Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, today highlighted the $20.9 million provided in the 2015-16 State Budget to support Victoria’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Strategy at the Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) Forum in Halls Gap. This significant funding increase will give RAPs more support as they..

The Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll has arrived at the Horsham Library as part of its annual road show exhibition. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, officially opened the exhibition, which was also attended by 2012 Honour Roll inductee and Advisory Panel member Uncle Kevin Coombs..

The Andrews Labor Government is working to strengthen the state’s response to climate change by initiating a review of the Climate Change Act 2010. The Labor Government will position Victoria as a leader in climate change so we can adapt to its effects, reduce emissions..

A new smartphone app launched today by Minister for Youth Affairs, Jenny Mikakos, will help young Victorians to boost their self-esteem and confidence. Ms Mikakos joined the app’s developer, the Reach Foundation, and students from Bendigo South East College at the Reach Foundation’s Collingwood headquarters..

The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its promise to ease congestion and improve safety on Victoria’s roads, with an extension of the M80 Ring Road Upgrade from Sunshine Avenue to east of EJ Whitten Bridge. Minister for Roads and Roads Safety, Luke..

Mabo Day not only celebrates the achievements of Eddie Mabo, but the past and continuing efforts of Victorian Traditional Owners in pursuing native title recognition. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, today called for Victorians to commemorate the courageous efforts of Torres Strait Islander Eddie..

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, today launched Mildura Rural City Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, a move aimed at fostering a genuine partnership with the Aboriginal community. The Reconciliation Action Plan will strengthen engagement and collaboration with Aboriginal people and organisations, and increase awareness..

Minister for Industrial Relations, Natalie Hutchins, today announced that allegations of worker exploitation in Mildura will be investigated as part of the inquiry into labour hire and insecure work in Victoria. The Andrews Labor Government’s inquiry will examine the labour hire industry, including the practices..

The 2014 Australian Open provided record economic benefits to Victoria as nearly 120,000 visitors flocked from interstate and beyond, an evaluation shows. A report by Deloitte Access Economics found the 2014 grand slam was worth $245.5 million to the state – up from $239 million..

Children in rural and regional Victoria who are at risk of abuse or neglect are being better protected by the Andrews Labor Government. For the first time there will be teams of specialist child protection workers dedicated to providing on-call, after-hours assistance to vulnerable children..

The Andrews Labor Government is fulfilling its election commitment to integrate the management of coastal and marine environments, in a move to better protect and preserve them. The first steps towards a new Marine and Coastal Act have been taken, with the establishment of a..

The top 279 students from the 2014 Victorian Certificate of Education were recognised in a ceremony at the Melbourne Convention Centre today. Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Education James Merlino joined the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Alex Chernov, to present the students with..

The Melbourne Metro Rail Project is ramping up. Geotechnical investigations on Swanston St will start this week and the project’s community engagement push has already begun. Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, joined Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Robert Doyle, at the first CBD geotechnical site..

The Social Cohesion and Community Resilience Ministerial Taskforce, led by Deputy Premier James Merlino, met for the first time last Wednesday to discuss strategies to tackle all forms of violent extremism and strengthen our multiculturalism. The taskforce, which has ministers across four key portfolios of..

The Local Government Sector Reference Group will give councils, communities and stakeholders more opportunity to have their say on the Andrews Labor Government’s Fair Go Rates system. The reference group was established by Minister for Local Government, Natalie Hutchins, to provide a formal avenue of..

Joan Kirner’s legacy looms large over the Labor Party and the women’s movement. Of Victorian Labor MPs, 44 per cent are women, and that hasn’t happened by accident. Joan’s vision and determination helped give women a voice, and seats, in state and federal parliaments. They..

The Honourable Joan Kirner AC will be farewelled with a State Funeral to be held at 10am on Friday, 5 June, 2015 at the Williamstown Town Hall in Williamstown. Due to significant public interest in this occasion, a public live broadcast will be available at..

The Andrews Labor Government today announced the start of an important outbound trade mission to South East Asia, promoting the state’s renowned ICT, health and medical technology industries. Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert, will lead the mission of 49 companies and 81 delegates..