Christine Couzens MP | Politician

Christine Couzens MP

Phone: +61 3 5221 4821

Address: 9/95 Pakington Street 3218 Geelong, VIC, Australia

Website: http://christinecouzens.com

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25.01.2022 Geelong will take a step towards our new COVID-normal from 11:59 PM next Sunday. It's part of a cautious plan to reopen that takes into account expert modelling mapping out the trajectory of the virus. I understand some people will have wanted more to open up sooner, but we need to do this safely.... We can't run into reopening all that would mean is running into an even deadlier third wave. It would mean opening up businesses just to have them shut down a few weeks later. We’ve all come too far, given too much, to see our efforts wasted.

25.01.2022 Thank you to every local aged care worker. Comment your message for them below so we can let them know how grateful we are.

24.01.2022 I want to have an up front conversation with you here about why we need to keep persisting with restrictions. From the start, we've stressed how important it is we follow the science when it comes to fighting this virus. That's why we commissioned modelling from the University of Melbourne and University of New England. ... It found opening up with as few as 25 cases a day would most likely see infections dramatically increase. That would mean two weeks of fun before case numbers explode and we're back into lockdown. It might seem like things are as bad as they can get right now, but a third wave would be even worse. Repeatedly opening and shutting would be completely crushing for businesses and workers. We need to stay the course on this and beat the virus so we can open up once for all. It's our only option, and we're so close. Let's not give up now.

23.01.2022 This package makes one thing very clear: we won't leave Victorian small businesses behind.

23.01.2022 Geelong will take a major step towards reopening from 11:59 PM tomorrow night. This success is all yours congratulations.

23.01.2022 This is incredible, and it's thanks to the sacrifices of every Geelong local. We've come a very long way in a short time but we're not there yet. Let's keep it up because I know we can beat this virus if we put in the hard work.

22.01.2022 Well done Geelong you should be proud that your efforts and sacrifices are starting to pay off. I know we all wish restrictions could end now, but we've come too far to give up before they've done their job. We need to see this through so we can drive case numbers down and open up once and for all.... This data shows that we can beat this virus if we don't let frustration get the better of us. So let's do this Geelong together.

20.01.2022 Let's discuss this because it's worth remembering we're staying home to protect real people's lives.

20.01.2022 If you're working today, chances are you'll be familiar with this dilemma: If you go to work sick, you put others at risk. But if you stay home, you lose a day's pay.... It's a choice that too many casual workers have to make. That's why we'll trial providing five days of sick and carer's pay for casuals. We'll work closely with workers, unions and industry to make sure we get it right. Right now, we expect the trial will include industries like cleaning, hospitality, aged care and retail. This is going to make choosing between your health and paying your rent a thing of the past. And that's a good thing for all of us.

20.01.2022 This is a visual representation of the hard work and sacrifices made by Geelong locals. Over the past month, active cases in our local government area have dropped from 65 to just 1. That's definitely an achievement worth celebrating, but it should also remind us not to be complacent.... Let's keep working hard to fight this virus so we can open up and stay open.

19.01.2022 When the impact of the pandemic first became clear, I posted here about our Working for Victoria fund. We established it because we knew the future was uncertain. We committed $500 million into creating jobs to keep the economy.... Months later, the results are in: this has saved the livelihoods of thousands of Victorians. 850 Geelong locals who have lost shifts or lost their job have been employed through the fund. The pandemic isn’t over yet, but this makes it clear that we'll do everything we can to be there for Victorians. Every step of the way.

19.01.2022 This project is an investment in local jobs with a builder that will put Geelong tradespeople first. Lendlease will work to reduce unemployment and promote social prosperity in our region. Transforming the Little Malop Street side of Geelong Arts Centre will also bring economic opportunities after construction is complete. ... The transformation will include new performance venues and vibrant new indoor and outdoor areas. It will also include a box office and front and back of house facilities. This is going to open up creative potential in our region in a major way.

17.01.2022 You might have missed this but it's big news so I wanted to share it here. Cities right around the world like New York and London have moved dining outdoors during this pandemic. It's meant being able to catch up with loved ones over a meal in an environment that's less likely to spread the virus.... Now the weather is warming up, we're bringing that experience to Geelong. We're giving a $500,000 grant to the local council for them to help make it a possibility. We're also giving grants to help restaurants, pubs and cafes with practical things to make this work. That could include umbrellas, outdoor furniture, screens and other equipment. Businesses will be able serve more customers this way than they otherwise could. And customers will get a unique experience. I know I'll be one of the first to try it out when it happens.

16.01.2022 Our Working for Victoria fund has already created jobs for over 800 Geelong locals. We're still hiring to support the livelihoods of people who have lost their jobs or lost hours due to the pandemic. It's been a very tough few months and I'll be honest in saying that the hardship isn't behind us yet.... But the strength of Victoria's economy and budget position prior to the pandemic means we can provide this support. We’ll do as much as it takes to get the economy back on track and get people back in jobs.

16.01.2022 Today is a proud day for every single Victorian. I know for many people, reaching twenty days of zero new cases seemed impossible a few months ago. But we've arrived at this point by working together and following the experts every step of the way.... This success belongs to you. Thank you for everything you’ve done.

15.01.2022 This is a massive list, and it shows just how committed we are to backing our fantastic local sports clubs. Every club here received $1000 earlier in the year to help them keep going after these activities were restricted. We're now giving these clubs a further $500 to ensure they can return to play as soon as restrictions are lifted.... It'll be paid automatically into their club accounts, meaning no forms need to be filled out. I look forward to joining these clubs for a game as soon as I can.

15.01.2022 Good news: our public labs can now process 30,000 tests each and every day. That means the vast majority of tests can be turned around in less than 24 hours. If you have even the most mild symptoms, please go get tested and isolate until you have a result. ... That's the best way to protect the ones you love and every single Victorian.

15.01.2022 From today, Geelong's eligible sole traders can share in Victoria's biggest ever small business support package. The package will give 30,000 sole traders help to pay their overheads and recovery strongly from the pandemic. Grants will be targeted to sole traders in areas that have the greatest restrictions and the greatest overheads.... We know how uncertain it is to run a business right now. It's hard to predict what will happen next month, let alone any longer than that. But there is one thing our small businesses can be sure of: we'll be with you through whatever happens.

15.01.2022 If you're sending mail, this is a great way to spread awareness of Australia's traditional owners. You can include a traditional place name below the mail recipients’s name and above their street address. Hundreds of nations covered this continent for tens of thousands of years. ... We should be proud to acknowledge that history in any way we can no matter how big or small.

13.01.2022 Your hard work and sacrifices have paid off. In just three months, our active cases have gone from well over 4000 to just one. It hasn't been easy but in the face of difficulty Victorians kept going. ... Now it's time to enjoy the freedoms that come with getting on top of this virus. Congratulations.

11.01.2022 Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by mental illness in one way or another. And everyone has heard stories about support through the mental health system falling short. It's not right and it doesn't have to be that way.... We called a Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System for exactly that reason. The full report isn't out yet, but this funding will go to implementing the interim recommendations. That includes a boost to mental health hospital beds in Geelong. It also includes things like early intervention to support young people and addressing workforce shortages. This system won't be fixed overnight. It's just too complicated for that. But we will do whatever it takes. Because it's too important to do anything less.

11.01.2022 This will be a major announcement in next week's state budget but I wanted to give you a preview here first. We're putting $2 billion into speeding up travel times between our city and the Melbourne CBD. When all stages are completed, the time from Geelong to Melbourne will be just 40 minutes.... It's a major project that will support over 2800 jobs during construction. There's planning work to do but we'll get shovels in the ground in just a few years. Less time spent travelling and more time spent with loved ones. That's our vision for Geelong locals and we're putting billions into making it a reality.

10.01.2022 Tag someone who needs to get their license now that testing is back. I know a lot of people have been waiting for this, so thank you for your patience. Our first priority will be to re-book tests for people whose appointments were postponed earlier in the year. ... Once the backlog of cancelled appointments is cleared, VicRoads will start allowing new bookings. The Chief Health Officer has outlined a range of measures we'll take to make testing safe for everyone involved. This is another big step towards a COVID-normal way of life.

06.01.2022 Backing clean energy creates jobs and brings down power prices right now that's more important than ever before. We just announced we'll explore the potential to support 600 megawatts of new renewable energy projects. That's enough to power every hospital and school in Victoria, Melbourne's train network and more. ... In 2017, we ran a similar program that ended up supporting 1500 jobs across Victoria, particularly in the regions. It's all part of our target for 40 percent renewables by 2025, and net-zero emissions by 2050. This means cheaper energy. More jobs. Fighting climate change. It's just the common sense thing to do.

05.01.2022 Our essential workers aren't thanked enough for what they do. If there's one good thing to come out if this pandemic, it will be a stronger appreciation for their hard work. From cleaners to aged care workers, from nurses to meat processing workers. ... They've kept our city going in the face of very difficult circumstances. So I want to thank them on behalf of every Geelong local.

05.01.2022 I've been asked a lot of questions about this, so I wanted to make it clear going into the weekend. These arrangements apply to third step areas in regional Victoria including Geelong. Unfortunately we are still in the fight against this virus, so visiting our loved ones as normal isn't possible.... But I know this will come as welcome relief to so many people, particularly those who live alone.

05.01.2022 Today is good news. Last week I said that Victorians know better than anyone how to overcome an outbreak like this. Since then, we've processed tens of thousands of tests and isolated thousands of close contacts.... We can now be confident that we‘ve cornered the virus and that we’re slowly but surely driving it to the ground. This wasn't easy, there's no denying that. But I want to thank everyone for their patience. We just couldn't have done it without you.

04.01.2022 Staying home is absolutely vital right now, so we can't allow anyone to lose the roof over their head.

04.01.2022 It's safe to say we've done a lot for the furry members of our family in the past few years. We’ve banned puppy farms once and for all in Victoria. We’ve made sure rental tenants can have pets at home.... We’ve boosted funding for pet charities and shelters. We’ve increased animal cruelty charges. There's just too many achievements to list here but our commitment to protecting Victorian pets is clear. Happy Dogs in Politics Day.

03.01.2022 You might've missed this headline with everything happening over the last few days. Victoria is leading the nation on renewable energy and we're well on track to meet our goal of 40% by 2025. This is what taking real action on climate change looks like.... And it's creating jobs right across our state at the same time.

03.01.2022 Pako Festa has to be different this year, but it'll still be just as bright and colourful. We're helping them run socially distanced multicultural events across 13 Geelong locations. There's something for everyone from Bangladeshi chicken to French macaroons to Wauthaurong bushtucker BBQ.... You'll need to book online prior to attending and I'll post a link in the comments down below. Our multicultural community is something to be so proud of. Pako Festa does an incredible job of supporting each of these communities to prosper.