News

Health and welfare

Bill to strengthen mental health system debated

Bill to strengthen mental health system debated

A bill amending the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022, with the aim of streamlining forensic leave processes, improving information sharing across health services, and implementing key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System has passed the Legislative Assembly.

Report calls for reform at Ambulance Victoria

Report calls for reform at Ambulance Victoria

Ongoing issues with workplace culture at Ambulance Victoria have been highlighted in a report presented to Parliament by the Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee.

Planning for healthy food

Planning for healthy food

Health & Welfare | 16 September 2025

Changes to state planning laws could address the oversaturation of fast food chains in Victoria’s newest suburbs.

Laws to improve consumer protection in retirement villages passed

Laws to improve consumer protection in retirement villages passed

Health & Welfare | 5 June 2025

The Parliament has passed a series of measures that aim to make retirement villages more equitable and sustainable.

Surviving the scare of blood cancer

Surviving the scare of blood cancer

Health & Welfare | 29 May 2025

Stories of persistence and strength have been recounted at Parliament House by survivors of blood cancer.

Pokies reform pushes through parliament

Pokies reform pushes through parliament

Health & Welfare | 24 March 2025

Mandatory pre-commitment on all electronic gaming machines in Victoria could soon be possible with new legislation passing the Legislative Assembly for the first time.

Nurse-to-patient ratios agreed by Lower House

Nurse-to-patient ratios agreed by Lower House

Health & Welfare | 17 March 2025

Proposed legislation to improve nurse-to-patient ratios in Victorian hospitals has received the backing of the Legislative Assembly.

Gambling and liquor report response

Gambling and liquor report response

Health & Welfare | 25 November 2024

The State Government fully supports nearly half of all the recommendations arising from an inquiry into gambling and liquor regulation in Victoria.

Shark tank approach a heart starter for research

Shark tank approach a heart starter for research

Health & Welfare | 1 November 2024

Cardiovascular disease accounts for one in four of all deaths in Australia, claiming the life of one person every 12 minutes.

Lived experience fuels MPs’ disability advocacy

Lived experience fuels MPs’ disability advocacy

Health & Welfare | 22 October 2024

‘Nothing about us without us’ is a guiding principle in Victoria’s disability sector and one embraced by MPs who champion inclusion.

Creativity for a healthy future

Creativity for a healthy future

Health & Welfare | 13 September 2024

Initiatives to encourage and support Victorians to lead healthy lives have been showcased at Parliament House.

MP joins battle against ‘The Beast’

MP joins battle against ‘The Beast’

Health & Welfare | 15 May 2024

Pakenham's Emma Vulin drew inspiration from Neale Daniher as she addressed the parliament about her Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis.

Family discussion key to organ and tissue donation

Family discussion key to organ and tissue donation

Health & Welfare | 21 March 2024

Registering to be an organ and tissue donor is a selfless act, but one that relies on the consent of your loved ones.

'Seeing women' the key to improving health outcomes

'Seeing women' the key to improving health outcomes

Health & Welfare | 22 February 2024

Preventing ill health in Victorian women not only leads to a healthier society but also means less demand on the state’s secondary and tertiary prevention services, according to the Women's Health Services Network.