G’day Labor Members,
It’s good to be back for the second edition and the first of 2024 for your Labor MP team update, direct from Spring Street, our way to give you a quick brief on the work we’re getting on with as part of the Allan Labor Government.
What we’ve been getting on with in Parliament…
Victoria has seen extreme weather recently, severely impacting energy infrastructure across the state, leaving many without power. The extreme weather also tragically saw the loss of a life. The Premier and members acknowledged the recent events, detailed support the Government is providing and thanked the many frontline staff working around the clock to reconnect Victorians – also thanking the heroic emergency service members for helping people when they need it most. The Allan Labor Government stands with impacted communities and will be there to support them for as long as it takes.
Combatting Climate Change
Our bill to enshrine our world leading emissions reductions targets has seen passage through the lower house. This will see a new renewable energy target of 95% by 2035 and our net zero emission target brought forward to 2045 from 2050. Bold, progressive reform only a Labor Government will deliver.
Early Years Education
The Allan Labor Government continues to invest in early years education with $14 billion into our ‘Best Start Best Life’ policy which is delivering Free Kinder, our nation first pre-prep program and backs in our early years educators. This week, we took another step in rolling out our 50 Government owned early learning centres. This will ensure we deliver more places where we need them most.
Quick Update: Community Pharmacy Pilot Expansion
The Allan Labor Government’s community pharmacy pilot is making it easier for every Victorian to get the care they need. But we know it overwhelmingly helps women. Already, it’s meant more than 3,300 people have been able to get the treatment they need, without a trip to the GP – saving them time and money.
And now we’re expanding it. Victorians seeking treatment for mild and common skin conditions will soon be able to access the care they need at a community pharmacy, at no cost. This investment is increasing the number of primary care options for Victorians, freeing up GPs for people with more complex conditions and reducing non-urgent emergency department presentations.
What’s been happening at Parliament
Apology to Care Leavers
Message from the Premier on the apology: ‘Our Parliament apologised to the thousands of children who were abused and neglected while in institutional care, between 1928 and 1990.
Victorians who had to grow up carrying the enormous weight of their experiences their whole life.
To the lives that were altered then, and those still living with the pain now.
On behalf of this Parliament, and every Parliament before it. We humbly and unreservedly apologise’.
Women’s Health on the agenda
Women’s Health East were at Parliament talking to MPs about why women’s health and wellbeing matters. This is why we recently launched an inquiry into women’s pain — and you can make a submission.
Until next time.
Yours in solidarity,
Your Victorian Labor MP Team