EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — APSLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services to Apsley Primary School, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows:…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — KANIVA

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Kaniva, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — NHILL

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Nhill, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — STAWELL

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Stawell, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — MAROONA

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Maroona, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — CLUNES

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Clunes, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — HORSHAM

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Horsham, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — FORREST

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Forrest, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — COLAC

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Colac, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — COLERAINE

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Coleraine, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — WINCHELSEA

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Winchelsea, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — CAVENDISH

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Cavendish, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — MOUNT DUNEED

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Mount Duneed, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — ALVIE

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Alvie, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — MORIAC

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Moriac, can the minister guarantee that these services will not be cut or reduced as a result of the Baillieu government’s review of school bus routes. ANSWER: I am informed as follows: The Department…

JOHN STANFORD AND HELEN PROUD

It is with great sadness that I stand to speak on the recent passing of two great Labor people in western Victoria, John Stanford and Helen Proud. Jack, as he was known, Stanford returned from World War II determined to play his part in creating a more equitable society. For just 3 shillings Jack joined…

BAILLIEU BACKFLIPS ON BOOKS

An overwhelming backlash from the community has forced the Baillieu Government to reverse its decision to dramatically cut funding from public libraries, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today. Ms Tierney said the Colac Otway Shire and the local community should be congratulated on their efforts in forcing Mr Baillieu to see reason. “After…

TIERNEY URGES FAMILIES TO FIGHT FOR CHILDCARE FUNDING

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has urged Surf Coast residents to sign a petition fighting for childcare funding along the Surf Coast. Launching the petition in Anglesea, Ms Tierney met with Anglesea Community House manager, Alex Leknius to discuss the impacts the Baillieu Government’s decision to scrap the Take a Break program will…

REGIONAL CITIES: GOVERNMENT POLICY

My adjournment matter is for the attention of the Minister for Regional Cities, Dr Napthine, and concerns regional cities and regional centres. In 2010 the previous Labor government approved amendment VC71 to the state planning policy framework. This introduced regional Victoria’s settlement framework, which recognised Hamilton as a regional city and centre. This was done…

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY: REPORT 2010

I rise to make a contribution on the Deakin University annual report 2010. I would like to begin by acknowledging Professor Sally Walker, the former vice-chancellor of Deakin University, who resigned from her position during the reporting period. Professor Walker was Deakin’s fifth vice-chancellor and its first woman vice-chancellor. She led the university for seven…

CROATIAN COMMUNITY: INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS

On another note, I wish to signal my appreciation to the Croatian community in Geelong for its warm hospitality on Saturday night. The well-attended function was to recognise the 20th anniversary of Croatian independence. This is a well-organised community which has really contributed to making Geelong a great place to live.

COMMUNITY SECTOR: WAGES

On 8 June I joined many of my parliamentary Labor colleagues, along with thousands of other Victorians, to rally to fight for equal pay in the equal pay case currently before Fair Work Australia. In the most significant equal pay decision since the 1969 adoption of equal pay for work of equal value, Fair Work…

LEADERS FOR GEELONG: RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of attending the 2009-11 Leaders for Geelong team research project breakfast in Geelong. The event showcased five presentations of research projects conducted over the past two years by some of Geelong’s leaders, including projects on school bullying in Geelong, which dealt with the trends in Geelong and successful practices…

LOAVES AND FISHES: FUNDING

My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge. It is in relation to an organisation in Portland called Loaves and Fishes, which is a food bank that provides emergency food relief for those in need in the Portland area. The volunteers, staff and committee of management of Loaves and Fishes…

COALITION LEAVE GEELONG OUT ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT AGAIN

After mercilessly criticising the Myki ticketing system before the November 2010 State election, the Baillieu Government has accepted the system making just a few minor changes. The Member for South Barwon, Andrew Katos and the Baillieu Government must now explain how the Myki system will work in Geelong, the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney…

AVALON AIRPORT: FUTURE

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry. I refer to the government’s commitment to build a railway line to Avalon Airport and to last week’s decision by Tiger Airways to reduce services from Avalon in favour of Tullamarine. I ask: what measures does the government have…

SHIRE OF COLAC OTWAY: AWARD

On another note, I take this opportunity to congratulate the Colac Otway Shire Council, which recently won an award for the best annual report in the ‘low resources’ section of the Municipal Association of Victoria’s annual reporting awards. I would like to echo Mayor Brian Crook’s words: “These awards not only reflect the quality of…

RURAL PRESS CLUB OF VICTORIA: BREAKFAST

On Friday morning of the last sitting week I was fortunate enough to attend the Rural Press Club of Victoria breakfast. The guest speaker was Alana Johnson, farmer and 2010 Victorian rural woman of the year. Alana spoke of her vision for rural and regional Australia and of the role the philanthropic sector can play…

BAILLIEU AXES HOME WISE FOR VULNERABLE

The Baillieu Government must rethink its decision to axe emergency assistance to low-income Victorians to repair or replace essential appliances, Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today. “Mr Baillieu’s choice to axe the Home Wise program is shameful and will leave many people in Surfcoast out in the cold this winter,” Ms Tierney…

AWARDS TO RECOGNISE SURFCOAST OUTSTANDING SENIORS

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has called on the surfcoast community to nominate outstanding seniors ahead of this year’s Senior of the Year Awards. “Seniors on the surfcoast are a vital part of our community and the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards is a great way to recognise their contribution,” Ms…

AWARDS TO RECOGNISE COLAC OUTSTANDING SENIORS

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has called on the Colac community to nominate outstanding seniors ahead of this year’s Senior of the Year Awards. “Seniors in Colac are a vital part of our community and the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards is a great way to recognise their contribution,” Ms Tierney…

BAILLIEU AXES HOME WISE FOR VULNERABLE COLAC RESIDENTS

The Baillieu Government must rethink its decision to axe emergency assistance to low-income Victorians to repair or replace essential appliances, Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today. “Mr Baillieu’s choice to axe the Home Wise program is shameful and will leave many people in Colac out in the cold this winter,” Ms Tierney…

AWARDS TO RECOGNISE CORANGAMITE OUTSTANDING SENIORS

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has called on the Corangamite community to nominate outstanding seniors ahead of this year’s Senior of the Year Awards. “Seniors in Corangamite are a vital part of our community and the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards is a great way to recognise their contribution,” Ms Tierney…

AWARDS TO RECOGNISE PORTLAND OUTSTANDING SENIORS

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has called on the Portland community to nominate outstanding seniors ahead of this year’s Senior of the Year Awards. “Seniors in Portland are a vital part of our community and the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards is a great way to recognise their contribution,” Ms Tierney…

BAILLIEU AXES HOME WISE FOR VULNERABLE PORTLAND RESIDENTS

The Baillieu Government must rethink its decision to axe emergency assistance to low-income Victorians to repair or replace essential appliances, Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today. “Mr Baillieu’s choice to axe the Home Wise program is shameful and will leave many people in Portland out in the cold this winter,” Ms Tierney…

COLAC SECONDARY COLLEGE: FOOTBALL AND CRICKET OVAL

My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Education and is in relation to Colac Secondary College. I beg the indulgence of the house to give some background, because it is not simply about providing a football and cricket oval at the school; there is also a significant history. In April 2008 construction…

SOUTH WEST TAFE: REPORT 2010

I rise to make a contribution on the South West TAFE annual report for 2010. I would like to begin with a short profile of South West TAFE to get a sense of the service area that this important training and education institution covers in south-western Victoria. Its catchment area covers a huge expanse, approximately…

WORK PLAN

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — Firstly, I might create a world first by saying I agree with Mrs Peulich in terms of this motion not being riveting. The fact is it is not meant to be a riveting motion; it is a straight up and down, black and white request for a particular committee that…

NATIONAL CELTIC FESTIVAL, PORTARLINGTON

Much enjoyment was had in Portarlington over the weekend. Many of us had our musical hearts stolen by Eleanor McEvoy, whilst Solas and Claymore gave strong, tight and rallying performances. The National Celtic Festival team outdid itself this year. A strong line-up and record attendances led to Portarlington bouncing all weekend. The program appealed to…

ANGLESEA PRIMARY SCHOOL: REDEVELOPMENT

On Sunday, 22 May, I had the great pleasure of attending Anglesea Primary School’s farewell to the old school and welcome to the new school celebration. Beginning at what is now termed ‘the old school’, hundreds of students, parents, teachers and Anglesea residents relived memories of their days at the school, browsing through the classrooms…

CANCER COUNCIL VICTORIA: ANNUAL REVIEW 2010

I rise to speak on Cancer Council Victoria — Annual Review 2010. I am particularly pleased to speak about the excellent work that the council does, but today is also a significant day for another valuable organisation. It is the first day of the Heart Foundation’s Go Red for Women campaign, and I commend those…

RAIL: NORTH SHORE STATION

If Mrs Coote is listening in her room, I can inform her that I am far from wilting. I am standing here and ready to talk about the North Shore train station in Geelong. It is an adjournment matter for the Minister for Public Transport, Terry Mulder. The North Shore station is one of three…

BUDGET PAPERS 2011-12

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I also rise to speak on the budget papers for 2011-12. I, along with many other Victorians, looked forward to seeing the much-awaited budget of the first Baillieu government. One of the reasons we were looking forward to it was that we were wanting some indication about how this government…

HEART DISEASE: GO RED FOR WOMEN

On another matter, I take this opportunity to encourage all members to wear a dash of red tomorrow to support the Heart Foundation’s Go Red for Women campaign. The campaign raises awareness of heart disease as the no. 1 killer of Australian women and raises issues of risk, symptoms and treatments to help lower the…

BILL ROYCROFT

I stand to speak on the sad passing of one of the true legends of Olympic sport in Australia, Bill Roycroft, who died on Sunday in Camperdown at the age of 95. Bill was Australia’s oldest surviving Olympian and the patriarch of equestrian sports in this country. Grant Baldock, Equestrian Australia chief executive officer, said:…

OCEAN GROVE: SPORTS PRECINCT

I rise to speak about the Baillieu government’s non-funding of the Ocean Grove sports hub redevelopment, which is putting the survival of local sporting clubs in serious jeopardy. The previous Labor government promised $5 million for this redevelopment, the Gillard Labor government committed $2 million and the City of Greater Geelong is also committing to…

PLANNING: AMENDMENT C60

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I rise this afternoon to speak in support of Mr Tee’s motion, and I do so on a number of grounds. Mr Tee and others have taken us through a number of issues pertaining to the history of this matter. This afternoon I would like to take the chamber as…

SEA VIEW HOUSE, PORTLAND: FUTURE

I am pleased to see the Minister for Health in the chamber tonight being the duty minister, as my adjournment matter is for him. It is in relation to Sea View House at Portland. I am aware that the minister is familiar with the situation in Portland. I can indicate that I also have been…

PORTARLINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL: FUNDING

Many in this chamber know of the critical role that well-resourced schools, particularly those in smaller communities, play in the general health and wellbeing of a community. Portarlington Primary School is very much the heart, the soul and the future of Portarlington. It has a good number of enrolments, great teachers, a caring and driven…

TIERNEY PUSHES FOR PORTARLINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has raised the much needed upgrade for the Portarlington Primary School in Parliament today. After recently visiting the school with the Leader of the Opposition, Daniel Andrews,and Bellerine MP, Lisa Neville, Ms Tierney has again advocated for vital funding to upgrade the Primary School. “PortarlingtonPrimary School has a…

FRIENDS OF THE MELTON BOTANIC GARDEN

Ms TIERNEY — On another matter, I draw attention to the work being done by the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden, in particular by Jill Bentley and Alan Benson, a retired Toyota shop steward in the vehicle division of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union. Jill and Alan work hard to make sure that Melton…

NORTH WEST MUNICIPALITIES ASSOCIATION: FLOODS EXHIBITION

I rise to thank the Gannawarra, Northern Grampians, Buloke, Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh shire councils, along with the West Wimmera and Loddon shires and the Swan Hill, Mildura and Horsham rural city councils, all of which form part of the North West Municipalities Association, for their floods exhibition currently being displayed in Queen’s Hall. The exhibition…

JOBWATCH: FUNDING

I rise to speak in support of Ms Pulford’s motion to condemn the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations for deciding to cease funding JobWatch. One of the most important aspects of one’s life is secure employment; it is very important to a whole range of people over the course of their lifetimes. Unfortunately securing…

NO MONEY AND NO SUPPORT FOR POLWARTH

The first budget delivered by the Coalition contains no vision to grow our state, no plan to create jobs, and no plan to ensure Victorians can access the infrastructure they need into the future. Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP said the budget clearly shows the Baillieu Government has no vision to grow our…

NO MONEY AND NO SUPPORT FOR THE SOUTH WEST

The first budget delivered by the Coalition contains no vision to grow our state, no plan to create jobs, and no plan to ensure Victorians can access the infrastructure they need into the future. Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP said the budget clearly shows the Baillieu Government has no vision to grow our…

TIERNEY CALLS FOR CLARITY ON BARWON HEADS KINDER

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP has spoken in Parliament calling for the Baillieu Government to inform the Barwon Heads community on when and where the new Barwon Heads Kindergarten will be built. Prior to the November 2010 election work had commenced on identifying an appropriate site and time-line for construction by the Brumby…

TERNEY CALLS FOR ACTION ON PIONEER ROAD CONGESTION

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney has called on the Baillieu Government in Parliament to fund the much needed upgrade of the Pioneer Road intersection at Waurn Ponds. Prior to the November election the previous Labor Government committed $13.5 million to widen Pioneer Road to a four lane road between the Princes Highway and Meadowvale…

BARWON HEADS: KINDERGARTEN FUNDING

My adjournment matter this evening is directed to the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, and it is in relation to the Barwon Heads kindergarten. Many people would be aware that a new Barwon Heads kindergarten is required to be built on a new site as the current site is too small for a…

REGIONAL GROWTH FUND BILL 2011

I am very pleased to make a contribution to the debate on the Regional Growth Fund Bill 2011. In November last year the coalition parties went to the election in respect of this fund and mentioned that $1 billion would be provided over eight years. At the time of the election I am sure a…

BARWON HEADS BOWLING CLUB: 40TH ANNIVERSARY

On another note, last Sunday I attended the Barwon Heads Bowling Club’s 40th anniversary. It was clear to see from the sheer number of people who attended the celebration that this club is a very important part of the Barwon Heads community. It was also clear to see the many great memories and lifelong friendships…

PORTLAND: COASTAL PROJECTS

I wish to report progress to the house on two important projects in Portland. Last week I took the opportunity to visit two sites that attracted funding from the previous state government. The first was the development of the Nuns Beach precinct, and I am pleased to report to the house that $250 000 of…