Tim Pallas

Job numbers under the Allan Labor Government have reached a record high, with Victoria’s strong economy enabling state businesses to continue to create more new jobs. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows an additional 5,800 Victorians found jobs in March, propelling the total working population to more than 3.7 million. A near record workforce participation rate of 67.3 per cent – above the national average – further demonstrates the strength of Victoria’s labour market. Victoria continues to lead the nation in jobs growth since the September 2020 pandemic peak, with more than 560,000 new jobs created across the state. Since 2014, the Labor Government has overseen the creation of more than 785,000 new jobs in Victoria – and the state’s unemployment rate remains low at 4.1 per cent. Regional employment is at a record high 822,000, and the 3.5 per cent regional unemployment rate is the lowest of all states and territories. ABS results also show Victoria had more new homes approved than any other state during the past five years. Approvals for the past year make up over 30 per cent of national approvals. Additionally, the ABS last week revealed more new homes were built in Victoria than in any other state or territory over the past year. ABS national accounts data shows Victoria had the largest business investment increase of all the states in 2023 – up by more than 13 per cent – building on strong growth of almost 8 per cent in the previous year. This investment growth reflects a steady stream of major projects bolstering employment opportunities. Victoria’s strong economic prospects and employment growth has been forecast to outpace all other states over the next five years by independent analyst Deloitte Access Economics. Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas “Victorians should feel very positive about our progress - the economy is thriving in the face of high inflation and a challenging global environment.” “It is great to see so many Victorians in secure work, driving our economy while we deliver the homes and services Victorians need.’’

An Australian-first electric aircraft development centre will be established in Gippsland as the Allan Labor Government backs our local aviation and clean energy sectors to create highly skilled jobs and decarbonise aviation. The Government today officially opened Dovetail Electric Aviation’s Development Centre in the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct, in the Latrobe Regional Airport. Creating about 90-highly skilled new jobs in Victoria over the next five years, Dovetail will retrofit regional aircraft with batteries and hydrogen propulsion, enabling zero-emission Flights which will lessen the environmental impact of air travel and boost the local clean energy sector. Dovetail’s Development Centre will advance local aviation capabilities to transition to clean energy, accelerating Victoria’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. To reduce the carbon footprint of regional air transport, Dovetail will convert traditional turbine-powered aircraft into electric power by incorporating cutting-edge battery technologies and hydrogen fuel cells. Dovetail’s new centre will include research and development and potential flight testing. Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is a flexible use Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) launchpad which enables AAM supply chain companies, from startup to established global companies, to prove and develop their innovations in Victoria. This investment will also support growth in regional freight, tourism and service delivery, connecting with supply chain networks across the state and highlighting Victoria as a leader in sustainable regional aviation. A Deloitte Access Economics report found the AAM sector could increase Victoria’s gross state product by $2.8 billion over the next 20 years and create 1,300 jobs annually. The Victorian Government's AAM Industry Vision Statement outlines a plan to develop industries like clean aviation, renewables, advanced manufacturing and digital technology that will create jobs of the future and drive sustainable economic growth. Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas “Securing Dovetail Electric Aviation’s footprint in the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is another win for AAM in Victoria and our clean energy economy – it will make a valuable contribution to our state’s research and development sector.” Quote attributable to Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins  “We’re backing the clean energy sector and AAM supply chain to create more highly skilled jobs and training opportunities as we lead the nation in decarbonising aviation.” Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing  “We are really pleased to support Dovetail Electric Aviation’s new centre in the Latrobe Valley, which will deliver world-leading innovations for the aviation sector, create new jobs in regional Victoria and contribute to the state’s net-zero emissions goal.” Quote attributable to Dovetail Electric Aviation CEO David Doral "We are honoured to receive the support of the Victorian Government which will enable Dovetail to accelerate our R&D efforts, bringing us closer to our vision of a sustainable, efficient, and accessible aviation future." Quote attributable to Latrobe City Council Mayor Darren Howe “Latrobe City Council is excited to partner with the Victorian Government and Dovetail Electric Aviation We welcome the collaboration with existing and emerging technologies in AAM as we establish new industry and investment.”

The number of new jobs created in regional Victoria has grown again and Victoria’s regional unemployment rate remains the lowest in country at 3.5 per cent, reflecting the strength of the state’s economy. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ regional labour force data, released today, shows that another 7,300 people in regional Victoria found jobs in the last month – the largest increase in the country. The number of people employed in Victorian regional communities is now 821,800 – an all-time high, driven by a strong economy delivering benefits for Victorians across the state. More than 32,000 regional Victorians have found work over the past 12 months. Regional employment in Victoria has grown by 163,000 jobs – or nearly 25 per cent – since November 2014 when the Labor Government was elected, the strongest regional jobs growth in the nation. Unemployment remains low in many areas of Victoria according to the ABS. In Warrnambool and the South West the jobless rate is 1.8 per cent, in Bendigo it is 2.2 per cent and in Geelong it is 3.2 per cent. In Shepparton it is just 1.4 per cent. The most recent ABS state accounts data showed Victoria’s economy has grown by a cumulative 9.1 per cent over the past two years – ahead of NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania. The national accounts also showed a strong 11.3 per cent boost in business investment in Victoria, driven by a pipeline of non-residential building projects in office buildings, warehouses and retail. Deloitte Access Economics’ forecasts that Victoria's gross state product will grow by 2.5 per cent in 2023-24, the best in the country. Victorian economic growth is also forecast to lead all states over the five years to 2028-29 at an average annual rate of 2.3 per cent. Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas “Continuing growth in regional employment is more proof that by investing in regional communities we’re helping to create jobs and keep our economy growing.” “We’re focused on creating jobs that enable regional communities to grow and thrive.”

More international students in Victoria will be supported to thrive away from home thanks to an Allan Labor Government investment. Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas today announced the next round of recipients under the Labor Government’s Study Melbourne Inclusion Program, with 13 projects receiving funding to support the wellbeing of international students living in Victoria. The program provides support for international students to build stronger connections in the Victorian community, with a focus on mental health, physical health, employability, safety, resilience, community engagement and cultural competency. The National Gallery of Victoria, in partnership with Koorie Heritage Trust, will use the funding to deliver a series of sessions to engage international students with First Peoples’ art, culture and histories. The University of Melbourne and Orygen Youth Health are expanding their suicide prevention intervention program to be tailored specifically for international students, providing access to suicide alertness workshops and mental health peer workers. International students in Geelong will be able to participate in the Salvation Army’s Swimming and Water Safety Project, including a beach safety day at a local surf-lifesaving club. Since its inception in 2015, the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program has funded 147 projects and supported approximately more than 235,000 students while building the capacity for student associations and other organisations to assist international students. In 2023, there were more than 234,000 international students from 170 countries studying in Victoria, making Melbourne the most diverse student city in the world. Melbourne is Australia’s leading city for international students – and No.4 globally–according to the 2024 QS Best Student City report. For more information about the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program, visit studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/inclusion-program. Quotes attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas “Studying away from home can be stressful and overwhelming – this program provides international students with vital resources for mental health, community engagement and overall wellbeing.” “International students make up a vibrant and significant part of our diverse Victorian community, and we are making sure they are well-supported to thrive in their studies, while enjoying everything our state has to offer.” Quote attributable to NGV Director Tony Ellwood AM “The program will build international students' connection to local culture and community through a series of social learning experiences related to First Peoples art, culture and history.”

Victoria’s title as the number one state for jobs creation has been retained, with the Allan Labor Government recording the largest jobs growth in the country last month. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) results released today showed that an extra 29,300 Victorians found jobs in February – more than any other state or territory, bringing the total number of Victorians in work to a record 3.7 million people. Fuelled by strong jobs growth, Victoria’s unemployment rate remained low, below four percent at 3.9 percent in February. Since taking power in 2014, the Labor Government has driven the creation of almost 780,000 new jobs in Victoria. Regional Victorian jobs have also soared since 2014, jumping by nearly 25 per cent, with a near-record 822,000 Victorians in regional areas now in work across the state, providing communities with stability and security. Victoria has charted an impressive economic recovery, with ABS data showing the state’s economy growing by 9.1 per cent over the past two years – outpacing NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania. Recent ABS national accounts results showed a strong 11.3 per cent boost in business investment in Victoria in the year to December 2023 – more than three percentage points above the 8.2 per cent national average. The data reflects Victoria’s position as a viable investment destination, with business investment supported by a strong pipeline of construction projects across the state, creating job opportunities. Independent analysts Deloitte Access Economics forecast that growth in Victoria’s economy and employment numbers will outpace all other states over the next five years. Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas  “Our commitment to fostering a positive business environment is driving investment and jobs growth, which benefit all Victorians.” “This Government has always been focused on creating jobs – and that focus has delivered serious dividends for the record number of Victorians in work.”

The Allan Labor Government is delivering a fairer go for Victorian businesses by abolishing stamp duty on Victorian commercial and industrial properties, with new legislation to be introduced to Parliament today. The Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Reform Bill 2024 will transform commercial property tax by abolishing the upfront cost of stamp duty and replacing it with a more efficient Commercial and Industrial Property Tax – making it easier for businesses to set up, invest in new land and buildings and move to new locations. Initially announced in the Victorian Budget 2023/24, the reform has been informed by ongoing consultation with key business and industry groups to ensure it supports and encourages property owners through the transition by making it as simple, fair and consistent as possible. The commercial stamp duty reform is expected to add thousands of jobs to Victoria’s economy and benefit the state’s economy by up to $50 billion in cumulative net present value terms over the next 40 years. From 1 July 2024, when a property is sold, it will transition into the new system, with stamp duty being payable one final time on that property, and then after ten years the Commercial and Industrial Property Tax applying at a rate of one per cent of the property’s unimproved land value. To fund their final stamp duty payment, eligible purchases can access a transition loan provided by the Treasury Corporation of Victoria on commercial terms, freeing up capital for businesses so they can expand or employ more workers. Owners of residential, primary production, community services, sport, heritage or cultural properties will not be affected by the reforms. Existing stamp duty concessions for commercial and industrial properties, including the regional concession, will all continue to be available for the final stamp duty payment – and existing land tax exemptions will also apply to the Commercial and Industrial Property Tax. Ahead of the 1 July 2024 start date, the Government will provide educational support on the reform, including helping industry and taxpayers navigate the transition to the new scheme. Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas “While others talk about productivity reform, we're getting on with abolishing one of the least efficient taxes in the Federation to back Victorian businesses.”  “We’ve worked closely with industry to deliver these changes, supporting Victorian businesses to grow and expand faster without the burden of stamp duty.” Quotes attributable to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Paul Guerra “This bold move to stimulate commercial property investment signals the Victorian Government’s willingness to further the conversation about tax reforms in a way that can benefit business growth in Victoria.”

The Premier of New South Wales doesn't understand the GST system – not a dollar of NSW GST is going to Victoria. Victoria has subsidised other states, not the other way around. We have paid more into the GST pool than we've received every year since its inception. Victoria has received as little as 84 cents in the dollar and averaged 91 cents since the GST was introduced. What's more, Victoria's relativity has been below New South Wales for 14 of the last 25 years. Contrary to Premier Minns' view, New South Wales does not provide Victoria with a GST windfall. Victoria receives less than our fair share under the GST pool. Victoria will receive an extra $1.5 billion from Commonwealth receipts not from other states, but by payments from the Commonwealth to top up the pool. Next year, even with these payments, Victoria is still receiving less than its population share – as it has in every year since the GST was introduced. If Premier Minns is concerned about mendicant states, I would remind him that New South Wales has been an infrastructure 'welfare recipient' from the Commonwealth at the expense of Victorians for decades. In the Federal Government's latest mid-year economic and fiscal outlook, Victoria received one per cent of new infrastructure spending, and has only received 60 per cent of our population share over the past five years. Victoria leads the nation in creating employment opportunities, with 530,000 jobs created since the depths of the pandemic, compared to 400,000 in NSW. Deloitte Access Economics forecasts that Victoria will lead all states in economic growth over the next five years. Isn’t it just so Sydney of Premier Minns to bemoan Melbourne’s success.

The Allan Labor Government is getting more Victorians into work and boosting the state’s economy – with the Mid-Year Financial Report reporting a strong labour market and a growing economy. Published today, the Mid-Year Financial Report shows that 124,000 Victorians secured employment in the 12 months to December 2023 – outperforming every other state in jobs created. Victoria leads the country in creating employment opportunities, with 528,000 more Victorians in jobs by the end of 2023 than at the COVID peak in September 2020 – exceeding the Government’s Jobs Plan target of creating 400,000 new jobs by 2025. The total number of Victorians in work was at a near-record 3.68 million in December, and the state’s unemployment rate is historically low. Workforce participation and the share of working-age Victorians in employment were also at near-record levels in December. Victoria’s economy is now 8.6 per cent larger, in real terms, than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic, with gross state product increasing by 2.6 per cent in 2022-23 and Deloitte Access Economics forecasting that Victoria will lead all states in economic growth over the next five years. The latest ABS figures confirm that business investment in Victoria grew by 11.3 per cent in the year to December, well above the national average and more than double the rate for New South Wales. Victoria’s exports of goods and services also grew by more than 20 per cent – more than any other state and five times the national figure. The Government’s investment in infrastructure was $12 billion for the period to 31 December 2023 – this ongoing investment supports the delivery of high-quality services for Victorians and creates jobs. Victoria’s general government sector operating deficit of $4.2 billion in the six months to 31 December is consistent with the same period last year and the full-year estimate in the 2023-24 Budget Update. Full-year results cannot be extrapolated from the half-year results, which reflect the seasonal distribution of expenditure and revenue. For example, grant revenue from the Commonwealth Government, which is the source of around 50 per cent of Victorian revenue, is generally received later in the financial year. Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas “Our economic strategy is all about creating jobs, keeping local communities strong, and encouraging businesses to invest and expand their workforces.” “This year’s Budget will continue to deliver the promises we made at the last election and protect the jobs and services that Victorian families rely on.”

The Allan Labor Government has marked International Women’s Day with the release of a new toolkit to help small businesses close the gender pay gap. The Pay Equality Toolkit, developed by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission with funding from the Labor Government, will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve pay equality in their workplace. The toolkit gives business owners and leaders the resources they need to take action on the gender pay gap, including a Pay Equality Compass to help assess the strengths and opportunities for businesses, guides and templates for creating an equal pay policy. The toolkit also provides a model for handling pay complaints and conducting a gender pay audit, and other practical tools for SMEs to meet their legal obligations, improve staff satisfaction and become an employer of choice. The Equal pay matters: Achieving gender pay equality in small-to-medium enterprises report noted that smaller organisations have a limited understanding about the concept of equal pay and how it applies to them – that’s why developing this toolkit was so important. As part of the Victorian Budget 2023/24, the Labor Government invested $1 million to promote gender pay equity workplace initiatives and the functions of the Equal Workplaces Advisory Council. To access the toolkit, go to humanrights.vic.gov.au. Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Pallas “Closing the gender pay gap is a win for everyone. Equitable workplaces are more productive, have less staff turnover, higher morale and are more profitable.” “This toolkit will support small and medium-sized businesses to close the gender pay gap.” Quotes attributable to Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allan “This toolkit is the first of its kind in Australia – a comprehensive suite of practical tools tailored to the needs of small and medium enterprises, to help them address their gender pay gap and create workplaces where every employee is paid fairly.” “The business owners we spoke to told us that small businesses need practical advice about achieving pay equality that is tailored to their specific needs. We have worked with experts in gender equality as well as numerous small to medium enterprises throughout Victoria to produce this practical toolkit.” 

Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (10:17): With footy starting back this month for the 2024 season, I am really pleased to offer my best wishes to the mighty Werribee Tigers. Last year I updated the house on the team’s marvellous season, with the club winning 16 of 18 regular games played, which was a tremendous effort. The club secured a spot in the grand final, unfortunately not going to that last stage and coming in second, runners up to the Gold Coast Suns.   The Tigers are already hard at work, so I am full of optimism for the season. With preseason and practice matches, winning Saturday’s game against the member for Pascoe Vale’s team the Coburg Lions – I expect to be seeing the member for Pascoe Vale wearing the Tigers tie at some point – and almost doubling their score, 44–84, it is great to see the CEO for the club Mark Penaluna and players back again with enthusiasm to continue their great work this year with a premiership in mind.   The Werribee Tigers are an important part of the social fabric of our community and have been a staple part of my electorate, bringing the community together since the team was formed in 1964. They are more than just a football club; they organise engagements in schools, sports and holiday clinics, women’s football, and offer kids programs that build diversity and inclusion. I am proud to stand with the Tigers, and I wish them all the best for the season.

Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (14:25): It gives me great pleasure to talk about why Melbourne, the most livable city in the world, the only Australian city in the top 10 of the power city index in the world, is a city that is buzzing with excitement at the moment. From economic events to youth summits and meetings with key regional leaders, this week is all about demonstrating exactly why we are the job creation capital of the nation – 530,000 jobs in three years, 130,000 more jobs than New South Wales.   Firstly, I want to extend a warm welcome to Melbourne to international leaders, our Commonwealth colleagues, international business delegates and of course the countless others who are down here for the ASEAN–Australia special summit. This year’s special summit marks 50 years of Australia–ASEAN relations. Just last week I had the great opportunity to launch the Southeast Asia Trade and Investment Snapshot, and it really does provide an outline of stellar performance by this state. Last year Victoria’s two-way merchandise trade with the region reached a record high of $27.4 billion. That is a 50 per cent increase over five years. At the same time investments from South-East Asia in Victoria have supported the creation of 3500 jobs since 2018, leading the nation. Over 45,000 students from South-East Asia studied in Victoria in 2022, and of course exports of food and fibre from South-East Asia amounted to $2.4 billion in the financial year 2018.

The Asia Pacific Financial and Innovation Symposium will be held in Melbourne this year thanks to support from the Allan Labor Government.  Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas today announced the inaugural global financial conference will be hosted in Melbourne - demonstrating that Victoria is the place to be for financial services and business events. Delivered by Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Convention Bureau, the one-day exposition will be the first of its kind for the region. Thousands of financial leaders from around the world will meet on April 16 to discuss industry trends in artificial intelligence, technology, energy transition and social governance with an Asia Pacific focus. The program features local and global industry experts and thought leaders, including Lee Ainslie (Maverick Capital), Henry Cornell (Cornell Capital), Robert Kapito (Blackrock), Kathleen McCarthy (Blackstone), Steve Schwarzman (Blackstone) and James Zelter (Apollo). The event will showcase Victoria’s robust economy and capacity for world-class events, bringing together major global financial influencers to attract more international investment to our state.  Victoria is a leading destination for financial services with the sector employing more than 120,000 people and contributing $47 billion each year to the local economy.  The state's business events sector is also a major driver of the Victorian economy – generating an estimated $12.6 billion annually and supporting more than 84,000 jobs.  To register for the conference, visit apfis.com.au. Quotes attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas “Events like this build on our strong record of attracting top financial businesses to Victoria, creating economic growth and thousands of jobs.”  “Financial services are an important part of Victoria’s economy and this inaugural global expo in Melbourne will provide an opportunity for our local industry to showcase our capabilities on the world stage.” Quote attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos  “Securing this event demonstrates Victoria’s world-class business events industry and ability to attract global leaders to experience everything our state has to offer - supporting local business, jobs and Victoria’s economy.”

The Allan Labor Government is supporting young people in Wyndham with a newly refurbished Youth Hub providing tailored services and community connections. Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman today visited Wyndham City Council to open the new Wyndham Youth Services at Hoppers Crossing, which received $150,000 through the 2022/23 Youth Hubs Grant Program. Wyndham Youth Services has been open since 2003 and provides a multi-use space for young people aged 12-25 to access counselling, employment support and sport and recreation programs. It also offers a safe and welcoming space for young people to come together, network and learn, with other youth service providers in the municipality now in the same building. Co-designed by young people to ensure the space is safe, appropriate, and tailored to their needs, the refurbishment has included upgrades to consulting rooms, the foyer and commercial kitchen and a dedicated multipurpose sensory space. The Youth Hubs Grant Program was funded as part of the Labor Government’s five-year Youth Strategy ‘Our promise, Your future’ to upgrade and develop youth hubs in outer metropolitan Melbourne. Quote attributable to Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman “This upgraded Youth Hub in the western suburbs is a one-stop hub, making services more accessible to local young people.” Quote attributable to Wyndham City Council Mayor Jennie Barrera “Wyndham City and the Allan Labor Government have partnered together to fund the refurbishment of this popular youth space, ensuring it is welcoming and engaging for young people in Wyndham.”  Quote attributable to the Member for Tarneit Dylan Wight “The outer western region is a growing community, and our young people now have a dedicated space to learn and grow.” Quote attributable to the Member for Point Cook Mathew Hilakari “From employment supports, counselling, and other key services, this space will be an active hub for local young people.” Quote attributable to the Member for Laverton Sarah Connolly “Young people are a vital part of our communities and this Youth Hub will improve their access to safe spaces and supports.” Quote attributable to the Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “These improved facilities provide young people in Wyndham with a one stop shop for wellbeing and connection.”

Wastewater treatment in Melbourne’s west is about to be transformed thanks to a $711 million investment to modernise the plant to ensure the health and sanitation needs of Victoria’s growing population are met for generations to come. Minister for Water Harriet Shing today announced the start of works on a new Resource Recovery and Re-Use Complex – the first major milestone in the modernisation of the Western Treatment Plant. Melbourne’s population is set to double by 2050 and the upgraded to the Western Treatment Plant is key to ensuring Melbourne’s infrastructure is equipped to meet future demands. The project will deliver an additional 95 billion litres per year in primary treatment capacity. The Western Treatment Plant is a world leader in environmentally-friendly sewage treatment, and one of Victoria’s most unlikely hidden treasures – doubling as a working farm and internationally-recognised bird habitat, including some of the world’s species such as the critically-endangered, orange-bellied parrot and growling grass frog. When it was first established in the 1890s, the Western Treatment Plant transformed Melbourne’s public health and sanitation – now it processes more than 182,500 million litres every year while using a low-cost, low-energy treatment processes. The Resource Recovery and Re-Use Complex will enhance sewage treatment, minimize odors, capture carbon, and manage waste sustainably. These improvements, including updated treatment methods and waste management facilities. For more information, visit melbournewater.com.au/water-and-environment/climate-change/our-path-net-zero. Quote attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing “Innovation and efficiency in wastewater treatment has enabled Victoria to lead in adaptation to climate change, our circular economy and delivering large-scale improvements to liveability. And better wastewater treatment means we’re also well-equipped to manage the challenges of population growth.” Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas "This crucial investment in modernising wastewater treatment in Melbourne’s West will not only future-proof the health and sanitation needs of Melburnians but underscores our commitment to net-zero emissions by 2045 - ensuring a sustainable climate-resilient future for all Victorians." Quote attributable to Member for Tarneit Dylan Wight “The new Western Treatment Plant Resource Recovery and Re-Use Complex will support thriving, healthy and growing communities.” Quote attributable to Melbourne Water Managing Director Dr. Nerina Di Lorenzo “The Resource Recovery and Re-Use Complex is a major milestone in the transformation of the Western Treatment Plant and will enable rapid evolution of the site to meet the needs of the next decade and beyond.”

Thousands of solar panels will soon roll out across Victorian apartment buildings – slashing power bills by around $500 a year thanks to the Albanese and Allan Labor Government’s Solar for Apartments program. Applications are now open for the first round of the $16 million program - which will make it cheaper and easier for apartment residents to install rooftop solar. Around 12 per cent of Victoria’s 2.5 million households live in apartments, with around 63 per cent of these occupied by renters. Successful applicants will receive rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment, or up to $140,000 per building for up to 50 apartments to install solar panels on their rooftop. Solar for Apartments will help around 5,000 households including owners and renters to save money on the upfront cost of installing solar, cut their energy bills, improve the value of the apartments, and reduce emissions. The take up of solar on apartments has been much lower due to the complexity and costs, and Solar for Apartments will help fix this by reducing upfront costs and streamlining the installation process. Rebates will be available to apartment buildings up to eight storeys with between 5 to 50 apartments – ensuring the solar installation can provide meaningful energy bill savings for residents. Owners corporations will have the choice to install either multiple individual solar PV systems, a single large solar PV system coupled with solar sharing technology, or a combination of both. There have already been over 500 registrations of interest, including owners corporations, apartment residents including owner-occupiers and renters, and rental providers – showing the huge demand for accessible solar. The program has been developed in consultation with industry, local government, and strata community representatives. Round 1 applications are open until April 15. For more information visit solar.vic.gov.au. This program forms part of the Albanese Labor Government’s Community Solar Banks initiative - unlocking access to shared solar for 25,000 homes across Australia who have found it difficult to access solar in the past.             Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio “This is all about making it easier for Victorians that live in apartments to install solar - so they can slash their power bills by $500 and help us cut emissions.” Quote attributable to Commonwealth Minister for Energy Chris Bowen “We want to make it cheaper and easier for apartment residents to install solar on their rooftop so they too can take advantage of cleaner, cheaper solar to provide cost-of-living relief.” Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “By easing upfront costs, this program will allow more residents in Werribee to receive the benefits from solar panels.”  

Four new courses in hospitality, youth work and tourism are now available through the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE initiative giving Victorians more opportunities to learn new skills and grow their careers. Member for Werribee Tim Pallas is encouraging prospective students to look at courses on offer through the Free TAFE initiative, providing Victorians with more access to vocational training. Since the program was introduced in 2019 it has grown to include more than 80 TAFE qualifications and short courses. This has helped more than 156,000 students who have saved almost $423 million in tuition fees since the program began, including more than 90,000 women who have gained new skills to benefit their careers. Free TAFE is benefiting all Victorians, with a quarter of all Free TAFE students based in regional Victoria and more than 44,500 come from multicultural backgrounds. With enrolments now open, students can kick start their careers or upskill to gain new experience or qualifications, across a range of sectors like nursing, building and construction, community services and cyber security. The Free TAFE program is helping Victorians get the skills they need for the job they want, including in growth areas like clean energy, building the state’s future workforce as we transition to net-zero. The Victorian Government is also backing the development of new clean energy skills and courses through the $50 million Clean Energy Fund, including projects at Federation TAFE in Ballarat, TAFE Gippsland in Morwell and South West TAFE in Warrnambool. Free TAFE courses are available to all Victorians, regardless of their existing qualification level, and it’s also possible to do more than one Free TAFE course provided it’s within the same priority pathway. The Victorian Budget 2023/24 invested more than $543 million in TAFE to help more Victorians get the skills they need with more subsidised courses and improved facilities, including funding for new TAFE campuses in Melton and Sunbury so more students can study closer to home. Victoria’s TAFE network is a vital part of our state’s education system, helping students become job-ready faster and providing the skills we need to grow our economy. For the full list of Free TAFE courses visit: vic.gov.au/free-tafe Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas “We know that TAFE is an equal choice to uni- and if you enrol in a Free TAFE course, you can get started in your career without debt.”