Victoria Minister responsible for the establishment of an anti-corruption commission Andrew McIntosh

Labor’s Continuing Deception Of FoI

Victor P Taffa

The Labor Party’s ongoing misrepresentation of the Coalition Government’s Freedom of Information reforms knows no bounds.

For 11 years the Labor Party failed to do anything to improve Victoria’s FoI regime. Now, in opposition Labor is intent on undermining the Coalition Government’s important reforms.

Last night the Legislative Assembly debated the Coalition Government’s reforms to the Freedom of Information Act – the most sweeping reforms since FoI laws were introduced over 30 years ago.

Journalists were told the opposition would move amendments to the Bill. Indeed, one media report this morning said these amendments had been moved during the course of last night’s debate.

In reality, no amendments were moved.

One of these unmoved amendments would apparently allow greater access to national security, cabinet and commercial-in-confidence documents.

Clearly, the Labor Party is happy to throw open information about national security and defence to all comers.

Obviously, the Labor Party is determined to have Victoria closed for business by disregarding standard commercial practices.

And all this from a party which, while in government, made great use of every tool available to block access to information.

For the first time, under the Coalition Government’s important reforms, an independent umpire will carry out first stage reviews of FoI applications – a function currently carried out by the same agency to which the initial application is made.

In contrast, when Labor left office more than 300 FoI appeals were backed up in VCAT. This is a disgraceful record of secrecy.

Victoria Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips

Biota Expands Victorian Headquarters Bringing 35 New Jobs

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips today announced the creation of 35 new highly skilled jobs in Victoria by 2014 as part of a significant expansion by leading anti-infective drug development company Biota Holdings Limited.

The Victorian Coalition Government is supporting Biota to expand its Notting Hill facility, following the company being awarded a US$231 million, five-year contract from the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in March 2011.

The expansion will allow the company to advance the development and registration of its second-generation influenza product Laninamivir for the US market.

Mr. Rich-Phillips said the investment secured Biota’s capacity and capability to deliver its commitments under the BARDA contract and expand its activities in the development of anti-infective drugs in Victoria.

“The project will see Biota expand and upgrade the existing Notting Hill facility to ensure it has the capacity in terms of lab space, security, supporting infrastructure, and capability to service the BARDA contract.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

The investment will provide an opportunity to consolidate Biota’s Notting Hill facility as the lead site globally for the ongoing development of the company’s product pipeline, including anti-bacterial drug discovery activities.

Mr. Rich-Phillips said the Victorian Coalition Government was committed to providing support and development opportunities for companies such as Biota to expand their presence in Victoria.

“Maintaining and expanding Biota’s drug discovery and development work in Victoria will provide flow-on skills development benefits for Biota and Victoria’s life sciences sector more broadly.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

“We recently released Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology, a $55 Million plan to support the life sciences sector to overcome current and future challenges, while promoting biotechnology-enabled innovation across Victorian industry.

Melbourne is home to more than 30 % of Australia’s medical and pharmaceutical sector, and has a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing base which supports exports in excess of $1 Billion every year.

Biota is a leading anti-infective drug development company with key expertise in respiratory diseases, particularly influenza. Biota currently employs 85 people in Victoria.

In 1990, Biota successfully licensed its lead discovery Zanamivir, a first-in-class inhibitor for use in the treatment and prevention of influenza, to GlaxoSmithKline. The product was launched globally by GSK as RelenzaTM in 1999.

Victoria Minister for Racing Denis Napthine

Stars On Show For Historic Night Trials At Cranbourne

Victor P Taffa

Night racing at Cranbourne is growing ever closer with the first ever official trials to be held under lights this evening.

Minister for Racing Denis Napthine congratulated Cranbourne Turf Club and Racing Victoria for their efforts on the $6.7 Million project and said he looked forward to the official racing launch on Friday 9 March.

Tonight’s historic night trials will feature some of Australia’s racing superstars including champion Caulfield Guineas winner and three-year-old Helmet, 2011 W.S. Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker, jumps racing champion Black and Bent as well as some lightning fast two-year-olds aiming for the upcoming $1 Million Blue Diamond Stakes.

Dr. Napthine said the lighting project, jointly funded by the Victorian Coalition Government together with the racing industry, involved the installation of 38 lighting masts plus shading protection for local residents and for traffic travelling along the South Gippsland Highway.

“I am very excited to see Cranbourne racing lighting up in 2012. This will give racegoers another premium venue to enjoy the thrill of thoroughbred racing under lights.” Dr. Napthine said.

“The new state of the art lighting system utilises the best lamp control and dimming technology to achieve the highest standards required for television broadcasts.”

“This has huge benefits for the local racing industry providing further promotion of Cranbourne as a premier regional racing and training hub.”

“Cranbourne is home to more than 130 thoroughbred trainers and up to 750 horses. Together with Harness and greyhound racing the industry supports thousands of jobs and makes a significant contribution to the local economy.”

“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to support such a vital industry and exciting sport through our $79.5 Million Victorian Racing Industry Fund.” Dr. Napthine said.

In addition to the new lighting system, the Victorian Coalition Government has recently provided $918,000 to Cranbourne to build a new state of the art on-course harness training facility expected to be completed later this year.

Victoria Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Richard Dalla-Riva

Commonwealth Building And Construction Legislation: A Recipe To Take The Economy Backwards

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Coalition Government strongly opposes the Commonwealth’s proposed building and construction legislation that would lead to an escalation of unlawful behaviour and misconduct within the construction industry.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Richard Dalla-Riva today opposed the proposed abolition of the Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC) and any reduction of its powers in a submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry into the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (Transition to Fair Work) Bill 2011.

“Abolishing the ABCC would result in an escalation of unlawful behaviour and misconduct in the construction industry.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“The Commonwealth’s proposed legislation is a recipe for widespread project delays and cost increases that would put jobs at risk and hinder economic growth.”

“The proposed legislation would increase the cost of taxpayer-funded projects and undermine the ability of the Victorian Government to fund and build much-needed infrastructure.”

“Victoria’s economy would be hit hardest by these Commonwealth proposals given Victoria’s over-representation in ABCC prosecutions for unlawful behaviour in the sector.”

“This legislation would destabilise the building and construction industry and discredits the Commonwealth’s so-called commitment to economic reform.”

“The consequences of reverting to the past would be serious and cause significant damage to the economy.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

ABCC Commissioner Leigh Johns recognised in October last year that the industry still faced persistent problems with illegal industrial behaviour.

Mr. Dalla-Riva said the building and construction industry was one of the worst for lost time because of industrial disputes and misconduct.

$2.5 Million in civil penalties were imposed on the Victorian branch of the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) last financial year alone.

Mr. Dalla-Riva said the Commonwealth’s proposals would undermine the ability of the industry regulator to deal with unlawful industrial action and make it more difficult for industry participants to recover their costs.

“An efficient and productive building and construction industry must be backed by a strong industry regulator to prevent unlawful behaviour and to ensure that disputes are resolved without resort to the constant industrial action disrupting the industry in Victoria.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Victoria Attorney-General Robert Clark

New Appointments To The County Court

Victor P Taffa

Attorney-General Robert Clark today announced the appointment of Michael Macnamara, Bill Stuart SC and Barbara Cotterell as County Court judges.

Mr. Clark said all three appointees had demonstrated significant professional achievement in their legal careers and would bring considerable experience to their positions.

Michael Macnamara practised as a solicitor for 17 years prior to serving as the Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Victoria and the Acting Chairman of the Credit Tribunal of Victoria.

Mr. Macnamara has since held the position of Deputy President of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for the past 14 years.

Mr. Macnamara will be joined at the County Court by Bill Stuart SC, who has practised law for 34 years and was recently appointed as a Senior Counsel. Mr Stuart has also served on the executive of the Criminal Bar Association. 

After joining the Victorian Bar, Mr. Stuart appeared in close to 300 trials, predominantly for the defence. This was followed by his appointment in 1998 as in-house counsel for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, where he specialised in fraud and drug cases, before returning to the Bar.

Acting Judge Barbara Cotterell served for 18 years as a Magistrate before being appointed an acting judge of the County Court in 2008.

Mr. Clark said Ms. Cotterell joined the Victorian Bar in 1973 and was a highly regarded barrister whose experience in a wide range of cases made her a valuable addition to the bench.

“Acting Judge Cotterell’s appointment as a tenured judge of the Court brings a welcome end to the disgraceful attempt by the previous government to introduce appointments of judges on a short term basis dependent on executive government and which undermined judicial independence.” Mr. Clark said.

Victoria Attorney-General Robert Clark

New Appointment To The Court Of Appeal

Victor P Taffa

Attorney-General Robert Clark today announced that Justice Robert Osborn has been appointed to the Court of Appeal.

Justice Osborn will fill the place recently vacated by the retirement of Justice David Ashley.

Mr. Clark said Justice Osborn was a highly regarded figure in the Victorian legal community, bringing many years of experience to the position.

“Justice Osborn joined the Victorian Bar in 1975, with a general practice particularly focused on public law cases.” Mr. Clark said.

“In addition to his extensive experience at the Bar, Justice Osborn taught town planning law at the University of Melbourne for 20 years.”

“His abilities and contribution to the law were recognised in 1994, when he was appointed Queen’s Counsel, and again in 2002 when he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Victoria.”

In 2009, Justice Osborn became the principal judge in the Common Law Division of the Supreme Court, presiding over a number of substantial trials in addition to periodic appearances on the Court of Appeal.

“I congratulate Justice Osborn on his appointment to the Court of Appeal, and look forward to his ongoing contribution to the people of Victoria and the state’s judicial system.” Mr. Clark said.

Victoria Minister for Gaming and Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien

New Era For Liquor And Gambling Regulation In Victoria

Victor P Taffa

Victoria’s new combined gambling and liquor regulator was launched today by Minister for Gaming and Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien with the six inaugural commissioners.

Mr. O’Brien said the establishment of the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) delivered on a key election commitment and was the new independent statutory authority replacing the functions of the Director of Liquor Licensing, Responsible Alcohol Victoria and the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.

“The new Commission is charged with administering Victoria’s liquor and gambling laws, while continuously working to improve and streamline regulation.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“It will be modern and agile in its approach, engaging and educating the industry while enforcing and ensuring compliance with liquor and gambling laws.”

“In a significant reform, appeals against liquor licensing decisions at first instance will now be heard by a separate appeals panel of the Commission, promoting authoritative and consistent decision-making to give greater certainty to the community and industry.” Mr. O’Brien said.

The VCGLR’s new Chairperson, Mark Brennan, said the role of the Commission would be to apply Victoria’s gambling and liquor licensing laws through consistent and transparent decisions.

“VCGLR Commissioners are accountable for statutory decision-making and are required to make decisions that minimise harm, develop responsible industries and respond to diverse community expectations.” Mr. Brennan said.

“We will be responsible for licensing and compliance activities to prevent and detect breaches of liquor and gambling law. And, just as importantly, we will play an integral role in informing and educating industry about regulatory practices and requirements.”

Since its election the Victorian Coalition Government has:

• Introduced tough new penalties for drunken, loutish and threatening behaviour;

• Extended the freeze on new late-night liquor licences in high risk areas;

• Removed the planning permit exemption for new packaged liquor bottle shop applications;

• Created new powers for licensees and Police officers to bar troublesome patrons from entering or remaining in a venue for a set period of time;

• Passed legislation for new offences to deal with drunks hanging around licensed premises after being refused entry or required to leave, and those attempting to re-enter a venue within 24 hours of being denied entry or requested to leave a venue;

• Provided $800,000 to fund the Step Back. Think program to continue its work in tackling alcohol-related harm;

• Banned the use of isolation audio technology on gaming machines;

• Strengthened the ban on ATMs in gaming venues to apply from 1 July 2012;

• Committed $150 million over the next four years to establish the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation;

• Made changes to legislation to ban lobbyists from gambling licensing processes;

• Set a new public interest test to prevent raffles offering inappropriate prizes.

Mr. O’Brien said he was pleased to deliver on the Coalition Government’s commitment to establishing a single regulator for liquor and gambling.

“Victorians deserve the most effective application and enforcement of liquor licensing and gambling regulation, which the Coalition promised to deliver through a new regulator.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“We proudly deliver on that commitment with the establishment of the VCGLR, its modern structure and outstanding personnel.”

Victoria Deputy Premier Peter Ryan

Victoria Minister for Police Peter Ryan

Victoria’s Road Safety Camera Commissioner Starts

Victor P Taffa

From today, motorists will be represented by Australia’s first independent Road Safety Camera Commissioner as the Victorian Coalition Government continues to increase integrity measures around speed and red light cameras.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Peter Ryan said former County Court Judge Gordon Lewis AM would provide independent oversight of Victoria’s road safety camera system.

“Today marks another watershed moment in the Victorian Coalition Government’s efforts to provide greater transparency and public accountability around Victoria’s road safety camera system.” Mr. Ryan said.

“The recent Auditor-General’s report, instigated by the Coalition Government, found speed and red-light cameras were accurate and focused on saving lives, not on raising revenue.”

“The Coalition Government’s appointment of a Camera Commissioner will ensure motorists have an independent avenue to check the validity of Victoria’s road safety camera system.”

Mr. Ryan said Judge Lewis would have the power to review and investigate any aspect of the camera system and make recommendations to government based on his investigations.

“The Commissioner will report to Parliament on an annual basis and his findings will also help to inform the Coalition Government’s road safety strategy.” Mr. Ryan said.

Mr. Ryan said, in addition to being a former member of the County Court, Mr Lewis had extensive experience working across government, having overseen the review of integrity assurances in the Victorian racing industry.

The Road Safety Camera Commissioner’s office will perform the following roles:

Quality assurance and reporting: to independently monitor and review current camera operations.
Investigation and review: any part of the system at his own choosing, or if requested by the Minister to do so.
Complaints management: so any person who feels they have been hard-done-by can lodge a complaint with the Camera Commissioner, though it will not be his role to intervene in individual cases;
Reference group: the Camera Commissioner will be able to establish a reference group of external advisors to assist him in his role.

Mr. Ryan said the Coalition Government had made a range of sweeping reforms to Victoria’s road safety camera system since the State Election.

“A new website www.camerassavelives.vic.gov.au was launched in 2011 to provide information about the number and value of traffic camera infringements, which was previously kept secret under the Labor Government.” Mr. Ryan said.

“The website is also regularly updated with clear information about how Victoria’s camera system worked in a bid to give greater transparency to our state’s road safety cameras.”

“The Coalition Government has also expanded the use of roadside signs to promote road safety, especially on country roads, and we will continue to work with our road safety partners to reduce the incidence of fatalities and road trauma in Victoria.”

The Road Safety Camera Commissioner’s Office can be contacted on 1300 651 838 or by visiting www.cameracommissioner.vic.gov.au

Complaints or correspondence to the Commissioner should be in writing and addressed to the Road Safety Camera Commissioner, Locked Bag 14, Collins Street East, Melbourne VIC 8003.

Victoria Deputy Premier Peter Ryan

Victoria Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan

Victoria Making Inroads In Law And Order

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Coalition Government is already achieving results at the national level as part of its commitment to make Victoria safer by recruiting a record number of Police, Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan said today.

“The Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services 2011 shows that Victoria no longer has the lowest number of frontline Police per person than any other state in Australia.” Mr. Ryan said.

“Victoria is not bottom of table for the first time in at least six years but it will take time to turn around 11 years of neglect by the former Labor Government which saw Victoria to be the worst state in Australia for Police numbers and Police resources per person.

“The Coalition Government is pleased to see the tide is turning after we allocated $602 Million last year to fund 1,700 additional frontline Police by November 2014.

“Victoria Police will have allocated an extra 850 frontline Police by June 2012 which means the Coalition Government will soon be halfway in delivering on our election commitment.”

Mr. Ryan the Coalition Government’s successful Police Enterprise Bargaining Agreement would also directly contribute to improved community safety, better operational Policing outcomes and significant efficiencies in the force.

“Law and order continues to be a top priority of this Government as we work closely with Victoria Police to reverse Labor’s soft-on-crime approach.” Mr. Ryan said.

Mr. Ryan said the Coalition Government’s commitment to recruit and train 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers (PSOs) by November 2014 at a cost of $212 Million would help address perceptions of safety on public transport at night, which was still concerning.

“Training of 940 PSOs has begun with the first round of recruits to be deployed at railway stations from 6pm until last train from next month to help reduce crime, violence and antisocial behaviour in and around train stations.” Mr. Ryan said.

Victoria Minister for Planning Matthew Guy

New Chapel Street Licensed Premises Controls

Victor P Taffa

New planning controls for licensed premises have been introduced to protect public safety and amenity of popular Chapel Street in the City of Stonnington, Planning Minister Matthew Guy announced today.

“I have amended the planning scheme in response to a request from council to assist with addressing the saturation of licensed premises along Chapel Street.” Mr. Guy said.

“The new Licensed Premises Policy will apply along the majority of Chapel Street encompassing South Yarra, Prahran and Windsor.”

“The policy prohibits new venues with more than 200 patrons trading after 1 am and caps the number of venues of that type to 50; helping address potential harm from alcohol fuelled violence in one of Melbourne’s vibrant neighbourhoods.” Mr. Guy said.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien said the new planning controls complemented the Coalition Government’s liquor licensing reforms to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“The Coalition has introduced strong new powers for Police and licensees, new offences and tougher penalties for anti-social behaviour in and around licensed venues.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“This announcement supports the Coalition’s extended freeze on any new late night liquor licences in inner Melbourne, including Stonnington.”

Member for Prahran Clem Newton-Brown said the move to contain the number of licensed venues were both necessary and welcome.

“This amendment will ensure Chapel Street’s status as one of Melbourne’s most popular nightlife hubs are sustained without the growing threat of alcohol-fuelled violence.” Mr. Newton-Brown said.

A key factor in Minister Guy’s decision was a 2009 Stonnington City Council report examining the numbers and types of late night venues operating after 1am and their cumulative impact on alcohol fuelled violence.

The report Late Night Liquor License Trading in the Chapel Street Precinct: Measuring the Saturation Levels identified certain types of premises as sources of potential harm.

“The planning reforms acknowledge the negative social impacts of such venues and include new requirements for applications where they seek to trade beyond midnight.” Mr. Guy said.

Amendment C159 will be gazetted shortly and available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/planningschemes