Politics is an all-consuming endeavour. It’s a job which often demands an unhealthy measure of emotional and mental commitment.
As politicians, we are notoriously bad at appreciating when considerations for our own well-being demand that we stop and find something else to do with our lives. I’d like to think I’m not one of them.
So after 16 years as the Member for Western Metropolitan, Lyndhurst and Keysborough, I’ve indicated to the Premier that I don’t intend to contest the 2022 State Election. Consequently, I will leave the Ministry as soon as the Premier settles on the team he wishes to take to the election.
A career in public life necessarily involves owing thanks to thousands of people. For me that includes the beautiful people of Keysborough, Springvale, Springvale South, Noble Park, Dingley and Waterways. It includes my Cabinet and Caucus colleagues, my staff and my family.
But there are a few people who I must mention specifically.
Steve Bracks who gave me my first job as a Parliamentary Secretary and without whose support I would not have been elected to Parliament.
John Brumby who entrusted me with my first ministerial portfolios including Industrial Relations and Public Transport.
Dan Andrews who has led, and continues to lead, a government of consequence, bravery, compassion and delivery. Dan has honoured me by allowing me to serve as Attorney-General, to oversee my beloved racing industry, and to support the business, tourism, sporting and events sectors through the worst of the pandemic.
Tim Holding, my friend and predecessor in the electorate of Lyndhurst.
Tim Pallas and Jaala Pulford – my old comrades from the NUW who have been my work constants for nearly 30 years.
Ann Barker. I had the privilege of taking through the parliament the laws which properly recognised the rights of victims of institutional abuse. Put simply, those laws would never have made it that far without Ann’s passion or her doggedness.
Greg Sword who, more than anyone, imbued in me the values of the labour movement. Walking into his office in 1993 was the luckiest day of my working life.
Shane Lucas, Adrian Browne and Christine Tyrrell – the three exceptional people that have looked after me as my Chiefs of Staff.
My wife Lisa, my kids Ben and Eva, my late father Lou, my mother Adele and my sisters Rita and Tammy. Politicians volunteer for this life but our families are conscripts. Without their support and forbearance, none of us would be able to do the things we do.
I want to end by wishing Dan, his team and the entire Labor family every success in the 2022 election and beyond.
A decade in the Ministry has taught me that a government with big ambitions for the state, its people and its future is something to be cherished.
It’s certainly not something I have ever taken for granted, and if the rest of my working life is half as rewarding as this chapter has been, I will consider myself truly fortunate.
Thank you and farewell.
Politics is an all-consuming endeavour. It’s a job which often demands an unhealthy measure of emotional and mental commitment.
As politicians, we are notoriously bad at appreciating when considerations for our own well-being demand that we stop and find something else to do with our lives. I’d like to think I’m not one of them.
So after 16 years as the Member for Western Metropolitan, Lyndhurst and Keysborough, I’ve indicated to the Premier that I don’t intend to contest the 2022 State Election. Consequently, I will leave the Ministry as soon as the Premier settles on the team he wishes to take to the election.
A career in public life necessarily involves owing thanks to thousands of people. For me that includes the beautiful people of Keysborough, Springvale, Springvale South, Noble Park, Dingley and Waterways. It includes my Cabinet and Caucus colleagues, my staff and my family.
But there are a few people who I must mention specifically.
Steve Bracks who gave me my first job as a Parliamentary Secretary and without whose support I would not have been elected to Parliament.
John Brumby who entrusted me with my first ministerial portfolios including Industrial Relations and Public Transport.
Dan Andrews who has led, and continues to lead, a government of consequence, bravery, compassion and delivery. Dan has honoured me by allowing me to serve as Attorney-General, to oversee my beloved racing industry, and to support the business, tourism, sporting and events sectors through the worst of the pandemic.
Tim Holding, my friend and predecessor in the electorate of Lyndhurst.
Tim Pallas and Jaala Pulford – my old comrades from the NUW who have been my work constants for nearly 30 years.
Ann Barker. I had the privilege of taking through the parliament the laws which properly recognised the rights of victims of institutional abuse. Put simply, those laws would never have made it that far without Ann’s passion or her doggedness.
Greg Sword who, more than anyone, imbued in me the values of the labour movement. Walking into his office in 1993 was the luckiest day of my working life.
Shane Lucas, Adrian Browne and Christine Tyrrell – the three exceptional people that have looked after me as my Chiefs of Staff.
My wife Lisa, my kids Ben and Eva, my late father Lou, my mother Adele and my sisters Rita and Tammy. Politicians volunteer for this life but our families are conscripts. Without their support and forbearance, none of us would be able to do the things we do.
I want to end by wishing Dan, his team and the entire Labor family every success in the 2022 election and beyond.
A decade in the Ministry has taught me that a government with big ambitions for the state, its people and its future is something to be cherished.
It’s certainly not something I have ever taken for granted, and if the rest of my working life is half as rewarding as this chapter has been, I will consider myself truly fortunate.
Thank you and farewell.
The Andrews Labor Government is putting patients first in Keysborough.
Across our nation – and around the world – the pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on health systems. From a sharp increase of critical COVID patients to disrupted care, resulting in longer hospital recovery time, the last two years have really knocked our health system around.
When we came to government, we put an end to the war on our paramedics. We took ambulance response times from the worst in our history to the best. Now – just like we did before – we’ll ease the pandemic pressure on our hospitals and our healthcare workers.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 will invest over $12 billion to put patients first, with a Pandemic Repair Plan for more staff, better hospitals and first-class care.
Our healthcare workers have been on the frontline of this pandemic, and we know how important it is that we support them into the future.
We’re backing our healthcare workers with training and the extra pair of helping hands they need, so they can give you the very best care.
That’s why the Budget is delivering funding to train and hire up to 7,000 new healthcare workers, including 5,000 nurses.
We’ll provide 1,125 new Registered Undergraduate Nursing Positions and 75 new Registered Undergraduate Student of Midwifery roles over the next two years, and we’re also recruiting up to 2,000 ex-pat and international healthcare workers through a global workforce recruitment drive.
Right around the nation, demand for emergency services is at an all-time high. Our Triple Zero call-takers and dispatchers are dealing with unprecedented call volumes.
But when you call for an ambulance, every Victorian should have the confidence one will arrive. That’s why we’re delivering another 90 paramedics - which means we've added 790 extra paramedics to the workforce since we came to government.
And to help our frontline workers reach Victorians who need help faster, we’re investing $333 million to add nearly 400 new staff to increase Triple Zero call taking and dispatch capacity for Triple Zero services, including ambulances, and training more operators to allocate calls across the state.
We’re also going to make sure that every local community gets the health infrastructure and services they deserve. That’s why this Budget invests $2. billion to build new hospitals and deliver upgrades to health services in every corner of our state, including $12 million for Victoria’s second Mobile Stroke Unit at the Monash Medical Center in Clayton.
By expanding our emergency departments, adding more surgical beds to get more elective surgeries done and increasing maternity care services – this Budget will ensure more Victorians get the very best of care, close to home.
As we roll-out our Pandemic Repair Plan to make sure people in Keysborough get the care they deserve, we're also getting on with delivering the schools, roads and public transport services they rely on.
To make sure every young Victorian gets the education they need for the career they want, the new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace VCAL, offering students more choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences – preparing students to jump into further study, training at TAFE or work as soon as they leave school.
The VCAL reforms will save many Victorian families up to $1,000 by cutting out-of-pocket costs, with students no longer having to pay for essential learning materials for VET studies.
Continuing our commitment to improve the inclusive nature of school facilities and practices, Athol Road Primary School, Springvale South, has received funding to construct a new accessible toilet adjoining the school's inclusive education learning area.
Local communities also deserve great places to play sport and under an Andrews Labor Government, they will have them. We're investing $88 million to build, upgrade and renovate community sporting infrastructure. This includes up to $400,000 to upgrade changerooms and community spaces at the Serbian Sports Centre in Keysborough.
With this year's Budget, the Andrews Labor Government will make a meaningful investment to support vulnerable Victorians into safe and secure housing. We're investing over $75.3 million to provide vulnerable people with support to get into safe, secure housing.
We’re also continuing to make central Noble Park a more lively, more attractive place for families and businesses, building on the work we’ve already done to create a safe, engaging and accessible community. We are supporting the revitalisation of Noble Park through our successful Suburban Revitalisation Program delivering on-ground works and initiatives for the local community. This is part of an overall budget package worth $9.73 million.
Our public transport system is also receiving further improvements to train travel including making train stations on the Dandenong line more accessible through a package of upgrades to station platforms including at Springvale, Sandown Park, Yarraman and Dandenong. We are also investing in bicycle parking facilities at stations through a $2.66 million program, which will deliver a mix of bicycle parking upgrades at 15 priority train stations across the state including Springvale and Noble Park.
We’re continuing to support on-demand workers and giving eligible casual and contract workers up to five days of sick and carer's pay, so Victorians don't have to choose between their health, and the health of their loved ones.
But that’s not all. We know that many Victorians are still paying too much for their energy bills – that’s why we’re stepping in to help families get the best deal. We're providing a once-off $250 payment for all Victorian households that use the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website – the Victorian Government’s independent price comparator website – to search for the cheapest electricity plan that suits their needs.
With this Budget, we’re getting on with delivering for all Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula
“Families in Keysborough deserve the best local health and community services. It’s why we’re investing in the Victorians who deliver them, so they can do what they do best – look after us.”
“Community sport is all about bringing people together. I’m excited that the Serbian Sports Centre will receive upgraded changerooms, ensuring players can play the sport they love in world-class spaces.”
Media contact: Monica Bladier 9547 6262
The Andrews Labor Government is putting patients first in Keysborough.
Across our nation – and around the world – the pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on health systems. From a sharp increase of critical COVID patients to disrupted care, resulting in longer hospital recovery time, the last two years have really knocked our health system around.
When we came to government, we put an end to the war on our paramedics. We took ambulance response times from the worst in our history to the best. Now – just like we did before – we’ll ease the pandemic pressure on our hospitals and our healthcare workers.
The Victorian Budget 2022/23 will invest over $12 billion to put patients first, with a Pandemic Repair Plan for more staff, better hospitals and first-class care.
Our healthcare workers have been on the frontline of this pandemic, and we know how important it is that we support them into the future.
We’re backing our healthcare workers with training and the extra pair of helping hands they need, so they can give you the very best care.
That’s why the Budget is delivering funding to train and hire up to 7,000 new healthcare workers, including 5,000 nurses.
We’ll provide 1,125 new Registered Undergraduate Nursing Positions and 75 new Registered Undergraduate Student of Midwifery roles over the next two years, and we’re also recruiting up to 2,000 ex-pat and international healthcare workers through a global workforce recruitment drive.
Right around the nation, demand for emergency services is at an all-time high. Our Triple Zero call-takers and dispatchers are dealing with unprecedented call volumes.
But when you call for an ambulance, every Victorian should have the confidence one will arrive. That’s why we’re delivering another 90 paramedics - which means we've added 790 extra paramedics to the workforce since we came to government.
And to help our frontline workers reach Victorians who need help faster, we’re investing $333 million to add nearly 400 new staff to increase Triple Zero call taking and dispatch capacity for Triple Zero services, including ambulances, and training more operators to allocate calls across the state.
We’re also going to make sure that every local community gets the health infrastructure and services they deserve. That’s why this Budget invests $2. billion to build new hospitals and deliver upgrades to health services in every corner of our state, including $12 million for Victoria’s second Mobile Stroke Unit at the Monash Medical Center in Clayton.
By expanding our emergency departments, adding more surgical beds to get more elective surgeries done and increasing maternity care services – this Budget will ensure more Victorians get the very best of care, close to home.
As we roll-out our Pandemic Repair Plan to make sure people in Keysborough get the care they deserve, we're also getting on with delivering the schools, roads and public transport services they rely on.
To make sure every young Victorian gets the education they need for the career they want, the new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace VCAL, offering students more choices, a higher-quality curriculum and better workplace experiences – preparing students to jump into further study, training at TAFE or work as soon as they leave school.
The VCAL reforms will save many Victorian families up to $1,000 by cutting out-of-pocket costs, with students no longer having to pay for essential learning materials for VET studies.
Continuing our commitment to improve the inclusive nature of school facilities and practices, Athol Road Primary School, Springvale South, has received funding to construct a new accessible toilet adjoining the school's inclusive education learning area.
Local communities also deserve great places to play sport and under an Andrews Labor Government, they will have them. We're investing $88 million to build, upgrade and renovate community sporting infrastructure. This includes up to $400,000 to upgrade changerooms and community spaces at the Serbian Sports Centre in Keysborough.
With this year's Budget, the Andrews Labor Government will make a meaningful investment to support vulnerable Victorians into safe and secure housing. We're investing over $75.3 million to provide vulnerable people with support to get into safe, secure housing.
We’re also continuing to make central Noble Park a more lively, more attractive place for families and businesses, building on the work we’ve already done to create a safe, engaging and accessible community. We are supporting the revitalisation of Noble Park through our successful Suburban Revitalisation Program delivering on-ground works and initiatives for the local community. This is part of an overall budget package worth $9.73 million.
Our public transport system is also receiving further improvements to train travel including making train stations on the Dandenong line more accessible through a package of upgrades to station platforms including at Springvale, Sandown Park, Yarraman and Dandenong. We are also investing in bicycle parking facilities at stations through a $2.66 million program, which will deliver a mix of bicycle parking upgrades at 15 priority train stations across the state including Springvale and Noble Park.
We’re continuing to support on-demand workers and giving eligible casual and contract workers up to five days of sick and carer's pay, so Victorians don't have to choose between their health, and the health of their loved ones.
But that’s not all. We know that many Victorians are still paying too much for their energy bills – that’s why we’re stepping in to help families get the best deal. We're providing a once-off $250 payment for all Victorian households that use the Victorian Energy Compare (VEC) website – the Victorian Government’s independent price comparator website – to search for the cheapest electricity plan that suits their needs.
With this Budget, we’re getting on with delivering for all Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula
“Families in Keysborough deserve the best local health and community services. It’s why we’re investing in the Victorians who deliver them, so they can do what they do best – look after us.”
“Community sport is all about bringing people together. I’m excited that the Serbian Sports Centre will receive upgraded changerooms, ensuring players can play the sport they love in world-class spaces.”
Media contact: Monica Bladier 9547 6262
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting animal welfare organisations across the state to rehome more cats and dogs as well as upgrading and expanding vet clinics.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas visited Australian Animal Protection Society (AAPS) in Keysborough today to announce $100,000 in funding for the organisation to help even more dogs find the loving homes they deserve. AAPS will receive the funding as part of Round 10 of the Labor Government’s Animal Welfare Fund (AWF) Grants.
The funding will be used to build ‘The BIG Kennel’ – a meet and greet area where dogs and their prospective new owners can spend quality time getting to know each other, further enhancing the adoption process and reducing return rates.
The area will also serve as a training area for dogs that come into the care of AAPS with behavioral issues.
A total of $1.5 million will be awarded under Round 10 of the AWF Grants Program for:
not-for-profit organisations, shelters and foster carers to support the rehoming of dogs and cats
not-for-profit and community vet clinics to upgrade and expand as well as support new low-cost clinics to be set up in areas of need around Victoria.
The Program delivers grants to eligible not-for profit and community organisations aiming to improve responsible pet ownership and provide better animal welfare services. The grants recognise that companion animals play a significant role in the lives of Victorians.
Since the Labor Government was elected in 2014, $5.9 million has now been awarded for not-for-profit animal shelters, foster care organisations and community vet clinics to directly improve the welfare of pets and other animals in Victoria.
For more information visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas
“We know that pets are an important part of the lives of Victorians. That’s why we are investing in animal welfare organisations across the state to improve outcomes for all and rehome more cats and dogs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula
“These grants recognise the significant role that organisations like AAPS play in improving animal welfare outcomes in our communities.”
Quote attributable to Australian Animal Protection General Manager Society Megan Seccull
“We are so passionate about giving our dogs the very best chance of finding their second chance home and The BIG Kennel will be instrumental in making the experience truly wonderful for both people and the dogs.”
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting animal welfare organisations across the state to rehome more cats and dogs as well as upgrading and expanding vet clinics.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas visited Australian Animal Protection Society (AAPS) in Keysborough today to announce $100,000 in funding for the organisation to help even more dogs find the loving homes they deserve. AAPS will receive the funding as part of Round 10 of the Labor Government’s Animal Welfare Fund (AWF) Grants.
The funding will be used to build ‘The BIG Kennel’ – a meet and greet area where dogs and their prospective new owners can spend quality time getting to know each other, further enhancing the adoption process and reducing return rates.
The area will also serve as a training area for dogs that come into the care of AAPS with behavioral issues.
A total of $1.5 million will be awarded under Round 10 of the AWF Grants Program for:
not-for-profit organisations, shelters and foster carers to support the rehoming of dogs and cats
not-for-profit and community vet clinics to upgrade and expand as well as support new low-cost clinics to be set up in areas of need around Victoria.
The Program delivers grants to eligible not-for profit and community organisations aiming to improve responsible pet ownership and provide better animal welfare services. The grants recognise that companion animals play a significant role in the lives of Victorians.
Since the Labor Government was elected in 2014, $5.9 million has now been awarded for not-for-profit animal shelters, foster care organisations and community vet clinics to directly improve the welfare of pets and other animals in Victoria.
For more information visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas
“We know that pets are an important part of the lives of Victorians. That’s why we are investing in animal welfare organisations across the state to improve outcomes for all and rehome more cats and dogs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula
“These grants recognise the significant role that organisations like AAPS play in improving animal welfare outcomes in our communities.”
Quote attributable to Australian Animal Protection General Manager Society Megan Seccull
“We are so passionate about giving our dogs the very best chance of finding their second chance home and The BIG Kennel will be instrumental in making the experience truly wonderful for both people and the dogs.”
Finding a car park at Yarraman Station is set to become easier, with construction underway to build additional spaces at the station.
Parking at Yarraman Station will increase by 55 extra spaces and commuters will benefit from new accessible parking bays, bicycle parking, lighting, CCTV and new secured Parkiteer bike facilities.
Delivering these new car parks will free up commuter parking in neighbouring streets and make it easier and safer for more locals to catch the train.
Construction has this week started at four stations across the network, including Nar Nar Goon, Drouin, and Upper Ferntree Gully.
Delivered by the Level Crossing Removal Project, the projects will also plant around 14,000 new trees, shrubs, and grasses across the four sites, with the new car parks set to open to commuters later this year.
Since 2014 almost 14,000 parking spaces have been delivered at metropolitan and regional stations across the state, and the Labor Government is on track to deliver an additional 7,000 new and upgraded spaces.
The construction coincides with the completion of other car park upgrades as part of the Car Parks for Commuters program, including 100 new and upgraded spaces at Melton, 40 new and upgraded spaces at Jordanville, 300 new and upgraded spaces at Cardinia Road, 130 new spaces at Werribee and 100 new spaces at Aircraft Station.
More information about the project can be found online at: https://carparks.vic.gov.au/.
Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“This is a great win for our community. We’re making sure locals can get a park at Yarraman train station and get where they need to go.”
Quote attributable to Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula
“I know the community is thrilled to get the extra car parking at Yarraman Station, making it easier to find a car space and catch the train.”
Media Contact: Monica Bladier 03 9547 6262 | monica.bladier2@parliament.vic.gov.au (M Pakula)
Media Contact: Sofia Felton 03 9793 2000 | sofia.felton@parliament.vic.gov.au (G Williams
Finding a car park at Yarraman Station is set to become easier, with construction underway to build additional spaces at the station.
Parking at Yarraman Station will increase by 55 extra spaces and commuters will benefit from new accessible parking bays, bicycle parking, lighting, CCTV and new secured Parkiteer bike facilities.
Delivering these new car parks will free up commuter parking in neighbouring streets and make it easier and safer for more locals to catch the train.
Construction has this week started at four stations across the network, including Nar Nar Goon, Drouin, and Upper Ferntree Gully.
Delivered by the Level Crossing Removal Project, the projects will also plant around 14,000 new trees, shrubs, and grasses across the four sites, with the new car parks set to open to commuters later this year.
Since 2014 almost 14,000 parking spaces have been delivered at metropolitan and regional stations across the state, and the Labor Government is on track to deliver an additional 7,000 new and upgraded spaces.
The construction coincides with the completion of other car park upgrades as part of the Car Parks for Commuters program, including 100 new and upgraded spaces at Melton, 40 new and upgraded spaces at Jordanville, 300 new and upgraded spaces at Cardinia Road, 130 new spaces at Werribee and 100 new spaces at Aircraft Station.
More information about the project can be found online at: https://carparks.vic.gov.au/.
Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“This is a great win for our community. We’re making sure locals can get a park at Yarraman train station and get where they need to go.”
Quote attributable to Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula
“I know the community is thrilled to get the extra car parking at Yarraman Station, making it easier to find a car space and catch the train.”
Media Contact: Monica Bladier 03 9547 6262 | monica.bladier2@parliament.vic.gov.au (M Pakula)
Media Contact: Sofia Felton 03 9793 2000 | sofia.felton@parliament.vic.gov.au (G Williams
Residents in Melbourne’s south-east will benefit from new and improved bus services to connect them to local shopping centres and schools.
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment with a new bus route 816 from Keysborough South to Noble Park Station, providing additional public transport to the growing residential area south of Keysborough.
The route 816 service will run seven days a week, at a frequency of every 30 minutes during the weekday peak and every 60 minutes off peak. On weekends, services will run at a frequency of 60 minutes.
Commuters will be better connected to ongoing transport options with bus services coordinated with trains at Noble Park Station during peak hours.
The new service also means new bus stops will be built along this route, including near Sirius College Keysborough Campus and Mount Hira College to provide students better public transport access to school.
We’re also upgrading route 813 services from Dandenong to Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, benefitting residents who travel to Dandenong, Parkmore Shopping Centre, Springvale, and Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre where the demand for buses is high.
The existing route 815 service from Dandenong to Noble Park will be removed and consolidated with route 813, providing more frequent services and an extended timetable every day of the week. The route 813 service will also be co-ordinated with trains at Dandenong Station during peak times.
Information about the new timetable will be available on October 29 at ptv.vic.gov.au and on the PTV app. The new services will go live on November 28.
The expansion of services is an initiative of the Andrews Labor Government’s Bus Plan and was boosted by $74 million in the 2021/22 State Budget to plan for bus reform and improve bus services in Melbourne’s growth suburbs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula
“Creating new and improved bus services in response to the growing residential population in the south-east makes it a viable transport option for the community.”
“We have made changes to these services to give locals more choice about when they travel and better connections to ongoing transport options.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“Parkmore and Waverley Garden’s shopping centres are popular destinations and I’m pleased we’re improving transport options to these locations giving locals more transport options.”
“The 813 service will also align better with train services at Dandenong Station, helping residents get to and from work and school.”
Residents in Melbourne’s south-east will benefit from new and improved bus services to connect them to local shopping centres and schools.
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment with a new bus route 816 from Keysborough South to Noble Park Station, providing additional public transport to the growing residential area south of Keysborough.
The route 816 service will run seven days a week, at a frequency of every 30 minutes during the weekday peak and every 60 minutes off peak. On weekends, services will run at a frequency of 60 minutes.
Commuters will be better connected to ongoing transport options with bus services coordinated with trains at Noble Park Station during peak hours.
The new service also means new bus stops will be built along this route, including near Sirius College Keysborough Campus and Mount Hira College to provide students better public transport access to school.
We’re also upgrading route 813 services from Dandenong to Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre, benefitting residents who travel to Dandenong, Parkmore Shopping Centre, Springvale, and Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre where the demand for buses is high.
The existing route 815 service from Dandenong to Noble Park will be removed and consolidated with route 813, providing more frequent services and an extended timetable every day of the week. The route 813 service will also be co-ordinated with trains at Dandenong Station during peak times.
Information about the new timetable will be available on October 29 at ptv.vic.gov.au and on the PTV app. The new services will go live on November 28.
The expansion of services is an initiative of the Andrews Labor Government’s Bus Plan and was boosted by $74 million in the 2021/22 State Budget to plan for bus reform and improve bus services in Melbourne’s growth suburbs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula
“Creating new and improved bus services in response to the growing residential population in the south-east makes it a viable transport option for the community.”
“We have made changes to these services to give locals more choice about when they travel and better connections to ongoing transport options.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“Parkmore and Waverley Garden’s shopping centres are popular destinations and I’m pleased we’re improving transport options to these locations giving locals more transport options.”
“The 813 service will also align better with train services at Dandenong Station, helping residents get to and from work and school.”
Victoria’s status as the advanced manufacturing capital of Australia has received a boost with the opening of an automation centre that will help businesses embrace digital technologies in their quest to make better products.
Backed by support from the Victorian Government, Bosch Australia’s new $17 million Hydraulics and Manufacturing Automation Centre will bring together the company’s manufacturing and engineering expertise into one location, expanding its Oceania headquarters in Clayton and creating 35 new jobs.
The new centre will enable the company to bring its automation expertise to diverse sectors such as medical technology, food and beverage and heavy industries in Australia and around the world.
Recently, the company built state-of-the-art automated assembly lines for one of their customers producing high-volume rapid COVID-19 tests for the United States market, as well as test equipment for ventilators in hospitals across Australia.
The demand for advanced manufacturing technologies is rapidly growing as producers look to drive down costs, increase efficiencies and boost productivity to remain globally competitive
The Government has provided more than $184 million in support to the manufacturing industry over the past six years, creating more than 8,000 jobs and generating just on $2 billion in private investment.
The Government continues to support innovation in advanced manufacturing and digital technologies through initiatives such as the $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund that will drive growth within the research and business sectors and is set to create more than 15,000 jobs over the next decade.
The $60 million Manufacturing and Industry Development Fund will assist Victorian manufacturers to expand their operations and implement new technologies, while the establishment of the $20 million Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre in Melbourne will strengthen Victoria's capacity to produce vital medical equipment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula
“Victoria is the place for innovators like Bosch Australia to grow and thrive, due to our skilled workforce, established supply chains, engineering expertise, education excellence, and research and development capability.”
“We will continue to support businesses to capitalise on the opportunities and talent available in Victoria, ensuring we remain at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, innovation and technology.”
Quote attributable to President of Bosch in Oceania Gavin Smith
“There is no better partner for Australian manufacturers to turn to than Bosch Australia. And there is no better place to establish our Hydraulics and Manufacturing Automation Centre than right here in Victoria."
Victoria’s status as the advanced manufacturing capital of Australia has received a boost with the opening of an automation centre that will help businesses embrace digital technologies in their quest to make better products.
Backed by support from the Victorian Government, Bosch Australia’s new $17 million Hydraulics and Manufacturing Automation Centre will bring together the company’s manufacturing and engineering expertise into one location, expanding its Oceania headquarters in Clayton and creating 35 new jobs.
The new centre will enable the company to bring its automation expertise to diverse sectors such as medical technology, food and beverage and heavy industries in Australia and around the world.
Recently, the company built state-of-the-art automated assembly lines for one of their customers producing high-volume rapid COVID-19 tests for the United States market, as well as test equipment for ventilators in hospitals across Australia.
The demand for advanced manufacturing technologies is rapidly growing as producers look to drive down costs, increase efficiencies and boost productivity to remain globally competitive
The Government has provided more than $184 million in support to the manufacturing industry over the past six years, creating more than 8,000 jobs and generating just on $2 billion in private investment.
The Government continues to support innovation in advanced manufacturing and digital technologies through initiatives such as the $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund that will drive growth within the research and business sectors and is set to create more than 15,000 jobs over the next decade.
The $60 million Manufacturing and Industry Development Fund will assist Victorian manufacturers to expand their operations and implement new technologies, while the establishment of the $20 million Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre in Melbourne will strengthen Victoria's capacity to produce vital medical equipment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula
“Victoria is the place for innovators like Bosch Australia to grow and thrive, due to our skilled workforce, established supply chains, engineering expertise, education excellence, and research and development capability.”
“We will continue to support businesses to capitalise on the opportunities and talent available in Victoria, ensuring we remain at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, innovation and technology.”
Quote attributable to President of Bosch in Oceania Gavin Smith
“There is no better partner for Australian manufacturers to turn to than Bosch Australia. And there is no better place to establish our Hydraulics and Manufacturing Automation Centre than right here in Victoria."
Melbourne Football Club’s training oval at Gosch’s Paddock will be transformed in line with standards at other AFL clubs, with the Andrews Labor Government joining with the AFL and Melbourne to fund the project.
Larger dimensions and a new surface will also benefit the wider community with the Olympic Boulevard oval available for public recreation year-round when not in use by professional clubs.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today confirmed the Government would contribute $2 million towards the redevelopment of Gosch’s Paddock oval, with the AFL and Melbourne combining to contribute $1 million.
The oval is currently shorter and narrower than the MCG, where the Demons’ AFL team plays the majority of its home games.
This project will increase the dimensions of the oval to better match the measurements of the MCG and Marvel Stadium as well as creating a surface to meet AFL/AFLW standards. Lighting will be improved and behind-goal netting and camera posts installed.
Extensive pre-planning has ensured the reconfiguration can be completed with no loss of trees. Work is due to start this month and be completed before the start of the 2022 AFL premiership season.
The Labor Government has funded a series of facility upgrades at AFL training bases, with many providing improved facilities for elite female players and all carrying significant community benefits.
These include major works at Geelong’s Kardinia Park, Carlton’s Princes Park, the Western Bulldogs’ Whitten Oval, St Kilda’s Moorabbin Oval, Essendon’s Tullamarine base, North Melbourne’s Arden Street HQ, Richmond’s Punt Road Oval and Collingwood’s Victoria Park AFLW home.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“The remade oval will be a win for the many members of the community who use the area year-round to run, walk, throw a frisbee and have a kick.”
“It means Melbourne’s women’s and men’s teams will have an oval on par with other Victorian AFLW/AFL teams – and that’s good for football.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne Football Club Chief Executive Gary Pert
“With both our AFL and AFLW programs playing their home games on larger ovals – the MCG and Casey Fields – this upgrade will be critical to allow our coaches to run drills that replicate match-day conditions.”
Quote attributable to AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan
“On behalf of the AFL I want to thank the Victorian Government for their continued partnership and support – from the community level all the way through to the elite, they continue to make footy more accessible for all.”
Melbourne Football Club’s training oval at Gosch’s Paddock will be transformed in line with standards at other AFL clubs, with the Andrews Labor Government joining with the AFL and Melbourne to fund the project.
Larger dimensions and a new surface will also benefit the wider community with the Olympic Boulevard oval available for public recreation year-round when not in use by professional clubs.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today confirmed the Government would contribute $2 million towards the redevelopment of Gosch’s Paddock oval, with the AFL and Melbourne combining to contribute $1 million.
The oval is currently shorter and narrower than the MCG, where the Demons’ AFL team plays the majority of its home games.
This project will increase the dimensions of the oval to better match the measurements of the MCG and Marvel Stadium as well as creating a surface to meet AFL/AFLW standards. Lighting will be improved and behind-goal netting and camera posts installed.
Extensive pre-planning has ensured the reconfiguration can be completed with no loss of trees. Work is due to start this month and be completed before the start of the 2022 AFL premiership season.
The Labor Government has funded a series of facility upgrades at AFL training bases, with many providing improved facilities for elite female players and all carrying significant community benefits.
These include major works at Geelong’s Kardinia Park, Carlton’s Princes Park, the Western Bulldogs’ Whitten Oval, St Kilda’s Moorabbin Oval, Essendon’s Tullamarine base, North Melbourne’s Arden Street HQ, Richmond’s Punt Road Oval and Collingwood’s Victoria Park AFLW home.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“The remade oval will be a win for the many members of the community who use the area year-round to run, walk, throw a frisbee and have a kick.”
“It means Melbourne’s women’s and men’s teams will have an oval on par with other Victorian AFLW/AFL teams – and that’s good for football.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne Football Club Chief Executive Gary Pert
“With both our AFL and AFLW programs playing their home games on larger ovals – the MCG and Casey Fields – this upgrade will be critical to allow our coaches to run drills that replicate match-day conditions.”
Quote attributable to AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan
“On behalf of the AFL I want to thank the Victorian Government for their continued partnership and support – from the community level all the way through to the elite, they continue to make footy more accessible for all.”
Victoria’s strong focus on export recovery and international investment attraction continues with the appointment of new senior trade executives to drive growth in the crucial United States, Canadian and Latin American markets.
Minister for Trade Martin Pakula today announced the appointment of Ms Caroline Edwards and Mr Nigel Warren as Victoria’s new Commissioners for Victoria to the Americas, bringing with them significant experience and expertise that will help Victoria leverage economic opportunities available in the region.
Ms Edwards will be based in New York to oversee Victoria’s trade and investment attraction activities with the US East Coast and Canada, while Mr Warren will be based in San Francisco to focus on our trade and investment ties on the US West Coast and in Latin America.
A lawyer and mediator, Ms Edwards has held senior roles with the Commonwealth Government and has represented Australia as an executive board member of the World Health Organisation.
Mr Warren is a former Australian Consul-General in the US who also held Senior Trade Commissioner roles in San Francisco and Santiago, Chile. He is also a member of the Council on Australia Latin America Relations.
The appointment of two Commissioners to the Americas underlines the importance of the region to Victoria’s export performance.
The United States is Victoria’s second largest trading partner with two-way trade valued at $14.5 billion in 2019-20 and has long been the number one source of foreign direct investment into Victoria. The US economy provides Victorian businesses with significant export opportunities in digital and medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, defence and aerospace, and tourism.
Latin America is the world’s most urbanised region with 80 per cent of the population living in cities and towns, providing a growing market for Victorian exporters.
Victoria’s strong capabilities, particularly in the digital technology sectors and health and life sciences, have made the state a destination of choice for world-leading companies from North America such as Illumina, AWS, Square, Zendesk, Canopy Growth and Sledgehammer.
Two-way trade with Latin America topped $1.9 billion in 2019-20, driven by international education, mining and engineering technology and services, agricultural innovation, digital technologies, professional services, medical technology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
Victoria has recently secured a number of investments from Latin American companies, including games developer Cocodrilo Dog and Chilean-based international designer and manufacturer Conymet Duratray, who have both relocated their global headquarters to Melbourne.
Quote attributable to Minister for Trade Martin Pakula
“We’ve got top-notch negotiators posted around the globe because every deal done means stronger Victorian businesses and more jobs for Victorians.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas
“Trade and investment are critical to our economic recovery and creating jobs, so it’s great to have representation in these markets to directly promote Victoria as a trade and investment destination of choice.”
Victoria’s strong focus on export recovery and international investment attraction continues with the appointment of new senior trade executives to drive growth in the crucial United States, Canadian and Latin American markets.
Minister for Trade Martin Pakula today announced the appointment of Ms Caroline Edwards and Mr Nigel Warren as Victoria’s new Commissioners for Victoria to the Americas, bringing with them significant experience and expertise that will help Victoria leverage economic opportunities available in the region.
Ms Edwards will be based in New York to oversee Victoria’s trade and investment attraction activities with the US East Coast and Canada, while Mr Warren will be based in San Francisco to focus on our trade and investment ties on the US West Coast and in Latin America.
A lawyer and mediator, Ms Edwards has held senior roles with the Commonwealth Government and has represented Australia as an executive board member of the World Health Organisation.
Mr Warren is a former Australian Consul-General in the US who also held Senior Trade Commissioner roles in San Francisco and Santiago, Chile. He is also a member of the Council on Australia Latin America Relations.
The appointment of two Commissioners to the Americas underlines the importance of the region to Victoria’s export performance.
The United States is Victoria’s second largest trading partner with two-way trade valued at $14.5 billion in 2019-20 and has long been the number one source of foreign direct investment into Victoria. The US economy provides Victorian businesses with significant export opportunities in digital and medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, defence and aerospace, and tourism.
Latin America is the world’s most urbanised region with 80 per cent of the population living in cities and towns, providing a growing market for Victorian exporters.
Victoria’s strong capabilities, particularly in the digital technology sectors and health and life sciences, have made the state a destination of choice for world-leading companies from North America such as Illumina, AWS, Square, Zendesk, Canopy Growth and Sledgehammer.
Two-way trade with Latin America topped $1.9 billion in 2019-20, driven by international education, mining and engineering technology and services, agricultural innovation, digital technologies, professional services, medical technology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.
Victoria has recently secured a number of investments from Latin American companies, including games developer Cocodrilo Dog and Chilean-based international designer and manufacturer Conymet Duratray, who have both relocated their global headquarters to Melbourne.
Quote attributable to Minister for Trade Martin Pakula
“We’ve got top-notch negotiators posted around the globe because every deal done means stronger Victorian businesses and more jobs for Victorians.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Development Tim Pallas
“Trade and investment are critical to our economic recovery and creating jobs, so it’s great to have representation in these markets to directly promote Victoria as a trade and investment destination of choice.”