The Andrews Labor Government is making sure Victorians seeking treatment for mental health concerns and substance addiction have better access to the support they need, with a new statewide specialist service and more trained addiction specialists. Minister for Mental Health James Merlino and Minister for..

As winter approaches and schools begin to close doors and windows, the Andrews Labor Government is more than doubling the number of air purifiers in schools to keep students and staff safer and slow the spread of coronavirus. Minister for Education James Merlino today announced..

It’s back to school for Victoria’s best and brightest teachers, with the Andrews Labor Government today launching the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership and flagship Teaching Excellence Program – an Australian first. Minister for Education James Merlino today officially opened the new purpose-built Academy..

While the Andrews Labor Government is getting on with building the schools of the future, 2022 marks a massive milestone – the 150th anniversary of the Victoria’s world-class public education system. Minister for Education James Merlino visited Essendon Primary School, Melbourne’s oldest continuously-operating government school,..

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a plan to transform the future of education in Bayswater, supporting local schools to collaborate and deliver better educational opportunities for students in the outer eastern suburb. Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor today..

Hundreds of students have started the new school year at the brand-new Strathtulloh Primary School, as the Andrews Labor Government continues to cement Victoria’s reputation as the Education State. Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Melton Steve McGhie today officially opened the new..

Hundreds of thousands of Victorian students are now starting the school day with full stomachs, clearer minds and better moods, with the Andrews Labor Government’s School Breakfast Clubs program celebrating more than 20 million meals served. Minister for Education James Merlino today visited Leopold Primary..

One year after the historic delivery of the final report from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, the Andrews Labor Government has made huge inroads into the landmark reform of the state’s mental health and wellbeing services, with work underway on more than 85..

The Andrews Labor Government is giving more Victorian teachers the chance to upskill for free under a plan to champion diversity and inclusion and better assist students of all abilities at schools across the state. Minister for Education James Merlino today opened Round 1 of..

The Andrews Labor Government’s massive expansion of the state’s forensic mental health capacity is another step closer, with a tender now open to appoint a builder for the huge redevelopment of Thomas Embling Hospital. Minister for Mental Health James Merlino today announced the Labor Government..

Member-based business organisations are being offered tailored mental health and wellbeing support, through an Andrews Labor Government initiative. Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford today announced the Mental Wellbeing of Business Communities Grants Program, providing up to 200 member-based business communities with a $15,000 grant for..

After a safe and successful start to the school year, the Andrews Labor Government will extend its COVIDSafe measures in schools and early childhood settings until the end of Term 1. Initially set to run for the first four weeks of Term 1, the measures..

A roll call of experts from Victoria’s mental health sector will provide specialist advice on rebuilding and shaping the state’s mental health and wellbeing system, as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s nation-leading reform. The Mental Health Ministerial Advisory Committee (MHMAC) met for the first..

The Andrews Labor Government is standing with young queer, transgender and gender diverse Victorians and their families, with a fast-tracked funding boost to give them better access to vital health and support services. The recent unnecessary, hurtful public debate around legal protections for young LGBTIQ+..

As part of the Andrews Labor Government’s reform of the VCE and VCAL system, Victorian senior secondary students will have their literacy and numeracy skills measured against new standards in a reformed General Achievement Test (GAT) from this year. Minister for Education James Merlino today..

The Andrews Labor Government is giving Victorian kids more opportunities to lace up the boots, hit the dance studio or slide down to a skatepark, as part of a refreshed campaign promoting physical activity. Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the launch of the Get..

The time-honoured tradition of sitting on the sills of Puffing Billy will make its long-awaited return to the iconic heritage railway from today. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today joined Member for Monbulk James Merlino and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing to..

The Andrews Labor Government has landed an agreement with Victoria’s government school workforce, giving them more time and support to focus on quality teaching and learning in the classroom. Minister for Education James Merlino today announced details of the proposed new Schools Enterprise Bargaining Agreement,..