IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE PREMIER 

This is not the news I wanted to be delivering today – and I’m sure it’s not the news anyone wants to be hearing.

We've managed to slow the case numbers over the past couple of weeks.

But the epidemiological modelling is telling us that at current rates of transmission, and with our current restrictions, it would take months to drive the numbers back down – not days or weeks.

And that means months of uncertainty and living in limbo.

It also means, sadly, more Victorians in hospital beds. More Victorians hooked up to machines just to breathe. More funerals.

We can't allow this to drag on – and I’m sure everyone would rather get on top of it as quickly and decisively as we possibly can.

And the only way to do that is to rip the bandaid off, go harder – and do it now.

That’s why from 6pm tonight, Victoria will enter a State of Disaster. We used this same direction during the fires – and as we fight this public health bushfire, we need to use it again.

This will give Victoria Police additional powers to make sure people are complying with public health directions – and we’ll have more to say on this in the coming days.

From 6pm tonight, Melbourne will also move to Stage 4 restrictions with stronger rules to limit the movement of people – and limit the spread of this virus across our city.

That includes an 8pm-5am curfew – beginning tonight. The only reasons to leave home during these hours will be work, medical care and caregiving.

New time, distance and gathering limits will also apply for exercise and shopping.

Exercise will be limited to a maximum of one hour per day and no more than five kilometres from your home. Group size will be limited to a maximum of two – you and one other person – whether you live with them or not.

Shopping will be limited to one person per household per day. Again, you’ll need to stay within 5kms of your home.

Supermarkets will remain open – just as they have throughout this entire pandemic – so there is absolutely no need to rush out now to stock up.

There will be some common-sense exceptions. If your closest supermarket is further than 5kms away, you can still shop there. If you’re a parent with little ones, you can still take them with you when you go for a walk.

And these distance, gathering and time limits won’t apply for work, medical care or compassionate reasons.

But basically ‘staying at home’ needs to mean exactly that.

No loopholes. No excuses.

Case numbers have also been rising in regional Victoria – and we can’t allow that to continue.

The data suggests there's a risk the virus is moving faster and more widely than previously thought

That’s why from 11.59pm on Wednesday, Stage 3 restrictions will return across regional Victoria – meaning there will once again only be four reasons to be out.

Restaurants and cafes can only offer delivery and takeaway. Beauty and personal services will need to close. Entertainment and cultural venues will need to close. Community sport will need to stop.

This timeframe is to help local businesses prepare – not an excuse to go racing around seeing friends and maxing out your social calendar. Even though regional restrictions don’t formally start until Wednesday night, if you can stay at home in the meantime, you must.

To the question I know most parents will be asking:

Schools will return to remote and flexible learning – across all year levels, in all parts of the state.

Students who are currently attending onsite will go to school on Monday, have a pupil free day on Tuesday, and be learning at home from Wednesday.

Onsite supervision will again be available – but only for students who really need it. That means children whose parents have to go to work and vulnerable kids who can’t learn from home.

From Thursday, those same rules will apply to Melbourne’s kinder and early childhood education services.

We know this will be a significant ask of parents with little ones – and big ones too. But I promise, as a parent of three, it’s an ask I don’t make lightly.

These changes will be in place for at least the next six weeks until Sunday 13 September. As always, we’ll keep reviewing and realigning the restrictions in line with the advice of our health experts – and if we can change things earlier, we will.

Today, I’ve made some announcements that change how Victorians will live. Tomorrow and in the coming days, I’ll have more to say about changes to the way Victorians need to work – recognising that workplaces continue to be a source of much of the spread.

I appreciate this gap between announcements may create a certain level of anxiety and uncertainty – and I'm sorry about that. But the truth is, this is complex – and we’re going to take some extra time to make sure we get these calls right.

I know this is a lot of information to take in – and there will be details to figure out and questions to answer.

I’ll explain things as clearly as I possibly can, and do my best to clarify any points of uncertainty over the next couple of days.

The truth is that there are no easy solutions. If that were the case, the global community would be rid of this virus already.

If there was a magic bullet, more than 683,000 people wouldn’t have already lost their lives around the world.

This is the biggest and most complex challenge we’ve encountered in living memory – and it requires big and complex solutions.

People will no doubt be feeling scared and sad and worried. That’s only natural given what we’re facing.

It’s why I’m asking something else of Victorians:

Please be calm. Please be kind. Please be patient.

Please treat people the way you would want to be treated.

And please – look out for each other.

We can – we will – get through this.

Read the Premier's Statement on Changes To Melbourne's Restrictions at www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-changes-melbournes-restrictions.

Read the Premier's Statement on Changes To Regional Restrictions at www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-changes-regional-restrictions.

IMPORTANT STATEMENT FROM THE PREMIER 

Yesterday, we asked Victorians to make some big sacrifices. Big, real and meaningful sacrifices. Today, sadly, we need to ask the same of Victorian businesses and Victorian workers.

As Premier, I’ve spent every day fighting for workers and fighting for jobs.

I understand deeply: a job means financial security – but it also means stability, purpose and the foundation to build your future.

Truthfully, I never thought I’d find myself in a position where I’d have to ask people not to go to work.

But if we're serious about driving this thing down – and we absolutely must be – we need to take unprecedented steps in limiting the movement of people, and therefore limiting the movement of this virus.

Today I can announce three lists that will apply during Stage 4 restrictions.

These changes, in addition to the previous restrictions including working from home requirements, will mean around 1 million Victorians are no longer moving around the state for work.

First: supermarkets, grocery stores, bottle shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, banks, newsagencies, post offices – plus everyone involved in our frontline response – will continue to operate.

Second: Industries where onsite operations will have to cease for the next six weeks including retail, some manufacturing and administration. These businesses will all need to close by 11:59pm Wednesday 5 August, unless they have specific circumstances that mean they need longer to shutdown safely.

Retail stores will be permitted to operate contactless ‘click and collect’ and delivery services with strict safety protocols in place, and hardware stores can remain open onsite, but for tradespeople only.

The third and final list is made up of industries that are permitted to operate – but under significantly different conditions.

Whether it’s our food production, waste collection or supply chain logistics we need some things to continue – but they’ve got do so safely.

All open businesses and services will have until 11:59pm Friday 7 August to enact a COVIDSafe plan focused on safety, prevention and response in the event that coronavirus is linked to the workplace – because beating this virus requires a rapid response wherever it rears its head.

In industries that can’t close, but where we’ve seen a number of cases or emerging new risks, we’ll be making some big changes to make these workplaces safer – for workers and for their families.

That includes mandated reductions to the number of workers onsite. In the meat industry – and based on the minimum required to operate safely onsite – the workforce will be scaled back to two-thirds. Unlike other changes, and recognising the risk these sites have posed here and around the world, this will apply to abattoirs in Melbourne and across the state.

Warehousing and distribution centres in Melbourne will be limited to no more than two-thirds the normal workforce allowed onsite at any one time.

Our construction sector, the lifeblood of our economy, will also move to pilot light levels. This will allow the industry to keep ticking – while also making sure we limit the number of people onsite.

For major construction sites, that means the absolute minimum required for safety – but no more than 25 per cent of the normal workforce onsite. Small-scale construction will be limited to a maximum of five people onsite.

To date, we’ve almost halved the number of people onsite on some of our biggest Government projects. Now we’re going to go through project by project, line by line to make sure they are reduced to the practical minimum number of workers.

These workplaces that are continuing to operate will also have additional requirements including extra PPE, staggering shifts, staggering breaks, health declarations and more support for sick workers to ensure they stay home.

To give one example, workers in abattoirs will be kitted out in full PPE – gowns, masks and shields – more akin to what a nurse would wear. They’ll also be subject to routine testing.

These changes will be enforceable. And the onus will be on employers to make sure they’re doing the right thing by their workers, including ensuring those with symptoms – and potentially the virus – do not come to work.

As always, this work will be done in consultation with industry and with unions.

And for those businesses and industries that fall into grey areas when it comes to their operation, the dedicated Industry Coordination Centre within the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions will consider their case.

I understand this will have real and heavy consequences for a number of businesses, workers and their families. We’ll do everything we can to lighten that load.

For those businesses that suffer significant losses or need to close as a result of the current restrictions, we will provide support through our expanded Business Support Fund.

Businesses in regional Victoria can apply for a $5,000 grant while those in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire can apply for up to $10,000 in recognition of spending longer under restrictions.

Honestly, this will be an imperfect process.

The decision of which column to put millions of Victorian jobs – millions of Victorian workers – could never be clear cut.

And, as much as we'd like one, there is no playbook when it comes to a pandemic.

But what is clear is that if we don’t do this now, if this doesn’t work, then we’ll need a much longer list of complete shutdowns.

It’s hard to imagine what a Stage 5 might look like. But it would radically change the way people live. Not just rules on when and where you can go shopping – but restrictions on going shopping at all.

This will be hard. It’ll be frustrating. It’ll be confusing. For a lot of workers and their families, it’ll be heartbreaking.

But the only way to get people back to work and businesses back open is by making these tough decisions – and by Victorians abiding by them.

We have to make this work.

Lives and livelihoods are counting on it.

A guide for business regarding Stage 4 Restrictions can be found at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/updates/coronavirus-covid-19/premiers-statement-business-restrictions.

People living in Victoria are now be required to wear a face covering when leaving home for one of the four reasons, following a concerning increase in coronavirus cases in recent days.

Based on the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer, we’re urging Victorians: just as you remember to take your keys when you leave the house, you need to remember to take something to cover your face – to help keep you and our community safe.

The fine for not wearing a face covering will be $200.

There will be some reasons not to wear a face covering.

For example, those who have a medical reason, kids under 12 years of age, those who have a professional reason or if it’s just not practical, like when running – however you will still be expected to carry your face covering at all times to wear when you can.

SUPPORTING VICTORIAN WORKERS TO GET TESTED AND STAY HOME 

The Victorian Government will extend the coronavirus worker support payment to make sure Victorians don’t have to choose between the safety of their workmates and their community – and putting food on the table.

We know that people are most infectious when they first experience symptoms but Department of Health and Human Services data shows that as many as nine out of ten people who later test positive are not self-isolating between the onset of symptoms and getting a test.

In addition, 53 per cent of positive cases did not isolate between being tested and receiving their results.

We know too many Victorians are in insecure work, don't have sick leave entitlements and can't afford to miss a shift.

That’s why our current worker support payment recognises that the requirement to self-isolate or quarantine can leave workers and their families struggling to make ends meet, forgoing an income while they’re following health advice.

Under the scheme, a one-off payment of $1,500 is available to workers who are unable to work during their isolation, have no income during this period, and are not entitled to any paid sick leave, special pandemic leave or other income support.

The Government will now extend the scheme to ensure that as soon as a person is tested, they will be eligible for a $300 support payment from the Victorian Government – as long as they meet the eligibility of the existing scheme.

This will ensure workers don’t have to pay the price for following health advice while they are waiting for their results – meaning they can afford to isolate immediately and avoid spreading the virus further through workplaces.

For more information about coronavirus call 1800 675 398 or visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

COMMERCIAL PASSENGER VEHICLE SUPPORT PACKAGE

The Victorian Government is investing $22 million to support the taxi and commercial passenger vehicle industry and support jobs to ensure the safety of thousands of passengers and drivers relying on the service throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

LIFELINE FOR VICTORIA'S FAMOUS LIVE MUSIC VENUES  

The Victorian Government is supporting our world-famous live music venues to respond to the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic with a new program providing grants to help pay wages and basic business expenses.

The Victorian Government has announced the creation of the $15 million Victorian Live Music Venues Program to secure the future of grassroots venues which are the heart and soul of Victoria’s $1.7 billion live music industry.

Melbourne is the live music capital of the world – with one venue for every 8,915 residents it comes up trumps ahead of other renowned music cities including Berlin, New York, London and Austin, Texas. Across Victoria, live venues play a crucial role in communities and in providing a foundation for new talent.

Music venues were among the first businesses to shut down and are expected to be among the last to reopen. Across the state, live music venues attract more than 17.5 million people each year, but the coronavirus restrictions have brought this activity to a halt, resulting in millions of dollars in lost revenue and thousands of lost jobs.

The Victorian Live Music Venues Program will be open to venues across Victoria with a capacity of 50 to 1,200 people. It will support venues that have a solid reputation for presenting original live music and demonstrate best practice in business operations.

The $15 million program is in addition to $4 million previously announced for the music industry focused on supporting musicians and industry workers who have lost gigs, income and employment as a result of the pandemic.

The Victorian Government’s response to safeguard the wider creative sector now stands at more than $66 million.

Applications for the Victorian Live Music Venues Program close on 6 August 2020.

Guidelines and application details will be made available on the Creative Victoria website at creative.vic.gov.au.

The Victorian Government will provide more support to help businesses and workers through to the other side of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Government has today announced a $534 million Business Support Package – the latest support measures on top of the $6 billion in economic relief already invested since the pandemic began.

We will be providing:

• Business Support Fund:
  $5,000 grants to eligible businesses with payrolls up to $3 million that are participating in JobKeeper. This is on top of any payroll tax refund or initial $10,000 Business Support grant they have already received.
   
• Night-time Economy:
  A $30 million fund to support large restaurants, pubs and hospitality venues that are doing the heavy lifting to keep us all safe. These venues are also donating their unused produce to those in need.
   
• CBD Support:
  A $20 million fund to provide targeted support to businesses in Melbourne’s CBD, which have been hit particularly hard by coronavirus as people right across the city are working from home.
   
• Business Advisory and Wellbeing Program:
  A further $36 million to assist small and medium businesses across Victoria with access to business mentoring and mental health advice to support their viability during the return of stage 3 restrictions. 
   
• Regional Tourism Support:
  A capped $40 million fund to help regional accommodation businesses cover the cost of refunds for cancellations, as well as marketing campaigns to boost region to region visitation while metropolitan Melbourne is locked down, and for once restrictions ease.

Businesses will also benefit from an extended and expanded payroll tax deferral. Eligible businesses with payrolls up to $10 million can defer their liabilities for the first half of the 2020/21 financial year. 

Further details on eligibility criteria and application processes please visit: https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/expanded-business-support-fund 

HOMES FOR VICTORIANS DURING PANDEMIC AND BEYOND

At the start of this pandemic, we acted swiftly to support over 2000 Victorians off the streets and into accommodation in vacant hotels – because you can’t “stay home” if you don’t have one and you can't "stay safe" if you have nowhere to wash your hands.

Now, the Victorian Government will help these same Victorians out of homelessness and into their very own homes with the new $150 million From Homelessness to a Home package.

This funding will also see the Government extend current hotel accommodation until at least April next year while these 2,000 Victorians are supported to access stable, long term housing.

We will lease arrange to lease 1,100 properties from the private rental market, providing a permanent home for people once they leave emergency accommodation.

This investment will give Victorians a roof over their head in the short-term, while also providing long-term support to help them find their home – and the security, stability and sense of belonging that goes with it.

Each client will have access to flexible support packages to ensure they are getting the tailored help they need while in crisis hotel accommodation – including mental health, drug and alcohol and family violence support for those who need it. That same support will be available to help sustain a tenancy once they move to other long-term housing.

The Private Rental Assistance Program will also gain extra funding to encourage more people leaving emergency hotel accommodation to set up their own private tenancy, helping with the bond and initial rent.

This investment is an opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness – affording more Victorians the security and stability of a home, while also boosting the private rental market.

Funding will be allocated to homelessness agencies in both metropolitan and regional areas – enabling them to deliver a tailored and more responsive service based on the needs of individuals.

The investment builds on nearly $25 million in emergency housing, isolation and coronavirus recovery facilities for people experiencing homelessness, and almost $500 million to upgrade and build new community and public housing across the state.

SUPPORTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG VICTORIANS

Young people struggling with their mental health during and after the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access targeted, personalised therapy with an innovative new program funded by the Victorian Government.  

The Government has launched Orygen’s new digital mental health platform for young people called MOST – Moderated Online Social Therapy – an online tool which allows young people to access tailored online therapy and peer support, when and where they need it.

While staying at home and limiting physical interaction is vital to slowing the spread of the virus, it can be difficult for people’s mental health and wellbeing – particularly for those already experiencing mental health conditions.

The Victorian Government’s recent $59.4 million coronavirus mental health package included $6 million to fast track the roll out of the program, which is now available for young people in the North and West of Melbourne – who are clients of Orygen – and a full state wide roll out will continue progressively over the next year.

Young people who live in public housing will also be among the first to benefit from this innovative new method of mental health support, with tenants able to be referred directly by their headspace or mental health clinician.

The coronavirus pandemic has increased demand for mental health support across Victoria but has also meant we need to change the way we deliver mental health care.

The MOST program is a ground-breaking service that means young people can get continuous integrated face-to-face care from home. Importantly, the program is designed with, and for young people – and the youth mental health services who provide the very best care for them.

Through the recent coronavirus mental health support package, the Victorian Government has invested more than $19 million in targeted mental health and psychosocial supports for young people and another $6.7 million has also expanded online and phone counselling services for Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Kids Helpline and Suicide Line Victoria.

The Victorian Government has also recently invested an additional $19.5 million in funding to deliver essential reform recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System interim report, including specialist Youth Hospital in the Home bed-based services.

KEEPING LOCALS CONNECTED DURING CORONAVIRUS

Victorians experiencing loneliness or social disconnection due to coronavirus will receive support from the Australian Red Cross and local community organisations with one call to the coronavirus hotline, thanks to a new Victorian Government initiative.  

The Victorian Government will provide more than $6 million over the next six months for the Community Activation and Social Isolation initiative,as part of a $59.4 million mental health and well being package

The CASI initiative will expand the Victorian coronavirus hotline (1800 675 398) by partnering with the Australian Red Cross whose volunteers have been trained in psychological first aid to provide emotional support and help to callers who may be distressed or anxious.

The hotline will also link people in need to community connectors for local practical supports and social activities, such as video chats, online book clubs or fitness groups.

To help older Victorians stay connected and participate in social activities during the pandemic, a Social Support Hub has also been set up at the Victorian Government’s Seniors Online website at seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/services-information/social-support-hub.  

Seniors can find out what services and activities are available in their local area via the Hub.

The Hub will be regularly updated with information and links to other community based organisations offering support and activities to older Victorians, including information about  phone line support and local community connectors.

LET'S STAY CONNECTED FUND

The Andrews Labor Government is helping communities to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic through a new grants program to support local initiatives.
 
Applications are now open for the Let’s Stay Connected Fund, with grants available for community organisations, local government bodies, incorporated not-for-profits and industry groups.
 
Grants of between $5,000 and $200,000 are available to support innovative, community-based initiatives that build connection, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and that can be implemented quickly – providing much-needed support across the state.
 
The $1.3 million fund could potentially help community groups continue to operate by adapting the way they deliver programs or events, including through online forums.
 
Other possibilities include support for communities to improve their digital skills and access online communication channels, or new ways for people to continue volunteering within their communities while maintaining physical distancing requirements.
 
The fund responds to advice from the Government’s Regional and Metropolitan Partnerships highlighting the link between social connection and community wellbeing and complements existing measures including the Victoria Together online portal that showcases the best of the state from live music and comedy to interactive exhibitions.
 
Victoria Together offers a vast range of resources, also including children’s activities, live streaming from the Melbourne Zoo, exercise advice and recipes.
 
Examples of projects that could be funded through the Let’s Stay Connected Fund include:

• establishment of a community network to connect support agencies with volunteers, and volunteers with vulnerable community members
• a community campaign through radio and TV commercials to support the communities band together and show kindness.

Applications for the Let’s Stay Connected Fund are open until 31 August.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible at djpr.vic.gov.au/lets-stay-connected.

CLEANING BLITZ FOR MELBOURNE WATERWAYS UNDER WORKING FOR VICTORIA 

A small army of Victorians will clean up litter, remove weeds and help make local rivers and creeks more beautiful as part of the Victorian Government’s plan to keep Victorians working through the coronavirus pandemic.

Minister Neville today announced over 115 people will take on roles cleaning and protecting Melbourne’s suburban waterways through the Government’s $500 million Working for Victoria fund.

The fund creates employment for people who have lost their jobs due to the impacts of coronavirus, while delivering valuable community services.

The program has placed almost 7,000 workers since its launch in April.

More than 90 staff will remove rubbish, undertake invasive weed management and improve vegetation along the Yarra, Maribyrnong and Werribee rivers, as well as throughout the Dandenong and Bayside region.

The improvement works will be delivered in collaboration with the Yarra River Keeper Association, along with community groups and local councils along urban waterways.

People looking for work and businesses searching for staff can register with Working for Victoria at vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.

MAKING WORKPLACE MANSLAUGHTER A CRIME

Workplace manslaughter is now a criminal offence in Victoria with tough new laws introduced by the Andrews Labor Government coming into affect as on 1 July 2020. 

Negligent employers now face fines of up to $16.5 million and individuals face up to 25 years in jail, sending a clear message to employers that putting lives at risk in the workplace will not be tolerated.

The offence applies to employers, self-employed people and ‘officers’ of the employer. It also applies when an employer’s negligent conduct causes the death of a member of the public.

The Government is also delivering on its commitment to reform workplace safety in Victoria by broadening the criteria that defines a workplace death.

Fatalities that occur on the road while working, suicides attributable to a workplace health and safety failure, deaths from industrial diseases such as silicosis, and workplace deaths resulting from a criminal act, will all be recognised in the WorkSafe toll.

The laws are supported by a $10 million package to improve investigation and enforcement of workplace safety laws, including a specialist WorkSafe team to lead investigations and prosecutions, and two additional WorkSafe Victoria Family Liaison Officers to give families more support.

A Workplace Incidents Consultative Committee will be established with a $4 million in funding to develop further reforms to provide support to those affected by workplace fatalities and serious incidents. 

FREE PADS AND TAMPONS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

The Andrews Labor government is celebrating the completion of another Australian-first election commitment: free pads and tampons in Victorian government schools.

Free pads and tampons are now available in every government school in Victoria – reducing the discomfort and embarrassment around periods for girls and saving families hundreds of dollars every year.

Victoria is the first state or territory in Australia to ensure all students attending government schools have access to free pads and tampons – with the initiative now in Victoria’s more than 1500 government schools.

The $20.7 million initiative helps students feel more comfortable managing their periods by providing discreet and easy access to products when they need them.

Pads and tampons are available free of charge in school bathrooms, relieving anxiety and embarrassment for girls, and ensuring they can get the most from their education.

Schools will play an important role in promoting a positive culture around menstrual health and build a supportive environment among the school community.

The initiative also aims to reduce the stigma of periods, make school more inclusive and will ease the cost of living on families while helping students focus on their studies.

Lack of easy access to pads and tampons can negatively impact on students’ participation in sport and everyday school activities. Students may not be able to concentrate in class, feel comfortable or feel confident doing physical activity, or they may miss school altogether.

Sanitary items are a necessity, not a luxury, and this initiative is supporting tens of thousands of girls and young women in schools across the state.

As part of this initiative, students also receive important health information about how to manage their periods.

For more information, please visit https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/free-sanitary-pads.aspx.

CHEAPER ENERGY FOR EMBEDDED NETWORK CUSTOMERS 

From 1 September 2020, the maximum price which embedded network customers can be charged for their electricity will be set to the Victorian Default Offer – which the Government set as a fair price across the state.
 
With this new pricing cap, residents of apartment buildings, rooming houses, caravan parks and retirement villages could save between $180 and $370 a year on energy bills, while small businesses in shopping centres could save between $900 and $2,200.
 
More than 120,000 residential and small business customers live or work in embedded networks across Victoria. Customers in embedded networks are locked into a contract with a specific company, and these companies can act as a monopoly and charge higher prices for energy.
 
The announcement, which fulfils part of an election commitment, follows a decision by the Essential Services Commission to set the Victorian Default Offer as the maximum price for these customers. This is part of the suite of government reforms through the Energy Fairness Plan to make energy more affordable for all Victorians.

NEW FIRE RESCUE VICTORIA ORGANISATION 

On 1 July 2020, a new organisation was launched – FRV – bringing together all MFB and career CFA firefighters. 
 
Our legislation enshrines in law the ongoing role of volunteer firefighters and the requirements of the CFA to continue to support, train and retain volunteers.

We've already announced a $126 million investment for the CFA to go towards:

• New training programs that will deliver new capability and experience for volunteer firefighters
• Trialling respiratory protection for volunteer firefighters
• New personal protective clothing for each active operational volunteer firefighter
• Fifty new dual cab appliances with burn over defensive systems
• Capital funding for 16 new stations for volunteer brigades
• Brigade support including peer support and counselling

• Funding for volunteer capital works across 34 integrated CFA stations to assist with co-location
• The decontamination of CFA fire appliances and hose, including those that will transfer to FRV
• 3 new Assistant Chief Fire Officers and 16 new Commanders to support the secondment model so that CFA has the operational management resources it needs
• The expansion of the Greater Alarm Response System technology (currently used by MFB) to 11 of the 38 transferring CFA stations to FRV.

We have made a commitment that there will be no job losses as part of these changes and we will continue to invest in our volunteers to ensure the CFA has what it needs to remain strong.
 
Victoria has the best firefighters in the world, but they’ve been operating under systems and structures that have not changed since the 1950s.
 
Our cities and suburbs have grown significantly and it’s clear that these services need modernisation – and that’s what we’re delivering.

SOLAR FOR RENTERS 

Eligible landlords can now apply for an interest-free loan in addition to the existing rebate available, encouraging more solar installations that benefit renters.
 
Landlords can apply and pay for the entire solar system themselves, or work with their renters for a loan repayment co-contribution of up to $19.27 a month, equivalent to the cost of a takeaway coffee each week.
 
By offering an interest-free loan to landlords and allowing them to access up to two solar rebates per financial year for their rental properties, more renters can access cheaper energy, not just homeowners.
 
Solar Victoria is encouraging renters to discuss rebate opportunities with their agents and landlords and has developed resources to support them.

More than 550 rental households across Victoria have benefitted from the Solar Homes program so far, and eligible landlords can apply for a solar PV rebate and equivalent loan of up to $1850, reducing the upfront cost of installing a solar PV system by up to $3,700.
 
To find out more about the Solar for Rentals program, visit https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-rental-properties.

TRUTH AND JUSTICE PROCESS 

The the Andrews Government has formally committed to partner with the First People’s Assembly of Victoria to establish Australia’s first truth and justice process – to formally recognise historic wrongs and address ongoing injustices for Aboriginal Victorians.

This commitment follows the passing of a resolution at the Assembly’s June chamber meeting for an independent truth and justice process, as an essential part of treaty.

In international jurisdictions, truth telling has played an important role in reconciliation by uncovering and acknowledging past human-rights violations against First Peoples.

It reaffirms Victoria’s leadership in Aboriginal affairs, making Victoria the first and only Australian jurisdiction to action the ‘Treaty’ and ‘Truth’ elements of the Uluru Statement.

Truth telling also recognises the incredible strength and survival of Aboriginal people – ensuring their voices are heard and respected. 

Work will begin immediately on the development of Terms of Reference, in partnership with the Assembly, an essential first step in a truth and justice process. The terms will set the proposed form, purpose, scope and operations of the process.

Caucus are encouraged to share this historical commitment and offer their own reflections on truth, justice, country and community, on their social media.

BE SURE CARBON MONOXIDE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN 

Thousands of Victorians are switching on their gas heaters today.
 
While most people know that gas heaters can leak dangerous carbon monoxide (CO), many people are still failing to take action to protect themselves from it.
 
Be Sure your gas heater is safe by following these key steps:

• Servicing your gas heater at least once every two years.
• Knowing how to use your heaters safely.
• Acting you if you notice symptoms of carbon monoxide.

This year, we’re also reminding people that gasfitters are still working under the COVID-19 restrictions, to service heaters and keep Victorians safe at home.

ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS

We know that empowering Aboriginal organisations to design their own infrastructure is fundamental to the essential services they provide.

It not only advances self-determination, it strengthens their ability to respond to the challenges posed by coronavirus and encourage social and economic development.

The Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program is now open, with $3.2 million available for eligible projects.

The program supports Aboriginal organisations to build new infrastructure or repair, refurbish or expand existing infrastructure. Since its inception in 2017, the program has supported 38 Aboriginal groups which have shared in a total $11.7 million.

To meet the needs of Aboriginal Victorians, the program supports organisations to improve:

• the delivery of services to communities
• cultural connectedness and community safety
• health and wellbeing of communities
• education and economic participation opportunities for communities.

• Category 1: Repairs and Minor Works funding (up to $150,000 plus GST) is available for maintenance and minor building works to improve the functionality, environmental performance, safety and accessibility of existing buildings.
   
• Category 2: Capital Works and Upgrades funding ($150,000 to $1,500,000 plus GST) is available to improve existing facilities to support service delivery needs or to construct new purpose-built facilities that respond to the needs of Aboriginal communities.

Applications close at 2pm on Monday, 14 September 2020.

For more information on eligibility or to apply, visit: aboriginalvictoria.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-community-infrastructure-program.

RECOGNISING AND SUPPORTING VETERANS - GRANTS OPEN

The Andrews Labor Government is making sure veterans get the support they need and that their stories and sacrifice are remembered for future generations.

Three funding streams are now open, aimed at improving the lives of veterans and ensuring their legacy lives on, with more than $1 million to be provided to successful recipients.

Ex-service organisations, councils and community groups are encouraged to apply for funding under the three streams which include:

• The Anzac Day Proceeds Fund to assist with direct welfare support, such as living expenses, health and wellbeing, education and school expenses, transport costs and social activities
• The Restoring Community War Memorials Program to restore or improve memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour around the state
• The Victoria Remembers Program, which supports projects that honour or commemorate the service of veterans as well as educate Victorians about their contribution

• Anzac Day Proceeds Fund – closing 31 August 2020
• Victoria Remembers program – closing 31 August 2020
• Restoring Community War Memorials – closing 7 September 2020

Ex-service organisations, local governments, educational institutions and not-for-profit organisations are all encouraged to apply.

For more information or to apply, visit vic.gov.au/grants-support-and-commemorate-veterans.

COASTCARE GRANTS NOW OPEN

Applications are now open for the Victorian Government’s $500,000 Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants program, which helps improve coastal access and safety.

Coastal Crown land managers, including volunteer committees of management and local governments, can apply for grants of up to $80,000 to develop and implement projects that reduce coastal risk through identification, mitigation and monitoring.

Eligible projects include assessments to identify and evaluate risks, projects that treat risks and risk monitoring.

The grants are part of the Government’s $2.7 billion Building Work package, creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for Victorian businesses through and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

Through the Building Works Package, the Government is delivering more than $11 million to safeguard marine and coastal environments from the impacts of climate change, including $3 million for coastal infrastructure in Apollo Bay.

Applications close at 4pm on Monday 17 August 2020.

For more information and to apply for the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants, visit marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/grants/coastal-public-access-and-risk-grants.

FRED HOLLOWS HUMANITY AWARD

The Fred Hollows Foundation is calling for nominations for the annual Fred Hollows Humanity Award, which recognises Year 6 students who demonstrate compassion, integrity and kindness towards others.
 
Parents, teachers, principals and members of communities around the country can nominate a child who is making a difference.
 
Since 2012, the Fred Hollows Humanity Award has recognised more than 1,500 students nationwide who follow in Fred’s footsteps by making a positive difference in the lives of others.
 
Whether it is helping someone in need, volunteering or fundraising for a good cause, children in Wyndham are making a tremendous contribution to our community and the Fred Hollows Humanity Award is a great opportunity for them to be recognised.
 
Nominations are now open and close 11.59pm, Friday 11 September.

To see examples of past Junior Ambassadors and to nominate a Year 6 student, go to: www.hollows.org/fredhollowshumanityaward