Liberal Party Victoria
Background
At a time when our justice system is in crisis with unprecedented court backlogs, delaying justice for victims and accused alike, this week’s 2021-22 State Budget delivers savage cuts via “a base and efficiency review” for the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS).
While the Attorney-General and Acting Premier have been spruiking modest investments in the justice system in recent days, the reality is that Jaclyn Symes is giving with one hand and taking with the other.
The cuts amount to $321.8 million over the forward estimates (Budget Paper 3, p. 89, 99).
The only way such significant cuts can be achieved is by slashing services and frontline roles.
Football Australia and Football Victoria (FV) celebrate the Victorian Government’s announcement confirming their investment to make the world-class Home of The Matildas at La Trobe University, Bundoora, a reality.
This announcement, following the 2020 commitment of $15 million from the Federal Government, provides a green light for construction of the Home of The Matildas and Home to Football Victoria, within a purpose built, state-of-the-art State Football Centre, alongside a State Rugby Union Centre at La Trobe University, Bundoora.
Today’s commitment – the most significant investment into a community football project in Victoria – was made by Acting Premier, the Hon. James Merlino and Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, the Hon. Martin Pakula, at the future site of the facility.
Date Time
New state Centre of Excellence a game-changer for Victorian rugby
Acting Premier, the Hon. James Merlino MP, today announced the single largest investment ever made in Victorian Rugby, which will deliver a new State Rugby Centre of Excellence at La Trobe University in Bundoora, serving all participants in the sport from community to elite levels.
Melbourne Rebels Chair and Rugby Victoria Director Paul Docherty said that Rugby in the state was now ready to scale new heights and vastly expand its successful community and high-performance programs through this massive game-changing investment by the Andrews Government.
“In 133 years, Victorian Rugby has never had such a wonderful opportunity to grow the game and share its benefits with all Victorians. We are thrilled with the State Government’s unprecedented commitment to the sport, which recognises Victorian Rugby’s proven capacity to positIvely impact our community,” Docherty said.
Football Australia Chairman, Chris Nikou was also appreciative of the Federal and Victorian State Governments for their support.
“Football Australia extends its thanks to everyone that has contributed to this important project – particularly the Daniel Andrews’ Government, the Federal Government, Football Victoria, and La Trobe University. Through true collaboration and partnership, football will soon have a home to be proud of in Victoria – one that is fit for our inspiring national teams, and that our large and diverse participation base deserve.”
Westfield Matildas captain, Sam Kerr was excited upon learning of this news.
This is wonderful news for the Westfield Matildas and the prospect of having a state-of-the-art facility specifically designed for our use is very exciting.
VIC Premier
More primary school students in rural and regional Victoria are getting the chance to learn dance and drama skills, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Acting Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the first schools taking part in the Blended Arts Education Program (Dance and Drama) in Terms 2 and 3 this year, to be delivered by AusDance Victoria and Drama Victoria.
Data shows that dance and drama are under-represented as arts disciplines in rural and regional Victoria. This program will provide virtual lessons as well as onsite incursions to students in Years 3-6 at 30 schools, with 15 schools to take part in dance and 15 to take part in drama.