The high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 strain (H5 bird flu) has been detected in Victoria.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said this detection is a result of Australia’s response to H5 bird flu, with the Victorian Government undertaking surveillance for the disease and working closely with the Commonwealth, interstate jurisdictions and industry partners.

‘Preliminary testing has indicated H5 bird flu in a single greater crested tern found in Portland.

Further genetic testing is underway at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong to formally confirm this result.’ Dr Cooke said.

‘This follows confirmation of the disease in seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, and the national decision that H5 bird flu is no longer technically feasible to eradicate in wildlife.’

‘Following weeks of enhanced readiness, we have now enacted Victoria’s State Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan. Based on international experience, this H5 variant differs from previous strains and has been known to cause large numbers of deaths in wild birds and some mammals.’

‘Our plans aim to limit impacts where possible particularly on our most threatened species, while also supporting our farmers and reducing risk to domestic and commercial poultry.

‘We need Victorians to avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife, record what they see and report it.

Early reporting gives us the best chance to reduce the impacts of the disease,’ Dr Cooke said.

• AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment
• RECORD what you see and where you saw it.
• REPORT it to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Ongoing shortages of type O and A blood supplies have prompted an urgent call for an extra 12,000 people to donate immediately, as peak winter illness keeps donors away and emergency orders remain high.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says recent appeals have prevented supplies falling to critical levels but have not been enough to replenish low supplies of O-positive and O-negative blood types, which are the types used in emergencies. A-positive blood stocks have also dropped in recent weeks.

Around 8,000 units of blood, plasma and platelets are issued as urgent or life-threatening orders every month, meaning they must be dispatched within as little as 30 minutes to support patients in critical situations.

At the same time, winter illness is hindering donations. A new Lifeblood survey found almost 40 per cent of Australians have recently experienced cold, flu or respiratory illness symptoms.

Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone said this wipes out potentially thousands of people from donating, as blood donors need to be seven days clear of symptoms before they can donate.

“Nationally we’re seeing up to 1,600 donation appointments sit empty every day, with many more people cancelling or rescheduling appointments,” Cath said.

“Even mild symptoms such as sniffles, sore throats, and headaches make people temporarily ineligible to give blood, and this can severely impact the availability of donors during winter months.

“We’re urging anyone who is fit and well to book an appointment now, and anyone recovering from illness to donate as soon as they can.

“Only three per cent of Australians donate blood. We’re asking people not to leave it to others — our regular donors alone cannot sustain supplies through winter, and we need more people to step up.”

Cath said O-negative and O-positive blood are particularly important because they are often used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

“Patients in critical situations will always get the blood they need, but full fridges are essential to ensuring blood is available for everyone who needs it, when they need it,” she said.

“This includes cancer patients, new mothers, people undergoing surgery, and many other patients, including children who need donated blood to save their lives.

“We’d all want blood to be there if it was someone we knew or loved who needed it.”

Cath urged people who don’t know their blood type to donate, with more than 80 per cent of Australians having an O or A blood type.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.

State breakdown of the additional donors needed:

• NATIONAL: Over 12,000
• VIC: 4,500
• NSW: 3,100
• QLD: 3,000
• WA: 1,300
• SA: 350
• ACT: 100
• NT:50
• TAS: 50

The expansion of Victoria’s Smile Squad free dental program is now underway.

Students at low-fee non-government schools now have access to the service.

An initial 54 schools across metro and regional Victoria have been invited to participate in the program.

A phased roll out to all low-fee non-government schools will follow.

Smile Squad is putting money back into the pockets of families and easing cost of living pressures.

Regular dental checkups can cost parents up to $400 a year per child.

Delivered by dedicated mobile teams of oral care clinicians, students receive free check-ups and follow-up care.

It includes X-rays, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings and root canals.

The at-school service also means busy families don’t need to worry about missing work or school for a dental appointment.

Since 2019, Smile Squad has visited more than 1,000 public schools, seen more than 175,000 students and delivered more than one million oral health packs.

For more information about Smile Squad, visit health.vic.gov.au/smile-squad

By Alison Desmond, Project Leader BestWool/BestLamb
For many sheep producers, lambing is already underway or completed. However, those lambing in August and September still have opportunities to influence lamb survival and marking percentages through management of the lambing environment.
Improving lamb survival remains one of the most profitable opportunities in sheep production. While genetics and seasonal conditions play a role, management decisions before and during lambing can have a major impact on the number of lambs weaned. The first 48 hours of a lamb’s life are particularly critical, with most lamb losses occurring during this period.
Mob size matters
Research consistently shows that smaller mob sizes at lambing improve lamb survival, particularly for twin and triplet-bearing ewes.
The main reason is reduced mismothering. When large numbers of ewes are lambing in the same paddock, the risk of lambs becoming separated from their mother increases. Multiple-bearing ewes are especially vulnerable because they need to successfully bond with more than one lamb.
As a general guide, twin-bearing ewes should be managed in smaller mobs than single-bearing ewes, while triplet-bearing ewes should be smaller again. Optimum mob sizes will vary between farms depending on paddock size, shelter, fencing, water infrastructure, and stocking rate, but prioritising smaller mobs for twins and triplets is a proven strategy for improving lamb survival.
Pregnancy scanning is essential to maximise the benefits, allowing ewes to be managed according to litter size and allocated to appropriate paddocks.
Shelter saves lambs
Providing adequate shelter remains one of the most effective ways to reduce lamb losses, particularly during cold, wet, and windy conditions.
Newborn lambs are highly susceptible to exposure during their first few hours of life. Twin and triplet-born lambs are especially at risk because they are often smaller and have lower energy reserves than single-born lambs.
The best lambing paddocks provide shelter throughout the paddock rather than in one small area. Shelter belts, shrubs, and natural landscape features can all help reduce wind chill and encourage ewes to lamb in protected locations.
Shelter is most effective when combined with appropriate stocking rates and mob sizes. High ewe densities around sheltered areas can increase disturbance and mismothering.
Use your best lambing paddocks
Past lambing records can provide valuable information when selecting paddocks.
Paddocks that consistently achieve high marking percentages should be prioritised for higher-risk animals such as twin and triplet-bearing ewes, maiden ewes, and older breeding ewes. Factors including shelter, feed availability, topography, water point location and paddock layout can all influence lamb survival.
Recording and reviewing scanning and marking results by paddock helps identify which lambing environments perform best and where future improvements can be made.
Minimise disturbance
A strong ewe-lamb bond is critical to survival. Ideally, ewes should remain undisturbed at the birth site for several hours after lambing.
Unnecessary disturbance from people, dogs, vehicles, or stock movements can interrupt bonding and increase the risk of ewe and lamb separation. Smaller mob sizes reduce competition and disturbance, helping newly lambed ewes establish a bond with their lambs.
Stacking the gains
There is no single solution for improving lamb survival. The greatest benefits come from combining a range of proven management practices, including:
• maintaining ewe condition score targets
• pregnancy scanning and managing ewes according to litter size
• providing adequate nutrition during late pregnancy and lactation
• allocating the best lambing paddocks to higher-risk ewes
• providing shelter and managing mob sizes appropriately.
While seasonal conditions can’t be controlled, the lambing environment can. By stacking these management practices together, producers can improve lamb survival, lift marking percentages, and increase the profitability of their sheep enterprise.

Ongoing shortages of type O and A blood supplies have prompted an urgent call for an extra 12,000 people to donate immediately, as peak winter illness keeps donors away and emergency orders remain high.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says recent appeals have prevented supplies falling to critical levels but have not been enough to replenish low supplies of O-positive and O-negative blood types, which are the types used in emergencies. A-positive blood stocks have also dropped in recent weeks.

Around 8,000 units of blood, plasma and platelets are issued as urgent or life-threatening orders every month, meaning they must be dispatched within as little as 30 minutes to support patients in critical situations.

At the same time, winter illness is hindering donations. A new Lifeblood survey found almost 40 per cent of Australians have recently experienced cold, flu or respiratory illness symptoms.

Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone said this wipes out potentially thousands of people from donating, as blood donors need to be seven days clear of symptoms before they can donate.

“Nationally we’re seeing up to 1,600 donation appointments sit empty every day, with many more people cancelling or rescheduling appointments,” Cath said.

“Even mild symptoms such as sniffles, sore throats, and headaches make people temporarily ineligible to give blood, and this can severely impact the availability of donors during winter months.

“We’re urging anyone who is fit and well to book an appointment now, and anyone recovering from illness to donate as soon as they can.

“Only three per cent of Australians donate blood. We’re asking people not to leave it to others — our regular donors alone cannot sustain supplies through winter, and we need more people to step up.”

Cath said O-negative and O-positive blood are particularly important because they are often used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

“Patients in critical situations will always get the blood they need, but full fridges are essential to ensuring blood is available for everyone who needs it, when they need it,” she said.

“This includes cancer patients, new mothers, people undergoing surgery, and many other patients, including children who need donated blood to save their lives.

“We’d all want blood to be there if it was someone we knew or loved who needed it.”

Cath urged people who don’t know their blood type to donate, with more than 80 per cent of Australians having an O or A blood type.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.

State breakdown of the additional donors needed:

• NATIONAL: Over 12,000
• VIC: 4,500
• NSW: 3,100
• QLD: 3,000
• WA: 1,300
• SA: 350
• ACT: 100
• NT:50
• TAS: 50

More than 20 volunteers came together at Shelford Recreation Reserve on Saturday 25 July to plant 950 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses along the Leigh River, helping improve habitat and restore an important local waterway.

The community planting day was coordinated by the Geelong Landcare Network in partnership with Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Leigh District Landcare Group and the Shelford Recreation Reserve Committee.

The event forms part of a larger revegetation project funded through the Victorian Government’s Green Links program, which aims to restore waterways, create habitat corridors and improve green spaces for communities.

Over the past two years, the project has transformed the reserve’s river frontage through the removal of exotic trees and woody weeds and the planting of more than 2,600 indigenous trees, shrubs, grasses and rushes.

Corangamite CMA Senior Project Officer – Land and Catchment Health, Kelly Snell said the project demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved through strong community partnerships.

“This project is creating valuable habitat for native wildlife, improving the health of the Leigh River and enhancing a much-loved community space.

“The enthusiasm and commitment shown by volunteers is a fantastic example of local people taking action to care for their environment.”

Corangamite CMA thanks the Geelong Landcare Network, Shelford Recreation Reserve Committee, Leigh District Landcare Group and all the volunteers who contributed their time and energy to the project. Their efforts will leave a lasting legacy for the local environment and community.

From Sunday, 23 August, more than 400 extra weekly train services will start across the network.

For the first time, trains will run directly between Newport and Sandringham via Flinders Street – making it easier to travel between Melbourne’s west and bayside suburbs without changing trains.

Passengers will benefit from:

• Werribee, Laverton, Williamstown and Sandringham lines: More than 180 extra weekly services and trains every 10 minutes between Newport and Sandringham on weekdays.
• Craigieburn Line: An extra 115 weekly services, with trains every 20 minutes or better from morning until midnight, seven days a week.
• Upfield Line: An extra 77 weekly services, with trains every 20 minutes or better from morning until midnight, seven days a week.
• Belgrave and Lilydale lines: Extra Friday and Saturday night services to Ringwood.
• Mernda and Hurstbridge lines: Eight extra Sunday morning services on each line.
• Wyndham Vale Line: More peak services upgraded to nine-car VLocity trains, increasing capacity by 50 per cent.
• Geelong Line: 40 services extended from Geelong to Waurn Ponds each week.
• Shepparton Line: An uplift to nine return services every weekday and five return services each Saturday and Sunday following the Shepparton Line Upgrade.
• Seymour Line: Trains every hour on Saturday and Sunday.

And more services are on the way next year for the Hurstbridge, Mernda, Belgrave, Lilydale, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines.

The brand new West Tarneit Station opens on Sunday, 13 September – making it easier for people to catch the train in Melbourne’s west.

The timetable will go live on Friday, 7 August. To find out more, visit transport.vic.gov.au or the PTV app.

Surveillance activities continue across Victoria following the detection of H5 bird flu in wild birds along the state’s south west coastline.

Preliminary testing at Victoria’s state lab, AgriBio, has identified 33 further suspect cases of H5 bird flu, including 30 greater crested terns, one gull, one inconclusive magpie and one unidentified bird. Samples are now undergoing further confirmatory testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.

The 33 suspect cases are in addition to the 7 already confirmed cases in Victoria.

These suspect cases are the result of community reports and aerial and on-ground surveillance along the south west coast that took place over the weekend.

The growing cases indicate that H5 bird flu is present in the crested tern population in the region, and the community can expect to see an increase in the number of sick or dead terns in the coming weeks.

Ongoing shortages of type O and A blood supplies have prompted an urgent call for an extra 12,000 people to donate immediately, as peak winter illness keeps donors away and emergency orders remain high.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says recent appeals have prevented supplies falling to critical levels but have not been enough to replenish low supplies of O-positive and O-negative blood types, which are the types used in emergencies. A-positive blood stocks have also dropped in recent weeks.

Around 8,000 units of blood, plasma and platelets are issued as urgent or life-threatening orders every month, meaning they must be dispatched within as little as 30 minutes to support patients in critical situations.

At the same time, winter illness is hindering donations. A new Lifeblood survey found almost 40 per cent of Australians have recently experienced cold, flu or respiratory illness symptoms.

Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone said this wipes out potentially thousands of people from donating, as blood donors need to be seven days clear of symptoms before they can donate.

“Nationally we’re seeing up to 1,600 donation appointments sit empty every day, with many more people cancelling or rescheduling appointments,” Cath said.

“Even mild symptoms such as sniffles, sore throats, and headaches make people temporarily ineligible to give blood, and this can severely impact the availability of donors during winter months.

“We’re urging anyone who is fit and well to book an appointment now, and anyone recovering from illness to donate as soon as they can.

“Only three per cent of Australians donate blood. We’re asking people not to leave it to others — our regular donors alone cannot sustain supplies through winter, and we need more people to step up.”

Cath said O-negative and O-positive blood are particularly important because they are often used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

“Patients in critical situations will always get the blood they need, but full fridges are essential to ensuring blood is available for everyone who needs it, when they need it,” she said.

“This includes cancer patients, new mothers, people undergoing surgery, and many other patients, including children who need donated blood to save their lives.

“We’d all want blood to be there if it was someone we knew or loved who needed it.”

Cath urged people who don’t know their blood type to donate, with more than 80 per cent of Australians having an O or A blood type.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.

State breakdown of the additional donors needed:

• NATIONAL: Over 12,000
• VIC: 4,500
• NSW: 3,100
• QLD: 3,000
• WA: 1,300
• SA: 350
• ACT: 100
• NT:50
• TAS: 50

More than 4,200 volunteers support 152 Landcare and community-based natural resource management groups across the Corangamite Landcare region in south-west Victoria. Together, they are restoring habitat, improving waterway health, supporting sustainable agriculture and strengthening local communities.

With Landcare Week 2026 underway (3 to 9 August) with the theme Experience Landcare, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is celebrating the people behind this work and encouraging more people to connect with their local Corangamite Landcare group or network.

Corangamite CMA CEO Dr Amber Clarke said Landcare is one of the CMA’s most important partners.

“Many people know Landcare through tree planting days and community events, but may not realise the breadth of work Landcare volunteers, facilitators and staff contribute across our region.

“We simply could not achieve Corangamite CMA’s goals without Landcare. From restoring native vegetation and protecting waterways to supporting sustainable agriculture, citizen science and environmental education, Landcare plays a critical role in caring for our waterways, soils and biodiversity,” she said.

Corangamite CMA supports Landcare across the region through its Regional Landcare Coordination role, connecting groups and networks with funding, training, partnerships and opportunities. The CMA also works closely with Landcare groups and networks to deliver projects spanning river restoration, sustainable agriculture, citizen science and environmental education.

Since 2022, Corangamite CMA has worked in partnership with local Landcare networks to deliver the Small Blocks Big Dreams project, empowering more than 160 small landholders to improve soil health, biodiversity and native vegetation on their properties while building a network of environmental stewards across the region.

Landcare groups also play an important role in restoring riverside vegetation and habitat. In partnership with the Upper Barwon Landcare Network, willows were recently removed along 1.2 kilometres of Pennyroyal Creek near Deans Marsh, with fencing and revegetation to follow this spring. The works will improve habitat for species including Yarra pygmy perch, platypus and little galaxias, the latter which was recently recorded in the West Barwon River for the first time.

Partnerships with the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group and Moorabool Landcare Network are also helping restore waterways through willow removal, revegetation and large-scale native planting projects. At Spring Creek near Dunnstown, a major restoration project will see 10,000 native trees and grasses planted along 5.2 kilometres of creek frontage. Working with Geelong Landcare Network, volunteers recently planted 950 indigenous plants along the Leigh River at Shelford, helping restore habitat and strengthen wildlife corridors.

Landcare’s impact extends beyond on-ground works. Many WaterWatch and EstuaryWatch volunteers are active Landcare members, contributing valuable citizen science data that helps monitor the health of waterways and inform management decisions. Local Landcare volunteers also support schools through programs such as River Detectives, helping students learn about river health and monitor local waterways.

“To all Landcare volunteers, facilitators and staff across the Corangamite CMA region: thank you. Your dedication, passion and hard work are helping build a better future for our environment and communities,” Dr Clarke said.

To celebrate the end of Landcare Week 2026, Corangamite CMA is giving away free copies of the Wings of Wetlands birdwatching guide on Saturday (8 August) at Coffee at Pelican Point in the Lake Colac Foreshore carpark. Plus, the first 50 people who tell Jack the owner the name of their favourite bird, will also receive a free hot drink to enjoy while taking in the sights and sounds of Lake Colac. Thanks to the Victorian Landcare Program and the Victorian Government for supporting this initiative.

For more information Landcare in the Corangamite region, or to find your local group or network visit: www.ccma.vic.gov.au/get-involved/landcare/.

Victoria shows it is the Education State with Victorian students again topping the nation in NAPLAN results.

In 2026, a record number of students achieved their highest proficiency level.

Victorian students ranked first or second in 16 of 20 NAPLAN measures.

Victoria also has the lowest rate in the nation of students needing additional support.

There were steady improvements on previous years, across all year levels with Years 5, 7 and 9 Numeracy result significantly higher.

• In Year 9 Numeracy, 15.2 per cent of students are now ‘exceeding’ – more than in 2025.
• In Year 9 Writing, more than a quarter reached the highest level – that’s more than in 2025.

The results prove the government’s education reforms are working. 

The Victorian Reading Position is driving success, with all public primary schools now delivering 25 minutes of daily explicit systematic synthetic phonics in Prep to Year 2.

This literacy approach is transforming early reading outcomes for Victorian students.

The Government has always invested in giving Victorian students the best possible education. 

And now the Government is backing these results with $44 billion to support learning, wellbeing, workforce, and school upgrades and new buildings.

This includes $26.4 million to support excellence in literacy through a new phonics check, and $10.4 million for a numeracy check, allowing teachers to identify Year 1 students who need early support in both mathematics and reading.

When the Liberals were last in Government, they cut more than $1 billion from education and Victoria went backwards in NAPLAN results.

Jess Wilson’s Liberal-One Nation Coalition have already committed to $40 billion of cuts that would see schools funding slashed – and Victorian students would pay the price.

Premier Ben Carroll said:

“These results are outstanding – and they’re proof Victoria is the Education State leading the nation. Congratulations to our students, teachers and families.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Gabrielle Williams said:

“This is what happens when you invest in education. Great teachers, modern classrooms and real support for every student – and every Victorian child can succeed.”

Works will start on the Ballarat Regional Animal Facility this month.

Minister Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison turned the sod today for the new purpose-built animal shelter, located on Waringa Drive in Mitchell Park.

The City of Ballarat and representatives from H Troon and Architecture Matters also celebrated the sod turn.

The government is investing $11.5 million in the facility along with $3 million from the City of Ballarat.

The new facility will improve animal welfare services in the Ballarat region by providing a state-of-the-art facility to care for lost, stray and surrendered pets.

It will also give Western Victoria a fit-for-purpose building to support cats and dogs in need.

The facility is set to elevate the standard of care delivered to the thousands of strays, lost, abandoned or abused animals from around the region that pass through the City of Ballarat’s animal shelter each year.

It will help meet the animal management needs of Ballarat and the broader region, including the municipalities of Hepburn, Moorabool, Golden Plains, Pyrenees, Ararat, and Central Goldfields.

More animals will benefit from the integrated indoor and outdoor facilities, improved ventilation and infection control, and the ability to care for up to 65 dogs and more than 158 cats in code-compliant pens.

The facility is set for completion in December 2027.

Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle said:

“Every animal deserves to be treated with care and compassion, and this new facility will deliver a safer, more modern environment for pets across Ballarat and western Victoria.”

“We’re investing in the infrastructure regional communities need to support better animal welfare outcomes and ensure councils have the facilities to care for animals in need.”

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“The Ballarat Regional Animal Facility will provide a lasting benefit for our region, supporting local jobs, improving services and giving more animals the chance to find safe and loving homes.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said:

“Our new animal shelter is a game changer for our community, providing a new purpose-built place to care for animals and improved facilities for dedicated workers who look after them.”

City of Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves said:

‘”Our staff and volunteers do an incredible job in facilities that have long since outgrown their intended use.”

“This purpose-built facility will give our team the space, equipment and modern infrastructure they need to work more efficiently and deliver the best possible outcomes for animals.”

Today I am unveiling a new Cabinet – a Labor team ready to deliver a new direction for Victorians.

My team is experienced and united, focused on getting things done.

I have reduced the Ministry. This is a simple measure I can make right now to save taxpayers money.

Because every dollar my government spends will be treated with respect and only where it delivers the greatest value for Victorians.

Together, we will ensure our Cabinet earns the trust Victorians place in it.

That includes a new Cabinet role to back AI and digital technology, growing our economy and jobs.

Anthony Carbines will become the new Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, focusing on driving innovation and investment, while keeping AI development ethical and responsible.

He will also become the new Minister for Major Events, Medical Research, Economic Development and will remain the Minister for Racing and the Leader of the House.

Deputy Premier Gabrielle Williams will become the new Minister for Education, Women and Gender Equality, Skills and Training and First Peoples.

Lizzie Blandthorn will remain the Minister for Children, Disability and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Colin Brooks will become the new Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations.

Steve Dimopoulos will become the new Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Equality and will remain the Minister for Sport.

Paul Edbrooke will become the new Minister for Police, Emergency Services, Crime Prevention and Multicultural Affairs.

Enver Erdogan will become the new Minister for Finance, Minister for Government Services and will remain the Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation.

Luba Grigorovitch remains the Minister for Youth and Carers and Volunteers.

Paul Hamer will become the new Minister for Roads and Road Safety.

Melissa Horne will become the new Minister for Jobs, Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Defence Industry and will remain the Minister for Ports and Freight.

Sonya Kilkenny will become the new Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and will remain Attorney-General and the Minister for Planning.

Tim Richardson will become the new Minister for Local Government, Consumer Affairs and Renters.

Michaela Settle will become the new Minister for Water and the Minister for Rural and Regional Development and will remain the Minister for Agriculture.

Ros Spence will become the new Minister for Youth Justice, Corrections, Victims Support and will remain the Minister for Community Sport.

Nick Staikos will become the new Minister for Housing, Building and Precincts, Homelessness and Seniors.

Ingrid Stitt will become the new Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services and will remain the Special Minister of State.

Natalie Suleyman will become the new Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and will remain the Minister for Small and Family Business and Veterans.

Jaclyn Symes will become the new Minister for Energy and Resources, the State Electricity Commission, Climate Action, Environment and will remain the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Vicki Ward will become the Minister for Public Transport and will remain the Minister for Creative Industries.

Nina Taylor will become the Cabinet Secretary.

Victoria has a strong and united Labor team, delivering for working people.

My Cabinet will stay focused on what matters most – cost of living, keeping Victorians safe and delivering great healthcare and education.

Carroll Ministry (August 2026)

From Friends of earth Melbourne

Key facts:

Metolachlor is a herbicide used to control a variety of weeds.

Metolachlor’s ecological guideline is set at 36,000 times lower than the Drinking Water Guideline.

Metolachlor was detected 110 times, in 30 water supplies by water authorities between 2017-2025.

Metolachlor hotspots include the Yarra River at Melbourne Water’s offtake to Sugarloaf Reservoir, Talbot Reservoir, Evansford Reservoir, Tullaroop Reservoir and Centenary Reservoir all managed by Central Highlands Water, Taylors Lake managed by Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and Cohuna, Boort and Laanecoorie all managed by Coliban Water.

Metolachlor is problematic to green algae and diatoms which are the foundations of the aquatic food chain.

Is Metolachlor the Biggest Pesticide Risk to Victorian Waterways?

Recent information obtained by Friends of the Earth via Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to Victorian water authorities reveal that the herbicide Metolachlor was detected over 110 times in 30 water supplies between 2017 and 2025 with an average detection level of 0.05µg/L (mean 0.02µg/L). µg/L=parts per billion.

In Australia the drinking water guideline for Metolachlor is 300µg/L which in terms of pesticide health guidelines, is on the higher end of the guidelines.

Metolachlor’s lowest ecological guideline however, known as the ANZECC 99% Default Guideline Value (DGV) is almost 36,000 times lower and set at 0.0084µg/L and in terms of herbicides is the second lowest 99% DGV guideline in Australia. Clearly then, the ecological impact of this herbicide warrant much closer attention.

Friends of the Earth is concerned that all 110 detections breached the 99% Default Guideline Value (DGV). The average Metolachlor detection was 600% higher than the 99% DGV.

The FoI’s also helped identify several Metolachlor ‘hotspots’ where urgent action is required to stop this chemical polluting water supplies.

Metolachlor was detected at very low levels in treated water from Winneke Treatment plant in Melbourne in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2024 and drinking water in Manangatang in August 2023.

Metolachlor was Victoria’s sixth most frequently detected pesticide with a rise of 1000% in detections in comparison to detections in Victorian water supplies 2007-2016.

Metolachlor is primarily used as a pre-emergent herbicide for controlling grasses and some broadleaf weeds in a variety of crops. The EU have classified Metolachlor as being a suspected human carcinogen.

The areas of most concern in regards to the ecological impacts of Metalochlor were Talbot Reservoir, Evansford Reservoir, Tullaroop Reservoir and Centenary Reservoir (Central Highlands Water), Taylors Lake (Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water), Cohuna, Boort and Laanecoorie (Coliban Water), and the Yarra River at Yering Gorge (Melbourne Water). These locations indicate possible chronic Metolachlor pollution.

The towns of Ouyen and Quambatook also had 4 and 5 detections at their raw water storages. Average levels at Ouyen were 0.0125µg/L and Quambatook 0.018µg/L, well under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, but indicating source water from the Loddon River and Murray River contains Metolachlor.

If it reaches water, Metolachlor is particularly problematic to Chlorophyta (green algae) and Bacillariophyta (diatoms), the foundations of the aquatic food chain. Green Algae and Diatoms produce their own food through photosynthesis using sunlight and carbon dioxide. Both green algae and diatoms create microhabitats within waterways, providing surfaces for bacteria, fungi and invertebrates. They are also important for oxygen production and carbon sequestration.

Water authorities have one primary interest and that is to safeguard the drinking water supply in terms of potential health impacts to their customers.  The ecological impact of the pesticides that are detected are usually not a priority. Surely drinking water authorities need to take a more proactive stance in reducing pesticide loads into waterways.

Water authorities also do not have to be informed what pesticides are being used in the water supplies that they are responsible for meaning that they don’t necessarily test for all pesticides that may be used within the water supply.

Thank you Chair and Committee for the opportunity for HIA to appear at the Inquiry today.

I would like to focus on the growing challenges facing small building businesses in accessing insurance, and the broader implications this has for housing supply, competition, business viability and productivity across the construction sector.

Insurance is no longer simply a business cost. For many builders it has become a major barrier to operating, growing and, in some cases, remaining in business.

Over recent years, builders have experienced substantial increases in premiums across public liability, professional indemnity, contract works and residential warranty insurance. It is not uncommon to hear examples of businesses that were paying $15,000 to $20,000 annually for a package of construction-related insurances now facing renewal costs of $40,000, $60,000 or more. In some cases, builders report premium increases of 100 to 300 per cent over relatively short periods, despite having no claims history and no change in business operations.

The issue is not only the price of insurance. It is also access to insurance.

Many insurers have become increasingly risk averse towards the construction sector. As a result, builders are required to provide extensive and growing levels of documentation during underwriting. A small business owner may be required to provide detailed financial statements, tax returns, work-in-progress reports, cash flow forecasts, project pipelines, subcontractor information, quality assurance processes and detailed histories of past projects, often every year and sometimes multiple times per year.

For a large construction company, this administrative burden can be absorbed by dedicated finance, legal and compliance teams. For a small builder employing five, ten or twenty people, it is often the owner completing this work late at night after managing projects during the day. The regulatory and administrative burden associated with obtaining insurance is becoming a significant cost in itself.

A particular source of frustration is that many builders believe insurers are not adequately recognising long-term risk performance.

We hear examples of family-owned businesses operating successfully for 20, 30 or even 40 years without major claims, significant defects or disciplinary action, yet they continue to face blanket premium increases similar to businesses with a much higher risk profile.

In many sectors of the economy, a long history of safe operation is rewarded through risk-based pricing. Builders are increasingly asking why decades of successful trading, strong compliance records and clean claims histories do not appear to result in materially different insurance outcomes.

The result is a growing perception that builders are being assessed as part of an industry wide risk profile rather than as individual businesses with distinct risk characteristics.

There is also a broader policy issue that deserves attention.

Insurance costs do not exist in isolation. Small building businesses are simultaneously responding to a wide range of regulatory reforms and compliance obligations. These include housing taxation, minimum taxation on trusts, increased licensing requirements, changes to building codes and standards, expanded documentation requirements, strengthened consumer protection measures, workplace relations changes, workplace health and safety obligations, environmental and sustainability requirements, reporting obligations and evolving contractual risk allocations.

Each reform may be justified individually. However, small businesses experience them cumulatively.

The challenge for small builders is not one single regulation. It is the combined impact of dozens of regulatory changes, additional compliance tasks and rising business costs occurring at the same time.

When rising insurance premiums are combined with increased compliance costs, labour shortages, material cost volatility and tighter financing conditions, the overall effect can be significant. The businesses most affected are often the smaller and medium-sized firms that form the backbone of local building industries and housing delivery.

The consequence is that some builders choose not to expand, some decline work that carries higher insurance requirements, and some leave the industry altogether. Ultimately, this reduces competition, constrains housing supply and places further upward pressure on construction costs.

From the perspective of small business, the key policy objective should be to ensure that insurance markets remain accessible, affordable and appropriately risk based. Builders need greater transparency around underwriting decisions, better recognition of demonstrated long-term performance, and a regulatory environment that considers the cumulative impact of reforms on small business operators.

Accordingly, HIA’s recommendations to this Inquiry reflect the reality that the legitimate market dynamics are being materially amplified by Australian policy settings that can and should be corrected.

This is not by another round of more Parliamentary Inquiries but by meaningful and lasting reform and with small businesses designed front and centre not as an afterthought.