State Budget 2008

3A FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

$1.81 BILLION HEALTH BUDGET BOOST FOR VICTORIAN FAMILIES

The more than 1.3 million Victorians admitted annually into the State’s public hospitals will benefit from the $1.81 billion State Budget boost to health, which delivers more funding for elective surgery, outpatient appointments, emergency departments and the single biggest investment in ambulance services in the State’s history.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to deliver quality health services for Victorian families near where they live – and the 2008-09 State Budget’s $466.9 million hospital, mental health and aged care capital works program would deliver redevelopments and upgrades in hospitals and health services across the state.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ease pressure on our emergency departments, with this funding resulting in 60,000 extra patients being treated emergency departments across the State,” Mr Andrews said.

“It will also result in treatment for an extra 16,000 elective surgery patients and an extra 33,500 outpatient appointments.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to make Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family – and building quality hospital facilities is crucial to this aim.”

The $466.9 million hospital, mental health and aged care capital works program comes on top of:

• $30.5 million in new maternity beds and special nursery cots for mothers and babies;

• $25 million to the development of the Olivia Newton John Cancer Centre; and

• $8.1 million for new rural dental chairs in the Sunraysia and Wodonga regions.

Mr Andrews said $702.9 million from the 2008-09 State Budget would be directed to essential hospital services such as providing renal dialysis, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, extra elective surgery and outpatient appointments and expanded Day Hospital services.

“Extra funding will continue the elective surgery blitz the Brumby Labor Government commenced earlier this year to tackle long-waiting patients on hospital lists – and new specialist elective surgery centres will be opened at St Vincent’s and the Austin hospitals to provide a dedicated focus to cutting surgery waiting times,” he said.

Mr Andrews said Victoria’s more than 70,000 newborns and their families will be big winners, with a $100.3 million boost to mums, babies and wider maternity services set to ensure the youngest Victorians get the best possible start in life.

“Victoria is experiencing a once-in-a-generation baby boom, and the Brumby Labor Government recognises the need to ensure enhanced services are available to support mothers and children at birth, and to cater for maternal and child health,” Mr Andrews said

Media contact: Cameron Scott, 9651 5799/0439 333 167 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au “Maternity expansions at suburban hospitals would give more mothers the opportunity to deliver their babies closer to home, family and friends.”

Mr Andrews said two new air ambulance helicopters, 258 additional paramedics, 59 new and upgraded services and the prospect of a new united state-wide ambulance service headline a $185.7 million State Budget boost to Victoria’s ambulance services.

“This is the biggest single investment into the State’s ambulance services in Victoria, and the results will be far reaching, with brand new services and extra services throughout the entire State,” Mr Andrews said.

“The Brumby Labor Government is also proposing the merger of the three ambulance services to provide one service for the whole State. Our Government has issued a consultation paper about the future shape of ambulance services in Victoria and we are keen to listen to community views.”

Cancer and chronic diseases will be targeted through a $233.3 million package to boost cancer detection, prevention and treatment, as well as a host of initiatives to tackle preventable diseases like obesity, heart disease and poor oral health.

Central to this is the Brumby Labor Government’s new $150 million Cancer Action Plan, which aims to increase cancer survival rates by 10 per cent by 2015, saving an estimated 2000 Victorian lives.

Binge drinking and the damage caused by alcohol misuse are being addressed through the $37.3 million Victorian Alcohol Action Plan – a comprehensive package of health, law and order, and education responses to the issue.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to address the challenge of alcohol-related violence and binge drinking,” Ms Neville said.

“Our Government understands that many Victorians, especially parents, are concerned about the misuse of alcohol and the Victorian Alcohol Action Plan is key to the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to making Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Mr Andrews said the Budget included funding for the recruitment of an extra 592 general nurses over the next year to build on the 8000 extra nurses employed in our hospitals by this Government.

Victoria will contribute $55.1 million to fund postgraduate places to train an extra 211 doctors each year to meet shortages, particularly in country areas. This includes postgraduate training places each year to meet future workforce challenges especially in rural and regional areas and more teaching infrastructure to support doctor training in our teaching hospitals. The capital investment will also assist in nurse and allied health student training.

The Budget includes an extra $32.4 million for hospital initiatives to better manage demand and improve patient outcomes.

“The Commonwealth, the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing and a recent report from the Productivity Commission all rate Victoria's hospitals as the best in Australia,” Mr Andrews said.

“This is because of our Government's record funding for health – a 112 per cent increase in hospital funding since 1999 and more than 8000 nurses and 1800 doctors added to the system.”

Media contact: Cameron Scott, 9651 5799/0439 333 167 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au . State Budget 2008

3B FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

$100.3 MILLION BRUMBY GOVERNMENT BABY BOOM BUDGET BOOST

Young Victorian families will benefit from a $100.3 million Brumby Labor Government baby boom Budget boost, which will deliver expanded hospital, maternal and child health services – and capacity for 2800 extra births every year.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government was investing $30.5 million for 14 new maternity beds and 18 additional special care nursery cots at suburban hospitals, giving more mothers the opportunity to deliver their babies closer to their homes, families and friends.

“Victoria is experiencing a once-in-a-generation baby boom. Last year there were 73,737 births recorded across the State – the largest number since 1971,” Mr Andrews said.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to help young Victorian families get the best possible start in life.

“As these new maternity services show, the Brumby Labor Government is delivering on our clear plan for managing the demands of a booming population.”

Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand said the 2008-09 State Budget’s $54.9 million for expanded maternal and child health services would help mothers, babies, pregnant women and families across the state.

Ms Morand said that as part of the $54.9 million maternal and child health package, the 2008-09 State Budget provided $42.7 million over four years to ensure all babies and young children receive check-ups and health support at key developmental stages up to the age of five.

“A further $12.2 million will provide enhanced maternal and child health services for babies and vulnerable families, particularly first-time mothers who need extra services and support in these early stages,” Ms Morand said.

“A baby can bring so much joy to families, but giving birth can also be a stressful and challenging time for young families.

“The Brumby Labor Government is delivering this funding to ensure young families can access the maternal health services and support they need as close to home as possible.”

The Brumby Labor Government is also providing $8.3 million for antenatal care initiatives, such as community health services in outer metropolitan growth areas delivering programs on quitting smoking, promoting healthy eating and information on support services.

The $30.5 million maternity health building projects in the 2008-09 State Budget are:

Media contact: (Andrews) Cameron Scott 9651 5799/0439 333 167 (Morand) Ben Ruse 9651 5799/0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au • $14 million for Stage 1 of the Werribee Mercy Hospital expansion, to provide an extra eight obstetric beds and four extra special care nursery cots, giving capacity for an extra 800 births a year;

• $5 million for the Frankston Hospital maternity service expansion, to enable an extra 300 births each year;

• $4.8 million for a pregnancy assessment unit at Monash Medical Centre Clayton, enabling an extra 200 births per year, improving antenatal management and increasing the capacity of the postnatal wards and birthing suites;

• $4.2 million to expand the Special Care Nursery at Casey Hospital from six to 20 cots enabling up to 1000 additional births annually; and

• $2.5 million to expand maternity services at Northern Hospital, adding six new beds to the maternity unit, providing for an extra 500 births.

Minister for Mental Health Lisa Neville said the Brumby Labor Government was providing $6.6million to match anticipated Commonwealth funding for new screening initiatives for mothers at risk of post-natal depression.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to address post-natal depression,” Ms Neville said.

Mr Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government was ensuring Victoria’s public hospitals were receiving the extra funding they need to help enable them to deal with the state’s booming population.

“The construction of the new $250 million Royal Women’s Hospital and ongoing planning for a children’s wing at Monash Medical Centre are part of the Brumby Labor Government’s plan to ensure Victorian women and their families continue to get the best in maternity care,” he said.

Media contact: (Andrews) Cameron Scott 9651 5799/0439 333 167 (Morand) Ben Ruse 9651 5799/0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

3C FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

CANCER ACTION PLAN HEADLINES ACTION ON CHRONIC DISEASE

A new $150 million Cancer Action Plan which aims to fast-track life-saving cancer treatment headlines the Brumby Labor Government’s $233.3 million State Budget package to tackle chronic disease, Health Minister Daniel Andrews said today.

Mr Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government’s new $150 million Cancer Action Plan aimed to increase cancer survival rates for Victorians by a further 10 per cent by 2015.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action on cancer and chronic disease, with our new Cancer Action Plan aiming by 2015 to save 2000 Victorian lives that would have otherwise been lost,” Mr Andrews said.

“Our Government is investing in innovative prevention, treatment and research, including $24million to reduce major risk factors and avoidable cancer deaths by investing in effective screening and early diagnosis.

Under the plan, the Brumby Labor Government will also provide $78.8 million for the Victorian Cancer Agency to link various cancer research projects in Victoria and to fast-track how that research can be turned around to deliver new life-saving treatment.

“On top of the $150 million Cancer Action Plan, our Government is also delivering $25 million to the development of the Olivia Newton John Cancer Centre to bring together all facets of cancer care, research and training at the Austin Hospital,” he said.

“In addition to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and specialist outpatient services, the Centre will house the southern hemisphere’s first cancer Wellness Centre to cater for the psychological, spiritual and emotional needs of patients with cancer.”

Mr Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government would also increase rates of cancer screening.

“Effective screening is important to detect cancers early and we will be increasing cancer screening participation rates in communities with lower-than-average participation,” he said.

“Access to genetic screening, especially for those living in rural and regional areas, will also be expanded.”

Mr Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government was continuing its efforts to improve oral health, by introducing water fluoridation to the remaining major non-fluoridated regional centres across Victoria.

“The State Budget provides funding of $11.4 million to improve dental health in rural and regional Victoria and reduce avoidable dental treatment, especially in children,” he said.

“Currently around 77 per cent of Victorians have access to a fluoridated drinking water supply. This additional funding will allow the Brumby Labor Government to meets its commitment of 90 per cent of Victoria’s population receiving fluoridated water by 2011.” Media contact: Cameron Scott 9651 5799/0439 333 167 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

In the last two years, as part of the Government’s commitment to improving the oral health of all Victorians, the communities of Robinvale, Moe, Morwell, Sale, Warragul, Traralgon, Horsham, Wodonga and Wangaratta have had fluoride introduced to their drinking water supplies.

More recently, the decision has been made to commence water fluoridation in the regional centres of Yarrawonga, Warrnambool, Hamilton, Ballarat and Geelong.

In addition to fluoridation, 18 new dental chairs are being established in Wodonga and Mildura to treat more Victorians. A 10 chair clinic will be established in Wodonga and an eight-chair clinic in Mildura.

“An $8.1 million investment will also provide an opportunity to train dentists graduating from the Latrobe University Bendigo campus,” Mr Andrews said.

The Brumby Labor Government is allocating $16.6 million over four years towards reducing the rates of HIV transmission and the prevention of other chronic communicable diseases.

The 2008-09 State Budget also includes $20.1 million to tackle chronic disease, with a focus on disadvantaged communities.

It will focus on better data collection for type 2 diabetes, expanding the Victorian Population Health Survey to collect local government area data on risk factors every three years; and expanding the Early Intervention in Chronic Disease Program from its current 18 sites to cover a further 18 local government areas in the State.

The program provides allied health, nursing, care coordination and self-management support. Once established, it will provide services to 2768 people annually.

The Budget also includes $2.1 million for the Aboriginal Health Promotion and Chronic Care Partnership to enable community health services to better tailor early intervention and treatment services, as well as promoting Go for your Life through Aboriginal community organisations.

It accounts for $5 million for planning for a world-class cancer precinct at Parkville announced late last year.

The Brumby Labor Government’s 2008-09 State Budget also allocates $73.5 million for the second stage of the Sunshine Hospital Redevelopment Project which will provide a radiotherapy facility with four bunkers and a new teaching, training and research facility.

“The radiotherapy service will be the first public service located in the western suburbs and will significantly improve access to important cancer treatment,” Mr Andrews said.

These preventative health measures build on the Brumby Labor Government’s $600 million WorkHealth initiative announced in March, which will give Victoria’s 2.6 million workers the chance to be screened for preventable diseases like diabetes.

Media contact: Cameron Scott 9651 5799/0439 333 167 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

3D FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

MORE VICTORIANS TO HAVE MORE ACCESS TO BETTER HOSPITALS AND SERVICES

Victorians of all ages and in communities across the state will benefit from one of Victoria’s biggest capital investments in hospitals and health services, announced today in the 2008-09 State Budget

The Minister for Health, Daniel Andrews, said the 2008-09 State Budget provided $364.4 million for health service capital works across the State, on top of $30.5 million for new maternity wards.

“More than 1.3 million patients are admitted to Victoria’s public hospitals every year and this is growing,” Mr Andrews said.

“With demand growing, the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to deliver quality health services for Victorian families.”

Mr Andrews said funding for key stages of redevelopments at Sunshine and Warrnambool hospitals were part of the program, as well as new emergency departments at the Dandenong and Bendigo hospitals.

Mr Andrews said key projects in the health capital works program were:

• $73.5 million for Stage 2 of the Sunshine Hospital redevelopment. This will provide a radiotherapy facility with four bunkers and a new teaching training and research facility. The radiotherapy service will be the first public service located in the western suburbs;

• $70.1 million for the second phase of South West Healthcare’s Warrnambool Hospital redevelopment. Funding includes a new inpatients’ building and associated facilities;

• $25 million for the redevelopment of the Dandenong Hospital emergency department, increasing its capacity from 35 to 55 treatment spaces (including a 20-bed short-stay unit). The work will also boost diagnostic, pharmacy, pathology and outpatient services;

• $9.5 million to redevelop the Bendigo Hospital emergency department to provide an eight-bed short-stay unit to better manage patients requiring stays of less than 24 hours;

• $8.5 million for infrastructure upgrades at Box Hill Hospital including theatre, electrical and mechanical service works;

• $23.6 million to the Hospital Energy Supply Project to ensure continuity of critical healthcare services to six of Victoria’s major public hospitals in the event of disruptions to the State’s electricity supplies;

• $5 million to the Medical Equipment Replacement Program to replace essential equipment with new and updated technology;

Media contact: Cameron Scott 9651 5799/0439 333 167 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au • $1 million for detailed design work at the Alexandra District Hospital redevelopment, to deliver an entirely new integrated hospital and community health service;

• $21 million for a new Latrobe Community Health Service building in Morwell, including new offices, consulting rooms and facilities for allied health such as alcohol and drug services, counselling, physiotherapy, district nursing, palliative care and five new dental chairs;

• $4.9 million for new dental chairs in Melton to train student dentists completing their studies at the La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus;

• $2 million for the planning and design of new and refurbished facilities at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital;

• $14 million to develop a new Day Hospital in Sunbury. The Sunbury Day Hospital will provide residents with specialist medical care, including diagnostics, pathology, rehabilitation and day surgical procedures;

• $1.3 million to relocate MonashLink Community Health Service clinical services from the existing facility in Ashwood to a new site off Warrigal Road;

• $1 million for the planning of new purpose-built facilities for MonashLink Community Health Service in Oakleigh and Glen Waverley; and

• $104 million for the HealthSMART program to secure a statewide ICT network to be used by all public health services across Victoria.

Mr Andrews said the investment came on top of the Brumby Labor Government’s $1 billion Royal Children’s Hospital project.

“Works at the new RCH are well and truly underway with construction beginning on schedule late last year. Currently the excavation of the new site is taking place and there is a webcam at www.newrch.vic.gov.au where Victorians can see the progress,” Mr Andrews said.

“Since 1999 this Government has almost doubled health service funding, with more than 61 hospitals and aged care facilities rebuilt or upgraded and more than 8000 extra nurses employed, and we are taking action to address the challenges of the future.”

Media contact: Cameron Scott 9651 5799/0439 333 167 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

3E FROM THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

BIGGEST AMBULANCE INVESTMENT IN VICTORIA’S HISTORY

Victorians in need of ambulance care around the State will benefit from the single biggest investment in ambulance services in the State’s history in the Brumby Labor Government’s 2008- 09 State Budget.

The Minister for Health, Daniel Andrews, said the record $185.7 million Brumby Labor Government State Budget boost for ambulance services would significantly increase access to vital services in communities across Victoria.

This record investment will see $131.7 million devoted to station upgrades and extra services, including additional paramedics, $45.7 million for a new and improved air ambulance fleet, and $8.3 million to help employ 20 dedicated off roster rural/regional paramedics across the State.

Mr Andrews said two new medical helicopters, a proposed single statewide ambulance service and new or expanded ambulance services based in 59 towns and suburbs across Victoria headlined the record investment.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to deliver the highest quality health services to communities across Victoria,” Mr Andrews said.

“Our Government understands how important ambulance services are to Victorians, that is why we are delivering record funding and why we are seeking to reform ambulance services in this State to put patients first.”

One of the new helicopters – to transport ill and injured babies, children and adults as part of the retrieval system – will be based at Essendon airport. The other will be based at Warrnambool to provide additional coverage to south-west Victoria.

Mr Andrews said that transferring responsibility for the adult retrieval services to the Metropolitan Ambulance Service last November led to a review of air ambulance requirements. The ambulance service’s first priority was for a new helicopter based at Essendon, and the service’s next priority was a helicopter based in the south-west of the State.

“By undertaking a broader ambulance strategy and adding a dedicated retrieval chopper at Essendon, we have been able to give the air ambulance system the flexibility to make an enhanced air ambulance service to the south-west a workable option,” Mr Andrews said.

“Our reforms of ambulance services have now enabled our Government to provide an air ambulance in the south west, which will also have capacity for search and rescue operations.”

The Budget’s $45.7 million air ambulance boost includes $5.5 million over four years for the Air Ambulance Victoria’s rescue airplane, and to upgrade the aircraft used to transport ill babies for the neonatal retrieval system.

Media contact: Cameron Scott 9651 5799/0439 333 167 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au A total of 13 new ‘peak period units’ will commence in Abbotsford, Bacchus Marsh, Berwick, Coburg, Frankston, Hallam, Ivanhoe, Pakenham, Patterson Lakes, Prahran, South Morang, Yarra Junction and Yarraville to boost ambulance services at busy times of the day.

Around the State, nine ambulance stations will be refurbished or rebuilt at Anglesea, Avoca, Ballarat, Hamilton, Hastings, Neerim South, Pakenham, Sunbury and Timboon. There will also be upgraded services involving the addition of paramedics at Alexandra, Anglesea, Apollo Bay, Beaconsfield, Colac, Greensborough, Melton, Mirboo North, Sunbury and Timboon will be upgraded.

New paramedic teams will be based at Broadmeadows, Croydon, Laverton, Fawkner, Frankston, Hillside, Dandenong and Box Hill.

Extra crews will be added to stations on major country transport corridors – at Woodend, Kyneton, Kilmore and Gisborne – and new MICA single responder units will be established at Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and the Latrobe Valley.

The Budget provides $8.3 million over four years to employ 20 additional paramedics across regional and rural Victoria, over and above a recent regional campaign to recruit an additional 100 paramedics to country Victoria.

Mr Andrews said the expansion in ambulance services in towns and suburbs was ensuring services were based in areas where demand was increasing.

Mr Andrews said 2008-09 State Budget would also enable Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance services to be streamlined at a number of metropolitan stations, with the rollout of more single MICA paramedic responders to provide more flexibility and a quicker response.

This will see new MICA single responder units introduced at Box Hill, Bundoora, Chelsea, Coburg, Dandenong, Frankston, Hillside, Ivanhoe, Laverton, Nunawading, Prahran and Ringwood.

New 24 hour MICA units will also commence in Boronia, Eltham North and Werribee with MICA peak period units in Clayton, Footscray, Malvern and Richmond.

“In recognition of the increased use of ambulance services by pensioners and healthcare card holders, we are providing an extra $2.1 million to provide 19,400 free transports,” he said.

Mr Andrews said the Brumby Labor Government had also released a position paper proposing a total restructure of Victoria’s ambulance services that would see one organisation – Ambulance Victoria – operate a strengthened new statewide service.

The position paper is available at www.health.vic.gov.au/ambulance and responses close on 20 May 2008.

Mr Andrews said the Victorian Government’s investment in ambulance services had increased by $112 million since 1999, delivering 25 new ambulance branches across the State, including nine in country Victoria, as well as upgrading 48 stations, including 35 in rural areas.

Media contact: Cameron Scott 9651 5799/0439 333 167 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

3F FROM THE MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

$37.2 MILLION TO TACKLE ALCOHOL CHALLENGE

A trial on late entry bans to inner city licensed venues after 2am and a freeze on new late-night liquor licences are central to the Brumby Labor Government’s strategy to reduce the harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol related violence.

Mental Health Minister Lisa Neville said today said the 2008-09 State Budget provided $37.2 million to support the Brumby Labor Government’s Alcohol Action Plan.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to address the challenge of alcohol-related violence and binge drinking,” Ms Neville said.

“Our Government understands that many Victorians, especially parents, are concerned about the misuse of alcohol and the Victorian Alcohol Action Plan is key to the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to making Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

From 3 June 2008 patrons will not be able to enter pubs, nightclubs and other licensed venues after 2am in the cities of Melbourne, Stonnington, Port Phillip and Yarra. Patrons will be permitted to remain in a venue beyond that time.

“Evidence of similar programs in Queensland and regional Victoria shows that this can reduce alcohol-related violence on the streets, while not significantly restricting the vast number of patrons who do the right thing,” Ms Neville said.

The Brumby Government has also instituted a 12-month freeze on the granting new late-night liquor licence applications. The Government has committed $4.3 million to increase community awareness about the consequences of risky drinking and to encourage responsible drinking. There will be special emphasis on guidance and advice for parents.

“This initiative will also promote new laws which came into force on New Year’s Eve enabling Victoria Police and the Director of Liquor Licensing to deal with violence and antisocial behaviour in and near licensed venues,” Ms Neville said.

The Budget provides $17.6 million to create a compliance directorate in the Department of Justice to increase licence inspections and ensure compliance with new laws and regulations, review liquor licensing fees and develop an assault reduction strategy led by Victoria Police.

Ms Neville said the Budget commits $4.7 million in 2008-09 to early intervention and prevention initiatives to reduce drinking at risky levels and to encourage problem drinkers to seek help.

The Brumby Labor Government also will invest $9.4 million in the Quality Care for Alcohol Problems Project to help GPs and primary health teams to support early recognition and response for people with alcohol problems.

The Safe Streets public safety research and pilot evaluation led by Victoria Police will receive $1.2 million to provide a deeper understanding of the triggers and precursors to street crimes.

Media contact: Ben Ruse 9651 5799/0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

4A FROM THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

VICTORIA’S BIGGEST INVESTMENT IN DISABILITY SERVICES

Victorians with a disability will benefit from the single biggest investment in Victorian history in disability services, announced today in the Brumby Labor Government’s 2008-09 State Budget.

The Minister for Community Services, Lisa Neville, said the landmark $233.4 million package focused on: improving access to accommodation; the support needs of people with a disability; expanding and reforming respite services; more aids and equipment; and greater access to individual support packages.

“Over the past nine years disability services have improved with increased funding, but there is always more to do. The Brumby Labor Government understands Victorians with a disability, their families and carers need greater support – and we are delivering,” Ms Neville said.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to give Victorians with a disability the support they need, ease the pressures on their families and carers, and assist community organisations to help people with a disability to participate in the wider community.”

Key initiatives announced as part of the historic funding package include:

• $50 million to replace outdated, shared, supported accommodation with 38 new homes through the Disability Housing Trust;

• $70.6 million over four years for 340 additional individual support packages for people with a disability. Packages provide access to a range of support programs, such as day programs, in-home help, treatment and transport;

• $17.6 million over four years to better tailor support to the needs of people with a disability and their carers through better service planning;

• $12.5 million over four years to deliver flexible respite that is responsive to individual families’ needs and based on individual planning with families;

• $2.5 million over four years to introduce a reward card giving primary carers discounts at a range of government and community venues, activities and services;

• $1 million over two years to establish a centralised respite booking and information service;

• $1.2 million for further consultation and planning for the future of the residents of the Colanda Centre in Colac;

• $10 million over four years to support eligible young people to develop job skills and achieve sustainable and long-term employment, with programs delivered through Day Training Centres for people with disabilities;

Media contact: Ben Ruse 9651 5799/0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au • $4.2 million over four years to address the increasing demand for slow-to-recover acquired brain injury programs and provide additional ongoing capacity for the programs. This is on top of recent announcements for this program, such as the $12 million Acquired Brain Injury: Slow to Recover program at Southern Health; and

• $5 million in 2007-08 to boost the assistance provided to the frail aged, and people with disabilities or chronic illness, by the Aids and Equipment Program.

Ms Neville said the Brumby Labor Government would invest a further $10 million in the my future my choice program, which will deliver new community-based houses for 43 young people with disabilities currently living in nursing homes.

Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand said that on top of the Brumby Labor Government’s $23.9 million over four years for 1000 extra Early Childhood Intervention Services packages for young children with a disability, a further $5.1 million would be invested in the early childhood workforce to provide support for children with a disability to participate in kindergarten.

“This investment is crucial for those families raising children with a disability and it will help them to ensure their children get the best start in life,” Ms Morand said.

The package also includes $8.4 million over four years to establish Disability Action Plans in more public sector and community organisations, improve the Disability OnLine information service, and to implement a community awareness campaign to promote community participation by people with a disability.

Ms Neville said non-government organisations would also benefit from the Budget, with the Brumby Labor Government providing additional funding in line with increased demand and cost pressures, including:

• $37.4 million over four years to help non-government organisations meet the additional costs associated with the provision of attendant care and related in-home support services; and

• $3 million to assist the disability service providers to offer people with a disability more choice of day-time activities within their local communities.

Ms Neville said that the 2008-09 Brumby Labor Government State Budget boost built on the 87 per cent increase in the disability services budget since 1999-2000.

“Our Government has introduced important initiatives aimed at giving a better quality of life to Victorians with disabilities, including the Slow-to-Recover program providing specialised treatment for people with acquired brain injury, and the my future my choice program, which has provided suitable accommodation for 130 young Victorians with disabilities who were living in, or at risk of going into, aged care facilities,” Ms Neville said.

Media contact: Ben Ruse 9651 5799/0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

4B FROM THE MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

$111 MILLION BOOST TO KICK-START MENTAL HEALTH REFORM

Victorians with a mental illness will benefit from a new focus on prevention, early intervention and recovery, with the Brumby Labor Government today announcing $111 million over the next four years to begin implementing a new mental health reform strategy.

Victoria’s first Mental Health Minister, Lisa Neville, said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to reform mental health in Victoria and deliver quality health services for Victorian families.

“Victorian families need a system that spots the warning signs of mental illness, intervenes early, and focuses on helping patients recover – not a system that waits until a crisis erupts and results in a long stay in hospital,” Ms Neville said.

“To deliver a more responsive mental health system, we will launch the Mental Health Reform Strategy in late 2008, but we are kick-starting the reform through early investments in today’s Budget.

“There is a particular focus on children and young people, because we know we can often prevent a lifetime of mental illness if we act as soon as we spot the first signs of trouble.”

Ms Neville said the massive funding boost announced in the Budget was one of the biggest in Victorian history for mental health, and included major new initiatives such as:

• $16.8 million over four years for new integrated children and youth services, and family support, to help prevent the onset of mental illness in young people before conditions become chronic;

• $10.4 million over four years towards a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week statewide mental health information and referral service for Victorian families, similar to Nurse on Call; and

• $5.5 million over four years for a trial of a new mental health triage service to ensure patients were quickly directed to the most appropriate service.

The Brumby Labor Government is also providing $6.6 million over four years to match anticipated Commonwealth funding for new screening initiatives for mothers at risk of post-natal depression.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne said an $8.7 million four-year leading-edge program would address the link between mental illness and homelessness by developing individual packages for the chronically homeless to address mental health needs while providing accommodation.

"The link between homelessness and mental illness is well-known and this model will help us to treat both conditions together,” Mr Wynne said.

Media contact: Ben Ruse 9651 5799/0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au “If we can address the link between homelessness and mental illness, we will go a long way towards helping people overcome their mental health issues and helping them live in secure permanent homes."

Ms Neville said the budget also acted to boost the capacity of the mental health system.

“Funding of $39.1 million will be committed to build and staff new Prevention and Recovery Care Services (PARCS) facilities to provide places for patients who are not sick enough for hospital but not yet well enough to go home,” Ms Neville said.

“This stage of the project will provide 30 new beds in three new community-based facilities in Ringwood, Clayton and Frankston, delivering the 2006 Labor commitment to the development of 70 new PARCS beds in Victoria.”

Other 2008-09 State Budget mental health initiatives include:

• $15.5 million for works at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, including the Centre for Trauma- Related Mental Health Services. The Centre is a redevelopment of the Veterans' Psychiatry Unit and will provide a 20-bed unit for inpatients and outpatients, treating veterans and non- veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders and major mood disorders;

• $5.5 million has been provided to reconfigure the mental health Adult Acute Unit at Ballarat Hospital to improve access and client amenity and to refurbish Ballarat’s Queen Victoria building to accommodate Community Mental Health facilities; and

• $3 million has been provided to Dandenong Hospital to progress the detailed planning of the proposed redevelopment and expansion of mental health facilities which will increase beds from 77 to 150. The Dandenong expansion will include additional adult acute, secure extended care, aged acute and residential care beds.

The package also includes $8.3 million over four years for mental health services at Maroondah and Lilydale and to address additional demand pressure in public hospitals, and approximately $600,000 annually to stabilise eating disorder services while a comprehensive review is undertaken.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to deliver mental health reform in Victoria, making this state the world leader in the prevention, detection and treatment of mental illness,” Ms Neville said.

Ms Neville said the 2008-09 State Budget also included $6.5 million in additional support for Government hospitals to meet changing mental health demands in the community.

Media contact: Ben Ruse 9651 5799/0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

4C FROM THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES AND YOUTH AFFAIRS

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

$82.3 MILLION SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR VICTORIANS

Low-income Victorians will receive targeted concessions for essential services, such as water, energy and ambulances, and young people and veterans will receive extra support services under the Brumby Labor Government’s $82.3 million support package unveiled today.

Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to provide practical assistance to Victorians who needed it most.

“The Brumby Labor Government understands the pressures on Victorian families, and is providing this assistance to those who need it most,” Mr Batchelor said.

“The additional assistance we are providing to community organisations and support services is crucial to building stronger communities across Victoria.

“Building stronger communities is vital to the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to make Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

Central to the package is increased targeted concessions for essential services for low-income Victorians, including:

• $41.3 million to increase the Water and Sewerage Concession cap;

• $2.1 million in the next financial year to continue free emergency ambulance services to eligible concession card holders;

• $2.5 million over four years to increase the Medical Cooling Concession from three to six months of the year for people with medical conditions that make regulation of body temperature difficult, and expand eligibility; and

• $667,000 over four years to set up the Water Wise program to provide free water audits and retrofits to low-income households.

This package comes on top of other initiatives in the Budget, including:

• $4.1 million to audit and retrofit homes for around 2600 low-income families with energy- efficient light globes, low-flow showerheads, insulation and draught-stoppers, which will cut greenhouse emissions and bills by up to $118 a year; and

• $16.2 million over 10 years to extend the Home Wise Program, to assist households in financial hardship to repair or replace essential appliances.

Media contact: (Batchelor) Shelley Markham 9651 5799/0458 327 889 (Neville) Ben Ruse 9651 5799/ 0437 195 284 (Merlino) Bill Kyriakopoulos 9651 5799/0400 510 802 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said the package would help families recovering from financial hardship and deliver specific programs to support young people, veterans and Victorians who have grown up in institutional care.

“This support package for vulnerable Victorians is a key initiative in delivering the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to make Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Ms Neville said.

“The Brumby Labor Government is managing the economy in the interests of working families, and this package ensures the most marginalised Victorians are not left behind.”

Ms Neville said the Budget would invest $7.1 million to establish support services for Victorians who grew up in State care and experienced harm and abuse from their carers. The service will be developed in consultation with care leaver representatives and other stakeholders.

“This is an important step towards acknowledging the past failures and assisting those affected to deal with the legacy of their childhood experiences,” Ms Neville said.

“With the establishment of this service, the Brumby Labor Government will also prepare a formal response to the Forgotten Australians report.”

Mr Batchelor said a $13.9 million 2008-09 State Budget investment in the Victorian Government’s Action Plan: Strengthening Community Organisations would help ensure the long- term sustainability of the not-for-profit sector, announced on 9 April.

The funding will be used to establish a new Office for the Community Sector, which will help introduce portable long service leave within the sector, and provide greater support to not-for- profit agencies.

Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino said $3.8 million would be allocated for youth mentoring projects across metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas, linking young Victorians to volunteer mentors in their local community.

“We’re boosting volunteer programs for young people to help them connect with their communities and increase their participation in education, training and skill development activities,” Mr Merlino said.

Other community support measures in the Budget include $1.5 million to protect and promote Victoria’s veteran heritage and educate young people about the service, sacrifice and contribution of our veterans, and $9.4 million to help Victorians recover from financial hardship.

Media contact: (Batchelor) Shelley Markham 9651 5799/0458 327 889 (Neville) Ben Ruse 9651 5799/ 0437 195 284 (Merlino) Bill Kyriakopoulos 9651 5799/0400 510 802 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

4F FROM THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

$39.3 MILLION FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Victoria’s most vulnerable children will benefit from the Brumby Labor Government’s $39.3million 2008-09 State Budget package which aims to give them the support they need, Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said today.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to protect the state’s most vulnerable children and to provide the support carers need to help give vulnerable children the support they need,” Ms Neville said.

“With new laws and record investment, the Brumby Labor Government is overhauling the State’s child protection and family services.

“Our Government is focused on reforming the system to provide earlier support for vulnerable children and families, while protecting children’s rights to safety, stability and healthy development – but there is always more to be done.”

Ms Neville said key initiatives in the $39.3 million child protection package were:

• $5.2 million over two years for a pilot program to provide intensive therapeutic care to significantly abused and traumatised children, by employing more staff with highly specialised qualifications at residential care facilities;

• $14.4 million over four years for a kinship support package to employ 18 new kinship care support workers to facilitate support groups for carers, run information and training sessions, and provide case management support in complex cases. Kinship care workers provide support to people who are caring for the children of relatives;

• $19.7 million over four years to help caregivers meet the expenses of children in their care, such as healthcare and education costs.

Ms Neville said the $5.2 million therapeutic care pilot program would target children and young people with extremely complex cases and needs.

“The therapeutic care pilot program will be trialled in at least 12 residential care units, increasing staffing levels to improve the level of care and engagement of young people,” she said.

She said the $14.4 million kinship support package would support 320 kinship care placements in 2008-09, of which 40 will be targeted to indigenous children. The service is planned to eventually grow to 30 workers providing services to 500 placements, of which 100 will be targeted at indigenous children.

“The growth in kinship care means more children remain connected to their families and communities, providing more continuity and stability in their lives,” Ms Neville said.

Ms Neville said providing support for foster carers and kinship carers was integral to the health of the out-of-home-care system and to the wellbeing of vulnerable children.

Media contact: Ben Ruse 9651 5799/0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

The additional funding for caregivers follows moves by the Brumby Labor Government to ease requirements for caregivers to seek permission before allowing children in their care to participate in school excursions or overnight sleepovers.

She said the Victorian Government had a proud record of boosting funding and delivering important reforms to child protection.

"Our Government has increased funding for the child protection system by 96 per cent since 1999,” Ms Neville said.

“We have established the Office of the Child Safety Commissioner and have introduced the ChildFIRST teams to provide specialised support to families in need.”

The Brumby Labor Government is also providing $5.2 million over four years for free kindergarten programs of up to five hours a week for three-year-old children known to child protection services.

Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand said providing up to five hours a week of free kindergarten for children known to child protection services would significantly improve learning, health and behaviour outcomes for those children.

“Attending a good quality kindergarten program is a vital start to a child’s learning, health and behaviour, with research showing children who attend kinder lead happier and more successful adult lives,” Ms Morand said.

Media contact: Ben Ruse 9651 5799/0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

4H FROM THE MINISTER FOR HOUSING AND THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

$86.2 MILLION TO PUT HOUSING IN REACH FOR MORE VICTORIANS

The Brumby Labor Government unveiled a two-pronged approach to put housing within the reach of more Victorians, with $86.2 million in 2008-09 State Budget initiatives designed to free up more land more quickly and to improve access to public housing for people on low-incomes.

The Minister for Housing Richard Wynne said the initiatives announced today built on the biggest single investment in public housing by any State Government in Australia – $510 million for 2350 affordable homes – announced in last year’s State Budget.

“The Brumby Labor Government understands the pressure that finding a home can exert on Victorian families, and we are taking action,” Mr Wynne said.

“Housing affordability is an issue across the nation. In Victoria, the Brumby Labor Government is committed to taking the practical steps to put housing within reach of more Victorians.”

The Minister for Planning Justin Madden said the Premier, John Brumby, had made housing affordability a Victorian Government priority, announcing reforms earlier this year to free up more land and to simplify and reduce the costs of housing development.

“Victoria’s population is growing faster than predicted and the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to deliver sustainable growth and build strong, new communities,” Mr Madden said.

“Earlier this year the Premier announced key reforms to help reduce the cost of new land, to cut development time and red tape and to build sustainable new communities with the services Victorian families need.”

Brumby Labor Government housing initiatives in the 2008-09 State Budget are:

• $15 million over four years for the Department of Planning and Community Development to provide more land for housing and reduce costs for purchasers by working with the three tiers of Government to release land faster and at less cost;

• $37.9 million to deliver additional housing in high demand areas such as Ringwood, Werribee, Ballarat, Bendigo, Horsham, Frankston, Dandenong and Footscray, as well as more housing for indigenous people;

• $29.1 million over four years for the Opening Doors initiative to improve access to housing and homelessness services, by streamlining assessment for housing assistance; and

• $4.2 million over four years to support vulnerable social housing tenants maintain tenancies.

Mr Wynne said the public housing measures announced today would help increase housing stock available for the most vulnerable Victorians.

“These Brumby Labor Government public housing initiatives will make it easier for homeless people – and those at risk of homelessness – to access services that will help them,” he said. Media contact: Dan Ward 9651 5799/0407 138 680 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

“We are also improving our support for the most vulnerable Victorians to remain in social housing and rooming houses by providing a better safety net of support.

“Since 1999, the Victorian Government has invested $940 million to address homelessness, providing support for more than 150,000 Victorian households each year.”

Media contact: Dan Ward 9651 5799/0407 138 680 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au

State Budget 2008

4I FROM THE MINISTER FOR SENIOR VICTORIANS

Tuesday, 6 May, 2008

$75.1 MILLION TO BOOST SUPPORT FOR SENIOR VICTORIANS

Senior Victorians stand to benefit from a $75.1 million Brumby Labor Government package to improve the quality of residential aged care, generate more aged care places, and improve support for seniors living at home unveiled today in the 2008-09 State Budget.

The Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville, said the $75.1 million package was further evidence the Brumby Labor Government was committed to investing in high-quality accommodation and services for senior Victorians.

“Demographic analysis shows that one in four Victorians will be aged over 60 by 2021, and the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to deliver the services and support senior Victorians need today and into the future” Ms Neville said

The 2008-09 Budget aged care building program highlights include:

• Kingston Centre Redevelopment Stage 2: $45 million to establish a 64-bed sub-acute ward for patients who are too sick to be in nursing homes but do not require an intensive care bed in a hospital, new outpatient and home-based services for older people which will develop alternatives to hospital care, a new hydrotherapy pool for treatment of conditions including arthritis and to improve basic infrastructure on the site. This comes on top of $25.5 million in first stage funding in 2006-07 to upgrade the production kitchen to enable the Kingston Centre to produce meals for public hospitals and other sites in the region;

• Bendigo Residential Aged Care Facility: $13.6 million to replace Bendigo Health’s outdated Stella Anderson Nursing Home, with a new, 60-bed facility with better environmental amenity, comfort, safety, security and privacy for residents and staff;

• Hepburn Health Service’s Trentham Campus redevelopment: $8 million for the redevelopment of 15 high-care residential aged care beds and primary care services, refurbishment of the low-care facility, a new medical consulting suite, emergency stabilisation area, primary care and community activity centre, and support areas; and

• Aged Care Land Bank Stage 3: $2.5 million to help not-for-profit aged care providers access surplus government land, to create extra beds in the inner and middle suburbs, so senior Victorians do not have to move away from their neighbourhoods and families to access supported accommodation.

Ms Neville said this latest Land Bank investment brought total State Government investment to $11.8 million since 2006-07, with an initial $4.8 million followed by $4.5 million in 2007-08.

“The State Budget has allocated $6 million to establish a regional food kitchen to help senior Victorians access affordable, high-quality and nutritious meals,” she said.

“It will be a centralised facility to improve the management, efficiency, cost effectiveness and production of meals for Meals on Wheels services and other community care programs.”

Media contact: Ben Ruse 9651 5799 or 0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au A consortium of 14 local councils will develop and operate the regional food kitchen, including Banyule, Brimbank, Greater Dandenong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Macedon Ranges, Melton, Yarra, Darebin, Greater Geelong, Moreland, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley and Stonnington.

"The investments in Bendigo and Hepburn bring to $445.7 million the total investment in public sector residential aged care upgrades since 1999,” Ms Neville said.

“This investment has delivered an overhaul to 47 residential aged care facilities in Victoria, 45 of which are in regional Victoria.”

Media contact: Ben Ruse 9651 5799 or 0437 195 284 www.vic.gov.au www.budget.vic.gov.au