(Unfortunately, it has not been possible to continue Victorian Political News beyond September 2000.  However, State Opposition Media Releases and news on Planning, Major Projects and WorkCover are continuing, as well as news releases, articles, speeches etc by Robert Clark.  See also our News Links page.)

2000

Ambulance bypasses and waiting times increase

The Opposition says that the incidence of ambulance bypasses for the June 2000 quarter increased 285 per cent on the same period last year, the number of emergency patients waiting more than 12 hours on a trolley increased 54 per cent, the number of patients waiting more than 90 days for elective surgery increased 57 per cent, and the number of patients on Victoria's elective surgery waiting list was up 1968. (27 Sep)

Government guts ambulance Royal Commission

The Government's decision to gut the terms of reference of the Royal Commission into the Metropolitan Ambulance Service is a travesty of justice, according to the Opposition. (25 Sep)

Monash surgery cancellations for almost 3 months

According to the Opposition, category two and three patients have been denied access to elective surgery at Monash Medical Centre for the past two months, with the three week cancellation of elective surgery coming on top. (9 Sep)

Elective surgery cancelled for 3 weeks

The Opposition says that Victoria's public hospital system is suffering its deepest crisis in more than a decade, with elective surgery cancelled for three weeks and waiting lists set to rise above 40,000. (8 Sep)

Electricity report says extra generator not needed

The Government's Security of Supply Taskforce Report has found that an extra 1,000Mw generator for Victoria is not needed, contradicting statements by the Premier earlier this year, the Opposition says. (7 Sep)

State gaming revenue to rise in 2000-01

Total revenue from gambling in Victoria is set to rise in 2000-2001, with total state revenue of $1593.3 million, an increase of $68.5 million on 1999-2000, after adjustment for GST, the Opposition has claimed. (7 Sep)

Hospital trolley waiting lists hit record

More emergency patients ae waiting on hospital trolleys in Melbourne than ever before, according to the Opposition. (6 Sep)

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)

Opposition launches WorkCover premiums inquiry

The Opposition has moved to establish a Legislative Council inquiry into WorkCover premiums by the all-party Economic Development Committee. (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)

Council rates rise

Council rates have risen signficantly as a result of property revaluations and the Government allowing Councils to set higher increases in average rates, according to the Opposition. (1 Sep)

$500,000 WorkCover shortfall for Country Fire Authority

More than $500,000 of additional funding to country firefighting will be wasted if the Government fails to compensate the CFA for an increase in WorkCover costs, which has left the authority $540,000 over budget, according to the Opposition. (30 Aug)

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)

WorkCover leaves fire brigade $600,000 short

Fire services in Melbourne will be cut or overtime bans placed on firefighters if the Government fails to compensate the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Brigade for an increase in WorkCover costs, which were $600,000 over budget, according to the Opposition. (26 Aug)

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 to oppose Upper House legislation

The Opposition will oppose the Government's proposal to dramatically change Victoria's Upper House, saying the Government was seeking to nobble the Legislative Council and thus obtain a blank cheque from voters. (15 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)

WorkCover backdown "must lead to results"

The last minute intervention by the Premier over the Government's handling of WorkCover premium increases has merely bought the Government some time to come up with a solution, which the Government must use the next week to actually deliver, according to the Opposition.  (9 Aug)

Governor's termination "unjust and unjustified"

The Opposition says that the Premier's decision to deny Governor Sir James Gobbo a five-year term is "unacceptable and a disgrace". (8 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)

Compensation call for disability services hit by WorkCover premiums

The Opposition has called on the Government to compensate disability services for the cost of its WorkCover policy in light of "massive cost increases". (3 Aug)

Footy tipping tax take "rips funds from social clubs"

The Opposition says that the Government's recently announced football tipping competition represents an expansion of its tax take which will lead to funds being "ripped out" of community groups, social clubs and the networks that run tipping competitions. (3 Aug)

ACCC forces backdown on WorkCover claims

The ACCC has forced the Victorian WorkCover Authority to re-issue a leaflet purporting to explain WorkCover premium increases, which the ACCC found to be "potentially misleading".  (24 July)

Increase in hospital waiting times

Figures to March 2000 show that periods of ambulance bypass of pubic hospitals rose in the quarter to 565, compared to 72 in the March 1999 quarter; patients waiting on trolleys for a hospital bed more than doubled from 647 in the March 1999 quarter to 1396; and 11 patients were waiting more than 30 days for urgent treatment.  As well, waiting lists for elective surgery have risen by 2201 patients.  (23 July)

Hidden changes boost WorkCover premium increases

Thousands of Victorian employers are facing WorkCover premium rate increases of up to 40% as a result of hidden changes to the way premium rates are calculated, combined with premium increases already announced by the State Government, according to the State Opposition. (19 July)

New Shadow Cabinet announced

The Leader of the Opposition, Dr Denis Napthine, has announced the appointment of Mr Kim Wells and Mr Ian Cover to the Shadow Cabinet, and the re-allocation of some portfolios, following the decision by the National Party to end the Liberal/National Partnership - see State Opposition page on this site.  (18 July)

National Party ends Partnership

The National Party has announced that it is ending the Partnership arrangement with the Liberal Party established following the change of Government in October 1999.  The National Party will sit as a Third Party in Parliament, with the Liberal Party constituting the State Opposition. (15 July)

Training freeze has excluded new providers

A Government funded report has found that the Labor Government's 12 month freeze on private providers of training had frozen out new and potentially excellent providers seeking to enter the market and had significant negative impacts on the individual business plans of private service providers, according to the Opposition. (12 July)

Collins Street extension brought forward

The Docklands Authority will now fund the construction of a bridge to extend Collins Street to the Docklands waterfront at a cost of about $35 million, with building to begin next year and be completed by late 2002.  The bridge was previously to have been funded by developers of the Batmans Hill precinct of Docklands. (3 July)

Solar hot water rebate scheme

From July 1 2000, the Sustainable Energy Authority will offer cash rebates of up to $1000 for approved solar hot water systems, with the Government allocating $15 million over three years to the scheme. (30 June)

Catchment boards "purged"

The Government has instituted a "wholesale purge" of the nine Catchment Management Authority (CMA) boards, according to the Shadow Minister for Water Resources. (29 June)

Some extra gas customers to have choice

Medium-sized Victorian gas consumers, such as large commercial buildings and small manufacturers, would have the right to choose their gas retailer from September 1 this year, but plans for customers with an annual gas consumption of between 5,000 and 10,000 GJ, such as large restaurants and bakeries, scheduled to become contestable at the same date have been deferred. (29 June)

$34.6m for metropolitan health services

The Government will provide $34.6 million in one-off funds to the Melbourne, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Northern and Eastern metropolitan health services. (29 June)

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)

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)

New needle exchange programs

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

Community Support Fund restructured

The Government has announced revised guidelines for the CSF, under which the Government says $100 million of annual CSF funding will be spent in three main areas of "Promoting Responsible Gambling", "Community Building" and "Broader Community Benefit".  The Government has also established a "Community Advisory Council" of Government appointees to "oversee" the Fund. (20 June)

VicOne connects south-west hospitals

The VicOne project established by the previous Government has enabled hospitals in south-west Victoria to order prescriptions and tests over the Internet and cut the costs of video conferencing, with 33 hospitals and associated community health-centres being connected to the broadband network under a $9.8 million project of the South West Alliance of Rural Hospitals (SWARH). (20 June)

Community use of school computers after hours

Schools in remote and rural Victoria will open after hours to provide their local communities with access to the Internet under a new $1 million program, access@schools, which is to provide up to $10,000 each to 100 or more schools across Victoria to provide 12,000 Victorians living in rural and remote areas with 60,000 free or affordable hours of access to the Internet over the next 12 months. Schools throughout Victoria are to shortly receive an invitation from the Department of Education, Employment and Training to apply for funding.  The program will be managed by DEET and will be funded by Multimedia Victoria. (18 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)

Concerns over ResCode

The Opposition has raised concerns about government proposals to allow two dwellings to be constructed on a single lot without a planning permit, about workloads for councils, neighbours and developers, and about fence height retrictions, under the draft new residential planning code, ResCode. (14 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)

Road Blackspot program launched

The Government has launched its promised $240m Statewide Blackspot Program funded from motorists' TAC contributions, with the Minister for Transport calling for community input to the program. (Proposals can be nominated on-line.) (9 June)

Old rules continue as delay hits new Code

Labor's proposed new residential Code is now running up to six months late, and in the meantime existing planning rules continue to apply to most medium density developments, the State Opposition has said.  The Opposition has also urged that the draft Code be scrutinised carefully by all involved with residential planning to ensure that it achieved fair and reasonable outcomes and provided adequate certainty without creating unnecessary red tape. (7 June)

Draft new Residential Code released

The Government has released a draft of a new single residential housing code, which the Government claims protects neighbourhood character, provides greater certainty for developers and opens the door for more creative housing designs. (7 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)

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)

Public libraries infrastructure grants launched

The Minister for Local Government, Mr Bob Cameron, has launched a $12 million Public Library Infrastructure Grants program through the Community Support Fund to operate over the next three years. Councils are eligible to apply for grants of up to $500,000 for the construction of replacement buildings, extensions, renovations or refurbishments of existing library buildings on a dollar-for-dollar basis. (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)

Opposition backs Geelong Guggenheim bid

The State Opposition has thrown its support behind proposals to seek a Guggenheim museum for Geelong, and has called on the State Government to give a commitment to the Guggenheim Foundation that it is willing to provide the $1.5 million needed to fund a detailed feasibility study into the project. (31 May)

New legislation on Upper House

The Premier has announced new legislation to change the Victorian Upper House (Legislative Council).  Under the legislation, the Legislative Council would have eight electoral provinces of five members each, with all members serving for only a fixed four year term. The total number of MLCs would fall from 44 to 40. (31 May)

Draft guidelines for Basslink assessment

The Government has released for public comment draft guidelines for the Integrated Impact Assessment Statement (IIAS) for the Basslink proposal for electricity grid connection between Tasmania and Victoria, incorporating a Victorian Environment Effects Statement, which will be run in conjunction with the Tasmanian and Commonwealth Governments. A Joint Advisory Panel has been appointed to assess submissions on the draft guidelines. (31 May)

Regulator-General proposes further electricity price reductions, service improvements

The Government has welcomed the draft determination of the Office of the Regulator-General (ORG), which foreshadows further reductions in average distribution charges of 15 - 20 percent, equivalent to average reductions in household electricity bills of between $35 and $65 per year, following privatisation of the electricity industry by the previous Government. (31 May)

Planning - Metropolitan Strategy to be developed

The Government will spend $1.5 million for a plan to develop a new integrated land use and transport Metropolitan Strategy for the whole of Melbourne, addressing  major development issues facing the metropolitan area and the state over the next 20 to 30 years, to be developed in partnership with the Transport Minister. (30 May)

Opposition calls for Bionic Ear support

The Opposition has called on the Government to match the former government's four-year $20 million pledge to provide Bionic Ears for all hearing-impaired children who could benefit from them, stating that there was no money allocated for the provision of Bionic Ears for children in this year's State Budget, nor in any forward estimates. (30 May)

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)

Heritage Strategy launched

The Minister for Planning has launched the Victorian Heritage Strategy, a five year strategy to identify, protect and manage the state's cultural assets including private collections, heritage gardens, shipwrecks, archaeological artefacts, precincts, machinery and houses. (26 May)

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)

Public transport Customer Service Charters

The Government has welcomed the Customer Service Charters published by the private operators of Victoria's rail networks, and also announced the appointment of a new Public Transport Customer Charter Committee, replacing the community committee established by the previous Government, to provide community input and a customer perspective on a range of user satisfaction issues. (26 May)

Schools developing asbestos plans

Schools that have received some of the 195 asbestos affected portable classrooms are now being assisted by the Education Department to develop asbestos risk management and containment plans to nullify any health risks to children and teachers, according to the Opposition. (25 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)

Electricity free choice delayed

Government legislation on the electricity industry will delay freedom of choice for small business and residential customers, according to the Opposition, with the Coalition government's full deregulation date of  January 1, 2001 now able to be put back for up to three years under legislation before the Parliament. (24 May)

Neighbourhood character reference inserted in planning rules

TheGovernment has made an interim change to planning rules to recognise neighbourhood character, which the Opposition says is a belated response to criticism. (16 May)

Health network restructuring "won't achieve saving"

TheGovernment's promise to save $18 million by abolishing Victoria's health care networks has been exposed as unachievable by the Government's Ministerial Review of Health Care Networks, according to the Opposition. (11 May)

Aged Care Minister "dodged questions" on Namarra Nursing Home care

The Opposition has critised the Minister for Aged Care over the welfare of elderly residents at Namarra Nursing Home in Caulfield, including a patient covered with ants. (11 May)

"Splurge" budget risks blowouts

The Opposition has criticised the State budget for "splurging" the significant surplus inherited from previous government, lack of tax cuts and infrastucture investment, and exposure to risk of blowouts. (11 May)

Opposition victory on demolition loophole

The Government has accepted the validity of Opposition criticism of a loophole in its planning legislation, which threatened to allow developers to tear down the facades and other heritage features of potential heritage classification buildings and has moved amendments to close the loophole, according to the Shadow Minister for Planning. (10 May)

For earlier news stories see our Archives.

Page last changed Friday, 04-Jun-2004 05:08:01 EDT

(other news based on the Government's web site main media releases page, Opposition media releases and other sources)

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 Minister for Major Projects must accept responsibility for the $140 million cost blowout at Federation Square and should step down from involvement in the project, according to the Opposition. (24 Sep)

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 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)

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 criticised the Planning Minister, John Thwaites, for failing to make a decision on the final route for the western option of the Shepparton bypass. (13 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)

Bendigo businesswoman Louise Galloway has been appointed as the Opposition's spokesperson for Bendigo. (24 Aug)

Public release of the budget for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games has now been postponed indefinitely, despite a Government promise to release it in September, according to the Opposition. (23 Aug)

The Opposition has listed some key problems and concerns with the Government's draft residential code, ResCode. (23 Aug)

The Government has adopted a "blame the victim" response to concerns about WorkCover premiums raised in Parliament, according to the Opposition. (18 Aug)

The Opposition has pursued the issue of WorkCover premium rises during the grievance debate and question time in Parliament. (16 Aug)

The Shadow Racing Minister has backed the Geelong Racing Club's bid to upgrade the Geelong Cup's status from a Listed Race to Group 3. (16 Aug)

The Opposition has pointed out that for the first time in memory the Government of the day had introduced no new legislation on the first sitting day of the new parliamentary session. (15 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 claims that the Government has failed to increase income benefits received by transport accident victims through the TAC-operated compensation scheme to offset the cost of living increases resulting from the Goods and Services Tax implementation. (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)

Gaming Minister John Pandazopoulos has not ruled out the Government's National Footy Tipping competition being extending to other sports. (8 Aug)

The State Opposition has called on the Government to make public full details of its research and costings of WorkCover premium increases and their impact and to come up with a more equitable and affordable premium increase method. (7 Aug)

Tram cancellations during peak times are being caused by the removal of all W class trams from Melbourne's tracks last May, according to the Shadow Transport Minister. (7 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 Opposition has called on employers and chambers of commerce across rural and regional Victoria to notify the Opposition of the impact of rises in WorkCover premiums. (2 Aug)

The Opposition has pointed to recent high levels of ambulance by-passes and questioned the accuracy of the Government's Winter Beds Strategy numbers. (1 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 called on the Government to convene an urgent round-table of union officials over preschool funding and teacher salaries to avert the proposed strike by preschool teachers.  (24 July)

The Opposition says Victorians are being over-taxed by the Government levying stamp duties on top of GST inclusive prices for insurance and vehicle transfers. (21 July)

The Opposition has called on the Government not scrap physical education from the Victorian school curriculum. (20 July)

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

WorkCover premium increases will compromise the level of care in nursing homes, according to the Opposition. (16 July)

Objections by Labor-controlled councils are putting the proposed Craigieburn deviation of the Hume Freeway at risk, according to the Opposition. (13 July)

The Government has announced this year's State funding of $45 million to Councils for routine and periodic maintenance of main roads. (6 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 Opposition has criticised the government's decision to fund a $35 million extension of Collins Street to the Docklands and its consideration of the construction of a $10 million pub at Federation Square. (5 July)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has failed to justify the sacking of six chairpersons of Catchment Management Authority (CMA) boards, according to the Shadow Minister for Water Resources. (5 July)

The Government has announced the appointment to the Victorian Interpreting and Translation Service Board of Ms Voula Messimeri-Kianidis and Mr Rosario (Ross) Buscemi. (4 July )

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

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 Minister for Environment and Conservation has defended the Government's appointments to Catchment Management Authority Boards. (4 July)

With the Guggenheim Foundation director  now set to visit Geelong in September, it is vital that the State Government is able to give an assurance when he visits that the funding is available for an immediate start to a full feasibility study, according to the Opposition. (3 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 Ports has announced the appointment of Rear Admiral John Lord AM as the new chief executive officer of the Marine Board of Victoria. (30 June)

Mr Tony Arnel has been announced as the new head of the Building Control Commission, taking up his position as Commissioner in mid-August. (29 June)

Dr Joanna Flynn has been appointed president of the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria, replacing outgoing president, Dr Kerry Breen. (29 June)

The Government has announced terms of reference for the Victorian DisAbility Advisory Council. (29 June)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has announced the membership of the new Catchment Management Authorities and the Port Phillip Catchment and Land Protection Board. (29 June)

Transurban has agreed to indefinitely defer the removal of clearways on Toorak Road, and the Government is installing a $500,000 electronic traffic diversion system to try to speed up tram movement along Toorak Road. (29 June)

The Government has abolished periodic tenure reviews for Victorian public housing tenants aged 65 and loosened other eligibility rules for public housing tenants. (28 June)

The Government has announced that about $300,000 is to be spent on immediate service improvements in station lighting, seating, toilet facilities and security measures at Spencer Street Station, and that Gordon McKern, John Taylor and Robyn Stewart have been appointed to the Board of the Spencer Street Station Authority. (28 June)

The Government has announced the appointment of Mr Sam Lipski as the new president of the Board of the State Library of Victoria and Ms Hilary McPhee as a board member, with Mr Andrew Lemon re-appointed for a further three years, together with the appointment to the Museums Board of Victoria of Dr Janet McCalman and Ms Sheila O'Sullivan and the reappointment of Professor David Penington (as President) and Mr Terence Garwood.   The Government thanked the outgoing president of the Library Board, Mr Ian Renard, and the outgoing members of the Museum Board of Victoria, Ms Sarah Myer and Mr Graham Cunningham. (28 June)

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 will increase grants to GST-registered charities by 10 per cent, and will not make any adjustment to grants for embedded tax savings. (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 Planning Minister has approved Amendment C20 to introduce interim height controls to certain areas on the Peninsula generally adjacent to Port Phillip Bay, especially on hillsides, cliff tops and high sand dune areas, in the Mornington Peninsula Shire, which will be in place until the end of next year. (26 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 Planning Minister has called for submissions on proposed changes to the law affecting restrictive covenants, which has been held over until the Spring sittings following delays in its introduction into Parliament. (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)

Single people seeking homes are to be paired with live-alone Melbourne seniors under the Homeshare pilot program. (26 June)

The Government will commission next month a long-term study of statewide training needs to address the shortage of planners in rural and regional areas.  The Government also says it has supported two new graduate courses to begin next semester in regional planning at La Trobe University's Bendigo campus. (26 June)

Expert opinion has predicted that the Government's restructure of health networks would result in elective surgery being abandoned at Sandringham Hospital, according to the Shadow Minister for Health. (25 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 Government has announced the terms of reference for the Victorian DisAbility Advisory Council and is placing advertisements calling for expressions of interest in joining the Council. (23 June)

The Government has welcomed the decision by the VDIA and Australian Milk Marketing (AMM) to proceed with the sale of the VDIA brands including Big M, REV, Skinny Milk and Farmhouse. (23 June)

The Government says it will develop Indigenous tourism, improve job opportunities for Victoria's Indigenous communities and promote Aboriginal home ownership, in a joint communique issued by the Victorian Government and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission after the first ATSIC meeting ever held in Victoria. (22 June)

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 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)

Victorian farmers building cattle under/over passes from June 17 this year, can share in a $4 million fund to assist in the construction on a dollar for dollar basis up to a maximum of $20,000, with the Minister approving in principle the Victorian Farmers Federation's (VFF) application to the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund to manage this initiative.  (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 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 State Government is to provide $500,000 to sponsor the  Interact 2000 Asia Pacific Multimedia Festival and has appointed the Parliamentary Secretary for State and Regional Development, Tony Robinson, as Chairman of the Interact Board, replacing the highly regarded merchant banker David Williams. (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 National Pollutant Inventory (NPI), an internet database designed to keep the public informed about damaging substances being released to the environment, will commence from 1 July 2001, it has been agreed at a meeting of the National Environment Protection Council (NEPC).  (20 June)

The Government will continue a State Government subsidy on light beer after the introduction of the GST on 1 July 2000. (20 June)

The Minister for Planning has refused an application for a permit to demolish the signal box and waiting room at Ringwood Railway Station, accepting a Heritage Council recommendation that the permit be refused. The future of the buildings will now be considered in a $1 million Masterplan for the Ringwood Transport Interchange project. (20 June)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation and the Member for Gippsland West, Ms Susan Davies, have presented grants of over $70,000 to coastal groups in the Gippsland South and West area. (20 June)

The Government has announced membership of a taskforce to review the Landcare program. (20 June)

The Government has announced a strategy which attempts to boost the competitiveness of Victoria's rail manufacturing sector. (20 June)

The Government has established a steering committee to review health services in the outer east, chaired by the Director of Policy Development and Planning within the Department of Human Services, Shane Solomon. (20 June)

Restoration of Western Port Bay's seagrass and mangroves is the main objective of a draft strategy released by the Minister for Environment and Conservation. (20 June)

The Minister for Transport says new arterial road links being delayed indefinitely by a lack of Federal funding include the Deer Park By-Pass, Scoresby Freeway, Pakenham By-Pass and completion of the Calder Highway duplication to Bendigo. (19 June)

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

Ms Patricia Faulkner had been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Human Services. (19 June)

The latest report of the Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity shows 17.6 per cent of the 61,924 births recorded in 1998 were to women of 35 or older, compared with 6.8 per cent of births in 1984. (16 June)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has released the Williamstown Foreshore Strategic Plan prepared by Parks Victoria and Hobsons Bay City Council. (16 June)

A six person advisory panel will be established to consider a new model for the governance of racing in Victoria. (16 June)  The Opposition says that the announcement of a panel to select the composition of the racing commission is another sign of the Racing Minister's excessive interference in the administration of racing. (20 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)

Victoria's Mental Health Library is now available on-line at www.nwhcn.org.au/library. (15 June)

A Government campaign aimed at encouraging people to keep their cats inside at night has been announced by the Minister for Agriculture. (15 June)

The Government will provide an "extra" $100 000 of funding as part of the second round of the Victorian Government's Local History Grants Program, distributing around $350 000 committed by the Government through the Community Support Fund. (15 June)

The State Government has provided $50,000 under the Pride of Place program towards a link between the Moreland Civic Precinct and Pentridge Village, and demolition of a wall of Pentridge Prison has commenced. (15 June)

The Government is increasing funding for dental treatment for concession-card holders and dependants in Melbourne's east by $872,000, from $1.6 million in 1998/1999 to $2.5 million in 1999/2000,  to more than $1 million now for Monash community health service, $592,370 for Knox, $577,791 for Maroondah Hospital and $388,258 for Whitehorse, representing  171 per cent more for Whitehorse, followed by Knox (53 per cent), Maroondah Hospital (49 per cent) and Monash (30 per cent), with two dental clinics being created as part of the development of new facilities for the Knox and Ranges community health services, meaning 10 and six chairs respectively. (15 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 Government has announced details of payments to councils in the 1999/2000 Beach Cleaning Subsidy Program. (14 June)

The Government says it is providing $3 million through the Environment Protection Authority for the ChemCollect Victoria progam to help Victoria's agricultural community get rid of unwanted and de-registered farm chemicals. (14 June)

The Government says it is providing $5.95 million in funding for better health and aged care facilities at Casterton Memorial Hospital. (14 June)

A 460 megawatt (MW) generating unit at Loy Yang B has broken down and   the Office of Regulator General has issued a public notification of Gippsland Power Pty Ltd's application to have the breakdown declared a "force majeure" event, and has commenced an independent technical investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fault. (14 June)

The Opposition has called on the Government to build a new tertiary hospital in the outer eastern suburbs following its decision to scrap the Knox Hospital. (14 June)

The Government will provide an additional $1 million a year to care for people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), the Aged Care Minister has announced. (13 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 Transport Minister and the Police Minister have launched a discussion paper on Victoria's Road Safety Strategy 2000-2005. (13 June)

The Premier has opened the $1.7 million Alpine School, built at Dinner Plain in the Alpine region near Mt Hotham, Victoria's first residential government school, designed to cultivate the leadership skills of Year 9 students, and believed to be the first public school of its type in Australia. (10 June)

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

Ministerial reviews have cleared the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of claims of two illegal logging incidents in the Wombat State Forest, according to the Minister for Environment and Conservation. (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 Minister for Health has deferred the implementation of Food Safety Plans for small businesses to allow further consultation with the industry. (8 June)

The Minister for Consumer Affairs has called on consumers to throw away banned, potentially lethal lead wick candles, following information they are still being sold in suburban Melbourne and Geelong. (8 June)

The Government has launched a drug education kit Get Wise: Working on Illicits in School Education  which will be given to all primary and secondary schools in the Victoria. (8 June)

The Minister for the Arts has announced details of 27 recipients for funding under Arts Victoria's International Program. (7 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 has received a report on potential for water savings in Victoria's northern irrigation districts, prepared by consultants Sinclair Knight Mertz. (6 June)

The north/south road at Docklands is to be officially named Wurundjeri Way. (6 June)

More than 60 Victorian sheep flocks have been removed from being under surveillance or suspect for OJD following changes to the national flock assessment guidelines sought by Victoria. (6 June)

Mr Carrillo Gantner has been appointed as the new president of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust. (6 June)

The Government has announced a range of drug treatment services. (6 June)

The Government states that results of the 2000 Community Satisfaction Survey indicate residents in eighty-eight per cent of Victorian councils believe their council has improved their performance over the last twelve months. (5 June)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has asked the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to develop a statewide water conservation campaign which will run over two years. (5 June)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation, Ms Sherryl Garbutt, has said that the use of fire retardants for bushfire control in Victoria will continue, after the use of the retardant Phos-chek in the Gippsland Caledonia fire of 1998 was raised in the media. (2 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 Minister for Environment and Conservation is inviting community input on a report of the Hazardous Waste Consultative Committee. (1 June)

The Minister for WorkCover says the 43 newest recruits would bring the total number of WorkCover inspectors in Victoria to 199, with another 100 officers in specialist areas such as technology, ergonomics and investigations, all of which have inspectorial powers. (1 June)

The Victorian Parliament has passed the Dairy Bill which will allow the deregulation of the price and supply of market milk in Victoria and ensure access for Victorian dairy farmers to the national support package. (1 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 Premier has announced changes to the Ambulance Royal Commission Terms of Reference. (1 June)

The Shadow Education Minister Phil Honeywood says that the appointment of the 1996 ALP candidate for Mildura, Ms Robyn Paull, to co-chair a committee on the Institute of Teaching is another example of the Bracks Labor Government selecting mates for state committees and boards. (31 May)

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 Minister for Transport has announced the extension until 31 August 2000 of reduced penalties for unauthorised travel on City Link. (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 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)

A joint sitting of the Victorian Parliament has received presentations from the floor of Parliament by Victorian Aboriginal leaders, and subsequently the Legislative Assembly has passed a motion reaffirming its support for the reconciliation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. (31 May)

The Minister for Transport hasannounced a $40,000 grant for a study into the feasibility of establishing a Heritage Transport Complex at the Ballarat railyards. (30 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)

The Minister for Environment and Conservation has announced the establishment of the Statewide Review Committee for Farms Dams. (30 May)

The Government says it is providing a $4.2 million funding boost to provide Victorians with disabilities, the frail, chronically ill and people getting over traumatic injury greater access to community rehabilitation clinics. (30 May)

The Government has amended a Bill currently before Parliament to provide for a 15% allowance for the use of cover material deposited at landfills, "to ensure changes to the landfill levy have no financial impact on responsible landfill operators". (30 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)

The Government has established an Advisory committee, with a majority membership of teachers as well as principals, employer and higher education representatives, chaired by Mr. Don Tyrer Acting Director of Schools, to report by 1 April 2001,  to provide to advice to the Minister on the Government's proposed Institute of Teaching. (26 May)

The Government will provide the Cities of Greater Dandenong, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Port Phillip and Yarra $25,000 each to prepare local drug strategies with a further further $20,000 available for councils that wish to proceed with preparing protocols for supervised injecting facilities in their municipality. (26 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)

The Government must increase funding to 60 outstanding small town sewerage schemes to ensure they all go ahead, according to the Shadow Water Resources Minister. (25 May)

The Opposition has called on the Premier to release the Ballarat very fast train feasibility study. (24 May)

Waste management operators will be unfairly fined when wind sweeps litter and spreads it outside their waste management areas under proposed changes to penalties for breaches of the Environment Protection Act, according to the Opposition. (16 May)

The Opposition has criticised the Government for not including a promised $2 million Bonegilla migrant settlement project in its 2000-01 State Budget. (15 May)