Victoria Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge

Vital Role Of Carers Recognised In Law

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Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge today welcomed the passage through the Victorian Parliament of legislation recognising and valuing the role of carers and care relationships.

“Today is a significant occasion for carers and those in care relationships as we welcome the passage of the Carers Recognition Bill 2012.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

The legislation requires government and funded agencies to reflect the care relationship principles in the operation of their business, and report annually on the actions they have taken to comply with the principles.

Ms. Wooldridge said the new legislation brings Victoria’s recognition of carers into line with other states and territories and the Commonwealth.

“This legislation provides acknowledgement to carers and recognises the contribution they make to the Victorian community.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

“Carers and the people they care for are in a shared arrangement and if the care relationship is strong, the carer and the person being cared for will have a better life.”

The Bill recognises young carers, kinship and foster carers, and people providing support and assistance for someone with a mental or chronic illness, as well as those supporting ageing parents, the frail aged, or a person with a disability.

The legislation raises the status of carers and care relationships in the community and sets out principles recognising carers for their contribution.

“For the first time, Victoria will have legislation that sets out clear expectations for organisations that engage with people in care relationships about how they should be treated.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

The Victorian Charter Supporting People in Care Relationships will be updated to reflect the new legislation and will support implementation of the Bill.

Victoria Minister for Education Martin Dixon

Education Minister Launches Victorian Government Campaign On National Anti-Bullying Day

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Education Minister Martin Dixon today invited every Victorian school student to get involved in taking a stand against bullying by naming the Victorian Coalition Government’s new anti-bullying campaign.

“We’re asking students to help us name the campaign that will be used to raise awareness of the damage bullying and cyberbullying does to young people’s lives.” Mr. Dixon said.

Mr. Dixon today visited St Albans Secondary College to outline the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to tackling cyberbullying on the second annual National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

“Through Brodie’s Law the Victorian Government has put in place the legal framework to protect young people; with eSmart and other initiatives we have the programs in place, we have the money in place with $14.5 Million to tackle bullying, and now it is time to give young people a voice in saying enough is enough.” Mr. Dixon said.

Mr. Dixon said the campaign name would spearhead a range of activities designed to eliminate bullying and better protect young people from the pitfalls of social media.

“Activities could include students making short films about the impact bullying has on people’s lives, the development of new educational material for students and parents, to a road toll style campaign.” Mr. Dixon said.

“The one thing we want to make sure is that this campaign is for young people by young people.”

Mr. Dixon praised the leadership role played by St Albans Secondary College in addressing bullying.

“St. Albans is a shining example of a school that is doing everything to ensure all students feel safe from bullies.” Mr. Dixon said.

Every term the school has a ‘name a bully day’, where students anonymously let teachers know if a fellow student is bullying them or a friend. The school hosts anti-bullying assemblies, plays, and students participate in a range of other activities all designed to educate them about the importance of being responsible online citizens.

Students who submit entries to name the anti-bullying campaign before Friday 1 June will go into the running to win iPads, an iPod nano or a $500 iTunes voucher.

For more details, and to submit entries, visit: www.namethecampaign.com.au

Victoria Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith

Landfill Levy Relief For Flood-Affected Communities

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A number of local government areas in regional Victoria will be temporarily exempted from paying landfill levies for wastes generated as a result of the floods.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the move would help families, businesses and authorities in flood affected communities amid cleanup efforts.

Mr. Smith said the move was designed to support communities as they worked to overcome difficulties and repair damage caused by the floods.

The local government areas where the landfill levy exemption will apply include:

• Campaspe

• Moira

• Greater Shepparton

• Strathbogie

• Wangaratta

• Benalla

• Towong

• Wodonga

• Indigo

Using emergency provisions under the Environment Protection Act (1970) Mr. Smith has approved a temporary exemption from landfill levy payments by local governments with potential disposal sites in and bordering the affected areas.

“The Coalition recognises this is a time of enormous challenge and hardship for the affected regions. By taking these proactive steps in anticipation of future need, we are able to ensure a smoother clean up during this difficult time of flood recovery.” Mr. Smith said.

“The arrangements are similar to those announced by the Coalition Government for central and western Victoria during the January 2011 floods.”

The exemption is limited to flood waste and applies to the ‘levy’ component of the gate price.

For regional Victoria, this levy is currently $22 per tonne for municipal waste and $38.50 per tonne for industrial waste. It is up to individual landfill operators to decide if they want to waive other component fees, such as gate fees. Local governments that border the worst hit areas and with landfills in close proximity have also been given an exemption to minimise the workload on locals.

“The duration of the exemption and precise areas to which it will be applied will be reviewed as necessary to ensure communities in genuine need are not ignored.” Mr. Smith said.

Further information is available from Fergal Grahame of EPA North East Region on (03) 5720 1101 or 0427 539 558.

Victoria Minister for Gaming Michael O’Brien

Appointments to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

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The new Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation will be led by inaugural Chair Professor Bruce Singh AM, and Deputy Chair Michael Ball AM, Minister for Gaming Michael O’Brien announced today.

Mr. O’Brien said that under the leadership of Professor Singh and Mr. Ball, the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (the Foundation) will work to reduce the prevalence and severity of problem gambling and to foster responsible gambling.

The Victorian Coalition Government has committed a record $150 Million over four years to the establishment and operation of the Foundation; the largest financial commitment to tackling problem gambling in Australian history.

The Foundation will be responsible for activities including early intervention, prevention and treatment of problem gambling, provision of problem gambling counselling services, commissioning research and conducting public education and information campaigns. The Foundation will also provide the community with information about gambling regulation and licence approval processes.

The Foundation will operate under its own Act of Parliament. It is not an advocacy or policy making body, but will deliver services, conduct community education and commission research related to its objectives and functions.

“The establishment of the Foundation is a landmark reform in gambling policy and a key element of the Coalition Government’s strategy to reduce the prevalence and severity of problem gambling in Victoria.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“I am very pleased that Professor Bruce Singh AM and Michael Ball AM have agreed to lead the inaugural board of the Foundation. Victorians will benefit greatly from the experience and expertise they will bring to this important area.”

Professor Singh, as Chair, brings a wealth of experience dealing with problem gambling during his career as a psychiatrist. Currently Assistant Vice-Chancellor in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science at the University of Melbourne, Professor Singh previously served as Deputy Dean and Professor of Psychiatry.

Professor Singh has also served as Chair of the Responsible Gambling Ministerial Advisory Council since his appointment by the former state government in 2007 and Chair of the Independent Peer Review Panel on Gambling Research since 2004. Professor Singh will step down from these positions to become the Chair of the Foundation.

Professor Singh said he was very pleased to be appointed to this important role.

“Having worked in the area of problem gambling for many years, I look forward to leading an organisation dedicated to addressing the issue of problem gambling and developing initiatives to encourage responsible gambling practices.” Professor Singh said.

“The Foundation represents an exciting new phase in which we will work with service providers and the community to combat problem gambling.”

“The Foundation will also commission problem gambling research and develop and implement innovative communication activities in response to what is a matter of major community concern.”

“The Foundation draws heavily on the highly successful VicHealth model and has been set up to be as successful in addressing issues of problem gambling and encouraging responsible gambling as VicHealth has been in health promotion.” Professor Singh said.

Deputy Chair Michael Ball AM has had a distinguished business career, with more than 40 years of experience in advertising and communications, including 25 years with Ogilvy & Mather as well as extensive experience on public boards, Federal Government agencies and pro bono organisations.

Mr. Ball said that serving the Foundation will provide a valuable opportunity to build on the research, treatment and communications activities already in place to address problem gambling.

Professor Singh AM and Mr Ball have each been appointed for terms of four years.

The Foundation will have a board of between seven and eleven members, three of whom will be elected Members of Parliament.

The Foundation’s operations are expected to commence by mid-2012.

Victoria Minister for Education Martin Dixon

Victorian Schools Lead The Way On National Anti-Bullying Day

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Thousands of Victorian secondary school students will later today be logging on and speaking out as they take a united stand against bullying.

To celebrate the second annual National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, the Victorian Government has organised an interactive forum on cyberbullying open to every secondary student in the state from 2pm.

Education Minister Martin Dixon applauded the dozens of government schools that have signed up to participate in the virtual conference, hosted online by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Independent and Catholic schools have also been invited to join in.

“I am pleased so many students will be logging on to say NO! to all forms of bullying and anti-social, violent and potentially life-threatening behaviour on this incredibly important day.” Mr. Dixon said.

The virtual conference with cybersafety experts from the Australian Communications and Media Authority will give students practical advice about behaving responsibly online.

It will highlight features of cyberbullying, and focus on how students can build positive online friendships, report irresponsible or illegal behaviour and how to be safe while social networking.

“There has never been a more important time to educate students about bullying and cyberbullying than right now as young Victorians increasingly sign up to social media sites like Facebook.” Mr. Dixon said.

“Cyberbullying, violence and harassment of any kind can have devastating consequences and this is a chance for students to speak out and tell tens of thousands of their classmates that this behaviour is abhorrent and has no place in Victorian youth culture.”

Mr. Dixon said the sign-up of dozens of schools reaffirmed the Victorian Coalition Government’s priority to stamp out bullying.

As part of National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence Mr. Dixon will visit St Albans Secondary College in the morning where he will outline the next phase in the Government’s Stamp Out Bullying strategy.

Victoria Attorney-General Robert Clark

New Appointment To The Magistrates’ Court

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Attorney-General Robert Clark today announced the appointment of Hugh Radford to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.

Mr. Clark said Mr. Radford is the founder and principal of Radford Legal and brings over 20 years of legal experience to the position.

“Mr. Radford was admitted to practise in the Supreme Courts of NSW in 1989 and Victoria in 1990.” Mr. Clark said.

“He was later appointed Litigation Partner at Lewis Walker in Melbourne where he practised in commercial law and insurance litigation.”

“Mr. Radford established his own practice, Radford Legal, in 1997. His firm provides advice to clients in and around towns including Donald, Wedderburn, Stawell and St Arnaud, and also has an office in Melbourne.”

“Mr. Radford brings to the Magistrates’ Court experience in advising and representing clients in areas including criminal law, family law, commercial law, conveyancing and civil litigation.”

Mr. Radford holds a Bachelor of Laws from Sydney University and a Bachelor of Economics from La Trobe University.

“I congratulate Mr. Radford on his appointment to the Magistrates’ Court, and look forward to his ongoing contribution to the state’s judicial system.” Mr. Clark said.

Victoria Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith

Victorian Coastal Groups Invited To Share $240,000 In Coastcare Grants

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Victorian Coastal volunteer groups are invited to apply for a new round of Coastcare grants, with a total of $240,000 available to groups across the state.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said grants of between $2,000 and $25,000 was available to local groups for coastal projects in Victoria.

“The funding will support efforts such as protection of coastal habitat, revegetation and biodiversity, controlling weeds and protecting significant wetlands.” Mr. Smith said.

“It may also support efforts to improve Port Phillip Bay, which is a key focus of this Government.”

“I am encouraging community groups, environmental networks and educational institutions to apply.”

“Volunteer groups and community members have a vital role in protecting and conserving the coast. They do a fantastic job of looking after Victoria’s precious coast, 96 % of which is public land.”

“Coastal environments are critical to the biodiversity of the area, to our lifestyles, tourism and local economies.”

“These grants aim to protect the ecological integrity of Victoria’s coastal ecosystems by funding community groups to undertake important coastal protection and conservation work.”

Mr. Smith said a total of $240,000 was available in this round of Coastcare grants in Victoria.

More than $1.1 Million has been allocated to Coastcare projects since 2009.

Applications close on 30 April 2012. For more information visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/coastcare or contact the local Coastcare facilitator in Warrnambool, Anglesea, Geelong, Box Hill, Yarram and Bairnsdale via the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Coastcare grants are funded through a partnership between the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program.

Victoria Deputy Premier Peter Ryan

Victoria Minister for Police Peter Ryan

Minister Ryan Launches Inaugural Conference To Fight Serious And Organised Crime

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Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Peter Ryan today launched an inaugural state-wide conference aimed at tackling serious and organised crime in Victoria.

Speaking at the opening of the Serious Crime and Organised Crime State Conference, Mr. Ryan said the fight against criminal gangs and organised crime networks was a critical part of Victoria Police’s day-to-day operations.

“These criminal networks are well resourced and their reach often extends beyond state borders. Estimates suggest that serious and organised crime costs the Australian economy up to $15 Billion every year.” Mr. Ryan said.

“This conference, which will focus on priority issues including counter-terrorism, surveillance, cyber crime and the illicit drug trade, will ensure Victoria Police can discuss Policing methods with other agencies involved in tackling organised crime.”

Mr. Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government continued to resource Victoria Police to successfully prosecute and prevent organised criminal networks from operating in the state.

“Victoria Police is currently in the process of recruiting, training and deploying an additional 1,700 sworn Police officers before November 2014.” Mr. Ryan said.

“These officers will not only strengthen community safety at a local level, but will also provide Police with increased intelligence gathering, investigative and surveillance capability to help target serious and organised crime.”

Mr. Ryan said the Coalition Government was developing legislation to allow the courts to outlaw criminal bikie gangs and prohibit gang members from remaining members of such a gang, associating with each other or wearing gang patches or insignia.

“These new powers will help protect the Victorian community from the threats of serious criminal activity posed by outlaw motorcycle gangs.” Mr. Ryan said.

Mr. Ryan said the Government was also in the process of developing new anti-fortification laws, which would target inappropriate fortification of buildings designed to aid or protect illegal activity.

Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Implementation Taskforce Established

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A new taskforce of experienced executives from the public and private sectors will oversee a range of improvements to give Victorians better services, Premier Ted Baillieu announced today.

Mr. Baillieu said the taskforce would be focused on providing an improved public service without putting extra strain on taxpayers’ budgets.

“This government was elected on a platform to fix the problems and deliver services that work, which is precisely what this taskforce will help to achieve.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“The public service has provided for Victorians well over the years, but there is always room for improvement and taxpayers deserve the best service we can give them without raising costs.”

Mr. Baillieu said the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet Helen Silver would lead the Better Services Taskforce to ultimately provide Victorians with what they need, when and where they need it.

The taskforce will also include the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance Grant Hehir, Professor Sally Walker, Mr. Jeff Whalan, Ms. Alison Watkins and Mr. Iain Rennie.

“The world is changing and so is Victoria, and that means our services need to change too.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“The Victorian public service must ensure it is resilient so that Victorians continue to get quality services regardless of the financial circumstances across the globe.”

“This will help us to not only deliver better services, but to also invest in the infrastructure required to support Victoria’s growth. This means looking at how agencies and departments work and how they can improve.”

Mr. Baillieu said the Taskforce would learn from the private sector and other jurisdictions, to implement changes and improve services across the board.

The Taskforce will build on work already underway to refocus government agencies on service delivery and improved operations.

“Departments and service providers, both inside and outside of government, need to be accountable and must deliver results.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“This is about generating improved outcomes for Victorians who now require more choices in the services they get and greater access to those services.”

“This Taskforce will help to build on the results the public service already provides to make sure Victoria continues to grow.” Mr. Baillieu said.

Victoria Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder

Survey Shows Percentage Decrease In Busy Metro Trains

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Results of the Department of Transport’s latest October 2011 survey of Metro’s peak hour trains show a drop in the percentage of weekday peak period trains carrying more than 798 passengers a trip to 11.5 % of measured trains from October 2010’s 11.7 %, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.

“The benefits of the Coalition Government’s 635 extra weekly train trips from 8 May 2011 are starting to show. From 22 April, 353 more weekly train trips including 70 extra trips on weekdays will be added.” Mr. Mulder said.

“Despite a 3.3 % rise to 139,936 in morning weekday peak (7.01am to 9.30am) total passengers using Metro trains as measured at Richmond, Jolimont and North Melbourne stations and a 3.5 % year on year rise to 146,587 passengers in the afternoon peak(3.31pm to 7.30pm), the rolling hour average number of passengers per train on the Frankston, Sandringham, Craigieburn, Watergardens, Williamstown, Werribee, Upfield, Glen Waverley, Alamein, Belgrave and Lilydale lines was within the load standard of 798 passengers.”

“The Coalition Government’s addition of a 5.3 % rise in peak hour train capacity through 8,800 extra morning weekday peak period seats with 11 more morning peak trips added and 12,000 additional afternoon peak period seats through 15 extra trains has assistedin carrying more passengers.”

Mr. Mulder acknowledged that the Hurstbridge (two measured rolling hour breaches in the morning peak and one in the afternoon) and the Epping, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines (the first two with one morning rolling hour average train loading above the standard and Pakenham with one in the afternoon) required attention.

“From 22 April, the Coalition Government will extend Metro’s Epping line to a new South Morang terminus with two extra peak period trains in each direction. The Hurstbridge line is having its signalling modernised and new Eltham sidings built to allow extra peak period trains and improve timekeeping. The Dandenong line that continues to Cranbourne and Pakenham is the focus of the Dandenong rail capacity program and the Coalition Government’s application to Infrastructure Australia for $30 Million in planning and development funding.” Mr. Mulder said.

Mr Mulder said that when individual trains were surveyed for passenger numbers, the latest survey showed 37 trains in the morning and 23 in the afternoon or 60 of the total 520 peak period trains exceeded load standards, a slight increase of one train in total in each peak period compared with October 2010’s survey.

“The number of trains carrying more than the load standard over both weekday peaks remained at zero on the Alamein, Upfield and Williamstown lines, dropped from two in October 2010 to one in October 2011 on the Glen Waverley line, remained at two on the Frankston line and dropped from five to three on the Sandringham line with neither having any afternoon peak breaches, stayed at seven and six respectively on the Hurstbridge and Epping lines, dropped from 10 to eight on the Sydenham line, rose from seven to eight on the Ringwood line, rose from seven to 11 on the Dandenong line, rose from eight to 10 on the Craigieburn line and remained at four on the Werribee line. On a network basis, almost eight in every nine individually measured Melbourne peak period trains were within the load standards.” Mr. Mulder said.