MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (09:47:44) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s support for Victoria’s adult and community education providers known as Learn Locals. On 30 August 2018 I attended the 2018 Victorian Learn Local Awards and announced a new $5 million program to boost literacy, numeracy and language training for…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (10:27:38) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s game-changing free TAFE for priority courses initiative. I was delighted to join the Premier and Deputy Premier at Melbourne Polytechnic, Greensborough campus, for the opening of the Banyule-Nillumbik Tech School, a campus reopened by this government…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (10:39:19) — I rise to honour Joe Pearl. Joe Pearl arrived in Australia in 1953 from rural Turkenagh in County Clare, Ireland. Joe’s Gaelic name, Seosamh ó Seoid, means ‘jewel’, perhaps explaining the family name, Pearl. Joe looked to Australia for opportunity, bringing with him a lifelong love of learning despite…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (11:32:07) — The government is continuing its historic work to transform Victoria’s response to family violence so that victim survivors are better supported and perpetrators are held to account. We have committed to implementing all to 227 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence, and through the 2017–18 budget invested an…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (11:57:06) — I will make some summation remarks, but before I do so I would like to extend my thoughts and condolences to Angela Taylor’s family and friends, and also indicate that my thoughts are absolutely with all of those who were injured and with the families and friends of those…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (12:49:28) — I was dealing with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities in my summing up. I mentioned that the opposition had raised the issue of the statement of compatibility for this bill. The statement of compatibility considers that this bill limits rights in the charter, and that is based…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (20:40:12) — I thank members for the contributions that they made to the house in previous weeks to this debate, and I would like to take this opportunity to address some of the issues raised by members here and indeed in the other place as well. Most of the…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) tabled following statement in accordance with Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006: In accordance with section 28 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Charter), I make this Statement of Compatibility with respect to the Corrections Amendment (Parole) Bill 2018 (Bill). In my opinion, the Bill,…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (17:36:23) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. The main purpose of the bill is to enhance community safety by clarifying the application of the strict parole laws for prisoners convicted of murdering a police officer, including the prisoner Dr Craig Minogue. This is to reaffirm the…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (17:31:14) — This bill deals with important reforms to the post-sentence scheme and, along with related operational reforms, will acquit the remaining outstanding legislative recommendations of the Harper review. I want to take this opportunity to thank Justice Harper, Professor Paul Mullen and Professor Bernadette McSherry for their diligent work and…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (17:38:24) — I thank everyone who has made a contribution so far in this debate and indeed thank all of those who participated in the Betrayal of Trust committee hearings as well as the royal commission. This bill closes the unfair legal loophole known as the ‘Ellis defence’, where a victim…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (12:38:57) — I rise today to inform the house of a great project focused on early intervention to assist young people in Geelong. The Geelong Project — TGP — is a fantastic example of a homegrown, innovative strategy to deal with a very serious problem on a local scale. It has…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (18:54:41) — These new laws deliver on our election commitment to improve access to justice for all Victorians, especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community. Before the 2014 election we did commit to a review of access to justice if we won office, and that is exactly…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (09:49:16) — Anzac Day this year had a special focus on the centenary of the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux, which is of particular significance for Australians. In April 1918 in a battle to reclaim lost ground on the Western Front in France there were over 2400 casualties out of 3900 Australians who…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (09:47:30) — I rise to update the house on the funding boost provided to Auslan training in regional Victoria by the Andrews Labor government. For the first time people in regional Victoria will be able to study Auslan qualifications up to diploma level without having to travel to Melbourne,…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (17:23:07) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: It has often been said in this house that long service leave is a benefit that all workers should enjoy, as a reward for long and faithful service, and to allow workers…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (17:26:21) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: Background on the Access to Justice Review In 2015 and 2016, the Victorian Government undertook a review into access to justice, which was aimed at reducing the barriers to dispute resolution and improving access…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (11:29:38) — Also, on behalf of the government, I wish to sincerely thank the efforts of all staff, whether they be the clerks, the attendants, those working in the library, those working in catering or Hansard. It is an enormous effort, and it is that effort that makes working at…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (13:15:04) — Last week Minister Pulford and I visited fire-affected areas in the south-west to meet with local families, some of whom have lost so much, including their family homes. There were many fires on the St Patrick’s Day weekend, but the four main blazes at Terang, Camperdown, Garvoc and Gazette…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (10:51:20) — I rise to make a contribution to the debate and oppose the motion to revoke the planning scheme amendment GC65 moved by Mr Davis, which would have the effect of stopping work on and then further delaying the West Gate tunnel project. There are no legitimate grounds for…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (10:10:04) — I recognise that tomorrow is International Women’s Day and use this opportunity to congratulate the women in my electorate on their outstanding achievements, past and present, and note the positive encouragement of this government’s policies in encouraging the community participation of our women. Local government is one…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (09:53:21) — I rise to inform the house that the new Post Sentence Authority, charged with overseeing many of Victoria’s most serious criminals, has officially started work. The independent authority with its inaugural chair, Judge Ian Gray, will assume the role that the Adult Parole Board of Victoria (APB) played previously, but…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (16:41:15) — I do note that this bill has been before the house since about 9.45 a.m. today, and we are almost about to go into committee. Honourable members interjecting. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Dunn) — Order! Ms TIERNEY — Thank you, Acting President; I was just checking to see if they were still…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (15:06:56) — Thank you for the opportunity to respond to a number of points that members of the house have made in the second reading. This bill, together with the stage one reforms, includes the most comprehensive changes to the Bail Act 1977 since it was first passed in 1977,…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (09:55:47) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s skills and jobs centres and the recent extension of services they provide for the Victorian community. This afternoon I will have the pleasure of launching the Bendigo Kangan Institute’s skills and jobs centre bus on the…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (11:31:30) — It is pleasing that the opposition has indicated that they do not oppose this bill. The bill consolidates, modernises and streamlines legal processes to improve accessibility and equality before the law. These are much-needed reforms. Currently there is not one guiding act that clearly sets out how…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (09:36:47) — I rise to inform the house of Labor’s steady progress on making Victoria safe. Labor has increased frontline police by over 640 since 2014. As we would all be aware, this has led to a 6.3 per cent decrease in the last crime stats report. This is the…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (15:55:48) — I rise to provide the summation in relation to the government’s position in respect of this important bill. The government has a longstanding commitment to work with Victoria Police and the Police Association Victoria (TPA) to develop a suite of reforms to comprehensively address threats and acts…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (12:43:42) — I rise to update the house on the fire that took place at the privately operated Port Phillip Prison in the early hours of 29 November. Thankfully all staff were safely evacuated and prisoner accommodation was not impacted by the fire. While the cause of the fire is being investigated,…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (11:47:02) — I rise to sum up and provide some points of clarification that have been asked of me by members of the house, but prior to doing that I ask that the house amendment I will move in my name be circulated. This is an amendment that deals…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (11:41:45) — I rise because a number of issues have been raised in relation to acquisition; in particular Dr Rachel Carling-Jenkins raised this issue. The purpose of me standing at this point in time is to assure members of this house that the government and its agencies will continue to…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (13:27:50) — I am pleased to rise to sum up what has been an interesting discussion on this important bill before the house. This government is committed to supporting victims of family violence, and we are proud to introduce a bill which will assist people suffering from family violence…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (16:53:55) — I do wish to make a contribution on the matter that has been brought to the chamber by Mr Davis in respect of the Markham estate. I would like to also continue the theme that Mr Mulino has developed in respect of those opposite actually bringing forward a motion…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (09:49:00) — Ms Lovell raised concerns yesterday by pronouncing that Auslan funding will cease at the end of this year. Let me be clear: there is no basis to this statement. What is true is that the current qualifications are being reviewed for re-accreditation in 2018, a process that is…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (21:56:36) — I am pleased to rise to make a contribution to the debate on this very, very important matter for our community. This bill establishes a system for voluntary assisted dying which I believe is very conservative and cautious. It follows a careful, consultative process which involved an…
Parliament of Victoria – Search Hansard TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (16:35:41) — It is with great pleasure I rise to speak on behalf of the government on this motion. What a great opportunity to remind the house of the many investments this government is making to support many pathways through training and skills. The…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (12:44:58) — I rise to update the house on an important Andrews Labor government program to reduce the spread of bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B and C both in the community and in the corrections system. Rates of hepatitis C are much higher amongst prisoners than in the general population, with a…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (13:06:39) — I rise to congratulate my constituents for the work they do in fundraising for excellent causes. Last week I was very pleased to take part in the Pink Ribbon Breakfast organised by the Bellarine Women’s Network in support of research into breast cancer. This very well attended…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (15:50:12) — This bill makes a range of changes to improve the operation of the corrections system and to enhance community safety. Most of the changes are clearly reasonable, and I note that this bill receives broad support across the chamber. It addresses the inadequacy of contraband penalties and closes loopholes…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (09:58:58) — I rise this morning to talk about the Victorian Training Awards. I had the pleasure and the privilege of presenting our training awards to vocational education and training (VET) students, teachers, training providers and employers, recognising and honouring their outstanding achievements. These awards showcase not only the…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) (17:13:57) — This bill represents a significant step forward in implementing the reforms recommended by Justice Harper in his 2015 review. Dealing with serious sex and violent offenders is extremely difficult. We all wish that these offences were never committed, those victims were never victims and those people were not offenders.…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) — I rise to make a number of comments in relation to points that have been made by a variety of speakers over the course of this debate. I begin by also acknowledging the hard work and commitment that protective services officers (PSOs) and police officers exemplify every day in our…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s strong commitment to Victoria’s training and TAFE system through National Skills Week. National Skills Week, which starts on 28 August, is an opportunity for our TAFEs and other training providers to showcase the fantastic training and skill development…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — Last week many Western Victoria Region constituents received Victorian Disability Awards. The emerging leader award went to Warrnambool’s Bryce Pace, a year 12 Brauer College student. His outstanding effort in advocating for young people with autism makes Bryce, at 18, the youngest award winner. Bryce uses personal experience to…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) — We will see whether we will end up in committee. There were a number of questions primarily raised by the Greens party this afternoon in respect of matters in this bill, primarily as they deal with issues to do with court security officers (CSOs). One of the first questions asked…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) tabled following statement in accordance with Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006: In accordance with section 28 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (the charter), I make this statement of compatibility with respect to the Planning and Building Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability and…
Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard on motion of Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills). Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: This Planning and Building Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability and Other Matters) Bill 2017 introduces amendments to both the…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s important programs that assist in the rehabilitation of prisoners, in particular Aboriginal prisoners in the corrections system. Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of launching the Koori Art Trail expansion at the beautiful Beaufort Lake, which features 12 artworks painted…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — This week I attended my 11th Sheepvention in Hamilton, a fantastic western Victoria agricultural show and a cultural institution celebrating its 39th year. As ever, it was a great opportunity to meet constituents. Sheepvention incorporates the Hamilton and Western District Sheep Show, Suffolk being this year’s feature breed. Diversity — around…
To the Legislative Council of Victoria: The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the proposed logging of native forests of far south-west Victoria by the government’s logging agency, VicForests. Western Victoria is over 85 per cent cleared of original vegetation and the remaining far south-west…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) — I would like to thank all of the speakers that have contributed to the debate so far today. I am sure that we will have the opportunity to go through a number of issues in the committee stage, but I do think it is important to cover off on a…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s investment in Victoria’s TAFE system and in particular the Holmesglen Institute of TAFE. Last Thursday I had the pleasure of joining the member for Bentleigh in the Legislative Assembly, Nick Staikos, to officially open the new $8 million…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to congratulate the 26 residents of Western Victoria Region whose achievements and contributions to their communities have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours recently. Three were awarded AMs, 22 received OAMs and one was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal. These western Victorians cover the full…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews government’s support for apprentices in Victoria. As part of the 2017–18 budget, last Tuesday I announced an $8.2 million boost for apprentice support officers to ensure that Victoria’s first-year apprentices aged under 25 have the support they need to learn…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — On Saturday, 29 April, I had the opportunity to visit a really impressive example of revegetation and rehabilitation in my electorate of Western Victoria. The Basalt to Bay Landcare Network and the Green Line conservation and revegetation project from Koroit to Minhamite represents over five years of work under the…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — One of the best features of the two Anzac Day services I attended was the engagement of young people and children in the ceremonies and the dignity and respect they brought to the events. This was especially so at Portarlington, where school students and sporting team members attended,…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews government’s initiatives to further protect the Victorian community from violent and sexual offending. Recently I had the pleasure of officially opening the Catalyst Consortium at Swinburne University of Technology, which is conducting world-leading research into serious violent and sexual offending. With…
Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard on motion of Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills). Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: Family violence is our number one law and order issue. More than 78 012 family incidents were reported to…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) tabled following statement in accordance with Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006: In accordance with section 28 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (the ‘charter’), I make this statement of compatibility with respect to the Family Violence Protection Amendment Bill 2017. In my opinion,…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — By leave, I move: That in relation to the Family Violence Protection Amendment Bill 2017 — (1) the statement of compatibility with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 be tabled in lieu of that tabled on Tuesday, 2 May 2017; (2) the second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews government’s support for Learn Locals in Victoria. On Friday, 10 March, at the Wyndham Community and Education Centre — — Honourable members interjecting. The PRESIDENT — Order! Ms Tierney, can you start from the beginning? Unfortunately there was some noise across the chamber and…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to draw attention to the contribution of two women working at a local level and making a significant difference to other women within very different communities. Catherine Jenkins of South Purrumbete is a western Victoria dairy farmer who is switched on to issues confronting the industry…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews government’s programs to strengthen Aboriginal prisoners’ cultural connections and reduce recidivism through grants worth almost $2.5 million. Last Thursday, 16 March, I joined the member for Geelong in the Legislative Assembly, Christine Couzens, at the Aboriginal Justice Forum in Geelong to announce the…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — Last month the excitement of the Timboon P–12 School community past and present was absolutely clear as we turned the first sod of the long-awaited $5.2 million rebuild. This school community has laboured for years, never giving up, to realise a project beset by promises only to end in…
MS TIERNEY — On another note, this government’s $15 million emergency services volunteer sustainability grants program is boosting volunteer organisations statewide. Last week I announced 34 grants in my electorate for groups working hard to keep Victorians safe. These range from the Wye River Country Fire Authority (CFA) station extension to purchases of operational equipment and training for…
Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard on motion of Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills). Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: The bill will implement most of the outstanding recommendations from the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s 2013 Succession Laws…
Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard on motion of Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills). Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: The bill proposes amendments to the Education and Care Services National Law (national law) in schedule 1 to the…
Ordered that second-reading speech, except for statement under section 85(5) of the Constitution Act 1975, be incorporated into Hansard on motion of Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills). Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: The bill will implement legislative changes needed to…
Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard on motion of Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills). Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: This bill continues the reforms to Victoria’s building system commenced with the Building Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Act…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to update the house on the Andrews government’s Stronger TAFE Fund program, for which I announced a total of $24.3 million in funding over three years at regional TAFEs last week. On Tuesday I had the pleasure of joining the member for Bendigo West in the other…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — Today is International Women’s Day. How distressing that we should be contemplating the impact of the Fair Work Commission’s decision to cut weekend and public holiday penalty rates in industries that have a high proportion of women. Many women in my electorate work weekends in hospitality, retail, pharmacy,…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — In exercising the right of reply I thank all speakers on this bill before the house. As many speakers have indicated, this is not a controversial bill. It is a bill that is a result of court decisions, and its purpose is to encapsulate greater efficiency and practice…
Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard on motion of Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills). Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: This bill implements the government’s commitment to expand the range of matters that may be included in an…
Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard on motion of Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills). Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: This week marks the eighth anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires of 7 February…
Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard on motion of Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills). Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: The Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 (CMIA) abolished the Governor’s pleasure system, establishing…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: This bill illustrates the government’s ongoing commitment to improving and updating the consumer protection framework in Victoria. It will amend several acts within the consumer affairs portfolio to improve their operation, clarify their requirements…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to speak about the enthusiastic response of western Victorian residents and industries to the Andrews Labor government’s funding for roads in the south-west — a response to calls for road upgrades and maintenance for well over a decade. In the past month the Andrews Labor…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Corrections) — As part of the Andrews government’s response to the Harper review into the post-sentence management of serious offenders, on 13 February I announced that Labor will build a 20-bed secure facility to house Victoria’s most serious adult offenders near Ararat. The facility will be located next to the Hopkins…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to congratulate two very different high achievers in my electorate of Western Victoria Region. Henty’s Daniel Lutz, just 24 years old, is one of 12 young farmers from across Victoria to receive a government scholarship of up to $10 000. These scholarships go towards agricultural…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — Last Tuesday I had the pleasure of joining the member for St Albans in the Legislative Assembly, Natalie Suleyman, and the member for Footscray in the Legislative Assembly, Marsha Thomson, to announce $10 million of Andrews Labor government funding for a brand-new world-class training facility at Victoria…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: The government takes very seriously its responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, children. Child safety is everyone’s responsibility. This bill proposes amendments to the Child Wellbeing and Safety…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: The purpose of this bill is to prohibit onshore unconventional gas activity in Victoria, to legislate a moratorium on onshore conventional gas activity until June 2020, and to prevent the state being the subject…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — This morning I launched a new, united TAFE Victoria brand. It is a new initiative that will position TAFE as delivering modern, contemporary qualifications that are available to all Victorians. This will enable TAFE institutes to retain their individual appeal so they can increase the effectiveness and range…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise on behalf of the government to provide a right of reply on this very important bill. I start by paying tribute to and acknowledging those who have been murdered, particularly those in the police force. I also wish to send my condolences to their families and…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to advise the house that the Andrews Labor government is putting people first with a multimillion-dollar boost to Victoria’s TAFEs. Over the past fortnight I have visited TAFEs across the state to announce some of the $89.4 million boost in funding to ensure that they are ready…
Ms TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I move: That the bill be now read a second time. Incorporated speech as follows: The main purpose of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Parole Reform and Other Matters) Bill 2016 is to strengthen our sentencing and parole laws to further enhance community safety and protection. As outlined in the…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I wish to exercise the right of reply on behalf of the government. The Andrews Labor government respects people’s right to religious expression, but not at the cost of equality. The inherent requirements test for employment will ensure a fairer balance between the right to equality and the…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I am pleased to rise to exercise a right of reply on behalf of the government. I think it is timely to reflect on exactly what this bill is before us. Firstly, the birth certificate reforms do not compromise the integrity of the Victorian births, deaths and marriages…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to sum up on the matter that was before the house before the dinner break, which is the Working with Children Amendment Bill 2016. As previous speakers have mentioned, the Working with Children Act 2005 was passed by the Victorian Parliament in 2005 under former Attorney-General…
MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) — I rise to make a very short contribution in relation to this bill, given that the description of what this bill intends to do has been covered extensively by previous speakers. The main purpose of the bill is to restrict the use of community correction orders (CCOs) for…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I rise to congratulate two outstanding educational institutions — Warrnambool Primary School and Maryborough Education Centre — and their exceptional staff, most notably Warrnambool’s Jacqui Gore and Maryborough’s education support staff team. Both schools and Jacqui were recipients of 2016 Victorian Education Excellence Awards. The student bodies in these schools are very different,…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — This afternoon I am very pleased to stand here and support the Traditional Owner Settlement Amendment Bill 2016. I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we stand today, the Kulin nations, and I pay my respects to their elders both past and present. This bill is…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Emergency Services, Mr Merlino, in the other place. Last Thursday I had the opportunity to visit Carisbrooke and Charlton and to sit down with residents and emergency service members to talk about the impact that the recent floods have had on those communities.…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My adjournment matter this evening is for the minister responsible for WorkSafe, Robin Scott, the Minister for Finance in the other place. In June a farmer died in my electorate of Western Victoria Region as a result of a quad bike accident. The farmer, in his 60s, died as a result…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I rise to speak about the exciting work of an innovative group in my electorate, Geelong Sustainability, whose efforts culminated in Sustainable House Day Geelong on 16 October. This open house gave an opportunity to see inside 14 houses and gardens designed, built, renovated or retrofitted with sustainability in mind across Geelong, the…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I am pleased to rise this morning to speak on the Land (Revocation of Reservations — Regional Victoria Land) Bill 2016. Permanent reservations can only be revoked by an act of Parliament, and for this reason we are proposing the revocation of permanent reservations over four areas of Crown land in regional…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. It is in relation to the growing population of koalas in the south-west of Victoria, and in particular in the Portland region. For some time communities in and around Portland have been drawing my attention to the growth in…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — On Sunday I had the pleasure of attending the official opening of the Warrnambool fire station along with Rohan Luke, acting assistant chief officer of the south-west region; Paul Marshall, Warrnambool Country Fire Authority station officer; Richard Bourke, operations manager, district 5; Craig Lapsley, emergency services commissioner; and Lance Baillie, life member…
MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My constituency question is for the Minister for Veterans. In June this year the minister announced three grants programs — the Victoria Remembers grant program, the Anzac Day Proceeds Fund and the Anzac centenary community grants program. The Victoria Remembers grant program helps communities make personal connections with the centenary of World…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My constituency question is for the Minister for Emergency Services in the other place, James Merlino. Last week I visited the flood areas of Dunkeld, Casterton and Coleraine and attended a discussion between members of the local community and local emergency services. Flooding across western Victoria over the past months has impacted…