The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to put money back into the pockets of apprentice tradies, with the half-price registration scheme now underway.

World attention will turn to Melbourne once more when the major events capital hosts the Australian Open. Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan today joined event organisers at Birrarung Marr, where the Australian Open Festival is taking shape. Some of Melbourne’s top culinary institutions are set to serve up a treat to spectators. The free, family-friendly Festival will run every day and night of the first Grand Slam of 2016.

Acting Minister for Tourism and Major Events Philip Dalidakis today announced the appointment of Deborah Beale as the new Chairperson of Fed Square Pty Ltd. Ms Beale will bring a wealth of leadership and governance experience to the delivery of world-class events and exhibitions as Federation Square looks to rejuvenate and capitalise on its great location by the Yarra in the heart of Melbourne.

“Getting rid of these congested and unsafe level crossings is what our local community needs. The notorious Reservoir level crossing is rated by the RACV as the worst in Melbourne and its removal will be a lasting legacy of the Andrews Labor Government for the people of Reservoir and Preston.”

I was honoured to join the Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan this morning at Reservoir Station to announce that work to remove the level crossings at High Street in Reservoir and Bell Street in Preston will commence in 2018. Getting rid of these congested and unsafe..

Victorian council rate rises will be capped to the rate of inflation, 2.5%, for 2016/17. Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins announced the Fair Go Rates cap today, keeping an election commitment to cap council rate rises to theConsumer Price Index (CPI).

Health services across Victoria will benefit from additional safety measures to reduce and prevent violence, with the first round of the Andrews Labor Government’s $20 million Health Service Violence Prevention Fund announced today.

The Andrews Labor Government will be putting more money back into young drivers’ and motorcyclists’ wallets in the New Year, with the new Free Licence Scheme starting on 1 February 2016.

Thousands of Victorian families accessing the School Bus Program are set to save hundreds of dollars a year in student bus fares.

Darebin City Council has agreed to undertake a series of reforms designed to bolster community confidence in the Council’s governance and decision-making processes.

The Andrews Labor Government is continuing its support of training and skills in Melbourne’s north with a multimillion cash injection for Melbourne Polytechnic.

A new grants program is open to provide support to community organisations and groups to run multicultural celebrations, festivals and events across Victoria.

Our Watch and the AFL Players’ Association today issued a challenge to Australian leaders and personalities to encourage their young fans to share an important message on social media that there is #NoExcuse4Violence.

Students and staff will again have a say on university councils and TAFEs boards after the Andrews Labor Government reversed laws implemented by the previous Liberal Government that silenced their views.

Victorian families are one step closer to legally accessing medicinal cannabis in exceptional circumstances with the Andrews Labor Government today introducing legislation into the Parliament.

Trains will stop at Flagstaff Station on weekends from 1 January 2016, opening up the north west corner of the city for the first time.

The Andrews Labor Government will provide free public transport on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve across Victoria.

The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier for Victorian householders to install solar power panels and take up the use of renewable energy technology.