Premier Denis Napthine today announced that he would lead a special taskforce to generate new job opportunities for workers and communities affected by the Ford announcement.

On behalf of all Victorians, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the Hawke family on the sad passing of a great Victorian, Mrs Hazel Hawke AO.

Premier and Minister for Regional Cities Denis Napthine today returned to visit communities in Bundalong and Koonoomoo that were struck by a series of severe tornadoes in March this year.

More than 80 homes in Victoria’s north-east were damaged by the tornado. The Victorian and Commonwealth Government’s immediately announced emergency financial assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Students with special needs living in Victoria’s north-east will move into a brand new school next year, with Premier Denis Napthine announcing that the Belvoir Wodonga Special Development School would receive $6 million as part of the 2013/14 Victorian Budget.

Ford Australia’s announcement that it will cease manufacturing in Australia from 2016 makes this a distressing day for the company’s workforce, suppliers and the broader communities affected.

The Australian and Victorian Governments are working together to do everything we can to look after the interests of the Ford workforce, the automotive supply chain and the communities of Geelong and Broadmeadows in Melbourne.

Blackburn Primary School will receive a $5.2 million upgrade under an election commitment announced by the Victorian Coalition Government today.

The Victorian Coalition Government today provided $4.5 million for vital infrastructure upgrades to Pinewood Primary School in Mount Waverley.

A $70 million, 608-acre racecourse development in Melbourne’s south east will bring hundreds of jobs to the region and help keep Victoria as the premier racing state in Australia.

The Victorian Coalition Government today provided $8 million for major infrastructure upgrades at Northern Bay P-12 College on four of its six campuses in Corio.

A growing Geelong food manufacturer will expand and create 26 new jobs thanks to funding provided by the Victorian Coalition Government.

Premier Denis Napthine has announced two key international appointments that will strengthen Victorian investment ties, support local exporters and raise the state’s global profile.

Four primary schools at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges will share $15.2 million in infrastructure funding, the Victorian Coalition Government announced today.

Train services in Melbourne’s south-east are set to be drastically improved with Premier Denis Napthine today announcing the forthcoming State Budget will include $100 million for upgrades and maintenance work on the Frankston line.

The Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to more support for more people with disability will be demonstrated again in the 2013-14 Victorian Budget.

Premier and Minister for Regional Cities Denis Napthine was in Ballarat today for the official opening of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E.).
Dr Napthine said the inspirational $11.9 million state-of-the-art museum was all about educating visitors about the culture, civics, history and citizenship of Australia as a nation.

An important racing partnership will be continued following the announcement by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) of an extension to its arrangement with Country Racing Victoria.