Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Labor’s Got no Shame Steamrolling the Rights of VictoriansPublic Health and Wellbeing Act allows a person who suffers loss arising from a direction of the Chief Health Officer to apply to the Secretary for compensation. By Portal Admin - 22nd September 2020 - Back to News Background
Labor’s Attorney General Jill Hennessy has today refused to guarantee that the Andrews Labor Government won’t make changes to the Public Health and Wellbeing Act to stop Victorians from accessing compensation for its destructive coronavirus restrictions.
The Public Health and Wellbeing Act allows a person who suffers loss arising from a direction of the Chief Health Officer to apply to the Secretary for compensation.
Asked in State Parliament today to guarantee the government will not seek to retrospectively remove or restrict the entitlement to seek compensation, the Attorney-General deliberately avoided providing an answer.
Comment attributable to Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh
Protecting the rights of Victorians is an optional extra for the Andrews Labor Government.
By refusing to guarantee they won’t take away Victorians’ right to apply for compensation the Attorney-General has confirmed Labor just doesn’t care about the devastation its shutdowns have had on the lives and livelihoods of all Victorians.
The Andrews Labor Government’s failed management of hotel quarantine forced millions of Victorians into a second wave of shutdowns that have taken away our freedoms, axed jobs and closed businesses.
The social and financial losses of these coronavirus shutdowns will be felt for a long time yet.
This is another reason why Victorians have lost confidence in Daniel Andrews and the Labor Government.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Health Care Australia to deliver immunisation services across Baw Baw, Casey and Cardinia Shires starting 1 July 2026
Health Care Australia will manage immunisation services across Baw Baw, Casey, and Cardinia, offering National Immunisation Program vaccines, streamlining administration, improving efficiency, and providing access and flexibility for residents. - Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures VicHealth funding to boost health, wellbeing and inclusion for local young people
Baw Baw Shire Council has secured $200,000 from VicHealth’s Partners in Place initiative to deliver community-based health and wellbeing programs, empowering children and young people to help shape healthier, more connected neighbourhoods. - National Rural Health Commissioner Jenny May joins Gippsland health leaders for Warragul roundtable discussion
National Rural Health Commissioner Professor Jenny May joined Gippsland health leaders in Warragul, highlighting locally embedded training, workforce development and collaboration to strengthen regional healthcare access and sustainability. - Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull. - Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government. - Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care. - Danny O’Brien said poor dental health is tied to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications and mental health impacts
Gippslanders now face almost two-year waits for public dental care, with Danny O’Brien blaming a decade of Labor for doubled delays, escalating health risks and under-resourced regional clinics. - Community sought for Teen Mental Health First Aid instructor training through Live4Life South Gippsland program initiative
The Live4Life South Gippsland Partnership Group invites community members to apply for Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor training, with EOIs open until 29 March 2026. Contact 5662 9200 for inquiries. - Victorians left paying for Commonwealth Games promises while Scotland hosts the 2026 event instead
Victoria's cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games left taxpayers with a $589 million bill, delayed regional projects, and unfulfilled infrastructure promises, drawing criticism over the handling of the abandoned event. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures $60,000 from VicHealth funding to create inclusive welcoming arts and community spaces program
Baw Baw Shire Council has received $60,000 VicHealth funding via Regional Arts Victoria for a three-year Welcoming Spaces program with Na Djinang Circus to support inclusive public spaces, cultural safety, and community connection. - Live4Life Baw Baw celebrates 2025 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising leadership, teamwork and mental health achievements
Live4Life Baw Baw celebrated its 2025 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising their leadership, teamwork, and mental health initiatives, while marking key milestones and community achievements throughout the year. - East Gippsland Shire Council urges protect health and air quality, burn dry wood and maintain heaters to reduce smoke this winter
Residents are urged to burn only dry, untreated wood, maintain heaters, and consider alternatives to reduce smoke, protecting health and improving air quality this winter. - Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives. - South Gippsland Council ends sharps program June 2026, transitioning service to health providers with NSP locations and public toilet units remaining
South Gippsland Shire Council will end its Community Sharps Program on 30 June 2026, transitioning services to health providers, with NSP locations available and public toilet sharps units remaining. - Loch Public Hall hosts community updates with local groups, councillors and regional progress reports on 3 June 2026
Community members are invited to Loch Public Hall on Wednesday for updates from local associations, progress groups, and councillors, with informal discussions available beforehand from 1.00pm. - Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - Albanese government’s plan undermines veterans’ rights and attacks defence honours tribunal independence
Albanese Government’s proposed changes to the Defence honours appeal system would restrict veterans’ rights, weaken Tribunal independence, and impose strict time limits on recognition of service, drawing strong backlash and Coalition opposition. - Nicholson Street mall public toilet temporarily closed amid vandalism, anti‑social behaviour and safety concerns
The Nicholson Street Mall public toilet in Bairnsdale is temporarily closed due to repeated vandalism and anti-social behaviour, with Council working alongside traders, Victoria Police, and stakeholders on safety and revitalisation. - World Drowning Prevention Day urges Victorians to unite for safer waters and reduce drowning deaths globally
Life Saving Victoria is marking World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25 with statewide events, urging communities to improve water safety and support the global goal of reducing drowning deaths by 35 per cent by 2035. - Bass Coast Shire Council invites public submissions on Inverloch Surf Parade one-way proposal for shared path completion by 1 April 2026
Bass Coast Council invites public submissions on Inverloch Surf Parade one-way proposal, enabling final shared path stage, preserving car parking, addressing coastal erosion, and completing safe Inverloch-to-Wonthaggi trail connection. - Gippsland Water’s mobile trailer supports community events while promoting health, sustainability and reducing single-use plastic
Gippsland Water’s mobile water trailer supports community events, providing free drinking water, promoting healthy choices, reducing single-use plastics, and enhancing public and environmental health across the region in 2026. - Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - Platy Patch begins on Mitchell River improving habitat, waterway health and protecting platypus populations
East Gippsland CMA will begin Platy Patch works on the lower Mitchell River to improve waterway health, restore habitat, and protect local platypus through revegetation and riverbank restoration. - Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - Bass Coast Shire Council Draft Dogs in Public Places Guidelines community consultations open until 13 May 2026
Bass Coast Council has released Draft Dogs in Public Places Guidelines for consultation, supporting the Domestic Animal Management Plan with feedback open until 13 May 2026 to improve dog management. - Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery. - Baw Baw Shire Council adopts new public and civic art policies to guide future stewardship
Baw Baw Shire has adopted new Public Art and Civic Art Collection policies to guide stewardship, expand public access and preserve more than 320 artworks for community enjoyment. - Snowy River monitoring program tracks environmental flows to improve river health and protect vital ecosystems long-term
East Gippsland CMA is monitoring the Snowy River's estuary, fish habitats and environmental flows to improve river health and protect ecosystems, supported by community and government partnerships. - Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery. - SEC acquires Delburn Wind Farm, Gippsland’s first public wind project, creating jobs and boosting local energy and economy by 2028
The SEC’s acquisition of Delburn Wind Farm will deliver Gippsland’s first public wind project by 2028, creating 300 construction jobs, long-term careers, and $22 million in community benefits. - Kay Abude appointed lead artist for Women's Public Art Program in Wonthaggi honouring Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary
Contemporary artist Kay Abude has been appointed to create a major Wonthaggi public artwork honouring the Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary, with community workshops and Victorian government support celebrating local history. - Community-led partnerships restore Kugerungmome/Powlett River catchment health on Bunurong Country, from source to sea
Community, Traditional Owners and agencies are restoring the Kugerungmome/Powlett River, delivering $1 million in on-ground works to protect culture, biodiversity and water quality across a 50,000-hectare catchment on Bunurong Country. - Melina Bath blames Allan government as Victoria's public housing waitlist surges amid worsening housing crisis
Victoria's housing crisis deepens as public housing waitlists surge past 60,000. Melina Bath blames the Allan government's inaction, rising taxes, and mismanagement for worsening homelessness and unaffordable rents across the state. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new 'Dogs in Public Places Guidelines for 2026–2029' across municipality
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Dogs in Public Places Guidelines 2026–2029, establishing evidence-based rules for dog access on council land while balancing recreation, community safety, and environmental protection. - East Gippsland Shire Council calls for greater public land investment ahead of 2026 Victorian state election
East Gippsland Shire Council is urging greater public land investment before the 2026 Victorian election to improve pest control, environmental management, tourism infrastructure, local jobs and long-term community outcomes. - Gippsland Live4Life youth unite at Allambee Camp, fostering confidence, teamwork and mental health awareness through outdoor activities
Live4Life Gippsland youth Crews gathered at Allambee Camp for adventure, teamwork, confidence-building, and sharing mental health awareness ideas, supported by Baw Baw Shire Council. - Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government funding commitment on Latrobe Valley mental health unit urgently needing expansion
The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft Public Transparency Policy before consultation closes 12 August 2026
Council is inviting community feedback on its Draft Public Transparency Policy, outlining access to council information and Freedom of Information requirements. The policy is available for review, with submissions closing Wednesday 12 August 2026. - Danny O'Brien urges action as Leongatha patients await access to medical records after clinic closure
Danny O'Brien says former Leongatha Healthcare Clinic patients still lack access to medical records, urging faster action while health authorities work with Rail Trail Medical on a resolution. - Gilsenan Reserve in Paynesville to gain modern, accessible public toilets supporting playground, skate park, and markets
Paynesville’s Gilsenan Reserve will get modern, accessible public toilets by June 2026, supporting playground, skate park, and market users, while ensuring minimal disruption and ongoing community updates during construction. - Berninneit becomes Australia's First Passivhaus-Certified Public Centre with theatre, library, gallery and museum complex
Berninneit in Cowes has achieved Passivhaus certification, becoming Australia's first public centre combining a theatre, library, gallery and museum to meet the internationally recognised sustainability standard. - Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways. - Darren Chester condemned the Bill as unsupported, stripping veterans’ appeal rights and imposing a 20-year limit
Coalition and crossbench Senators oppose the Bill after overwhelming veteran backlash, with Chester urging its abandonment, arguing it strips appeal rights and distracts from addressing key Royal Commission recommendations. - Danny O’Brien calls for clarity on free children’s public transport amid Gippsland V/Line concerns
Danny O’Brien urges Labor to clarify free children’s public transport rollout, warning Gippsland families face confusion over youth myki requirements, online access, and unmanned V/Line stations from January 2026. - Tim Bull calls for more train carriages and bus services to match free public transport amid overcrowding concerns on Gippsland routes
Tim Bull is calling on the Victorian government to match free public transport with more trains and buses, addressing severe overcrowding and service capacity issues in Gippsland. - Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to disclose Gippsland South public housing vacancies amid growing local housing crisis
Danny O’Brien has urged the Allan Labor government to disclose how many public housing homes in Gippsland South are vacant, highlighting community frustration and the urgent need for transparency. - Community satisfaction survey shows Baw Baw Shire Council reversing declining trend through broad improvements overall
Baw Baw Shire Council's annual Community Satisfaction Survey shows significant improvements, reversing previous declines. Strongest ratings were for libraries, public spaces and waste management, while roads and planning improved. - New Great Southern Rail Trail attractions boost tourism, events and visitor experiences through Koonwarra and beyond
New attractions, signage, public art, and a running festival along the Great Southern Rail Trail aim to boost tourism, support local businesses, and enhance visitor experiences across South Gippsland. - Melina Bath says after 11 years of Labor, Victoria’s public lands face neglect, higher risks, and degradation
The Silver Review recommends abolishing VEAC, a $1.4 million taxpayer-funded bureaucracy, as Labor’s ineffective agency failed to improve land management or address bushfire and environmental risks. - Labor urged to act on China’s 55% beef tariffs threatening Australian exports and farmer livelihoods
Labor urged to act on China’s 55% beef tariffs after quota exhaustion, with Nationals warning major trade impact and farmer losses. - East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies. - Melina Bath said The Nationals will continue standing with regional Victorians and sporting shooting community
Common sense has prevailed after proposals to cap firearm numbers per licence were scrapped, with Danny O’Brien crediting strong advocacy from law-abiding owners, sporting clubs and shooting organisations across Victoria wide support. - Baw Baw Council extends Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026 supporting leadership continuity
Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026, ensuring strong leadership and continuity while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery. - Bass Coast Shire Council approves Draft Dust Suppression Seal Removal Policy for public consultation, allowing resident-funded sealing on 19 March 2026
Bass Coast Council has approved the Draft Dust Suppression Seal Removal Policy for consultation, allowing residents to fund permanent road sealing as aging dust suppressant seals are removed across 30 streets. - Melina Bath urges Victorian funding for Kids Helpline amid rising youth mental health crisis and demand
Melina Bath is urging Victorian government funding for Kids Helpline, citing rising demand, unmet mental health needs and limited support options for regional young people. - Melina Bath urges farmers to prioritise safety, wellbeing and lead by example during Farm Safety Week campaign
Melina Bath is urging farmers to prioritise safety and wellbeing during Farm Safety Week, encouraging stronger safety practices, leadership and community support while recognising farming remains one of Australia’s highest-risk industries. - Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment. - Tap and go payment rolls out across Victorian buses, making public transport easier for passengers statewide
Tap and go payments are rolling out across Victoria's myki-enabled buses, allowing passengers to pay with bank cards, smartphones or smart watches while maintaining myki as an alternative option. - Baw Baw Shire Council extends Acting CEO Mick Cummins’ leadership through 2 January 2026 during CEO’s absence
Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Mick Cummins’ Acting CEO role until 2 January 2026, supporting the organisation while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery. - Latrobe City Council renews YMCA contract to continue leading programs at GRAC facility
Latrobe City Council renews YMCA Victoria’s contract to operate GRAC, ensuring continued community access, health programs, local employment, and social benefits, with 400,000 visits expected in 2026. - Baw Baw Shire seeks community feedback on draft art policies to protect collections, enrich public spaces and support creativity by 13 May 2026
Baw Baw Shire is seeking community feedback on new draft art policies to protect collections, enhance public spaces, and support creativity, with more than 220 public artworks and 122 civic pieces shaping local culture.
|
|
