2019 Briefing E-Book: Key Issues from the 58Th Parliament

Parliamentary Library & Information Service Department of Parliamentary Services

Parliament of Victoria

2019 Briefing e-Book

Key issues from the 58th Parliament October 2019 Acknowledgments The authors would like to thank the Chamber Support Office (Department of the Legislative Council) and the Procedure Office (Department of the Legislative Assembly) for their help in the preparation of this paper. Cover image: John Gollings Layout: Meg Bosanko Coordinated and edited by the Research & Inquiries unit, Parliamentary Library & Information Service, Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament of Victoria. ISSN 2204-4752 (Print) 2204-4760 (Online) © 2019 Parliamentary Library & Information Service, Parliament of Victoria Research Papers produced by the Parliamentary Library & Information Service, Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament of Victoria, are released under a Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution- NonCommercial-NoDerivs licence. 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If you are unsure please contact us. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 2 Contents Acknowledgments ...... 2 2019 Briefing e-Book ...... 4 Foreword ...... 5 Parliamentary Library Services ...... 6 The 58th Parliament of Victoria ...... 11 Arts, sport and recreation ...... 19 Crime and justice ...... 25 Education...... 43 Health ...... 49 Human services ...... 59 Industry, innovation and employment ...... 75 Planning and environment ...... 83 Primary industries ...... 111 Transport ...... 131 Treasury and finance ...... 139 Authors and editors ...... 143 Research & Inquiries service ...... 143 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 3 2019 Briefing e-Book This Briefing e-Book was compiled by staff in the Parliamentary Library’s Research & Inquiries unit. It is designed as an overview of issues that were prominent during the 58th Parliament, as shown through developments in legislative action, parliamentary debate, media coverage, and public research. The following briefings should not be considered comprehensive guides to each subject area, but rather, they are intended to be a reference guide to key issues, publications, and resources to inform future debate. This Briefing e-Book provides links to sources, some of which can only be accessed on the Parliamentary network. For further information, readers are directed to contact the Research & Inquiries unit in the Parliamentary Library & Information Service. Research and Inquiries Team Jon Breukel – Coordinator, Research & Inquiries Annie Wright – Research & Inquiries Officer Ben Huf – Research & Inquiries Officer Caley Otter – Research & Inquiries Officer Debra Reeves – Research & Loans Officer Holly McLean – Research & Inquiries Officer Marianne Aroozoo – Research Assistant Meg Bosanko – Research & Data Analytics Officer Enquiry Desk Parliamentary Library & Information Service Department of Parliamentary Services Parliament of Victoria, Parliament House Spring St, East <a href="/tags/Melbourne/" rel="tag">Melbourne</a>, VIC 3002 Telephone: (03) 9651 8640 / 9651 8641 Email: research@parliament.vic.gov.au 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 4 Foreword Welcome to the Library The Parliamentary Library & Information Service welcomes and supports all Members in their roles as elected representatives. We understand how busy Members of Parliament can be. We are here to support your work in legislating for our vibrant democracy and representing your diverse constituencies. The Library has a range of services and resources to help you operate effectively at Parliament and in your electorate. Most of our resources are provided online, so you can find what you need at a time and place that suits you: in your office, via your mobile devices or on the parliamentary network. To keep you up-to-date with breaking news and current issues, the Library offers a range of news and media resources. News monitoring includes print media, TV and radio news, and media releases, with alerts that can be customised to your needs. We also provide access to a range of online resources, including journal articles, government agencies information, Members’ biographical data, a policies archive, and legal resources. Through the Library Enquiry Desk you can lodge requests on virtually any subject. The information we provide is timely, confidential, and impartial. With your information needs in mind, the Research & Inquiries team prepares research publications on upcoming Bills before Parliament, publishes statistical surveys, and provides individual briefings for Members. Publications produced include research papers, Bill Briefs and New Bills InfoLinks. This Briefing e-Book provides a snapshot of key issues by portfolio from the previous Parliament. We hope this provides you with a useful background to your current work. I warmly invite you all to visit the Library where professional staff are ready to assist. Call the Library Enquiry Desk on 9651 8640, or email research@parliament.vic.gov.au Carolyn Macvean Manager, Parliamentary Library & Information Service October 2019 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 5 Parliamentary Library Services Enquiry Desk The Library’s Enquiry Desk can answer Members’ requests for information on a wide range of topics. We provide access to: • Newspaper and broadcast media • Books, journal articles, and reports • Facts and statistics • Background for speeches • Biographical and historical information • Literature searches • Company land title searches • Legislative and government information • In-depth client briefings This service is confidential, impartial, and provided in a timely manner. It is important to let us know how much information you require and your timeframe, so we can deliver material that best suits your needs. Hours • Non-Sitting Days: 9am – 5pm • Sitting Days: 9am – House Rise (open from 8:30am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) Contact Telephone: (03) 9651 8640 / 9651 8641 Email: research@parliament.vic.gov.au Research Service The Research Service undertakes in-depth research on areas of interest to Members in relation to legislation, electorate issues, or wider policy matters. The Research team provides: • Client Briefings – information and analysis on particular issues upon request • Research Papers – in-depth analysis of selected new Bills and topical issues • Bill Briefs – analysis on selected components of new Bills and topical issues • New Bills InfoLinks – links to key information on all new Bills Additional Services • Statistics – electorate and regional data • Hot Topics – key links on topical issues • Opinion Polls – graphs and trend data from the major polls • Library Fellowships – academics conducting research on key issues • Library seminars – regular seminars on topical issues 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 6 Parliamentary Interns The Parliamentary Internship Program provides Members with a third-year political science student who completes a research report on a selected topic commissioned by the Member. Their report forms an assessable component, equal to two subjects, of their university degree. This program has proven to be most successful and enters its 30th year of operation in 2020. Over 1,200 interns have now undertaken the program. Intern reports are available in PDF format on the Library catalogue, and in hardcopy from the Library’s Deakin Gallery. News & Media The Library provides access to a range of news and media resources to keep you up-to-date with breaking news and current issues. Assistance with news and media resources can be obtained through the Enquiry Desk. • MediaPortal – private email alerts for newspaper articles • News Archive – archive of newspaper articles (Nov 2002 – present) • Broadcast News – radio and TV clips available daily on your desktop • Media Releases – archive of all party and independent media releases (1992 – present) Databases The Library provides additional databases to assist in your information needs: • Academic Search Complete (multidisciplinary academic journals) • Australian Public Affairs • Legal information (WestlawAU and Lawlex) • Victorian election policies (1930s – present) • Government Agencies and Departments (1800s – present) • Ministers & Shadow Ministers • By-elections • Inaugural Speeches • Biographies of Victorian MPs (Re-Member, 1851 – present) These can all be accessed from the Library’s intranet page. Loans Desk A comprehensive collection of non-fiction material, including government reports, is available for loan. Items may be reserved or renewed through the online catalogue and can be collected from the Loans Desk or posted to your electorate office if required. If the Library doesn’t have an item you need, we may be able to purchase a copy or borrow it from another library. Many publications are now available as downloadable PDF attachments via the Library catalogue on the intranet. The catalogue provides basic or advanced searching under keyword, author, title, subject, or series. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 7 The 58th Parliament of Victoria The 58th Parliament of Victoria An overview of parliamentary events and developments relating to the work of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council during the 58th Parliament of Victoria, including parliamentary composition, procedural reform, and committee work.Elections, by-elections, and joint Four by-elections took place during the Parliament, resulting in one change to the sittings party composition of the Legislative The <a href="/tags/Australian_Labor_Party/" rel="tag">Australian Labor Party</a> (ALP) won Assembly. control of the Legislative Assembly and formed government at the 2014 Victorian Three by-elections took place in 2015 for election. ALP leader, <a href="/tags/Daniel_Andrews/" rel="tag">Daniel Andrews</a>, was the Legislative Assembly electorates of sworn in as the 48th <a href="/tags/Premier_of_Victoria/" rel="tag">Premier of Victoria</a> in Gippsland South, Polwarth, and the December that year. Following the South-West Coast. The first was held on 14 declaration of the polls, Labor held 47 March for the seat of Gippsland South, seats in the Legislative Assembly, but only following the resignation of sitting 14 in the Legislative Council. The following Nationals Party Member, <a href="/tags/Peter_Ryan_(politician)/" rel="tag">Peter Ryan</a>. The charts provide a snapshot of the seat was retained by the Nationals (Danny composition of the houses at the O’Brien, who had resigned his seat in the beginning of the 58th Parliament of Legislative Council in order to contest the Victoria. Legislative Assembly seat). The remaining two by-elections were held on 31 October, Legislative Assembly – Seat results following the resignation of the sitting Members, <a href="/tags/Denis_Napthine/" rel="tag">Denis Napthine</a> and Terry Mulder. Both seats were retained by the Liberal Party and, again, did not affect the composition of the house: Polwarth was won by Richard Riordan, and South-West Coast was won by <a href="/tags/Roma_Britnell/" rel="tag">Roma Britnell</a>. A by-election for the seat of Northcote in the Legislative Assembly was held on 18 Legislative Council – Seat results November 2017, following the passing of Labor Member and Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, the Hon. Fiona Richardson. This seat was won by Lidia Thorpe for the Victorian Greens. The by-election increased the Greens’ representation from two to three seats in the Legislative For more information, please see the Assembly and decreased the ALP’s from Library’s research paper on the 2014 47 to 46 seats. Lidia Thorpe became the Victorian state election. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 11 first female Indigenous Member elected to either house of the Parliament of Victoria. A number of casual vacancies in the Legislative Council were resolved by way of joint sittings during the course of the Parliament. These joint sittings selected new Council Members Melina Bath for the <a href="/tags/Eastern_Victoria_Region/" rel="tag">Eastern Victoria region</a> in April 2015 (replacing Danny O'Brien); Luke O’Sullivan for the Northern Victoria region in October 2016 (replacing <a href="/tags/Damian_Drum/" rel="tag">Damian Drum</a>); <a href="/tags/Mark_Gepp/" rel="tag">Mark Gepp</a> for the Northern Victoria region in June 2017 (replacing Steve Herbert); <a href="/tags/Samantha_Ratnam/" rel="tag">Samantha Ratnam</a> for the Northern Metropolitan Region in October 2017 (replacing Greg Barber); and Huong Truong for the Western Metropolitan Region in February 2018 (replacing Colleen Hartland). 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 12 Work of the Parliament Business Program on 21 June 2018 and lapsed at the end of the 58th Parliament. Reform of parliamentary allowances The Andrews Government announced an Parliamentary Budget Office overhaul of the parliamentary allowances The creation of an independent budget system on 24 April 2017, following a office for the Victorian Parliament has number of allegations of misuse of been a subject of political discussion since entitlements. These reforms included at least 2010. The Victorian Parliamentary restricting access to the second residence Budget Office (PBO) was established by allowance, which is provided for Members the Parliamentary Budget Officer Act 2017, of Parliament whose home is more than which received the Royal Assent on 80km from Melbourne and who have a 27 June 2017. The PBO is an independent second residence closer to the city. Under office of the Parliament and is mandated the changes, the allowance was renamed to provide policy costings and related the parliamentary sitting accommodation advisory services for all Members of allowance, and only Members of Parliament. Prior to the existence of the Parliament representing regional seats are PBO in Victoria, non-government eligible (upon providing evidence of their Members of Parliament did not have home address). access to public sector financial, fiscal and economic expertise, or advice and policy Other changes included tightening costing services. The PBO provides equal allocations in electorate office budgets for access for all Members and parties, and official business travel and restricting the can scrutinise the financial aspects of commercial transport allowance for rural policy announcements, as well as Members so that it applies only to air potentially minimise errors in policy travel. estimates. It was operational in time to In December 2017, the Andrews provide policy costings for Members Government introduced draft legislation ahead of the 2018 Victorian election. to establish an independent remuneration Similar offices have been established in tribunal to oversee the setting of salaries the Commonwealth Parliament and New and allowances for Members of Parliament South Wales Parliament, although the New and other selected public office holders. South Wales office operates on a The proposed tribunal would also receive, temporary basis around the time of an and decide upon, cases of alleged misuse election. of allowances and other funds, with a 25 per cent penalty applied to the repayment Committees of any funds found to have been The parliamentary committee system was inappropriately used. The purpose of the revised during the 58th Parliament, Bill was to increase transparency and following passage of the Parliamentary public scrutiny of spending by Members of Committees and Inquiries Acts Amendment Parliament, and it would have required all Act 2015. This Act provided for the claimed allowances to be published on the integration of a number of joint Parliament’s website each quarter. The Bill investigatory committees, merging six was removed from the Government committees into three. A separate Bill 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 13 proposed to merge two further joint Standing Orders that govern the investigatory committees (the procedure and workings of each house. Accountability and Oversight Committee Both houses adopted a number of and the Independent Broad-based Anti- Sessional Orders during the course of the corruption Commission Committee). This 58th Parliament. One major change was the Bill lapsed at the end of the 58th introduction of ‘video on demand’, a Parliament. service that allowed Members to access Two select committees were appointed by and republish video clips of their speeches the Legislative Council to inquire into the in the chamber. This followed a Legislative Firefighters' Presumptive Rights Council Procedure Committee report into Compensation and Fire Services a potential ‘on demand’ system for Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill 2017, obtaining recent footage for viewing and and into the proposed lease of the Port of reuse, which was handed down in Melbourne. The Legislative Assembly September 2017. Republishing was made appointed one select committee, to subject to certain conditions, including inquire into penalty rates and fair pay— that the video could not be used for the first select committee appointed by satirical purposes or for commercial the house in over 30 years. advertising. The Legislative Council referred allegations A further significant change was the of misuse of Members’ staff budget amendment of the Assembly’s sitting entitlements to the Privileges Committee hours at the commencement of the 58th in March 2018, following a report of the Parliament, to allow Members to finish Ombudsman on the matter. This referral earlier without losing substantial time in constitutes the first time this committee debate. The Council made less significant has been formed in the Victorian changes to its sitting hours. Parliament. The Committee’s final report Both houses also introduced Sessional endorsed the recommendations made by Orders that allocated questions to non- the Ombudsman, which the Government government members only, thereby supported in its response to the removing the capacity for government Committee’s report, in September 2018. backbenchers to ask Ministers pre- Over the course of the 58th Parliament, arranged questions during question time, joint investigatory committees tabled a a practice known as ‘Dorothy Dixers’. total of 125 inquiry, scrutiny and other These Sessional Orders instead assigned reports; standing committees tabled 36 time for Ministers’ Statements. These reports; and select committees tabled five statements can be made at certain times reports. with the purpose of informing the chambers about government projects and Standing and Sessional Orders achievements within each Minister’s Sessional Orders are temporary procedural portfolio. Other Sessional Orders adopted rules that last for the duration of the by both houses included the introduction current session of parliament, or until the of constituency questions, allowing parliament expires or is prorogued. They Members to request information from can add to, or supersede, the permanent 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 14 Ministers on issues in their respective electronic petitions (e-petitions) in March electorates; and an amendment of the 2017. This allows members of the public to time of the ringing of the bells for a submit petitions at the Parliament of division from three minutes to four Victoria’s website, which are then made minutes, due to the new Members’ office publicly available on the website and open building being opened behind the original for further signatures. The Legislative Parliament building. Assembly continues to accept only paper petitions. The Legislative Council also adopted a new Standing Order, 10.10, relating to Sources: Statistics for the 58th Parliament, Procedure Office, Legislative Assembly of Victoria (2018); Legislative Council Statistics 18 to 20 September 2018, Chamber Support Office, Legislative Council of Victoria (2018)2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 15 Legislation Committee inquiries The following selection of legislation was • E-petitions, Legislative Council introduced during to the 58th Parliament. Procedure Committee, Parliament of For further information, see the Legislation Victoria (2016) website. • Inquiry into sitting hours and operation of the House, Legislative Assembly • Parliamentary Committees and Inquiries Acts Amendment Act 2015 Standing Orders Committee, • Parliamentary Budget Officer Act 2017 Parliament of Victoria (2016) • Inquiry into the conduct of the 2014 • Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal and Improving Parliamentary Victorian state election, Joint Standards Bill 2017 (lapsed) Investigatory Committee on Electoral • Electoral Legislation Amendment Act Matters, Parliament of Victoria (2016) 2018 • Video on demand, Legislative Council Procedure Committee, Parliament of Library research publications Victoria (2017) The Parliamentary Library Research & • Inquiry into civics and electoral Inquiries unit produced the following participation in Victorian state research publications on issues of parliamentary elections, Joint relevance during the 58th Parliament. Investigatory Committee on Electoral Matters, Parliament of Victoria (2018) • The 2014 Victorian state election, • Inquiry into matters relating to the Research Paper, Victorian misuse of electorate office staffing Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2015) entitlements, Legislative Council • E-petitions, Research Paper, Victorian Privileges Committee, Parliament of Parliamentary Library & Information Victoria (2018) Service (2016) • Review of the Standing Orders (58th • Independence of Parliament, Research Parliament), Legislative Council Paper, Victorian Parliamentary Library Procedure Committee, Parliament of & Information Service (2017) Victoria (2018) • The 2017 Northcote by-election, Research Note, Victorian Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2017) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 16 Arts, sport and recreation Arts, sport and recreation An overview of developments within the arts, sports and recreation portfolios during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation and reports. Arts The Geelong Performing Arts Centre received $30 million in the 2015–16 There was much planning in the creative Budget for a redevelopment including industries space during the 58th more dance studios, a brand new façade Parliament, which culminated in the and a conversion of the nearby church Creative Victoria Act 2017. The Act into a 150-seat cabaret and music venue. repealed the Arts Victoria Act 1972, which the Government felt no longer reflected its The Andrews Government expanded the policy and activity in relation to the arts, White Night Festival into the regional culture and the creative industries. The areas of Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong in legislation provided new recognition for 2017 and 2018, which received much the private and public benefits of the arts positive local media coverage. and creative industries and the centrality In 2018, the Government announced a of Aboriginal culture and art to Victoria’s ‘once-in-a-generation’ redevelopment of cultural life. It also the established the Melbourne’s arts precinct which includes a office of Chief Executive for Creative contemporary art and design gallery. The Victoria. This Act drew upon and reflected Government pledged $208 million towards the findings from a discussion paper and the first phase of the project, which also consultation paper, which led to Creative state: Victoria’s first creative industries requires substantial philanthropic and federal government contributions. strategy 2016–2020. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Film industry In 2015, amendments were made to the received positive media coverage for Classification (Publications, Films and ranking among the top 20 most-visited art Computer Games) (Enforcement) Act 1995, galleries in the world, as well as Australia’s which followed changes to the most popular gallery, welcoming over Commonwealth Classification (Publications, 3.3 million visitors in 2017–18. It received Films and Computer Games) Amendment $28.7 million over two years in the 2017– (Classification Tools and Other Measures) 18 State Budget to continue funding for Act 2014. These amendments streamlined summer exhibitions, the Triennial of exemption arrangements for festivals and Contemporary Art and Design, the cultural institutions; expanded the development of permanent exhibitions exceptions to the modification rule so that and the management of the state films and computer games which are collection. The Van Gogh and the Seasons subject to minor modifications do not exhibition in 2017 recorded the most require re-classification; and enabled ticketed visits for a single exhibition in the certain content to be classified using tools Gallery’s history, generating almost $56 such as online questionnaires. million for the Victorian economy. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 19 In April 2018, the Minister for Creative Sport and recreation Industries, Martin Foley, announced funding for the Australian Centre for the Racing th Moving Image (ACMI) to undertake ‘the Several pieces of legislation in the 58 biggest transformation of the Centre in its Parliament dealt with racing and racing 16-year history’. The 2018–19 State integrity issues. Budget allocated $36.6 million over two Greyhound racing years to redevelop ACMI, including In February 2015, the ABC’s Four Corners building a new permanent exhibition, aired an investigation which documented technology-enhanced visitor interaction controversial practices in the greyhound and a new learning centre. racing industry, including live baiting, which is illegal under the Prevention of Music Industry Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. In July 2015, the Andrews Government established Music Works Grants, a Following the investigation, Victoria’s program to support musicians, music Chief Veterinary Officer and the Racing managers and industry organisations. In Integrity Commissioner conducted May 2016, the Minister for Creative separate inquiries into the matter. The first Industries announced grant opportunities was commissioned by the Minister for for live music venues of up to $25,000 to Agriculture and the Minister for Racing, improve venue sound-proofing, under the while the second was an own motion Good Music Neighbours initiative, as part inquiry. Together, the two inquiries of the Music Works Program. produced a total of 68 recommendations. The recommendations led to the Racing and Other Acts Amendment (Greyhound Racing and Welfare Reform) Act 2016, which increased penalties for baiting, blooding and luring greyhounds, while strengthening powers and imposing greater accountability on Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) for animal welfare within the industry. The Act also provided for the creation of a new, mandatory Code of Practice for the Keeping of Racing Greyhounds—a key recommendation of Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer. The Code was subsequently approved and released by the Andrews Government on 23 April 2018, with a scheduled commencement date of 20 January 2020. The Code replaced the existing Code of Practice for the Operation of Greyhound 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 20 Establishments made under the Racing Act established to hear and determine matters 1958 and enforced by GRV. involving serious offences across the racing codes; to limit certain rights of Other developments included the appeal to VCAT; and to make other Prevention of Cruelty to Animals administrative amendments. This followed Amendment Act 2015, which created new the recommendations of the Bittar review offences and penalties for ‘baiting, into the integrity structures of the blooding and luring’. In April 2018, the Victorian racing industry. Andrews Government announced that, as of 1 January 2019, pet greyhounds would Tennis no longer be required to be muzzled in There has been ongoing development of public. The RSPCA and Australian the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Veterinary Association welcomed the precinct. In August 2016, the Minister for move as improving the image of Sport, <a href="/tags/John_Eren/" rel="tag">John Eren</a>, introduced the greyhounds and increasing their prospects Melbourne and Olympic Parks for adoption. Amendment Bill 2016 to amend the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Act 1985. Horseracing The legislation, passed in October 2016, In August 2015, the Minister for Racing, contains enabling provisions for the <a href="/tags/Martin_Pakula/" rel="tag">Martin Pakula</a>, introduced amendments to development of a pedestrian bridge the Racing Act 1958 into the Parliament. A connecting Flinders Street Station to media release explained that the Melbourne Park, which is part of stage 2 of legislation sought to establish new a $338 million redevelopment of Rod governance arrangements for the Board of Laver Arena and the broader precinct. Harness Racing Victoria, a Harness Racing Advisory Council and increased Ticket Scalping information-sharing powers for the Racing Ticket scalping—the reselling of event Integrity Commissioner. The legislation tickets by secondary agencies, often at followed from recommendations of the prices well above face value—continued to Monteith Report, an independent audit of impact major Victorian events. The Major the industry. Events Legislation Amendment (Ticket In December 2016, Mr Pakula announced Scalping and Other Matters) Act 2018 the Government’s intention to introduce makes it illegal to sell, or advertise for legislation in 2017 to create an resale, tickets to any declared event for independent Board for Racing Victoria. more than 10 per cent above face value. This was later achieved through the Racing Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2017, which was introduced in June 2017 and passed in March 2018. Other developments included the Racing Amendment (Integrity and Disciplinary Structures) Act 2018, which also amended the Racing Act 1958 to establish the Victorian Racing Tribunal. The Tribunal was 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 21 Legislation Reports The following selection of legislation was The following selection of reports was introduced during the 58th Parliament. For produced during the 58th Parliament. See further information, see the Legislation the Library catalogue for further reports. website. • 2015 Own motion inquiry into live • Classification (Publications, Films and baiting in greyhound racing in Victoria, Computer Games) (Enforcement) Act S. Perna, Racing Integrity 2015 Commissioner (2015) • Racing Amendment Act 2015 • Cultural and creative industries: • Melbourne and Olympic Parks Consultation summary report, Creative Amendment Act 2016 Victoria (2015) • Racing and Other Acts Amendment • Investigation into animal welfare and (Greyhound Racing and Welfare cruelty in the Victorian greyhound Reform) Act 2016 industry, Dr C. Milne, Chief Veterinary • Creative Victoria Act 2017 Officer (2015) • Major Events Legislation Amendment • Let’s get creative about Victoria’s future: (Ticket Scalping and Other Matters) Act Developing Victoria’s first creative 2018 industries strategy, Creative Victoria • Racing Amendment (Integrity and (2015) Disciplinary Structures) Act 2018 • Report on the audit of Harness Racing • Racing Amendment (Modernisation) Act Victoria, D. Monteith (2015) 2018 • Review of the integrity structures of the Victorian racing industry, P. Bittar (2016) • Creative state: Victoria’s first creative industries strategy 2016–2020, Creative Victoria (2016) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 22 Crime and justice Crime and justice An overview of developments within the crime and justice portfolios during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation and reports.Courts and legal services Legal aid and community legal Court facilities and services centres New court facilities and improved court The Department of Justice and Regulation th services were developed during the 58 released its Access to Justice Review in Parliament, including the $73 million 2016, which made 60 recommendations multi-jurisdictional Shepparton Law aimed at reducing the barriers Courts, which commenced operation in disadvantaged people face when April 2018. The new Courts Koori Portfolio accessing the legal system. In total, 57 Committee was also established. The core recommendations were accepted from the role of the Committee is to advise the review, with the Andrews Government Courts Council on Indigenous issues and providing $34.7 million in 2018 towards to consolidate governance arrangements their implementation. The package as they relate to Koori programs across included $7.23 million of additional legal the courts. aid grants to ensure better access to legal The Judicial Commission of Victoria Act representation; $6.85 million to expand 2016 established the Judicial Commission the Legal Help phone service and increase of Victoria. As a new independent body, alternative dispute resolution services; and the Commission has authority to hear $4.55 million to modernise and streamline complaints about the conduct of judicial VCAT services. officers and Victorian Civil & Also resulting from the review was the Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) members. Justice Legislation Amendment (Access to Justice) Act 2018 According to the 2017–2018 Court Services . The Act, which came into Victoria (CSV) annual report, additional effect in May 2018, gives Victoria Legal Aid state government funding was provided to a new role coordinating Victoria’s legal increase the capacity of the Victorian court assistance sector, as well as working with system. The investment included funding the Government and other sectors to for a new Supreme Court judge, two new deliver legal assistance services across the County Court judges and 18 new state. magistrates. It will also enable the acquisition of land for any future development of new courts in Bendigo and Wyndham.2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 25 Sentencing and criminal justice syndicates, money laundering and child exploitation networks. Serious and organised crime The Criminal Organisation Control Firearms Amendment (Unlawful Associations) Act In the 58th Parliament, the Andrews 2015 limits the ability of criminal gangs, Government introduced a new suite of including outlaw motorcycle gangs, to reforms that targeted the illicit firearms recruit new members and maintain trade that fuels drug trade and crime existing members. The amendment makes across the state. The Firearms Amendment it clear as to whom the laws around (Trafficking and Other Measures) Act 2015 consorting offences will apply, as well as lowered the number of unregistered permitting Victoria Police to issue firearms that is considered a trafficable warnings to people against further quantity from ten firearms to three unlawful associations. firearms over a 12-month period. Additionally, in recognition that theft of Relatedly, the Justice Legislation firearms increases the flow of firearms in Amendment (Unlawful Association and the community, the Act enforced a higher Criminal Appeals) Bill 2018 was set to penalty for theft offences. The Act is also amend and clarify laws designed to intended to help Victoria Police to deal prevent the formation of criminal with firearms held by serious and networks, by prohibiting those convicted organised crime groups, such as of serious offences from associating with motorcycle gangs. Where a firearm is others. This Bill was second read on found, but those present deny any 7 September 2018 but lapsed at the end knowledge of the weapon or claim it is not of the 58th Parliament. theirs, the new laws placed the onus on In 2016, the Confiscation and Other that person to prove the firearm is not in Matters Amendment Act 2016 amended their possession. the Confiscation Act 1997. Loopholes had In December 2016, the Andrews previously allowed for criminals to hide Government released the first Community their wealth by purchasing assets with a Safety Statement publicising its community loan and then repaying those loans with safety priorities. Among its objectives were the proceeds of crime. The new Act the increase of powers, tools and ensures that Victorian criminals repaying investment for Victoria Police to better mortgages using the proceeds of crime address firearm-related offences. In cannot claim that houses bought with alignment with these objectives, the those mortgages were lawfully acquired. Firearms Amendment Act 2018 introduced Support for toughening Victoria’s stance firearm prohibition orders and new and on organised crime was reflected in the updated offences. The Act also introduced 2018–19 State Budget. Notably, the complementary police powers to help Budget included $24.2 million to Victoria Police disrupt serious criminal strengthen Victoria’s response to serious activity associated with the illicit use of and organised crime online, including firearms. In 2018, the Shooters, Fishers and disrupting drugs and firearm trafficking Farmers Party introduced a Bill in the Legislative Council, which aimed to make 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 26 firearm silencers available to recreational the Act enables police to detain terror shooters. The Bill was subsequently suspects without a court order for up to defeated. four days, creates a presumption against bail and parole for those who pose a Counter-terrorism terrorism risk, and clarifies police powers Violent incidents in Victoria during the 58th to use lethal force. Parliament triggered consideration as to whether Victoria’s counter-terrorism Sexual offences legislation adequately guarded against the Completing a process that began in 2010 evolving threat of terrorism. This resulted as part of the Victorian Government’s in a suite of amendments to strengthen overhaul of sexual offence laws, the Victoria’s counter-terrorism laws. Andrews Government introduced the Crimes Amendment (Sexual Offences) Act The first major counter-terrorism Bill to 2016 in July. Where the law has failed to pass in the 58th Parliament was the keep pace with new ways of offending, Terrorism (Community Protection) especially following technology advances, Amendment Bill 2015. Amending the the Act reformed and expanded more Terrorism (Community Protection) Act than 50 offences. It also includes new 2003, it sought to grant various special offences that apply regardless of whether police powers, which include extending an offence occurs in person or using the the operation of preventative detention internet. orders and prohibited contact orders, as well as enabling remote entry into a In 2015, reforms under the Crimes suspect’s computer for the purpose of Amendment (Child Pornography and Other covert search warrants. Matters) Act 2015 created three new offences concerning child pornography, as A second set of reforms came about well as increasing the penalty for the following a siege and hostage incident in offence of possession of such materials. the suburb of Brighton in June 2017. Days after this incident, the Andrews In 2016, Victoria Police were given Government established an independent stronger powers under the Sex Offenders expert panel on Terrorism and Violent Registration Amendment Act 2016 to Extremism Prevention and Response monitor and investigate registered sex Powers. The panel reviewed the laws that offenders. This includes the ability for protect the community against terrorism police to search registered sex offenders and produced two reports. From these and their homes to ensure compliance reports, 16 recommendations from Report with reporting obligations. In 2017, further 1 and recommendations 18 to 21 and 24 amendments were made to the Sex from Report 2 were implemented. On 7 Offenders Registration Act 2004. These August 2018, the Justice Legislation amendments enable young adults who Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2018 came were found guilty of one or more specified into effect, implementing these key sex offences to apply (in limited recommendations. With an additional circumstances) for a court order $20.9 million allocated by the 2018–19 exempting them from being State Budget to implement these reforms, 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 27 ‘automatically’ registered as a sex offender Family violence upon sentencing. Tackling family violence was a key issue during the 58th Parliament. The Royal Community correction orders Commission into Family Violence followed After the assault and murder of drug reported crime statistics reflecting an trafficker Carl Williams in Barwon prison in increase in recorded family violence 2010, media reports announced in 2014 incidents of 70.2 per cent since 2010, with that Williams’ family could be awarded up incidents taking up 40 per cent of Victoria to $740,000 as ‘victims of crime.’ Police’s case load and costing the Subsequently, legislation around victims of Victorian economy $3.4 billion a year. crime was reviewed and in November 2015, the Wrongs Amendment (Prisoner Relevant issues, reports and legislation, Related Compensation) Bill 2015 was including the Royal Commission into passed by Parliament. The legislation Family Violence, are discussed in the restricts the amount of damages that may Human Services section of this Briefing e- be awarded for non-economic loss in Book. respect of mental harm caused by the death or injury of a prisoner if, as an adult, the claimant has been convicted of an offence. The murder of schoolgirl Masa Vukotic by a man with a lengthy criminal history while out on bail in 2015 prompted reforms to strengthen the parole system and better protect the community from dangerous sex offenders. This resulted in the enactment of the Corrections Legislation Amendment Act 2015, in June 2016. The legislation gives Victoria Police significantly greater powers to enter the home of a serious sex offender to check if they are complying with their orders. It also clarifies the conditions for the automatic cancellation of parole due to reimprisonment either in or outside Victoria for offences committed before or during a parole period. Drawing on these reforms in relation to serious sex offenders in 2015, the Corrections Legislation Amendment Act 2016 established a new safety role for the security and emergency services group of Corrections Victoria in supervising prisoners on parole. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 28 Victims of crime character to argue for more lenient A number of reforms and initiatives were sentences, and it removes the two-year introduced to better protect and support time limit for childhood abuse victims to victims of crime during the 58th seek compensation from the Victims of Parliament. Crime Assistance Tribunal. The Victims of Crime Commissioner Act In the 2017–2018 State Budget, the 2015 came into effect in October 2015, Andrews Government allocated $28.5 formally establishing the Victims of Crime million to increase the number of frontline Commissioner and Victims of Crime staff and support services for victims, Consultative Committee. The Act ensures witnesses and vulnerable children. the continued existence of the Committee as well as giving the Commissioner specific powers—including the power to undertake inquiries or refer cases to the Ombudsman, Chief Commissioner of Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions. In 2016, the Victorian Law Reform Commission tabled its report on The role of victims of crime in the criminal trial process. A number of the Commission’s recommendations were implemented by the Victims and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2018. The Act amends the Jury Directions Act 2015 to provide a new jury direction on the language and cognitive skills of child witnesses. The Act also ensures that, for victims of crime, relevant historical care and protection orders are not treated as convictions or findings of guilt. Another Act resulting from the Commission’s findings was the Justice Legislation Amendment (Victims) Act 2018, which came into effect in February 2018. The Act introduces a role for intermediaries in court processes. These are skilled communications specialists who work with victims and assist them in giving evidence to police and in court. The legislation also prevents child sex offenders from using evidence of good 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 29 Legislation • Justice Legislation Amendment (Access The following selection of legislation was to Justice) Act 2018 introduced during the 58th Parliament. For • Justice Legislation Amendment further information, see the Legislation (Terrorism) Act 2018 website. • Justice Legislation Amendment (Unlawful Association and Criminal • Corrections Legislation Amendment Act Appeals) Bill 2018 (lapsed) 2015 • Justice Legislation Amendment • Crimes Amendment (Child (Victims) Act 2018 Pornography and Other Matters) Act • Victims and Other Legislation 2015 Amendment Act 2018 • Criminal Organisation Control Amendment (Unlawful Associations) Reports Act 2015 The following selection of reports was • Firearms Amendment (Trafficking and produced during the 58th Parliament. For Other Measures) Act 2015 further reports, see the Library catalogue. • Judicial Commission of Victoria Act • Report and recommendations, Royal 2015 Commission into Family Violence • Terrorism (Community Protection) (2016) Amendment Act 2015 • The role of victims of crime in the • Wrongs Amendment (Prisoner Related criminal trial process, Victorian Law Compensation) Act 2015 Reform Commission (2016) • Confiscation and Other Matters • Report 1: Expert Panel on Terrorism and Amendment Act 2016 Violent Extremism Prevention and • Crimes Amendment (Sexual Offences) Response Powers, Department of Act 2016 Premier and Cabinet (2017) • Sex Offenders Registration Amendment • Report 2: Expert Panel on Terrorism and Act 2016 Violent Extremism Prevention and • Victims of Crime Commissioner Act Response Powers, Department of 2016 Premier and Cabinet (2017) • Corrections Legislation Further • Annual report 2017–2018, Court Amendment Act 2017 Services Victoria (2018) • Firearms Amendment Act 2018 • Firearms Amendment (Silencers) Bill 2018 (defeated) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 30 Corrections, bail and parole Prisons During the 58th Parliament, the number of incarcerated persons in Victorian prisons continued to increase. The Victorian adult prison population grew from 4,224 persons in 2008 to 7,666 persons in 2018, and the male imprisonment rate rose during that period from 201 to 288.3 per 100,000 male population. The incarceration rate includes both sentenced and unsentenced prisoners, with unsentenced prisoners making up approximately 35 per cent of the prison population (up from 19 per cent in 2008). Approximately half of all prisoners in 2018 had previously been imprisoned. Total number of prisoners and male imprisonment rate, Victoria, 2008–20188,000 350 adult male 100,000 per rate imprisonment Male7,000 300250 6,000200 population 5,000 150Total prisonersTotal 4,000 1003,000 502,000 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Total prisoners no. Male imprisonment rate no.Source: Prisoners in Australia, Australian Bureau of Statistics (2018)See the Parliamentary Library’s research included a dedicated mental health publication, Victorian crime statistics by treatment facility. LGAs, for breakdowns of statistics by local A new 24-hour operational centre for government area. security staff responding to prison Corrections Victoria opened the new incidents and emergencies (the Security Ravenhall corrections centre in October and Emergency Services Group) was 2017 to assist with demand. The prison is opened at the Metropolitan Remand medium security and has capacity to Centre in July 2017. This followed an accommodate up to 1,000 male persons, investigation into a major riot incident at with 75 dedicated mental health beds and the Metropolitan Remand Centre in additional forensic mental health services. June 2015. Further upgrades to the Centre Expansion of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre are continuing. was also finished in March 2019, and 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 31 Penalties for possession or use of prison Government committed to implement the contraband were expanded under majority of these recommendations legislation that was passed in December (consulting further on certain 2017. This included the introduction of a recommendations). new criminal offence for the possession or Two tranches of reforms to the bail system use of certain serious types of contraband, were subsequently introduced, the Bail including explosives, firearms, weapons, Amendment (Stage One) Bill 2017 and Bail drugs, child exploitation material, and Amendment (Stage Two) Bill 2017, coming electronic communication devices. into effect by July and October 2018, Offenders can be sentenced to up to two respectively. Among the reforms were a years’ additional imprisonment on top of presumption against bail for an increased their existing sentence. A ban on the use number of serious offences; refusal of bail of drones in and around prisons and for persons who breach terms of bail, correction centres came into effect on 1 summons or parole; and police powers to February 2018. keep a person in custody for up to 48 The State Budget 2018–19 allocated hours while waiting for availability of a $689.5 million to the construction of a court to hear their bail application. maximum-security men’s prison at the The Bail and Remand Court, operated by Lara Prison Precinct, as well as $91 million the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, was for extra beds and updated security opened in May 2018 and hears arrangements at existing prisons. applications for bail after hours and on Statistics relating to prisons, including weekends. The Victorian Government attempted and actual escapes, deaths in announced in the 2018–19 State Budget custody and prisoner employment rates, an allocation of $97 million for new staff are contained in the Department of Justice and police prosecutors for the court, and a annual reports. $37.3 million grant to Victoria Legal Aid to assist the court’s operations. Bail and parole During the 58th Parliament, there were a Several changes were also made to number of high-profile incidents of Victoria’s parole system during this period, persons committing serious crimes while including the limiting of circumstances in on bail or parole. A number of legislative which certain offenders can be granted and policy changes were introduced in this parole, such as for persons convicted of area in the aftermath of these incidents. murdering police officers. Following the Bourke Street tragedy on 20 A 2018 Victorian Auditor-General’s Office January 2017, a review of Victoria’s bail report into the administration of parole in system was undertaken by the Hon. Paul Victoria stated that there are ‘now fewer Coghlan QC. During the review, 115 prisoners who receive parole, and as a submissions were considered and 39 result, more offenders are not receiving consultation sessions took place, the support and supervision during culminating in 37 final recommendations reintegration into the community that the aimed at improving the bail system. In its parole system offers’. response to the review, the Victorian 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 32 Post-sentence preventive supervision Legislation and detention The following selection of legislation was th Victoria’s post-sentence scheme provides introduced during the 58 Parliament. For for the supervision and/or detention of a further information, see the Legislation person following the completion of a term website. of imprisonment, where they are • Corrections Legislation Amendment Act considered to have a risk of reoffending or 2015 – made a number of present a danger to the community. amendments, including the conditions Supervision orders allow for the around the cancellation of parole, and monitoring of a person following the end the powers of the Adult Parole Board. of their term of imprisonment, whereas • Justice Legislation Amendment Act detention orders allow for a person to 2015 – made a number of continue to be detained despite their term miscellaneous amendments, including of imprisonment having finished. allowing CrimTrac to host the Victorian In 2015, the Victorian Government Sex Offender Registry database within commissioned an extensive review into the the National Child Offender System. governance of serious sex offenders in • Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Victoria, commonly referred to as the Supervision) and Other Acts ‘Harper review’. A number of legislative Amendment Act 2015 – provided for and other changes were subsequently further police powers to monitor and made to Victoria’s post-sentence scheme, manage persons on detention and which had previously only applied to supervision orders. certain offenders convicted of serious sex • Wrongs Amendment (Prisoner Related offences. Following passage of the Serious Compensation) Act 2015 – made Offenders Act 2018, the scheme was changes to damages available with expanded to include persons convicted of respect to claims by relatives of serious violent offences. prisoners who are injured while in custody. The Post-Sentence Authority came into • Bail Amendment Act 2016 – introduced operation in February 2018, with the role a presumption against bail for persons of providing independent oversight of charged with committing certain Victoria’s post-sentence preventative terrorism offences; and made changes detention regime, as well as monitoring of to the bail system for children. individual offenders on post-sentence • Corrections Legislation Amendment Act supervision or detention orders. It 2016 – made a number of replaced the Detention and Supervision amendments, including introducing Order Division of the Adult Parole Board. new powers for certain prison officers See the Parliamentary Library’s research who supervise prisoners on parole. publication, Serious Offenders Bill 2018, for further information on recent changes to Victoria’s post-sentence preventive detention regime. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 33 • Justice Legislation Amendment (Parole • Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Reform and Other Matters) Act 2016 – Supervision) Amendment (Governance) introduced reforms to the parole Act 2017 – introduced in response to system for persons convicted of the Harper review, it established the murdering police officers, as well as in Post-Sentence Authority and circumstances referred to as ‘no body’ expanded information-sharing and cases. other mechanisms between • Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and government departments and Supervision) Amendment (Community agencies. Safety) Act 2016 – introduced in • Sex Offenders Registration Amendment response to the Harper review, it (Miscellaneous) Act 2017 – introduced provided for mandatory minimum a number of miscellaneous reforms terms of imprisonment for reckless relating to the Victorian sex offenders breaches of certain conditions register. applying to supervision orders, • Bail Amendment (Stage Two) Act 2018 emphasised the importance of • Corrections Amendment (Parole) Act community safety, and provided for 2018 – amended the conditions for further police powers. making a parole order for persons • Sex Offenders Registration Amendment convicted of murder of a police officer. Act 2016 – introduced the prohibition • Serious Offenders Act 2018 – repealed order scheme, based on the existing post-sentence scheme and recommendations from the Victorian reintroduced an expanded version to Law Reform Commission's 2011 review include persons convicted of serious of the Sex Offenders Registration Act violent offences as well as those 2004. convicted of serious sex offences. • Bail Amendment (Stage One) Act 2017 • Corrections Legislation Further Amendment Act 2017 – contained miscellaneous amendments, including new offences relating to possession or use of prohibited contraband in prisons; and a new security officer role to provide security at the adult parole board. • Corrections Legislation Miscellaneous Amendment Act 2017 – introduced an offence to fly a drone above prisons or youth justice facilities; and tightened parole provisions for persons convicted of certain serious crimes, including aggravated home invasion and aggravated carjacking. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 34 Library research publications Reports The Parliamentary Library Research & The following selection of reports was Inquiries unit produced the following produced during the 58th Parliament. For research publications during the 58th further reports, see the Library catalogue. Parliament. • Administration of parole, Victorian • Births, Deaths and Marriages Auditor-General's Office (2016) Registration Amendment Bill 2016, • Crime data, Victorian Auditor-General's Research Note, Victorian Parliamentary Office (2018) Library & Information Service (2016) • Safety and cost effectiveness of private • Youth justice in Victoria, Research prisons, Victorian Auditor-General's Paper, Victorian Parliamentary Library Office (2018) & Information Service (2017) • Serious Offenders Bill 2018, Bill Brief, Victorian Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) • Victorian crime statistics by LGAs, Research Paper, Victorian Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 35 Police and emergency services Officers) Act 2015, the new role of ‘Police Custody Officer’ was introduced to Victoria Police supervise prisoners in police custody, The Crime Statistics Agency commenced allowing police officers to return to regular operations on 1 January 2015, following duties. Since June 2018, 391 Police passage of the Crime Statistics Act 2014 in Custody Officers have been recruited, August 2014. It assumed responsibilities trained and posted throughout Victoria. for collating, analysing and reporting Victorian statistical crime data. In November 2015, Victoria Police commissioned an independent review of The Victorian Equal Opportunity and the mental health and wellbeing of Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) in Victoria Police employees. The report 2014–15 conducted an inquiry into sex found that the ‘current organisational discrimination and sexual harassment, mental health risk profile is significant’, including predatory behaviour, in Victoria including post-traumatic stress disorder, Police. This inquiry was based on a direct depression, anxiety disorders and referral from Victoria Police, who were substance abuse. Victoria Police commended for ‘showing much needed subsequently developed its Mental health leadership to bring about change’. The strategy and wellbeing action plan 2017– VEOHRC surveyed more than 5,000 20, as a forward plan for improving the people, conducted a number of mental wellbeing of its employees. confidential interviews with Victoria Police personnel, and received confidential The Protective Services Officer (PSO) role written submissions. The VEOHRC handed was expanded during the 58th Parliament. down its findings in a report released in The Justice Legislation Amendment December 2015, stating that ‘an (Protective Services Officers and Other entrenched culture of ‘everyday sexism’, Matters) Act 2017 provided PSOs with coupled with a high tolerance for sexual additional powers, including the ability to harassment, has left many current and execute search warrants; search a person former Victoria Police employees harmed, in a designated place; seize suspected sidelined and deeply disillusioned.’ weapons; and to arrest and detain a person for breach of a parole order. By The recommendations made in the report June 2016, the PSO program was fully centred around creating the foundations implemented, patrolling 212 train stations to support organisational change; across Melbourne, as well as four regional establishing work plans, monitoring stations. mechanisms and training content; and implementing, monitoring and evaluating In 2017–18, the Independent Broad-based actions aimed at diminishing sex Anti-corruption Commission Committee discrimination and harassment within the conducted an inquiry into the external organisation. Victoria Police accepted the oversight and investigation of police findings and are in the process of corruption and misconduct in Victoria. The implementing all of the recommendations. committee found that ‘the complaints and police oversight system needs significant Following passage of the Justice improvement’, and made 69 Legislation Amendment (Police Custody 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 36 recommendations to improve its types of cancer that the cancer is due to efficiency, transparency and effectiveness. the nature of their firefighting work. The Bill was defeated at the third reading in Fire services the Legislative Council. In July 2015, the Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon. <a href="/tags/Jane_Garrett/" rel="tag">Jane Garrett</a>, announced Emergency services a review into Victoria’s two firefighting The Victorian Government made a number services, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) of changes to emergency response and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB). arrangements in 2015. This included introduction of a statutory obligation for The Fire services review investigated the agencies to adhere to the State resourcing, operations, management and Emergency Response Plan; and expansion culture of the organisations. It reported of Victorian State Emergency Service significant issues in areas such as powers, such as the ability to be able to workplace culture, diversity and access private property in an emergency. collaboration between the organisations. The Emergency management strategic The Victorian Government accepted most action plan 2015–18 was launched in July of the report’s recommendations, rejecting 2015 by Emergency Management Victoria. those relating to an amalgamation of ‘the CFA and MFB at any level’. Following reports of poor ambulance response times and high attrition rates, A subsequent 2016 VEOHRC review into the Victorian Government established an equity, diversity and discrimination in the Ambulance Performance and Policy MFB and CFA was subject to legal action Consultative Committee, to examine by the United Firefighters Union of service delivery and workplace culture. The Australia Victoria Branch, in an attempt to subsequent report, Victoria's ambulance prevent publication of the report. The action plan: Improving services, saving Victorian Court of Appeal handed down its lives, was released in December 2015, and final decision in favour of the United included five focus areas for future service Firefighters Union on 4 October 2018. delivery and workplace support. In May 2017, the Victorian Government Data released in August 2015 confirmed released a Fire Services Statement which high suicide rates and mental health issues ‘outlines the next steps in reforming within Ambulance Victoria, leading to the Victoria’s fire services’. The Firefighters' introduction of a workplace mental health Presumptive Rights Compensation and strategy in 2016. Fire Services Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill 2017 was subsequently A new emergency warning app and introduced to implement some of these hotline, both called VicEmergency, were steps. The Bill aimed to abolish the MFB launched in November 2016 to provide board and certain executive positions and comprehensive information on a variety of establish a new body, Fire Rescue Victoria, natural disasters and emergencies across to take on their functions; and recognise the state. the CFA as a fully volunteer fire service. It also contained provisions creating a presumption for firefighters with certain 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 37 During 2018, a number of protests were held across Victoria regarding assaults against emergency services workers. Following a spate of high-profile attacks, the Victorian Government committed to introducing reforms that would ensure custodial sentences for persons convicted of assaulting an emergency worker. These laws passed in September 2018. In 2018, the Victorian Government also introduced a new legislative framework for emergency management planning. This framework included integrated planning for all stages of emergencies; a new governance structure; and quality assurance and accountability mechanisms. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 38 Legislation • Crimes Legislation Amendment The following selection of legislation was (Protection of Emergency Workers and introduced during the 58th Parliament. For Others) Act 2017 – introduced new further information, see the Legislation offences for persons using motor website. vehicles who harm on-duty emergency services workers. • Emergency Management (Control of • Firefighters' Presumptive Rights Response Activities and Other Matters) Compensation and Fire Services Act 2015 – made a number of Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill amendments, including expansion of 2017 (defeated in the Legislative SES powers, and introduction of a Council at the third reading) statutory requirement for emergency • Justice Legislation Amendment (Body- response agencies to act in accordance worn Cameras and Other Matters) Act with the State Emergency Response 2017 – authorised police and Plan. ambulance officers to use body-worn • Justice Legislation Amendment (Police cameras and tablet computers in the Custody Officers) Act 2015 – created course of their duties. the new role of Police Custody Officer, • Justice Legislation Amendment and provided for their duties and (Protective Services Officers and Other powers. Matters) Act 2017 – provided new • Victoria Police Amendment (Validation) powers for Protective Services Officers Act 2015 – amended the Victoria Police and created the new role of Police Act 2013 in relation to authorisations Custody Officer Supervisor. for drug and alcohol testing by police • Emergency Management Legislation officers. Amendment Act 2018 – established a • Justice Legislation Further Amendment new, integrated, emergency Act 2016 – provided for warrant management planning framework. information to be transferred • Justice Legislation Miscellaneous electronically, among other Amendment Act 2018 – made amendments. miscellaneous amendments, including • Police and Justice Legislation introducing mandatory custodial Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2016 – sentences for persons who commit an made a number of miscellaneous injury offence against an emergency amendments to the operation of the services worker. Police Registration and Services Board, including changes to hearings and reporting requirements. • Victoria Police Amendment (Merit- based Transfer) Act 2016 – provided for the transfer of police officers to general duties positions in country stations based on a merit process. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 39 Reports Committee inquiries The following selection of reports was The following committee inquiries were produced during the 58th Parliament. For conducted during the 58th Parliament. further reports, see the Library catalogue. • Inquiry into the CFA Training College at • Emergency service response times, Fiskville, Environment, Natural Victorian Auditor-General's Office Resources and Regional Development (2015) Committee, Parliament of Victoria • Special report concerning police (2016) oversight, Independent Broad-based • Inquiry into fire season preparedness, Anti-corruption Commission (2015) Environment and Planning Committee, • Crime data, Victorian Auditor-General's Parliament of Victoria (2017) Office (2018) • Inquiry into the Firefighters' • Inquiry into the external oversight of Presumptive Rights Compensation and police corruption and misconduct in Fire Services Legislation Amendment Victoria, Independent Broad-based (Reform) Bill 2017, Legislative Council Anti-corruption Commission Fire Services Bill Select Committee, Committee (2018) Parliament of Victoria (2017) • Police management of property and exhibits, Victorian Auditor-General's Office (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 40 Education Education An overview of developments within the education portfolio during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation, committee inquiries and reports. In its first Victorian State Budget, delivered for the financial year 2015–16, the Andrews Government allocated nearly $3.3 billion for Victoria’s education system. The Minister for Education stated that it was ‘the single biggest increase in school funding in Victoria’s history’. This Budget, he argued, reconfirmed the Government’s commitment to the Gonski agreement, ‘the principles of which are central to making Victoria the Education State’. VET reforms clear roles for TAFEs and community sectors’. Following the 2014 State Election, in February 2015 the Andrews Government TAFE funding announced a review of the funding for the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) state’s Vocational Education and Training funding was a Victorian Labor Party (VET) system. The training sector, it election promise and included an argued, had been left ‘in crisis’ by the announcement of a $320 million TAFE former <a href="/tags/Coalition_(Australia)/" rel="tag">Coalition</a> Government, and this Rescue Fund. In a post-election media review was about ‘rebuilding our TAFE and release, the new Premier stated that the training system by developing a more Rescue Fund was intended to ‘repair the stable and sustainable funding model to damage of the previous Liberal better meet the changing skills needs of Government’s cuts and closures’. The our economy’. funding was allocated in the 2015–16 The Government also commissioned State Budget. external research into quality assurance in Similarly, in March 2015, the Government Victoria’s VET system, to contribute to the announced its TAFE Back to Work Fund, a broader funding review. In light of this $50 million fund that would offer grants to research, the Government later TAFEs to ‘develop and expand courses that implemented a ‘blitz’ that resulted in a align with the needs of local employers, number of Registered Training including those eligible for the Back to Organisations being investigated and a Work Scheme’. Later that year, in number of providers having their contracts December 2015, the Government terminated. appointed the first Victorian Skills The VET funding review’s Final report, Commissioner. The Minister for Training released in September 2015, made over and Skills stated that the role signalled a 100 recommendations. In its response to ‘new direction’ in how industry would the report, which the Government engage with the training system, with the acknowledged as its ‘first step in Commissioner to advise government on reforming the VET system’, six themes how the system could address skills were outlined to guide future reforms of shortages, meet workforce training needs, the sector. They included having a ‘clear and boost productivity. vision for VET in Victoria’ and ‘defining 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 43 In August 2016, the Government then Other TAFE-related initiatives announced outlined its framework for overhauling by the Government during the 58th Victoria’s training and TAFE system, known Parliament included: as Skills First. Coming into effect from • an allocation of $116 million to build January 2017, Skills First advocated a new ten Tech Schools across Victoria; approach to training, including that • an in-principle industrial agreement industry have a clearer voice in identifying with the Victorian TAFE institutes and the courses that received government teachers; funding. A key feature of the Skills First • an allocation of $50 million in framework included the Workforce community service funding, to support Training Innovation Fund, launched in vulnerable students; and January 2017. The Government allocated • amendments to the Education and $43.1 million to the Fund to assist industry Training Reform Act 2006, to allow for to develop courses with TAFE and training staff and students to be included on providers, in response to changing university councils and TAFEs boards. workplace needs. Through the Fund, grants of up to $5 million were made available to allow training providers and businesses to collaborate on the development of new training programs and approaches. Additionally, another funding announcement included the Free TAFE initiative, which was allocated $172 million in the State Budget 2018–19 to provide free training at TAFE for 30 priority courses. The Premier stated that the initiative formed part of a $644 million package ‘to strengthen TAFE and apprenticeships and provide 30,000 extra government-subsidised training places’. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 44 Schools and infrastructure Other developments The Andrews Government allocated In the education portfolio, funding was significant funding to schools and provided for a number of other initiatives, infrastructure in the various state budgets including kindergartens and early during the 58th Parliament. childhood services, careers education, IT upgrades, student health and wellbeing, The 2015–16 State Budget allocated $730 and relocatable classrooms. Prior to its million to build, upgrade and maintain election in 2014, the Andrews Government schools across Victoria. The Government also committed $100 million to the school termed its first budget the ‘Education asbestos removal program. State’ budget, stating that it was ‘transforming Victoria into the Education State so that all children have access to high-quality schools regardless of their background and where they live’. In its second State Budget, delivered for 2016–17, the Andrews Government allocated $924 million to new and upgraded school buildings—claimed to be the ‘biggest school building program in Victoria’s recent history’. In its third State Budget, for 2017–18, $509.2 million was allocated for the construction, planning and purchase of land for new schools, as well as for school upgrades. In its final State Budget, for 2018–19, the Andrews Government allocated $1.1 billion for new schools and school upgrades. In delivering his final budget for the 58th Parliament, the Treasurer stated that, since coming to office in November 2014, the Andrews Government had invested $6 billion in Victoria’s schools. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 45 Legislation Library research publications The following selection of legislation was The Parliamentary Library Research & introduced during the 58th Parliament. For Inquiries unit produced the following further information, see the Legislation research publication during the 58th website. Parliament. • Education and Training Reform • Education and Training Reform Amendment (Child Safe Schools) Act Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2015, 2015 Research Note, Victorian Parliamentary • Education and Training Reform Library & Information Service (2015) Amendment (Funding of Non- Government Schools) Act 2015 Reports • Education and Training Reform The following selection of reports was th Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2015 produced during the 58 Parliament. For • Education Legislation Amendment further reports, see the Library catalogue. (TAFE and University Governance • Review of quality assurance in Victoria’s Reform) Act 2015 VET system, prepared by Deloitte • Education and Training Reform Touche Tohmatsu for the Department Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2016 of Education and Training (2015) • Education and Training Reform • VET funding review: Final report, B. Amendment (Victorian Institute of Mackenzie & N. Coulson, State Teaching) Act 2016 Government of Victoria (2015) • Melbourne College of Divinity • Technical and Further Education Amendment Act 2016 Institutes: 2015 Audit snapshot, • Education and Care Services National Victorian Auditor-General’s Office Law Amendment Act 2017 (2016) • Education Legislation Amendment (Victorian Institute of Teaching, TAFE Committee inquiries and Other Matters) Act 2018 The following committee inquiry was th conducted during the 58 Parliament. • Inquiry into career advice activities in Victorian schools, Economic, Education, Jobs and Skills Committee, Parliament of Victoria (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 46 Health Health An overview of developments within the health portfolio during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation, committee inquiries and reports. Medicinal cannabis scheme. In her second reading speech, the Minister for Health stated that the Bill was In the lead up to the 2014 state election, seeking to allow for ‘the lawful cultivation the Labor party put forward its policy that and manufacture of safe and reliable medicinal cannabis should be legalised in medicinal cannabis products to help Victoria. Following the party’s election to Victorians in exceptional circumstances’. government, the Attorney-General asked the Victorian Law Reform Commission The Bill made its way through both (VLRC), in December 2014, to report on houses, undergoing some amendments in options for changes to the existing law to the Council, and received the Royal Assent allow, in exceptional circumstances, for in April 2016. Sections of the Act came certain people to be treated with into effect from 8 June 2016 and, in medicinal cannabis. August of that year, an Independent Medical Advisory Committee on Medicinal In March 2015, the VLRC produced an Cannabis was established. In September issues paper. It also held public 2016, Regulations were also established consultations in metropolitan and regional under the Act. In March 2017, the first Victoria, and received 99 submissions. The people to legally access medicinal VLRC final report was due in August 2015 cannabis under the legislation were and, in the meantime, the Andrews children with severe epilepsy. Government announced in April that it would be joining with the NSW Meanwhile, in February 2016, the federal Government in medicinal cannabis trials. Liberal Government introduced its Narcotics Drugs Amendment Bill 2016, In October 2015, the VLRC’s final report which sought to establish ‘a clear national was tabled in Parliament, and made 42 licensing scheme allowing the controlled recommendations for changes to the law cultivation locally of cannabis for to allow for a medicinal cannabis scheme. medicinal and scientific purposes’. In her The Andrews Government fully accepted second reading speech, the federal 40 of the VLRC’s recommendations and Minister for Health stated that the national accepted two in principle, and stated its approach would ‘allow the intention to legalise access to locally Commonwealth, acting with the states and manufactured medicinal cannabis territories, to closely manage the supply of products from 2017. cannabis products from 'farm to In December 2015, the Andrews pharmacy'.’ The Bill had bipartisan support Government introduced the Access to and received the Royal Assent on 29 Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2015. In doing so, February 2016, with some sections coming Victoria became the first Australian into effect from that date. jurisdiction to introduce a Bill to legalise medicinal cannabis through a state-based 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 49 Following this development at the federal Voluntary Assisted Dying level, the state Government’s four-year In April 2015, Greens MLC, Colleen Industry Development Plan was released, in Hartland moved a motion calling on the January 2018, and set out eight key Attorney-General to refer the matter of actions the Government intended to take voluntary euthanasia for terminally ill to support the emerging medicinal people to the Victorian Law Reform cannabis industry in Victoria. The Plan Commission for inquiry, consideration and included the stated objective that the local report. Then, in early May 2015, Australian industry would supply half of Australia’s Sex Party MLC, <a href="/tags/Fiona_Patten/" rel="tag">Fiona Patten</a>, gave notice medicinal cannabis by 2028. of a motion to have the issue of ‘dying with dignity’ referred to a parliamentary committee. Subsequently, on 7 May 2015, the Legislative Council agreed to a motion, put by the Special Minister of State, the Hon. <a href="/tags/Gavin_Jennings/" rel="tag">Gavin Jennings</a>, for the Standing Committee on Legal and Social Issues to inquire into, consider, and report on ‘the need for laws in Victoria to allow citizens to make informed decisions regarding their own end-of-life choices’. At the time of its interim report, published in November 2015, the Committee had received 1,016 submissions and had heard from 119 witnesses at public hearings across the state. The Committee also later conducted research on assisted dying frameworks in international jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada and the United States. In June 2016, the Committee tabled its final report, Inquiry into end of life choices, and made 49 recommendations, including that the Victorian Government should introduce a legal framework providing for assisted dying. The Andrews Government released its response to the Committee’s final report in December 2016, and committed to review the implementation of an assisted dying framework in Victoria. This led to 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 50 the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Sections of the Act came into effect from 1 Panel, tasked with exploring how voluntary July 2018, with all provisions set to come assisted dying would look in practice. The into effect by 19 June 2019. Panel submitted its final report in July In order to access the voluntary assisted 2017 and made 66 recommendations, dying framework, the Act stipulates that a informed by the work previously person must: undertaken by the Standing Committee. • be aged 18 years or more; In September 2017, Minister for Health, • be an Australian citizen or permanent the Hon. Jill Hennessy, introduced the resident; Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2017 in the • be a Victorian resident for at least 12 Legislative Assembly. In her second months; reading speech, the Minister stated that • have decision-making capacity; the Bill would provide • be diagnosed with a disease, illness or a rigorous process with safeguards medical condition that is incurable, embedded at every step to ensure that only advanced, and is expected to cause those who meet the eligibility criteria and death within six months; and who are making an informed, voluntary and • be suffering in a manner they consider enduring decision will be able to access intolerable. voluntary assisted dying. The Act also establishes the Voluntary Long and vigorous debate ensued. The Bill Assisted Dying Review Board to monitor passed the Legislative Assembly without matters related to voluntary assisted dying amendment, then was later amended in and the Act’s functioning. In June 2018, the Legislative Council. On 29 November the Minister for Health announced the 2017, the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act appointment of former Supreme Court 2017 was passed by the Victorian Judge, Betty King QC, as chair of the Parliament and on 5 December 2017 Board. received the Royal Assent. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 51 Safe access zones Wellbeing Amendment (Safe Access In August 2015, <a href="/tags/Australian_Sex_Party/" rel="tag">Australian Sex Party</a> MLC, Zones) Bill 2015, in the Legislative Fiona Patten introduced the Public Health Assembly on 21 October 2015. In her and Wellbeing Amendment (Safe Access) second reading speech, the Minister for Bill 2015. Ms Patten stated that the Bill was Health stated that the Bill was ‘designed to intended to support women's reproductive health choices by ensuring that all women can create safe access around premises offering access health services that provide reproductive health services, in order to abortions without fear, intimidation, protect and promote women's reproductive harassment or obstruction.’ health. It's about medical privacy and the rights of women who are accessing a legal The Government Bill differed in a number medical service to do so without fear of of ways to the private Member’s Bill. For intimidation or harassment. example, it sought to introduce safe Specifically, the Bill sought to insert a new access zones around ‘premises at which ‘Part 9A – Safe access to reproductive abortions are provided’, rather than health services’ into the Public Health and premises providing reproductive health Wellbeing Act 2008. The new Part defined services. It was also more specific in what a safe access zone as ‘an area within a constituted a prohibited behaviour within radius of 150 metres from premises at a safe access zone, had lower penalty units which reproductive health services are for engaging in prohibited behaviour, and provided’. It also sought to introduce two introduced broader police enforcement new offences relating to engaging in and seizure powers. prohibited behaviour in a safe access zone, The Government Bill passed both houses and publishing or distributing a recording without amendment, received the Royal of a person accessing or attempting to Assent on 1 December 2015, and by access reproductive health services. proclamation the Act came into effect on 2 The Bill’s objectives were broadly May 2016. supported by the Andrews Government. However, Victorian Attorney-General, Martin Pakula, stated that the Bill ‘may require amendments, and it may require another piece of legislation, but we are working with Fiona Patten on it’. Following the Bill’s introduction, the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee questioned whether some of the provisions complied with both constitutional limitations and the state’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. Subsequently, the Government introduced a new Bill, known as the Public Health and 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 52 Medically Supervised Injecting was modelled closely on legislation introduced in New South Wales that Centre established an MSIC in Sydney’s Kings On 20 February 2017, Victorian State Cross. Coroner, Jacqui Hawkins released her finding of the inquest into the death of Ms On 22 February, the Bill was referred to A, who died from a heroin overdose. the Legislative Council’s Standing Coroner Hawkins stated that she had Committee on Legal and Social Issues, conducted the inquest to ‘explore the which was asked to review the Coroner’s nexus between heroin-related harms and recommendations, relevant reports, deaths and the City of Yarra, with current regulations, and policing policy. particular focus on potential prevention The Committee tabled its final report on opportunities in the Richmond area’. 7 September 2017 and made 11 findings, noting that 46 of 49 submissions to its A number of people and organisations inquiry supported a trial of an MSIC in were invited by the Coroner to provide North Richmond. written submissions to the inquest, the majority of which recommended or Following the high number of heroin- supported the introduction of a safe related deaths reported for the 2016 injecting facility in North Richmond (no calendar year—which was the highest submissions opposed such a facility). number in 16 years—media reports Coroner Hawkins concluded that heroin indicated that pressure was growing on addiction is a public health issue and the Andrews Government to introduce a recommended that the Minister for Mental trial for a safe injecting room in North Health ‘take the necessary steps to Richmond. Subsequently, the Government establish a safe injecting facility trial in introduced the Drugs, Poisons and North Richmond’. The recommendation Controlled Substances Amendment was supported by the Victorian branch of (Medically Supervised Injecting Centre) Bill the Australian Medical Association, as well 2017 on 31 October 2017. Mental Health as by Ambulance Employees Australia Minister, Martin Foley stated that the (Victoria), among others. proposed legislation would have ‘much stronger regulatory, medical and licensing Earlier in February and prior to the protocols in place’ than those proposed in Coroner’s findings being made public, the private Member’s Bill. Australian Sex Party MLC Fiona Patten, who sat through Hawkins’ coronial inquest In a media release, the Premier stated that in December 2016, introduced a private the Government would undertake an initial Member’s Bill, the Drugs, Poisons and two-year trial of an MSIC at the North Controlled Substances Amendment (Pilot Richmond Community Health Centre, with Medically Supervised Injecting Centre) Bill the option to extend the trial for a further 2017. In her second reading speech, Ms three years. The Premier also indicated Patten stated that the intention of the Bill that an expert panel of health and was to establish an 18-month trial of a community experts would be established medically supervised injecting centre to oversee and report on the MSIC’s (MSIC) in Victoria. This Bill, she explained, effectiveness. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 53 The Government Bill passed both houses Library research publications without amendment and received the The Parliamentary Library Research & Royal Assent on 19 December 2017, Inquiries unit produced the following coming into effect on 28 February 2018. A research publications during the 58th licence was subsequently issued to North Parliament. Richmond Community Health Ltd to • operate an MSIC from 30 June 2018. Assisted Reproductive Treatment Amendment Bill 2015, Research Note, Other developments Victorian Parliamentary Library & Other developments within the health Information Service (2015) portfolio during the 58th Parliament • Exclusion zones in Australia, Research included: Note, Victorian Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2015) • the Public Health and Wellbeing • Update: Exclusion zones in Australia, Amendment (No Jab, No Play) Act Research Note, Victorian Parliamentary 2015, to increase immunisation rates Library & Information Service (2015) for young children in the community; • Access to Medicinal Cannabis Bill 2015, and Research Note, Victorian Parliamentary • the Medical Treatment Planning and Library & Information Service (2016) Decisions Act 2016, which provides for • Children and young people in statutory statutory recognition of advance care out-of-home care: Health needs and directives and a single medical health care in the 21st Century, Library treatment decision-making Fellowship Paper, Victorian mechanism. Parliamentary Library & Information Legislation Service (2016) • Medical Treatment Planning and The following selection of legislation was th Decisions Bill 2016 introduced during the 58 Parliament. For , Research Note, further information, see the Legislation Victorian Parliamentary Library & website. Information Service (2016) • Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2017, • Public Health and Wellbeing Research Note, Victorian Parliamentary Amendment (No Jab, No Play) Act 2015 Library & Information Service (2017) • Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Safe Access Zones) Act 2015 • Safe Patient Care (Nurse to Patient and Midwife to Patient Ratios) Act 2015 • Access to Medicinal Cannabis Act 2016 • Medical Treatment Planning and Decisions Act 2016 • Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Medically Supervised Injecting Centre) Act 2017 • Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 54 Reports Committee inquiries The following selection of reports was The following committee inquiries were produced during the 58th Parliament. For conducted during the 58th Parliament. further reports, see the Library catalogue. • Inquiry into end of life choices: Interim • Medicinal cannabis: Report, Victorian Report, Legislative Council Legal and Law Reform Commission (2015) Social Issues Committee, Parliament of • Government response to the inquiry Victoria (2015) into end of life choices: Final report, • Inquiry into end of life choices: Final State Government of Victoria (2016) report, Legislative Council Legal and • Interim report of the Ministerial Social Issues Committee, Parliament of Advisory Panel: Consultation overview, Victoria (2016) Prof. B. Owler et al., Department of • Inquiry into end of life choices: Final Health and Human Services (2017) report - Summary booklet, Legislative • Ministerial Advisory Panel on Voluntary Council Legal and Social Issues Assisted Dying: Final report, Prof. B. Committee, Parliament of Victoria Owler et al., Department of Health and (2016) Human Services (2017) • Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and • Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill: Controlled Substances Amendment Discussion paper, Department of (Pilot Medically Supervised Injecting Health and Human Services (2017) Centre) Bill 2017, Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee, Parliament of Victoria (2017) • Inquiry into drug law reform, Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Committee, Parliament of Victoria (2018) • Inquiry into drug law reform – Summary booklet, Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Committee, Parliament of Victoria (2018)2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 55 Human services Human services An overview of selected developments in aboriginal affairs, housing, youth affairs and family violence during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation passed, committee inquiries and reports. Aboriginal affairs and the preamble were also written in Woi-wurrung language. Yarra River protection The protection of the Yarra River was Treaty provided a legislative framework with the The Advancing the Treaty Process with introduction of the Yarra River Protection Aboriginal Victorians Bill 2018 was (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Bill in June introduced in March 2018. Attempts at 2017. The Bill was passed in September treaty-making with Aboriginal Australians 2017. The Bill was a culmination of a have had a long and difficult political consultancy process which began in history. The Bill is considered as an December 2015 with the appointment of a attempt to legislate a treaty process with Ministerial Advisory Committee. The Aboriginal Victorians. The Bill provided, in Committee released a discussion paper, the first instance, for the establishment of Protecting the Yarra River (Birrarung), in the Aboriginal Representative Body. The July 2016 for public comment, and Representative Body, as ‘the voice of submitted its final report in December Aboriginal Victorians’, would then be 2016. The Government’s response—Yarra responsible for the ongoing treaty-making River action plan: Wilip-gin Birrarung process with the state. murron, released in February 2017— See the Parliamentary Library’s Research included the creation of the Birrarung papers on the Bill and treaties. Council as an independent advisory body. The Birrarung Council comprises The introduction of the Bill was Traditional Owners as well as noteworthy for the Victorian Parliament in representatives from environmental, that a Government motion was passed farming and community groups. enabling the Treaty Commissioner, Jill Gallagher AO and five members of the The introduction of the Bill was a first for Aboriginal Treaty Working Group, onto the Victorian Parliament, when business of the floor of the chamber. On 28 March the House was suspended to allow for 2018, following the second reading of the Wurundjeri elders to address the Bill, Ms Gallagher, a Gunditjmara woman, Legislative Assembly in English and Woi- addressed the House, followed by Mick wurrung language. Aunty Alice Kolasa Harding, Dhaagungwurrung man and became the first Wurundjeri person to Chair of the Aboriginal Treaty Interim speak from the floor of the Parliament, Working Group. Mr Harding addressed the explaining the connection of the House in English and Dhaagungwurrung Wurundjeri with the Yarra River and the language. importance of protecting the river for future generations. The co-title of the Bill 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 59 Legislation Reports The following selection of legislation was The following selection of reports was introduced during the 58th Parliament. For produced during the 58th Parliament. For further information, see the Legislation further reports, see the Library catalogue. website. • Protecting the Yarra River (Birrarung): • Aboriginal Heritage Amendment Act Discussion paper summary, Yarra River 2016 Protection Ministerial Advisory • Traditional Owner Settlement Committee (2016) Amendment Act 2016 • Protecting the Yarra River (Birrarung): • Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Ministerial Advisory Committee final Birrarung murron) Act 2017 report, Yarra River Protection • Advancing the Treaty Process with Ministerial Advisory Committee (2016) Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 • Yarra River action plan: Wilip-gin Birrarung murron, Department of Library research publications Environment, Land, Water and The Parliamentary Library Research & Planning (2017) Inquiries unit produced the following research publications during the 58th Parliament. • Treaty discussions in Australia: An overview, Quick Guide, Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) • Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Bill 2018, Bill Brief, Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) • Treaties and self-determination: Case studies from international jurisdictions, Research Note, Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) • Land and water rights of Traditional Owners in Victoria, Research Paper, Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 60 Housing Homelessness Circumstances precipitating homelessness Access to affordable housing continued to are complex. Consequently, housing needs be a challenging social policy issue for the range from access to an affordable private new Government. Rising house prices and rental market, to victims of family violence the availability of secure tenancy in the seeking safe crisis accommodation and rental market were key issues for Victoria stable housing. In January 2017, the and for Melbourne, in particular. The Government announced ‘Towards Home’, increased visibility of homelessness as an emergency response package evidenced by rough sleeping—particularly providing housing and support for people in the CBD—prompted a number of policy sleeping rough in metropolitan and legislative measures to address the Melbourne. issue of access to affordable housing as well as the pressing need for social Tony Nicholson, from the Brotherhood of housing. St Laurence, was appointed to oversee the , See the Parliamentary Library research delivery of Towards Home as well as papers on housing affordability and develop recommendations for a long-term homelessness. strategy to reduce rough sleeping and long-term (chronic) homelessness. Mr Rooming houses Nicholson delivered his recommendations The Rooming House Operators Bill 2015 to the Government in October 2017. was introduced in December 2015 to Victoria’s homelessness and rough sleeping protect vulnerable tenants in rooming action plan, released in January 2018, was houses by establishing a licensing scheme developed in response to those to implement a ‘fit and proper’ person test recommendations. for rooming house operators. The Bill was Residential tenancies a response to one of the 18 The introduction of prescribed minimum recommendations from the State Coroner standards for residential rental properties in 2009, following an investigation into the was one of the reforms introduced as part deaths of two people in a rooming house of a major overhaul of residential tenancy fire. (See the Parliamentary Library laws. The reforms followed a review of the research note on the Bill.) Residential Tenancies Act 1997 which Social housing began in 2015 and was completed in 2017. The Victorian Housing Register was The key amending legislation, the established in September 2016 as a single Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill social housing waiting list, combining the 2018, introduced on 7 August 2018, also existing public housing and community placed limits on rental rate rises, allowed housing waiting lists. The Housing for renters to own pets, introduced Amendment (Victorian Housing Register protections for vulnerable renters, such as and Other Matters) Act 2016 additionally victims of family violence, and the provided for the security and privacy of appointment of a Commissioner for client information on the Register. Residential Tenancies. The Bill was passed on 6 September 2018. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 61 The Residential Tenancies Amendment units, it would not significantly address the (Long-term Tenancy Agreements) Bill size of the public housing waiting list. The 2017, introduced in August 2017 (but not Committee published its report in June passed until August 2018), was the first 2018, making 28 recommendations which piece of legislative reform following the included clarifying the decision-making review of the Act, and allowed for tenancy process and tying the program to a agreements longer than five years. decrease in the Victorian Housing Register. The changes were welcomed by renters’ advocacy groups but criticised by the REIV, the real estate peak body, which argued that the new laws would see a withdrawal of properties from the rental market experiencing low vacancy rates. The legislation also addressed conditions for alternate forms of housing such as rooming houses and caravan parks. Reform of the residential tenancies law was a pre-election commitment of the Andrews Government. Affordable housing The Planning and Building Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability and Other Matters) Bill 2017 proposed to amend the Planning and Environment Act 1987, defining ‘affordable housing’ and specifying that it be an objective of the Act. The reforms would facilitate councils to enter into voluntary agreements with developers to provide for affordable housing, which was described as a voluntary benefits scheme. In August 2017, on a motion from the Greens in the Legislative Council, the government’s Public Housing Renewal Program was referred to the Legal and Social Issues Committee for investigation. The program, whereby nine existing public housing estates were to be sold for private development of mixed private and public housing, raised concerns that, while the program was intended to yield an increase of at least ten per cent in social housing 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 62 Legislation Reports The following selection of legislation was The following report was produced during introduced during the 58th Parliament. For the 58th Parliament. For further reports, further information, see the Legislation see the Library catalogue. website. • Victoria’s homelessness and rough • Estate Agents Amendment sleeping action plan, Department of (Underquoting) Act 2016 Health and Human Services (2018) • Housing Amendment (Victorian Housing Register and Other Matters) Committee inquiries Act 2016 The following committee inquiries were th • Rooming House Operators Act 2016 conducted during the 58 Parliament. • Planning and Building Legislation • Inquiry into the retirement housing Amendment (Housing Affordability and sector, Legal and Social Issues Other Matters) Act 2017 Committee, Parliament of Victoria • Residential Tenancies Amendment (2017) (Long-term Tenancy Agreements) Act • Inquiry into the public housing renewal 2017 program, Legal and Social Issues • Residential Tenancies Amendment Act Committee, Parliament of Victoria 2018 (2018) Library research publications The Parliamentary Library Research & Inquiries unit produced the following research publications during the 58th Parliament. • Rooming House Operators Bill 2015, Research Note, Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2015) • Housing affordability in Victoria, Research Paper, Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2017) • Homelessness in Victoria, Quick Guide, Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) • Homelessness in Victoria, Prof. Guy Johnson, Parliamentary Library Seminar presentation (2018) • Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2018, Bill Brief, Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 63 Child safety prescribe additional organisations to be The Andrews Government continued with subject to the standards. The Bill was the introduction of legislation to passed in November 2015. implement the recommendations of the Legislation Family and Community Development The following selection of legislation was Betrayal of trust Committee in its report introduced during the 58th Parliament. For tabled in the previous Parliament. The further information, see the Legislation Committee had made recommendations website. to improve the way organisations respond to and prevent child abuse from occurring • Limitation of Actions (Child Abuse) Act in their organisations. 2015 • Child Wellbeing and Safety Amendment The Education and Training Reform (Oversight and Enforcement of Child Amendment (Child Safe Schools) Act 2015 Safe Standards) Act 2016 implemented minimum standards for • Children Legislation Amendment maintaining ‘child safe environments’ for (Reportable Conduct) Act 2017 – all organisations with direct and regular introduced a reportable conduct contact with children. As part of the scheme requiring certain organisations reform, ‘child safe standards’ were to be providing services to children to report developed and applied to government centrally on any abuse allegations. schools in the first instance. These • Wrongs Amendment (Organisational standards included requirements for Child Abuse) Act 2017 – creates schools to have procedures in place to provisions for organisations to be respond to and act on allegations of child liable for child abuse. abuse. • Legal Identity of Defendants The Commission for Children and Young (Organisational Child Abuse) Act 2018 People 2015 report, “… as a good parent – removes the legal technicality known would…“, had also recommended the as ‘Ellis defence’ protecting development of and adherence to ‘child unincorporated organisations from safe standards’ by community service being sued. organisations providing residential care for vulnerable children. In October 2015, the Child Wellbeing and Safety Amendment (Child Safe Standards Standards) Bill 2015 was introduced to reform child safe standards in non- government organisations providing services to children. These included registered schools, out-of-home care services and hospitals, sporting clubs and youth organisations receiving limited or no government funding. The Bill also provided powers for the Minister to 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 64 Child protection The Roadmap for reform: Strong families, safe children Victoria’s Commission for Children and , released in April 2016, set Young People tabled a report in August out the policy response for the child 2015 on an inquiry into the adequacy of protection sector of the Andrews residential care services for children and Government. Legislation built on the young people who had been subject to recommendations of the Royal sexual abuse or sexual exploitation whilst Commission into Family Violence (see that residing in residential care. The “… as a section, below). These included the Children Legislation Amendment good parent would…“ report had (Information Sharing) Act 2018 recommended an extensive overhaul of , enabling a the residential care model. This included child-information sharing scheme based improved home-based care options and a on a ‘wellbeing or safety’ threshold for reduction in the number of children in sharing of information between entities to residential care. be prescribed in the Act. The Royal Commission into Family Violence, the The Children, Youth and Families Cummins Inquiry, the Victorian Auditor- Amendment (Restrictions on the Making of General (VAGO), the Commission for Protection Orders) Act 2015 reinstated a Children and Young People, and the provision concerning oversight by the Coroners Court reports had all identified Children’s Court of the Department of the sharing of information about Health and Human Services in making vulnerable children as critical in preventing child protection orders. This provision was child deaths. to be removed with the commencement of a 2014 Amending Act. The Legal and Social Issues Committee held a self- referenced inquiry on the Bill. Submissions expressed concerns that, while the 2014 Act would not have improved permanent care arrangements (which was the desired outcome), the intent had been to expedite the process as recommended in the 2012 Cummins Inquiry. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 65 Legislation Reports The following selection of legislation was The following selection of reports was th introduced during the 58 Parliament. For produced during the 58th Parliament. For further information, see the Legislation further reports, see the Library catalogue. website. • "… as a good parent would…”: Inquiry • Children, Youth and Families into sexual abuse or sexual exploitation Amendment (Aboriginal Principal of Victorian children and young people Officers) Act 2015 in residential care, Commission for • Children, Youth and Families Children and Young People (2015) Amendment (Restrictions on the • Roadmap for reform: Strong families, Making of Protection Orders) Act 2015 safe children, Department of Health • Children Legislation Amendment Act and Human Services (2016) 2016 • Children Legislation Amendment Committee inquiries (Information Sharing) Act 2017 The following committee inquiry was conducted during the 58th Parliament. • Inquiry into the Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Restrictions on the Making of Protection Orders) Bill 2015, Legal and Social Issues Committee, Parliament of Victoria (2015) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 66 Youth justice Amendment Bill 2015 provided for Youth justice continued to be a presumption of summons rather than challenging issue during the 58th arrests when initiating criminal Parliament. A protest by inmates at the proceedings against children, and Parkville Youth Justice Remand Centre in exemptions for children breaching bail March 2016 received prominent media conditions. The Government also extended attention. Following further riots at bail support programs enabling young Parkville in November 2016, which halved people to remain in the community rather the capacity of the facility, the than being remanded in custody, as well Government decided to relocate the as assisting at-risk young people to young offenders to the Grevillea Unit at comply with bail conditions. the adult Barwon Prison, pending the For more details on changes to bail and rebuild of the Centre. This decision parole, see the Crime and Justice section of attracted a legal challenge from the this Briefing e-Book. Human Rights Law Centre and the Fitzroy Legal Service, culminating in the Supreme With the announcement in February 2017 Court ruling that such a move was that responsibility for youth justice would unlawful. In January of 2017, riots also move from the Department of Health and erupted in the regional Youth Justice Human Services (DHHS) to the Centre at Malmsbury. Department of Justice and Regulation (DJR), youth justice facilities came under See the Parliamentary Library research the auspices of Corrections Victoria. The paper on youth justice. Government also announced the The 2015–16 Youth Parole Board annual construction of a new youth justice centre report showed that 80 per cent of young in Werribee South, which would people in custody were on remand, while accommodate remand and sentenced the Children’s Court of Victoria Annual clients, as well as a mental health unit and report 2014–15 indicated a 57 per cent an intensive supervision unit. In March increase in the previous 12 months of the 2017, the location of the proposed facility number of children admitted on remand was moved to Cherry Creek in Wyndham. to the youth justice centres. According to Between 2015 and 2018, youth justice the Court, the reforms to the Bail Act 1977 centres at Parkville and Malmsbury had that had taken effect at the end of become the subject of several inquiries December 2013, making breach of bail (some confidential), including reports from conditions an offence, had precipitated the Victorian Ombudsman, the the increase in numbers of alleged young Commission for Children and Young offenders. People and the Legislative Council’s Legal To ease the pressure in the youth justice and Social Issues Committee. centres, the Government introduced a Concerns that the 16-year-old policy number of measures including framework for the youth justice system amendments to the Bail Act 1977, which needed updating prompted the was anticipated to reduce the number of Government to commission an young people on remand. The Bail independent review in September 2016. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 67 The Youth justice review and strategy: to clash with the Youth Justice Reform Bill Meeting needs and reducing offending, which was proceeding though Parliament conducted by Penny Armytage, former at the time. Secretary of the Department of Justice and Outbreaks of youth gang violence, as well Regulation, and Professor James Ogloff, as reports on violent car-jacking and home Director of the Centre for Forensic invasions, had received extensive media Behavioural Science, was released in coverage in 2016. This precipitated August 2017. legislative responses from the Government The review made 126 recommendations with the introduction of the Children and for meeting the diverse needs of children Justice Legislation Amendment (Youth at each stage of their interaction with the Justice Reform) Bill 2017 in May 2017, justice system and for ensuring that the which aimed to increase penalties for Government fulfils its responsibilities for ‘serious and violent crimes’. The Bill also these young people. Key sought to create an offence of recruiting a recommendations included the child to commit an offence. development and creation of a new Youth On a motion of the Legislative Council in Justice Act separate from the current November 2016, the Legal and Social Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, as Issues Committee was asked to inquire well as culturally specific programs for into youth justice centres, looking at a offenders of Koori, Pacific Islander/Maori range of issues including youth offending and African heritage who were over- behaviour, diversion programs, the represented in the justice system. Children’s Court, staffing problems and The review also noted that there were no post-release services. The Committee high-intensity intervention programs for a published its report in March 2018 and small cohort of young offenders who had made 39 recommendations, all of which committed violent offences and who were received Government support or support likely to reoffend, nor were the youth in principle. In its response, the justice centres able to manage the Government noted that many of the challenging and violent behaviour of recommendations aligned with the difficult young people. A secure unit Armytage/Ogloff review, such as those providing intensive rehabilitation concerning over-representation of programs to control and remediate violent culturally and linguistically diverse groups, behaviour was recommended. The support for custodial staff, and the need recommendations were largely accepted, for therapeutic approaches to youth or accepted in principle, by the Minister justice. for Children and Families. Smart Justice for Young People (SJ4YP), a group of 40 legal, youth, health, welfare and community organisations, welcomed the report and its recommendations. SJ4YP, however, did express concerns that some of the recommendations appeared 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 68 Legislation Reports The following selection of legislation was The following selection of reports was introduced during the 58th Parliament. For produced during the 58th Parliament. For further information, see the Legislation further reports, see the Library catalogue. website. • Report on youth justice facilities at the • Bail Amendment Act 2016 Grevillea unit of Barwon Prison, • Children, Youth and Families (Youth Malmsbury and Parkville, Victorian Offenders) Bill 2016 (PMB) (defeated) Ombudsman (2017) • Children and Justice Legislation • The same four walls: Inquiry into the Amendment (Youth Justice Reform) Act use of isolation, separation and 2017 lockdowns in the Victorian youth justice • Children, Youth and Families system, Commission for Children and Amendment (Youth Offender Young People (2017) Compliance) Bill 2018 (lapsed) • Youth justice review and strategy: Meeting needs and reducing offending, Library research publications P. Armytage and J. Ogloff (2017) The Parliamentary Library Research & • Inquiry into youth justice centres in Inquiries unit produced the following Victoria: Final report, Legal and Social research publication during the 58th Issues Committee, Parliament of Parliament. Victoria (2018) • Youth justice in Victoria, Research Paper, Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2017) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 69 Family violence Legislative Assembly. In her address, Ms When Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Batty, who received the 2015 Australian of Ken Lay, announced his retirement in the Year for her domestic violence December 2014, the Commissioner was advocacy, spoke of family violence as a commended by family violence gendered issue. She said that after campaigner, Rosie Batty, for his role in decades of struggle for funding and shifting community attitudes on violence resources, the safety of women was finally against women and children. being recognised, with changes and Commissioner Lay had pointed to this investments being made in Victoria. She change in community attitudes as his commended the work of Victoria Police in proudest achievement during his term. reviewing its own organisation and working to change its culture. Ms Batty Following his appointment as the new called for a shift and change in attitudes of Chief Commissioner, in May 2015, Graham the culture at large that had to start with Ashton declared that family violence the individual. Furthermore, there was a would remain a matter of utmost need to switch from victim-blaming to importance to Victoria Police. This perpetrator accountability and, reflected the social policy direction law importantly, the need to have the and order would take under the new structures in place to support victims and Andrews Government. In <a href="/tags/Opposition_(Victoria)/" rel="tag">Opposition</a>, the keep them safe. ALP had framed family violence as a law and order issue, promising to establish a The Royal Commission’s final (eight- royal commission should Labor win volume) report was tabled in Parliament government at the 2014 election. on 30 March 2016, making 227 recommendations. These On 22 February 2015, Premier Daniel recommendations included: the Andrews and Fiona Richardson, Minister establishment of safety hubs; mechanisms for the Prevention of Family Violence, for information-sharing; housing; specialist launched the Royal Commission into courts; expanded police capacity; Family Violence. The Royal Commission, workforce training and respectful chaired by the Hon. Justice Marcia Neave, relationships education in schools; as well comprised 25 days of public hearings, held as the establishment of an independent community conversations and received Family Violence Agency. almost 1,000 written submissions. Under its Terms of Reference, and with an The Government introduced a series of allocated budget of $36 million, the legislative measures and budgetary Commission investigated the criminal law, commitments in response to the corrections and court systems, and recommendations. considered the role of support services, First, the National Domestic Violence Order the health system, alcohol and drug Scheme Act 2016 ensured the enforcement treatment services, refuges, housing and of domestic violence orders across all education. Australian jurisdictions (this was not the On 26 November 2015, Rosie Batty was case before the implementation of the Act). invited to address a joint sitting in the 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 70 The Family Violence Reform The 2016–17 State Budget set aside $572 Implementation Monitor Act 2016 enacted million to implement the Royal in December 2016, established an Commission’s recommendations. The independent statutory entity to monitor following year, the 2017–18 State Budget and report on the implementation of the committed $1.9 billion to its ten-year recommendations of the Royal strategy, Ending family violence: Victoria’s Commission. plan for change. Initiatives to be funded included safety hubs, victim assistance The Family Violence Protection packages, public housing support, Amendment Act 2017 streamlined the workforce development, as well as new process for serving family violence case management systems across the intervention orders, as well as courts. strengthened the powers of courts to dismiss appeals against, and breaches of, On 23 August 2017, the Parliament was such orders. The Act also established the shocked by the sudden passing of Fiona legislative basis for the Victorian Systemic Richardson, Minister for the Prevention of Review of Family Violence Deaths unit Family Violence—the first person to hold under the Coroners Act 2008. The Royal such a Ministry in Australia. The Member Commission considered the work of the for Northcote had steered the unit to be valuable in providing the Government’s policy response to family evidence for systemic factors leading to violence, and was acknowledged as a family violence-related deaths. strong campaigner against family violence and an advocate for gender equality. The Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence Protection and Other Matters) Act 2018 allowed for victim-survivors of family violence to be able to provide statements via body-worn cameras and enacted new statutory examples of behaviour that may constitute family violence. Fulfilling the 188th Recommendation of the Royal Commission, the Prevention of Family Violence Act 2018 established a new statutory authority, Respect Victoria. The primary purpose of the organisation is to prevent family violence before it starts by conducting community research, evaluation and engagement. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 71 Legislation Reports The following selection of legislation was The following selection of reports was introduced during the 58th Parliament. For produced during the 58th Parliament. For further information, see the Legislation further reports, see the Library catalogue. website. • Ending family violence: Victoria’s plan • Family Violence Reform for change, Department of Premier and Implementation Monitor Act 2016 Cabinet (2016) • National Domestic Violence Order • Report and recommendations, Royal Scheme Act 2016 Commission into Family Violence • Family Violence Protection Amendment (2016) Act 2017 • Family Violence Protection Amendment (Information Sharing) Act 2017 • Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence Protection and Other Matters) Act 2018 • Prevention of Family Violence Act 2018 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 72 Industry, innovation and employment Industry, innovation and employment An overview of developments within the portfolios of industry, innovation and employment during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation, committee inquiries and reports. Industrial relations labour arrangements—were precluded from service leave entitlements, despite In November 2014, the unemployment having worked in the same job long rate in Victoria was at 6.8 per cent—the enough to qualify. In response, Parliament highest it had been since 2003. In passed the Long Service Benefits Portability response to this, the Andrews Government Act 2018, making long service leave introduced reforms to encourage available to workers who had missed out employment growth in the Victorian through no fault of their own. economy. The Back to Work Act 2015 established a back-to-work scheme with a Two inquiries—one federal and one state- $100 million fund for payroll tax relief level inquiry—revealed that labour hire allocated to companies who hire workers were not sufficiently protected unemployed young people, the long-term from exploitation and abuse. They unemployed and retrenched workers. exposed systemic underpayment of award wages, poor occupational health and The last 50 years have seen drastic safety practice and maltreatment of changes in workplaces and employment workers. This resulted in the Labour Hire circumstances, including greater Licencing Act 2018, which introduced a casualisation, increasing female licencing scheme to protect workers and participation and a growth in remote work better regulate labour hire providers. (thanks to technology changes). In acknowledgement of the changing In 2018, further improvements to landscape, the Government called for regulatory regimes within the building multiple inquiries and reviews to be industry were made. The Building undertaken, which resulted in significant Amendment (Registration of Building law reform. The Government announced a Trades and Other Matters) Act 2018 review of Victoria’s long service leave tightened the regulation of pool and spa arrangements, which resulted in the barriers and high-risk cladding products. passing of the Long Service Leave Act 2018 The Act also made it an offence for in April 2018. The new law ensures that persons to carry out certain types of parents will not lose accrued long service building work without a licence. leave entitlements when taking a career By contrast, the Victorian Government break to care for their children. Previous recognised that hairdressers and makeup arrangements had disproportionately artists are not high-risk when it comes to affected women. non-compliance with standards. Similarly, a committee inquiry into long Accordingly, changes to legislation service leave entitlements found that ensured that these businesses need only certain pockets of the workforce—namely pay to register their premises once, rather those working under contract and casual than annually. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 75 Alcohol and gambling Gambling Legislation Amendment Act th 2018 The 58 Parliament introduced a raft of ); and • gambling harm-minimisation measures. The conferral of new policy and advocacy powers to the Victorian In 2018, the Victorian Responsible Responsible Gambling Foundation Gambling Foundation 2017–18 annual under the Gambling Legislation report stated that the proliferation of Amendment Act 2015. betting advertising was an issue of increasing community concern. In Sharing economy response, the Gambling Legislation Instances of Airbnb and other peer-to- Amendment Act 2018 commenced peer platform accommodation services operation in March 2018, amending the damaging neighbourhood amenity were Gambling Regulation Act 2003 to ban an issue addressed during the 58th gambling advertising on public transport, Parliament. near schools and on public roads. After the Government appointed an With the rapid growth of online gambling, independent panel to conduct a report the Government sought to realign its into short-stay accommodation, the taxation framework to suit the increasingly panel’s recommendations were digital environment. After consulting subsequently incorporated into a new Act. industry stakeholders on design The Owners Corporations Amendment considerations and potential industry (Short-stay Accommodation) Act 2018 sets impact, the Gambling Regulation out inappropriate conduct that is Amendment (Wagering and Betting) Act characteristic of unruly short-stay parties. 2018 was passed, implementing a point of Among other reforms, it empowers VCAT consumption tax on wagering and betting to impose fines on unruly short-stay companies. occupants or award compensation for those adversely affected. Other alcohol and gambling harm- minimisation measures implemented by The rise of Uber and other ridesharing the 58th Parliament include: services has required significant taxi and hire car industry reforms. Following a • Imposing a $500 withdrawal limit parliamentary inquiry into ride sourcing through EFTPOS at gaming venues services, Parliament passed the during a 24-hour period under the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Bill Gambling Regulation Amendment 2017, which received the Royal Assent in (Gaming Machine Arrangements) Act August 2017. The legislation requires 2017; drivers to pass police, medical and driving • Removing a loophole that allowed history checks. It also introduced minors accompanied by a guardian or $494 million in assistance for the existing parent to be served alcohol on a taxi and hire car industry. licensed premises, and implementing fines for persons who knowingly For more information on Uber and deliver alcohol to a minor without Ridesharing, see the Library’s research reasonable excuse (Liquor and paper. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 76 Small business environmental and economic benefits In 2017, the Small Business Commission presented by vehicle automation. Act 2017 established the Victorian Small For more information, see the Library’s Business Commission. The Commission’s research papers on automated vehicles and primary purpose is to facilitate and transitional policies for Victoria’s encourage the fair treatment of small automotive manufacturing industry. business. The Act also outlines the functions, powers and duties of the Small Future Industries Fund Business Commissioner as head of the The 2015–16 State Budget established a Commission. $200 million Future Industries Fund, which the Treasurer <a href="/tags/Tim_Pallas/" rel="tag">Tim Pallas</a> described in his In an effort to create new opportunities for budget speech as designed to local businesses, the Victorian Industry ‘turbocharge the emerging industries that Participation Policy (Local Jobs First) will give our state a new face and a new Amendment Act 2018 enshrined local jobs future’. Administered by Business Victoria policy in law. The Act ensures that small and Invest Victoria, the Fund offers grants and medium-sized enterprises have the of up to $1 million to firms working in six opportunity to compete for government different sectors: medical technology and contracts, by mandating minimum local pharmaceuticals; new energy technology; content on major projects, including a transport defence and construction 90 per cent minimum on construction technology; food and fibre; international projects. The Act also established a Local education; and professional services. Jobs First Commissioner to facilitate connections between Victorian businesses In March 2016, the Andrews Government and government project opportunities. announced it was establishing three further initiatives under the Fund: a Automated vehicles $20 million New Energy Fund, a $20 The rise of automated vehicles is million Sector Growth Program and a imminent, with a number of trials having $5 million Future Industries Manufacturing th occurred during the 58 Parliament. To Program. Each initiative offers grants of avoid technological advancement varying value to promote scoping, outpacing legislation, the Andrews planning and feasibility studies; assist Government secured the passage of the projects that create jobs in renewable Road Safety Amendment (Automated energy or green technologies; and to Vehicles) Act 2018. The new Act amends implement new manufacturing the Roads Safety Act 1986 to establish a technologies. At this time, the Government permit scheme for the trialling of also released future industry strategy automated vehicles on Victorian roads. reports for the following sectors: According to the second reading speech, Construction Technologies; Defence the potential for automated vehicles to Technologies; Food and Fibre; Sector reduce human error and therefore greatly Strategy; International Education; Medical improve road safety was the main impetus Technologies and Pharmaceuticals; New for introducing the legislation. The speech Energies Technologies; Professional also acknowledges the social, Services; and Transport Technologies. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 77 st Other reforms In the increasingly digital 21 Century After an internal review of the Freedom of environment, much focus has been on Information (FOI) Commissioner’s office managing and streamlining the growing uncovered a range of issues, legislation number of online business dealings, was passed to strengthen Victoria’s without compromising information and integrity and accountability system. The data security. Acknowledging this digital Freedom of Information Amendment shift, the Associations Incorporation Reform (Office of the Victorian Information Amendment (Electronic Transactions) Act 2015 Commissioner) Act 2017 merged the FOI enables incorporated associations to Commissioner with the Commissioner for conduct the majority of their business with Privacy and Data Protection Office to Consumer Affairs Victoria online. create the Office of the Victorian Relatedly, the rise of digital tokens known Information Commissioner (OVIC). OVIC as cryptocurrencies has been subject to was granted extra powers, including the considerable media attention. Digitisation ability to review decisions to withhold and cryptocurrencies present new policy documents based on Cabinet-in- challenges around data for the Victorian confidence exemptions, and a requirement Government and governments globally. for agencies to respond to FOI requests For more information, see the Library’s quickly. research papers on cryptocurrency and Another authority established under protective data security in the Victorian th statute during the 58 Parliament was public sector. Development Victoria. The Urban Renewal Authority Amendment (Development Victoria) Act 2017 created Development Victoria to deliver the Government’s property development and social and economic capital works projects. The body will coordinate long-term development in key urban precincts, as well as projects already underway. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 78 Legislation • Road Safety Amendment (Automated Vehicles) Act 2018 The following selection of legislation was th • Victorian Industry Participation Policy introduced during the 58 Parliament. For (Local Jobs First) Amendment Act 2018 further information, see the Legislation website. Library research publications • Associations Incorporation Reform The Parliamentary Library Research & Amendment (Electronic Transactions) Inquiries unit produced the following Act 2015 research publications during the 58th • Back to Work Act 2015 Parliament. • Public Health and Wellbeing • Transition to where? Thinking through Amendment (Hairdressing Registration) transitional policies for Victoria’s Act 2015 automotive manufacturing industry, • Alpine Resorts Legislation Amendment Library Fellowship Paper, Victorian Act 2016 Parliamentary Library & Information • Building Legislation Amendment Service (2016) (Consumer Protection) Act 2016 • Food Amendment (Kilojoule Labelling • Consumer Acts and Other Acts Scheme and Other Matters) Bill 2016, Amendment Act 2016 Research Note, Victorian Parliamentary • Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Library & Information Service (2016) Act 2017 • Uber and ridesharing, Research Paper, • Freedom of Information Amendment Victorian Parliamentary Library & (Office of the Victorian Information Information Service (2016) Commissioner) Act 2017 • Automated vehicles, Research Paper, • Gambling Regulation Amendment Victorian Parliamentary Library & (Gaming Machine Arrangements) Act Information Service (2017) 2017 • Protective data security in the Victorian • Small Business Commission Act 2017 public sector, Research Paper, Victorian • Urban Renewal Authority Amendment Parliamentary Library & Information (Development Victoria) Act 2017 Service (2017) • Building Amendment (Registration of • Cryptocurrency and blockchain Building Trades and Other Matters) Act explained, Quick Guide, Victorian 2018 Parliamentary Library & Information • Gambling Legislation Amendment Act Service (2018) 2018 • Labour rights in the gig economy, Quick • Gambling Regulation Amendment Guide, Victorian Parliamentary Library (Wagering and Betting) Act 2018 & Information Service (2018) • Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 • Liquor and Gambling Legislation Amendment Act 2018 • Long Service Benefits Portability Act 2018 • Long Service Leave Act 2018 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 79 Reports Committee inquiries The following selection of reports was The following committee inquiries were produced during the 58th Parliament. For conducted during the 58th Parliament. further reports, see the Library catalogue. • Inquiry into fuel prices in regional • Independent Panel on Short-Stay Victoria, Economic, Education, Jobs Accommodation in CBD Apartment and Skills Committee, Parliament of Buildings: Final report, Independent Victoria (2016) Panel on Short-Stay Accommodation • Inquiry into portability of long service in CBD Apartment Buildings (2015) leave entitlements, Economic, • Future directions paper: How Victoria Education, Jobs and Skills Committee, will continue to support the Parliament of Victoria (2016) development of automated vehicles, • Inquiry into ride sourcing services, VicRoads (2016) Economy and Infrastructure • Peer-to-peer pressure: Policy for the Committee, Parliament of Victoria sharing economy, Grattan Institute (2017) (2016) • Inquiry into the Freedom of Information • Victorian Government long service Amendment (Office of the Victorian leave discussion paper, Industrial Information Commissioner) Bill 2016, Relations Victoria (2016) Legislative Council Legal and Social • Victorian inquiry into the labour hire Issues Committee, Parliament of industry and insecure work, Victoria (2017) Department of Economic • Inquiry into electric vehicles, Legislative Development, Jobs, Transport & Council Economy and Infrastructure Resources (2016) Committee, Parliament of Victoria • Hidden in plain sight: An inquiry into (2018) establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia, Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (2017) • Point of consumption tax: Consultation paper, Department of Treasury and Finance (2017) • Annual report 2017–2018, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 80 Planning and environment Planning and environment An overview of developments within the planning, environment, local government, and rural and regional portfolios during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation, committee inquiries and reports. Planning whereby land for public purposes can be provided as part of an infrastructure Infrastructure Victoria contribution when land is developed. The Andrews Government delivered a key election promise in 2015 when it legislated Smart Planning to create Infrastructure Victoria. The In April 2016, the Andrews Government independent statutory authority was committed to a suite of ‘Smart Planning’ established to identify and prioritise system reforms designed to streamline Victoria’s short- and long-term and modernise planning rules. The reforms infrastructure needs, providing transparent provided users with an online portal for and expert infrastructure advice. planning applications, information and Infrastructure Victoria released Victoria’s services. The Amendment Tracking first 30-year infrastructure strategy in System, announced in July 2018, provides December 2016 after consultation across for the centralised online management of all sectors. The Government responded by Victoria’s 82 planning schemes. Also in releasing the Victorian infrastructure plan July, Amendment VC148 was gazetted to in September 2017, which outlined the reform the Victorian Planning Provisions Government’s infrastructure priorities for by introducing an integrated Planning the next five years. Policy Framework (PPF), which combined state and regional policies into a single Infrastructure and contributions source. In August 2018, the Government system offered support to councils to incorporate The Planning and Environment their local planning polices into the PPF. Amendment (Infrastructure Contributions) Act 2015 introduced a new system for Plan Melbourne levying contributions towards the The Government initiated a ‘refresh’ of Plan Melbourne provision of infrastructure in priority by reconvening the growth areas. The simplification of original Ministerial Advisory Committee. A developer contributions, which help pay public discussion paper was released for for roads, parks and sporting facilities, was further consultation in October 2015. With designed to speed up development the population of Victoria approaching six approvals. The infrastructure levy million and the annual growth rate at comprised a standard and a 1.8 per cent, the Plan was revised to supplementary levy. The system was include issues such as housing further reformed in 2018 (by the Planning affordability, climate change and the new and Environment Amendment (Public Land Government’s transport priorities, Contributions) Act 2017) with the including the Metro Rail Tunnel. introduction of a land contribution model, 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 83 Subsequently, Plan Melbourne 2017–2050 announced in August 2018 to take the was released in March 2017 and was lead on community engagement and to designed to be a long-term plan to advise on future developments. accommodate Melbourne’s future growth Apartment design in population and employment. The In May 2015, the Planning Minister strategy targets Melbourne’s ‘middle ring’ released a discussion paper, Better of suburbs for greater housing density, apartments, to gather ideas from the removing the limit of two dwellings per property industry and the community block, but imposing mandatory maximum about the design, amenity and height limits in neighbourhood and functionality of apartments and apartment general residential zones for new buildings. After successive years of record dwellings. New developments are required apartment approvals, there were growing to have a mandatory percentage of concerns about poorly designed units. garden space. A separate five-year Draft standards, released in August 2016, implementation plan with 112 actions was did not specify minimum apartment sizes. also released, with the first review due in Instead, they addressed building setbacks, 2022. room depth, accessibility, waste and water, Fishermans Bend energy efficiency, storage, open space and Early in its term, the Andrews Government noise minimisation. The Better Apartments began to review plans for the 480-hectare Design Standards were implemented in the Fishermans Bend urban renewal area. A Victorian Planning Provisions and all Ministerial Advisory Committee, planning schemes with Amendment announced in July 2015, produced 40 VC136 in April 2017. The Apartment design recommendations based on its review of guidelines for Victoria and Urban design the planning process to date. A dedicated guidelines for Victoria were finalised in taskforce was subsequently established August 2017. and began work in January 2016. A ‘recast Illegal building works vision’ document for the area formed the The unauthorised demolition of the basis of a new framework, the final version Corkman Hotel in Carlton in October 2016 of which was released in October 2018 led to legislative reforms. The Building following a 12-month public consultation. Amendment (Enforcement and Other The Fishermans Bend framework is Measures) Bill 2017, passed in May 2017, intended to guide investment and included significant fines and up to five development, balancing growth and years’ jail for developers found guilty of liveability for the 80,000 residents illegal building work. The Bill followed anticipated to call the area home by 2050. consultation with the building industry It includes plans for parks, schools, roads, and addressed recommendations made by transport and community facilities. the Victorian Auditor-General regarding Planning Minister, the Hon. Richard building practitioner registration, the Wynne, ‘called in’ 26 live tower building permit levy system and the role development proposals for assessment of local government. It also gave the against the new planning controls. A courts new injunction powers to enable Fishermans Bend Development Board was them to prevent unlawful building works. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 84 Heritage issues cultural heritage was recognised following The Government released a discussion an application by the owners to sell the paper in June 2015 to canvass opinion site to developers who planned to regarding a review of the Heritage Act demolish it and construct apartment 1995, with the aim of strengthening buildings. protection for Victoria’s historic heritage In December 2017, the Government places and objects of state significance. announced that an ‘Apple Global Flagship Key changes included providing a greater Store’ would open at Federation Square, role for local government in permit replacing the Yarra building as part of a processes, removing ‘undue financial reinvigoration strategy. Despite support hardship’ considerations in permit from Donald Bates, one of the Square’s decisions, reforming the heritage architects, there was widespread criticism nomination process and increasing of the proposal over the lack of planning maximum penalties for unauthorised transparency and public consultation. A works affecting registered heritage sites revised design was submitted to the City and objects. Following a public of Melbourne in July 2018, with a lower consultation, the Heritage Act 2017 passed building profile and more public space. In both houses of Parliament in March. August 2018, Heritage Victoria issued an The Bourke Hill precinct, which includes interim protection order for Federation historic buildings in the area bounded by Square while considering permanent Lonsdale, Exhibition, Little Collins and heritage protection for the site. In October Spring Streets, received greater protection 2018, the Executive Director of Heritage in 2015 when the Planning Minister Victoria recommended that Federation approved Amendment C240 to the Square be included on the Victorian Melbourne Planning Scheme. The Heritage Register for its historical, amendments included a mixture of height architectural, cultural and technical and setback controls, plus heritage rules significance to the state of Victoria. to maintain the area’s low-scale built form. Flammable cladding New planning controls were also put in A façade fire at the Lacrosse building at place along St Kilda Road around the Docklands in November 2014, which was Shrine of Remembrance in 2016, to fuelled by non-compliant combustible protect the Shrine and Albert Park Reserve aluminium cladding, led to an audit of from overshadowing. residential and public buildings at the The Andrews Government honoured an direction of the Victorian Building election commitment regarding the Authority. The audit found an historic Palais Theatre, which was ‘unacceptably high’ level of non- refurbished in a $20 million joint project compliance, including similar cladding between the Victorian Government and installed on two hospitals. The tragic the City of Port Phillip. The theatre Grenfell Tower fire in London in June 2017 reopened for public performances in May prompted increased scrutiny. In July 2017, 2017. Festival Hall, another iconic venue, the Victorian Cladding Taskforce was was granted permanent heritage appointed to investigate the extent of the protection in November 2018. The site’s non-compliant cladding problem. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 85 The Taskforce released an interim report in granted a concession to Victorian Land December 2017, finding three factors that Registry Services (a subsidiary of the First contributed to the cladding problem: the State Superannuation Scheme) to run the supply and marketing of the wrong Land Titles and Registry office. The building materials; a poor culture of transaction resulted in a $2.86 billion compliance in the industry; and the failure windfall for the Government. of regulatory systems to address the issues. A statewide building audit ensued, as well as a ban on the use of flammable building cladding. In September 2018, the Parliament passed legislation to provide a low-interest, long-term loan scheme (Cladding Rectification Agreements) for affected owners to finance cladding replacement on residential buildings. Land Use Victoria The Government indicated that it would investigate commercialisation options for the Victorian titles registry office, Land Use Victoria, in the 2016–17 Budget Papers. Concerns were raised by a number of organisations about potential privacy issues, higher fees and data security, which caused the Government to narrow the focus of the offer. Essential services such as the Valuer-General, the Surveyor- General and the Victorian Government Land Monitor were subsequently excluded. In March 2018, the Government issued an Expression of Interest for the service that would run for a 40-year period. A parliamentary inquiry into the issue, conducted by the Environment and Planning Committee, found that the Government expected to retain about 70 per cent of the expected annual $380 million revenue once the office was privatised. The Committee’s recommendations included greater protections for consumers and increased transparency. In August 2018, the Government announced that it had 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 86 Other developments and the City of Melbourne signed a • The Government appointed the Memorandum of Understanding, with Managing Residential Development the council made a referral authority Advisory Committee in November for planning permits before the State 2015 to review Melbourne’s residential Government. planning zones. A series of 'State of • The Government established a new play' reports, containing demographic statutory authority with the Victorian and housing information for Planning Authority Act 2017. The metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) cities, along with suggested replaced the former Growth Areas improvements, were released for Authority. The VPA will be the lead comment in February 2016. The agency for planning in designated Advisory Committee released its report areas such as urban renewal sites, in July 2016, recommending that the growth areas and regional cities and zones be updated to provide towns. With expanded powers, the consistent, mandatory height controls VPA will undertake integrated land use and building coverage requirements. and infrastructure planning and • In 2015, the Government introduced a coordinate state government action in new decision-making consideration planning the use, development and into the Planning and Environment Act protection of land. 1987 that requires the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to consider the number of objections and the social impact of developments. The concerns of local objectors will be factored into proposals that may reduce access to community facilities or affect health and safety. • The Government launched a review of planning for the Melbourne CBD in September 2015, bringing in interim planning controls while a public consultation was underway. At the time of the review, there were no planning controls for density or amenity in the CBD. The controls required minimum setbacks and plot ratios (restricting inner city buildings to a maximum of 24 storeys if built to the block borders) which angered the building industry. The Urban Development Institute said the changes would restrict development and cut jobs. The Minister for Planning 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 87 Legislation • Residential zone review, Managing The following selection of legislation was Residential Development Advisory introduced during the 58th Parliament. For Committee (2016) further information, see the Legislation • Apartment design guidelines for website. Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2017) • Infrastructure Victoria Act 2015 • Plan Melbourne 2017–2050, • Planning and Environment Amendment Department of Environment, Land, (Infrastructure Contributions) Act 2015 Water and Planning (2017) • Planning and Environment Amendment • Plan Melbourne implementation (Recognising Objectors) Act 2015 actions, Department of Environment, • Building Amendment (Enforcement and Land, Water and Planning (2017) Other Measures) Act 2017 • Reformed residential zones, • Heritage Act 2017 Department of Environment, Land, • Victorian Planning Authority Act 2017 Water and Planning (2017) • Building Amendment (Registration of • Urban design guidelines for Victoria, Building Trades and Other Matters) Act Department of Environment, Land, 2018 Water and Planning (2017) • Planning and Environment Amendment • Victorian Cladding Taskforce: Interim (Distinctive Areas and Landscapes) Act report (T. Baillieu & J. Thwaites, co- 2018 chairs), Department of Environment, • Planning and Environment Amendment Land, Water and Planning (2017) (Public Land Contributions) Act 2018 • Victorian infrastructure plan, Reports Department of Premier and Cabinet The following selection of reports was (2017) produced during the 58th Parliament. For • Fishermans Bend framework: The next further reports, see the Library catalogue. chapter in Melbourne’s growth story, Department of Environment, Land, • Better apartments: A discussion paper , Water and Planning (2018) Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2015) Committee inquiries • Review of the Heritage Act 1995: The following committee inquiry was th Discussion paper, Department of conducted during the 58 Parliament. Environment, Land, Water and • Inquiry into the proposed long term Planning (2015) lease of the land titles and registry • Victoria’s consumer protection functions of Land Use Victoria, framework for building construction, Environment and Planning Committee, Victorian Auditor-General’s Office Parliament of Victoria (2018) (2015) • Residential zones: State of play reports, Managing Residential Development Taskforce, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2016) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 88 Environment Advisory Group (reporting to Parks Victoria), new staff and camping areas, and Parks infrastructure upgrades and repairs. In May 2015, the Government honoured an election commitment when it A new 641-hectare park was created in permanently banned cattle from grazing in Ballarat with the passage of the Crown the Alpine National Park and six River Red Land Legislation Amendment (Canadian Gum national parks. The National Parks Regional Park and Other Matters) Act 2016. Amendment (Prohibiting Cattle Grazing) The park comprised the Canadian State Act 2015 amended the National Parks Act Forest and former Victorian Plantation 1975 to close a loophole that had allowed Corporation land in the Mt Clear area. The cattle grazing for scientific research. Act also established the Hepburn Regional Park and the Kerang State Game Reserve. National Parks Amendment (No 99 The After a community consultation process Year Leases) Act 2015 reversed an initiative run by Parks Victoria, the park was of the previous Coalition Government that renamed Woowookarung Regional Park, had invited private operators to apply for (Parks and Crown Land Legislation development opportunities in the state’s Amendment Act 2017) acknowledging the national parks. The amendment, passed by area’s Traditional Owners, the Parliament in October 2015, reduced Wadawurrung people. possible lease periods to a maximum of 21 years. The legislation was supported by The Greater alpine national parks the Victorian National Parks Association management plan was released in but the Victoria Tourism Industry Council December 2016 by Parks Victoria. The plan expressed the view that lease terms of was developed in consultation with the anything less than 50 years would stifle community and key stakeholders and development. The legislation coincided incorporated input from over 500 with the release of a report, Valuing submissions to the 2014 draft plan. The Victoria’s parks, which sought to establish management plan aims to protect and a framework to recognise, quantify and enhance the natural, cultural and value the ecosystem services provided by recreational values within the parks that Victoria’s parks, as well as the benefits that cover over 900,000 hectares in Eastern they generate for the environment and the Victoria. community. The Parks Victoria Act 2018 established In December 2016, the Andrews Parks Victoria as a stronger and more Government reviewed the Point Nepean independent park management agency master plan (having been unable to reach with improved governance arrangements. agreement with the developer granted a The Act moved the agency from a service 50-year lease under the previous Coalition provider in a purchaser-provider Government). A discussion paper was arrangement to a statutory authority released for consultation in December having direct control and management of 2016. The final master plan was released in Victoria’s national parks and other January 2018. It included the reserves. The Minister provided Parks establishment of the Point Nepean 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 89 Victoria with a statement of obligations in new scheme is due to be fully operational October 2018. by 1 July 2020. Environmental Protection Authority Air quality A comprehensive public review of the EPA AirWatch, an interactive map showing Environment Protection Authority (EPA) air quality information from monitoring commenced in June 2015, led by an stations around Victoria, was launched in advisory committee. The review examined January 2016. Portable air monitoring the role, powers, governance and funding equipment was also made available for of the state’s environmental regulator. The use during events such as bushfires. The final report of the inquiry was released in Andrews Government introduced stronger May 2016. The Government response in air quality standards in August 2016. The January 2017 gave either full or partial standards limit large and small air particles support to all 48 recommendations and (known as PM10 and PM2.5 respectively) outlined a five-year reform program to and address a recommendation of the modernise the EPA, including an overhaul Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry. A trial of of legislation. The EPA released a new new air-monitoring equipment, designed organisational strategy, Our environment, in collaboration with a community panel, our health, in August 2017. took place in the Latrobe Valley in December 2017. A two-stage legislative response followed. The Environment Protection Act 2017 In March 2018, the Victorian Auditor- established the EPA as an independent General reported that there were serious statutory authority and legislated a shortcomings in the EPA’s air quality Governing Board, Chief Executive Officer monitoring program. The EPA accepted all and Victoria’s first Chief Environmental five recommendations that required it to Scientist (whose appointment was expand, improve and update its air quality announced in March 2017). In 2018, an monitoring, and to work with local amending Bill introduced an enforceable government to deal with air quality issues General Environmental Duty to hold at the Brooklyn industrial precinct in polluters responsible for risks posed to Melbourne’s west. The Government human health or the environment. released Clean air for all Victorians: Victoria’s air quality statement in May The legislation also included stronger 2018. The Government conducted a Clean powers for EPA authorised officers, third- Air Summit in August 2018 to identify party rights to allow affected community actions to improve air quality, followed by members to seek civil remedies, as well as further regional consultations. The a more flexible environmental audit Government also indicated that it planned system and increased penalties for key to release a Victorian air quality strategy offences. Environment Victoria supported during 2019. the ‘legal right for the community to enforce pollution control laws’ but critics, Flora and fauna such as the Minerals Council of Australia, In April 2017, Protecting Victoria’s said the new third-party rights could environment - Biodiversity 2037 was threaten jobs in the minerals industry. The produced by the Department of 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 90 Environment, Land, Water and Planning Parliament’s Economy and Infrastructure (DELWP). The plan promotes collaboration Committee in May 2017 and the across government, business, Committee tabled its report in October. communities, Traditional Owners, The Government was generally supportive Aboriginal Victorians and private land of the Committee’s recommendations, managers to invest in the parallel goals of which called for more robust oversight restoring biodiversity and strengthening mechanisms, improved management of the economy. The Biodiversity 2037 timber contracts and an industry transition implementation framework (February plan focusing on the use of plantation 2018) outlines a four-year action plan to timber. prioritise the care and protection of the The economic value of Victorian forests natural environment. was the subject of a number of reports. A The Government’s Living with wildlife report by Australian National University action plan, released in April 2018, aims to (ANU) in June 2016 claimed that the balance the protection of animals and Victorian Central Highlands forests had native wildlife with the management of greater value for carbon sequestration wildlife impacts in a way that is effective, than for forestry. VicForests disputed the sustainable and supported by science. In findings of the ANU report and July 2018, feral cats were declared commissioned a report from Deloitte established pest animals on specified Access Economics, in 2017. The Deloitte Crown land in Victoria under the report gave a positive analysis of the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. economic impact of forestry on the Victorian economy. A 2017 report by the In May 2018, the Government introduced Nous Group, commissioned by Victorian the Flora and Fauna Guarantee environmental groups, forecast economic Amendment Bill which sought to improve benefits if the proposed Great Forest the conservation status of threatened National Park was established as a centre species, provide longer-term protection for eco-tourism. for critical habitats and improve enforcement powers and penalties for all Also in 2017, the Government moved to offences. A consultation process had been secure jobs for the struggling Heyfield conducted during 2017. The Bill lapsed on timber mill in Gippsland, with an in- the expiration of the 58th Parliament. principle agreement struck in July, and the purchase of the mill finalised in Forests September. Australian Sustainable In November 2015, the Government Hardwoods (ASH) continued to operate released terms of reference for a Forest under the combined ownership of the Industry Taskforce, in order for major Government and an ASH shareholder stakeholders to reach agreement on group. Difficulties faced by the mill include recommendations about issues facing the cuts to the supply of native hardwood, the industry, such as job protection, economic impacts of fire, and restrictions on logging activity and the protection of threatened areas to protect habitat for the critically native flora and fauna. An inquiry into endangered Leadbeater’s possum. VicForests’ operations was initiated by the 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 91 See also the Primary Industries section of Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal this Briefing e-Book. Corporation. The Victorian Government signed a Marine and coastal consultation Memorandum of Understanding with the An expert panel was appointed in June Commonwealth Government in March 2015 to identify the key challenges to 2018 that extended the Regional Forest integrating marine and coastal health and Agreements (RFAs) for the North East, East management in Victoria. A consultation Gippsland and Central Highlands until paper was launched in August 2016 to 2020, when the West Victoria and outline objectives and a series of proposed Gippsland RFAs are due to expire. The improvements to Victoria’s coast and Minister for Energy, Environment and marine management system. The Climate Change, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, objectives included clearer governance said the extension would allow time for and institutional arrangements, consultation with scientific bodies, strengthening marine management, industry and the community to modernise integrating planning systems and adapting the state’s RFA framework to better to climate change. A consultation manage Victoria’s forests. summary (March 2017) outlined the feedback received from 115 submissions. Bushfire preparedness In February 2015, the Government asked In December 2017, the Government the Inspector-General for Emergency introduced the Marine and Coastal Bill Management Victoria (IGEM) to review 2017, which sought to provide a whole-of- performance targets for bushfire fuel government approach to planning and management on public land. The review management of the marine and coastal compared the existing hectare target environment. The Bill sought to establish approach with an alternative risk- the Marine and Coastal Council (replacing reduction target. The IGEM recommended the Victorian Coastal Council) to advise a risk-reduction target as being more the government on statewide policy and effective, providing better incentives and strategy. The Bill was supplemented by a allowing for adaptive management. The transition plan to outline the wider Government accepted the reforms and address recommendations recommendations and produced a policy (such as improving knowledge of coastal document, Safer together. The document hazards) made in the Victorian Auditor- outlines the new approach, which will General’s report, Protecting Victoria’s measure the efficiency of fuel coastal assets (March 2018). The legislation management activities and prioritise local received the Royal Assent in June 2018. communities in decision-making Plastic bags processes. The Department of The Government expressed support for a Environment, Land, Water and Planning national approach to reduce the impact of began the process to transition to the new plastic bags on the environment at a target. Aboriginal traditional burning was roundtable in early 2016. In April 2016, the returned to Victoria in 2017 to reduce Senate Standing Committee on bushfire risk, in a partnership between Environment and Communications Forest Fire Management Victoria and the 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 92 released an inquiry report, Toxic tide: The The State of the Bays report was the first threat of marine plastic, which report released (in December 2016) under recommended action on marine plastic the new Framework, providing a baseline pollution and microplastic. Later the same study of the health of Port Phillip Bay and year, a private Member’s Bill to ban plastic Western Port. bags, packaging and microbeads was As part of the Yarra River Protection referred to the Parliament of Victoria’s (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017, the Environment and Planning Committee. The reporting role of the CES was extended to Committee report recommended further incorporate the environmental state of the consideration of the issue and an Yarra River and its lands. In July 2018, the assessment of the wider impact of the Bill. CES released the Interim Victorian state of (The Bill was subsequently defeated in the the environment report 2018. The final Council, in October 2017.) report, due to be tabled in March 2019, In October 2017, the Government will apply the United Nations Sustainable announced its intention to ban single-use, Development Goals (SDG) framework to lightweight plastic bags in Victoria, Victorian environment reporting. The SDG releasing a discussion paper and a cost- framework has also been applied to the benefit analysis paper for public State of the forests report and the consultation. The consultation report inaugural State of the Yarra and its summarised feedback from over 8,000 parklands report, both produced in 2018. submissions, the majority of which The CES commissioned a report from expressed strong support for banning Deloitte Access Economics on Megatrends plastic bags. The Government said it and the Victorian environment (November would establish a reference group to 2018), which outlined a number of high- develop a plastic pollution plan and that level environmental challenges for Victoria single-use plastic bags (less than 35 leading up to 2030. The megatrends microns in thickness) would be banned identified in the report were: the physical from late 2019. impacts of climate change; reducing the Commissioner for Environmental state’s carbon footprint; citizen input to Sustainability help shape business and government Late in 2015, the Commissioner for practices; disruptive technologies; and Environmental Sustainability (CES) tabled natural resource constraints. the State and Benefit Framework that would guide the approach to the 2018 State of the Environment Report. The Framework introduced reforms such as aligning reports with international environmental reporting frameworks, using digital platforms to aid understanding and demonstrating the use of environmental economic accounting. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 93 Climate change January 2017, setting out its long-term The Government initiated a review of the vision for climate change action. Climate Change Act 2010 in June 2015, The Climate Change Bill 2016 was with an independent committee asked to introduced with the Government’s stated propose options to strengthen the Act. intention to ‘lead the nation’ on climate The findings of the review were tabled in change by committing to a series of five- February 2016, with 33 recommendations year interim targets. The targets are including a five-year Climate Change designed to achieve the longer-term goal Strategy. Victoria’s climate change of net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050. adaptation plan was published soon The legislation introduced TAKE2, an afterward, outlining the Government’s emissions-reduction pledge program for blueprint for climate adaptation over four government, the community and the years. The Government also released private sector. The Bill was passed by the Victoria’s climate change framework in Parliament in February 2017.Image: DELWP website: Victoria’s Climate Change Framework2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 94 Waste management waste from landfill beyond the 2018 rate The Government launched a discussion of 67 per cent. paper on banning e-waste from landfill in In February 2017, the Andrews September 2015. It noted that the volume Government promoted a Waste to Energy of e-waste (including televisions, white Infrastructure Fund to boost sustainable goods, computers and other electronic energy production using organic devices) was growing three times faster commercial and industrial food waste. than general municipal waste in Australia. Thirteen councils signed up to contracts A public consultation on the for organics processing in March 2017, implementation of the ban began in through the Metropolitan Waste and October 2017, with the release of a Resource Recovery Group. Yarra Valley proposed policy package. A $16.5 million Water opened a purpose-built waste-to- funding boost for councils was announced energy facility in Wollert in June 2017, in October 2018, aimed at upgrading over capable of converting food waste into 130 e-waste collection and storage sites. 22,000 kilowatt hours per day of electricity The ban on e-waste was scheduled to for water treatment. In October 2017, the begin on 1 July 2019, allowing time for Government released a discussion paper: councils to prepare, for new infrastructure Turning waste into energy and a number of to be developed, and for the roll-out of a other projects around Victoria received statewide education campaign. grants to develop waste-to-energy Following a consultation process, a technologies. Metropolitan waste and resource recovery In July 2017, a large stockpile of recycling implementation plan was finalised in materials caught fire at the SKM Recycling October 2016, prioritising the reduction of plant in Coolaroo, generating acrid smoke waste sent to landfill, increasing the and requiring the evacuation of recovery of organic waste and planning for neighbouring homes. The fire—the fourth Melbourne’s growing population. The at the same facility—prompted the Government launched the Victorian waste Andrews Government to set up a joint education strategy in August 2016, with taskforce to audit key recycling sites to the ten-year plan being a key priority of ensure public safety. Chief Executive of the Sustainability Victoria’s Statewide waste Australian Council of Recycling, Grant and resource recovery infrastructure plan Musgrove, commented that successive (SWRRIP). An update of the 2015 SWRRIP, Victorian governments had failed to invest a 30-year ‘roadmap’ intended to chart in recycling. Chaired by the EPA, the current waste and resource recovery Resource Recovery Facilities Audit infrastructure and guide future planning, Taskforce comprised the MFB, CFA, was produced in 2018. The updated Emergency Management Victoria, SWRRIP included seven regional Worksafe Victoria and DELWP. The implementation plans which were Taskforce provided an interim report to incorporated as part of a wider the Minister for Energy, Environment and consultation process in 2017. The circular Climate Change in December 2017. economy concept is central to the plan, which seeks to increase the diversion of 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 95 The Minister released an interim waste Stony Creek. In September 2018, the management policy in August 2017, with Government committed $1 million to a the aim of improving safety standards at restoration package for Stony Creek, which all Victorian waste and resource recovery included ongoing monitoring and a long- centres, especially those that stored term recovery plan. combustible materials. The EPA acted to Other developments reduce large stockpiles of tyres at Stawell • The Government re-opened in August 2017, clearing millions of tyres consultation on the revised draft from the site, which the CFA had assessed Victorian Floodplain Management to be a high fire risk. The final version of Strategy in June 2015, after fielding the policy (Waste Management Policy concerns raised about issues such as (Combustible Recyclable and Waste construction funding and levee Materials)), which emphasised managing maintenance in rural areas. The new waste materials in order to minimise harm strategy was released in April 2016 and to human health and the environment, was boosted by $25 million in the came into effect in August 2018. 2016–17 State Budget to support Pressure was placed on councils and the implementation of the Victorian and recycling industry by China’s decision to regional strategies, local flood- stop importing low-quality mixed mitigation measures and local water recyclable materials in January 2018. authorities. (China had flagged its intentions regarding • The National Parks and Victorian import restrictions to the World Trade Environmental Assessment Council Acts Organisation in July 2017.) In February Amendment Act 2016 was designed to 2018, the Victorian Government provided broaden the advisory role of the VEAC a $13 million package to support kerbside and to improve the operation of the recycling collection and set up a recycling Act. The changes established a second industry taskforce to develop a strategic type of process by which the VEAC can plan for industry transition. The provide advice and assessments on Government provided a further $37 million matters that are limited in scope and package in July 2018, as part of the may not warrant a full investigation Recycling industry strategic plan, designed under the provisions of the Act. to stabilise the sector by increasing the • The EPA’s Illegal Dumping Strikeforce quality of recycled materials, developing Program, using drones to capture new markets and improving productivity. video evidence of illegal industrial waste dumps, was launched in In late August 2018, a serious chemical fire December 2016. at a warehouse in West Footscray forced evacuations and school closures in the western suburbs. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade issued a ‘watch and act’ warning to residents. Concern was expressed in the community about the possible health effects of the smoke from the fire, as well as the effects of contaminants on nearby 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 96 • A review of native vegetation clearing Legislation regulations was released in December The following selection of legislation was 2016, following the publication of a introduced during the 58th Parliament. For consultation paper for public feedback. further information, see the Legislation The changes, enacted through website. Amendment VC138 to the Planning • National Parks Amendment (No 99 Scheme, are designed to provide Year Leases) Act 2015 better protections for Victoria’s native • National Parks Amendment vegetation, safeguard biodiversity and (Prohibiting Cattle Grazing) Act 2015 improve monitoring and reporting. • Crown Land Legislation Amendment • The development of the Port Phillip Act 2016 Bay environmental management plan • Crown Land Legislation Amendment 2017–2017 was undertaken over a (Canadian Regional Park and Other two-year period by DELWP, in Matters) Act 2016 partnership with the EPA and • Environment Protection Act (Banning Melbourne Water. Two rounds of Plastic Bags, Packing and Microbeads) public consultation gathered Bill 2016 (defeated) community views to refine the final • National Parks and Victorian plan (launched in November 2017), Environmental Assessment Council Acts which aims to address key challenges Amendment Act 2016 to the Bay’s health. The challenges • Environment Protection Act 2017 include pollution, sediments, litter, • Parks and Crown Land Legislation habitat decline and marine pests. Amendment Act 2017 Complementary activities are included • Environment Protection Amendment in a number of related strategies, such Act 2018 as Melbourne Water’s Healthy • Flora and Fauna Guarantee waterways strategy 2018–2028 and Amendment Bill 2018 (lapsed) DELWP’s Water for Victoria: Water • Marine and Coastal Act 2018 plan. • Parks Victoria Act 2018 • Planning and Environment Amendment (Distinctive Areas and Landscapes) Act 2018 • Planning and Environment Amendment (Public Land Contributions) Act 2018 Library research publications The Parliamentary Library Research & Inquiries unit produced the following research publication during the 58th Parliament. • The Circular economy: An explainer, Research Note, Victorian Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 97 Reports • Victoria’s climate change adaptation The following selection of reports was plan: 2017–2020, Department of produced during the 58th Parliament. For Environment, Land, Water and further reports, see the Library catalogue. Planning (2016) • Victoria’s climate change framework, • Independent review of the Climate Department of Environment, Land, Change Act 2010, Victorian Water and Planning (2016) Government (2015) • Water for Victoria: Water plan, • Review of performance target for Department of Environment, Land, bushfire fuel management on public Water and Planning (2016) land , Inspector-General for Emergency • Great Forest National Park: Economic Management (2015) contribution of park establishment, park • Safer together: A new approach to management, and visitor expenditure, reducing the risk of bushfire in Victoria, Nous Group for The Wilderness Victorian Government (2015) Society (2017) • State and benefit framework for the • Marine and Coastal Act: Consultation 2018 state of the environment report, summary, Department of Environment, Commissioner for Environmental Land, Water and Planning (2017) Sustainability Victoria (2015) • Port Phillip Bay environmental • Valuing Victoria’s parks: Accounting for management plan 2017–2027, ecosystems and valuing their benefits: Department of Environment, Land, Reports of first phase findings, Water and Planning (2017) Department of Environment, Land, • Protecting Victoria’s environment - Water and Planning (2015) Biodiversity 2037, Department of • Greater alpine national parks: Environment, Land, Water and Management plan, Parks Victoria Planning (2017) (2016) • The economic impact of VicForests on • Independent inquiry into the the Victorian community, Deloitte Environment Protection Authority, Access Economics (2017) Ministerial Advisory Committee (2016) • Turning waste into energy: Join the • Metropolitan waste and resource discussion, Department of recovery implementation plan 2016, Environment, Land, Water and MWRRG (2016) Planning (2017) • Our environment, our health: Building • Biodiversity 2037 implementation our future together, Environment framework, Department of Protection Authority Victoria (2016) Environment, Land, Water and • State of the Bays 2016, Commissioner Planning (2018) for Environmental Sustainability • Clean air for all Victorians: Victoria’s air Victoria (2016) quality statement, Department of • Toxic tide: The threat of marine plastic Environment, Land, Water and pollution in Australia, Senate Planning (2018) Environment and Communications • Healthy waterways strategy 2018–28, References Committee (2016) Melbourne Water (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 98 • Improving Victoria’s air quality, • Waste Management Policy Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (Combustible Recyclable and Waste (2018) Materials), Minister for Energy, • Interim Victorian state of the Environment and Climate Change, environment report 2018, Victoria Government Gazette, No. S 397 Commissioner for Environmental (2018) Sustainability Victoria (2018) Committee inquiries • Living with wildlife action plan, The following committee inquiries were Department of Environment, Land, conducted during the 58th Parliament. Water and Planning (2018) • Megatrends and the Victorian • Inquiry into the Environment Protection environment, Deloitte Access Amendment (Banning Plastic Bags, Economics for the Commissioner for Packaging and Microbeads) Bill 2016, Environmental Sustainability Victoria Environment and Planning Committee, (2018) Parliament of Victoria (2016) • Parks Victoria Act: Statement of • Inquiry into fire season preparedness: obligations, Minister for Energy, Final report, Environment and Planning Environment and Climate Change, Committee, Parliament of Victoria Victoria Government Gazette, No. S (2017) 521, 30 October (2018) • Inquiry into VicForests operations, • Point Nepean National Park master Economy and Infrastructure plan 2017, Parks Victoria (2018) Committee, Parliament of Victoria • Protecting Victoria’s coastal assets, (2017) Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (2018) • Recycling industry strategic plan, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2018) • Reducing the impacts of plastic on the Victorian environment, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2018) • State of the forests 2018, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Victoria (2018) • State of the Yarra and its parklands 2018, Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Victoria (2018) • Statewide waste and resource recovery infrastructure plan Victoria 2018, Sustainability Victoria (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 99 Local government as the Government introduced the Local Government Amendment (Fair Go Rates) Rate caps Bill 2015. The Bill proposed a rate cap In February 2015, the Andrews based on the Melbourne Consumer Price Government acted on an election Index forecast, as well as greater powers commitment to limit annual council rate for the ESC to oversee council spending increases to the inflation rate. The and compliance. The Bill passed the Essential Services Commission (ESC) was Parliament in late November 2015 and the appointed to advise on a proposed rate- first rate cap of 2.5 per cent became capping system for local government. The effective from 1 July 2016. In March 2016, ESC released a discussion paper in April the Minister asked the ESC to publish its 2015, which began the public consultation rate cap recommendations on an annual process. The CEO of the Municipal basis. Association of Victoria, Rob Spence, said the policy would create challenges for Councillor conduct standards councils to manage their business. The Updates designed to improve the Victorian Local Governance Association councillor conduct framework were estimated the cap would cause councils to introduced with the passage of the Local lose up to $150 million of revenue in Government Amendment (Improved 2016–17. Governance) Act in October 2015. The legislation required councillors to adopt On 27 May 2015, the Legislative Council’s codes of conduct (by July 2016), outlined Standing Committee on Environment and methods for dealing with misconduct and Planning established an inquiry to gather allowed for serious misconduct to be community views on rate capping and to reviewed by independent Councillor monitor implementation. The Committee Conduct Panels. In August 2016, it was tabled four reports during the 58th reported that over 100 councillors were Parliament, each with recommendations. facing disqualification for failing to comply The Andrews Government responded by with the new code of conduct. The Local supporting selected recommendations Government Amendment Act 2016 granted either in full or in principle, but noted that a reprieve to councils that had either a number of recommendations fell outside made administrative errors or not satisfied the Committee’s terms of reference. the technical requirements, by extending Minister for Local Government, Natalie the compliance date to within four months Hutchins, established a Local Government of the October 2016 council elections. Sector Reference Group to give a wide Monitoring and compliance range of stakeholders a formal avenue of Throughout the course of the 58th consultation during the development of Parliament, municipal monitors were the ‘Fair Go Rates’ framework. The ESC appointed to a number of councils to released its draft report in July 2015 and review governance issues. In June 2015, outlined 11 draft recommendations, two special inspectors of Municipal including one rate cap to apply equally to Administration were assigned to work with all councils. The ESC released its final Darebin Council following the report in October 2015, at the same time identification of problems (related to non-2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 100 compliance with policies and disrespectful Inspectorate into Central Goldfields Shire behaviour) in a report tabled by the Council led to the appointment of a Municipal Monitor. After implementing a municipal monitor to provide support and number of changes, the inspectors advice during the council’s caretaker reported to the Minister in December period. After further governance issues 2015. were identified by two monitoring reports, a Bill to dismiss the council was passed by An independent Commission of Inquiry the Parliament on 23 August 2017. Three was appointed to investigate the City of long-term administrators were appointed Greater Geelong in late 2015. It followed in December 2017. the completion of the Halliday Workplace cultural review, which found concerns In June 2017, a Commission of Inquiry was relating to the culture and structures of appointed to review governance processes the council. The report of the three-month related to the development of Ararat Rural investigation led to legislation to dismiss City Council’s budget, including its the council in April 2016, with the methods of consultation. The Government accepting the Commission’s Commission’s report was tabled in 12 recommendations. Administrators were Parliament on 9 August 2017, with then appointed. A Geelong Citizens’ Jury recommendations for the Council’s rating (comprising 100 representative residents) strategy and community engagement delivered its final report on the best future procedures, as well as its financial stability design of the council in January 2017. The and governance issues. A Municipal City of Greater Geelong Amendment Act Monitor was appointed for two years to 2017 was passed in June 2017, with new assist the Council to make the required electoral boundaries for the council changes. confirmed the same month. Two municipal Recommendations from the Local monitors were appointed in September Government Investigations and 2017 (through to 2020) to assist the Compliance Inspectorate resulted in the council with the implementation of the appointment of municipal monitors at two Commission’s recommendations and with more councils during the 58th Parliament: the council’s longer-range plans. Frankston City and South Gippsland Shire. The Ombudsman’s June 2016 report into A Monitor was appointed for 18 months to the mishandling of a special charge report on governance at Frankston City scheme by Casey Council resulted in the Council in December 2017, following appointment of a municipal monitor. In reports of councillor boycotts, cost September, the Monitor reported on the blowouts and extended meetings. In June council’s response to the 2018, a Monitor was appointed for a 12- recommendations of the Ombudsman and month term to South Gippsland Shire reviewed the actions taken to prevent Council to investigate concerns about the similar governance issues happening council’s meeting procedures, policies and again. processes to manage conflicts of interest, and the management of confidential An investigation by the Local Government information. Compliance and Investigations 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 101 Local Government Act review Other developments Minister for Local Government, the Hon. • The Ombudsman produced a report <a href="/tags/Natalie_Hutchins/" rel="tag">Natalie Hutchins</a>, released a Ministerial on councils and complaint handling in Statement on local government in August February 2015, with recommendations 2015 that outlined a number of reforms for defining complaints consistently planned for the sector. The Local with the national standard and Government Reform Agenda included requiring councils to have an internal improvements to the integrity, capacity, review function in dealing with performance, sustainability and value complaints. Councils and complaints: A delivered by local government for good practice guide was developed by Victorians. Along with the Fair Go Rates the Ombudsman, in consultation with system, a substantially modernised Local all councils and key stakeholders, to Government Act was central to the plan. provide practical guidance for improved council complaint-handling Terms of reference for a review of the systems. 1989 Act were released in August 2015 • The Know your Council website was and consultation began with a discussion launched in November 2015, allowing paper and website launch (‘Your Council, the public to compare the Your Community’) the following month. performance of councils across a range Ten community forums, six technical of services. working groups and meetings with peak • A KPMG review of public library associations informed the process. Act for funding in Victoria was released in May the future: Directions for a new Local 2016, recommending continued Government Act was released in June 2016, investment in programs such as the with proposals for greater consistency Living Libraries Infrastructure Program across council structures and practices. and investigating options for shared In November 2016, the Government services across Victoria’s library announced that it would require all services. councils to develop four-year plans with • The Government created the Suburban their communities, giving residents more Development portfolio in May 2016 in opportunities to engage with their order to achieve a number of councils. New Local Government Minister, outcomes: to develop five-year jobs, <a href="/tags/Marlene_Kairouz/" rel="tag">Marlene Kairouz</a>, released an exposure services and infrastructure plans for draft of the proposed Bill for public Melbourne’s suburbs; to oversee the comment in December 2017. It was development of Metropolitan accompanied by the explanatory Partnerships between the three levels document, A new Local Government Act for of government; and to coordinate the Victoria. The Bill was introduced in State Government’s social, economic Parliament in May 2018 and passed the and environmental investments in Assembly in June; however, it did not Melbourne’s suburbs. A Suburban progress in the Council and lapsed when Development Statement was published the 58th Parliament expired. in 2017. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 102 • The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office • The Victorian Aboriginal and local published a number of reports during government action plan was launched the 58th Parliament that examined in December 2016, providing a new aspects of local government and made resource for councils to build their recommendations for improvement in relationships with local Aboriginal areas such as community engagement communities, promote reconciliation, processes, economic development and and engage Aboriginal people in sustainability, and the planning and planning, decision-making, review of service provision. employment, programs and services. • The Growing Suburbs Fund replaced Legislation the Interface Growth Fund in May The following selection of legislation was 2016, supporting the infrastructure introduced during the 58th Parliament. For needs of ten interface councils on further information, see the Legislation Melbourne’s urban fringe: Cardinia, website. Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, • Local Government Amendment (Fair Go Whittlesea, Wyndham, and Yarra Rates) Act 2015 Ranges. • Local Government Amendment • The Government sought to give local (Improved Governance) Act 2015 government candidates the option of • Local Government Legislation providing more information about Amendment (Environmental Upgrade themselves with an update to the Agreements) Act 2015 electoral regulations in June 2016. • Local Government Amendment Act Section 38 of the Local Government 2016 (Electoral) Regulations 2016—which • Local Government (Greater Geelong related to the insertion of how-to-vote City Council) Act 2016 cards in council postal packs—was • Local Government (Central Goldfields subject to a rare resolution of Shire Council) Act 2017 disallowance in the Legislative Council • Local Government Bill 2018 (lapsed) on 31 August 2016. • More women were returned at the local government elections in 2016; all councils elected at least one woman and women comprised 38.1 per cent of all councillors. The Government produced a Best practice guide for gender equity in local government in July 2018, in a bid to boost the representation of women on local councils to 50 per cent by 2025. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 103 Reports • Commission of Inquiry into Ararat Rural The following selection of reports was City Council: An independent produced during the 58th Parliament. For Commission of Inquiry established by further reports, see the Library catalogue. the Minister for Local Government, The Commission (2017) • A blueprint for change: Local • Final report, Geelong Citizens’ Jury government rate capping and variation (2017) framework: Final report , Essential • Protecting integrity: Central Goldfields Services Commission (2015) Shire Council investigation, Local • City of Greater Geelong: Culture review Government Investigations and 2015–2016, S. Halliday, City of Greater Compliance Inspectorate (2017) Geelong (2015) • Public participation and community • Councils and complaints: A good engagement: Local Government sector, practice guide, Victorian Ombudsman Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (2015) (2017) • Darebin City Council: Final report to the • Suburban development statement, Minister for Local Government, (M. Department of Environment, Land, Madden & B. Mountford) Inspectors of Water and Planning (2017) Municipal Administration (2015) • Best practice guide for gender equity in • Local government – Rates capping & local government, Local Government variation framework: Consultation Victoria (2018) paper, Essential Services Commission • Delivering local government services, (2015) Victorian Auditor-General’s Office • Ministerial statement on Local (2018) Government , Minister for Local • Local government and economic Government (2015) development, Victorian Auditor- • Act for the future: Directions for a new General’s Office (2018) Local Government Act, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Committee inquiries Planning (2016) The following committee inquiries were • Municipal Monitor’s report for Casey conducted during the 58th Parliament. City Council, B. Jaboor (2016) • Inquiry into rate capping policy, • Victorian Aboriginal and local Environment and Planning Committee, government action plan, Department of Parliament of Victoria (various dates, Environment, Land, Water and 2015–2017) Planning (2016) • Inquiry into the sustainability and • Victorian public libraries review, KPMG operational challenges of Victoria’s for Local Government Victoria and the rural and regional councils, Department of Environment, Land, Environment, Natural Resources and Water and Planning (2016) Regional Development Committee, • A new Local Government Act for Parliament of Victoria (2018) Victoria, Minister for Local Government (2017) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 104 Rural and regional • Redevelopment of the Eureka Stadium and Ballarat Sports Precinct: The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund Eureka Stadium, which opened in Regional Development Victoria In 2015, the August 2017, was upgraded to meet Amendment (Jobs and Infrastructure) Act AFL standards as part of a 2015 replaced the Regional Growth Fund $31.5 million investment in Ballarat and established the Regional Jobs and sporting Infrastructure; Infrastructure Fund (RJIF), which is a • Stage Two redevelopment of the regional development package that Geelong Performing Arts Centre: The invests in creating jobs and building $38.5 million second stage of the Ryrie infrastructure in regional Victoria. As Street redevelopment began in 2017, outlined in the Minister’s second reading to be completed in 2018; speech, the fund was set up to provide • Completion of the Grampians Peak better infrastructure, facilities and services, Trail Revamp of Bendigo’s Cathedral strengthen the economic, social and precinct: A $27 million project to be environmental base of communities, and implemented over three stages, the create jobs and improve career world-class walking experience is opportunities. The legislation also expected to create 35 full-time jobs established the Regional Development and boost the local economy by Advisory Committee, an independent $6.4 million per year; committee that provides regional • Shepparton Art Museum: A $10 million development policy advice. Following this investment from the RJIF towards the legislation, the 2015–16 State Budget $34.5 million Shepparton Art Museum allocated the Fund $500 million over four redevelopment project will see the years, starting from 1 July 2015. This facility moved to the more prominent included a Regional Jobs Fund of $200 and accessible location of the Victoria million and a Regional Infrastructure Lake Park; and Development Fund of $250 million. • Development of Latrobe Valley Managed by Regional Development University Training Clinic and Dental Victoria (RDV), the RJIF is comprised of Prosthetics Laboratory: The $5.3 million three programs: the Regional facility, which opened in December Infrastructure Fund, the Regional Jobs 2017, is the only dental prosthetics Fund and the Stronger Regional laboratory in Victoria with enough Communities Plan. Under these programs, capacity to supply all Victorian ten grant streams opened for applications dentists, reducing the need for imports from 1 July 2015. Since its inception, RJIF as well as presenting opportunities for has generated $1.3 billion in regional export for the region. investment, according to Regional Regional partnerships Development Victoria’s 2017–18 annual Consultations during the 2015 Regional report. economic development and services review Of the RJIF’s many initiatives, major highlighted that regional Victorians felt funded regional infrastructure projects that governance arrangements were include: limited in delivering outcomes for regional 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 105 communities. In response, Victoria’s during this period, including drought, regional statement in 2015 outlined the floods and storms, with each of RDV’s key development of nine new Regional recovery projects supported by the Partnerships designed to help regional Victorian Government’s $500 million RJIF. communities build stronger connections The Christmas Day bushfires devastated with government. Building on the work of communities along the Great Ocean Road, existing regional leadership and advocacy including Wye River and Separation Creek, groups, Victoria’s nine Regional in December 2015. Wye River was hit the Partnerships were established in 2016 with hardest, with 116 houses lost after fires the aim of giving rural and regional burned for 34 days. In January 2016, the Victorians a stronger voice in decision- Andrews Government announced a making and policy development that $2.75 million package to assist the affects their areas. Partnerships were recovery. established in the following regions: Mallee, Wimmera Southern Mallee, Great The regions were also responding to South Coast, Central Highlands, Loddon drought conditions, with seven of the ten Campaspe, Barwon, Goulburn, Ovens drought-declared local government areas Murray and Gippsland. located in the Grampians Region. In response, the Victorian Government Substantially increasing the $27.5 million announced a $27 million package to allocated in the 2017–18 State Budget, the target drought-affected farmers and small 58th Parliament’s final budget delivered businesses. The package was designed to $760 million to projects identified as key supply free kinder, rural financial priorities by Victoria’s nine regional counselling and the fast-tracking of partnerships. These projects included: rail infrastructure projects, among other infrastructure, tourism, business and initiatives. innovation and support for those impacted by family violence and In November 2016, serious thunderstorms homelessness. impacted Mildura, causing damage to 236 buildings and approximately $77.6– Natural disaster recovery 156.8 million worth of damage to the With climate change increasing the farming sector. The Commonwealth and likelihood of extreme weather, the Victorian Governments established a Andrews Government increased attention number of disaster relief and recovery on planning for high-risk areas, mitigation arrangements, including a $120,000 projects and disaster management Community Recovery Fund which funding during the 58th Parliament. provided grants of up to $25,000 for Regional Development Victoria affected primary producers. collaborated with government bodies such In 2016, a series of floods impacted 51 as Agriculture Victoria, Emergency local government areas around Victoria, Management Victoria and local councils to causing over $150 million worth of facilitate rural and regional recovery damage. To mitigate future incidents of responses. There were a range of natural this kind, the 2016–17 Victorian Budget disasters that affected regional Victoria provided $25 million in funding to help 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 106 prepare for future floods, which included a Lake Charm and Walpeup. The second was new Victorian floodplain management the Crown Land Legislation Amendment strategy. In April 2017, it was announced (Canadian Regional Park and Other that a Community Recovery Fund of up to Matters) Act 2016, which created two $3.4 million would be set up to help areas regional parks (the Hepburn and Canadian impacted by flooding. Regional Parks) and the Kerang State Wildlife Reserve. The Act also helps In 2018, the Government provided support the apiary industry by introducing $9.1 million for community recovery reforms to bee site licensing on Crown projects and a Natural Disaster Resilience land. Grants Scheme. The funding, which was jointly provided by the Commonwealth In September 2016, the Economic, and Victorian Governments, aims to help Education, Jobs and Skills Committee was communities minimise the impacts of asked to investigate the factors affecting natural disasters with mitigation projects fuel prices in regional Victoria. After a and grants of up to $250,000 for flood public consultation process, the planning. Committee tabled its report in February 2018. It found that local market factors Other reforms and the level of competition (and the Despite the Victorian Government having presence of independent fuel discounters) sold part of Rural Finance Corporation of can significantly affect regional fuel prices. Victoria (RFCV) to Bendigo and Adelaide The Committee recommended ways of Bank in 2014, some residual obligations stimulating competition, such as greater remained under the Rural Finance Act use of fuel price apps, support for the 1988. To meet these obligations, the Rural RACV’s efforts to cover fuel prices with Assistance Schemes Act 2016 came into crowdsourced data, and the review of effect to finalise the winding up of the barriers to new entrants into regional fuel regional RFCV and to establish the Rural markets. The Government supported all of Assistance Commissioner (RAC). The the recommendations made by the remaining functions of RFCV were Committee. subsequently delegated to the RAC. Proceeds from the sale of the RFCV have On 7 September 2017, the Economic, helped fund the Murray Basin Rail Project, Education, Jobs and Skills Committee a $440 million project that upgrades received terms of reference to conduct an Victoria’s rail freight network. inquiry into the NBN rollout in regional Victoria. The Committee was tasked with Additionally, the passage of two Acts investigating the implications of poor provided for the revocation of several internet connectivity and speed on permanent reservations over regional productivity and job growth in regional Crown land, enabling the sites to be sold Victoria, as well as reporting on the or used for other purposes. The first was consequences of not rolling out the NBN the Land (Revocation of Reservations – with ‘fibre to the node.’ The inquiry lapsed Regional Victoria Land) Act 2016, which at the expiration of the 58th Parliament. revoked four regional Crown land reservations: Burke’s Flat, Campbelltown, 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 107 Legislation • Victoria’s regional statement, State The following selection of legislation was Government of Victoria (2015) introduced during the 58th Parliament. For • Annual report 2015–16: Regional further information, see the Legislation Development Victoria, Regional website. Development Victoria (2016) • Victorian floodplain management • Regional Development Victoria strategy, Department of Environment, Amendment (Jobs and Infrastructure) Land, Water and Planning (2016) Act 2015 • Annual report 2016–17: Regional • Crown Land Legislation Amendment Development Victoria, Regional (Canadian Regional Part and Other Development Victoria (2017) Matters) Act 2016 • Climate change and the Victoria • Land (Revocation of Reservations – bushfire threat: Update, Climate Regional Victoria Land) Act 2016 Council (2017) • Rural Assistance Schemes Act 2016 • Annual report 2017/18: Geelong Reports Performing Arts Centre, Geelong The following selection of reports was Performing Arts Centre Trust (2018) produced during the 58th Parliament. For • Annual report 2017–18: Regional further reports, see the Library catalogue. Development Victoria, Regional Development Victoria (2018) • 2014 Master plan: Grampians Peaks Trail, Parks Victoria (2014) Committee inquiries • Annual report 2014–15, Country Fire The following committee inquiry was th Authority (2015) conducted during the 58 Parliament. • Regional economic development and • Inquiry into fuel prices in regional services review: Final report, Victoria, Economic, Education, Jobs Department of Economic and Skills Committee, Parliament of Development, Jobs, Transport and Victoria (2018) Resources (2015) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 108 Primary industries Primary industries An overview of developments within the primary industries portfolios during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation, committee inquiries and reports. Agriculture appointed by the Government in May 2015 as a special coordinator to assist with Omnibus Bill implementing the plan. The Primary Industries Legislation Amendment Bill 2017, introduced in The plan, which also set catch limits, November 2017, proposed amendments attracted criticism from Seafood Industry to a number of Acts relating to dairying, Victoria, who saw it as a ‘right-to-farm’ plant biosecurity, meat processing and issue, and expressed concerns about the fishing. This included amending the Dairy impact of the changes on the health and Act 2000 to allow camel milk to be wellbeing on those in the fishing industry. regulated and licensed in Victoria by the VRFish, representing recreational anglers, state’s specialist dairy regulator, Dairy had been campaigning for the removal of Food Safety Victoria, and changes to the commercial fishing from Port Phillip Bay Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances and welcomed the catch limits. Catch Act 1981 to regulate the cultivation and limits did not, however, set species limits. processing of industrial hemp (low-THC By December 2017, the Victorian Fisheries cannabis). The Bill reached the third Authority, which had been monitoring reading in the Legislative Council in May commercial catch returns, reported an 2018, with amendments. The amendments increased take in key recreational species. were yet to be considered in the This prompted the Government to Legislative Assembly when the 58th propose a revision of the management Parliament expired and the Bill arrangement in March 2018, following consequently lapsed. public consultation. Fisheries Amendment Act 2015 Fishing The banned commercial net fishing in Corio Bay from Target One Million was the Government’s April 2018 and in Port Phillip Bay from plan to increase the number of April 2022. It also set out a compensation participants in recreational fishing in scheme for commercial licence-holders. Victoria to one million, by 2020. The policy had been a pre-election commitment with Domestic animals the intention of attracting recreational Puppy farms fishers to regional Victoria. This plan also Puppy farms received extensive media included a commitment to increase the coverage at the beginning of the 58th fish stocking program. A key initiative of Parliament. Animal welfare activist groups this policy was the phase out of and the RSPCA had waged a campaign for commercial net fishing in Port Phillip Bay increased regulation of commercial and Corio Bay through the buyout of domestic animal breeders and pet shops. licences. The former independent Member The RSPCA estimated that a high for Gippsland, Craig Ingram, was proportion of dogs sold in pet shops were 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 111 sourced from puppy farms, linking the inquiry on the Bill, following its impulse buying of puppies in pet shops introduction in the Legislative Assembly. with eventual high abandonment rates at The Committee’s report criticised the level animal shelters. of consultation, the limit of ten fertile female dogs as having ‘no clear scientific In January 2015, the Andrews Government reason’, and the possibility of a reduced requested a formal investigation into supply of livestock working dogs. The animal welfare practices at a North Committee Inquiry attracted concerns in Melbourne animal shelter, following claims Parliament that the report had been of high euthanasia rates at the shelter. leaked to the media prior to being tabled. The Government had made an election In response to these issues, the commitment before the 2014 State Government introduced several Election to regulate the industry and amendments to ensure the passage of the amend the existing Code of Practice for the Bill through the Legislative Council. The Operation of Breeding and Rearing Bill eventually passed on 15 December Businesses 2014. Amendments to the 2017 following a close 19 to 17 vote in the Code, requiring breeders to obtain Legislative Council. There was a veterinary health checks for female dogs, celebratory gathering on the front steps of were proposed by the new Minister for Parliament House by advocates (the Agriculture in March 2015 and came into group, Oscar’s Law) and their dogs on the effect on 1 July 2015. passing of the legislation. The Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy Restricted breed dogs Farms and Pet Shops) Act 2017 limited the The Domestic Animals Amendment Act number of female breeding animals per 2015 placed a moratorium on the registered business to ten, by April 2020. destruction of restricted breed dogs until Pet stores are also limited to selling dogs September 2016. This was to allow and cats sourced from registered pounds Parliament’s Joint Investigatory Committee and shelters, only. to report on its inquiry into existing The Act ensured that commercial breeders legislative arrangements concerning such who obtain ministerial approval breeds. Under the Domestic Animals Act (‘applicable organisations’) are able to 1994, a dog could be destroyed solely keep a maximum of 50 female dogs, but because of its status as a restricted breed are also subject to stricter regulations and under the Act. The ‘breed specific’ nature adherence to the Code. It requires of the legislation was a concern expressed breeders with up to ten fertile female dogs by the community in submissions made to to register with the local council. Domestic the Committee. animal breeders were reported to be The Committee tabled its report to angry at having their businesses and Parliament on 23 March 2016. The Primary livelihoods threatened. Industries Legislation Amendment Act 2016 On 25 October 2016, the Legislative extended the moratorium for a further 12 Council Economy and Infrastructure months, to 30 September 2017. This was Committee undertook a self-referenced to enable the Andrews Government to 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 112 implement its response to the Food and Fibre Committee’s recommendations and In July 2015, the Government released a prevent, in the meantime, the destruction discussion paper on job growth and of any dogs held under the Act. prosperity in Victoria’s food and fibre sector as part of the $200 million Future The Domestic Animal Amendment Industries Fund. The sector (identified as (Restricted Breed Dogs) Act 2017 allowed one of six priority sectors) employs over for the registration of restricted breed 190,000 people, accounts for one in six dogs in Victoria as recommended by the jobs in regional areas and contributes Committee. Restrictions on the ownership, 4.9 per cent to gross state product. A management and importation of these number of areas were within the scope of dogs remained in place, as recommended the consultation: agriculture, fisheries, by the Committee. These restrictions, forestry, animal feed, textile, clothing, together with registration, allow councils footwear, and food and beverage to keep track of the dogs’ locations, aiding manufacturing. The Government released the eventual phasing out of such breeds in the Food and fibre strategy in early 2016, Victoria. The moratorium on dogs being which supported the establishment of an euthanised under the Act continued until ‘innovation network’ to drive employment, the registration regime was instated. The investment and modernisation in the Act also clarified the status of ‘retired’ sector. guard dogs as dangerous dogs, maintaining that once a dog is deemed SPC dangerous it must continue to be In 2014, the Coalition Government had registered as dangerous for its lifetime. funded upgrades to the SPC Ardmona fruit processing plant in Shepparton, Animal welfare contributing $22 million to the The Government released a draft animal $100 million renewal project as a co- welfare action plan in September 2016, investment with parent company, Coca- developed with the Animal Welfare Cola Amatil (CCA). The first stage of the Advisory Committee. The establishment of modernisation project opened in May Animal Welfare Victoria was announced in 2015. At the end of the four-year deal, October 2017. Victoria’s first Animal CCA initiated a strategic review of the welfare action plan was released in January business in August 2018. The IXL jam 2018, with four priority areas: a policy and brand, based in Kyabram, was sold in legal framework that safeguards and September 2018, with the new owners improves animal welfare; collaborations committing to continue the business. Later that promote investment in animal the same year, CCA announced that SPC welfare; education and communication; was on the market, but that it would be and effective compliance and ‘business as usual’ in the meantime. enforcement. For information on legislation and developments relating to greyhounds, see the Arts, sport and recreation section of this Briefing e-Book. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 113 Timber standards as related to the availability and In March 2017, a convoy of logging trucks supply of timber to industry. The blockaded Spring Street outside Committee focused on the accuracy of Parliament House. Timber workers VicForests’ modelling. The Committee mounted a protest in response to news of heard submissions stating that innovation the imminent closure of the Heyfield and investment in new technologies were timber mill. Australian Sustainable needed to meet future challenges in Hardwood Ltd had announced that it supply, the necessity of plantation timber intended to shut down its Victorian mill to augment supply, and new markets that operations in the central Gippsland district favoured products with environmental of Heyfield by September 2018 and move certification. to Tasmania. The decision followed a The flagged closure of the Heyfield timber reduction in timber allocation by mill in early 2017 threatened over 200 jobs VicForests after June 2017, when the in the Gippsland timber industry. The existing contract expired. The new Government was prompted to consider allocation of 80,000 cubic metres of timber purchasing and operating the mill. By per year was deemed by the company to September 2017, the Government be unviable to maintain its operations in announced that it had finalised the Victoria. purchase of the mill from the Hermal VicForests’ modelling, as well as a federal Group. The challenging issue of timber government advisory body’s assessment allocations and the viability of the state’s th of the conservation status of the critically timber mills continued throughout the 58 endangered Leadbeater’s possum, Parliament. indicated timber harvesting needed to be See also the Planning and Environment reduced. The 2009 Black Saturday section of this Briefing e-Book. bushfires had resulted in a substantial loss of the Leadbeater’s possum habitat, contributing to the possum’s endangered status. Federal MP Barnaby Joyce weighed in to the debate, offering to release protected forests in Victoria’s Central Highlands, as well as seeking the intervention of Federal Minister for the Environment, Josh Frydenberg, in reviewing the status of the Leadbeater’s possum. Following these developments, the Parliamentary Economy and Infrastructure Committee initiated a self-referenced inquiry into the operations at VicForests in May 2017. The Inquiry focused on VicForests’ compliance with its utilisation 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 114 Legislation Committee inquiries The following selection of legislation was The following committee inquiries were introduced during the 58th Parliament. For conducted during the 58th Parliament. further information, see the Legislation • Inquiry into the Domestic Animals website. Amendment (Puppy Farms and Pet • Domestic Animals Amendment Act Shops) Bill 2016, Economy and 2015 Infrastructure Committee, Parliament • Primary Industries Legislation of Victoria (2016) Amendment Act 2016 • Inquiry into the legislative framework • Domestic Animals Amendment (Puppy relating to restricted breed dogs, Farms and Pet Shops) Act 2017 Economy and Infrastructure • Domestic Animal Amendment Committee, Parliament of Victoria (Restricted Breed Dogs) Act 2017 (2016) • Primary Industries Legislation • Inquiry into VicForests operations, Amendment Bill 2017 (lapsed) Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Parliament of Victoria Reports (2017) The following selection of reports was produced during the 58th Parliament. For further reports, see the Library catalogue. • Food and fibre: Sector strategy, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (2016) • Animal welfare action plan: Improving the welfare of animals in Victoria, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (2017) • Industry development plan: Developing a medicinal cannabis industry in Victoria, 2018–2021, Agriculture Victoria (2018) • Victoria: Invest in agriculture and food processing - Overview, Agriculture Victoria (2018) • Victorian food and fibre export performance report 2017–18, Agriculture Victoria (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 115 Energy and resources exploration and development of all onshore unconventional gas in Victoria, Victorian Energy Efficiency Target including hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) The Andrews Government announced that and coal seam gas. The Government cited it would be retaining the Victorian Energy the protection of primary producers, Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme in regional communities and the natural December 2014, indicating that 2,000 environment as reasons for the ban. The sustainable energy-sector jobs would be Resources Legislation Amendment saved as a consequence. (A Coalition (Fracking Ban) Bill 2016 passed Parliament Government Bill to phase out the scheme in March 2017. The legislation also had lapsed at the conclusion of the extended the moratorium on onshore previous Parliament.) The VEET scheme is conventional gas to 30 June 2020, to allow designed to make energy-efficiency for further geoscientific research. improvements more affordable for households and businesses and to Energy plans encourage investment in industries that The Andrews Government released Saving supply energy-efficient products. The energy, growing jobs: Victoria’s energy Government announced stronger VEET efficiency statement in June 2015. The targets at an energy summit in August statement formed part of the 2015 and introduced legislation in Government’s plan to create jobs in new October 2015 to reduce greenhouse gas energy technologies, to position energy emissions by 30 million tonnes over five efficiency as the main driver of improved years. The energy-efficient certificate energy affordability, and to transition program was rebranded as Victorian Victoria to a low-emissions economy. In Energy Upgrades in 2017. A public August 2015, the Government unveiled a consultation was conducted to update the Renewable Energy Roadmap and sought Victorian Energy Efficiency Target community feedback through a Regulations in 2018. consultation process. The Roadmap outlined initiatives for accelerating the Unconventional gas development of renewable energy projects The Andrews Government asked the in Victoria. The renewable sector was Environment and Planning Committee to supported by the appointment of inquire into the exploration, extraction, Victoria’s first Renewable Energy Advocate production and rehabilitation for onshore in December 2016. A New energy unconventional gas in May 2015. An technologies: Sector strategy report was inquiry into the issue was one of Labor’s produced in 2016, as part of the Future election commitments. A moratorium on Industries program. all onshore gas activities had been in place in Victoria since 2012. After 1,600 public See also the Industry, innovation and submissions and a number of public employment section. hearings, the inquiry resulted in four The development of the Government’s minority reports tabled in December 2015. action plan was informed by feedback to In August 2016, as part of their response the Roadmap, as well as by the Finkel to the inquiry, the Andrews Government Review (June 2017) of the national announced a permanent ban on the 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 116 electricity market. Former US Vice Budget for using the website. In the lead- President, Al Gore, was on hand in July up to the 2018 State Election, the 2017 to launch the Victorian Renewable Government announced a 50 per cent energy action plan, which invests rebate on solar panel systems for eligible $146 million across three areas: households, and discounted solar hot supporting sector growth; empowering water systems, under the Solar Homes communities and consumers; and program. modernising Victoria’s energy system. The An Independent and Bipartisan Review of Action Plan—which aims to ensure an the Electricity and Gas Retail Markets in affordable, reliable and resilient electricity Victoria—undertaken by John Thwaites, supply—includes $48.1 million to buy Terry Mulder and Patricia Faulkner—was renewable energy certificates, most of established in November 2016 to which will be used for solar power to run investigate ways to improve outcomes for the tram network and grid-scale batteries, Victorian consumers. In August 2017, the which can store renewable energy to help final report made 11 recommendations. with periods of peak demand. This included abolishing standing offers Energy consumers and a requirement for all energy retailers The Energy Legislation Amendment to provide a basic service offer to (Consumer Protection) Bill 2015, which customers. Rebates for households on passed Parliament in October 2015, expensive default standing offers were banned early exit fees for fixed-term negotiated with the three major retailers electricity and gas plans in cases where the (Origin, AGL and EnergyAustralia) in retailer increases the price. The legislation November 2017. In October 2018, the also gave more power to the Essential Government announced its intention to Services Commission (ESC) to enforce implement all the supported compliance with energy-sector consumer recommendations, including a protections. The Energy Legislation commitment to establish a Victorian (Publication of Retail Offers) Act 2015 Default Offer, new methods to empower requires energy retailers to provide their consumers and ways to assist vulnerable gas and solar feed-in tariff offers to an consumers. online price comparator service nominated An overhaul of the Essential Services by the Minister, enabling consumers to Commission’s (ESC) Payment Difficulty compare energy offers. Framework resulted in a doubling of the In October 2015, the Government threshold at which residential customers launched the Victorian Energy Compare can be disconnected (from $132 to $300). website (which replaced My Power As part of an Energy Retail Code review in Planner). The new comparison website 2016–17, the ESC simplified its framework allows consumers to enter data from their for customer entitlements to assistance. power bills to find electricity and gas The ESC also established a register so that offers that will potentially save them residents living in apartments and money. As an incentive, the Andrews communal properties could identify their Government offered all Victorians a $50 electricity provider and access the Power Savings Bonus in the 2018–19 State 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 117 Victorian Energy and Water Ombudsman Power stations to resolve complaints. A fire that broke out at the Hazelwood coal mine in the Latrobe Valley in February Feed-in Tariffs 2014 lasted for 45 days. It was a major, The National Electricity (Victoria) Further complex fire emergency and a serious risk Amendment Act 2015 was designed to to public health. The Mineral Resource allow easier connection to the electricity (Sustainable Development) Amendment grid for households with rooftop solar (Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation panels, reduce waiting times and provide Commissioner) Act 2017 set up the Office access to a dispute resolution process. of a Commissioner to monitor and report The Essential Services Commission was on the rehabilitation of the Hazelwood asked to conduct an inquiry into the mine. energy value of distributed generation in The Office of the Commissioner was a September 2015. It followed the recommendation of the Board of Inquiry Government’s election commitment to into the Hazelwood Coal Mine Fire. The fairly compensate Victorians for the Board was chaired by the Hon. Bernard energy that their solar panels contribute to Teague, and presented its final report in the grid. The inquiry was split into two April 2016. In September 2014, the Board stages, with reports finalised in 2016 and had submitted its report and 2017. recommendations to the 57th Parliament. The ESC recommended introducing The 2014 Inquiry reported on the origin multiple feed-in tariffs that vary according and circumstances of the fire, and the to the time of day, having regard for the adequacy and effectiveness of the environmental and social value of small response from the mine owners, renewable energy generation electricity. A emergency services, and relevant Bill to enact the new feed-in tariffs (among government agencies. In May 2015, the other amendments) passed Parliament in Inquiry was reopened, and the terms of February 2017. In the same month, the reference were extended to include the Government announced that the minimum potential health impacts of the fire on the feed-in tariff for solar households would Latrobe Valley communities, as well as increase from five cents to 11.3 cents per options for the rehabilitation of the mine. kilowatt hour, from 1 July 2017. A further recommendation of the Inquiry was the establishment of a statutory authority to monitor the rehabilitation obligations of mines. The Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Amendment Bill 2018, introduced in August 2018, sought to establish the Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority by July 2020. The Bill, however, lapsed at the end of the 58th Parliament. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 118 Alcoa ceased operations at the small networks, rather than a lack of energy Anglesea mine and power station in supply, and a number of August 2015, with the shutdown followed recommendations were made to address by consultation on an environmental outage prevention and consumer rehabilitation process for the site. protections. Wholesale electricity price rises and a Renewable energy greater reliance on gas followed the The Andrews Government made a closure of the Hazelwood power station in commitment to develop the wind energy the Latrobe Valley in March 2017. industry by reducing the buffer zone for Hazelwood’s majority owner, French dwellings near wind projects from two energy company Engie, had announced kilometres to one kilometre. Planning rules the closure of the power station in were relaxed in mid-2015 to simplify wind November 2016; the power station had farm applications, with the Minister for previously supplied over 20 per cent of Planning becoming the responsible Victoria’s base load electricity and five per authority for permit applications for wind cent of national energy demand. The farm facilities. A tender process was Government later put measures in place to announced in November 2015 to source ensure a minimum of five years’ notice for renewable energy certificates from new the closure of the Yallourn and Loy Yang projects in Victoria, to encourage jobs and power stations. investment in the industry. In March 2018, both the Australian Energy In May 2015, the Andrews Government Market Operator (AEMO) and the called for the federal Government to Australian Energy Regulator reported remove section 7c from the Renewable potential energy security issues for Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cth), which Victoria and higher prices in the national was understood to prevent state electricity market. AEMO later reported on governments from having schemes similar the increased likelihood of power outages to the Renewable Energy Target (RET). In during periods of extreme energy June 2015, Australia’s large-scale demand. The agency also noted the rapid renewable energy target was reduced by growth of utility-scale wind and solar federal legislation to 33,000 gigawatt generation in Victoria. Media commentary hours (or 23.5 per cent of electricity at the time highlighted warnings from generation) by 2020, which was seen as a both AEMO and the Finkel Review potential restriction on the development regarding the need for heavy investment of major renewable energy projects in in the national transmission network— Victoria. particularly in western Victoria—in order to get renewable power to market. A year later, in June 2016, the Victorian Government sought to stimulate the A review was conducted into power renewables sector with the announcement outages that affected almost 95,000 of new targets: 25 per cent of electricity to Victorians during a heatwave on the come from renewable energy by 2020, Australia Day long weekend in 2018. The rising to 40 per cent by 2025 (requiring outages were attributed to a series of local 5,400 MW of large-scale wind and large- failures in the privately-owned distribution 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 119 and small-scale solar power to be built). A solar certificate tender was announced Based on a mechanism used in the ACT, in March 2017 for large-scale solar plants, the Victorian scheme (VRET) was designed designed to build up to 75 MW of new to complement the national scheme and solar projects in regional Victoria. The two give confidence to investors in the successful tenders went to Bannerton renewable energy market. The targets are Solar Park, near Robinvale, and Numurkah designed to be met by reverse auctions for Solar Farm, near Shepparton. The Andrews competing project developers (with an Government also announced an emphasis on large-scale solar) and will be investment in large-scale energy storage additional to the national target after initiatives around the state, such as 2020. batteries, pumped hydro and solar thermal, in order to help manage periods Two new Victorian wind farms were of peak energy demand. Two large-scale announced in July 2016, with the battery projects, delivered by private Government signing contracts for projects consortia with funding from the in Mt Gellibrand and Kiata with the Government and the Australian Renewable potential to generate up to 100 MW of Energy Agency, were announced in March capacity. A large wind farm officially 2018. The battery projects are located at opened in Ararat in June 2017, capable of the Gannawarra Solar Farm (south-west of generating 240 MW of electricity. The Kerang) and at Warrenheip, near Ballarat. Kiata wind farm in western Victoria opened in January 2018. A number of The Victorian Parliament passed the other wind power projects were also Renewable Energy (Jobs and Investment) underway or proposed at locations Bill 2017 in October 2017. The legislation including Lal Lal, Moorabool, Dundonnell formally set the previously announced and Murra Warra. renewable energy targets and established schemes to promote the generation of A consultation opened on the renewable electricity by large-scale facilities that energy auction process in August 2016, either use or convert renewable sources seeking feedback on the system that into electricity. The VRET was expected to would invite industry bids to build new cut the average cost of power for renewable energy capacity in Victoria. In Victorians by around $30 a year for November 2017, the Victorian Renewable households, $25,000 a year for medium Energy Auction Scheme opened, having a businesses and $140,000 a year for large target to deliver up to 650 MW of large- companies, leading to a 16 per cent scale renewable energy from suppliers reduction in electricity sector greenhouse who would enter into 15-year government gas emissions by 2034–35. support agreements. The first reverse auction resulted in six projects in regional Victoria (three solar farms and three wind farms), with a combined capacity to deliver 928 MW of renewable energy when completed. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 120 Other developments electricity distribution businesses to • The Economic, Education, Jobs and meet enhanced powerline fault Skills Committee was given a reference detection and suppression obligations, in June 2016 to inquire into replacing bare wires with covered community energy projects. It conductor or underground powerlines reviewed the role of social enterprises in high bushfire-risk areas of Victoria. and community ownership in the • The Government established the energy sector and investigated ways to Victorian Energy Policy Centre in increase the uptake of a diverse range collaboration with Victoria University in of community energy projects. June 2018. The Centre will focus on • An independent review of Victoria’s policy challenges in energy for electricity and gas safety networks was Australia and Victoria. conducted during 2017, chaired by Dr Paul Grimes. The final report and the Government response were released in August 2018. The Andrews Government supported most of the 43 recommendations, a number of which were directed towards strengthening the governance of the Essential Services Commission and consolidating energy safety legislation. • A review of the Essential Services Commission, conducted by the Department of Treasury and Finance in late 2016, resulted in the Essential Services Commission (Governance, Procedural and Administrative Improvements) Amendment Bill 2018, which was designed to improve the operation of the ESC in 2018. The review made ten recommendations, which were supported by the Government. The Bill, which sought to establish the ESC as the economic regulator of Victoria’s energy, water and transport sectors, lapsed at the expiration of the 58th Parliament. • The Electricity Safety Amendment (Bushfire Mitigation Civil Penalties Scheme) Act 2017 is intended to reduce the bushfire threat posed by powerline faults to regional and rural Victorian communities. It requires 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 121 Legislation Library research publications The following selection of legislation was The Parliamentary Library Research & introduced during the 58th Parliament. For Inquiries unit produced the following further information, see the Legislation research publication during the 58th website. Parliament. • Energy Legislation Amendment • Electricity and gas in Victoria, Research (Consumer Protection) Act 2015 Paper, Victorian Parliamentary Library • Energy Legislation Amendment & Information Service (2017) (Publication of Retail Offers) Act 2015 • National Electricity (Victoria) Reports Amendment Act 2015 The following selection of reports was th • Victorian Energy Efficiency Target produced during the 58 Parliament. For Amendment (Saving Energy, Growing further reports, see the Library catalogue. Jobs) Act 2015 • Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry report, • National Electricity (Victoria) Further Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry, Victorian Amendment Act 2016 Government (2014) • Energy Legislation Amendment (Feed-In • Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry report Tariffs and Improving Safety and 2015/16 Vol. II – Investigations into Markets) Act 2017 2009-2014 deaths, Hazelwood Mine • Electricity Safety Amendment (Bushfire Fire Inquiry, Victorian Government Mitigation Civil Penalties Scheme) Act (2015) 2017 • Renewable energy roadmap: Delivering • Mineral Resource (Sustainable jobs and a clean energy future, Development) Amendment (Latrobe Department of Economic Valley Mine Rehabilitation Development, Jobs, transport and Commissioner) Act 2017 Resources (2015) • Renewable Energy (Jobs and • Saving energy, growing jobs: Victoria’s Investment) Act 2017 energy efficiency and productivity • Resources Legislation Amendment statement, Department of Economic (Fracking Ban) Act 2017 Development, Jobs, Transport and • Electricity Safety Amendment (Electrical Resources (2015) Equipment Safety Scheme) Act 2018 • The energy value of distributed • Essential Services Commission generation: Distributed generation (Governance, Procedural and inquiry Stage 1, Final report, Essential Administrative Improvements) Services Commission (2016) Amendment Bill 2018 (lapsed) • Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry report • Mineral Resources (Sustainable 2015/16, Vol. III – Health improvement, Development) Amendment Bill 2018 Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry, Victorian (lapsed) Government (2016) • Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse • Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry report Gas Storage Amendment Act 2018 2015/16, Vol. IV - Mine rehabilitation, Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry, Victorian Government (2016) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 122 • New energy technologies: Sector Committee inquiries strategy, Department of Economic The following committee inquiries were Development, Jobs, Transport and conducted during the 58th Parliament. Resources (2016) • Inquiry into unconventional gas in • Review of the Essential Services Victoria: Final report Commission Act 2001: Report to the , Environment and Planning Committee, Parliament of Minister for Finance, NERA Economic Victoria (2015) Consulting for the Department of • Inquiry into community energy projects, Treasury and Finance (2016) Economic, Education, Jobs and Skills • Final report, Independent Review into Committee, Parliament of Victoria the Electricity and Gas Retail Markets (2017) in Victoria (2017) • Independent review into the future security of the National Electricity Market: Blueprint for the future, A. Finkel (et al.), Commonwealth of Australia (2017) • Independent review of Victoria’s electricity and gas network safety framework: Final report, P. Grimes for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2017) • The network value of distributed generation: Distributed generation inquiry Stage 2 final report, Essential Services Commission (2017) • Payment difficulty framework: Final decision, Essential Services Commission (2017) • Renewable energy action plan, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2017) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 123 Water To secure water supply for the agricultural sector, the plan included an expansion of Water for Victoria the water grid and modernisation of Water for Victoria —a statewide water- irrigation infrastructure. These included management strategy—was released in rural water system upgrades at October 2016. The water plan was the Wedderburn, Bacchus Marsh and outcome of an 18-month community Werribee, and support for irrigation engagement process on the impact of the modernisation projects in the Goulburn- state’s population growth and climate Murray and Macalister Irrigation Districts, change on its water resources. the Werribee Irrigation District and the The Andrews Government had flagged the Sunraysia Irrigation District. development of the new water plan in The expansion of the water grid also April 2015. A series of workshops were included the Lance Creek Water subsequently held around the state. The Connection project in the South Gippsland workshops included water corporations, region. The project seeks to enable towns catchment management authorities, water in the north of the region to be connected user peak bodies, such as the Victorian to the Melbourne water supply grid, Farmers’ Federation, Dairy Australia, ensuring water security for domestic use Devondale Murray Goulburn, and the and food processing enterprises. One of Environmental Water Holder. Feedback the feasibility studies announced in 2016 from the wider community was then provided the option for extending the sought on the resulting discussion paper, water grid in South Gippsland from Foster released in March 2016. to Yanakie to support dairy farmers. This Key elements of the water plan included: would mitigate the pressures that the an implicit recognition of the connection region’s dairy farmers were facing from to water for Traditional Owners and the drought, as well as lower milk prices. Aboriginal Victorians; the impact of the Goulburn Murray Water’s Connections Millennium Drought on the perception of project (commenced in 2008) is the largest water for Victorian communities, including irrigation modernisation project in its recreational use; access to water for the Australia, with an investment of $2 billion agricultural sector; market transparency; from the Australian and Victorian and the importance of improving Governments. The project is upgrading environmental health. irrigation infrastructure to minimise The Aboriginal Water Program, established evaporation and leakage. When complete, under the plan, ensured participation of the project should recover an estimated Traditional Owners and Aboriginal 429 gigalitres (GL) of water annually for Victorians in the planning and irrigators and the environment. A mid- management of water resources. In term Connections project review and November 2017, the first Aboriginal consultation resulted in a project ‘reset’ by Commissioner was appointed to the the Andrews Government in 2016. A key Victorian Environmental Water Holder feature of the reset was a commitment to Commission. a channel-by-channel assessment, including greater landowner engagement 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 124 and improved transparency. A Victoria had, at that point, submitted 22 $100 million winter works program in 2017 projects for Commonwealth funding under (aimed at a 2020 finish) was followed by a the SDL Adjustment Mechanism scheme. review of the structure and operations of At the Ministerial Council meeting in June Goulburn Murray Water to reduce costs 2018, it was agreed that no water would and improve performance management. be taken from Victoria’s irrigators, following the approval of the 605 GL offset The Water and Catchment Legislation projects and Victoria’s commitment to Amendment Bill 2017 was introduced in deliver an additional 62 GL to the Basin. December 2017 to implement the key elements of the water plan. These included A review of the Commonwealth-funded Aboriginal and traditional owner Victorian Farm Modernisation Project participation, recreational values, and (VFMP) was conducted to address planning for future challenges such as community concerns that the transfer of climate change and population growth. entitlements by irrigators under the The Bill also sought to clarify the legal Project was causing unintended negative framework around salinity management in impacts on communities, such as reduced the Mallee region and the contributions water availability. The VFMP water required from irrigators. The Bill lapsed at recovery program began in 2013 and was the expiration of the 58th Parliament. delivered through the Farm Water Program, led by the Goulburn Broken Murray-Darling Basin Catchment Management Authority. In The Murray-Darling Basin Plan August 2018, the review recommended commenced in November 2012. A against funding further on-farm irrigation participant in the Plan since it was signed upgrade works, which would have resulted into law in 2012, Victoria is committed to in further water transfers to the deliver 1,075 GL to the environment as its Commonwealth as part of the Basin Plan. share of the total water target of 2,750 GL. The Victorian Government decided to The Plan sets Sustainable Diversion Limits discontinue the on-farm programs in (SDL) on how much water can be taken favour of increasing penalties for water from the Murray-Darling Basin for theft and supporting greater water irrigation, drinking water and industry. efficiency. Water for the environment is purchased from landholders through a water-trading Desalination plant scheme. In March 2016, the Government announced that it would place its first Projects that deliver water into the Basin order for 50 GL of desalinated water from through efficiency measures, rather than the Wonthaggi plant, to be delivered the reductions to irrigators, can be used to following summer. Melbourne’s water offset the total SDL allocation and attract storages were then at 65 per cent and Commonwealth funding under the SDL Geelong storages below 39 per cent. The Adjustment Mechanism scheme. In three metropolitan water retailers December 2017, an additional 605 GL for recommended the order, which was the Basin in environmental offset projects designed to improve water security for was requested of participating states. Melbourne and regional centres such as 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 125 Ballarat and Geelong. The decision was Living Victoria (OLV), particularly the criticised by Nationals leader, the Hon. process for awarding grants. The Peter Walsh, who said the decision Andrews Government had fulfilled an (forecast to cost $12 per household) election commitment by immediately would unfairly hit consumers. At the same closing the OLV and announcing an time, the Government reactivated the inquiry. The inquiry report found poor Target 155 water-savings program in the financial record keeping, concerns face of rising consumption levels. about contract management and grants administration, and a lack of The Minister for Water later confirmed engagement with the water sector. that water customers would not be • A five-year Regional riparian action charged for the 50 GL water order, after plan was launched in December 2015 savings were found within the water to improve the health of Victoria’s contracts. In 2017, the Government’s order rivers, wetlands and estuaries. from the Victorian Desalination Plant was Developed in consultation with key set at the minimum 15 GL, funded through stakeholders, the plan included the sale of surplus Renewable Energy benefits for farmers, including easier Certificates. The minimum order was stock management. confirmed for three years as a trial to • In March 2018, Parliament approved boost water security, improve plant and the transfer of Victoria’s 29 per cent pipeline management and to help stabilise interest in Snowy Hydro Limited to the prices. Commonwealth under s. 6(2A) of the Environmental water Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Act 1997. The Environment, Natural Resources and The sale, worth $2 billion to Victoria, Regional Development Committee self- was finalised in June 2018. Together referenced an inquiry in June 2017 into the with the sale of New South Wales’s management, governance and use of stake, the deal cleared the way for the environmental water. The inquiry focused proposed federal Snowy Hydro 2.0 on issues such as ‘blackwater’, fees and initiative, without changing Victoria’s charges, and the barriers to more efficient existing water arrangements. use of environmental water. The five • A rural drainage strategy was released recommendations of the Committee were in October 2018, along with funding generally supported by the Government, for 11 pilot studies to address difficult which included a commitment for rural drainage issues. The strategy agencies to collaborate to find the cause aims to balance agricultural of significant water quality issues and productivity with protection of the explain those issues to the community in a environment and cultural assets. timely manner. • In August 2018, the Minister for Water called on the federal Government to Other developments better support Victorian farmers and • The former Auditor-General, Des irrigators experiencing dry conditions Pearson AO, was appointed in by exploring opportunities for the February 2015 to head an inquiry into Commonwealth Environmental Water the operation of the former Office of Holder to trade water into the market. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 126 Legislation • Social and economic impacts of the The following legislation was introduced Basin Plan in Victoria, TC&A with during the 58th Parliament. For further Frontier Economics (2017) information, see the Legislation website. • Enhancing the grid: Victoria’s water grid partnerships in 2018, Department of • Water and Catchment Legislation Environment, Land, Water and Amendment Bill 2017 (lapsed) Planning (2018) Reports • Socio-economic impacts in the southern The following selection of reports was Murray-Darling Basin: Implications for produced during the 58th Parliament. For additional basin plan water recovery, further reports, see the Library catalogue. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2018) • Office of Living Victoria: Independent • Victorian farm modernisation project: review , D. Pearson for the Minister for Options review, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Environment, Land, Water and Water (2015) Planning (2018) • Regional riparian action plan: Working • Victorian rural drainage strategy, in partnership to improve riparian land Department of Environment, Land, in regional Victoria , Department of Water and Planning (2018) Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2015) Committee inquiries • Water for Victoria: Closing the loop: The following committee inquiry was th Feedback report, Department of conducted during the 58 Parliament. Environment, Land, Water and • Inquiry into the management, Planning (2016) governance and use of environmental • Water for Victoria: Discussion paper: water, Environment, Natural Resources Summary, Department of Environment, and Regional Development Land, Water and Planning (2016) Committee, Parliament of Victoria • Water for Victoria: Water plan, (2018) Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2016) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 127 Transport Transport An overview of developments within the portfolios of public transport, roads, and ports during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation, committee inquiries and reports. Public transport The review produced a number of publications, including a report by the As the fastest-growing state in Australia, Department of Economic Development, Victoria’s expanding economy and Jobs, Transport and Resources and an increasing population depend on an ‘own motion’ investigation by the efficient and effective public transport Victorian Ombudsman, with submissions system. Public Transport Victoria’s latest from community and legal organisations. annual report shows that people are using The Ombudsman’s investigation Victoria’s trains, trams and buses in record considered the on-the-spot fining system high numbers. to be disproportionate and poorly With the aim of further integrating and targeted, giving its users no right to an coordinating Victoria’s growing transport appeal or a refund. system, the Andrews Government In response to the review, the Transport introduced the Transport Integration (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Amendment (Head, Transport for Victoria Amendment (Abolition of the Penalty Fares and Other Government Reforms) Act 2017. Scheme) Bill 2016 was passed to abolish The Act commenced in April 2017 and on-the-spot fines, and came into established the Head of Transport for operation on 1 October 2017. Victoria as a new statutory office. The objective of establishing the Head is to For more information on the Government’s strengthen the state’s ability to plan and decision to abolish the penalty fares coordinate metropolitan and regional scheme, see the Library’s Research Note. public transport, road, freight and ports. The Head will lead the transport portfolio Airport rail link by advising the Government on strategic The Melbourne Airport rail link is the directions for the whole transport system proposed railway link between the through policy, planning, legislation, Tullamarine Airport and Melbourne CBD. system design and integration. The project has been on and off Victoria’s agenda since 1963, with the first Bill The issue of fare evasion was subject to introduced in 1965 by then-Minister of major review during the 58th Parliament. Transport in the Bolte Government, Previously, in 2014 the Napthine Coalition Edward Meagher. Government introduced Australia’s first (and only) on-the-spot penalty fine For an in-depth history of the rail link, see system. The scheme gave commuters who the Library’s Research Paper on the were intercepted by Authorised Officers Melbourne Airport rail link. without a valid ticket an option to pay an In the 2017–18 State Budget, the Andrews on-the-spot penalty of $75 or have a $229 Government committed $10 million infringement sent to them in the mail. towards a business case for the Melbourne 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 131 Airport rail link. Subsequently, the Federal to the M80 Ring Road in Melbourne’s Turnbull Coalition Government committed north-east. In response to Infrastructure $30 million to help plan for the rail link in Victoria’s recommendations, the Andrews its 2017–18 Federal Budget. The Andrews Government announced its commitment Government has announced the to the NEL, commencing the planning suggested route via Sunshine as its phase in 2017. The 2017–18 State Budget preferred route, which is consistent with provided the first $100 million to prepare recommendations from the 2013 for the NEL, with construction set to begin Melbourne Airport rail link study. The in 2020. Sunshine route will include 27 kilometres As well as constructing a new freeway, the of new rail track between Southern Cross $16.5 billion project is set to overhaul new in the CBD via a ‘superhub’ at Sunshine lanes and technology on the Eastern and on to the airport. According to Freeway, as well as launch a new Transport for Victoria’s strategic appraisal, Doncaster Busway, with dedicated express the business case is expected to be bus lanes. complete by 2019–2020 with the project likely to commence in 2022, subject to Media coverage relating to federal statutory approvals. funding for the NEL has been significant. Several media reports have quoted Contemporary reasons for building the rail Premier Daniel Andrews on the issue, who link include easing congestion on the has stated that the Morrison Government Tullamarine Freeway and environmental is withholding $3 billion of Victoria’s and sustainability benefits, as well as money for the project in a ‘locked box’. promoting public transport policies and Federal government finance for Victorian stimulating economic development. infrastructure continues to be a point of Another main driver is population growth, contention. with research revealing more than 35 million passenger movements were Level crossing removal handled by Melbourne Airport from 2016 Given Melbourne’s rapid population to 2017—this figure is expected to double growth, the Government is faced with the by 2038. challenge of ensuring an integrated <a href="/tags/North_East_Link/" rel="tag">North East Link</a> transport system so that people and goods can move efficiently in and around Since 1969, successive Victorian Melbourne. The Victorian Government has governments have identified the need for recognised that level crossings, which a freeway-standard road link through occur where a railway line and road (or Melbourne’s north-east to complete the path) cross at the same level, are city’s orbital connection. contributing to congestion, amenity and Most recently, Infrastructure Victoria’s 30- safety problems in Victoria’s transport year strategy (released in 2016) identified system. a North East Link (NEL) as Victoria’s next In response to this issue, the Andrews priority road project. The NEL is the Government commenced the eight-year proposed new 26-kilometre freeway Level Crossing Removal Program in 2015. connecting an upgraded Eastern Freeway 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 132 Established that same year was the Level Metro Tunnel Crossing Removal Authority, which As Victoria’s population continues to assumed responsibility for managing the grow, daily passenger use of City Loop program from VicRoads. In the 2015–16 stations is predicted to rise, from 580,000 State Budget, the Andrews Government in 2011 to 1.1 million by 2031. In response committed up to $2.4 billion to kick-start to such rapid growth, the Andrews the removal of 75 level crossings across Government committed $11 billion to Melbourne. In total, 29 level crossings deliver the Metro Tunnel in its 2015–16 th were removed during the 58 Parliament, State Budget. surpassing the 2014 election commitment to remove 20 level crossings by 2018. With construction having commenced in 2018, the new tunnel aims to enhance Port of Melbourne Melbourne’s rail network by relieving The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s congestion in the City Loop. The project largest maritime trade and logistics hub will deliver twin nine-kilometre rail tunnels and is a key economic asset supporting from the west of the city (Sunbury) to the international trade for the Victorian south-east (Cranbourne/Pakenham) as economy. According to the Port of well as five new underground railway Melbourne Corporation’s 2015–16 annual stations. The development intends to report, the business year saw record high significantly reduce overcrowding, levels of trade through the Port, with allowing for 20 per cent more passengers revenue of $394.2 million. and increasing capacity for 504,000 more people to catch the train during each peak In 2016, Parliament passed the Delivering period. Victorian Infrastructure (Port of Melbourne Lease Transaction) Bill 2016. The West Gate Tunnel project legislation authorised the leasing of the The West Gate Tunnel (WGT) project is Port of Melbourne’s existing land and designed to stop over-reliance on the assets to a private sector entity. In October West Gate Bridge and deliver a dedicated 2016, a government media release route to the Port, moving trucks off local announced that the Andrews Government streets and out of residential areas. The had successfully leased the port for more $6.7 billion dollar project (proposed by than $9.7 billion to the Lonsdale infrastructure company Transurban in Consortium. The contract stipulates a 50- 2014) is aimed at addressing inadequate year lease, with an option for renewal for a transport capacity on the M1 corridor, further 20 years, as provided for under the which links Melbourne’s western suburbs Act. to the CBD, the Port and beyond. The The anticipated proceeds, together with project also aims to make it easier and the federal government’s 15 per cent asset safer for pedestrians and cyclists to get recycling initiative, will contribute to the around. Victorian Transport Fund, to be used for According to the WGT Authority’s the Level Crossing Removal program and Environment effects statement: Summary other infrastructure projects. report, the project has three components. First, the West Gate Freeway will be 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 133 widened to include express lanes between accident resulting in serious injury or the M80 and the West Gate Bridge, death. Before this amendment, drivers reducing merging and weaving traffic that involved in fatal crashes could refuse causes congestion. Second, the tunnels blood tests if they did not require medical component will include twin tunnels, one care at the scene of the crash. This inbound and one outbound under loophole made it difficult for police to Yarraville, catering for three lanes of traffic obtain evidence of the amount of a drug in each direction. Third, the project will in a driver’s system. In his second reading deliver 14 kilometres of new and speech, the Minister for Police, the Hon. upgraded cycling and walking paths from Wade Noonan, cited a fatal crash in the Werribee to the city on a continuous, Docklands in 2014 as prompting reforms. separated path. These paths are set to The Transport Legislation Amendment complete missing links in the Federation (Road Safety, Rail and Other Matters) Act Trail and Kororoit Creek Trail, including an 2017 implemented the cancellation of a elevated 2.5-kilometre veloway, giving driver licence or learner permit and cyclists a safe and express route to and disqualification for a minimum period, from the city. following a finding of guilt or conviction Construction began in January 2018, with for any drink-driving offences. The new the tunnel set to open in 2022. law imposed a mandatory alcohol interlock following disqualification. Roads The 58th Parliament introduced several In a bid to protect car park users from new laws to improve road safety and unfair and misleading practices of car park Road Safety Amendment functionality. operators, the (Private Car Parks) Bill 2015 was Brought before the Parliament by the introduced. The legislation restricted the Victorian Greens in 2015 (and again in ability of private car park operators to 2016 and 2017) was the Road Safety Road obtain the names and addresses of vehicle Rules 2009 (Overtaking Bicycles) Bill 2015. owners from the VicRoads registration The Bill, which defines the ‘sufficient database. It also inhibited the practice of distance’ to be kept when a motor vehicle car park operators abusing the process of overtakes a bicycle, failed to pass through preliminary discovery. Parliament on each occasion. An inquiry into the Bill, which concluded in 2016, Reports of growing community concern found that specified minimum passing regarding the quality of regional Victorian distances occur within a broader context, roads encouraged further investigation. meaning other factors—such as tram On 23 November 2016, the Law Reform infrastructure—interact with the proposed and Community Safety Committee rule. (LRCSC) received terms of reference to inquire into the effectiveness of VicRoads’ The Road Safety Amendment Act 2015 management of country roads. Produced created a regime whereby a police officer in 2018, the LRCSC’s interim report may take a blood sample for analysis if the examined the creation of a separate driver of a motor vehicle is involved in an country roads organisation, which could 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 134 focus on issues specific to country and • Transport (Compliance and rural roads. Additional findings from a Miscellaneous) Amendment (Abolition 2017 report by the Victorian Auditor- of the Penalty Fares Scheme) Act 2016 General’s Office concluded that an • Transport (Compliance and increasing proportion of the state road Miscellaneous) Amendment (Public network was in very poor condition and Safety) Act 2016 that not enough funding was being • Ports and Marine Legislation allocated to regional road maintenance. Amendment Act 2017 • Transport Integration Amendment In response to these reports, the 2018–19 (Head, Transport for Victoria and Other State Budget allocated $941 million Government Reforms) Act 2017 towards fixing Victoria’s regional network. • Transport Legislation Amendment Additionally, a new division to VicRoads, (Road Safety, Rail and Other Matters) Regional Roads Victoria (RRV), was Act 2017 established in 2018. Based in Ballarat, the • Transport Legislation Amendment RRV division focuses on delivering a safer (Better Roads Victoria and Other and smoother regional road network for Amendments) Bill 2018 (lapsed) country Victoria and is responsible for regional road upgrades, maintenance and Library research publications safety across rural Victoria. The Parliamentary Library Research & In 2018, Victoria saw its lowest number of Inquiries unit produced the following th recorded road deaths. research publications during the 58 Parliament. Legislation • Transport (Compliance and The following selection of legislation was Miscellaneous) Amendment (Abolition introduced during the 58th Parliament. For of the Penalty Fares Scheme) Bill 2016, further information, see the Legislation Research Note, Victorian Parliamentary website. Library & Information Service (2016) • Heavy Vehicles Legislation Amendment • Melbourne Airport rail link, Research Act 2015 Paper, Victorian Parliamentary Library • Road Safety Amendment Act 2015 & Information Service (2017) • Road Safety Road Rules 2009 (Overtaking Bicycles) Bill 2015 (defeated) • Delivering Victorian Infrastructure (Port of Melbourne Lease Transaction) Act 2016 • Road Legislation Further Amendment Act 2016 • Road Management (Bus Stop Delivery Powers) Act 2016 • Transport Accident Amendment Act 2016 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 135 Reports • West Gate Tunnel Project: Inquiry and Advisory Committee report The following selection of reports was , West Gate produced during the 58th Parliament. For Tunnel Project Inquiry and Advisory further reports, see the Library catalogue. Committee (2017) • Annual report 2017–18, Public • Melbourne Airport rail link study: Study Transport Victoria (2018) overview and findings, Public Transport • Melbourne Airport rail link: Sunshine Victoria (2013) route strategic appraisal, Transport for • Select Committee Inquiry Submission, Victoria (2018) Department of Treasury and Finance • Tunnel and stations public private (2015) partnership: Project summary, • Annual report 2015–16, Port of Melbourne Metro Rail Authority (2018) Melbourne Corporation (2016) • Investigation into public transport fare Committee inquiries evasion enforcement, Victorian The following committee inquiries were Ombudsman (2016) conducted during the 58th Parliament. • Report of the review into public • Inquiry into infrastructure projects, transport ticketing compliance and Economy and Infrastructure enforcement, Department of Economic Committee, Parliament of Victoria Development, Jobs, Transport and (2015) Resources (2016) • Inquiry into the proposed lease of the • Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure Port of Melbourne, Port of Melbourne strategy, Infrastructure Victoria (2016) Select Committee, Parliament of • Level crossing removal program project Victoria (2015) business case, Victorian Government • Inquiry into the Road Safety Road Rules (2017) 2009 (Overtaking Bicycles) Bill 2015, • Maintaining state-controlled roadways, Economy and Infrastructure Victorian Auditor-General’s Office Committee, Parliament of Victoria (2017) (2016) • Managing the level crossing removal • Inquiry into VicRoads’ management of program, Victorian Auditor-General’s country roads: Interim report, Law Office (2017) Reform, Road and Community Safety • West Gate Tunnel Project: Environment Committee, Parliament of Victoria effects statement: Summary report, (2018) Western Distributor Authority (2017) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 136 Treasury and Finance Treasury and finance The following is an overview of developments within the treasury and finance portfolios during the 58th Parliament, including key issues, legislation passed, committee inquiries and reports. Budgets See the Library’s pages on the 2018–19 State Budget for a breakdown of the key During the 58th Parliament, four Budgets initiatives of the last Budget. were handed down: the 2015–16 Budget, the 2016–17 Budget, the 2017–18 Budget The last Budget update prior to the and the 2018–19 Budget. commencement of the 59th Parliament was the Pre-Election Budget Update, released In his 2015 Budget speech, Treasurer Tim on 5 November 2018. Pallas presented the first Budget of the Andrews Government, with a focus on Macroeconomic indicators families and the basics of jobs, schools, According to the Australian Bureau of hospitals and transport. The first budget Statistics, Victorian Gross State Product was branded as ‘getting on with it’. (GSP) has grown at an average of Treasurer Pallas’s second Budget speech in 3.7 per cent per annum from 2015–16 to 2016 focused on three main objectives: 2017–18. General government net debt bolstering the state’s financial position, shrank from $22.3 billion in 2015–16 to delivering significant infrastructure $20.0 billion in 2017–18. investments and investing in people, and Meanwhile, the general government ensuring safe communities and enviable operating surplus shrank from $2.7 billion living standards. He described it as a in 2015–16 to a forecast operating surplus ‘getting it done’ budget. of $2.2 billion in 2018–19. In his third Budget in 2017, Treasurer Victoria held a AAA credit rating from Pallas delivered a speech with an emphasis Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s over the on people and communities. It included an th course of the 58 Parliament, which is the investment package to address family highest possible rating and has benefits violence, the education system, the health such as the ability to secure government system and investment in infrastructure, debt at lower interest rates. Victoria Police and regional Victoria. He described it as a ‘getting on with the job’ The number of employed persons in budget. Victoria (seasonally adjusted) grew from 2,920,400 in November 2014, to 3,347,200 Treasurer Pallas’s fourth Budget speech in in November 2018. The unemployment 2018 was about more skills, more jobs, rate decreased from 6.7 per cent in more schools, better hospitals and a better November 2014, to 4.6 per cent in transport network. The Andrews November 2018, while the participation Government emphasised that it was rate grew from 64.6 per cent in November ‘getting things done’, continuing the job 2014, to 66.0 per cent in November 2018. of delivering its plan for Victoria’s future. 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 139 Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment rate, Victoria (%) 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0Source: Labour Force, Australia, Australian Bureau of Statistics (2018) The number of employed persons in Victoria (seasonally adjusted) grew from 2,920,400 in November 2014 to 3,347,200 in November 2018. The unemployment rate decreased from 6.7 per cent in November 2014 to 4.6 per cent in November 2018, while the participation rate grew from 64.6 per cent in November 2014 to 66.0 per cent in November 2018. See also the Industry, Innovation, and Employment section of this Briefing e-Book. Taxation The primary sources of taxation revenues in Victoria are payroll taxes, property taxes (especially land tax and land transfer duty), insurance taxes and motor vehicle taxes. Sources of taxation revenue, Victoria, 2018–19 Fire services Other taxes property levy 5% 3%Land tax Payroll tax 16% 26%Motor vehicle taxes Land transfer duty 11% 25%Insurance taxes 6% Gambling taxes 8% Source: Taxation revenue – Annual, Department of Treasury and Finance (2019)2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 140 The payroll tax rate was 4.85 per cent Commission (CGC) distributes GST throughout the duration of the 58th revenue to the states based on the Parliament, but was reduced for regional method of ‘horizontal fiscal equalisation’ employers to 3.65 per cent from 1 July whereby states receive funding to ensure 2017 and further reduced to each state has the same fiscal capacity to 2.425 per cent from 1 July 2018. provide public services. Factors taken into account include a state’s capacity to raise The land tax rates have remained its own tax revenue (e.g. through royalties unchanged since 2009. on mineral deposits), property sales and First home buyers who entered into a payroll taxes, and the extent of vulnerable contract to purchase a home on or after 1 populations (e.g. remote Indigenous July 2017 may be eligible for the the first communities) and dispersion of the home buyer duty reduction where the population. home has a dutiable value of: However, the Commonwealth Grants • $600,000 or less to receive the first Commission’s 2018 Update Report home buyer duty exemption; and determined that Victoria’s share of the • $600,001 to $750,000 to receive GST should rise from 24.0 per cent in the first home buyer duty 2017–18 to 25.6 per cent in 2018–19 concession. because of its reduced fiscal capacity; that is, its strong population growth, need for Commonwealth–State financial greater investment in infrastructure and a relations continued smaller share of Under the federal financial framework, Commonwealth grants. This would grant state governments receive funding from Victoria an extra $1.8 billion in GST the Commonwealth government in two revenue and a total of $16.83 billion. forms: general revenue grants (made up of GST revenue) and specific purpose grants Legislation (made up of National Specific Purpose The following selection of legislation was th Payments, and National Partnership introduced during the 58 Parliament. For Payments which are tied to specific further information, see the Legislation purposes, projects or outputs). According website. to the Victorian State Budget 2018–19 • Appropriation (2015–2016) Act 2015 Budget Paper No. 5: Statement of Finances, • Appropriation (Parliament 2015–2016) Commonwealth grants were expected to Act 2015 represent 48 per cent of Victorian • State Taxation Acts Amendment Act government revenue in 2018–19, with 2015 24.0 per cent to come from GST revenue. • State Taxation Acts Further Amendment Act 2015 GST distribution • Appropriation (2016–2017) Act 2016 Since the introduction of the GST in 2000– • Appropriation (Parliament 2016–2017) 01, Victoria has consistently received less Act 2016 revenue than it would if GST was • State Taxation Acts Further Amendment distributed on a per capita basis. This is Act 2016 because the Commonwealth Grants 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 141 • State Taxation and Other Acts Reports Amendment Act 2016 The following selection of reports was • Treasury and Finance Legislation th produced during the 58 Parliament. For Amendment Act 2016 further reports, see the Library catalogue. • Appropriation (2017–2018) Act 2017 • Appropriation (Parliament 2017–2018) • Auditor-General’s Report on the Annual Act 2017 Financial Report of the State of Victoria, • State Taxation Acts Amendment Act 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, Victorian 2017 Auditor-General’s Office (2016–18) • State Taxation Acts Further Amendment • State of the public sector in Victoria, Act 2017 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, Victorian • Appropriation (2018–2019) Act 2018 Auditor-General’s Office (2016–18) • Appropriation (Parliament 2018–2019) • Victoria’s Economic Bulletin, Volume 1; Act 2018 Volume 2, Department of Treasury and • State Taxation Acts Amendment Act Finance (2018) 2018 Committee inquiries • Treasury and Finance Legislation Amendment Act 2018 The following committee inquiries were conducted during the 58th Parliament. Library research publications • Various inquiries, Public Accounts and The Parliamentary Library Research & Estimates Committee, Parliament of Inquiries unit produced the following Victoria (2015–2018) th research publications during the 58 • Inquiry into the State Taxation Parliament. Amendment Bill 2015, Economy and • 2015–16 State Budget, Victorian Infrastructure Committee, Parliament Parliamentary Library & Information of Victoria (2015) • Service (2015) Inquiry into infrastructure projects, • 2016–17 State Budget, Victorian Economy and Infrastructure Parliamentary Library & Information Committee, Parliament of Victoria Service (2016) (2018) • 2017–18 State Budget , Victorian Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2017) • 2018–19 State Budget, Victorian Parliamentary Library & Information Service (2018) 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 142 Authors and editors Section Author The 58th Parliament of Victoria Alice Petrie Arts, sport and recreation Bella Lesman and Marianne Aroozoo Crime and justice Holly Mclean and Alice Petrie Education Caley Otter Health Caley Otter Human services Marianne Aroozoo Industry, innovation and employment Holly Mclean and Ben Huf Planning and environment Debra Reeves and Holly Mclean Primary industries Marianne Aroozoo and Debra Reeves Transport Holly Mclean Treasury and finance Bella Lesman and Meg Bosanko Editing All staff, with special thanks to Ben Huf Research & Inquiries service This publication has been prepared by the Research & Inquiries service for use by Members of the Victorian Parliament. Research publications are prepared for Parliament in response to Members, in anticipation of their requirements, and in areas of interest to the Victorian legislature. Information was current as at the time of printing. This publication should not be considered as a complete guide to the particular subjects and legislation covered. While it is intended that all information provided is accurate, it does not represent professional legal opinion. Some hyperlinks may only be accessible on the Parliament of Victoria intranet. All links were current and available at the time of publication. Enquiries Jon Breukel Coordinator, Research & Inquiries Victorian Parliamentary Library & Information Service Parliament House Spring Street, Melbourne Telephone: (03) 9651 8640 Email: research@parliament.vic.gov.au 2019 Briefing e-Book | Parliamentary Library & Information Service 143 </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" async crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-8519364510543070"></script> <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/jquery/3.6.1/jquery.min.js" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></script> <script> var docId = 'ff90990bfc25bbbe06bf3a44ff5be4c5'; var endPage = 1; var totalPage = 143; var pfLoading = false; window.addEventListener('scroll', function () { if (pfLoading) return; var $now = $('.article-imgview .pf').eq(endPage - 1); if (document.documentElement.scrollTop + $(window).height() > $now.offset().top) { pfLoading = true; endPage++; if (endPage > totalPage) return; var imgEle = new Image(); var imgsrc = "//data.docslib.org/img/ff90990bfc25bbbe06bf3a44ff5be4c5-" + endPage + (endPage > 3 ? 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