Making lively

Won’t go quietly

Farewell: Independent Member for Morwell Russell Northe delivered his valedictory speech in parliament last week.

photograph michelle slater

Find out about it and have your say Drop in to meet the project team Wednesday 5th October

anytime between 4pm-7pm Gormandale Hall/ Mechanics Institute 45 Main Street, Gormandale Vic 387 Any questions? Contact Jesse: 0477 799 075

By MICHELLE SLATER

THE outgoing Member for Morwell, Russell Northe, is calling for the next state government to establish an inquiry into gambling harm or initiate a commission for gambling safety. The Independent MP delivered his valedictory speech in parliament last week outlining his 16-year career in politics, in the final sitting before the state election in November. Mr Northe had previously stated he would not re-contest the election after taking the seat in 2006 as a Nationals MP. He switched to an independent in 2017 after taking a break, citing gambling and mental health issues. “We cannot have the situation where the issues around gambling harm sit with the Minister for Gaming—there is too much conflict,” Mr Northe told parliament. “At the very least, let us pull all this apart by way of an immediate and comprehensive parliamentary inquiry as soon as the new government is elected.” Mr Northe said he hoped to transition in his post-parliamentary career to suicide prevention, mental health or gambling reform. He said gambling harm needed to be treated as a public health issue as it affected vulnerable people and cost billions and billions of dollars every year. “I will not rest until we see positive change in this space, until we see a reduction in the enormous harm and hurt that many individuals and families are experiencing,” he said. “So hopefully I will continue to see many of you post-the election as I continue on this advocacy journey.” Mr Northe pointed to his own experience living with “an undiagnosed mental health condition, during which time I unintentionally hurt many people. “That is a big cross to bear, but it is important those people close to me know how dearly sorry I am for any pain that I caused,” he said. “But when you are living with a person with poor mental health or undiagnosed mental ill health, and they are displaying out-of-character and uncharacteristic behaviours, it is damn hard to understand, let alone deal with it.” Mr Northe also looked back at his inaugural speech in 2006, when he cited the importance of the energy industry, and suggested to build a new coal-fired power station in the Latrobe Valley. “Whilst I understand and concede that that is a fantasy in the current environment, some of the issues around energy security and supply are still real today,” he said. “I spoke about unemployment being a burden in the Latrobe Valley, and in many respects it still is today, but hopefully we can overcome those particular things.”

Masks: not mandatory, but recommended

MASKS are no longer mandatory on public transport, with the state government citing COVID numbers that are below their winter peak. Mask rules were relaxed last week, and are now in effect. Masks will longer be required on public transport or in taxis, rideshare services or tourism vehicles, and will instead be strongly recommended, in line with the existing indoor mask recommendations. Masks continue to be strongly recommended in indoor settings, in situations where people can’t physically distance, for people who have any COVID symptoms, and for anyone who may be immunocompromised or vulnerable to COVID. The requirement to wear face masks will remain in some circumstances - such as visiting a hospital, care facility or any other indoor space that is publicly accessible in a healthcare setting, including allied health providers. Masks are also required if you have COVID or are a close or household contact and are not required to quarantine. For example, because you have tested negative on a rapid antigen test. The decision brings Victoria in line with mask requirements in most other states, and will provide more national consistency on the approach to mask wearing. Face masks remain a low-cost and highly effective tool to help reduce transmission and protect those most at-risk in the community. “These sensible changes provide consistency for the community on mask-wearing requirements and I thank the Chief Health Officer for his advice on this matter,” Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said. “It’s vitally important that Victorians stay up to date with their COVID vaccinations, to help prevent serious illness and to ease pressure on the health system. “As we move to living with COVID, it’s important we ensure enduring behaviour change in the community - and that means giving people the choice to wear masks to protect themselves and those around them.” People should also maintain good ventilation indoors, get tested if they have symptoms, and speak to their doctor about COVID treatments. For more information about mask requirements, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/face-masks.