2005

Victoria's growth lags nation as exports slump

Victoria's economic growth is now amongst the weakest in the nation and there have been big falls in Victoria's exports and government investment, the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data show. (1 June)

Business confidence dives in Victoria

The May Sensis Business Index survey, released today, shows Victorian small and medium size business confidence in their prospects over the next 12 months has fallen from 56 per cent to 46 per cent and is well under the national average of 52 per cent. The survey findings also highlight that the key reason Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) do not support the Bracks Government is land tax, which remains a significant issue even after the State Budget. (31 May)

2004

Low investment drags down Victorian economy

Private investment (gross fixed capital formation) grew in Victoria by only 3.4 per cent in 2003-04, compared with the national average of 7.0 per cent and well below Tasmania (16.7%), Western Australia (11.9%), Queensland (9.6%), South Australia (9.1%) and New South Wales (5.9%). (12 Nov)

National Accounts: more signs of slippage

The ABS National Accounts data are the third set of economic data within a week showing that the Victorian economy is lagging behind Australia's economic performance, with State Final Demand - which measures total spending by households, businesses and governments - growing by only 5.1 per cent in trend terms, compared with a national average of 5.9 per cent. (1 Sep 04)

Sensis survey shows Victoria lags behind

In the latest Sensis survey, Victorian small and medium businesses reported the worst results of any State or Territory for employment levels, sales and profitability. (31 Aug)

Capital spending figures show Victoria is still slipping

ABS figures on capital expenditure show that the Victorian economy is continuing to hold back national economic performance, with total private new capital expenditure in Victoria in the June quarter falling by 3.2 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms, compared with a 5.6 per cent rise nationally. (26 Aug)

Sensis survey shows Victorian business suffering

The latest Sensis business index survey shows Victorian businesses are experiencing below national conditions on every indicator reported. The results of this survey suggest little support amongst small and medium sized businesses for the Bracks Government's Economic Statement despite exhaustive taxpayer-funded advertising. (26 May)

Victorian economy holding back the nation

The Australian Bureau of Statistic's latest national accounts figures show the Victorian economy is continuing to hold back the national economic performance, as private sector investment in Victoria stalls. For the year to December, Victoria's State Final Demand - which measures total spending by households, businesses and governments - grew by only 3.3% in trend terms, compared with a national average of 5.9%, the lowest level of growth of any State or Territory. (3 Mar)

2003

Victoria's demand growth falls further behind

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that for the year to September, Victoria's State Final Demand - which measures total spending by households, businesses and governments - grew by only 2.8% in trend terms, compared with a national average of 4.5%. (3 Dec)

Victoria's 2002-03 growth below national average

The Australian Bureau of Statistics's latest figures show that Victoria's Gross State Product growth for the year to June 2003 was 2.6%, compared to the national average of 2.8%, and well behind Queensland on 4.7% and Western Australia on 3.9%. The latest ABS estimates also show that Victoria's economic growth has been below the national average three years out of the last four. (12 Nov)

Victorian economic slowdown to continue: Access Economics

Economic researchers Access Economics have forecast that Victoria's economy will continue to under-perform the nation for at least the next four years. Access Economics' Business Outlook September Quarter 2003 forecasts that in 2003-04, Victoria will have the second lowest growth in Gross State Product of any State or Territory in Australia, of 2.2%. By 2006-07, Victoria's growth rate is expected to be 2%, compared with a national forecast of 3%. (3 Oct)

Victorian demand growth remains the lowest

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Victoria's State Final Demand growth for the year to June in trend terms was the lowest of any state in Australia at 3.3%, compared to the national average of 5.0%. This was well behind Western Australia on 8.2%, South Australia on 6.5%, and Queensland on 5.6%. (2 Sep)

Victorian demand growth lowest of any State

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that in trend terms, Victoria's State Final Demand growth for the year to March was the lowest of any State in Australia at 4.5%, compared to the national average of 5.4%, and well behind Queensland on 7.1%, Western Australia on 6.3% and South Australia on 6.0%. (4 June)

Government delays proceeding with its own insurance legislation

The Opposition has criticised the Government for not proceeding with debate its own legislation to tackle public liability, medical indemnity and other insurance legislation, given the urgent need for doctors, tourism operators and others to know whether they can get insurance to remain open after 30th June. (21 May)

Growth forecast cut adds to slippage fears

The reduction to "below 3 per cent" in the Victorian Treasury's growth forecast for 2002-03 is further evidence that the Victorian economy is losing ground relative to the rest of Australia. (4 Mar)

Labor can't blame drought for budget difficulties

The Bracks Government is not entitled to blame drought, bushfires or international factors for the tight financial situation it concealed from voters at last year's early State election, the State Opposition says. (6 Feb)

2002

Government rejects key amendment to public liability Bill

The Government has rejected an Opposition amendment to its public liability Bill which would have prevented legal actions for minor injuries being brought against accredited operators of recreational activities. (9 Oct)

Government's public liability Bill "too little, too late"

The Government has at last introduced into Parliament is Bill on public liability reform, which the Liberal Opposition says simply reflects the existing law in many respects. (12 Sep)

Liberals release public liability and insurance reform package

The Liberal Opposition has released a package of reforms for public liability and insurance, including targeting the large number of exaggerated or unjustified claims for minor injuries. (9 Sep) (pdf)

Government underwrites cover for adventure tourism

The State Government has announced that it will use taxpayers' funds to underwrite insurance cover for adventure tourism operators who have been unable to renew their existing policies, which the Opposition says has been forced on the Government due to it failure to act earlier. (30 June)

Government amends HIH Bill to meet Opposition concerns

The State Government has accepted Opposition concerns about retrospectively removing rights given to building owners under the HIH rescue package and has amended the Bill to include provisions preventing the Bill from applying retrospectively to claims lodged before the Bill was introduced to Parliament. (7 June)

Home warranty cuts follow Government delay

The cuts to home buyers' warranty protection announced by the Bracks Government are in large part the result of the Government's failure to act last year to tackle problems with building industry regulation emerging following the HIH collapse, according to the State Opposition. (13 Mar)

Opposition releases public liability proposals

The Victorian Opposition has released a package of proposals to help tackle the problems caused by rising public liability insurance costs, including both short term actions and longer term reform options for the State Government to help businesses and community organisations. (24 Feb)

2001

Government refuses to pay HIH home owners

The State Opposition says the Government has no justification for withholding payment from home owners caught up in the HIH collapse who were unintentionally left out of the Government's HIH rescue package announced in May. (5 Dec)

Report card shows rising taxes and unemployment

The State Opposition has released an assessment of the Government's economic performance showing an increase of 16,300 in unemployment since the Bracks Government took office, an increase in taxes per head compared with the national average, a 10% increase in government employee entitlements in 2000-01 and a decline in the performance of the public financial corporations sector from a surplus of $345.4 million in 1999-00 to a deficit of $550.8 million in 2000/01. (30 Nov)

Opposition acts against retrospective loss of HIH rights

The State Opposition will move amendments to legislation currently before Parliament in order to protect building owners caught up in the HIH collapse against Bracks Government attempts to retrospectively remove reimbursement rights previously given to them by the Government. (28 Nov)

Lowest growth since Cain and Kirner

State Accounts figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Victoria's growth rate has slumped to 2.4% in 2000/2001, the lowest rate since 1991/1992 when the Victorian economy contracted by 2.3%. (16 Nov)

Another media launch, but few projects

The Opposition says the Infrastructure Planning Council was more than four months late in releasing its interim report, which provides only a broad and general overview of possible future infrastructure investment in the State.  In the meantime, the Government has committed very few projects to its Partnerships Victoria program, and those it has announced have been dogged by delays. (18 Oct)

"Humbug" on First Home Owners Grant

The State Opposition has described the attack by the Treasurer on the First Home Owners Grant as a cheap attempt to use the politics of envy in the context of a Federal election, pointing out that Mr Brumby raised no concerns about the absence of a cap on property values when he introduced the legislation for the scheme into State Parliament. (5 Oct)

Change sought to First Home Owners Grant Scheme

The Victorian Treasurer has called on the Federal Government to introduce a cap of $500,000 on the value of homes eligible for the First Home Owners Grant. (5 Oct)

Govt "committed to working with" parties on public liability insurance

The Government says it will work with the insurance industry, small business and community organisations to investigate a new insurance pool and product coordinated by the MAV, an industry advisory process,  pooled insurance arrangements, codes of practice and formal risk management practices.(21 Sep)

(This page was resumed in September 2001, following Robert Clark's appointment as Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Finance, updating having previously ceased from September 2000.)

2000

Report on State industrial relations system released

The Opposition says that union power and business costs will soar if the Government implements the ideas of its advisory committee on the reintroduction of State industrial relations laws, which have been released. (5 Sep)

Review recommends end to packaged liquor controls

Leaked findings of a government review into the sale of packaged liquor show the review recommends that the existing 8 per cent limit on market shares be phased out, the Opposition says. (3 Sep)

Fall in skilled job opportunities

The latest estimates of skilled job vacancies released by the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB) show that the number of job vacancies for skilled positions have declined by 10.3 per cent in Victoria over the year to August 2000. (27 Aug)

Guidelines raise "funny money" fears

According to the State Opposition, the Government's release of new guidelines for private investment in public infrastructure highlights the lack of  new major infrastructure projects under the Bracks Government and also raises concerns about a possible return to the disguised borrowing and other "funny money" deals of the Cain and Kirner Governments. (27 June)

New investment guidelines released

The Government has released new guidelines for private investment in public infrastructure, called Partnerships Victoria, replacing the Infrastructure Investment Policy for Victoria guidelines of the previous Government.  Under the new guidelines, the Government says that typically the private sector would build, own and maintain the infrastructure while the public sector would continue to provide the core public services to the community using that infrastructure.  (27 June)

Biotechnology precinct launched

The Premier has launched Bio21, a $400 million biotechnology precinct at Parkville funded by the University of Melbourne ($50 million), the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research ($4 million), the State Government ($50 million), private investors and developers ($262 million) and philanthropic donations ($34 million). (26 June)

Support for Essendon airport

The Opposition has supported moves to keep Essendon airport open. (23 June)

No negotiation on Seal Rocks Centre

The Government has reaffirmed its decision not to renegotiate the commercial arrangements with the operators of the Seal Rocks Centre at Phillip Island, but says it is prepared to negotiate a revised repayment schedule for the money currently owed. (20 June)

Strong economic growth to March

Victoria's trend state final demand growth over the year to March 2000 was 6.3 percent - above the national rate for the same period of 5.7 percent. (16 June)

Investment exceeds target

The Minister for State and Regional Development says he told the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee that new private sector investment facilitated by the State Government in 1999/2000 has exceeded the $1 billion target level by more than $400 million, and includes $510 million in new food and related industry investments. (15 June)

Investment fall forecast

The Minister for Manufacturing has told a Parliamentary Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearing that new investment in Victoria is expected to fall from $1.496 billion (1998-99) to $1.2 billion (2000-01) and that investment projects under investigation are expected to fall from $7.662 billion (1998-99) to $5.0 billion (2000-01). (13 June)

Housing figures show need for major projects

The State Opposition says that the latest housing finance figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirm the downturn in Victoria's housing and construction industry and point to the need for the Bracks Government to identify and commit to new major projects for Victoria. (7 June)

Employment program details announced

The Government has announced details of a $47 million Private Sector Skills Development Program employment program which is designed to address skill shortages in key industries through supporting the recruitment of 6000 trainees and apprentices in information technology, automotive, engineering, commercial cooking (including chefs), and building and construction over the next four years. (29 May)

Budget of lost opportunities, worrying fine print

In its official budget reply, the State Opposition says the State Budget splurges the windfall surplus the Government inherited, without giving genuine business tax relief, and that Victoria's economic growth is forecast to dip below the national average. (11 May)

Budget abandons Labor's 5% unemployment promise

The State Budget employement targets and projects show the Government has abandoned its pre-election promise to cut Victorian unemployment to 5%, the State Opposition says. (2 May)

AIRC decision threatens higher costs, job losses

The decision by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) that the Shop Distributive and Allied and Employees Association (SDA) could proceed with an application to register a Federal Award - which includes massive allowance increases for employees, days off and bonuses - over the 35,000 small businesses in the retail industry in Victoria threatens higher costs and job losses, the State Opposition says. (19 Apr)

Small Business Victoria chief quits

The Labor Government's head of Small Business Victoria Mr Mark Brennan has quit after key responsibilities for Small Business policy and regulation reform were stripped from him and placed with other officers in the Department of State and Regional Development. (11 Apr)

Victoria wins Heineken Classic Golf Tournament

Victoria has won the right to host the Heineken Classic Golf Tournament, with the competition moving from Perth to Royal Melbourne from 2002. (6 Mar)

$35 million public sector apprenticeship program

The Government has announced a $35 million program, the Youth Employment Scheme (YES), to provide more than 2000 traineeships and apprenticeships in the public sector. (2 Mar)

Government announces gaming legislation

The Premier says the Gambling Legislation (Responsible Gaming) Bill will freeze the number of gaming machines in Victoria (2500 at Crown, 27,500 at gaming venues around the state), enable regional caps on gaming machines to be set, give local Councils a say in the placement of gaming machines in their areas, compel gaming and casino operators to give players meaningful information on payout rates, limit 24-hour gaming venues, with bans in regional Victoria, give powers to impose limits on advertising, set up an independent panel to oversee research into gambling, and strengthen the independence of the Victorian Casino and Gaming Authority. (1 Mar)

Government seeks IR changes

The State Government has  written to Federal Workplace Relations Minister seeking changes to the Commonwealth's Workplace Relations Act, including a "comprehensive award system", powers for the Australian Industrial Relations Commission of compulsory conciliation and arbitration over all terms and conditions of employment for Victorian workers, a "genuine no disadvantage test" for assessing workplace agreements, and new powers for the State to require industrial disputes to be brought before the Commission for determination. (28 Feb)

Adacel to spend $22 million in Wodonga

The Government has announced a $22 million planned expenditure in Wodonga by software engineering company Adacel Technologies, creating 226 jobs over five years and export revenues growing to $25 million per year. (28 Feb)

1999

Government to deregulate milk prices

The Government will deregulate the farm gate price for market milk from 30 June 2000 on the basis that the $1.74 billion dairy industry adjustment package is available to Victoria's dairy farmers. (23 Dec)

Dairy farmers support deregulation

Victorian dairy farmers have voted to pursue deregulation of their industry and access the national support package, with 7001 YES votes (89 per cent) to 856 NO votes (11 per cent) and four informal votes. (21 Dec)

Record building activity in Victoria

Building activity in Victoria had exceeded $1 billion in October, establishing the highest monthly level on record. There was a $356.4 million increase in the total value of Victorian building activity for October 1999 compared to the same period last year,   a 52 per cent.  More than $2.4 billion of building work has been approved in the September quarter, the highest level of activity recorded by the Commission since its inception in 1994. (16 Dec, republished in HTML format 21 Dec)

1998-99 tourism success welcomed

The new Government has welcomed the results of the International Visitor Survey by the Bureau of Tourism Research which show that 1,057,147 international visitors travelled to Victoria in the year to June 1999. This represents a 5% increase over the previous year, compared with 2% for Australia as a whole, and with New South Wales and Queensland both recording falls of 1%. "Victorians should feel proud of the State's tourism industry and the effort that has gone into continuing to draw more international visitors," the Minister said.  He added that the increase in the number of visitors to Australia from Asia " is another example of the success of Tourism Victoria's decision not to abandon the Asian markets". (14 Dec)

Tourism facilities at Twelve Apostles to go ahead

The Government has announced that it will go ahead with new "environmentally friendly" tourism facilities at the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park.   The total cost of the project which is being developed on three hectares of private land leased for 50 years by the State Government outside the Park and on the other side of the Great Ocean Road, is $4.735 million. (13 Dec)

Basslink EES details announced

The Planning Minister, Mr John Thwaites, has announced details of the Environment Effects Statement (EES) process for the Basslink project. (10 Nov)

Unemployment at lowest since 1990

Unemployment in Victoria has fallen to its lowest level since 1990 - to 7.3%, down from 7.6% the previous month - and Victoria has also recorded the largest reduction in teenage unemployment of any Australian state over the past year, with a 5.1% drop. (9 Sep)

Pharmaceuticals deal with Japanese giant

Australian pharmaceutical giant Sigma has signed a $50-million export deal with a $5-billion-a-year, top-10 Japanese pharmaceutical company, Kyowa Hakko Kogyo. (6 Sept)

ALP Regional Policy offers ‘paltry’ $170 million

The ALP’s regional policy commitment of $170 million for a Regional Infrastructure Development Fund paled compared with the $2.566 billion of investment into regional Victoria which the Coalition has already attracted, according to the Minister for Regional Development, Tom Reynolds. (27 Aug)

Youth Employment Initiative continues its success

The first two years of the Government’s Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) have seen almost all of the young people completing their traineeships in both years going on to secure continuing employment. (24 Aug)

Regional Services Unit opened in Broadmeadows

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has opened the new Regional Services Unit of global telecommunications company Ericsson at the company’s former manufacturing base in Broadmeadows. (24 Aug)

18 research scholarships for Gippsland

RMIT is to provide 18 Gippsland-based scholarships to help boost the research and educational capacity of the region. (24 Aug)

Pilot project on commercialising university knowledge

Industry Minister Mark Birrell has announced a pilot program in which three Victorian Universities — Deakin, RMIT and Latrobe — are receive more than $100,000 each to appoint Technology Diffusion Coordinators (TDC) to seek out potential commercial opportunities in knowledge-based industries. (23 Aug)

Employment rises in country Victoria

Unemployment levels in country Victoria have fallen by 1.3% over the last year according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. (22 Aug)

Service industries to be promoted

The Minister for Industry, Mark Birrell, has launched a Services for Success policy which details the growing importance of Victoria’s services sector — and in particular knowledge-rich services — to the economy and outlines a number of new programs to promote business in the services field in a global marketplace. (20 Aug)

Docklands to get film and television studios and theme park

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has announced plans for a $500-million film and television studio and theme park in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct. (20 Aug)

Finalists for Apprentice of the Year awards

The Minister for Tertiary Education and Training, Phil Honeywood, has announced the finalists for the Victorian Training Awards. (12 Aug)

Employment continues high in Victoria

ABS Labor Force figures for July show that Victoria has recorded another record employment level and that the participation rate has also risen. (12 Aug)

Station Pier under new management

Since June 30, 1999, management of Station Pier has been transferred from the Melbourne Port Corporation (MPC) to the Department of Infrastructure (DoI). (11 August)

Victorian exports growing

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate that Victoria’s exports increased to a record high over the last financial year. (29 July)

Aquaculture report recommendations welcomed

Recommendations from the Aquaculture Regulation Reform Final Report have been welcomed by the State Government. (28 July)

New group promotes local manufacturing

Industry Minister Mark Birrell has announced the formation of the Food Industry Machinery Manufacturing Association (FIMMA), a new industry group to promote the sale and use of Victorian-made food processing machinery. (15 July)

On-line Business Licence Information Service upgraded

An upgraded version of the Victorian Government’s Business Licence Information Service (BLIS), which provides information on licensing, permits and registrations, predominantly for people intending to operate a business in Victoria, has been launched. (13 July)

Unemployment down and jobs at a record high

Unemployment in Victoria has fallen to 7.4%, while employment levels have reached a record high, according to the June Labor Force Statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (8 July)

National Innovation Summit for Melbourne next year

The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Mark Birrell, has announced that Victoria has won the right to host the National Innovation Summit, to be held on February 10-11 next year. (1 July)

Wine industry strategy released

A strategic plan to guide the future growth of Victoria’s wine industry has been launched by Industry Minister Mark Birrell.

Business Events calendar launched

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has launched a year-round Victorian Business Events Strategy which will develop a calendar of industry events.

Chemical engineering congress for Melbourne in 2001

The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Mark Birrell, has announced that Melbourne has won the right to stage the World Congress of Chemical Engineering planned for September 2001.

International recognition for Victoria’s wineries

Melbourne has been named as a member of a network of Capital Cities of Great Wine-Growing Regions launched at VINEXPO in Bordeaux.

British Aerospace $35m facility at Fishermans Bend

British Aerospace is to construct a $35-million military aircraft systems design house at Fishermans Bend.

Increased investment in agricultural R&D

The State Government has announced details of its $47.5-million Growing Horizons research and development program for agriculture.

Manufacturing strike 'damaging'

The June 3 strike by manufacturing sector unions will damage a resurgent Victorian industry sector and should have been called off, according to Industry Minister, Mark Birrell.

Minister responds on manufacturing strike

Plans by manufacturing sector unions to strike on June 3 will threaten jobs and harm business, according to Industry Minister Mark Birrell.

Dairy initiative to help keep Victoria in the lead

The State Government has released a new five-year Dairy Industry Strategy.

Governor of Victoria Export Awards

Victorian exporters who are excelling in the global marketplace are being urged to enter the 1999 Governor of Victoria Export Awards.

New body to advise on food industry

A new organisation to provide market intelligence and analysis to assist the development of Victoria’s food industry has been announced.

Funding for science and technology research

The State Government will inject $310 million into knowledge and innovation-creation programs.

$47.5m for rural R&D

Research and development in the rural sector has received a $47.5 million boost over four years in the 1999-2000 State Budget.

Tourism to go online

The State Government will spend $7.4 million over the next two years to market Victoria online and give all the state’s tourism operators the opportunity to have their wares and attractions featured around the globe on the world wide web.

1999 State budget overview

The Treasurer, Alan Stockdale, has delivered the 1999-2000 State Budget, which includes $383 million in new initiatives and $1.36 billion in new capital works.

New office dedicated to attracting skilled migrants to Victoria

The Premier and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Mr Kennett, has announced a $6-million campaign to attract more skilled migrants to Victoria.

Skills Advantage initiative

The Victorian Government has launched a major new skills and business initiative.

Fibre centre opened at Brunswick

The Brunswick campus of the International Fibre Centre, featuring the only non-woven fabric facility available for training in Australia, has been opened by the Premier, Mr Kennett.

$200 million development for PANCH site

Asia Pacific Building Corporation (APBC) has purchased the three-hectare site of the former Preston and Northcote Community Hospital (PANCH) and has plans for a $200-million development, including medical, residential, commercial, hospitality and recreational services.

Retail turnover up 11.2%

New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that retail turnover rose 11.2% in the past 12 months, representing an extra $291 million during February compared with last year.

Fibre centre opened at Geelong

The International Fibre Centre at Geelong has been opened by the Premier, Mr Kennett.

200 new jobs in automotive industry

A new $9-million automotive electronics centre in Carrum Downs will create 200 jobs over four years.

Cruise ships boost economy

The visit of P&O’s Sky Princess to Melbourne — the 26th cruise ship to visit this season, between the months of November and March — marked the conclusion of Victoria's best ever cruise shipping season.

Vehicle registrations highlight confidence

New figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Victoria recorded the highest increase in new motor vehicle registrations in the 12 months to February.

Local content high in new laboratory

A new $4-million car-emissions laboratory at Toyota's Altona plant has been opened by Industry Minister, Mark Birrell.

Help for over-45 job seekers

The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Mark Birrell, has launched a new employment plan for jobseekers over the age of 45.

New promotional campaign for regional Victoria

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has announced plans for a major new marketing campaign to promote regional and rural Victoria as a place to invest and live.

New liquor laws in operation

The Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 and accompanying new regulations came into operation on February 17.

$4b of contracts on offer at Air Show

More than $4 billion worth of Australian defence contracts will be on offer at next week's Australian International Airshow at Avalon, according to the Minister for Industry, Mark Birrell.

Private-sector building continues to grow in Victoria

Private-sector building activity in Victoria for the December-1998 quarter was up 12.75% on 1997 figures.

24 hour global design centre for Melbourne

The world's first 24-hour global automotive design centre is to be created in Melbourne through the merger of the $400-million German-based EDAG Pty Ltd and Melbourne-based engineering company Future Design and Development, creating a design centre linked electronically to EDAG's 19 locations around the world.

"Cruising Victoria" strategy launched

The Government has launched a "Cruising Victoria" strategy, a three-year plan to attract more cruise ships and tourism dollars to Victoria.

January unemployment down to 7.3 percent

Victoria's unemployment rate fell to 7.3 per cent in January, down from 7.4 per cent in Dcember, while Australia's unemployment rate remained steady at 7.5 per cent, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Victorian Livestock Exchange heads initiatives for meat industry

An $8-million Victorian Livestock Exchange has recently opened at Pakenham.

Melbourne has lowest inflation rate

Melbourne continues to have the lowest inflation rate in Australia, with discounted winter power prices being a major factor in that achievement.

Record participation expected in 1999 airshow

Record participation is expected in the 1999 International Airshow and Aerospace Expo at Avalon from 16 to 21 February, with the Aerospace Expo already booked out and all corporate chalets completely sold out.

1998

Mid-year budget review revises growth estimates

The 1998-99 Victorian Mid-Year Budget Review shows that the State has enjoyed strong economic activity since the April Budget, but growth was expected to slow over the next two years compared with previous estimates mainly due to the continued effects from the Asian downturn.

1999 Community Business Employment program launched

The 1999 State Government Community Business Employment (CBE) program has been launched by the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Mark Birrell.

Gold Win for Flowers

The "Flowerful Australia" exhibit, predominantly of native flowers, sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment's High Value Horticulture initiative, has won a gold medal at the Aalsmeer International Flower Show in Holland, further highlighting the potential for Australian flower exports following a silver medal at last year's show.  (News Release, Minister for Agriculture and Resources, 15 Dec 1998)

Strong growth in Victorian Economy

Figures released on 11 December by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that in seasonally adjusted terms, State Final Demand (SFD) in Victoria is now 6.1 per cent higher over the year, the highest growth of any State and well ahead of Australia's growth of 5 per cent over the year.

November unemployment steady at 7.8 percent

Victoria's unemployment rate remained steady at 7.8 percent in November in seasonally adjusted terms, while Australia's unemployment rate rose from 7.7 per cent to 8.0 per cent.

Victorian Tourism Figures, 1997/98

Victoria attracted more than 990,000 visitors for the year ending June 1998 - a two per cent increase on the previous year. Victoria's international tourism market continues to expand at a time when New South Wales and Queensland - our main competitors - experienced drops of eight and four per cent respectively.

Liquor licence fees to fall

Victorian liquor licensing fees are to be reduced.  Fees payable for new licence applications (with the exception of a limited licence) are to be cut from an average of $717 to $500.

Victoria Fellowship/Victoria Prize for scientific innovation

Nominations are now open for the annual Victoria Fellowship and Victoria Prize, which reward Victoria’s most promising young innovators in the fields of science and technology.

New Business Migration Initiative

A new campaign has been launched to attract suitably skilled immigrants to Victoria.

Melbourne's continuing convention boom

Melbourne continues to be Australia's most popular destination for delegates attending Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) events.

Government urges retention of junior wage rates

The Victorian Government has launched a campaign to ensure the retention of the junior rates of pay system. The Minister for Industry, Mark Birrell said the abolition of junior rates would have an immediate and destructive impact on youth employment.

Population and Employment Stats

A summary of the latest population and employment figures, including regional unemployment.  In the March 1998 Quarter, Victoria’s total population was 4,650,000 and recorded a net gain of people from other states for the second consecutive quarter.

October unemployment down to 7.8 percent

Victoria’s unemployment rate fell to 7.8 percent in October in seasonally adjusted terms, down from 8.1 percent in September.  Australia's unemployment rate fell from 8.1 percent to 7.7 per cent.

Melbourne wins $35 million Aerospace Centre

British Aerospace Australia has announced plans to develop a new $35 million military aircraft systems design centre in Melbourne.

Grands Prix deliver net gain for Victoria

State Government tax receipts estimated at $10.5 million have offset a combined annual operating deficit of $7 million before depreciation for the 1998  Formula One Grand Prix and the 1997  Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Economic Highlights to October 1998

Economic growth in Victoria continues to keep pace with the national economy

Liquor Licensing Commission Annual Report 1997-98

Figures in the Liquor Licensing Commission's annual report, released on October 28, showed the commission had determined 11,398 licence and licence-related applications this year, the highest number ever in a single year and a 5.6% increase over the previous year.

Victoria dominates Tourism Awards

For the third year running, Victoria has won more awards than any other state at the Australian Tourism Awards, announced on October 16.

1998 Governor of Victoria Export Awards

A company specialising in the design and development of computer-based medical monitoring and diagnostic products has been named the Victorian Exporter of the Year in the  Prestigious 1998 Governor of Victoria Export Awards.

Australia's First University Alumni Directory

RMIT has become the first university in Australia to launch an online directory and interactive database for its Alumni program; a key part of the State Government's Alumni initiative.

New Liquor Laws Aim for a "Responsible Balance"

Reforms in the proposed Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 continue the State Government's stance on issues like underage drinking and harm minimisation while promoting the development and diversification of the liquor industry.

Victorian International Tourism up 3%

995,240 international visitors travelled to Victoria in the year ending March 1998 - three per cent more than the year before.

Employment Growth in Victoria 1997-98

The Victorian Annual Employment Statistics Book for 1997-98 was released by the Industry Minister, Mr. Birrell, on October 8.

'Signpost to Success' Small Business Referral Guide

'Signposts to Success' is a compact and practical guide book produced by the Small Business Round Table, an industry-based advisory council to the Minister for Small Business and Tourism.

1000 new jobs from Call Centre expansion

One thousand jobs are expected be created, including almost 600 in country areas, during the next two years as a result of the decision by Postel to expand its call centre operations.

Employment Initiative Finds Work for 50,000 Jobseekers

The Industry Minister, Mark Birrell, recently announced the placement of the 50,000th jobseeker by the State Government's Community Business Employment Program.

Victoria wins $53 million silicon chip investment

Victoria is set to become the first state in Australia with a large-scale silicon chip manufacturing operation, following the announcement Robert Bosch Australia will be establishing a new operation for silicon chips at its Clayton plant.

Winter Power Bonus Commences

The State Government's new Winter Power Bonus - a $60 reduction on the winter electricity bills of all households and small businesses in Victoria - commenced on August 17.

Avalon Airshow secured until 2005

The State Government has reached an agreement with the aerospace foundation of Australia which will see the biennial Australian International Airshow continue to be held at Avalon Airport in the years 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005.

Port of Melbourne tops one million containers

Melbourne has officially become the first Australian port to handle more than one million containers per year.

'Business of Sport' Report

In 1997 Victoria hosted seven of Australia’s top 10 sports events and at least one major event every month.

Melbourne secures Grand Prix for another 5 years

Melbourne has secured the rights to host the Australian Grand Prix for another five years until 2006.

2002

Hundreds of building surveyors and engineers have faced being forced to cease business because they are unable to obtain professional indemnity insurance. 22 Oct 02

The Nunawading Basketball Stadium is the latest organisation threatened with closure as a result of the State Government's failure to respond effectively to the State's public liability insurance crisis, the Opposition says. (6 Aug)

Many community organisations and small businesses were in a desperate scramble to find public liability insurance before existing policies expired on 30 June, according to the State Opposition. (25 June)

The State Opposition has backed the Australian Horse Industry Council's call for the Bracks Labor Government to act swiftly on Victoria's public liability insurance crisis. (1 June)

The State Opposition says the Minister for Finance's Ministerial Statement to Parliament on the public liability crisis was long on rhetoric and short on action. (27 Mar)

The State Opposition says the Government's professed support for the MAV/Our Community scheme to cover low risk community groups is too late and too limited for many community groups (20 Mar)

2001

The Government has proposed amendments to its HIH building insurance indemnity legislation to alter eligibility, in particular by extending cases in which homeowners can be indemnified and excluding developers from the indemnity. (30 Oct)

The Treasurer claims the Commonwealth Treasurer has withheld payments to Victoria for the additional $7,000 of First Home Owners Grant until the State agrees to amend SRO literature to say the FHOG is fully funded by the Commonwealth. (27 Oct)

According to the Treasurer, Access Economics has forecast Victorian Gross State Product growth of 3.5 per cent in 2001-02 the highest of any State in Australia, and 4.2 per cent in 2002-03. The May State budget forecast the Victorian economy would grow at 2.75 per cent for 2001-02 and 3.75 per cent in 2002-03, and the Commonwealth June Budget forecast that the Australian economy would grow by 3.25 per cent in 2001-02 and 3.5 per cent in 2002-03. (10 Oct)

According to the Treasurer, ABS figures show that in the March quarter Victoria recorded the highest inflow of migrants from interstate on record, 2661 persons, bringing the total number of people who have moved to Victoria over the year to 7,831. (20 Sep)

The Government has called a meeting of parties affected by or involved in increases in public liability insurance premiums. (20 Sep)

2000

The Opposition Leader, Denis Napthine, has proposed a golden tram on Melbourne's City Circle route for a eyar as a fitting way to promote next year's 150 years of old celebrations to be marked across Victoria. (21 Sep)

The Opposition has criticised the Government for failing to act to revitalise the tourist trade at Eildon following the current drought. (14 Sep)

The Opposition has expressed concern at reports that the Government's Tourism Online project is not complementary with existing tourism booking services and would erode local and regional promotional activity. (30 Aug)

A lack of interest from the Government has put at risk a proposed $50 million dairy manufacturing investment for Koroit, with the South Australian government actively pursuing Murray Goulburn, according to the Shadow Minister for Rural and Regional Development. (14 Aug)

The Opposition says the Government needs to make a long-term commitment to the development of commercially viable forestry plantations rather than a proliferation of short-term, tax incentive-driven operations. (14 Aug)

The Opposition has welcomed the decision by the Premier to deliver on a former government promise to provide funding for the 2001 World Goldpanning Championships in Maryborough.  (7 Aug)

The Oppositions says that failure by the Government to take action on union bans in the electricity industry could put at risk investment including a major coalfield development at Maryvale by Yallourn Energy. (1 Aug)

The Opposition says that the discontinuance of a $1.5m annual commitment to assist long-term development of the aquaculture industry and a 50% cut to funding of the Victorian Aquaculture Council send the wrong message to potential investors. (31 July)

The Opposition has called on the Government to intervene in the Esso LPG industrial dispute. (26 July)

The Opposition has criticised the Government's rejection of a recommendation to provide financial assistance to re-open the Swift's Creek timber mill. (24 July)

The Opposition has criticised the Government for failing to keep the Heinz manufacturing centre in Dandenong. (18 July)

The closure of Warrnambool's Smith Family Wool Mills with the loss of 67 jobs adds to the Government's record of failing to forge a positive relationship with south west Victorian employers and "taking a backseat" on industrial relations issues, according to the Opposition. (5 July)

The Government has announced a review of Victoria's laws on employment of children. (4 July )

The latest building approvals figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirm Victoria's housing and construction industry downturn is continuing, and reinforce the need for the Bracks Government to identify and commit to new major projects for Victoria, according to the Shadow Minister for Major Projects. (3 July)

Alpharma Inc., a US-based global pharmaceutical company, is to to establish its Asia Pacific Headquarters in Melbourne. (1 July)

The Government will match Commonwealth Government funding for a study into extending the piping of the stock and domestic channel system south of the Northern Mallee Pipeline Project.  (1 July)

The Minister for Agriculture has opened what he describes as the biggest warehouse development  in 30 years at the Melbourne Markets in Footscray. (27 June)

The Government is to maintain the state subsidy for on-road petrol and diesel, worth approximately $30 million a year. (27 June)

China Southern Airlines is to begin flights to Melbourne after an agreement reached by the State Government over Australia-China Air Services. (27 June)

The Government has claimed a continuing strong performance of Victoria's construction industry following the release of building approval figures from the Building Control Commission (BCC), comparing $811 million of building activity in April 2000 with $659.5 million of building work for April 1999. (26 June)

Noel Laidlaw has been appointed as Victoria's new mining warden. (26 June)

The Minister for Industrial Relations has announced that the recently established Industrial Relations Taskforce will make a detailed examination of all issues affecting Victorian outworkers. (26 June)

The National Livestock Reporting Service will continue to deliver livestock prices to Victorian farmers into the new financial year under arrangements agreed to by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Keith Hamilton, and the VFF Pastoral Group under which the livestock industry, and other users of the service, will fully fund Livestock Reporting from 2001 onwards. (23 June)

39 Victorian councils will share in $1.5 million funding for e-commerce projects, receiving up to $45,000 to increase the use of e-commerce in their local communities, under the Victorian E-commerce Early Mover (VEEM) Assistance Scheme. (23 June)

The Minister for State and Regional Development has launched the City of Greater Geelong's Geelong Business Welcome Pack, which the Minister says will complement various State Government initiatives for Geelong. (22 June)

The Government has established a new Consumer and Business Affairs Victoria web site. (21 June)

The Government has launched the Victorian Water Resources Data Warehouse, designed to provide improved community access to information about Victoria's Water Resources, at www.nre.vic.gov.au/vwrmn . (21 June)

The Victorian Major Events Company has arranged for the USA Basketball Men's and Women's National teams to take on the Australian teams in a one-off double header at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park on Saturday, September 9 2000. (20 June)

The Government has announced the establishment of a Small Business Advisory Council, chaired by Alan Wein, the managing director of House. (19 June)

The Government is to appoint a Financial Industry Consultative Committee (FICC) to promote Melbourne's position as a regional financial capital. (14 June)

The Minister for Manufacturing Industry has launched Marine Week, which is about "celebrating, promoting and developing the State's marine sector". (13 June)

The has received a report on potential for water savings in Victoria's northern irrigation districts, prepared by consultants Sinclair Knight Mertz. (6 June)

The Minister for Energy and Resources has made a Ministerial Statement to Parliament on the development of the minerals and petroleum industry. (1 June)

The Legislative Council has passed a motion condemning as costly and divisive  the manufacturing union campaign, Campaign 2000, which Shadow Industry Minister Mark Birrell says would result in an 18 per cent pay rise and reduced working hours which the Victorian economy cannot afford. (31 May)

The Premier has announced the new Board of Directors of Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Pty Ltd, the organising committee of the Melbourne Games. (31 May)

The Premier has announced the membership and terms of reference for a review into Victorian business taxes in line with the Government's budget commitment to future business tax cuts. (31 May)

The Minister for Transport has announced a $150,000 grant to help reconnect the historic rail link between Echuca Railway Station and the Port of Echuca Wharf. (29 May)

(Unfortunately, news items have not been included between 10 March and 9 May, due to pressure of other commitments.)

The Government says Olympic Airways has reviewed its decision to suspend its Melbourne service and that the service will now continue to fly twice-weekly to Melbourne. (10 Mar)

The Government has announced a $4 million national call centre investment in Bendigo by AAPT that will create 413 jobs, which the Government claims was secured under its Regional Call Centre Attraction Strategy. (10 Mar)

Victoria's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has dropped from 6.8% to 6.6% in February and is again below the national rate of 6.7%, with employment increasing by 20,300 to achieve Victoria's highest-ever level of employment of 2,232,600. (9 Mar)

The Government has announced the establishment of a new industrial relations division within the State Government's key industry department, the Department of State and Regional Development. (3 Mar)

The Government has announced a $300,000 grant allowing participating abattoirs to install electronic equipment to identify cattle with ear-tags provided under the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS). (3 Mar)

The Government proposes to remove the 2% bookmaker turnover stamp duty, as part of the GST implementation arrangements, but introduce a 1% turnover levy for industry promotion. (1 Mar)

The Government has launched a 'Naturally Victorian' marketing initiative, focussing on the quality, safety and cleanliness of Victorian produced food and the sustainability of production systems. (27 Feb)

The Government is to fund the Industrial Supplies Office (ISO) to operate a two-year pilot program in regional Victoria that will identify import replacement opportunities for local manufacturers, claiming the program will create 264 new jobs. (25 Feb)

The Government has approved a "significant assistance package" to persuade Bruck Textiles to stay in Wangaratta and undertake a $12 million acquisition of assets from National Textiles in New South Wales. (23 Feb)

The Government has backed the Camp Street Precinct project in Ballarat, established by the previous Government, with a further $950,000 in funding to assist with the move of the University of Ballarat's School of Arts into Camp Street. (22 Feb)

The Government has announced a $10 million expansion of the Don Smallgoods manufacturing plant in Altona North creating up to 100 new jobs. (16 Feb)

The Premier has launched the "Best Cities" program to seek more convention business for Melbourne through a strategic alliance between Melbourne, Boston, Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Vancouver. (15 Feb)

Former Prime Minister Mr Bob Hawke will chair the Government's "Growing Victoria Together" summit of business, union and community leaders to be held in March. (14 Feb)

The Government has announced a special campaign - "Naturally Victorian" - to assist farmers and agribusinesses market Victorian food by helping find local and export market opportunities, define customer requirements for food products, and develop and promote systems to enable producers to meet them. (14 Feb)

The fisheries research institute, MAFRI, will be relocated to The Narrows site in Queenscliff, with a $13-$15 million redevelopment. (11 Feb)

The building industry is fundamental to the economic health of Victoria and the Government fully supports and encourages its growth, the Planning Minister has said. (11 Feb)

The Government says it and VRC Chairman Andrew Ramsden are working together on plans to change Victoria's racing industry. (2 Feb)

The Government has announced the awarding by Land Victoria of a contract for maintenance and management services for Vicmap Digital (Roads and Topographic) to LANDINFO, the spatial division of consulting firm, Sinclair Knight Merz. (27 Jan)

Ten Victorian saleyards will benefit from a State Government grant of $150,000 to allow for the installation of electronic reading equipment based on the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS). (17 Jan)

Victorian Councils should start planning now in order to meet the renewal requirements of council infrastructure such as roads, drains, parks, buildings, bridges and footpaths the Minister for Local Government has said. (12 Jan)

The Acting Premier has expressed concern at Virgin Airlines' desire to use Essendon Airport as its short-term Melbourne base, saying the State Government will under no circumstances agree to such a plan. (12 Jan)

Phillip Island will continue to host the Australian round of the Superbike World Championships until at least 2006. (4 Jan)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has called on the Commonwealth Government to consider funding the next stage of the Wimmera Mallee pipeline from sources other than the National Landcare Program. (4 Jan)

1999

The Minister for Manufacturing Industry has announced a $400,000 grant to support the international marketing of the Axcess Australia Concept Car 2 Hybrid Electric Vehicle. (21 Dec)

The Government has alleged that the cost to taxpayers of establishing an International Fibre Centre in Geeelong has blown out by more than $30 million. (15 Dec)

The new Government has reached agreement with retail and shopping centre organisations to reaffirm the agreement reached by the previous Government in 1997 that small retailers in major shopping centres would not be forced to open on Sundays or public holidays. (15 Dec)

The Legislative Council has passed the Government's Regional Infrastructure Development Fund Bill even though the Government refused to accept amendments which would have increased public accountability of the Fund. (15 Dec)

Australia's first World 500cc Motorcross Championship competition will be held at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Broadford in 2000. (13 Dec)

The new Government has retained the previous Government's Community Business Employment (CBE) program and launched it for 2000, claiming it has "revamped" it to make it more targetted. (10 Dec)

In an implicit endorsement of the previous Government's major events strategy, Racing Minister Rob Hulls says the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival has once again confirmed its status as the most important sporting event for Victoria, generating a record breaking $238.2 million in 1999. (6 Dec)

Melbourne will host Australia's first National Innovation Summit in February, 2000, a joint initiative of the Business Council of Australia and the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources.  The Victorian Government  would contribute $100,000 toward the costs of the venue, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. (17 Nov)

The Minister for State and Regional Development has announced a $20 million Technology Commercialisation Program to provide access to business development services.  The funding is being provided from the $310 million Science, Engineering and Technology program established by the previous Government. (16 Nov)

The Minister for State and Regional Development has announced that the Government would deliver a package of financial support to secure the establishment of ADI's military and specialist vehicles division in Bendigo. (16 Nov)

The Minister for State and Regional Development has committed the new Government to supporting Victoria's memberhip of a network of Capital Cities of Great Wine-Growing Regions entered into by the previous Government. (11 Nov)

DHL is to establish a new $7m facility at Tullamarine airport, including facilities for export of fresh food by air to Asian markets, creating 200 jobs, the Minister for State and Regional Development has announced. (8 Nov)

The Premier has officially opened Toyota's new $15 million Parts Distribution Centre at Altona. (29 Oct)

The Minister for Agriculture, Mr Keith Hamilton, has confirmed that the new Government will conduct a poll of dairy farmers prior to any further deregulation of the dairy industry. (21 Oct)

The latest figures on retail turnover from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Victoria’s retail sector enjoying a healthy growth of 11% over the year to July. Victoria’s retail turnover is growing at more than twice that of the next highest State (New South Wales at 5.1%) and is well ahead of the national average of 6.2%. (2 Sep)

The latest figures on retail trade from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate growth of 6.0% in original terms between June and July 1999. This resulted in growth of 1.1% in seasonally adjusted terms. Although Victoria’s growth eased in July 1999 to 0.7%, it still recorded the strongest growth, followed by the Northern Territory and ACT. All other States were in decline. (2 Sep)

The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the Victorian-produced flu treatment, Relenza, which was co-developed by Biota Holdings and US company GlaxoWellcome. (28 July)

Industry Minister, Mark Birrell, has opened Australia’s first full-scale cork manufacturing plant, a $7.5-million facility in Dandenong run by the Portuguese corporation, Amorim Group. (28 July)

Melbourne has secured the right to host the Australia-China Trade and Investment Summit on September 7 this year. The summit will coincide with a planned visit to Melbourne by Chinese President Jiang Zemin. (16 July)

The Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Mark Birrell, has launched Ai Group International, a new initiative from the Australian Industry Group, for companies wanting to develop overseas markets. He also announced the Victorian Government’s support for Business Club Australia, an initiative that will give Victorian business an opportunity to leverage international interest from the Olympics. (15 July)

A draft code to encourage best practice in design, operation and management of chicken meat farms goes on exhibition today for public consultation and feedback, and on a web page. (14 July)

The Victorian Government has announced its intention of removing the remaining statutory controls on the price and supply of Victorian liquid milk. (13 July)

Victoria's tourism industry stands to benefit greatly from a major Australian study identifying older travellers as an as yet largely untapped market force, Health and Aged Care Minister Rob Knowles said, launching the national seniors tourism report Not Over The Hill: Just Enjoying The View. The report states that three-quarters of Australia's older people travelled last year. (11 June)

More than 900,000 of the one million free electronic cattle-identification tags provided by the Government have already been ordered by Victorian beef producers and dairy farmers. (28 May)

A Turkish Employment Service Community Business Employment (CBE) project has been opened in Dandenong, which aims to place at least 110 unemployed Turkish people in work in the south-eastern region from its base in Dandenong. (2 June)

According to figures released by the Bureau of Tourism Research in its December 1998 International Visitor Survey (IVS), the total of 1,015,070 international visitors in 1998 to Victoria represented a rise of 2% over the previous year. (3 June)

The Office of Rural Affairs has received more than 120 expressions of interest from young rural people interested in the Young Rural Ambassador program within a week of announcing the program. (20 May)

Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources Patrick McNamara has opened a new $5.7-million waste water system at Mortlake, a similar $3.2-million water-treatment plant at Camperdown, commissioned another for $2.3 million at Orbost, and opened three new DNRE service centres at Hamilton, Wodonga and Leongatha. (17 May)

Regional and rural Victoria will receive 36% of allocated capital works in health, 36% in education and 59% in justice - while representing 28% of the State population - in this year's budget. Regional capital works commitments during 1999-2000 are $60.9 million in health, $46.2 million in education and $21 million in justice. (4 May)

Neville and Raelene Mock are this year's winners of the Victorian Farm Entrepreneur Award for their freeze-dried apple-slices enterprise on their biodynamic apple orchard on the Mornington Peninsula. (1 May)

The State Government has announced the Specialised Rural Industries Strategic Plan, a project to encourage innovation in agriculture and related industries. (1 May)

AQUAFarmer, a software program developed by Fisheries Victoria that models the feasibility of farming particular fish species - the first of its type in Australia - has been released. (27 April)

According to the December Quarter Rental Report prepared by the Office of Housing, Victoria has taken over from Queensland as a favored place for investment in residential property, with the value of loans approved in Victoria for the purchase of dwellings for investment topping $1.065 billion during the quarter. (22 April)

International entertainment software producer Acclaim Entertainment is to establish its Australasian Head Office in Melbourne in a $7-million investment over three years. (22 April)

The Minister assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, Phil Honeywood, has reaffirmed the Premier's support for an increase in the number of skilled migrants coming into Australia to 50,000. (16 April)

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment and Meat Livestock Australia are jointly developing a program for beef and lamb producers aimed at lifting on-farm profitability and raise exports to $1.3 billion by 2001. (16 April)

Victorian flower exports rose by 27% last year to a value of $7.3 million. (15 April)

Japanese games company Nintendo has opened its new national head office at Scoresby. (12April)

The re-emergence of strip shopping centres throughout Victoria will be examined at the second National "Power In Numbers" Congress on May 30 and 31, 1999. (31 Mar)

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Patrick McNamara, has announced a new five-year plan for the meat industry aimed at securing a reliable supply of competitive product through projects centred on food safety, eating quality, skills development and improving farm productivity. (29 Mar)

A new Dairy Industry Research Project will hopefully save 10% in costs related to inefficiencies and effect a 5% decrease in losses caused by mastitis over the next six years. (26 Mar)

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Mr Patrick McNamara, has invited tenders for the right to be the sole applicant for the exploration licences in the Murray Basin surrounding the WIM150 areas in Victoria's Wimmera region. (15 Mar)

Victoria is emerging as a premier backpacker destination, which market is now bringing $170 million annually to the Victorian economy. (12 Mar)

A new one-stop business information and support centre has been opened in Geelong. (12 Mar)

The success of ADI Ltd in winning the contract to supply 350 Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles to the Australian Army is expected to create 40 jobs in Bendigo and further jobs if projected sales are realised. (11 Mar)

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment has launched a Five Year Grains Strategy, which aims to expand the industry's capacity to meet customer needs for high quality, safe foods from environmentally sustainable production systems, through five priority areas for departmental activity to be delivered through large projects.(10 Mar)

The Premier, Mr Kennett, proposed to form a national Coalition for Employment to pressure the Senate to overturn its decision to abolish junior wages. (9 Mar)

The State Government is sponsoring new awards, the DesignTech Awards, aimed at highlighting design excellence within the Victorian automotive industry. (3 Mar)

A 10,000 hectare eucalyptus plantation is to be established on cleared agricultural land in the State's North-east, and is expected to create 150 jobs. (3 Mar)

Victorian farmers will have access to timely and accurate information on the newly-launched NRE TOPCROP Internet site at http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/farming/topcrop. (3 Mar)

The Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Mr Patrick McNamara, has urged regional employers to take advantage of the Federal Government’s additional $1000 Rural and Regional New Apprenticeships incentive aimed at dealing with the shortage of skilled rural workers. (2 Mar)

Reclaimed water will be turned into fine Victorian wine under a new agreement between Barwon Water and the Scotchman’s Hill Group, the Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Patrick McNamara has announced. (2 Mar)

The latest Yellow Pages Small Business Index reports that small-business confidence in Victoria is at its highest since April 1995. (24 Feb)

State institutes of Sport - including the Victorian Institute of Sport - have been designated  "Olympic Training Centres" by the Australian Olympic Committee. (23 Feb)

The previous full time Liquor Licensing Commissioners have been transferred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which will hear appeals and disciplinary matters under Victoria's new liquor laws. (17 Feb)

The Premier has opened the Global Customer Solutions Customer Interaction Centre, a diversified call centre, in South Morang, which will create 230 jobs. (17 Feb)

Embraer Aircraft Corporation of Brazil, the largest aircraft manufacturer in the Southern Hemisphere, has chosen Melbourne as the site for its new Asia Pacific regional headquarters. (16 Feb)

An internationally recognised sailing regatta, with annual prize money of US$100,000, is to be established in Victoria by the State Government in partnership with Sail Melbourne and the Victorian Yachting Council, to ensure Port Phillip Bay continues to be a focus of world sailing. (17 Jan)

The Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Ms Louise Asher, has welcomed the world's largest festival of Royal Tennis to the Royal Melbourne Tennis Club in Richmond. (11 Jan)

The Premier has officially opened the 99 World Yachting Championships, the world's largest sailing regatta, on Por Phillip Bay. It involves more than 5000 competitors, coaches, support staff, volunteers and officials, and over 1200 yachts from 57 countries, and is expected to generate up to $30m for the Victorian economy. (6 Jan)

Retail trade in Victoria grew by 7.8 per cent in the year to November - Australia's highest growth rate - compared to 5.2 per cent nationally, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. (6 Jan)

1998

Fifteen grants were announced to schools and TAFE colleges on 7 December under the State Government's Victorian Alumni Program, which aims to build on the relationships between Victoria and those who were educated here.

Victoria firms have won five of the nine awards at the 1998 National Export Awards, including Exporter of the Year,  Small to Medium Manufacturer,   Arts and Entertainment category,  Education and Emerging.

The new Victorian Government Business Office in Chicago officially opened for business on 1 December.

Chief executive officers from 20 of Victoria's leading corporations and business organisations have attended a Business Round Table meeting to discuss the importance of taking full advantage of the skills and experience of a multicultural workforce to boost competitiveness, the culmination of a six-month multicultural business information campaign, Our Multicultural Advantage.

The Minister for Sport and Rural Development, Tom Reynolds, has launched a new guide, "On Track: A guide to employment and training opportunities in the Sport and Recreation industry in Victoria".

A report highlighting the achievements of Victorian engineers was officially released on 26 October by the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.

More than $50 million worth of products currently imported by major manufacturers have been put up for local replacement at the Import Replacement Expo 98.

The latest ABS statistics show full time employment in regional Victoria has grown by 4.1 percent or 7,700 in the 12 months to the September quarter

Melbourne has become the first city in the Asia Pacific region to host the prestigious annual International Textile Manufacturers Federation Conference

Berri Limited is to relocate its national headquarters from South Australia to Melbourne

Plans by Grainco Limited for its $40m multi-bulk commodity terminal to be built at Appleton Dock in the port of Melbourne were announced on 14 October.

The Minister for Small Business and Tourism on 13 October presented awards for Victoria's best restaurants.

The Minister for Industry, Mark Birrell, has launched a new industry event, Manufacturing Technology Week.

Regulation of Victoria's aquaculture industry is to be reviewed.

International food industry company Simplot is to consolidate its Australian bakery manufacturing in Melbourne and expand its Echuca operations

The State Government's investment promotion website has been listed among the world's top 100 internet addresses by international publication, Corporate Location.

Malaysia Airlines has commenced a third weekly freighter service to Melbourne, a key outcome of the State Government's Victorian Airfreight Strategy.

Professor Graham Mitchell is appointed as the State's Principal Adviser for Science, Engineering and Technology policy.

Page last changed Sunday, 24-Jul-2005 01:33:01 EDT