Martin Foley MP | Politician
Martin Foley MP
Phone: +61 3 9646 7173
Reviews
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25.01.2022 After 30 years of not acting on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody the Andrews Government is taking action. Action to save lives. To establish alternative pathways through a public health model - not an enforcement model. This will save lives and build better, safer communities.
24.01.2022 Our healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to keep Victorians safe and healthy throughout this pandemic - but we need to make sure that they are supported and protected as they continue to support and protect us. Our recently announced $9.8 million healthcare worker wellbeing package will do just that, including the development of a healthcare worker wellbeing centre and improvements to staff rest and recovery spaces in health services. Funding will also be provided... through a grants process for on the ground psychosocial support, peer training models and programs to support wellbeing in health services and registered community health services. For more information, head to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/healthcare-worker-infection...
24.01.2022 Yesterday was a significant day for the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccination program in Victoria and I’d like to thank everyone who came forward to be vaccinated. I’d also like to sincerely thank all of the staff working across vaccination sites and in the very busy call centre. Getting vaccinated is something that will protect yourself, your loved ones and the community, and I look forward to receiving my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine this week. There are 22 vaccination sites open to the eligible public including people over 50, and there will be more to come. Initially, we are asking Victorians to phone up and book if you aren’t headed to a high-volume vaccination centre. You can discuss the centre that’s right for you, based on availability, age and vaccine type by calling 1800 675 398 (and selecting option 1, 1, 1).
24.01.2022 Today we announced new measures to protect our state from the spread of coronavirus. Based on the most up-to-date information available, the current outbreak in New South Wales is linked to a returned traveler in that state's Hotel Quarantine program. However, concerningly, there are still missing links in the chains of transmission and case numbers and exposure sites continue to grow. Without mandatory mask rules and stay at home orders across Sydney, our Government and our ...Continue reading
23.01.2022 If we have learnt anything from this year, it is the importance of keeping Victorians safe and healthy when they need it most. Over the last six years, our Government has made the biggest investment in health in Victorian history. Today we continued that legacy of investment, with a further $9 billion for our health system so our hospitals and health services can come out of the pandemic stronger than ever. ... This will mean more upgrades to hospitals and health services, more cutting-edge technology, more research to improve treatment and outcomes, and more access to healthcare close to home, with new hospitals across the state. The pandemic has taught us new and innovative ways to provide care and ensure that all Victorians have access to quality healthcare. This budget will deliver more care at home, new ways of providing care, and provide support for healthcare in rural areas. Under this budget we're making sure that every Victorian has access to the quality healthcare they deserve, and that our incredible frontline workers have the support they need to provide it - because nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our families, friends and communities.
23.01.2022 Victorians have made a huge amount of sacrifices over the last few months, and we've worked hard to drive down our case numbers and keep our loved ones and our communities safe. Because of that hard work, we can now get back to making the most of all our state has to offer and reconnecting with the people we've missed most, with the boundary between Melbourne and regional Victoria lifting from 11:59pm tonight. The rules that currently apply to regional Victoria will now appl...y to the whole state, no matter where you live. People will still be only able to have a maximum of two people visit them at home per day, but these people don't need to be from the same household, and they can visit you at different times. Restaurants, pubs and cafes will be able to host up to 40 customers indoors and 70 outdoors, and gyms and indoor sporting facilities can open again with up to 20 people. Indoor sport for people 18 and under can also recommence. Indoor religious ceremonies will be increased to 20, with 50 allowed outside - these same numbers will apply to funerals. Community spaces - our libraries, RSLs, neighbourhood houses and more - can have up to 20 people indoors, with groups of up to 10. And accommodation can finally open, so Victorians will be able to book for a much-needed break in our regions, the city, or down the coast. We've also been able to bring forward a few changes thanks to the incredible efforts of Victorians in driving our numbers down. From tonight, indoor entertainment venues can open with 20 people per space. This means we can get back to going to see a movie at the cinema, spending a day at a gallery, or watching a gig at an indoor entertainment venue. The rules around visiting aged care and hospitals will also be relaxed, with a household now able to visit together once per day for a maximum of two hours. The time limit for partners visiting maternity wards will also no longer exist. We're on track to reach the Last Step in our roadmap towards reopening, with increases in private gatherings and capacity for our indoor venues. We've come so far, and it's more important than ever to protect what we have built together - we all need to continue to get tested even at the slightest signs of illness to make sure we can stay ahead of this virus. Staying open means keeping up the hard work and staying safe. For more information, head to https://www.premier.vic.gov.au//201108%20-%20Third%20Steps
22.01.2022 Fragments of coronavirus have been detected in wastewater. Suburbs in the wastewater catchment include Altona, Altona Meadows, Seaholme, Sanctuary Lakes, and parts of Laverton, Point Cook and Williams Landing. If you are a resident or have visited Altona or surrounding suburbs from November 16-18, please get tested immediately if you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, and stay home until you get your result. For further information on testing site locations, head to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested
21.01.2022 Victorians in the Goulburn Valley will soon have better access to lifesaving breast cancer screening and follow-up tests, thanks to Victorian Government funding for a new BreastScreen Victoria Reading and Assessment Service in Shepparton. Set to open later in the year, the new Shepparton service is free and will mean eligible Victorians in the Goulburn Valley can get further testing close to home without travelling to Melbourne for their next appointment. If you are due to screen or have missed an appointment, book by calling 13 20 50 or online at bookings.breastscreen.org.au.
19.01.2022 I had the pleasure of heading down to Junction Oval today for the Indigenous round of Victorian Premier Cricket between St Kilda Cricket Club and Northcote Cricket Club. A great match with both teams working to see cricket as a way to unite all Australians around a love of sport and a path to reconciliation and justice.
16.01.2022 Coronavirus fragments have been detected in wastewater at the Oyster Cove treatment plant in Corio. If you are a resident or have visited Geelong's northern suburbs or Lara from November 21 to 23, please get tested if you're experiencing any symptoms, no matter how mild, and isolate at home until you receive your result. For testing site locations, head to: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested
13.01.2022 Victorians have worked extremely hard over the last few months to get us to where we are today - and because of that hard work, today we were able to announce further easing of restrictions. We know people have been wondering what the holiday period will look like - we can now confirm that from 11:59pm on 13th December, you'll be able to host up to 30 people in your home (not including babies under 12 months). We've also been able to announce some more immediate changes. ... From 11:59pm tonight, the number of visitors to your home will increase to 15 per day. This could mean a group of 15 people coming over for dinner, or a total of 15 visitors split up over a day. We're also changing some of the rules around masks from tonight. You'll have to have one on you at all times, and will need to wear it if you're indoors, on PT, or can't distance outside. But if you're outdoors and able to keep a safe distance from others, then you won't have to wear one. Outdoor gatherings in public places, like our parks and beaches, will increase to 50. Weddings, funerals and indoor religious ceremonies will increase to 150 people. There are also going to be a few changes to our hospitality sector. Density limits for smaller venues will change to one person for every two square meters - but in order to stay open we still need to be taking the steps to stay safe, so QR code record keeping will be mandatory. For bigger venues, the density limit will be the same but the cap will increase to 150, with a total venue capacity of 300. Our cinemas, galleries and museums will also be able to host 150 people indoors, and both contact and non-contact sports can resume for adults and kids, with 150 people indoors with a group size of up to 20, or 500 outdoors with groups of up to 50. We're also able to begin slowly heading back to the office. From 30th November, up to 25% of workers will be able to attend onsite. Being able to move to the Last Step reflects the enormous effort that Victorians have put in to keep our communities safe and get on top of this virus. But staying open means staying safe, so anyone who is experiencing symptoms - no matter how mild - should get tested immediately and isolate until they get results. A full summary of the changes can be found here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-premier-82
13.01.2022 Our hard-working professionals across the mental health, child protection, family violence and health and community services sectors have continued to support us every day throughout this pandemic. In this year's budget, we're providing support to them, with a $235 million package to build our Recovery Workforce - creating better pathways to roles and recruiting even more of these skilled workers. This package includes $25.62 million to employ more alcohol and other drug wor...kers, to provide support to Victorians on waitlists to access treatment or who disengaged from treatment during the pandemic. We're also providing $40 million towards a service delivery fund for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health organisations to ensure Aboriginal communities have access to the services they need to recover from the pandemic. This hasn't been an easy year for any of us, but this funding will make sure that our professionals who've provided us with the support we need this year receive the support they need to see us to the other side of this pandemic.
12.01.2022 This week is Trans Awareness Week, and a chance for all of us to celebrate, learn about and support trans and gender diverse communities. We know that trans and gender diverse people face discrimination in their daily lives which leads to poorer health, employment, housing and education outcomes. One important way our Government has shown our support has been making it easier for trans and gender diverse people to change the sex recorded on their birth certificate.... Since this change came into effect in May this year, more than 340 people have applied to have their registration changed. That’s hundreds of Victorians who have been given a basic right for their birth certificate to reflect who they are. We can all play a role in breaking down the discrimination, including by educating ourselves. Trans101, a crash course developed by trans and gender diverse young people (through Ygender and Minus18), is a great place to start. To check it out, visit www.trans101.org.au.
11.01.2022 Wastewater tests in Benalla and Portland have picked up fragments of coronavirus. If you live in either of these areas or have visited recently and have any symptoms, no matter how mild, get tested today and isolate until you get your results. For testing locations, visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/getting-tested
10.01.2022 I wish peace and joy to all Victorians celebrating Orthodox Easter.
09.01.2022 From 6pm today, people travelling to Victoria from anywhere in Australia (including Victorians returning home) will need to follow Victoria's new traffic light permit system. The permits are based on a traffic light system which allows the Chief Health Officer to designate regions as green, orange or red, depending on the coronavirus risk in those areas. NSW border communities don’t need a permit, but will need to provide photo ID and proof of their home address, like a driv...ers licence. I've said it before but until a vaccine is readily available, we'll need to continue responding to this pandemic to keep our state safe. And this new system will help us do that and give our hard working contact tracing team vital information they need to stop the spread of the virus if there is an outbreak in another State or Territory. Permit applications can be made online at service.vic.gov.au or by calling the Coronavirus hotline.
08.01.2022 2020 has been a year that none of us expected - starting with a bushfire disaster that was compounded by a global pandemic, leading to a year of sacrifice like no other. But this year also saw our communities rally together to support one another and keep each other safe. From showing our support to bushfire affected communities to going months without seeing loved ones, Victorians have championed values of kindness, generosity and community throughout 2020. The role of our ...health and government services became more important than ever this year, and our frontline and essential workers worked tirelessly to keep us safe, supported and cared for. We couldn't have made it through this year without them. We've embraced good public services that we can rely on in times of crisis, and have had to learn bitter lessons about the things that matter in life. As we head into Christmas with no cases of community transmission for an incredible 55 days, we seek to maintain the connections we developed in crisis, continue to support one another, and enjoy the things that matter. Victorians have truly earned the ability to enjoy the festive season and spend time with loved ones after an extremely challenging year of staying apart and working hard to keep each other safe. However, we must remain vigilant. A vaccine roll out will commence in 2021, and its rollout to the entire community will be a massive national operation that will take many months. Until then, we need to protect all that we have built over 2020. Continue to practice good hygiene, maintain physical distance measures and keep your mask with you at all times for when you cannot physically distance. Remember, you must continue to wear a mask inside in places likes supermarkets, shopping centres and hardware stores and on public transport or ride share journeys. Most importantly if you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, please get tested. I hope all Victorians are able to use this time to relax, celebrate what is important to them, and bring the valuable lessons we've learnt this year into 2021 with pride for what we've built together.
08.01.2022 Our iconic Espy Hotel was not only a recipient, but also the location for the announcement of $8 million in grants supporting music venues, musicians, businesses and workers to continue their road to recovery sharing new music and live performances with audiences across the state. The announcement, made by Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson MP for Essendon, will support more than 130 Victorian music businesses, artists and venues and nearly 5,000 jobs in the in...dustry as part of the Victorian Music Industry Recovery Program. https://creative.vic.gov.au//victorian-music-industry-reco Projects range from live events, such as indie promoter Penny Drop’s 10-day series at Malthouse Outdoor, to livestream events from the likes of DJs Vinyl Vixens and include new work by artists including Isaiah and Ella Hooper - who attended the announcement. Victoria is proud of our reputation as Australia’s live music capital. This funding will not only see revered venues like St Kilda’s iconic Espy become gig ready, it will also pave the way for a long list of venues, music businesses and artists to return to work in COVIDSafe way. The full list of the latest funding recipients, as well as details on the upcoming Music Works round that opens on 20 January 2021, can be found at creative.vic.gov.au
07.01.2022 The Bureau of Meteorology has today advised of a high epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast for Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country and South West Regions tomorrow. The storm is expected to develop in the morning in the far west, and in the afternoon in central areas. People in these areas at increased risk of thunderstorm asthma should limit their time outdoors, have reliever medication appropriately available and be alert to and act on the development of asthma symptoms. ... Thanks to Better Health Channel for these tips on staying safe and healthy in the event of thunderstorm asthma. For more information, head to https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au//c/thunderstorm-asthma
07.01.2022 Following the decision of National Cabinet to declare Queensland a national hotspot after the discovery of a UK COVID-19 variant, and in response to the Greater Brisbane lockdown from 6pm tonight, the following announcement has been made by our public health team: Anyone who has been in, visited or travelled through the local government areas of Brisbane City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Redland, Ipswich or Logan city councils since 2 January should not leave those... areas until at least Monday. All Victorians in these areas are advised to follow the guidance of the Queensland Government and any Victorian with plans to travel to these areas should cancel them. Those who have arrived in Victoria from these areas since 2 January should get tested immediately, and remain at home or place of accommodation until Monday, when a further assessment will be made. We are working with our counterparts in other jurisdictions to address this matter of national concern. The department is working through the implications for our current permit system and will provide more information on this shortly.
06.01.2022 Today the Andrews Labor Government took another step to confirm our place as a global leader on climate action, with the Acting Premier and Minister Lily D'Ambrosio MP launching Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy. This strategy details our next steps toward net-zero emissions, steps which include accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles, continuing our shift to clean and affordable energy, protecting and enhancing our forests and lands, and boosting investment a...nd creating thousands of jobs across the state. Acting on climate change creates opportunities. Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy will create jobs, stimulate innovation, attract investment, cut energy costs, protect our environment and support our economic recovery. This is an historic announcement and our action on climate change puts Victoria shoulder to shoulder with the world’s major economies and leaders. The strategy is available here: https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/victorias-climate-chan
06.01.2022 Families in Port Melbourne have done a phenomenal job in supporting students to learn from home. As kids return back to their classrooms, we want to make Port Phillip Specialist School better than before. As part of the 2020/21 Budget the Port Phillip Specialist School will receive $9.31 million to upgrade and modernise the school and make sure the students have the fantastic new learning spaces they deserve. This investment builds on the $1.18 billion Building Works Package announced earlier this year, which is creating space for more than 21,000 extra students in Victoria’s education system and creating around 1,600 local construction jobs. Not only will this make sure our kids are getting a great education it will also create new local jobs.
06.01.2022 Spending more time at home this year has meant bigger power bills. In acknowledgement of this, the Victorian Budget 2020/21 will deliver the biggest household energy efficiency package of $797 million. For those facing immediate hardship, there is a one-off $250 payment for eligible concession card holders, including those on JobSeeker, youth allowance or pension payments. The funding package will also be used to make homes more energy efficient such as replacing old wood, ...electric or gas fired heaters with new energy-efficient systems - reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also creating thousands of jobs. This package will be used to seal windows and doors, and upgrade heating, cooling and hot water in 35,000 social housing properties. The Government will also provide $191 million to expand its landmark Solar Homes program. More information here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/helping-victorians-pay-their
06.01.2022 There have been three positive cases of COVID-19 in Mitcham, Hallam and Mentone. Each case is self-isolating at home and is being supported and monitored. Extensive contact tracing is underway. As a result there are currently more than 40 primary close contacts that are being supported to isolate immediately. If you attended any of these exposure sites at the times listed, please get tested immediately and isolate until you receive your results:... Fountain Gate Shopping Centre Kmart, Big W, Target, Millers, King of Gifts, La Costa: 26/12/20, 9-11am Holy Family Parish Doveton Catholic: 26/12/20 4-6pm Mentone/Parkdale Beach: 27/12/20, 10am-4:30pm Century City Walk and Mocha Jo's, Glen Waverley: 28/12/20, 1:30-5:00pm Katialo restaurant, Eaton Mall, Oakleigh: 28/12/20, 7-8:15pm Find out where to get tested at https://dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19
05.01.2022 The Victorian Budget 2020/21 delivers on the investments that will see our community recover and come back even stronger.
04.01.2022 This week is NAIDOC Week an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Today I would like to celebrate the work of Koorie Pride. Koorie Pride Victoria was created last year to support LGBTIQ+ Aboriginal people in Victoria by facilitating connection, pride and self-determination. One of Koorie Pride Victoria’s members, Naomi Asling, is a participant in Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ Leadership Program for 2020, which builds the capacity o...f LGBTIQ+ leaders to be powerful changemakers across rainbow communities. Naomi has kindly shared what this week and its theme of ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ means to her, and her hopes for the future: NAIDOC Week is about celebrating our achievements from all our Aboriginal tribal lands across the whole of Australia. For me this year’s theme of ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ describes our oldest living and continuous culture while recognising and making visible our mob having many different identities and genders. As a strong Aboriginal woman within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual, Sistergirl and Brotherboy (GLBTQIAS&B+) community in Geelong, I celebrate the diversity of our culture, our resilience and hold hope for the future for self-determination, human rights and equity for our mob. My passion is my ongoing work in strengthening social and emotional wellbeing by supporting people through creating safe spaces in cultural healing and connection. Always was, always will be!
04.01.2022 The redevelopment of our iconic St Kilda Pier is one step closer with the release of construction ready detailed designs. The initial designs released in December 2020 have undergone further consultation and refinement to ensure the pier will last for decades to come. The new pier will provide safer access for pedestrians, vehicles and vessels, and upgraded facilities including new public toilets, seating and kiosk facilities. It will include a timber penguin viewing platform..., more space for seating, a beach access ramp to allow access for all visitors, and energy efficient infrastructure. This project will transform the St Kilda pier into a revitalised bayside destination that all Victorians, whether locals or visitors, can enjoy for many years to come. Even better, our penguins will love it. https://youtu.be/Fx4Ohi3fcrA
03.01.2022 Today is World AIDS day a day to show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses. As a proud partner with HIV organisations, the Victorian Government remains committed to preventing and reducing the impact of HIV on Victorians, including stigma and discrimination. This year’s theme, ‘Now more than ever’, reminds us that support, treatment and care for people living with HIV is a priority. HIV is still here, it is t...reatable, and support is available for those who need it. Learn more: https://livingpositivevictoria.org.au/ http://www.worldaidsday.org.au
01.01.2022 Every LGBTQ+ person deserves to live their life in safety and with pride. That’s why our Government has introduced a bill into Parliament today which will ban change and suppression practices previously called conversion practices for good in Victoria. LGBTQ+ people aren’t ‘broken’ and they don’t need to be ‘fixed’. They are perfect just as they are.... These cruel and bigoted practices have no place in our state, and our new laws will put measures in place to protect LGBTQ+ Victorians from the serious damage and trauma they cause. I want to acknowledge the advocacy and strength shown by survivors who have been instrumental in this landmark reform. You are seen and you are an inspiration to all of us. To find out more, visit: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/banning-cruel-conversion-pra
01.01.2022 This morning I visited Sunbury Day Hospital with Josh Bull MP for Sunbury, Western Health CEO and Director of Nursing to discuss the $66.1 million in the Victorian Budget 2020/21 to continue the planning and design for the community hospital program. We had the pleasure of meeting patient Josh who is having a kidney transplant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in the coming weeks. Josh’s sister is the donor, quite the Christmas present! Community hospitals will mean dialysis a...nd other services are available close to home, saving trips to the major hospitals for when they’re really needed. As an expansion of the existing Sunbury Day Hospital, the new Sunbury Community Hospital will deliver extra treatment and plaster rooms, diagnostic services including x-ray, ultrasound and CT scans, a pharmacy and pathology lab and a separate reception and waiting area. Construction will commence in 2022 and be completed in 2023.
