Ben Carroll MP | Politician
Ben Carroll MP
Phone: 9379 5879
Reviews
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24.01.2022 Karen and her carpenter son, Chris own the cutest little cafe at the Centreway Shopping Centre. Decked out in pastels with wide window seating, they’re keen to extend their unique cafe outdoors. They just need a little help from me and Council. It was a delight to hear their enthusiasm for curbside street activation to create a lively, buzzing summer of trade at the popular Centreway!
23.01.2022 There was some confusion yesterday as I answered this question before double checking the updated DHHS website. I can now say with clarity that a total of FIVE people from up to TWO different households can meet in a public outdoor space. If you have a family of five or more, you can still visit a public outdoor space as a family - but not with the intent to meet another family.... For any further questions or clarity, please email me [email protected] or phone 9379 5879
23.01.2022 #BreakingNews ALL primary students in metro Melbourne can return to face-to-face teaching in the week of October 12. We are ahead of where we thought we would be in driving down coronavirus numbers and this is a wonderful outcome for all primary students, but particularly for Year 6 students in their final year of school. A decision has not yet been made on the return of secondary students in years 7 to 10. As always that will be guided by our health experts. ... A big thank you to all of the school staff, parents and carers, and our students who have played a huge role in making remote learning work.
23.01.2022 Victorian pledge for Institute of Infectious Disease The Victorian Budget 2020/21 will include an investment of $155 million to establish an Australian Institute for Infectious Disease in the heart of Melbourne’s renowned Parkville biomedical precinct to lead the fight against future pandemics. Once operational, the Institute will provide a massive boost to the biomedical sector and could support up to 5,000 jobs, including up to 850 jobs at the Institute itself.
22.01.2022 - BUILDING OUR RECOVERY WORKFORCE - Supporting the professionals that were there for us every day - mental health professionals, family violence specialists and child support workers. This years Budget will increase support for these hard working Victorians, create better pathways to roles in these vital sectors and and recruit even more of these skilled workers.
22.01.2022 FIVE! On July 30 we had 723 cases. We’ve come so far. Thank you. ... My thoughts are with the families of the three lives lost.
22.01.2022 76 councils are holding elections on 24 October 2020. With nominations for councillors now closed, 2186 candidates have put their hands up to represent their community at the council elections. These 2186 candidates will be contesting 622 seats across the State, making the 2020 council elections the biggest yet. This in an increase from the 2133 candidates who contested 637 seats in the 2016 council elections. ... Women make up 39 per cent of candidates, and I am so pleased to hear that is a 17 per cent increase from the 2016 elections. From the mandatory candidate training data, we also know that more young people, more people from CALD backgrounds and more Aboriginal Victorians are standing for election this year. It is really good to see that new candidates make up 80 per cent of candidates at this election with 1744 people standing for the first time. Ballot packs will start going out to voters on 6 October 2020 and people will have until 6pm on Friday, 23 October 2020 to return their completed vote. More information on candidates and voting can be found here: vec.vic.gov.au/voting/2020-local-council-election
21.01.2022 Great discussion today on staying connected now and post-pandemic with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. Like a lot of sporting organisations they’re leveraging sport to make sure everyone feels like they belong. Part of our discussion was how we combine sport and community to rebuild our social capital after the coronavirus.
21.01.2022 - Victoria to take first big step to tackle insecure work - This year, the global pandemic has shone a bright light on some of the darkest cracks in our nation’s economy and our society none more so than insecure work. Too often, workers are being forced to choose between a day’s pay and their health and the health of every Victorian. Over the past eight months, we’ve seen just how dangerous, and unfair, that can be.... That’s why we will do what no other government has develop a new Secure Work Pilot Scheme, to provide up to five days of sick and carer’s pay at the national minimum wage for casual or insecure workers in priority industries. Once up and running, the two-year pilot will afford these workers sick pay when they’re unwell, and carer’s pay when they need to take time to look after someone they love. Importantly, it will mean Victorians aren’t being forced to choose between the safety of their co-workers and putting food on the table for their family. We expect the pilot scheme will cover workers in select sectors with high rates of casualisation. These could include cleaners, hospitality staff, security guards, supermarket workers and aged care staff. The pilot will roll out in two phases over two years with the occupations eligible for each phase to be finalised after a consultation process that will include workers, industry and unions. Casual and insecure workers in eligible sectors will be invited to pre-register for the scheme, providing their contact details and information about their employment so that applications can be fast-tracked if they need to apply for payments. An education campaign will also be rolled out to ensure eligible workers are aware of the support available when they need sick or carer’s pay. The Victorian Budget 2020/21 will provide $5 million for consultation on the design of the pilot scheme to work through issues including documentation required to support payment applications and protections for workers who apply to access the scheme. While any future ongoing scheme would be subject to an industry levy, the pilot scheme will be fully funded by the Victorian Government at no cost to business. The Victorian Government’s COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment and the Commonwealth’s Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment for people who are required to isolate after a positive diagnosis or quarantine as a close contact remain available.
20.01.2022 Good news regional Victoria, we've opened new bookings for licence testing! There is currently no change to our registration and licensing operations in metro Melbourne. To book a test in regional Vic visit: ... https://billing.vicroads.vic.gov.au/bookings See more
18.01.2022 Congratulations to every VCE and VCAL student this has been an incredibly challenging year, but every student of the class of 2020 has shown outstanding resilience and commitment. To all teachers, parents and carers, thank you for supporting and guiding our VCE and VCAL students through this year. Completing VCE or VCAL is an incredible achievement and I congratulate the class of 2020 for reaching this milestone.... Today’s release of results will mean students can now plan for further education or employment with confidence. It’s important to recognise that VCE and VCAL is only one step in your life journey. There have never been more opportunities and pathways available to Year 12 graduates, including university, TAFE, traineeships and work.
18.01.2022 For many families, these schools holidays will again need to look a little bit different. But that doesn't mean there isn't lots to keep little ones busy. Victoria Together has assembled a host of activities for families to do at home. Whether it's making your own book, cooking recipes, dance lessons or joining the At Home Art Club, there's plenty to do.... There's also a live penguin feed at 6pm every night! For more information, visit: https://www.together.vic.gov.au/school-holidays-activities Programs include: Create a dreamscape with Tai Snaith Videos available from 21 September https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/node/4824258 Family Episode: Choose Your Own Variety with Ali McGregor, and special guests - Streaming from Tuesday 22 September, 10:30am https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/.../family-episode Storytime with SLV - Vikki Conley will read her book Little Puggle’s Song: 23 September 2020, 9:30am With special guest Aunty Fay Muir: 30 September 2020, 9:30am https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/whats-on/storytime Children’s storytelling workshop with Nat Amoore 24 September 2020, 11am 1 October 2020, 11am https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/.../children%E2%80%99s... NGV KIDS AT HOME: Art Club with Andrew Liu 26 September, 11am https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/.../ngv-kids-at-home-art-club.../ Beat Machine - practical tips for music makers (Ages 13 - 18) 26 September, 2pm https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/.../beat-machine Lit Steps - Children's Hip Hop 28 September, 2pm https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/.../move.../lit-steps Bollywood Dance Online Workshop 29 September, 2pm https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/.../bollywood-dance The Little Food Festival Wed, 30 September 2020 10am 3pm https://fedsquare.com/events/little-food-festival/ Lyric Writing with Eva Popov of Hello Satellites (Ages 10 - 16) 1 October, 2pm https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/.../lyric-writing... Live Penguin TV From 6pm every night https://www.together.vic.gov.au/live-penguin-tv
16.01.2022 Today, we are putting Victorians mental health first. This has been the toughest year many of us have ever lived through. As we recover from this pandemic, we can’t lose sight of what matters most the health and wellbeing of our families, friends and communities.... That’s why this year’s Budget supports the recovery of our state and the fundamental rebuild of our system - delivering new beds, more staff and dedicated early support for young Victorians. While the Royal Commission finishes its important work, we are getting on with fixing this broken system, by investing in the much-needed foundation interim recommendations. Other key Budget investments include: $19.4 million to support mental health clinicians at the Victorian Fixed Threat Assessment Centre and deliver specialised services to meet the needs of people referred by the Centre $4.4 million to improve culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal Victorians $3.9 million for providing mental health and wellbeing support for asylum seekers. $152 million to support and provide mental health services in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic For more information, visit the following: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthservices/ https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/putting-mental-health-victor
16.01.2022 Today is National Police Remembrance Day. A day to reflect and honour all those Police Officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. To all current serving members of Victoria Police, thank you for your work and commitment in keeping our community safe.
16.01.2022 High five Santa Claus through the perspex. It’s been a year like no other. I wish you and your family a happy and safe Christmas. ... Thank you for your sacrifices during 2020. Here’s to 2021.
15.01.2022 It's NAIDOC week and an important message of #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe is the theme this year. For information on how to be involved and events taking place this weekend, follow the link below. https://www.naidoc.org.au/... The photo below was taken about a year ago when as Corrections Minister I was able to announce $440,000 for a new healing place for Aboriginal men at Dardi Munwurro - Strong Spirit, committing to addressing over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system.
15.01.2022 #IMPORTANTUPDATE From 11:59pm tonight, the following changes to restrictions will apply: Groups of up to five from across a maximum of two households can meet outdoors... Outdoor pools will open and personal training can resume with a maximum of two people and their trainer Permitted workers will also be able to exercise within 5km of their workplace Childcare will open for all children Gatherings of up to five people can meet with their faith leader outdoors Curfew will lift from 5am tomorrow morning Private inspections can resume for real estate with one agent and one prospective purchaser or tenant accompanied by another member of their household or intimate partner, and children under 18 years, limited to 15 minutes. You may not travel to regional Victoria for an inspection. More than one person from one household can shop for necessary goods or services Weddings will be permitted with a maximum of five attendees including the couple and funerals with up to 10 people, plus infants under 12 months and those required to conduct the funeral Non-urgent dental care will resume Restrictions will also be lifted on workforce limits for some industries. This will mean that 127,000 Victorians can get back to work. Further information to follow.
15.01.2022 A wonderful summary of online events taking place this weekend and next week. Big thanks to Moonee Valley Magazine for the updates! https://www.mooneevalleymagazine.com.au/whats-on-181307.html
15.01.2022 Good morning! All over Victoria we are sitting down for breakfast. Many experts say it's the most important meal of the day, and that a healthy breakfast will give you the start you need to focus and learn throughout the day. ... Unfortunately for some children, breakfast isn't always available for them before school - and we're committed to making that change. We’ve provided over 2.5 million meals to students over Term 2 and 3 during the coronavirus pandemic through our School Breakfast and Lunch Clubs program. Furthermore - since the program began in 2016 we’ve delivered over 13.4 million free and healthy meals to students across the state. Because we want the best for our kids, no matter their circumstance. For more information, visit: https://www.education.vic.gov.au//Pages/breakfastclubs.aspx
15.01.2022 How exciting to see airline staff finding a new home on our public transport network - we’re proud to be supporting them through a difficult time for their industry, and bringing a fresh new perspective to our Yarra Trams tracks!
13.01.2022 A detailed guide on changes that apply from 11:59pm tonight. For specific questions please email me at [email protected], or phone 9379 5879. Alternatively, please call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
12.01.2022 Reminder: Third Round of Business Support Fund Closing 23 November 2020 As we begin the process of opening up businesses again, some will need a helping hand. A reminder that applications for the Third Round of the Business Support Fund close on Monday 11.59pm on 23 November 2020.... The third round of the Business Support Fund will help around 75,000 small and medium sized businesses. Eligible businesses will receive grants of either $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on the business’ annual payroll. Full details on eligibility and how to apply are set out on the Business Support Fund webpage: https://www.business.vic.gov.au//b/business-support-fund-3 Eligible businesses will need to submit an application before the close of the fund to be considered. Applications will remain open until 11.59pm on 23 November 2020.
12.01.2022 Each summer in Victoria fire services respond to over 150 LP Gas barbecue related fires. Some of those barbecue fires turned into house fires, resulting in serious burns and the loss and damage of family homes. So, to stay safe, know the drill before you grill. Get into the habit of doing a soapy water check. Squirt your gas connection with soapy water to make sure there are no leaks. If no bubbles appear, you’re safe to use.... For more information visit https://esv.vic.gov.au/campaigns/barbecue-safety/
11.01.2022 Perfect day to check out the new Woodlands Park playground. Great to see everyone doing the right thing too. Let’s hang in there.
08.01.2022 - Statement from the Premier - Three months ago, Victoria had 4293 active cases. Today we have one. It’s an incredible achievement. And the clearest evidence there is of our determination to not only get on top of this virus but to squash it....Continue reading
08.01.2022 Youth Parliament couldn't sit in person this year but it was fantastic to meet these students from Coburg High School to hear their bill on free PT for students. It's great to see passionate young people in politics- no doubt we'll see some of them in the Chamber in future!
07.01.2022 It's all happening in Ballarat! In a Victorian first, 22 Alstom train manufacturing workers in Ballarat have started a temporary redeployment maintaining Victoria’s regional trains across town at Bombardier. The job-saving deal is all part of the our commitment to keep important, highly skilled manufacturing and maintenance jobs in Ballarat - and we sent Juliana Addison MP and Michaela Settle MP to the factory to meet the workers yesterday.
06.01.2022 Young people and organisations across the state are being invited to have their say on a new youth strategy for Victoria. Over the next two months the Victorian Government is hosting a public conversation about how we can make Victoria the best place for young people to live, work and thrive. Have your say by completing a short online survey: Engage.vic.gov.au/victorian-youth-strategy ... Or register for a youth or community forum near you: yacvic.org.au/youth-strategy
06.01.2022 - Updated Information on Personal Training & Exercise- From 11.59 on Sunday 27 September restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne are changing: - You can exercise outside with members of your household, or up to five people (including you) from a maximum of two households. ... - You must be able to keep at least 1.5 metres distance between yourself and other people you do not live with. - Exercise is limited to a maximum of two hours per day, which can be split over a maximum of two sessions. - When exercising, you need to stay within five kilometres of your home or workplace (if you are a permitted worker and you are carrying your permitted worker permit). - Indoor sports centres, including gyms, training facilities and pools are closed. - Outdoor swimming pools are open. - Community sport training and competition cannot occur. More information can be found here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sport-and-exercise-metropolitan
05.01.2022 #BREAKING: From 5pm TODAY (31 Dec): Private gatherings in private homes will be limited to 15 people (down from 30). Masks will be mandatory in ALL indoor settings. ... If you are feeling unwell, please get tested and isolate until you get a negative result. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19 Do not go into Melbourne city tonight unless you have a restaurant booking. Full border closure with NSW. Restrictions on people in NSW entering Victoria will be expanded to include the whole state of New South Wales from 11.59pm, 1 January 2021. Thank you for your understanding. We need to get on top of this immediately.
04.01.2022 We’re fortunate to have a person of John Kennedy MP’s character in the Parliament of Victoria. A former teacher at St Columba's College, his knowledge on education policy has been our gain.
03.01.2022 It was great to check out one of the brand new Vlocity V/Line trains at Southern Cross station this morning before it headed off to Ararat. Nine of these three-carriage trains have entered service in the past two months, and they feature quiet carriages, more tray tables, two onboard toilets, space for up to six bicycles and even mobile signal boosters. The growing VLocity fleet will allow V/Line to add more services in future, which means more flexibility for your journeys to and from regional Victoria.
02.01.2022 From 11.59pm tonight (Sunday, 22 Nov) we move to the Last Step restrictions. #NewRules before we move to #COVIDNormal. MASKS: ... Not required outdoors providing you can maintain safe distance. Must be worn INDOORS. Must carry a mask at all times. GATHERINGS: Visitors to your home: up to 15 per day Outdoors: up to 50 people from any number of households GYMS & Indoor physical recreation: Up to 150 people patron cap Group sessions up to 50 people (subject to density quotient of 1 per 4sqm) SPORT & RECREATION: Indoor - up to 150 people patron cap; group/class size up to 20 people (density quotient of 1 per 4sqm) Outdoor - up to 500 people patron cap; groups of 50 Indoor Pools - up to 150 people patron cap (density quotient of 1 per 4sqm) Outdoor pools - 300 (quotient 1 per 4sqm) Skateparks - up to 150 people (density quotient of 1 per 4sqm) Trampoline centres - up to 150 people patron cap (density quotient) Indoor play centres - up to 150 people (density quotient) CAFES, RESTAURANTS, BARS (seated service): Indoor - smaller venues (less than 200sqm) - cap of 50 (density quotient 1 per 2sqm); larger venues (more than 200 sqm) cap 150, (density quotient 1 per 4sqm); QR record keeping mandatory Outdoor - up to 200 (density quotient 1 per 2sqm); QR record keeping mandatory HAIR, BEAUTY, PERSONAL CARE: Mask not required for facial services CINEMAS, THEATRES, GALLERIES: Maximum 150 people per space (density quotient 1 per 4sqm) Larger galleries and cultural institutions - up to 25% capacity (density quotient) COMMUNITY VENUES: Libraries & toy libraries & community halls - up to 150 people patron cap; group limit of 20 (density quotient 1 per 4sqm) CEREMONIES & RELIGIOUS EVENTS: Weddings - up to 150 guests at public venues (density quotient 1 per 4 sqm) Funerals - up to 150 (density quotient 1 per 4sqm) Indoor religious gatherings - total venue cap 150 (density quotient 1 per 4sqm) Outdoor religious gatherings - total venue cap 300 (density quotient 1 per 4sqm) REAL ESTATE: Indoors - up to 20 (density quotient) Outdoors - up to 50 CHRISTMAS: From 13 December 11.59pm, we will be allowed 30 visitors to our home per day. NEXT UPDATE from Premier on 6 December. #THANKYOU #STAYSAFE
01.01.2022 Great news for our local real estate sector with the resumption of private inspections from tomorrow for buyers and renters. Inspections will have a 15-minute time limit and be one-to-one with the agent. Partners and children are also allowed at inspections, under the relaxed rules.
