Parliament of Victoria

This year’s parliamentary interns have graduated at Parliament House. They are from six universities: University of Melbourne, Monash University, Australian Catholic University, Deakin University, La Trobe University and Swinburne University of Technology. Each intern researched and prepared a report for a Member of Parliament.

Bianca Baldwin is one of several young people who presented to a parliamentary committee. She informed MPs of the supports First Nations, CALD & female students need to choose and complete qualifications in in-demand industries. Read more and watch the full broadcast: https://lnkd.in/gcWJDUBv

The Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee inquired into wildlife roadstrike in Victoria. The Committee received 469 submissions and held three days of public hearings, taking evidence from wildlife rescue organisations, local councils, research scientists, police, farmers and others. The Committee has made 32 findings and 18 recommendations. The inquiry found that volunteers incur substantial costs when delivering rescue and shelter services. The report recommends giving Victorians the option to voluntarily contribute a nominal amount through yearly vehicle registration, with the funds going to support wildlife rescue and shelter in Victoria. To view the full video of the tabling of the report go to the Parliament of Victoria's YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/gZDmrGXU You can find the final report on the Committee's webpage: https://lnkd.in/g5euRRcm

Young people in rural communities face added barriers to mental health support and a Victorian organisation is taking a whole-of-community approach to address it. "Despite local, state and national efforts, we are experiencing a youth mental health crisis,” said Youth Live4Life CEO Bernard Galbally at a briefing held at Parliament House. "The first thing we need to grasp is that we will never have enough clinicians, psychologists and social workers to meet demand especially in rural and regional areas." Mr Galbally said the Victorian community was facing many challenges – from climate, social cohesion, housing affordability to strain on health and mental health services. "They are complex and hard to address and that is especially true for rural and regional Victorians and young people in particular," he said. "Their need for connection, for compassion, for community, for a sense of purpose has never been more urgent." The briefing for members of parliament was arranged by Legislative Assembly Speaker The Hon Maree Edwards MP, as part of a series she hosts to raise awareness of the valuable work undertaken by community organisations across Victoria. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gijFhJuQ.

The cooperative work of parliamentarians across the political divide is explored in an article by Nicole Huynh as part of our Parliament Express program for young writers, conducted with Express Media. Read the article on the Parliament of Victoria website at https://lnkd.in/g2Y_rmni.

🚨PUBLIC HEARING ALERT: Monday 1 December, the inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups will explore proposals that have been made in submissions for responding to coercive high-control groups. Watch live from 1-4pm at https://lnkd.in/g847HVPu.

Year 11 students Imogen and Hiwan have addressed a parliamentary inquiry into student pathways to in-demand industries on behalf of the Victorian Student Representative Council. The Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee also heard from a panel of First Nations witnesses. Transcripts will be published at a later date.

As students across Victoria strive towards building skills for their desired career path, a group of parliamentarians is taking an interest in how to support students to follow a pathway into industries needing skilled workers. Go to https://lnkd.in/gqEv-hjQ to read an article by Sophie J., part of the Parliament Express series with young writers and Express Media. It features interviews with Alison Marchant MP and Kim O'Keeffe MP, who are Chair and Deputy Chair of the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee.

Dylan McBurney spoke about the support students with disability need to reach their full potential in in-demand industries, as part of a parliamentary inquiry. He was among a group of young Victorians aged 18-27 who presented to the Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee at a Youth Associates Roundtable. Read more and watch the full broadcast at https://lnkd.in/gcWJDUBv

Just a couple of days left to share your views and suggestions on the early childhood education and care sector in Victoria. Make a submission online, no matter how short or long, by Sunday 30 November at https://lnkd.in/gnWDnJk7. The parliamentary inquiry is keen to hear from parents, educators and others with experience of the sector. Help to shape the recommendations that will be made.