 'considerable progress' on actions relating to: Improving road traffic management, Increasing community involvement in fire preparedness, response and recovery, initial attack and utilisation of resources and cross-border fire arrangements. The report found that of 86 actions proposed, only seven were yet to commence. Minister Wells will return to East Gippsland to discuss the findings and recommendations with local communities in Bonang, Goongerah-Deddick, Lindenow and surrounding areas.
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Heat wave assessment shows messages were heeded
Minister for Health David Davis said an analysis of excess deaths during the summer heat wave conditions showed Victorians listened to warnings about the impacts of heat on the health of the vulnerable. Victoria experienced a significant heat wave, with the hottest four-day period on record between 14 and 17 January 2014. "A detailed analysis of all the available data showed there were 858 deaths during the week of the heat wave, with 691 deaths expected, based on deaths data from previous years This represents an estimated 167 excess deaths and corresponds to a 24 per cent increase in deaths.
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10 October

Rollout of new firefighting fleet begins
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the first vehicles of Victoria's new $82.1 million forest firefighting fleet have been unveiled in Warrandyte. Mr Smith inspected the trucks, the first of 306 new firefighting vehicles specifically designed to provide greater protection to fire crews and Victorian communities. "The Napthine Government's investment in the forest firefighting fleet will improve safety conditions for firefighters and deliver increased water carrying capacity," Mr Smith said "On top of this, the project will create 10 new Victorian jobs during the building and fitting of equipment to the vehicles.
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15 October

Local Landscapes receive helping hand
Nationals MP Peter Walsh said two local community groups have received funding to assist with their projects as part of the Victorian Government's program to improve local community sites and assets. "Almost $10,000 from the Napthine Government's Local Landscape Enhancement grants program will enable these local community groups to further protect and support our environment," Mr Walsh said. Successful recipients in the Swan Hill region are Swan Hill College FLO Campus - $1992 for the Longhurst Indigenous Garden Development and The Gunbower Island Community Reference Group which received $8281 for the Wetlands Environmental Task force.
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10 October

Buloke Aerodromes receive $10,000 funding boost
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Government is investing $10,000 from the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund to update key infrastructure at aerodromes across Buloke Shire to deliver safer facilities for emergency services and the local community. Announcing the funding, Mr Walsh said the $10,000 Aerodrome Gable Marker Upgrades project would bring the shire's ageing aviation infrastructure up to current Civil Aviation Safety Authority standards. "Aerodromes in Buloke Shire are an essential resource for our state's emergency services, including air ambulances and the flying doctors service.
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15 October

Young people in Gannawarra ready to kick-start change
Nationals MP Peter Walsh said young people in Kerang and district are invited to get involved and have a say in local decision making, following the latest round of Victorian Government funding that will provide support to youth groups in rural and regional Victoria. Mr Walsh said that the Gannawarra Youth Council had received $1,000 from the Victorian Government's Shape It grants program for their Spalshtastic program. The Shape It grants program is part of the Napthine Government's $3.2 million investment into supporting young people in regional and rural areas to become more involved in local decision-making.
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13 October

Wangaratta set for active recreation boost
Nationals Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said Wangaratta residents will soon be able to get more active and healthy at new and improved recreation facilities thanks to a $95,000 funding boost announced from the Victorian Government's Community Facility Funding Program (CFFP). The grant would help the Rural City of Wangaratta support the Wangaratta Informal Recreation Project which will provide opportunities for the wider community to participate in active recreation. "The Wangaratta Informal Recreation Project will install active recreation facilities across two areas in Wangaratta," Mr McCurdy said. "The HP Barr Reserve will see the installation of new outdoor exercise equipment and a nine hole frisbee golf course.
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10 October

Wangaratta soccer scores facility funding
Mr McCurdy said Wangaratta's soccer community will soon benefit from improved facilities, thanks to a $100,000 funding boost announced from the Victorian Government's Community Facility Funding Program (CFFP). The grant would help the Rural City of Wangaratta support the South Wangaratta Reserve Soccer Pitch Realignment Project which will provide more opportunities for local clubs and the wider community to participate in sport and active recreation. The funding will be used to redevelop the existing soccer pitch including realignment, drainage and irrigation. The project will deliver a third full sized soccer pitch to support growing participation in soccer and significantly increase programming opportunities.
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13 October

Study Melbourne leads the way in social media
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said Study Melbourne has created Australia's largest Facebook community for a state education initiative, after surpassing more than 175,000 'likes'. The page was established in March 2014 and has since exceeded all expectations with its rapid growth and extremely high levels of engagement. It became the most popular state government page for international students after passing the 165,000 'likes' of Study Brisbane. Study Melbourne is the Victorian Coalition Government's flagship international education brand, providing potential and existing students with information about studying and living in Melbourne.
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15 October

Victorians urged to share the road with heavy vehicles
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) urged all Victorian road users to consider the way they interact with heavy vehicles. VTA CEO Peter Anderson said that Victoria is the nation's freight and logistics hub, with Melbourne being home to Australia's busiest container port, and with that obviously comes the movement of trucks, particularly around the port precincts. "Without heavy vehicles we wouldn't be able to live our lives the way we do," Mr Anderson said. "Road vehicles carry an estimated 84 percent of Victoria's total land freight task so the chances of motorists encountering heavy vehicles on the roads is extremely high."
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Only Labor will remove Grange Road level crossing
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said an elected Victorian Labor Government would reduce congestion in Melbourne's inner north by removing the Grange Road level crossing in Fairfield/Alphington. "The announcement builds on our $110 million plan to upgrade the Chandler Highway Bridge, adding two additional lanes to ease traffic congestion," Mr Andrews said. Last year, Victorian Labor announced Project 10,000, a plan to remove 50 of the worst level crossings and double the size of the City Loop. "Level crossings cause congestion, slow down trains and put lives in danger." Mr Andrews said.
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14 October

Regional Rail Link an award winner in sustainability
Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said the Regional Rail Link has won this year's Premier's Sustainability Award in the Infrastructure and Buildings category, further demonstrating the project's importance to a more environmentally sustainable future for Victoria. The award was a further endorsement of the $3.9 billion dollar rail project. "This award caps off a triumphant 2014 for the Regional Rail Link," Mr Mulder said. "Earlier this year, Regional Rail Link was awarded Infrastructure Project of the Year, acknowledging the innovation and excellence of this major transport infrastructure project. This latest success recognises Regional Rail Link's commitment to achieving better than industry practice sustainability outcomes.
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Be safer on Ride2Work Day by knowing the road rules
Mr Mulder said more than 50,000 Australians will get on their bikes for a healthy commute to work on the annual Ride2Work Day. But cyclists riding to work and other road users could improve their safety by being more aware of the cycling related road rules. Initial findings from the VicRoads Cycling Road Rules Survey indicate a knowledge gap about some road rules. There are three rules that many road users are unaware of or unclear about, that if better known and used could improve safety," Mr Mulder said.
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MP rides to work at Parliament House
Nationals MP Tim McCurdy said he would ride his bike to work at Parliament House for national Ride2Work Day. "There are some great Ride2Work Day events being held locally but as it is a Parliament sitting week I am in Melbourne so I can't be there," Mr McCurdy said. "I always ride my bike from my accommodation to Parliament House when I am in Melbourne so it is great to do that on national Ride2Work Day too." Ride2Work Day is held annually to celebrate riding as a form of commuting to work. It encourages people who have never ridden to work before to give it a go.
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13 October

Truck rest area upgrades on Hume Freeway
Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, Mr Mulder and Mr McCurdy said more than $1.8 million will be invested in upgrading the heavy vehicle rest area at Glenrowan on the northbound carriageway of the Hume Freeway. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said $1.84 million in improvements will enhance safety for truck drivers and cater for increased use. "The Glenrowan truck parking area currently has the capacity for all-weather parking for eight trucks as well as toilets, lighting and two picnic tables," Mr Truss said.
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Commuters win - railway car parks for their use only
Mr Mulder said the Victorian Coalition Government has gazetted new regulations effective from 1 January 2015 to crack down on non-commuters using railway station car parks. The regulations will be initially trialled at Box Hill, Burwood, Camberwell, Heidelberg, Highett and Murrumbeena stations, all locations where commuters have had to endure noncommuters taking precious free commuter car parking spaces. "Car parks are there for public transport users who directly contribute to the cost of running, maintaining and upgrading Melbourne's trains, trams and buses by paying a fare," Mr Mulder said.
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Revamped Glen Waverley Station precinct wins prestigious planning award
Mr Mulder said the Napthine Government's inaugural Station Precinct Enhancement Program project has won a prestigious Award for Planning Excellence from the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). The $70 million IKON Glen Waverley development and station forecourt upgrade, delivered by Consolidated Properties and VicTrack, was recognised at the awards ceremony, presented by Minister for Planning Matthew Guy. "The Coalition Government's Station Precinct Enhancement Program, delivered by VicTrack, provides upgraded stations and surrounding precincts, funded by developing under-utilised railway land in collaboration with the private sector.
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12 October

Walsh Opens Swing Bridge
Nationals MP Peter Walsh officially opened the new Yarriambiack Creek Swing Bridge. The pedestrian bridge, adjacent to the vehicle bridge over the creek on the Rainbow Road will be a major boost to public safety and will improve access to the existing weir pool walking tracks. The bridge completes a 7km loop track and avoids the need for pedestrians to cross the creek on the existing vehicle bridge and the inherent dangers to both pedestrians and vehicle users in doing so. The $295,000 bridge was constructed thanks to a grant of $220,000 from the State Government's Regional Growth Fund.
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Waurn Ponds Station opens
Mr Mulder said Geelong's newest railway station has opened, with locals gathering to celebrate the commencement of V/Line train services from Waurn Ponds Station. The opening of the $25.9 million Waurn Ponds Station will benefit the communities of Waurn Ponds, Grovedale and the Surf Coast. "It took just over seven months to build this fantastic new station, but the benefits for the local area will last for decades. "Another train station for Geelong's booming southern suburbs means locals from the Surf Coast and Geelong's southern suburbs now have an alternative to traveling from the popular Marshall Station."
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11 October

Epsom Station opens
Mr Mulder said a community celebration at the brand new Epsom Station on Saturday will pave the way for the first V/Line train in 40 years to service the area. The $7.76 million Epsom and Eaglehawk Rail Improvements are a great example of the wider benefits a station can bring to a regional growth area. "We'll see this is not just a $7.76 million investment in a station; we'll see this is a $7.76 million investment in the people of Greater Bendigo," Mr Mulder said. Liberal candidate for Bendigo East Greg Bickley said that people in the growing Epsom area are looking forward to using the new station when services begin.
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10 October

Old Echuca Road Bridge Showcases Country Roads And Bridges Program
Deputy Premier Peter Walsh said the Old Echuca Road Bridge was officially opened as an example of works happening right throughout regional Victoria under the Victorian Government's Country Roads and Bridges Program. Opening the new bridge on behalf of the Minister for Roads, Mr Walsh joined Gannawarra Shire Councillor Keith den Houting to look at the $525,000 replacement of the Old Echuca Bridge. Mr Walsh said the Old Echuca Road Bridge signified the reason why the Country Roads and Bridges Program had been such a success over a four year period.
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Good news on the way for Bendigo line travellers
Mr Mulder said five weekday Bendigo line trains will be up to five minutes faster from Monday 13 October. Mr Mulder and Member for Northern Victoria Region Damian Drum met with representatives from Loddon-Campaspe cities and shires this week to detail the improvements for V/Line Bendigo line travellers. The 5.33am from Eaglehawk will now arrive at Southern Cross five minutes earlier. The 4.23pm from Southern Cross to Eaglehawk will be four minutes quicker into Bendigo, the 5.03pm Kyneton becomes three minutes faster, the 5.31pm to the newly opened Epsom will be four minutes faster and the 5.57pm to Bendigo will be three minutes faster.
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Transport Industry takes a $130 million hit
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) raised concern that the freight and logistics industry will bear the brunt of a $130 million hike in CityLink tolls scheduled to be introduced in April 2017. The VTA is disappointed that CityLink operator Transurban has made the decision to only apply toll increases to heavy vehicles while providing a toll increase amnesty for all other users. "Trucks currently pay 1.9 times the toll of cars, but will pay up to three times more when the increase is introduced. "The upcoming increase on heavy vehicle tolls is set to cost the industry in excess of an additional $130 million per annum."
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Ambulance Victoria 2013-2014 - Annual Report
Ambulance Victoria (AV)
AV responded to a record 851,427 cases, including emergency and non-emergency cases, an increase of 3.4 per cent on the previous year. These included 168,405 emergency road incidents in the five rural regions, 383,863 emergency road incidents in the two metropolitan regions and 4,079 emergency air incidents (1,895 by helicopter and 2,184 by plane). Many factors influenced the increase in demand, including population growth, the ageing population and an increase in some members of the community using ambulance instead of primary health services for less urgent cases.
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Annual Report 2014 - Report
Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria (EWOV)
This report reveals that more than one in five of the customers who contacted EWOV in 2013-14 was seeking help to resolve a credit issue, such as the disconnection/restriction of supply, debt collection or payment difficulties. In 2013-14, EWOV received a total of 84,758 cases, 10% more than in 2012-13. EWOV received 18,065 credit cases - 48% more than in 2013-14 and 207% more than in 2009-10. The 2013-14 year also saw EWOV pass the 500,000 cases milestone since the scheme opened its doors in 1996.
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Correcting clause 25 of the energy retail code version 11 - Report
Essential Services Commission
The Commission has become aware of a drafting error in clause 25 of the Energy Retail Code version 11 (ERC v11) and this paper reflects how the Commission will address this error in both the short and long term. The Commission proposed to redraft clause 25. The Commission's intention in introducing the non-NERR language into subclause 25(1)(n) of the ERC v11 was to give effect to the Victorian Government's policy intention of retaining the retailer obligation to include graphical consumption information for smart meter customers in accordance with the requirements of clause 4.4(a) of the ERC v10a.
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The Forfeiture Rule - Report
Victorian Law Reform Commission VLRC
On 29 October 2013, the Attorney-General asked the Victorian Law Reform Commission to review the common law rule of forfeiture. The forfeiture rule prevents a person who has unlawfully killed another from inheriting from their victim or acquiring another financial benefit from the death. It is an unwritten rule of public policy enforced by the courts. It has no statutory basis yet overrides the words of a will, entitlements provided in legislation, and legally binding agreements to which the deceased person was a party.
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Emergency Response ICT Systems - Report
Victorian Auditor-General
The audit assessed whether emergency response information and communications technology systems were meeting the service delivery expectations of emergency services organisations, providing services in an effective and efficient manner to optimise the dispatch and management of emergency resources, and whether these systems were being maintained and upgraded in an effective and timely manner. The audit examined 11 public sector agencies including the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA), all the emergency services organisations, as well as their portfolio departments.
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Information and Communications Technology Controls Report 2013-14
Victorian Auditor-General
This report summarises the results of our audits of selected public sector entities' information and communication technology (ICT) general controls performed in support of VAGO's 2013-14 financial audits. ICT general controls are policies, procedures and activities put in place by an entity to assist and maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of its ICT systems and data. This report is the first of its type and aims to provide additional insight and increase visibility of our ICT audit findings. This report is also intended to provide decision-makers with relevant information to assist them to address audit findings, and improve processes, and to enhance accountability across government.
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Heatwave Management: Reducing the Risk to Public Health - Report
Victorian Auditor-General
The audit examined whether the Department of Health's heatwave framework has been effective in reducing the impact of extreme heat on public health. In particular, the audit assessed whether agencies are well prepared to respond to heatwaves and have effectively applied the heatwave framework. While the framework has contributed to reducing the impact of extreme heat on public health, I found several shortcomings that need to be addressed if Victoria is to be adequately prepared for-and able to respond to-prolonged heatwaves.
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Mental Health Strategies for the Justice System - Report
Victorian Auditor-General
This audit assessed the effectiveness of planning and coordination for mental health across Victoria's criminal justice system. The audit found that justice and health agencies recognise the importance of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system. However, there is currently no overarching strategy or leadership for mental health and the justice system that focuses on improving outcomes for people with a mental illness. While there is evidence of agencies working together, this is neither uniform nor sufficiently coordinated across the justice system to address mental illness effectively.
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Public Sector Performance Measurement and Reporting - Report
Victorian Auditor-General
This audit examined the effectiveness of selected departments in applying the government's performance measurement and reporting system and of the Department of Treasury and Finance's (DTF) oversight of the system. The report highlights that the departments we examined are not effectively applying the government's performance measurement and reporting system. DTF has been partly effective in its oversight of the performance measurement and reporting system by clearly communicating the government's updated requirements. However, DTF needs to improve the quality and depth of its guidance material, the rigour of its reviews and clarity of its reporting.
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'Building for Growth', 2013-14 Financial Report (incorporating Quarterly Financial Report No. 4) - Report
Victorian Government
The 2013-14 Financial Report for the State of Victoria presents the consolidated financial outcomes for the State of Victoria, including the general government sector, the public non-financial corporations sector and the public financial corporations sector. The net result from transactions for the general government sector was a surplus of $2.0 billion in 2013-14, $1.0 billion higher than the revised estimate for the year. The difference was mainly due to the early receipt of Commonwealth grants payments which were not known or reflected in the revised estimate for 2013-14 prepared at the time of the State's 2014-15 Budget.
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13 OCT 2014: VIC GOVERNMENT GAZETTE No. S 363: Electricity Industry Act 2000 - Section 35 - Standard Retail Energy Contract - Neighbourhood Energy Pty Ltd.

13 OCT 2014: VIC SPECIAL GAZETTE No. S 361 - Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 - Section 11 - Notice of Preparation of Regulatory Impact Statement - Proposed Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2015

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VCAT Red Dot Decisions

None this edition

Planning Matters

None this edition

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