(Unfortunately, it has not been possible to continue this page  beyond September 2000.  However, State Opposition Media Releases and news releases, articles, speeches etc by Robert Clark are continuing, as well as pages on Robert Clark's portfolio areas.  See also our News Links page.)

2000

Opposition seeks change on prisoner questioning

The Shadow Attorney-General has called on the Attorney-General to change the law that prevents police from questioning convicted criminals in prison, particularly those suspected of committing further crimes. (16 Aug)

Opposition announces drugs policy

The Opposition has announced a drug policy including 250 extra police dedicated to combatting drugs, 500 more detoxification and rehabilitation beds, compulsory treatment for overdose victims, obligatory exchange of needles at needle exchanges and a full time student welfare co-ordinator at every government secondary school.  (11 Aug)

Opposition to vote against injecting rooms

The Opposition has announced that it will vote against introducing heroin injecting rooms in Victoria. (11 Aug)

Government "must appeal" IVF decision

The Opposition has called on the Government to appeal against the Federal Court's decision to allow single women and those in lesbian relationships the right to infertility treatment. (6 Aug)

Victorian crime lowest, but still up

The Government says that the newly released Australian Bureau of Statistics figures statistics show Victoria had the lowest total crime rate in 1999, 19.6 percent below the national average but that last year's growth of 4.7% was well above the national average of 0.8%. (28 June)

New needle exchange programs

The Government has funded a range of new needle exchange programs in Melbourne suburbs and Geelong. (23 June)

Government delays proclaiming internet gaming law

The Victorian Government will not allow any internet gaming licenses to be issued for three months to enable the Commonwealth Government to comment on the Interactive Gaming (Player Protection) Act 1999 before it was proclaimed. (2 June)

Injecting room legislation introduced

The Government has introduced into Parliament legislation for an18-month trial of up to five supervised injecting rooms across Melbourne. (1 June)

Public funding of pain and suffering compensation

The Government has introduced legislation to reintroduce taxpayer funded compensation for pain and suffering for victims of crime. (26 May)

Concerns on 50 kph speed limit plans

The Opposition has expressed concerns regarding the 50km speed limit to be introduced in residential streets, centred on the increased enforcement requirements, the scope for local government to subsequently pressure the government to be given the ability to fine people for exceeding the speed limit; the costs associated with increased signage; and the definition of residential streets. (25 May)

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

Legislation to widen damages rights for dust disease victims' families

The Attorney-General has announced that he intends to introduce legislation to provide that the families of  victims of dust-related diseases, such as asbestosis and mesotheliomia, can recover damages for pain and suffering of the victim, any bodily or mental harm suffered and the curtailment of expectation of life, even if the victim dies before a court judgement is awarded. (22 Feb)

1999

Parliament passes amendments to FOI Act

The Parliament has passed amendments to the Freedom of Information Act amending the definition of "Cabinet document", and the circumstances in which ¨ documents concerning commercial, business or financial undertakings are exempt, providing that the $170 appeal fee to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal is no longer payable by applicants where a government agency has failed to respond to a request within the statutory time limit of 45 days, amending the provisions relating to protection of personal information and providing that decisions by agencies to appeal VCAT decisions must be explained publicly by relevant Ministers and published in the Government Gazette. (21 Dec)

County Court building to proceed

The new Government has announced that it will proceed with the new County Court building initiated by the previous Government, and that The Liberty Group have been selected as the preferred bidder to build, own and maintain the facility. (16 Dec)

New Bill on juries introduced

The Government has introduced legislation into Parliament which it says aims to make juries more representative of the community, spread the obligation of jury service more equitably and modernise the procedures for selecting people for jury service. It clarifies when potential jurors can be excluded from jury service and outlaws jury vetting. People may apply for their jury service to be deferred to a more convenient time and people who might have ongoing difficulties with jury service, such as the elderly or incapacitated, can apply to be permanently excused. (16 Dec)

Penington to chair injecting facility committee

The Premier has announced the appointment of Doctor David Penington to head an expert committee to oversee the implementation of medically supervised injecting facilities. (8 Nov)

Labor's unjust Justice policy

The Attorney-General, Jan Wade, says Labor's justice policy ignores women, is badly undercosted, and would return to the bad old days of a Law Reform Commission.  Other areas it refers to have already been well handled by the Coalition.  (10 Sep)

Labor would put police independence at risk

State Opposition Leader Steve Bracks has outlined a plan that would effectively see him take over the operational running of the Victoria Police Force, flouting the long-held conventions of the separation of powers. (7 Sep)

Labor’s FoI proposals put privacy at risk

Labor’s plans to abolish recent changes to the FoI Act would put at risk the names and addresses of thousands of public servants, Attorney-General Jan Wade said. (3 Sep)

Coalition will offer more drug withdrawal units, opposed to ‘injecting houses’

A Coalition Government will set up four new residential drug withdrawal units for young people so that drug workers can take more addicts from the court system into treatment. (29 Aug)

New police and courts complex opened in Sunshine

The Attorney General, Jan Wade, and the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Bill McGrath, have officially opened the new $23 million Sunshine Law Courts and Police Complex. (23 Aug)

1998-99 crime statistics

The 1998-99 crime statistics for Victoria show a 3.6% overall increase in crime rates, and an increased rate of apprehension of offenders by police. (13 Aug)

Forensic services integrated and expanded

Attorney-General Jan Wade, speaking at the start of construction of extensions to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) in Southbank, said that victims of sexual assault would soon have access to specialised hospitals and centres for forensic procedures and improved follow-up services. (28 July)

Young offenders pilot program gets results

The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mr Robert Doyle, has launched a six-month progress report of a special project called the Victorian Young Offender Pilot Program, saying that it demonstrated that young lives could be reoriented positively and productively. (27 July)

New legislation to tackle fundraising fraud

New legislation designed to reduce fundraising fraud and maintain public confidence in fundraising appeals has come into effect.

Longford Royal Commission findings

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has released the report of the Royal Commission into the Esso Longford gas-plant accident on 25 September 1998.

Advisory group to investigate improving access to community legal services

Commonwealth Attorney-General, Daryl Williams, and State Attorney-General, Jan Wade, have announced the membership of the Implementation Advisory Group to look at improving access to community legal services in Victoria.

Victoria releases model cross-vesting bill

The Attorney-General, Jan Wade, has released a Victorian Model Bill to deal with legal problems arising from last week’s High Court decision in the cross-vesting cases of Ex parte Amman & Gould, Ex parte McNally, Ex parte Darvall, and Spinks v Prentice.

Crime down in Victoria

Victoria remains Australia’s safest state, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures.

Magistrates’ Court new web site

Law firms and community legal centres will be able to ascertain quickly and efficiently court dates for their clients through the Magistrates’ Court new Internet web site.

Prison review tabled

The Minister for Corrections, Mr Bill McGrath, has welcomed the Auditor General’s report into Victoria’s prison system.

Jury duty to be made more representative

Changes to the Juries Act will reduce the number of classes of persons automatically excused from jury service and many other persons will now have to provide good reason when seeking to be excused.

Men wealthier than women

Women tend to be less wealthy than men, according to a report discussed at the Commonwealth/State Ministers for the Status of Women conference, held in Perth.

DNA testing facility launched

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Bill McGrath, and Chief Commissioner Neil Comrie have launched a new DNA facility at the Victoria Forensic Science Centre designed to assist police in solving crime.

Report on suicides in Victorian prisons tabled

The Minister for Corrections, Bill McGrath, has tabled a report into suicide and self harm in Victoria’s prisons in Parliament.

Prostitution Control Act to be amended

The definition of sexual services in the Prostitution Control Act has been redefined in response to community concern about some activities in live sexually explicit entertainment venues.

Major changes proposed on criminal trials

A new pre-trial disclosure regime will improve criminal trial processes and resolve unreasonable delays in the presentation of cases and the inefficient conduct of trials.

Police numbers, prison capacity and dependencies treatment raised in Budget

Police and correctional services have both received increased funding in the State Budget.

New hearing rooms, report service, for VCAT

The State Government has opened additional hearing rooms and also launched a new "loose-leaf" report service for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Reforms to Guardianship and Administration Act

Significant reforms to the Guardianship and Administration Act will give recognition to the valuable contribution made by families and carers of people with disabilities.

Electoral Act to be amended

The Electoral Commissioner had identified and requested a number of reforms to improve the administration of State elections in Victoria and improve the operational efficiency of the Electoral Commission.

Amendments to the Coroners Act

Legislative changes to the Coroners Act proposed in a Bill introduced into State Parliament are designed to enhance the role of the State Coroner in preventing avoidable deaths and improve the operation of the coronial system in Victoria.

Regulation of video surveillance devices

A Surveillance Devices Bill, to protect private conversations and activity from being recorded on video, has been introduced in Parliament. The new Bill will replace the Listening Devices Act 1969 and extend it to a broader range of surveillance devices.

Scams outlawed in new Fair Trading Bill

Victorian consumers and business will have greater protection against some of the most common scams with the introduction of the Fair Trading Bill in Parliament by the Minister for Fair Trading, Jan Wade.

New sentencing option for young offenders

Young adult offenders will be given an opportunity to resolve their criminal behavior under a new sentencing option in an amendment to the Sentencing Act.

Students to get involved in fighting crime

Students will join forces with the police, local councils and other community agencies to fight underage drinking, vandalism and misuse of public areas under the Student Action Teams project.

New fine collection facility

A new state-of-the-art facility has been opened which is expected to improve the collection of fines.

Firearms amnesty to continue

The current firearms amnesty in Victoria will continue for another two years, until 26 February 2001.

Major Police Computer Upgrade

The Government has entered a multi million dollar contract with IBM for the provision of new and upgraded information technology to the Victoria Police.

Advertisements placed for Emergency Services mobile data provision

The first stage of acquiring advanced mobile data technology for emergency services has been publicly advertised on 20 February.

Productivity Commission report on police and correctional services

The Productivity Commission's Report on Government Service Provision 1999 gives a positive review of the government services within his portfolio, the Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Corrections, Minister Bill McGrath said.

Changes to trading laws

Changes to the Motor Car Traders Act, the Small Claims Act and the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act came into effect on February 1.

Police numbers and restructuring

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has responded to recent media reports regarding police numbers.

1999

Prisons: education up, drugs down

The number of prisoners participating in education and employment programs has improved significantly since the reconfigured prison system, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Bill McGrath, has said.

SES Computer Network - First in Australia

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Bill McGrath, has announced special funding for the Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) to link all volunteer Units by computer.

Victoria's Summer Fire Strategy

The Victorian Emergency Management Council has finalised the integrated fire season planning between a range of Government and non-Government fire fighting agencies.

Establishment of National Car Theft Strategy

The Police and Emergency Services Minister, Bill McGrath, and the Chairman of the National Anti Crime Strategy, the Hon. Trevor Griffin, Attorney General of South Australia, have announced the establishment of the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, which will pursue a five-year plan to curb motor vehicle theft.

Encouraging signs on prison drugs

There has been a significant reduction in the percentage of prisoners testing positive to illicit drugs in Victorian prisons.

Police Numbers

The Minister of Police and Emergency Services has commented on the levels of police numbers and resources.

Federal Magistrates a "waste of money"

State Attorney-General, Jan Wade, believes there is no need for the Commonwealth to establish a separate federal magistracy when there were capable State and Territory magistrates already exercising significant federal jurisdiction including family law.

Government welcomes Catholic Commission Report

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mr. McGrath, has welcomed the report by the Catholic Commission for Justice, Development and Peace into Victoria’s prison system.

Tackling Discrimination in Sport

Playing Fair: Guidelines For Tackling Discrimination in Sport is an information booklet for sporting bodies designed to prevent discrimination, harassment and other anti-social behaviours in Victorian sport.

New Appeals Costs Bill

Parties to court cases which are appealed will soon have access to a fairer system of re-imbursement for legal costs thereby incurred as a result of proposed amendments to the Appeals Costs Act 1964.

Local Priority Policing

An new policing scheme - known as Local Priority Policing - aims to achieve greater community involvement in how police services are provided, better management of resources, and more police accountability.

Contracts awarded for traffic cameras and enforcement

The contract to provide outsourced administrative support for the Traffic Camera Office and Enforcement Management Unit has been awarded to the LMT Australia Pty Ltd consortium comprising Lockheed Martin IMS (IMS) and the Tenix group of companies (formerly Transfield Defence Systems).

Pregnancy in Employment Guidelines launched

Guidelines aimed at educating employers about their obligations and responsibilities in relation to pregnant staff members have been issued

Unreadable number plates amnesty ends soon

Drivers whose number plates have faded or darkened have until August 31 to replace them or risk a fine of $110.

New Firearms Amnesty

A new firearms amnesty is to operate in Victoria from August 5, 1998 until February 26, 1999.

Retail Tenancies Reform Act

The Retail Tenancies Reform Act commenced on 1 July, 1998.   It makes significant changes to the law.

Crime statistics show Victoria is Australia’s safest State

The most recent figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Victoria’s crime rate in 1997 was almost 20% below the national average.

New Drug Caution Programs

The Premier, Mr Kennett, and the Chief Police Commissioner, Mr Comrie, have announced a new program allowing police to caution low level cannabis users, rather than automatically charging them.

2000

The Shadow Minister for Police and Emergency Services has expressed concern about the quality of recruits that may result from a recruitment drive to attract 2,500 new police officers to Victoria Police. (4 Oct)

The State Opposition has called on the Police Association of Victoria to end its affiliation with Trades Hall Council. (21 Sep)

The Shadow Attorney-General has called on the State's courts to "enter into dialog" with the media about their decisions. (19 Sep)

Specialist teams would be established through the Department of Human Services, to assist local government with early prosecution work on illegal sales of tobacco to minors.   Adolescents are to be employed in "sting" operations to catch retailers. (4 July)  The Opposition says the proposal is ridiculous. (4 July)

The Attorney General has announced that the current Children's Court Magistrate, Jennifer Coate, will become a Judge of the County Court and the inaugural President of the Children's Court and also announced the appointments of Ms Angela Bolger, Ms Caitlin English, Ms Susan Wakeling and Mr Ross Betts as magistrates. (22 June)

The Government has revised its whistleblower legislation and a revised version of the proposals is available on-line. (22 June)

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

The Cities of Port Phillip and Yarra must hold plebiscites to accurately gauge community opinion on heroin injecting rooms, and identify potential sites, according to the Opposition. (18 June)

The Transport Minister and the Police Minister have launched a discussion paper on Victoria's Road Safety Strategy 2000-2005. (13 June)

The Minister for State and Regional Development claims the Federal Government's proposed privacy legislation may not meet international minimum standards. (9 June)

Professor Peter Sallmann, Crown Counsel, and Mr Richard Wright, Associate Director of the Civil Justice Review Project, are to conduct a review of the governance structures of the legal profession and report back by December. (9 June)

The Planning Minister has released a brochure, the Guide to Body Corporate Information, which gives details of agencies and industry bodies that can assist with various body corporate matters and provides answers to some frequently asked questions. (8 June)

The Attorney General has announced a pro bono legal services initiative under which private firms will second one or more of their solicitors to a Community Legal Centre or Victoria Legal Aid for a period of six to 12 months. (6 June)

The Government will build a $8.5 million FBI-style facility to train Victoria's Police force in safety and tactics.  The Operational Safety and Tactics Training (OSTT) facility is planned for the grounds of the Police Academy at Glen Waverley. (2 June)

The Premier has launched a Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement between the Government, ATSIC and the Aboriginal community, which "recognises the importance of allowing for the special needs of Indigenous people within the justice system". (31 May)

The Attorney General has announced the appointment of Mr Tony Parsons as the new Managing Director of Victoria Legal Aid for a five year appointment is effective from Monday, June 26. (30 May)

Mr Peter Kirby will head an independent panel to investigate the management and operation of Victoria's three private prisons. (26 May)

The Opposition has criticised the Children and Young Persons (Appointment of President) Bill for promoting the Senior Magistrate of the Children's Court to a County Court judge and calling him/her the President. (26 May)

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

The Minister for Consumer Affairs has directed Victorian Fair Trading investigators to take petrol samples to identify any petrol substitution occurring in Victoria. (2 Mar)

The Attorney General says that, following recent advertisements for more female and ethnically diverse magistrates, more than 40% of the 350 applications were from women.  (28 Feb)

The Government will limit legal assistance to Ministers, Crown servants and agents appearing before Royal Commissions to $3,000 per day, with any assistance to former Ministers and current Members of Parliament requiring Cabinet approval. (23 Feb)

The provision of legal services to the State Government is to be reviewed to ensure taxpayers are getting value for money, and law firms bidding for government work in the future may also have to demonstrate their commitment to pro bono work. (17 Feb)

Mr Julian Gardner has been appointed as the new Public Advocate, to take effect from 21 February. (2 Feb)

The Attorney-General is seeking applicants for the magistracy from "a broad legal background", including women and persons with an indigenous or ethnic background. (31 Jan)

The Attorney-General has announced the appointment of solicitor Felicity Broughton and barrister Jane Patrick as new Magistrates. (27 Jan)

1999

The Attorney-General has announced the appointment of barristers Kathryn Auty and John Hardy as new Magistrates. (21 Dec)

The Government will provide a one-off $125,000 grant to the Victorian Crime Stoppers to replace the loss of its major sponsor at the end of the year. (16 Dec)

Legislation relating to the cross-vesting of jurisdiction between State and Federal courts has been passed by both Houses of Parliament to address problems arising from a recent High Court decision. (14 Dec).

The Premier has announced the appointment of Mr Lex Lasry QC to conduct the Integraph Royal Commission.  There Terms of Reference have not yet been developed.  (9 Dec)

Robert Keith Kent QC has been appointed a County Court judge. (10 Nov)

The Premier, Mr Kennett, has announced the Coalition would provide $7.8 million for a new courthouse in Warrnambool in the next term. (10 Sep)

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mr Bill McGrath, and the Liberal Candidate for Gisborne, Health Minister Rob Knowles, have officially opened the new $290,000 one-man police station and residence at Malmsbury. Mr McGrath said over the next five years the Coalition will also spend $100 million building 35 new police stations and police/court complexes. (7 Sep)

Under the new Fair Trading Act 1999, pyramid selling provisions have been strengthened to prevent individuals and corporations from establishing, promoting or taking any part in a pyramid selling scheme. It is also illegal to induce another person to establish, promote or take any part in a pyramid selling scheme. Pyramid selling provisions carry maximum penalties of $12,000 for an individual and $24,000 for a corporation. (1 Sep)

Disreputable publishers or "blowers", who use deceptive tactics over the phone to extract payment for unauthorised advertisements in publications are now subject to strict laws. Under revised provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1999, a publisher who initiates contact with a client to place an advertisement cannot demand payment unless the client gave a signed authorisation before publication. (1 Sep)

When buying or selling a product, door-to-door or over the Internet, consumers and traders must comply with new provisions under the Fair Trading Act 1999. These include a five business-day cooling-off period for door-to-door (contact) sales and, for distance sales, provision of details of the total cost of goods or services. The new laws also require telephone marketers immediately to cease negotiations over the phone if a consumer asks and to refrain from calling back for the next 30 days. (1 Sep)

The Springvale Community Aid and Advice Bureau has launched two "ethnic storyboards", which provide advice to consumers from non-English speaking backgrounds buying a car and obtaining a refund. They have been funded by the Office of Fair Trading and Business Affairs and are printed in Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer and English. (30 August)

The Office of Fair Trading and Business Affairs has produced two publications to help vision-impaired renters and landlords better understand their rights and responsibilities in residential tenancy matters. The publication entitled Renting: A Statement of Rights and Duties has been transcribed into large print and is also available on audio cassette. Another publication, entitled Trouble-free Tenancies, provides similar information in a summary form. (26 August)

The 24-hour Boroondara Police Complex, a $7.6 million station providing for the amalgamation of the Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell Police Stations and associated CIBs, is to be located at the corner of Riversdale Road and Butler Street, Camberwell. (14 July)

A new $3.4-million 24-hour police station has been commissioned for Wonthaggi, and should be completed by June 2001. (18 May)

Professor Peter Sallmann, a former Law Reform Commissioner of Victoria has been appointed Crown Counsel, filling the vacancy created by the appointment of former Crown Counsel Pamela Jenkins to the County Court. (11 May)

Estate agents will no longer be able to pocket rebates from advertising expenses under proposed amendments to the Estate Agents Act will that will make it an offence to retain any benefits from advertising expenses. (6 May)

Proposed amendments to the Freedom of Information Act, which provide for the deletion of names and addresses of public sector employees in some circumstances, are intended to protect employees from unwarranted invasion of privacy and threat of harm. (6 May)

An additional $4 million a year has been allocated to Victorian Legal Aid in the Budget following the withdrawal of Commonwealth "cross-subsidy" legal aid from July 1. (4 May)

Two women have been appointed as judges to the County Court. The appointment of Pamela Jenkins and Katharine Williams increases the number of women County Court judges to seven. (20 April)

Mr Lance Pilgrim, a former president of the Guardianship and Administration Board, deputy president at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and Magistrate has been appointed as a new County Court judge. ( 31 Mar)

The newly formed National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council has held its inaugural meeting in Melbourne. (24 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)

Mr Bruce Cottrill and Ms Denise O'Reilly have been appointed as new magistrates. (9 Feb)

Victoria Police have released a report on a review of their equity policies and practices, including recommended reforms. (4 Feb)

Ms Penny Armytage has been appointed as Victoria's new Correctional Services Commissioner. (1 Feb)

Ms Kate Hamond has been appointed as Victoria's new Legal Ombudsman. (22 Jan)

The State Government's Public Correctional Enterprise, CORE has won a contract to assist the Fiji Prisons Service with its training and staff development activities. (15 Jan)

The Police and Emergency Services Minister, Bill McGrath, has welcomed the release of the report "Pathways to Prevention - Early Intervention and Developmental Approaches to Crime in Australia" prepared for the National Anti-Crime Strategy. (14 Jan)

A new wooden products factory, dairy complex and three accomodation units, housing 96 prisoners, have been officially opened at Dhurringile prison. (14 Jan)

Attorney-General, Jan Wade, will be seeking legal advice and looking at the Freedom of Information Act in relation to issues raised in the FoI application involving nurses at the Frankston hospital.  Mrs Wade said that an unfortunate aspect of the case was the failure of the Frankston hospital to have legal representation at the VCAT hearing and that its failure to appeal against the decision meant that it would not be reviewed by the Supreme Court.  (14 Jan)

Alcoholic icy poles are to be classified as prescribed substances under the Liquor Control Act, meaning they can only be sold in licensed premises. (13 Jan)

1998

The Minister for Fair Trading, Mrs Jan Wade, has announced a new three year funding program for agencies dedicated to providing advice for consumers, traders, tenants and landlords. (11 Dec)

The Victorian Attorney-General, Jan Wade,  has renewed her call for the proposed Federal Government plans to establish a federal magistracy to be scrapped,  on the grounds that they are an unnecessary duplication of existing services and waste of resources which would be better channelled into providing additional funds for legal aid. (10 Dec 1998)

Community and academic experts will help the Government plan a new senior youth training centre to house the State's increasing number of young male offenders in custody, which will ensure that 'low risk' youths between the ages of 17 and 20 are kept out of the adult prison system.  This will include investigation of the benefits of private and non-government sector involvement. (8 Dec 1998)

The Road Trauma Support Team, a voluntary group established to provide support for victims of culpable driving, is to receive funding of $121,500 from the Transport Accident Commission and from the Department of Justice through its Victims Referral Assistance Service (VRAS).

The State Government has full confidence in crime statistics compiled by Victoria Police, which had an acceptable error rate of 1-2 per cent, a level independently verified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The Victorian Law Enforcement Drug Fund will fund two innovative crime prevention programs - the Salvation Army's Positive Lifestyle Program and the Sacred Heart Mission St Kilda's Women's Program - Outreach and Open House Project

The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has announced the winners of 14 Fire Awareness Week Community Service Awards.

A new emergency warning signal to be sounded as a prelude to critical community safety announcements on radio and television has been launched.

Ms Marilyn Warren, QC has been appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The Ministerial Council on Consumer Affairs has approved changes to the Consumer Credit Code.

The Attorney-General has approved a three per cent salary increase for judicial office holders.

The Legal Liability Practitioners' Committee (LPLC) will continue as the sole provider of professional indemnity insurance to Victorian solicitors.

Page last changed Sunday, 01-Jun-2003 05:58:37 EDT