We know that the role of gender inequality contributes to the prevalence of domestic violence. This is an issue we need all to take a united stand on as a community.

We need to ensure that our approaches are evidence-based and based on best practice from across the world.

We need to change the culture that allows violence by sending the right messages to our children. We need to support early childhood and school educators to embed Respectful Relationships into the curriculum from preschool, throughout primary and secondary education.

We ask all levels of government to unite to work together on prevention of violence, as well as providing service to those needing immediate and ongoing support. Raising awareness of gender equity is essential to changing attitudes towards women that can lead to disrespect and violence.

We are asking that all women politicians at every level of government and from all sides of politics join us and pledge to Take A Stand against Violence affecting women and children.

We also ask our men colleagues and male community leaders to stand beside us and continue to support our efforts to work together against family violence.

We also thank all of the wonderful service providers and people across the community who are doing so much to address family violence.

We add our voice to the enormous efforts already being made by so many.

Together we can tackle family violence and make our homes and communities safer places. Join us in our united effort to say no to violence against women.

This statement is signed by: Crs Amanda McClaren, Strathbogie Shire; Amanda Stone, Yarra City; Andrea Surace, Moonee Valley City; Anita Rank, Glenelg Shire; Anna Speedie, Wodonga City; Bernadene Voss, Port Phillip City; Bev Colomb, Mornington Peninsula Shire; Carolyn Crossley, Wellington Shire; Catherine Cumming, Maribyrnong City; Charlotte Bisset, Murrindindi; Debra Nelson, Hindmarsh Shire; Denise Massoud, Whitehorse City; Helen Davidson, Moreland City; Jami Klisaris, Stonnington City; Jennifer Anderson, Macedon Ranges Shire; Jenny O'Connor, Indigo Shire; Jo Beard, Corangamite Shire; Kellie O'Callaghan, Latrobe City; Kim Le Cerf, Darebin City; Kylie Gaston, Warrnambool City; Margaret O'Rourke, Greater Bendigo City; Mary Ann Brown, Southern Grampians Shire; Mary Delahunty, Glen Eira City; Michelle Kleinert, Manningham City; Pamela Clarke, Horsham Rural City; Pamela Rothfield, Bass Coast Shire; Rebecca Paterson, Monash City; Rhonda Sanderson, Mitchell Shire; Samantha McIntosh, Ballarat City; Sandra Wilson, Hobsons Bay City; Sharon Telford, Mount Alexander Shire; and Sophie Ramsey, Melton City.

THE latest building approvals and international trade data shows Victoria’s dynamic economy continues to generate robust business activity across the state.

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Victoria experienced the largest growth in September among all mainland states for non‑residential building approvals – more than 35 per cent. That’s seven per cent higher over the year.

Overall, the total value of Victorian building approvals in September increased by 14.5 per cent to $3.49 billion.

Over the year, the total value of Victorian building approvals is up 2.3 per cent, compared to a national decline of 9.5 per cent during the same period.

The strong building data coincides with the release of the latest international trade figures from the ABS, which shows Victoria’s exports of goods increased by more than 12 per cent over the year to $2.23 billion.

In total, Victorian exports during the year were worth $25.5 billion.

The strong building approvals and trade figures are consistent with a range of economic indicators that underline the strength of the Victorian economy, which has created more than 280,000 jobs since the Andrews Labor Government was elected.

Tim Pallas, Victorian Treasurer

THE state government is cracking down on developers that flout Victoria’s heritage protection, with new laws coming into force.

The Heritage Act 2017 is now in effect, ensuring Victoria’s long list of heritage assets is appropriately protected and reserved for future generations.

Our heritage is our history and a celebration of Victoria’s suburbs and towns. It’s a big driver of tourism, and an educational trip through time for students.

But too often, developers flout the rules and write off meagre fines as the price to pay for doing the illegal works they want to do.

The Act sets out new compliance and enforcement powers and doubles the maximum penalties for unauthorised works to heritage places.

The maximum penalty for knowingly or recklessly removing, demolishing, damaging or excavating a registered heritage place will be $746,208 or five years prison for an individual, while body corporates could be hit with fines of up to $1.49 million.

The Act also gives local councils new powers to assess permits for works that may impact heritage assets.

There are more than 2300 places and objects and 650 shipwrecks on the Victorian Heritage Register. For more information, visit heritage.vic.gov.au/legislation.

Richard Wynne, Victorian Planning Minister