Agriculture Victoria is working closely with both the pig and horse industries in response to Japanese encephalitis.

There are now a total of 23 properties with pigs confirmed with Japanese encephalitis in Victoria.

These are located across the Wangaratta, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Greater Bendigo and Northern Grampians local government areas.

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with industry providing advice and information to farmers, livestock and horse owners.

Infection is not spread directly from pigs to people, and there is no risk to humans from eating pig meat. Pork is safe to eat.

Only infected mosquitoes can spread infection. 

Victorians are being reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites particularly when spending time outdoors.

Japanese encephalitis vaccines are recommended for people at a higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as those working with pigs. All people should undertake measures to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

More information about Japanese encephalitis virus and animals is available online through Agriculture Victoria’s website.

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and human health contact your GP or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024, or go to www.health.vic.gov.au/jev

Entries are now open for the WorkSafe Awards – Commitment to workplace health and safety on a farm – until 15 July.

Aurora Dairies were the inaugural winner in 2021.

Over several years the business researched and consulted with staff on the right farm vehicle for their work and terrain.

After testing and implementing new approaches, the result is a positive safety culture, reduced risk of hazardous driving and a rapid response system if an incident does occur.

Watch their story.

The award is open to all Victorian farmers, or those working on a farm, and offers a $2000 prize.

Campfire – the National Centre for Farmer Health’s (NCFH)  digital meeting place for issues on the land – will now be available for listeners at any time.

NCFH Director, Dr Alison Kennedy said the Campfire series is expanding its podcast-based format starting late May.

She said the switch will maximise opportunities for farmers, farm workers and farming families to ‘plug in’ and listen anytime – maybe on a drive to a sale, in the shearing shed, in the tractor, relaxing at night or even last thing in bed before turning out the light – as long as it doesn’t compromise their safety.

“While our initial Campfire foray into podcasting has been a feature alongside some of our fortnightly scheduled online Q&A sessions, we have come to realise with all the cyberspace options available today, people love being able to access content at a time and place that works for them,” Dr Kennedy explained.

“That’s the feedback we have been receiving from participants so now our podcast conversations will be released fortnightly across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anchor, and the Farmer Health website.

“Making a much wider range of content so much more accessible.

“Each podcast episode profiles a topic-relevant expert who explores how work-related factors can positively or negatively affect stress experienced by farmers and their employees.

“We also look at how practical action can be taken to build a mentally-healthy workplace (which will also include handy links to further information and resources),” she said.

Dr Kennedy said not only are podcast speakers topic experts, many of them are also farming experts, with irreplaceable ‘lived experience grappling with the issue at hand’.

She said the focus is on the prevention of stress and poor mental health and addressing the many factors which affect that – from the glaringly obvious to the more insidious, which can strike unexpectedly.

“You only have to look at some of the subjects we have covered to date, such as working effectively in a family business and strengthening your support team through to healthy ageing on the farm and strategies for preventing bullying in farm workplaces,” Dr Kennedy added.

“Every Campfire topic already presented will be available via our podcast library and that catalogue will be boosted by some of the topics already organised for the weeks ahead,” she said.

“Some of those are immediately topical, as they have been in the headlines lately,  such as preventing crime on-farm, from stock theft to machinery, equipment and firearms.

“Our soon to be released Campfire podcasts will also be taking a look at rural resilience and disaster prevention and learning how to prevent your bias from limiting your farming potential.”

You can listen to the podcast or read our regular blogs about building better workplaces at www.farmerhealth.org.au/campfire

Calling all small-scale and craft producers.

Recently we launched a new round of grants for the Small-Scale and Craft Program.

If you’re looking to grow your product lines, expand your business or reach new markets, this opportunity could be for you. 

Grants of up to $15,000 are available to eligible agribusinesses.

Go online to find out more and apply.

A portable molecular lab developed by Agriculture Victoria has opened in Timor-Leste to boost local animal health and help safeguard Australia from exotic animal diseases.

Victorian vets have created an early warning system to help our Timor-Leste neighbours detect major biosecurity threats and build their skills and capacity.

Constructed inside a shipping container, the lab was purpose-built to help deliver veterinary diagnostic services in Timor-Leste, targeting exotic diseases such as African swine fever, classical swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease.

It was built as part of a seven-year project Agriculture Victoria is delivering in partnership with the Timorese Government, to strengthen field and laboratory services and provide an early warning system for major biosecurity threats to Victorian agriculture.

At a ceremony to open the lab in Dili recently, Australian Ambassador Bill Costello and Timorese Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Pedro dos Reis extended a special thank you to Agriculture Victoria researchers Grant Rawlin and Peter Mee, who are training local vets and technicians to use the lab.

This work, which is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will ensure Timorese vets are better equipped to sample suspect animals and provide a diagnosis before the disease can spread.

Agriculture Victoria Research Director Brendan Rodoni said the project was also providing a valuable first-hand experience for the Victorian scientists in diagnosing diseases that are not found in Australia.

“Our researchers have the opportunity to test a range of newly developed diagnostic tools on diseases that are exotic to Australia,” he said.

“This helps us to build skills and capacity in exotic disease surveillance and diagnosis so we are better prepared if there was an outbreak in Australia.”

Professor Rawlin and Dr Mee are spending the month in Timor-Leste training local veterinarians on how to use a range of diagnostic tools, including qPCR testing – a real-time method for detecting different microbial agents in animal samples, and LAMP investigations – a highly specific, low cost, fast and portable test for pathogenic viruses.

They will also meet with animal owners and animal health workers and deliver workshops to improve biosecurity practices.

The lab will be a key resource to strengthen field and laboratory services in Timor-Leste and the sharing of knowledge and expertise between Timorese and Australian scientists will ensure both countries are better prepared to protect their animals and industries from biosecurity threats

Agriculture Victoria’s Pathways to Export team has joined up with Global Victoria to present a special webinar for food and agriculture businesses looking to enter the export market or expand their current export activities.

Doing Business in the Middle East and North Africa will be the key topic of discussion at the International Business Rules webinar on Monday 27 June.

Topics discussed will include market demographics, legal and regulatory frameworks and practical business information including trade agreements.

You’ll hear about the opportunities and challenges from experts on the ground, learn from case studies and improve your access to business and government contacts and resources.

The webinars are presented by Global Victoria, with support from Agriculture Victoria’s Pathways to Export program.

Agriculture Victoria has partnered with the Australian Table Grape Association to improve trust in the supply chain. 

In the next video, They delve into the role of transport and logistics.

Meet Victorian Transport Association CEO Peter Anderson who discusses the journey of the fruit – across land and sea, from farm to fruit bowl – and looks at how traceability gives logistics partners confidence in the product they’re transporting.

The ATGA received $650,000 through the Food to Market (Stream 1) Program to help fund the project.

Learn more online through the Australian Table Grape Association Inc website.

I am sad to see my close friends and long-time colleagues – James Merlino, Martin Foley, Lisa Neville, Martin Pakula and Richard Wynne – retire from the Ministry and, at the end of the year, the Parliament.

Each of them has given many years of extraordinary service to our state, to our Government and to the labour movement. I am so grateful for the support, friendship and loyalty that each of them has shown me over the journey.
Good governments are always more than the sum oftheir parts and I’m proud to lead a strong team with formidable talent.
As one group of very experienced people move on, I know they will be replaced by equally capable and committed Ministers who will bring new ideas and new energy to our Cabinet.
I’m pleased to announce changes to Coordinating Ministers who will oversee each of the departments across government and ensure we continue our work to deliver for all Victorians.
• Treasurer Tim Pallas remains the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Treasury and Finance
• Jacinta Allan remains the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Transport
• Attorney General Jaclyn Symes remains the Coordinating Minister of the Department of Justice and
Community Safety
• Ben Carroll will become the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
• Lily D’Ambrosio will become the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Environment, Planning, Land and Water
• Natalie Hutchins will become the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Education and Training
• Danny Pearson will become the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Families, Fairness and
Housing
• Mary-Anne Thomas will become the Coordinating Minister for the Department of Health.
Like the Cabinet, this leadership group is now more than 50 per cent women. I know they will do an outstanding job – as a team and in each of their roles.
We have always been a government that gets things done. With a renewed team, we’ll keep putting forward a positive and optimistic plan for Victoria, and we won’t waste a day delivering on it.
The Parliamentary Labor Party will convene for a Caucus meeting tomorrow, Saturday 25 June, to make new appointments to the Cabinet.
Portfolio arrangements will be confirmed in due course and the new Ministry will be sworn in early next week.

Council has voted to adopt the Budget 2022/23 and Council Plan 2021–2031 (Year Two Actions 2022/23) at this week’s Scheduled Council Meeting.

Community members were invited to provide feedback on both documents during the consultation period which commenced in April, in line with Council’s Community Engagement Policy.
The Annual Budget will continue to support the community and local businesses with pandemic and storm recovery, and deliver on the Council Plan by continuing the progression of key capital works projects including the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, the Shared Trails Project and the Woodend Golf Club clubrooms upgrade.
Included in the Annual Budget are new initiatives that include the Woodend Racecourse Reserve Master Plan and a shire-wide Equestrian Facilities Plan. Further work will be undertaken to progress the Gisborne Futures project and associated planning scheme amendment and the Romsey Structure Plan.
In total, Council’s Capital Works program will deliver $41.2 million in works across the shire over the next financial year, 37% of Council’s total revenue.
Further highlights of the Annual Budget after the public consultation process include:
 Kyneton Tennis Club – lighting of playing courts 9 and 10.
 Hanging Rock Cricket Club – training net renewal and upgrades. Works will improve the safety of the facilities.
 Macedon Bowling Club – engagement of architect to prepare working drawings for improvements to the Club’s current clubrooms.
 Kyneton Football Netball Club – detailed design planning to develop a female-friendly pavilion and upgraded netball courts at the Showgrounds Reserve.
 Pedestrian safety Woodend – installation of a new slow point prior to the existing crest in Brooke Street Woodend to cater for school and leisure pedestrians crossing, and design and construction of a crossing solution at the intersection of Brooke and Templeton Streets, Woodend.
Council also received additional funding to include the following projects:  Red Brick Hall, Kyneton – building renewal works and the inclusion of an On-Street Disability Discrimination Act compliant car park. Funded by Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI), $335,000.  Off Grid Relief and Recovery Centres – taking three grid-connected locations off-grid, or providing the equipment to be ‘self-sufficient’ in terms of electricity, water, and
telecommunications in times of emergency. Funded by Preparing Australian Communities – Local Stream program.
Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said Council had worked hard to provide a budget that minimised financial burden on residents and businesses still recovering from the pandemic and storm events of 2021, and would allow the continuation of key projects that would see the shire continue to thrive.
“I would like to thank all staff, Councillors and the community, who have contributed to the development of the Budget 2022/23 and Council Plan 2021-2031 Year Two action items. It’s exciting to see key projects continuing to progress, and the addition of new projects which will further strengthen our shire and make such a difference to our community,” she said.
Chief Executive Officer, Bernie O’Sullivan said the budget would continue to deliver the priorities of Council as highlighted through the Council Plan, which stemmed from the proactive work undertaken by residents who participated in creating the Community Vision last year.
“Through our advocacy efforts we have been able to attract further funding to deliver our major projects and improve services to the community, as well as include some additional works. We look forward to delivering on Year Two of the Council Plan 2021-2031 and upholding our Community Vision,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
Council rates align with the state-wide rate cap of 1.75% in the Budget 2022/23. Last year’s rate increase was 1.5%, and 2% the year before.
Council’s total budgeted income for 2022/23 is $111.5 million, which is mainly comprised of rates, grants, service fees and charges.
Council also endorsed the Asset Plan 2021-2031 at this week’s Scheduled Council Meeting: a 10-year plan outlining Council’s management of assets including buildings, roads, bridges, kerbs and gutters, footpaths, cycling tracks, open space and recreation assets, information communication and technology, stormwater and flood management, and plant, fleet, and equipment. Council’s current assets are valued at more than $964 million (excluding land).
To view the Budget 2022/23, Council Plan 2021-2031 (Year Two Actions 2022/23) and Asset Plan 2021-2031 visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Our-Council.

Agriculture Victoria has welcomed the guilty verdict for a farmer from Walkerville, who has been fined $50,000 and banned for 10 years from owning any farm animal or being a person in charge of any farm animal.

Jeremy Rich was convicted over 16 charges, including one of aggravated cruelty, following the death of numerous sheep in his care.
The Latrobe Valley Magistrates court heard the charges related to a large outbreak of flystrike and gastrointestinal parasitism in a flock of more than 2,300 sheep at Mr Rich’s property between March and April 2020.
Agriculture Victoria officers first attended the property in early March 2020 in response to a complaint concerning sick and dying sheep.
Officers then attended on a further nine separate occasions and issued several Notices to Comply.
Over this time, numerous sheep with flystrike were observed, three were humanely euthanised by officers and 41 recently deceased sheep were recorded.
Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager, Daniel Bode, said despite receiving numerous Notices to Comply, insufficient action was taken by Mr Rich.
A significant number of sheep died and were either scavenged, partially eaten, removed or buried in a large pit.
Magistrate Tony Burns declared the accused prioritised finances over the welfare of the animals, which led to them experiencing significant suffering.
Mr Bode said the weight of the 10-year disqualification order is substantial and will ensure that animals are protected from further pain and suffering.
“It sends a very clear message that those who continually commit offences against animals should not have the privilege and opportunity to care for them in the future,” Mr Bode said.
“Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.
“This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.”

Jeroen Weimar has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games
Organising Committee – the organisation charged with overseeing the build-up to and delivery of the event.

Weimar most recently served as the operational leader of the state’s COVID-19 response from July 2020 to April 2022. He was previously Head of Transport Services at the Department of Transport and Chief Executive Officer of VicRoads, as well as the former CEO of Public Transport Victoria.
Weimar held senior roles in the United Kingdom before arriving in Australia, including Chief Operating Officer of the UK Bus division of First Group and Chief Operating Officer of Transport for London in the lead up to London 2012 Olympic Games.
The Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee will lead the delivery of the Games, managing venues and services, logistics, partnerships and engagement, as well as media, broadcasting and communications.
Working closely with the Office of the Commonwealth Games, the two bodies will liaise with stakeholders
including regional councils, the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia to ensure regional Victoria shines on the world stage.
Four regional hubs will be established in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each with their own athlete’s village and sport program. The regional hubs will host athletes, officials and fans following an Opening Ceremony
at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, using Melbourne as the gateway to regional Victoria.
Victoria 2026 will extend far beyond sporting competition, with the Queen’s Baton Relay, warm-up tournaments and training camps, an extensive cultural program, live sites and activations in towns and cities across the state.
It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy,
creating more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before the Games, 3,900 jobs during the Games and a further 3,000 jobs beyond the Closing Ceremony.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said:
“Jeroen has significant experience in senior public and private sector roles and will bring important skills to ensure the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games proudly showcases our state to the world.”
Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee CEO Jeroen Weimar said:
“I’m excited to lead a team that will work hand in glove with local communities to deliver Victoria 2026 –
celebrating the Commonwealth’s greatest athletes and our state’s rich culture and diversity.’’
Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin said:
“I would like to congratulate Jeroen on his appointment as Victoria 2026 Chief Executive Officer. The CGF look forward to working in close partnership with Jeroen and his team to stage a unique multi-sport event for the State, the country and the Commonwealth.”
Commonwealth Games Australia President Ben Houston said:
“Commonwealth Games Australia looks forward to working with Jeroen and the organising committee team that will deliver the Victoria 2026 Games. The Games present many opportunities for our athletes and sports and together we will bring these opportunities to life over the next four years.”

The State Government is putting lived experience at the heart of an Independent Review that will dive
deeper into the criteria, regulations and future legislation for compulsory mental health treatment, as part of the reform of Victoria’s mental health and wellbeing system.

As soon as the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act passes the Parliament, the Independent Review will begin – taking the time needed to look carefully at how these laws can make sure mental health care in Victoria is safer and more compassionate for those in crisis.
Justice Shane Marshall AM has been appointed as Chair of the Independent Review, which will also look at how mental health decision-making laws in Victoria can be aligned with other medical decision-making legislation.
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System recommended that compulsory treatment criteria be simplified and clarified, and that Victoria’s mental health laws be aligned over time with other Victorian decision making laws.
With 20 years’ experience as a Federal Court judge, Justice Marshall AM has been a strong educator and advocate for mental health and will bring his own lived experience of the mental health system to the role.
Justice Marshall will be joined on the panel by eminent psychiatrist Professor Richard Newton, lived experience consumer representatives Flick Grey and Erandathie Jayakody, and lived experience carer representative Lisa Sweeney.
The panel will work to terms of reference for the Bill developed by a group of consumers, families, carers,
supporters and workers in the sector and service providers.
When the Review concludes in late 2023 the panel will provide formal advice and recommendations to Government that will form the basis of amendments to the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act legislation that will deliver a health-based approach to caring for Victorians when they are in crisis.
The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act is a historic milestone in Victoria’s work to build a mental health system that delivers tailored care to all Victorians, close to home.
The new bill sets out principles that will ensure the state’s mental health services are responsive, make sure Victorians seeking care are closely involved in decisions about their treatment and support, and incorporate a statement of recognition and acknowledgement of treaty process.
This Bill is just the first step in building the foundations for a world-class mental health system. The Victorian Budget 2022/23 invested $1.3 billion in mental health and wellbeing, building on last year’s record investment of $3.8 billion – the largest single investment in mental health in Victoria’s history.
Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said:
“We’re taking the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act through the Parliament now, to build the critical
foundations of our state’s reformed mental health system and make sure everyone gets the care they deserve – but we knew there were some aspects of the law, like compulsory treatment, that needed more time to get right.”
“I look forward to seeing the work of Justice Marshall and the expert review Panel to help us deliver our vision for safe, supportive mental healthcare for Victoria that delivers a health-based response before all else.”

The State Government is backing small-scale and craft producers to expand their product lines, increase
export opportunities and create new jobs.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas visited Molly Rose Brewing Co. in Collingwood to encourage
agribusinesses to apply for the latest round of the State Government’s Small Scale and Craft Program.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available for eligible organisations to expand into new markets, scale up their
operations, adopt new technology or develop tourism offerings.
The program is already supporting many businesses, including gourmet pie producers, olive growers, sake distillers and alpaca farmers to grow and boost resilience.
Molly Rose Brewing Co. is a craft brewery known for its diverse menu including smoked Japanese dark lager and strawberry-laced sour ale.
In 2020 it received funding through the Program to invest in density and pH meters which help to improve the consistency of their brews.
The company was recently awarded Best Belgian/French Ale at the International Beer Awards for its ‘Nectarined’ beer that is fermented in barrels of nectarines for nine months.
Since it commenced in 2019, the Small-Scale and Craft Program has awarded grants to more than 300 businesses and invested $6.6 million in the sector. It demonstrates how the Government is delivering its 10-year agriculture strategy to create a sector that is strong, innovative and sustainable.
For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/smallscaleandcraftprogram
Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“We’re backing our small-scale producers because they provide world-class products, create unique experiences and attract visitors to all parts of Victoria, creating more local jobs.”
“It’s great to see Molly Rose Brewing Co beating the best at the International Beer Awards – it’s innovative
producers like these that help boost Victoria’s reputation for its world-class beverages.”
Member for Richmond Richard Wynne said:
“We are proud to support our small-scale and craft producers to expand their product lines and support local jobs.
This new round of funding will be a big boost for a variety of producers across the state.”
Founder of Molly Rose Brewery Co. Nic Sandery said:
“We couldn’t be prouder to win a trophy for our favourite beer style – Nectarined. It exemplifies the way we like to make beer – using great, local ingredients to make a drink that is nuanced yet undeniably slurpable.”

The State Government is today making the biggest single investment in student mental health in Australian history – delivering the support young Victorians need to grow up happy and healthy, and catching mental health concerns earlier so children aren’t slipping through the cracks of the system.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the State Government will invest $200 million to expand the successful Mental Health in Primary Schools program to every single government and low-fee non-government primary school in Victoria – 1800 school campuses.
Scaling up across the state from 2023, by 2026 every school will employ a Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader to implement a whole-school approach to wellbeing.
This will support individual students, help teachers better identify and support at-risk students, and build relationships and referral pathways to local mental health services.
The program builds on a successful pilot with 100 schools across Victoria in partnership with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne, where more than 95 per cent of Mental Health and Wellbeing Leaders said the model improved their school’s capacity to support students’ mental health and wellbeing needs. Since the start of the trials students have improved mental health and wellbeing, as well as improved social, academic and vocational outcomes.
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System highlighted that schools play an important role in identifying children with mental health and wellbeing challenges who can then be referred to treatment, care and support if needed.
The State Government has already delivered mental health workers in every government secondary and specialist school – and the Royal Commission encouraged us to build on the successful Mental Health in Primary Schools Pilot by expanding the program to more schools across the state.
Half of all cases of anxiety, mood, impulse control and substance use disorders manifest by the age of 14.
Research suggests students with mental health concerns are behind their peers in Grade 3, falling further behind throughout school.
This investment comes as the State Government today introduces the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act – a historic milestone in Victoria’s work to build a mental health system that delivers tailored care to all Victorians, close to home.
The Bill replaces the current Mental Health Act 2014, setting out rights-based objectives and principles for responsive services to make sure people seeking care are involved in decisions about their treatment and support, as well as incorporating a statement of recognition and acknowledgement of treaty process.
Lived experience will be a central pillar of the new system and embedded in new entities, including regional Mental Health and Wellbeing Boards, and through a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.
The Commission will provide state-wide oversight of the mental health and wellbeing system, including through a new complaints resolution and investigation process, and will hold government to account for the performance of the system and the implementation of the Royal Commission recommendations.
The Bill establishes Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Victoria, a body to champion the voice of young people with lived experience on its governing board and advisory body.
This youth body will also be able to commission specialist services, with Orygen announced as the inaugural partner for youth services in the North and West areas of metropolitan Melbourne.
The new legislation is just the first step in building the foundations for a world-class mental health system, and just one part of the story. As soon as Parliament passes the new Act, the Independent Review of compulsory treatment criteria and alignment of decision-making laws will begin.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 invested $1.3 billion in mental health and wellbeing, building on last year’s record investment of $3.8 billion – the largest single investment in mental health in Victoria’s history.
These two historic investments mean work is underway on 90 per cent of Royal Commission recommendations.
This includes $29.3 million for dedicated resources to support implementation of the new legislation, including through comprehensive workforce training and support for consumers, families, carers and supporters to understand their rights under the new legislation.
The investment is also delivering the biggest expansion of the mental health workforce in our state’s history to match reform with a strong, well-supported workforce – with more than 2,500 roles already created since the Royal Commission’s final report was handed down.
Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“We’re making sure every Victorian child in Macedon has access to safe, tailored care through their trusted school environment – giving them the care they need, when they need it, close to home.”
“I am so proud to introduce today’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Bill to Parliament – this is a historic moment in building our new mental health system, and one that will make a profound change to the way we support Victorians for generations to come.”
Minister for Education James Merlino said:
“We know the earlier in life young Victorians get mental health support, the better their changes of staying happy and healthy throughout adulthood.”

Important reforms to bolster the work of Victoria Police and help keep the Victorian community safe have today been introduced to the Victorian Parliament.

The Justice Legislation Amendment (Police and Other Matters) Bill 2022 delivers changes to help police effectively undertake their day-to-day operations and continue to deliver the services the community expects.
Under the legislation, police will have new powers to protect the security of police premises, including police stations, giving officers the ability to move people on who don’t have a legitimate reason to be there, or pose a threat to the peace.
Currently, police can only remove antagonistic people from police premises if they have committed an offence.
The legislation also establishes a framework for the Restorative Engagement and Redress Scheme which supports current and former police officers who have experienced sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace, providing more transparency around the eligibility criteria and increased privacy protections for participants.
The reforms will also give Victoria Police the option to charge for profit sporting, entertainment, and commercial operators for the real cost of policing commercial events. The commercial events industry will be consulted on the
specific regulations needed to give effect to these new reforms before they commence.
Police can currently only enter into agreements with commercial operators for additional police services inside events but cannot recover costs for services outside venues such as traffic management and managing crowd behaviour.
The legislation also:
• makes clear that Protective Services Officers can use specialist police terrorism powers when operating in an authorised area in the event of a terrorism incident.

• provides a clear obligation for police personnel to only access, make use of, or disclose police information if required by their current duties.

• enables the Chief Commissioner to take more than one disciplinary action in response to a police officer or PSO who has a criminal charge proven against them.

• amends the Sex Offender Registration Act to support police to actively monitor registered sex offenders to reduce the risk of reoffending.

These changes build on the State Government’s record $4.5 billion investment in police, which has already
delivered an additional 3,135 new police across the state, with more to come.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville said:
“We’re delivering sensible but necessary reforms that support the day-to-day operations of Victoria Police, so they can continue their excellent work keeping Victorians safe.”
“These reforms also deliver increased integrity measures, ensuring police using and disclosing information
appropriately, and giving the Chief Commissioner greater disciplinary powers where officers have broken the law.”