<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="0.92">
<channel>
	<title>Jenny Mikakos</title>
	<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 05:59:48 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<docs>http://backend.userland.com/rss092</docs>
	<language>en</language>
	<!-- generator="WordPress/3.2.1" -->

	<item>
		<title>NAPTHINE DOESN’T CARE ABOUT VICTORIAN KINDERS</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Denis Napthine’s first State Budget shows that despite changing leaders, Victorians still can’t trust the Liberal Government to invest in better services for our youngest Victorians, Shadow Minister for Children and Young Adults Jenny Mikakos said today. Ms Mikakos said &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/napthine-doesn%e2%80%99t-care-about-victorian-kinders/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/napthine-doesn%e2%80%99t-care-about-victorian-kinders/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Adoption Amendment Bill 2013</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I am humbled to be able to make a contribution to this very important debate this evening. I remind members that on 25 October last year members of this house stood in unity to express our sincere and heartfelt apologies &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/adoption-amendment-bill-2013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/adoption-amendment-bill-2013/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>CFA Cuts Expected in State Budget</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Napthine Liberal Government&#8217;s budget cuts to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) are set to continue with reports that a further $40 million will be cut in this year’s State Budget.  Leaked documents revealed local CFA group officers were briefed by &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/cfa-cuts-expected-in-state-budget/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/cfa-cuts-expected-in-state-budget/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Napthine Government Sacks TAFE Chairs</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Napthine Government have continued the turmoil in Victoria’s vocational education and training system, having sacked or planning to sack up to 9 of the 14 TAFE board chairs. The shock pre-Easter sackings are supposedly about strengthening the economic credentials &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/napthine-government-sacks-nmit-tafe-chair/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/napthine-government-sacks-nmit-tafe-chair/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>NAPTHINE CUTS SUPPORT TO KINDER KIDS THAT NEED IT MOST</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Children with disabilities in the Western Suburbs have lost access to early intervention services before starting primary school, Shadow Children’s Minister Jenny Mikakos said today. Local kindergartens and other early childhood and care services in Victoria’s western suburbs were recently &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/napthine-cuts-support-to-kinder-kids-that-need-it-most/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/napthine-cuts-support-to-kinder-kids-that-need-it-most/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Surgery Waiting List To Hit 55,000</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Statement of Priorities, contracts between Victorian health services and the State Government, showed that an unprecedented 55,000 people would be waiting for surgery by June this year and more people will be forced to wait longer for the care &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/surgery-waiting-list-to-hit-55000/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/surgery-waiting-list-to-hit-55000/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Whittlesea Community Connections International Women’s Day Awards</title>
		<description><![CDATA[International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8 March is a great way for the international community to recognise the social, economic and political achievementsof women worldwide. On Friday 15 March 2013, Jenny, along with the Member for Mill Park, Lily &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/whittlesea-community-connections-international-women%e2%80%99s-day-awards/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/whittlesea-community-connections-international-women%e2%80%99s-day-awards/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>TAFE CUT RESTORATION TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Victorian Coalition Government’s decision to rip $290 million a year – almost $1.2 billion over four years – out of TAFE funding, was a decision that has had an appalling impact on Victoria&#8217;s TAFE students. These cuts were so &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/tafe-cut-restoration-too-little-too-late/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/tafe-cut-restoration-too-little-too-late/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Premier: ministerial appointments</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Last sitting week the Liberal Party dumped Premier Baillieu and replaced him with a recycled former leader, someone who was complicit in every cut the Baillieu government made over the past two years. It is no surprise then that Premier &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/premier-ministerial-appointments/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/premier-ministerial-appointments/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Justice Legislation Amendment (Cancellation of Parole and Other Matters) Bill 2013</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I would like to focus on one particular aspect of this bill. I point out that Mr Pakula began the Labor opposition&#8217;s response to this bill in the previous sitting week. He addressed in particular the parole provisions in some &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/justice-legislation-amendment-cancellation-of-parole-and-other-matters-bill-2013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/justice-legislation-amendment-cancellation-of-parole-and-other-matters-bill-2013/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Kindergartens: funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[My adjournment matter tonight is for the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. I understand significant changes have been made to the way in which applications for a second-year funded kindergarten are managed. Most children leave kindergarten ready to &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/kindergartens-funding-5/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/kindergartens-funding-5/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Children: early intervention services</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is for the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. I refer to a letter from Western Health advising kindergartens and other local early childhood services that Sunshine Hospital&#8217;s Children&#8217;s Allied Health Service &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-early-intervention-services-3/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-early-intervention-services-3/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Children: Young Readers program</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is for the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. On 3 March the Age reported that a Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research report funded by the minister&#8217;s department had &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-young-readers-program/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-young-readers-program/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Rena Frangioudaki</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 13 March I attended the announcement of this year&#8217;s inductees to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in Queen&#8217;s Hall. I congratulate each of the 20 new inductees, who have made extraordinary individual contributions to Victoria. In particular, I &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/rena-frangioudaki/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/rena-frangioudaki/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Education and Training Reform Amendment (Teacher Registration and Other Matters) Bill 2013</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I am pleased to speak today on the Education and Training Reform Amendment (Teacher Registration and Other Matters) Bill 2013. I note from the outset that the Labor opposition will not be opposing the bill. I point out that the &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/education-and-training-reform-amendment-teacher-registration-and-other-matters-bill-2013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/education-and-training-reform-amendment-teacher-registration-and-other-matters-bill-2013/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Baillieu Government Internal Crisis is Impacting the Victorian Economy</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Baillieu Government’s internal crises’ are impacting the Victorian economy.  Australian Bureau of Statistic State Final Demand figures show that Victoria is now in recession and is the third worst performing economy in the nation. Investment in Victoria had fallen 5 &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/baillieu-government-internal-crisis-is-impacting-the-victorian-economy/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/baillieu-government-internal-crisis-is-impacting-the-victorian-economy/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Government: leadership</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In 10 days it will be the ides of March, a date in history which forebodes calamity. This year it forebodes calamity for the Victorian coalition. Just as Caesar met his fate in the Roman senate at the hands of &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/government-leadership/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/government-leadership/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth program: funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[My matter this evening is for the Minister for Community Services. I wish to draw to the minister&#8217;s attention the Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program, which is a trauma prevention initiative aimed at senior school &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/prevent-alcohol-and-risk-related-trauma-in-youth-program-funding/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/prevent-alcohol-and-risk-related-trauma-in-youth-program-funding/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>VICTORIAN SENIORS SHELVED UNDER BAILLIEU</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Baillieu Government has ignored dozens of crucial recommendations from a report on the needs of senior Victorians, Shadow Ageing Minister Jenny Mikakos said today. The Baillieu Government’s response to the final report of the Family and Community Development Committee’s &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/victorian-seniors-shelved-under-baillieu/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/victorian-seniors-shelved-under-baillieu/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Roads: Infrastructure</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My matter this evening is for the Minister for Roads. I wish to draw to the attention of the minister some significant issues to do with inadequate road infrastructure in Melbourne&#8217;s north, in particular in &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/roads-infrastructure/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/roads-infrastructure/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Employment: government performance</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; Under the Baillieu government Victoria remains at the bottom of the jobs table on mainland Australia. Our employment rate has jumped to its highest level seen since the global financial crisis with 30 000 jobs &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/employment-government-performance-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/employment-government-performance-2/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Auditor-General: Addressing Homelessness &#8212; Partnerships and Plans</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; I am pleased to make a contribution this evening on the Victorian Auditor-General&#8217;s report Addressing Homelessness &#8212; Partnerships and Plans dated February 2013. I note that the report was tabled in Parliament during the last &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/auditor-general-addressing-homelessness-partnerships-and-plans/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/auditor-general-addressing-homelessness-partnerships-and-plans/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Right Step program: funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My matter tonight is for the Minister for Community Services. It relates to the Right Step program, which is a diversion program aimed at reducing youth offending and recidivism in the Bayside, Glen Eira and &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/right-step-program-funding/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/right-step-program-funding/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Children: early intervention services &#8211; waiting list</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is to the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. It is reported in today&#8217;s Age that as of 1 February, 1021 children have been waiting for more than three months for an &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-early-intervention-services-waiting-list/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-early-intervention-services-waiting-list/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Children: early intervention services &#8211; support to families on the waiting list</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is to the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. The Victorian chapter of Early Childhood Intervention Australia has called for support to be given to families on the waiting list for early &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-early-intervention-services-support-to-families-on-the-waiting-list/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-early-intervention-services-support-to-families-on-the-waiting-list/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Fire services: funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I also put on record my strong opposition to the Baillieu government&#8217;s $66 million cuts to Victoria&#8217;s firefighting budget. We all vividly recall Black Saturday, and any cost-saving measures being made by the government are really worthless in the face &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/fire-services-funding/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/fire-services-funding/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Bushfires: firefighters</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I also place on the record my deep gratitude to all the Country Fire Authority and Metropolitan Fire Brigade firefighters who worked tirelessly yesterday for 6 hours to bring the large and fast-moving bushfire burning in Melbourne&#8217;s northern suburbs under &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/bushfires-firefighters/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/bushfires-firefighters/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Crimes Amendment (Gross Violence Offences) Bill 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; I will be very brief in my contribution, as Mr Pakula has outlined very clearly the Labor opposition&#8217;s position in relation to the bill. It is important when we are dealing with complex and emotive &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/crimes-amendment-gross-violence-offences-bill-2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/crimes-amendment-gross-violence-offences-bill-2012/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Personal alert devices and aged care agenda</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I rise today to highlight the failure of the Baillieu government to support the personal alert service, which provides 24-hour emergency assistance to frail older people and people with disabilities who are isolated and vulnerable yet living independently. Since the &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/personal-alert-devices-and-aged-care-agenda/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/personal-alert-devices-and-aged-care-agenda/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>School Focused Youth Service: future</title>
		<description><![CDATA[My matter this evening is for the Minister for Education. I am extremely concerned that the Baillieu government has decided to abolish the School Focused Youth Service at the end of this financial year. In particular I am concerned about &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/school-focused-youth-service-future-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/school-focused-youth-service-future-2/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Education: Funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I am pleased to speak today in support of Mr Lenders&#8217;s motion and join with other members of this house in condemning the Baillieu government&#8217;s cuts to Victoria&#8217;s education system. Since coming to power the Baillieu government has delivered blow &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/education-funding/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/education-funding/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Australia Day: citizenship ceremonies</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I also note that on 26 January I was pleased to attend Australia Day ceremonies in a number of municipalities. I take this opportunity to congratulate all our new Australian citizens and, in particular, all the volunteers who were recognised &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/australia-day-citizenship-ceremonies/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/australia-day-citizenship-ceremonies/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Australia Day: Greek elderly citizens clubs picnic</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 20 January I attended the Association of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria&#8217;s annual Australia Day picnic held in Mornington. The event was held in partnership with Greek radio station 3XY Radio Hellas, which was broadcasting live &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/australia-day-greek-elderly-citizens-clubs-picnic/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/australia-day-greek-elderly-citizens-clubs-picnic/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Courts: legal year opening</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; On 29 January I was pleased to attend the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) (Victoria) community observance for the opening of the legal year. This was held at the County Court. The master of ceremonies was &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/courts-legal-year-opening/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/courts-legal-year-opening/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Retirement Villages Amendment (Information Disclosure) Bill 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; I rise to make a brief contribution on the Retirement Villages Amendment (Information Disclosure) Bill 2012. I indicate to the house that the Labor opposition will not be opposing the bill. It is a straightforward &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/retirement-villages-amendment-information-disclosure-bill-2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/retirement-villages-amendment-information-disclosure-bill-2012/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Parents Affected By Savage Cuts To Education</title>
		<description><![CDATA[As schools resume for 2013, parents sending their children back to school are feeling the  impact of two years of savage cuts to education in Victoria. In the Northern Metropolitan Region families have made it clear that they are struggling &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/parents-affected-by-savage-cuts-to-education/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/parents-affected-by-savage-cuts-to-education/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Yarra Riverkeeper Association: cruise</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; On 5 November, along with other opposition MPs, I attended a cruise of the Yarra River organised by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, a not-for-profit organisation that actively advocates for the preservation and protection of the &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/yarra-riverkeeper-association-cruise/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/yarra-riverkeeper-association-cruise/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Youth Affairs Council of Victoria: reference group</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS &#8212; On another matter, on 10 November I attended a Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) youth reference group meeting to discuss various issues relating to Victoria&#8217;s youth, including the Baillieu government&#8217;s savage cuts to TAFE and youth mentoring &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/youth-affairs-council-of-victoria-reference-group/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/youth-affairs-council-of-victoria-reference-group/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Molly Hadfield</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; I rise today to pay tribute to Molly Hadfield, a long-time activist in the women&#8217;s and peace movement who recently passed away. Molly fought passionately for equal pay for women, public housing and better public &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/molly-hadfield/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/molly-hadfield/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Josie Minniti</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS &#8212; I wish to congratulate Ms Josie Minniti, a wonderful activist in my electorate, on another wonderful year of cancer fundraising. On 7 July Josie held her annual fundraising dinner dance and raised approximately $30 000 for the Northern &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/josie-minniti/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/josie-minniti/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Ageing: personal alert devices</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is for the Minister for Ageing. What is the total number of people currently waiting to be issued with a personal alert in Victoria? Hon. D. M. DAVIS (Minister for Ageing) &#8212; I &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/ageing-personal-alert-devices-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/ageing-personal-alert-devices-2/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Ageing: personal alert devices</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is to the Minister for Ageing. Under his government the total number of people waiting for personal alert monitoring devices has more than doubled from 638 in March 2011 to 1283 in March &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/ageing-personal-alert-devices/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/ageing-personal-alert-devices/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Northern Metropolitan Region: former school sites</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My matter this evening is for the Minister for Education. However, I first express my concern that a protective services officer has been seriously injured tonight doing his job, protecting all of us, and I &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/northern-metropolitan-region-former-school-sites/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/northern-metropolitan-region-former-school-sites/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>BAILLIEU IGNORES DECLINE IN AGED CARE FACILITIES</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Nearly 200 aged  care  beds  have  closed  and the first privatisation  of  anaged care facility in Victoria’s history has happened since  the Baillieu  Government  took  office two years ago, Shadow Ageing Minister Jenny Mikakos said today. Departmental figures show that as &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/baillieu-ignores-decline-in-aged-care-facilities/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/baillieu-ignores-decline-in-aged-care-facilities/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>FKA Children&#8217;s Services: 103rd annual general meeting</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; On 21 November I was pleased to attend the FKA Children&#8217;s Services 103rd annual general meeting. FKA Children&#8217;s Services has a longstanding history in the provision of early childhood services spanning more than 100 years &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/fka-childrens-services-103rd-annual-general-meeting/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/fka-childrens-services-103rd-annual-general-meeting/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Call Me Emilios</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS &#8212; I am also looking forward to attending the launch at the Hellenic Museum tonight of a memoir entitled Call Me Emilios by Emilios Kyrou, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Justice Kyrou&#8217;s memoir describes his family&#8217;s &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/call-me-emilios/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/call-me-emilios/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Aged care: bed numbers</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question today is for the Minister for Ageing. Last year at the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearings the minister said: &#8230; aged-care services in country towns are absolutely critical, and we are very &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/aged-care-bed-numbers/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/aged-care-bed-numbers/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development: performance</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; In the two years that the Baillieu government has been in office, the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Wendy Lovell, has officially opened 29 early childhood projects in this state, each one of &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/minister-for-children-and-early-childhood-development-performance/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/minister-for-children-and-early-childhood-development-performance/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>School Focused Youth Service: future</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS &#8212; I also want to express my concerns at the Baillieu government&#8217;s plan to axe the School Focused Youth Service program, an early intervention support program that helps thousands of vulnerable young people at risk of suicide and self-harm. &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/school-focused-youth-service-future/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/school-focused-youth-service-future/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Education Legislation Amendment (Governance) Bill 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; I rise today to speak on the Education Legislation Amendment (Governance) Bill 2012, and I indicate to the house at the outset that the Labor opposition does not support this bill. We have some very &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/education-legislation-amendment-governance-bill-2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/education-legislation-amendment-governance-bill-2012/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Plan for Jobs and Growth</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Victorian Labor’s Plan for Jobs and Growth will return Victoria to an economic powerhouse by creating jobs for Victorian families, investing in skills and training and providing an infrastructure pipeline.  The plan provides 67 practical and affordable initiatives that will &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/995/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/995/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>National Safe Schools Symposium</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; On 20 October the member for Yan Yean in the Assembly, Danielle Green, and I attended the inaugural National Safe Schools Symposium. I was pleased that the Victorian Minister for Education, Martin Dixon, and the &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/national-safe-schools-symposium/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/national-safe-schools-symposium/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare: 100th annual meeting</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS &#8212; On 22 October I attended the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare&#8217;s 100th annual general meeting, which is an incredible achievement in the organisation&#8217;s history. I congratulate the chair of the board, Angela Forbes, and other &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/centre-for-excellence-in-child-and-family-welfare-100th-annual-meeting/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/centre-for-excellence-in-child-and-family-welfare-100th-annual-meeting/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Kindergarten Parents Victoria: annual meeting</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS &#8211; On 1 November I attended the annual general meeting of Kindergarten Parents Victoria. I congratulate them in particular on their change of name from 1 January next year to the Early Learning Association Australia and wish them well in &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/kindergarten-parents-victoria-annual-meeting/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/kindergarten-parents-victoria-annual-meeting/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Community services: juvenile incarceration</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; I wish to raise with the Minister for Community Services my concerns about recent reports of a 16-year-old Aboriginal boy being held for four months in solitary confinement inside one of Victoria&#8217;s high-security adult jails. &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/community-services-juvenile-incarceration/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/community-services-juvenile-incarceration/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Schools: Doreen and Mernda</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; I continue to be concerned about the lack of action by the Baillieu government to secure a government school for the Mernda-Doreen community. Last Wednesday I attempted to meet the Minister for Education, Mr Dixon, &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/schools-doreen-and-mernda/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/schools-doreen-and-mernda/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Health Services: Government Performance</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; I rise to speak in support of this motion, and I thank Mr Jennings for bringing the motion to the house. I join other members of the Labor opposition in condemning this Baillieu government for &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/health-services-government-performance/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/health-services-government-performance/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Greek community: migrant services</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My matter this evening is for the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Mr Kotsiras. As the minister would be aware, there are an increasing number of Greek nationals arriving in Victoria, some of whom &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/greek-community-migrant-services/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/greek-community-migrant-services/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Kindergartens: funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is to the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. I welcome the allocation of $40 million in capital grants that the minister announced last week, but I ask: how much of this &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/kindergartens-funding-4/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/kindergartens-funding-4/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Early childhood services: federal funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I rise today to welcome the announcement by the federal Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett, of $1.1 billion for Australia&#8217;s preschool and kindergarten services. An estimated $266 million will be delivered to Victoria to help &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/early-childhood-services-federal-funding/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/early-childhood-services-federal-funding/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Apology for Past Forced Adoptions</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; I rise to support the motion of apology to all those affected by Victoria&#8217;s past adoption practices, and I commend all the speeches made as part of this apology motion to date, including Mrs Coote&#8217;s &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/apology-for-past-forced-adoptions/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/apology-for-past-forced-adoptions/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) Youth Reference Group</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 10 November 2012, Jenny attended a YACVic Youth Reference Group meeting and discussed various issues affecting Victoria’s youth, including cuts to TAFE, cuts to youth mentoring programs, and body image issues.  Last year the Baillieu Government cut the Mentoring &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/youth-affairs-council-of-victoria-yacvic-youth-reference-group/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/youth-affairs-council-of-victoria-yacvic-youth-reference-group/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Call for review into juveniles held in adult prisons</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Baillieu Government must announce a review into juveniles held in adultprisons, Shadow Minister for Corrections Jill Hennessy and Shadow Minister forYouth Justice Jenny Mikakos said today. Last week, it was reported that a 16 year old was kept in &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/call-for-review-into-juveniles-held-in-adult-prisons/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/call-for-review-into-juveniles-held-in-adult-prisons/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Youth Mentoring Week</title>
		<description><![CDATA[This week is Youth Mentoring Week, which gives us the opportunity to celebrate the positive impact that mentoring can have on young people. It is also an opportunity to raise the profile of becoming a mentor and promote its benefits. &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/youth-mentoring-week/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/youth-mentoring-week/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Scouts: Plenty Valley</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 19 October I attended the Scouts Australia Plenty Valley region annual reports awards and presentation night at the Mernda Village Community Activity Centre. The first Doreen scouts group started in November 2011, and it is now working towards establishing &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/scouts-plenty-valley/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/scouts-plenty-valley/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Supervision) Amendment Bill 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I am pleased to rise today to speak on the Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Supervision) Amendment Bill 2012. I indicate that the Labor opposition will be supporting this bill. When it comes to governing in the interests of all &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/serious-sex-offenders-detention-and-supervision-amendment-bill-2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/serious-sex-offenders-detention-and-supervision-amendment-bill-2012/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>BreastScreen Victoria Electorate Report Card Launch</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 24 October 2012, BreastScreen Victoria launched their second annual Electorate Report Card at Parliament House.  MPs pictured here at the launch from L-R are Maree Edwards, Sharon Knight, Ann Barker, Jane Garrett, Danielle Green and Jenny Mikakos.   The &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/breastscreen-victoria-electorate-report-card-launch/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/breastscreen-victoria-electorate-report-card-launch/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Children&#8217;s Week</title>
		<description><![CDATA[This week is Children&#8217;s Week, when Victoria celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood and recognises their talents, skills and abilities. Thousands of children and their families will be involved in activities and events at schools, playgroups, kindergartens and &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/childrens-week/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/childrens-week/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Seniors: commercial correspondence</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is to the Minister for Ageing. Victorian Seniors Card holders have recently received a personalised letter from Australian NaturalCare Products promoting its products. Does the minister condone the use of Victorian seniors&#8217; personal &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/seniors-commercial-correspondence/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/seniors-commercial-correspondence/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Children: early intervention services</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is for the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. In June of this year the minister said that more children than ever before are receiving early childhood intervention services (ECIS). How does &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-early-intervention-services-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/children-early-intervention-services-2/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Early childhood services: funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; Thank you, President. I am always grateful for your advice as to how to frame my questions. My question is to the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. I refer to the Australian Taxation &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/early-childhood-services-funding-4/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/early-childhood-services-funding-4/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Kindergartens: support staff</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is to the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. Can the minister advise where in the Australian Taxation Office ruling relating to her department staff supporting Victoria&#8217;s kindergartens are designated as front-line &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/kindergartens-support-staff/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/kindergartens-support-staff/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Hospitals: Government Performance</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I am very pleased to be able to speak today in support of Mr Jennings&#8217;s motion relating to Victoria&#8217;s health system and in particular our hospitals. I join with other members on this side of the house in condemning the &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/hospitals-government-performance/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/hospitals-government-performance/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Acacia College: closure</title>
		<description><![CDATA[My matter this evening is for the Minister for Education. I wish to raise my concerns about the Baillieu government&#8217;s lack of vision for the provision of a government secondary school in Mernda and the lack of assistance to parents, &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/acacia-college-closure/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/acacia-college-closure/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>HACCI 2012 Excellence Awards Gala Ball</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 12 October 2012, Jenny attended the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce &#38; Industry (HACCI) 2012 Excellence Awards Gala Ball.  Jenny is pictured here with Her Excellency Ms Eleni Lianidou, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne and the Hon Simon Crean, Member &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/hacci-2012-excellence-awards-gala-ball/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/hacci-2012-excellence-awards-gala-ball/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Royal Melbourne Show</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 26 September I, along with other members of the shadow cabinet, attended the 157th Royal Melbourne Show, which has become Victoria&#8217;s largest and longest running annual community event. It was a pleasure to meet with members of the board. &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/royal-melbourne-show/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/royal-melbourne-show/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Arthur Calwell</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On another matter, on 30 September I attended the launch of the Arthur Calwell biography titled I Am Bound to Be True by the federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, at the Museo Italiano in Carlton. As Australia&#8217;s &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/arthur-calwell/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/arthur-calwell/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Berry Street: community education campaign</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On another matter, on 2 October I attended, together with many of my Labor colleagues, the launch of Berry Street&#8217;s new community education campaign titled &#8216;Kids like these need families like yours&#8217;. The campaign aims to increase the respite care &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/berry-street-community-education-campaign/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/berry-street-community-education-campaign/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Aged care: Rosebud facility future</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is for the Minister for Ageing. I refer the minister to recent media reports on 22 and 28 August in the Peninsula Weekly and Mornington Peninsula Leader in which Peninsula Health has signalled &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/aged-care-rosebud-facility-future/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/aged-care-rosebud-facility-future/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Aged care: Mornington Peninsula</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is again to the Minister for Ageing. The Australian Nursing Federation has expressed concerns that in the event of Rosebud Residential Aged Care Services being privatised the nurse-resident ratios that apply to publicly &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/aged-care-mornington-peninsula-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/aged-care-mornington-peninsula-2/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Aged care: Mornington Peninsula</title>
		<description><![CDATA[My matter this evening is for the Minister for Ageing. It relates to the matter I raised today during question time about reports that Peninsula Health intends to privatise Rosebud Residential Aged Care Services, which is comprised of two facilities: &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/aged-care-mornington-peninsula/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/aged-care-mornington-peninsula/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Jill Meagher</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I would like to take this opportunity to express my personal condolences to the family and friends of Jill Meagher, who this week said goodbye to a much-loved wife, daughter, friend and colleague. I was shocked and sickened by Jill&#8217;s &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/jill-meagher/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/jill-meagher/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Darebin Youth Commitment</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On another matter, on 14 September I attended the Darebin Youth Commitment spirit of cooperation signing ceremony and launch. The partnership, initiated by the Inner Northern Local Learning and Employment Network, aims to work together with local employers, local schools &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/darebin-youth-commitment/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/darebin-youth-commitment/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>TAFE sector: transition plans</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In relation to the leaked Baillieu government TAFE transition plans I note that they paint a very bleak picture for the future of Victorian TAFEs, detailing course cuts, job losses, fee hikes and campus closures. I am concerned for my &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/tafe-sector-transition-plans/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/tafe-sector-transition-plans/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Northern Health: interpreting service</title>
		<description><![CDATA[My matter this evening is for the Minister for Health and Minister for Ageing. The matter I wish to raise relates to the cuts by Northern Health to its interpreting services. I understand that the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/northern-health-interpreting-service/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/northern-health-interpreting-service/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Cuts to Interpreters at Northern Hospital Causes Concern for Patients</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Baillieu Government has cut back on the number of interpreting appointments being made for patients at the Northern Hospital as part of cost-saving measures implementedthree weeks ago, Shadow Minister for Seniors and Ageing, Jenny Mikakos said.  Protesting alongside the &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/cuts-to-interpreters-at-northern-hospital-causes-concern-for-patients/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/media-releases/cuts-to-interpreters-at-northern-hospital-causes-concern-for-patients/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Cuts to Interpreters at Northern Hospital</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Jenny, along with the Member for Mill Park, Lily D&#8217;Ambrosio and the Member for Thomastown, Bronwyn Halfpenny, joined concerned local residents at the Northern Hospital on 8 October 2012 to rally against the Baillieu Government&#8217;s cuts to the the number of interpreting appointments &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/cuts-to-interpreters-at-northern-hospital/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/cuts-to-interpreters-at-northern-hospital/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Elective Surgery Waiting Lists Growing</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Victorian Labor has released a report that shows the elective surgery performance of Victorian Hospitals is in crisis due to massive funding cuts by the Baillieu Government.  Under Labor in 2010, 80 per cent of people who needed an elective surgery &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/elective-surgery-waiting-lists-growing/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/elective-surgery-waiting-lists-growing/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Fronditha Care 35th Anniversay Celebrations</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 23 September Jenny attended the 35th Anniversary Celebrations of Fronditha Care. Since its humble beginnings, Fronditha Care has continued to expand its facilities to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate aged care services for the ageing Greek community. Fronditha Care provides &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/fronditha-care-35th-anniversay-celebrations/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/fronditha-care-35th-anniversay-celebrations/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Opening of the Warringal Regional Family Playspace</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In 2010, the then Brumby Labor Government announced $210,000 funding for a family playspace within the Warringal Parklands in Heidelberg.  On 18 September 2012, Jenny, along with the Member for Ivanhoe, Anthony Carbines (pictured), were pleased to attend the official opening &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/opening-of-the-warringal-regional-family-playspace/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/opening-of-the-warringal-regional-family-playspace/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Fire-Fighters’ Rally Against Baillieu Government Cuts</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 13 September 2012, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Andrews, along with other Labor MP’s joined more than 1000 career, volunteer fire-fighters and support staff who took to the steps of parliament to voice their opposition to the Baillieu &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/fire-fighters%e2%80%99-rally-against-baillieu-government-cuts/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/fire-fighters%e2%80%99-rally-against-baillieu-government-cuts/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Residential Tenancies and Other Consumer Acts Amendment Bill 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I rise to speak on the Residential Tenancies and Other Consumer Acts Amendment Bill 2012. This is an omnibus bill that deals with a range of matters. However, the bill mostly relates to rooming houses and in particular to the establishment &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/residential-tenancies-and-other-consumer-acts-amendment-bill-2012/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/residential-tenancies-and-other-consumer-acts-amendment-bill-2012/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Dementia Awareness Week</title>
		<description><![CDATA[This morning I was very pleased to attend the launch of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Dementia, which was co-convened by Wade Noonan, the member for Williamstown in the Assembly, and Nick Wakeling, the member for Ferntree Gully in the &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/dementia-awareness-week/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/dementia-awareness-week/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Early childhood services: funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan) &#8212; My question is to the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development. Why has the minister&#8217;s government reduced the indexation payable to local councils in relation to their provision of early childhood services? Hon. W. &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/early-childhood-services-funding-3/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/early-childhood-services-funding-3/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Sustainable Government Initiative</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I am pleased to speak in support of Ms Pulford&#8217;s motion, and I commend her for bringing the motion to the house. I listened with interest to Mr Finn&#8217;s contribution, although it was not clear exactly what the motion was &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/sustainable-government-motion/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/sustainable-government-motion/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Dementia: age-specific care</title>
		<description><![CDATA[I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Ageing. The matter I raise relates to the increasing prevalence of dementia in Victoria and the Victorian government&#8217;s response to this. In my members statement this morning I referred &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/dementia-age-specific-care/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/dementia-age-specific-care/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Jenny Speaks at the Bendigo TAFE Rally</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 6 September 2012, Jenny spoke at the Bendigo TAFE Rally protesting against the $290 million statewide funding cut as a result of the Baillieu Government’s assault on TAFE. Bendigo TAFE has a long and proud tradition of TAFE provision but the Baillieu Government has backed &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/baillieu-must-release-tafe-transition-plan/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/news-article/baillieu-must-release-tafe-transition-plan/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Teachers: protest rallies</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 5 September I, together with many of my parliamentary colleagues, witnessed one of the biggest rallies in front of this Parliament for many years &#8212; the Australian Education Union (AEU) rally in support of better pay and fairer conditions &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/teachers-protest-rallies/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/teachers-protest-rallies/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>TAFE sector: reform</title>
		<description><![CDATA[On 6 September I also attended the AEU protest in Bendigo against the Baillieu government&#8217;s million-dollar funding cuts to the TAFE sector. The government&#8217;s ripping of $290 million a year from this sector is being felt right across the state, &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/tafe-sector-reform/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/tafe-sector-reform/</link>
			</item>
	<item>
		<title>Social housing advocacy and support program: funding</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Last night at the Bendigo Art Gallery I saw a very powerful painting of a mother holding her child. It is entitled &#8216;Homeless&#8217;. The Baillieu government&#8217;s decision to cut funding to housing initiatives, including Victoria&#8217;s most successful homelessness prevention initiative, &#8230; <a href="http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/social-housing-advocacy-and-support-program-funding/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>]]></description>
		<link>http://www.jennymikakos.com.au/parliament/social-housing-advocacy-and-support-program-funding/</link>
			</item>
</channel>
</rss>
