Victoria Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge

First Step In Community-Based Mental Health Reform

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge has released a consultation paper to drive the reform of Victoria’s community-based mental health services.

Ms. Wooldridge said that consultation on the Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Support Services Reform Framework was the first stage of an exciting period of change that would deliver better outcomes and services for Victorians with a mental illness and their families.

“The Victorian Coalition Government currently invests more than $100 Million each year in community- based mental health care, assisting more than 12,500 people.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

“Victoria has a diverse and vibrant community-managed mental health sector, which we see as an increasingly vital part of the mental health system. However, the way this sector is configured, funded and integrated into a broader service system needs significant reform.”

“We want to better support people with a severe mental illness to manage their own mental health and make choices about their support, in partnership with services.”

“The needs of people with a severe mental illness and their families have been central to the development of this reform framework.”

Ms. Wooldridge said the government planned to build a stronger system in which long-term recovery and support for overall health and wellbeing and social and economic participation were seen as key objectives alongside clinical treatment.

“We also want state-funded rehabilitation and support services to operate as a more integral and connected part of Victoria’s broader health and human services system.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

“This is critical if we are to reduce the potentially devastating impacts that can be associated with mental illness, including enduring psychiatric disability, alcohol or drug addiction, unemployment, homelessness and social exclusion.”

 Ms. Wooldridge said key goals of the reforms were to:

• Improve equity of access and ensure services are easy to navigate across the state
• Provide high quality services that are person-centred and focus on improving social participation, physical health and employment and education outcomes
• Strengthen the capacity of services to respond to the needs of people with a mental illness and their families,
• Better co-ordinate care by improving planning and collaboration between and across community-managed mental health, specialist clinical mental health and local health and social support services.

Ms. Wooldridge said the Government would work closely with the sector on the reform.

“Earlier this year, the sector’s peak body VICSERV called for reform and the Coalition Government looks forward to working in partnership with them to drive and implement this much-needed changes.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

The paper is available at www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/reformstrategy/index.htm

Written submissions can be emailed to mhreformstrategy@health.vic.gov.au by 22 June 2012.

Victoria Minister for Health David Davis

Hospital EDs Improve In Latest Performance Report

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Victoria’s hospitals are continuing to improve their emergency department performances, Minister for Health David Davis said today.

Releasing the Victorian Health Services Performance Report for the three months to the end of December 2011, Mr. Davis said the time to treatment for patients in Categories 2 to 5 had improved on the same period a year earlier.

Hospitals also maintained their 100 % record for seeing Category 1 patients immediately upon their arrival at hospital.

Mr. Davis said other pleasing results from the performance report included:

• 82 % of Category 2 emergency patients were treated within the benchmark 10 minutes – up from 80 % in the 2010 December quarter.
• 72 % of Category 3 emergency patients received treatment within 30 minutes, up from 69 %.
• 67 % of non-urgent Category 4 ED patients were treated within an hour, up from 65 % a year earlier.
• 88 % of non-urgent Category 5 ED patients were treated within two hours, up from 87 % a year earlier.

The major metropolitan hospitals went on bypass for 1.4 % of the time in the December quarter, down from the 1.8 % bypass rate in December 2010, and well below the benchmark of 3 %.

Mr. Davis said the December report listed 43,725 patients on the elective surgery waiting list as at December 31, up from 38,166 a year earlier.

“However, even though the number of patients on the list is up, our hospitals are continuing to provide their operations in a timely manner.” Mr. Davis said.

“In the three months to the end of December, 87 % of our elective surgery patients received their operations within the benchmark time – up from 86 % a year earlier.

“The median time to treatment for elective surgery patients was 34 days – which despite increased pressure on our hospitals was the same as it was a year earlier.”

“It is important to note that the median time to treatment for our Category 1 most urgent elective surgery patients were just 11 days, which is well within the national benchmark of providing operations within 30 days.”

Mr. Davis said 76 % of Category 2 semi-urgent patients received treatment within the benchmark 90 days, up from 74 % in the three months to the end of December 2010.

The prolonged industrial action by the nurses’ union had an impact on the performance of Victoria’s hospitals in the December quarter and will also show up in the next Performance Report.

Mr. Davis said the Government was providing a wider range of performance measures than were available previously, enabling the community to assess their local hospitals.

“The Government promised an open and transparent health system, and we are delivering it.” Mr. Davis said.

“This Government’s reports include a far wider range of information than was released under previous reporting formats and the Government is now reporting quarterly data compared to six monthly reports previously.”

Victoria Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell

Public Consultation Opens For Social Housing In Victoria

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Much-needed reform of Victoria’s public housing sector is a step closer with the release today by Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell of two discussion papers.

The papers – Pathways to a Fair and Sustainable Social Housing System and Social Housing – Options to Improve the Supply of Quality Housing, which was prepared by KPMG – will guide a fresh approach to a system that is in crisis after more than a decade of Labor mismanagement.

These papers are now available at the Department of Human Services website, http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au

Their release marks the start of a three month consultation process. Details of the process are also available at http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au

“We know from several recent reports into social housing in Victoria that the system can’t go on in its current form.” Ms. Lovell said.

“A 2012 report from the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office and an earlier Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry has shown that the provision of social housing is unsustainable, unfair and lacks a clear overarching direction.

“The Auditor-General stated that ‘the situation for public housing is critical’.”

“The Auditor-General also noted that the gap between rental income and operating costs is increasing and found that without change, the future of public housing is at risk.”

“Doing nothing, maintaining the status quo, is not an option if the community expects social housing to be provided into the future.” Ms. Lovell said.

Following the Parliamentary Inquiry into public housing in September 2010, the Victorian Government announced that it would prepare a strategic framework for social housing.

The framework has the objective of ensuring public and community housing is both sustainable and fair, while also exploring the role of government and other sectors in the community, such as the not-for-profit sector.

It will also consider how to encourage tenants to participate more fully in the economic and social life of their communities and seek pathways to independence.

The framework will be guided by the consultation process with key stakeholders including tenants’ groups, community housing providers and individuals over the next three months.

“The Victorian Government is seeking feedback from the community to help reform the system, meet fundamental challenges and make social housing more sustainable and equitable in the future.” Ms. Lovell said.

Submissions will be received until 5pm on Tuesday 31 July 2012 and can be lodged online, via email or mailed to the Victorian Department of Human Services.

Victoria Minister for Agriculture and Food Security and Water Peter Walsh

Coalition Budget Backs Agriculture

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In challenging economic times the Victorian Coalition Government is strongly investing in key areas of infrastructure and frontline services supporting agriculture and our regional communities.

Agriculture and Food Security and Water Minister Peter Walsh said in the 2012-13 Budget the Coalition was delivering more for farming communities compared with Labor’s $205 Million Future Farming Strategy.

“On a like for like basis the Coalition is investing $213.6 Million over four years on agriculture, water, rural skills and export market facilitation compared with only $138.6 million under Labor’s Future Farming Strategy.” Mr. Walsh said.

“When you strip out the $66 Million of climate change, health and rail spending Labor used to prop up its Future Farming Strategy, it is clear the Coalition is delivering more to agriculture and the industries that keep regional Victoria strong.

“In supporting the dairy industry, our strongest agricultural sector, the Coalition is investing 66% more than Labor’s scheme, allocating $14.3 Million over four years to boost productivity and profitability compared with an $8.57 Million scheme in the Future Farming Strategy.

“Under their strategy, Labor allocated just $2.3 Million into changing irrigation practices over two years compared with an $8.7 Million four year investment to improve farmers’ water security in this budget.

“This comes on top of $55.7 Million over four years funding to improve water resource measurement underpinning sustainable water management in rural and regional Victoria. This includes working with farming landholders on waterway protection.”

Mr. Walsh said Labor’s paltry $308,000 Future Farming Strategy effort at boosting the skills of rural Victorians paled into insignificance compared with the $5 Million committed by the Coalition out of the Regional Growth Fund to improve year 12 retention rates in regional Victoria.

“The Government is also delivering $20 Million from the Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund to increase the rate of higher education participation and attainment in regional Victoria.” Mr. Walsh said.

“We have also more than doubled the funding grants available to local government to control roadside weeds and rabbits, up to $7.9 Million over three years.”

Recognising the importance of market access to trade of agricultural and food exports, the Government is investing $50 Million over four years in the Victorian International Engagement Strategy. Agriculture will be a major beneficiary of that strategy.

From 1 July the Coalition will also deliver its $5 Million initiative to help local food and fibre producers establish marketing cooperatives to maximise the marketing potential of clean, fresh Victorian farm produce.

“The Coalition has delivered in challenging times.” Mr. Walsh said.

Victoria Deputy Premier Peter Ryan

Victoria Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan

The Best Of Regional And Rural Victoria On Show In Melbourne

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Victoria’s first Regional Victoria Living Expo got underway in Melbourne today with 130 exhibitors showcasing the many business, career and lifestyle benefits on offer outside the big city.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the three day expo at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre would be a one-stop-shop for the many Melburnians actively considering a move to the country.

“Each of Victoria’s 48 regional councils is here to share advice and resources and answer questions, as well as up to 130 exhibitors ready to discuss the unique lifestyle benefits on offer in regional and rural Victoria.” Mr. Ryan said.

“We know there are many Melburnians who are looking for a change, and this is a great opportunity for them to get the information they need to make it happen.”

“Everyone who visits the expo this weekend will see that Victoria’s regional and rural areas provide numerous advantages in terms of business viability, jobs, education and overall liveability.” Mr. Ryan said.

To kick off the expo program, Mr. Ryan hosted a business lunch where he was joined by a who’s who of high profile Victorians and successful businessmen and women who call regional and rural Victoria home.

“Today we see so many examples of people who have shown that living in a regional or rural area is no barrier to business or career success.” Mr. Ryan said.

“Australian rock sensation Evermore calls Macedon home and Margot Spalding, the founder of national furniture retailer Jimmy Possum, lives and works in Bendigo.”

“Celebrity chef Matt Dempsey has received rave reviews for his Inverleigh-based restaurant Gladioli, and of course we have our many sporting greats and media personalities who chose life in regional Victoria.”

 “It is great to see so many people here who want to tell their story of life in regional and rural Victoria and encourage more people to share in the good life.”

Mr. Ryan said Victoria’s population was projected to increase by more than three million over the next 40 years.

“In the past, Melbourne has grown faster than the regions, which has placed pressure on Melbourne’s public transport, roads and infrastructure.” Mr. Ryan said.

“The Coalition Government is keen to ensure our regional and rural communities share in the population boom and help take the pressure off Melbourne.”

“The Regional Victoria Living Expo is central to the Coalition’s strategy to promote our regions and realise the many economic and environmental advantages of encouraging more Victorians to settle in regional Victoria.” Mr. Ryan said.

The Regional Victoria Living Expo will be held at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre from 27 – 29 April. For more information visit: http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/expo

Victoria Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith

$1.86 Million For Research On Victoria’s Threatened Species

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Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith announced today that the Victorian Government is delivering a $1.86 Million project to collect new information on some of the state’s rarest inhabitants to help strike the best possible balance between timber production and the protection of biodiversity.

Mr. Smith said part of this research would form the largest program of threatened species surveys undertaken by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) in more than a decade.

“The project will involve gathering up-to-date information on the distribution and habitat of key threatened fauna species in public native forests in eastern Victoria.” Mr. Smith said.

“The species being surveyed include the Smoky Mouse, Long-footed Potoroo, Leadbeater’s Possum, Powerful Owl, Sooty Owl, Masked Owl and Galaxias.”

“The research is being conducted by DSE’s Arthur Rylah Institute with funding from the Department of Primary Industries.” Mr. Smith said.

“This project will enable DSE to develop a policy and regulatory framework for threatened species management based on the newest information and most up to date science.”

“It will give us a good understanding of the distribution and abundance of threatened species and increased knowledge of the habitats that are most important to them.”

“With this understanding we can deliver a contemporary, science-based regulatory framework to help protect the environment while delivering greater security and certainty to the timber industry.” Mr. Smith said.

“And by focusing on the priority areas for threatened species we can make sure the Forest Management Zoning Scheme in Victoria is appropriate for the long-term conservation of threatened species.”

“All Victorians derive huge social and economic benefits from our native forests and to continue to enjoy these benefits we need to strike the right balance between the conservation of biodiversity and the supply of timber and other commercial forest products.” Mr. Smith said.

This project is delivering on actions outlined in the Victorian Government’s Timber Industry Action Plan, which was released in December 2011. The Timber Industry Action Plan provides a long term plan for a productive, competitive and sustainable timber industry for Victoria.

Victoria Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher

MasterChef To Dish Up National Exposure For Regional Victoria

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The latest series of the TV ratings hit MasterChef will begin in Melbourne next Sunday night, showcasing the best of Victoria.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher announced today that the Victorian Coalition Government, through Tourism Victoria, is partnering with Network Ten for the fourth series of Ten’s award winning show MasterChef.

Victoria will play host to the first week of the new MasterChef series, featuring challenges filmed at the Royal Exhibition Building and the South Melbourne Market in Melbourne.

“To maximise this opportunity, we will be running our highly successful Play Melbourne television ad to Sydney viewers of MasterChef during the show.” Ms. Asher said.

Regional Victoria is also set to receive good exposure on the show, with the top 50 contestants from around Australia undertaking challenges in Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula, at the Lake House in Daylesford and at Montsalvat in Eltham.

Member for Nepean Martin Dixon said he was thrilled that Red Hill would feature on the show.

“Red Hill is one of Australia’s best wine and fresh produce regions. We have a wonderful farmers’ market, fantastic ‘hands-on’ food experiences like Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, and some of the best cheese, olives, apples, cherries and strawberries in the country.” Mr. Dixon said.

“Our local restaurants attract chefs of the highest calibre, so it’s very appropriate that MasterChef experiences all Red Hill has to offer.”

Ms. Asher said the seven Victoria-based episodes were invaluable for tourism and would give an excellent return on investment for Victoria.

“With some of Australia’s premier food and wine regions it is only fitting we partner with MasterChef to showcase some of Victoria’s best local produce, and this will reinforce the state’s position as a sophisticated culinary destination.” Ms. Asher said.

Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Victoria Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu

Cheap Arts: Entertainment On A Shoestring

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Art lovers can pursue their passion – without breaking the bank – thanks to Arts Victoria’s first ever Cheap Arts Guide, released today by Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu.

The free guide details budget-friendly arts experiences in Melbourne and beyond – from exhibitions and performances to festivals, live music and children’s activities – all for under $25.

“It’s no secret that Victoria has the best arts and cultural offering in Australia, however what may surprise people is just how much there is to enjoy for little or no cost.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“We’ve got public galleries that hold permanent collections worth millions of dollars but don’t charge admission, local museums where you can explore our history, creative activities for kids and families, and festivals that bring that whole community together – all for $25 or less.”

The guide contains more than 250 listings ranging from zine-making beneath Flinders Street Station to sculpture on the surf coast to classical music under the stars; as well as insider tips on how to access cheaper tickets and special offers.

“Victoria is open for business and the Cheap Arts Guide is a great resource for locals as well as tourists, and a fantastic way to plan a night out, a day with the kids or even a weekend away.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“The beauty of Victoria’s arts offering is that there are cultural gems to be found in the least expected places. You might even discover a gallery, theatre, museum, artist-run space or activity in your own neighbourhood that you didn’t know existed.”

“The Victorian Government is proud of Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s arts and cultural heartland, proud of the creativity of our artists and proud of our busy year-round calendar of activity.”

“So we’re delighted to present this new Arts Victoria guide which highlights just how accessible our arts offering is, and, we hope, will encourage even more people to go out and explore the wealth of entertainment on offer.” Mr. Baillieu said.

The Arts Victoria Cheap Arts Guide hits the streets, and the web, today. Collect your copy from cafes and venues around town or find it online at www.arts.vic.gov.au/cheaparts

Victoria Minister for Health David Davis

Coalition Funds Charlton’s New Hospital

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The Victorian Coalition Government is funding the new Charlton Hospital, Minister for Health David Davis announced today.

The Coalition Government will provide $22.7 Million to replace the hospital, which was extensively damaged in the January 2011 floods.

The funding comes on top of $1 Million in last year’s Budget to start planning for the new hospital and secure a block of land.

“I’m pleased to say that the purchase of the former Charlton Primary School site in Learmonth Street was finalised earlier this year, and the Government is funding the rebuilding project to return a modern, first-class hospital to the Charlton community.” Mr. Davis said.

“This demonstrates that even in these tough times, the Government is building for tomorrow.”

“The community of Charlton needs its hospital, and the Coalition Government is determined to deliver it sooner rather than later.”

Mr. Davis said the purpose-built hospital would include residential aged care and hospital bed-based services.

Urgent care, primary care and allied health services will be provided, along with the co-location of GP services.

“In addition, this modern facility will enhance residential aged care and ambulatory care services, and will improve access to health services for the residents of Charlton and the wider district.”

Mr. Davis said a comprehensive design process would ensure the new facility was better able to withstand any future flood events.

Detailed construction planning will now commence, leading to the issuing of tenders, and building works are expected to start early next year.

“Regular updates will be provided to the Charlton community to ensure they are kept informed of the project as it develops.” Mr. Davis said.

Victoria Minister for Ports Denis Napthine

Final Plan Approved For Stabilising Lady Cheryl

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The final plan for stabilising the Lady Cheryl on the seabed at Port Phillip Heads near Point Nepean has been formally approved following expert advice confirming this to be the best available course of action.

The vessel deteriorated rapidly in rough conditions at the Heads, despite several dive attempts to prepare the vessel for refloating, and further salvage attempts became impossible. The vessel will be stabilised in its current location under strict environmental and planning procedures.

Minister for Ports Denis Napthine and Minister for the Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith thanked the agencies involved for their efforts in managing the environmental response and salvage operation, and the community for their patience.

“The incident involving Lady Cheryl was rightly treated as a marine emergency with significant multi-agency resources dedicated to the response.” Dr. Napthine said.

“Agencies worked around the clock to identify the risks associated with the incident and monitor areas that could have been potentially affected.”

“Daily monitoring for pollution and wildlife impacts occurred throughout the operation and cleanup of the debris from the shoreline also occurred daily.”

“Working on the salvage operation was a difficult task with an average window of only 90 minutes per day in low visibility due to the extremely rough conditions at the Heads.”

“Ensuring the protection of the local environment without compromising the safety of the response team was the primary concern throughout the operation.”

“Importantly, continuous monitoring has found there has been no adverse effect on the environment.”

“We have now reached a point in operations where we can safely secure the vessel on the seabed by partially dismantling the vessel, removing any remaining buoyancy and opening sections of the vessel to fill it with sand to make it completely stable.” Dr. Napthine said.

The final plan has been agreed between the Department of Transport, Port of Melbourne Corporation, Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Department of Sustainability (DSE) and Transport Safety Victoria.

The plan will be implemented by the Port of Melbourne Corporation, as the body responsible for the wreck, under relevant legislation. The cost of this operation will be met by the vessel’s owner and/or the insurers.

The plan is backed by thorough assessments through the salvage operation and further independent diving assessments that confirm the condition of the vessel and recommend stabilising the vessel in its current location.

All indications are that the fuel onboard Lady Cheryl was lost on impact and dispersed out of the Heads on the first night, where rough waters and weather agitated and evaporated the fuel.

As a contingency all works on site will be conducted within the presence of Oil Response Company of Australia (ORCA) to mitigate any potential leaks from residual fuels.