Media Centre

Major Ballarat Hospital Redevelopment A Step Closer

The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled final designs for the Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment, which will deliver local families world-class health services. Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today revealed the new designs of the multi-level tower that will house a new emergency department, a women and children’s hub, a state-of-the-art theatre suite and an extra 100 inpatient and short-stay beds.

Supporting Teachers In Ballarat

Highly-skilled teachers and school leaders in Ballarat are another step closer to accessing world-class professional learning opportunities, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins today announced the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership (the Academy) will be built on Camp Street in the Ballarat Regional Centre.

Delivering Social And Affordable Housing In Ballarat

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting social and affordable housing in Ballarat, ramping up its landmark Big Housing Build to provide homes to those who need it most, where they need it. Minister for Housing Danny Pearson today visited a soon to be finished home in Ballarat - one of 216 now underway as part of the unprecedented $5.3 billion Big Housing Build and other social and affordable housing programs.

$731,084 Investment in Ballarat Libraries is One for the Books

City of Ballarat Council will receive a valuable investment in the future of its local libraries, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Public Libraries Funding Program. $731,084 is being invested into City of Ballarat’s three public libraries in Wendouree, Ballarat Central and Sebastopol.  

Wendouree electorate – Constituency Question

Will the Minister for Health please advise how making university and specialist training free for thousands of nurses and midwives will benefit future nursing and midwife students, Grampians Health and patients in Ballarat?

Yuille Park P–8 Community College – Adjournment Matter

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is for the minister to visit Yuille Park P–8 Community College in my electorate of Wendouree. The school is truly one of the greatest examples of staff and families working together to support students and provide them with opportunities to grow and thrive.

Early Childhood Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 – Second Reading Debate

I too would like to speak in support of the Early Childhood Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, which introduces stronger regulations for early childhood services and safeguards for the quality of maternal and child health services. I will be focusing on our stronger regulations for early childhood services during this debate and the importance of this bill passing in 2022.

Ballarat Keralites Foundation of Australia – Member Statement

On Saturday, 27 August, I had the great pleasure of attending the Ballarat Keralites Foundation of Australia’s annual Onam festival with Labor candidate for Ripon Martha Haylett and more than 250 members. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone for making us feel so welcome and thank the BKFA for their good work in our community.

Intersection Upgrade Marks Keeping Ballarat Moving Milestone

The activation of traffic lights at the newly upgraded Gillies and Gregory Street intersection marks the completion of the Andrews Labor Government’s first Keeping Ballarat Moving project.vMinister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the newly finished project will reduce the risk of crashes and providing safer turning and crossing points for pedestrians.

Commemorating Veterans with Avenue of Honour Works

Restoration works have begun at two avenues of honour in central Victoria, with the Andrews Labor Government supporting efforts to revive these significant sites for commemorating the service of local veterans. Minister for Veterans Shaun Leane visited Ballarat to mark the beginning of the restoration of the two memorial avenues of trees, at Ballarat East and Tourello Road.

Massive Boost to Life Saving Equipment for Hospitals

The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring public hospitals have the latest vital equipment and engineering infrastructure to continue providing world-class healthcare for all Victorians. Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced 38 health services and public health laboratories across Victoria will share in $105 million of new equipment to treat patients and save lives.

Bigger Justice Service Centre Supporting Ballarat

Residents in Ballarat and surrounding areas are benefiting from greater access to justice supports and services thanks to the relocation and upgrade of the Ballarat Justice Service Centre, funded by the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today officially opened the new Justice Service Centre in Camp Street Ballarat, which has replaced the previous Mair Street site to house the growing workforce and provide high quality critical services to those in the region.

Black Hill Students Preparing for Bike Ed Challenge

Students at Black Hill Primary School will take part in a Bike Ed Challenge to put their riding skills to the test thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Community Road Safety Grants Program. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said students will complete a number of courses as part of the challenge including bike skills, balance, coordination, peripheral vision, and decision making, before participating in the challenge with three other schools.  

Priority Primary Care Centres to Ease Demand on Hospitals

The Andrews Labor Government will establish five new GP-led Priority Primary Care Centres to give Victorians the care they need while easing pressure on our busy emergency departments (EDs). Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that Priority Primary Care Centres will be established close to five hospitals – giving Victorians an alternative to visiting an ED.

Justice Legislation Amendment - Second Reading Debate

I too am very proud to rise to speak in support of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Sexual Offences and Other Matters) Bill 2022, and I agree with the member for Footscray that this is a historic day for our Parliament. I am honoured to have the opportunity to speak on this, and I am honoured to follow so many incredible women who I admire so much.