The Allan Labor Government has once again voted down life-saving reforms that would give police stronger powers to crack down on knife crime across Victoria.

Premier Jacinta Allan’s refusal to introduce Jack’s Law is a deeply disappointing blow to community safety, particularly as knife-related violence continues to devastate families across the state.

Jack’s Law, already adopted in every other Australian state, would allow police to use wanding powers to scan for, detect and remove dangerous weapons such as knives in high-risk public areas including transport hubs, shopping centres, sporting grounds and entertainment precincts.

Jack’s Law is proven, practical and designed to save lives.

It should not be controversial, and it should not be delayed.

Yet Victoria is the only state still refusing to act.

The proposed reform honours 17-year-old Queenslander Jack Beasley, who was tragically killed in a knife attack in 2019.

His parents, through the Jack Beasley Foundation, have led a national push to strengthen police powers and prevent similar tragedies.

The Allan Labor Government has ignored calls for action for more than 18 months, only agreeing to meet with Jack’s father, Brett Beasley, after sustained pressure from The Nationals' and Liberals in Parliament last week.

Instead of listening to grieving families and frontline police, Labor has once again chosen politics over people.

Every day Jacinta Allan delays Jack’s Law is another day Victorians are put at risk.

Tim McCurdy, Nationals' MP for Ovens Valley

Jazz and blues committee thanks community

Thanks to community and supporters from the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues Committee.

The committee would like to thank all who supported the 35th Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues 2025.

The support shown for the Community Stage at the Holy Trinity Cathedral precinct in particular was exceptional.

We could not have achieved an exciting festival without our sponsors, volunteers, artists, supporters and the audiences who attended all the program performances.

We are continuing to explore new ways to improve and cannot wait for the 36th Festival which will be held on Friday, 30 October – Monday, 2 November 2026.

Leslie Bolitho, on behalf of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues Committee 2025.

Safety campaign pushes e-scooter laws

The Allan Labor Government along with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has relaunched its powerful road safety campaign to remind parents that it is illegal for people under the age of 16 to ride e-scooters.

Last year, five people including one person under 16 years of age, lost their lives while riding an e-scooter on Victorian roads.

The refreshed campaign - If you think e-scooters are a toy, think again - uses stop-motion animation to depict toy-like riders engaging in dangerous and illegal behaviour, and has been expanded to include a new animation focused on underage riding and a video featuring emergency department doctors who share their experiences treating e-scooter injuries.

The campaign is aimed towards parents and guardians who might be considering purchasing an e-scooter as a gift this Christmas – to highlight the consequences of reckless e-scooter use and increase awareness of the permanent rules and penalties for underage riding, riding without a helmet, riding on a footpath, carrying a passenger and riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Labor government introduced laws in October last year to regulate the use of e-scooters on Victorian roads, including tough penalties for speeding, underage riding, riding without a helmet, riding on a footpath and carrying a passenger.

The campaign will run until Friday, 30 January 2026 across a wide range of channels.

To learn more about the e-scooter rules, visit transport.vic.gov.au/road-and-active-transport.

Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Public and Active Transport