The news in VIC Victorian Government – Crisis Council of Cabinet On Friday April 3, Premier Daniel Andrews announced the establishment of an eight-member Crisis Council of Cabinet (CCC). The CCC will seek to ensure government can operate as functional and agile as possible. It will comprise of the Lead Ministers of each of the 8 government departments. The CCC will be tasked with the state’s response to COVID-19 pandemic and assess all matters related to the coronavirus emergency, including budget measures and the implementation of the outcomes of the National Cabinet. Led by Premier Daniel Andrews, the Crisis Council in Cabinet will include: • James Merlino: Minister for the Coordination of Education and Training – COVID-19 • Tim Pallas: Minister for the Coordination of Treasury and Finance – COVID-19 • Jacinta Allan: Minister for the Coordination of Transport – COVID-19 • Jenny Mikakos: Minister for the Coordination of Health and Human Services – COVID-19 • Jill Hennessy: Minister for the Coordination of Justice and Community Safety – COVID-19 • Martin Pakula: Minister for the Coordination of Jobs, Precincts and Regions – COVID 19 • Lisa Neville: Minister for the Coordination of Environment, Land, Water and Planning – COVID-19 The most senior levels of the Victorian Public Service will also be structured to align with these new coordinating responsibilities, with a focus on eight core missions that will help Government respond appropriately and effectively to the coronavirus pandemic. Departmental Secretaries will appoint Associate Secretaries to run the day-to-day administration of their departments, allowing the Secretaries to lead teams focused on the pandemic response. The CCC It will operate initially until 30 September 2020 and will be reviewed on the outcomes of the pandemic. Read the full media release here Published by Aged & Community Services Australia | 9 April 2020 | Page 1 of 4 Supporting Workers on The Frontline of Coronavirus Fight Hospital workers and paramedics on the front line of Victoria's coronavirus response will get access to free accommodation if they need to self-isolate. Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos announced on Sunday that hospital workers who test positive for coronavirus, and those that have had unanticipated and unprotected contact with a person suspected of having coronavirus, will be put up in hotels or apartments to self-isolate free of charge. The move will allow our healthcare workers to keep their families or housemates safe, without the financial burden of taking on extra rent. This is particularly important for those who live with other healthcare workers or members of vulnerable cohorts - including people over 65, people who are immunosuppressed or have an underlying chronic condition, pregnant women, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Click here for Useful Links for Victorians on COVID-19. Published by Aged & Community Services Australia | 9 April 2020 | Page 2 of 4 Upcoming Events Published by Aged & Community Services Australia | 9 April 2020 | Page 3 of 4 Victorian ACSA Awards The 2020 ACSA Aged Care Awards will celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions made by organisations, teams and individuals in the aged care industry throughout the year. Please send in your nominations for the Victorian Awards and the winner will enter the National Awards announced at the ACSA Summit Categories include: • Provider of the Year • Regional, Rural, Remote (RRR) Provider of the Year • Innovation in Service or Design • Training and Development • Distinguished Service in Care • Employee of the Year • Volunteer of the Year Through celebrating these successes, the awards continue to put a spotlight on the hard work and achievements of those who work in the aged care industry. Entering the 2020 ACSA Aged Care Awards is simple. Download the ACSA Aged Care Awards 2020 Submission Guide and Nomination Form and submit your nomination via email to [email protected]. Published by Aged & Community Services Australia | 9 April 2020 | Page 4 of 4 .