Media Releases

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, joined the pledge made by Victoria’s male Members of Parliament this week to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
Sixty MPs from both sides of politics made the pledge in the lead-up to White Ribbon Day – the international day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The event was organised by Minister for Women’s Affairs Ms Wooldridge in conjunction with the White Ribbon Foundation, which was established in 2007 as the first male-led family violence prevention campaign. It aims to raise awareness through campaigns and events and engaging men as White Ribbon ambassadors.
“One of the most effective ways of changing attitudes to family violence is to enable men to take responsibility and show leadership in their communities,” Mr Walsh said.
“I have a strong belief in the importance of country women taking leadership roles in their communities and my commitment to supporting White Ribbon Day reinforces this belief.
“Although preventing violence against women is a community-wide responsibility, men have a critical role in helping to stop violence before it starts,” he said.
“The Coalition Government has committed nearly $40,000 to support activities associated with White Ribbon Day which include new funding to promote online education and awareness on preventing violence against women, and funding for community organisations to promote events through the community,” Mr Walsh said.
For more information on activities go to www.whiteribbon.org.au

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, joined with Education Minister Martin Dixon today in congratulating the 3 schools in the Swan Hill electorate who are among the first in the state to sign up to the Victorian Coalition Government funded $10.5 million eSmart cyberbullying program.
Lalbert Primary, Manangatang P-12 and St Mary’s Primary have all committed to the eSmart cybersafety program created by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
This program will be available to every government school across the state and 300 Catholic and independent schools over the next four years.
“I congratulate the 3 Swan Hill region schools, which have joined 400 schools across Victoria in becoming the first to register for eSmart,” Mr Dixon said.
“This shows just how serious these schools are about stamping out bullying and creating safe places where students can learn and support each other.”
Peter Walsh also expressed his concern over the growth of cyberbullying.
“This is an insidious form of bullying as it is done from a distance which is the hallmark of such bullies,” Mr Walsh said.
“There seems to be the impression that because it is carried out in this manner the perpetrators are safe from being caught out.
“The eSmart program will go a long way to assisting students deal with this form of bullying,” he said.
The Victorian Government will provide each school with $2000 to help them implement eSmart.
“Students today spend a lot of time the cyber world, so it’s important they are provided with the tools they need to stay safe in that space,” Mr Dixon said.
eSmart teaches students about protecting themselves from risks including cyberbullying and sexting, and also about the importance of protecting their own privacy and was developed by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation along with the RMIT School of Education and other education experts.
It will play a key role in delivering on the Victorian Government’s commitment to stamp out bullying, combat violence in schools and provide students and parents with the support they need.

The Victorian Coalition Government is providing eight councils with extra financial assistance to help them enforce tough laws on dangerous pit bull dogs.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said $135,000 would be distributed among councils experiencing a significant increase in work.
“Victoria’s councils have received thousands of telephone calls since new legislation was introduced to impose criminal penalties on owners of dangerous dogs who attack people and to end the amnesty for registration of pit bulls,” Mr Walsh.
“The dangerous dog hotline has received 565 reports of suspected dangerous or restricted breed dogs since it was established in August and councils have received many more.
“Local governments’ obligation to enforce dog laws has not changed but the decision to end the amnesty and increase penalties has resulted in more work for some councils.
“Many owners have asked councils to assess their dog against the new standards to ensure their animal does not qualify as a pit bull cross.
“Some councils have assigned additional administrative staff to handle the phone calls and paperwork in order to free up the time of skilled animal management officers,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said he had been working closely with Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell and the Municipal Association of Victoria to determine what extra resources councils needed.
“Hume and Casey will receive $30,000 because they have experienced the greatest increase in workload. The funding will help offset the costs they have incurred by putting on additional staff and will help them deal with the hundreds of dogs still requiring assessment.
“Grants of $15,000 will go to Melton, Whittlesea and Wyndham councils who have also allocated additional staff and reported they have up to 200 dogs requiring priority assessment.
“Brimbank, Cardinia and Banyule councils will receive $10,000 grants to respond to a large number of enquiries related specifically to the change in legislation.”
Mr Walsh thanked councils for the efforts they had made in response to the decision to end the restricted breed amnesty and impose tougher penalties for dangerous dog attacks.
“We will continue to work with local government to improve public safety from dangerous dog attacks,” Mr Walsh said.

Parents throughout the region are reminded that the new law on supplying alcohol to minors has come into effect as of 1 November.
It is now illegal for adults to supply young people with alcohol in private homes without parental permission.
“Research clearly shows that alcohol can cause young people harm, and it is important that measures are taken to ensure the safety of our children,” said Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh.
“We have changed the law to give parents more control over where, when and how their children are exposed to alcohol.”
Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O’Brien said the law addressed concerns of parents about a previous loophole that allowed minors to be supplied with alcohol in private homes.
“People can now face fines of more than $7,000 if they break the law by supplying a minor with alcohol in their home without the consent of that minor’s parent or guardian,” he said.
Mental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge said most people want to do the right thing, which is why the Victorian Coalition Government has set aside $1 million for an education and awareness campaign on the new law.
“This campaign will help make sure that the law is well understood, and support and guide parents who want to talk to their children about alcohol,” Ms Wooldridge said.
Information about the new law and the education campaign is available from www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/teendrinkinglaw.

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, today urged members of the community to join the debate on new plates for the state.

On Sunday Premier Ted Baillieu announced Victorian number plates would carry a road safety message, which will be selected after extensive consultation.

Mr Walsh urged the local community to join the discussion and put forward ideas for road safety messages that would help reduce the road toll.

“Safety on our roads is an issue for us all and the more we promote the driving with care message the better,” Mr Walsh said.

“The use of number plates to display a road safety message is another way of reminding drivers of their responsibilities as road users.

“The trauma of motor vehicle accidents on our country roads is all too real and each of us have a responsibility to assist in making our roads safer.

“I encourage all members of the community to sit down with family or friends and come up with a safety slogan that can be put onto our new number plates,” he said.

Victorians can submit their ideas from midday Monday 17 October at www.premier.vic.gov.au

The new number plates are expected to roll out in Victoria next year.

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, is calling on all interested members of the community to consider making a submission into the Victorian speed limit review.

“We often hear of confusion and frustration at roads with multiple speed limit changes, school zones, shopping strips and town centres,” Mr Walsh said.

The speed limit review that has been initiated by the Victorian Government is aimed at achieving consistency of speed limits across the State.

“The application of consistent speed limits makes it easier for drivers to abide by the limits ensuring safer conditions for all road users,” Mr Walsh said.

“The importance of safety and mobility on our roads is paramount, and all speed limits are set with consideration given to traffic, pedestrians and surrounding developments.

“However, if people feel that there are too many speed changes on a street, or believe they have a solution to make speed limits easier to understand, then I urge you to make a submission,” Mr Walsh said.

People interested in making a submission can check the Terms of Reference found on the VicRoads website at vicroads.vic.gov.au.

Submissions are open from 30 August to 11 October and can be sent to Speed Limit Review, 60 Denmark Street, Kew, Vic, 3101 or emailed to speedreview@roads.vic.gov.au

An interim report by Bushfire Implementation Monitor Neil Comrie AO APM outlining progress in implementing the recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission has been tabled in State Parliament today.
Acting Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Walsh today said the government welcomed the tabling of the report and would review its contents in detail.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to implementing all 67 recommendations of the Bushfires Royal Commission and this report provides valuable feedback as we deliver on our commitment,” Mr Walsh said.
“Earlier this year, the Coalition Government gave Mr Comrie full independence in his role as Implementation Monitor so he and the community could have faith in the implementation process.
“This is the first time the Implementation Monitor has reported directly to the Victorian public, delivering on the Coalition’s promise to be more open and transparent in implementing the Commission’s recommendations.”
Mr Walsh said the comprehensive 173 page document included specific information on each of the Commission’s recommendations.
“I thank Mr Comrie for providing this crucial progress report. Like all Victorians we are steadfast in our resolve to do everything we can to protect the state against tragedies like the 2009 bushfires in the future,” Mr Walsh said.
“Ultimately people’s lives, homes and properties are at stake, so nothing could require greater care, consideration and transparency.”
Mr Walsh said the Government would comment further on report in due course once it had an opportunity to review it in detail.
Mr Comrie will provide his final report to the Parliament on the implementation of the Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations by 31 July 2012.
The report is available on the Department of Justice website: www.justice.vic.gov.au

The Baillieu Government has introduced tough legislation into Parliament this month for increased penalties and new laws to deal with drunken, loutish and threatening behaviour.
Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, said the Coalition was delivering on election commitments to give local police and licensees stronger powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour in and around licensed venues.
The proposed amendments will assist police and licensees in deterring obnoxious, alcohol-fuelled behaviour.
The new changes include:
• increasing the on-the-spot fine for drunk and disorderly behaviour from $478 to more than $590 for the first offence, and more than $1,100 for a second or subsequent offence
• increasing the on-the-spot fine for revellers who fail to leave a licensed venue when drunk, violent or quarrelsome from $238.90 to $597.25
• a new offence to deal with drunks hanging around licensed premises after being refused entry or required to leave
• a new offence to deal with those attempting to re-enter a venue within 24 hours of being denied entry or required to leave a venue
• new powers for licensees and police officers to bar troublesome patrons from entering or remaining in a venue for a set period of time.
“The changes in legislation illustrate that antisocial behaviour won’t be tolerated and that people engaged in such behaviour can expect a punishment that will hurt,” Mr Walsh said.
“Under these reforms, police and venue operators will have greater power to deal with people who get themselves drunk and cause trouble on the streets or in licensed venues.
“Under a Baillieu Government, Victoria will have a responsible liquor licensing framework that strengthens laws related to both the prevention of and enforcement of powers to combat alcohol-related harm,” Mr Walsh said.

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, has thrown his support behind the Liberal Nationals Coalition policy that will see first time hoon offenders have their cars seized for 30 days.
“Current Victorian laws for 48 hour confiscation of Hoon’s vehicles are not strict enough,” Mr Walsh said.
“There are a disproportionate number of fatalities on regional roads, and we need to produce a very strong deterrent for those who engage in hoon behaviour.
“A Coalition Government will introduce immediate 30 day vehicle impoundment for a first time hoon offence, up to three months impoundment for the second offence and forfeiture and crushing of vehicles after stripping them for parts for a third offence.”
“Generally, our young people are great contributors to our community but some think they are invincible and I believe the introduction of tougher laws will provide a deterrent to those who think it’s safe to participate in this irresponsible behaviour,” he said.
“Hoon driving is not just a city problem and we need to take strong action to get the message across that street racing and other irresponsible activities that occur out there on our roads are not only socially unacceptable but also downright dangerous.
“Under our anti-hoon laws, vehicles can be stripped of useful parts and crushed, or used for safety testing and education by the Transport Accident Commission.
“In this scenario, a regular hoon will have to wave their car goodbye.
“We must do all that we can to ensure that we not only protect those who undertake such activities but also the responsible road users who are affected by this behaviour.
“Our residents deserve to have quiet streets and safer roads and I believe the position of the Coalition will act as a much greater deterrent for those who want to act illegally on our roads, and potentially put themselves and others at risk,” Mr Walsh said.

The Swan Hill Electorate will benefit from more police under a Victorian Coalition Government plan to revolutionise policing and public safety by boosting frontline police by 1,600 in the first term of government, Nationals Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, announced today.
Mr Walsh said the $344 million “Making Our Streets Safe Again” plan would end chronic police shortages and restore public safety.
“More police are needed across regional Victoria to fill staff shortages that have arisen due to Brumby government inaction over the past decade,” he said.
“This unprecedented investment in policing will see a dramatic increase in frontline police across Victoria, and it will go a long way in helping our community achieve a reduction in crime.
“The Swan Hill electorate is fortunate to have a dedicated and community minded police force that does a fantastic job under very difficult circumstances, but we do not have the number of frontline officers needed to properly protect communities against crime.
“It is a basic responsibility of government to protect its citizens. John Brumby has failed this test. Law and order has not been a priority of the Brumby Government, but it will be a priority of a Victorian Liberal Nationals Government. Victorians have a right to expect to be protected.
“Victoria has the fewest frontline police per capita and spends less on police resourcing per capita than any other state in Australia.”
Mr Walsh said the Coalition would provide $344 million over four years to fund an additional 1,600 police, plus an additional $65 million capital allocation for operational equipment. The package includes $8 million for expanded training facilities and staff at the Police Academy.
“This announcement is part of an integrated plan to stop and reverse the culture of violence and growing levels of crime in Victoria. A significant increase in frontline police is crucial to all of these initiatives,” he said.
“Victoria Police have some of the best police officers in the nation but Victoria does not have the number of frontline officers needed to properly protect communities against record levels of violent crime.
“The Liberals and Nationals are listening to Victorian communities and will deliver the police required to make sure families can feel safe again on the streets, on public transport and in their own homes.
“This announcement is part of an integrated plan to stop and reverse the culture of violence and growing levels of crime in Victoria. A significant increase in frontline police is crucial to all of these initiatives,” Mr Walsh said.