STATE OF EMERGENCY EXTENDED:

Today Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the State of Emergency in Victoria, originally due to expire on 13 April, will be extended to 11 May.

It is under the State of Emergency powers that the Chief Health Officer can direct the elimination of risk to public health by detaining people, restricting movement and closing premises.

The Premier’s statement on the extension is here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/state-of-emergency-for-coronavirus-extended-to-save-lives/

MENTAL HEALTH FUnDING BOOSTED:

Significant funding was announced today to assist the surge in demand for mental health services, caused by the Corona-virus outbreak and consequent lockdown in Victoria. Support initiatives like Lifeline, BeyondBlue, KidsHelpline and Suicide Line Victoria will be supported - please see below.

Details at https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/surge-funding-helping-our-mental-health-system-during-crisis/