Victoria’s harness racing and greyhound racing sectors will get a $10 million boost under an elected Liberal Nationals Government.

Victoria’s racing industry is a key driver of our State’s economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, particularly in Regional Victoria.

Greyhound racing and harness racing contribute more than $1.1 billion to our state, supporting nearly 10,000 jobs – many in communities in Regional Victoria.

The Liberal Nationals have always supported our racing industries to grow and prosper, with further investment to boost confidence and secure jobs.

If elected, the Liberal Nationals will provide the harness racing industry with a $6 million boost in prize money over two years.

Greyhound racing will also be supported to thrive, with a $4 million investment.

Unlike Labor, we will work with industry to determine its priorities and ensure this investment goes where it’s needed most.

It follows our commitment to boost thoroughbred industry investment, continue the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF) and major infrastructure announcements at Ballarat, Cranbourne, Wodonga and Terang.

Comments attributed to the Shadow Minister for Racing Tim Bull

Racing is a key driver of Victoria’s economy supporting the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Victorians.

All of our industry deserves our support, which is why a Liberal Nationals Government will invest more in the sector and give industry more of a say in where the funds are spent.

Only a Liberal Nationals Government will make sure Victoria’s racing industry is strong with the investment needed to build confidence and support local jobs.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will boost employment opportunities for Victorians with a disability, supporting social enterprises to start-up and expand.

Nationally, about 50 per cent of people with a disability participate in the workforce, compared with 83 per cent of people with no reported disability.

Disability social enterprises are proving to be an effective source of employment in many communities, but there is more we can do to support growth in this sector.

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will establish a new $10 million fund to support disability social enterprises to start-up and expand, helping Victorians with a disability to gain meaningful work and build self-confidence and self-esteem.

Half of the fund will be earmarked to empower social enterprises to develop or expand operations in the recycling industry – with a specific focus on e-waste recycling.

We will partner with disability service providers and other suitable agencies to assist with start-up and expansion costs to create good, secure jobs for people with a disability. Grants will be provided on a matching basis, enabling $20 million of investment.

Successful social enterprises already operate in Victoria, including coffee shops, op-shops, Laundromats and nurseries, but high start-up costs are preventing more from entering the sector.

Lack of employment can lead to welfare dependency, depression and associated mental health problems.

Daniel Andrews and Labor have failed to actively address poor employment rates and it’s clear more must be done to support Victorians with a disability and their families.

Only a Liberal Nationals Government will boost opportunities for people with a disability to help them to live independently and get in control of their future.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Disability Tim Bull

I have seen first-hand in my own family the positive benefits of the job opportunities offered through social enterprises.

These jobs boost confidence and independence, giving people with a disability control over their future.

We already have some very successful enterprises operating now and an elected Liberal Nationals Government will do more to create good, secure jobs for Victorians with a disability.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will make sure families and carers have access to respite services – no matter where they live.

There’s currently a shortage of disability respite services in Victoria, leaving a critical gap in support for families caring for loved ones.

Almost one in five Australians are living with disability and those who care for them also need a high level of support.

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will provide $5 million in matched funding over four years to help disability respite services with set-up costs or to expand, helping to grow the sector to meet demand. This will enable $10 million to be invested in the sector.

We’ll partner with service providers to assist them with building costs, which have been a barrier to many services setting up.

There’s growing demand for disability respite services in suburban growth areas and Regional Victoria, with some locations having long waitlists to access the service, while other communities have no access at all to respite.

Placement in respite centres has traditionally been funded out of Individual Support Packages which currently are being transitioned to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The lack of facilities causes enormous stress and pressure on family members who just want to be able to take a break knowing their loved one is being cared for appropriately.

More needs to be done to change this and make sure carers are also getting the support they need.

Only a Liberal Nationals Government will make sure Victorian families and their loved ones are getting the support they deserve by funding better disability respite services.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Disability Tim Bull

Carers provide critical support for Victorians with a disability and they deserve our support too.

Many disability service providers struggle to afford the capital costs of building new facilities or expanding existing centres, this fund will break down these barriers to grow the number of respite services.

Only the Liberal Nationals will care for our carers.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018