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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

PIONEER ROAD, WAURN PONDS: UPGRADE

My adjournment matter this evening is also directed to the Minister for Roads. It is in relation to Pioneer Road in Waurn Ponds, Geelong. Prior to the November election the previous government committed $13.5 million to widen Pioneer Road into a four-lane road between the Princes Highway and Meadowvale Drive to ease the heavy congestion…

GOVERNMENT: ELECTION COMMITMENTS

The Baillieu government went to the November election promising families that a coalition government would keep cost-of-living pressures down. However, all Victorians are seeing day after day is yet another Baillieu government promise being squandered, shredded and shunted out the back door. Documents released under FOI show that the Treasurer, Kim Wells, has failed to…

SCHOOLS: BANNOCKBURN

My adjournment matter this evening is directed to the Minister for Education and is in relation to educational facilities in the Golden Plains shire. Statistics taken by the shire indicate that it is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the state. In particular, Bannockburn, which is the largest township in the shire, is growing…

PLANNING: AMENDMENT VC78

I rise to make a contribution to this debate in support of Mr Tee’s motion. I do so because of the incredible importance of renewable energy and its industry to Western Victoria Region. I particularly refer to wind energy in terms of jobs and its direct and indirect contribution to local economies. Western Victoria has…

GEELONG TRADES HALL COUNCIL: ANNUAL DINNER

Last Friday night, along with a number of vehicle workers, I attended the Geelong Trades Hall Council annual dinner at Buckley’s in Geelong. It was a very well attended function. Tim Gooden was the master of ceremonies. For me there were three highlights of the evening. The first was the announcement of the woman trade…

DISABILITY SERVICES: OCEAN GROVE FAMILY

My adjournment matter this evening is directed to the Minister for Community Services, Ms Wooldridge. It relates to a constituent in my electorate, Mrs Caroline Colby of Ocean Grove. Mrs Colby is a 33-year-old woman who became a tetraplegic almost 18 months ago. Since that time she has required 24-hour care. Caroline has no movement…

IAN HOARE AND SANDRA PEARSON

On another matter, I would like to congratulate Ian Hoare of Terang and Sandra Pearson of Lismore, who been honoured with national service medals for 15 years service in the Victoria State Emergency Service. I thank them for their unstinting commitment to keeping their local communities safe.

G-FORCE RECRUITMENT: TARGET 100 PROGRAM

On l6 March G-Force Recruitment, along with its community partners, launched the Target 100 program in Corio, Geelong. Target 100 is an initiative sponsored by G-Force Recruitment and its community partners to help 100 people from Geelong’s northern suburbs to become new apprentices and trainees. Statistics show that the northern suburbs of Geelong, such as…

SCHOOLS: TORQUAY

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My last adjournment matter called on the Minister for Education, Martin Dixon, to commit to the construction of a primary school at Torquay North. Today my adjournment matter is also directed to the Minister for Education; again, my matter concerns the provision of education in Torquay, although on this occasion…

CITY OF WYNDHAM: MINISTERIAL VISIT

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is also for the Minister for Planning. As the minister knows, Wyndham is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country, let alone this state. It is also a municipality that has big plans for the Werribee employment precinct and has an obvious need to understand the…

GILLIAN WALKER

This morning I am going to quote from a letter to the editor in the Bellarine Times of 11 January this year entitled ‘Farewell to an activist’ written by Chris Kelly of Portarlington about Gillian Walker. The letter says: “Gill was a regular contributor to ‘Letters’ in this paper, and from time to time was…

SCHOOLS: WESTERN VICTORIA REGION

Last week I attended a number of discussions in the two fastest growing areas in the electorate of Western Victoria Region, those being the Surf Coast and Wyndham. As most members are aware, significant growth brings significant demands, but education for our young cannot be the sacrificial lamb when it comes to growth. My adjournment…

BENJAMIN GEBERT AND LUKE REICHENBACH

On another matter, I would like to congratulate two young Jeparit men, Benjamin Gebert and Luke Reichenbach, on receiving Wimmera Agricultural Societies Association awards this month. Benjamin was given the junior ambassador of the year award and Luke received the rural ambassador runner-up award. Benjamin will now go on to represent Victoria in Melton in…

NORTHERN BELLARINE FORESHORE PLAN

On Friday evening, 11 February 2011, community members from St Leonards, Portarlington and Indented Head came together at the beach in front of the Parks Hall Community Centre and Indented Head Community Hall to launch the Northern Bellarine foreshore planning project. Uncle Bryon Powell started the proceedings with a welcome to country and gave an…

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I would also like to contribute to the address-in-reply in this 57th Parliament. I start by thanking the good people of Western Victoria Region for again giving me the opportunity to represent them as their member in the Victorian Legislative Council. Before going any further, I take this opportunity to…

ARDA DUCK

Many people in Geelong are still in shock over the sudden death of Arda Duck, a consummate educationalist and dedicated change agent who strove to improve the opportunities for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Arda was a highly respected principal of the Corio Bay Senior College and a major driving force in creating…

FLOODS: VICTORIA

I also rise in support of the motion moved by Mr Tee. The Honourable Daniel Andrews, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, has been calling for an inquiry for some time. I am particularly pleased that the government has now responded, as recently as 4.42 p.m. yesterday, with a media statement announcing the…

OVARIAN CANCER: AWARENESS

The month of February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and I take this opportunity to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms. Three Australian women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every day, and approximately 75 per cent of these women are diagnosed at the advanced stage, when it is very difficult to treat successfully.…

GEELONG: ARTS PRECINCT

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My adjournment matter is for the attention of the Minister for the Arts, and it relates to the coalition government’s $30 million promise to rejuvenate the Geelong arts precinct. That commitment comprised $15 million for GPAC (Geelong Performing Arts Centre) and another $15 million for the Geelong central library. However,…

NATURAL DISASTERS: AUSTRALIA

I also rise to support the motion before the house. I begin by thanking the many people who have worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for many weeks now, not only during the most recent floods but also during the floods that preceded the ones we are recovering from at this time.…

GEELONG HOSPITAL: FUNDING

President, I also offer my congratulations to you on your election earlier today. My adjournment matter this evening is directed to the Minister for Health, David Davis, and it relates to the level of funding for the expansion of the Geelong Hospital. I quote from the Geelong Advertiser editorial of 9 December 2010, which states:…

WARRNAMBOOL: CLIMATE COMMUNITIES FUNDING

Ms TIERNEY — I also congratulate the Warrnambool Community Garden and the Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Group, which have recently received funding under the Climate Communities program that the Minister for Environment and Climate Change talked about in question time. The Warrnambool Community Garden received $50 000 for its health urban living project, and the Warrnambool…

BULLA DAIRY FOODS: 100TH ANNIVERSARY

On another matter, I congratulate Bulla Dairy Foods in Colac on its 100th anniversary. This is a fantastic achievement for rural industry in Victoria. I also commend the company for its role in employing over 50 people in the last three years, some of whom have been long-term unemployed. This again reinforces that local people…

REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

On 27 September I had the pleasure of representing the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation at the announcement of a $150 000 project to address shortfalls in skills and workforce development in the south-west. The Brumby Labor government has funded the great south coast industry workforce development strategy team to investigate and address the…

SIGNIFICANT SPORTING EVENTS PROGRAM: APPLICATIONS

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino. It is in relation to the Significant Sporting Events program. As detailed on the Department of Planning and Community Development’s website, the Significant Sporting Events program will assist sporting, community and event organisations to deliver significant sporting events in Victoria.…

REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. Can the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is supporting regional Victoria through the creation of jobs and better retail choice? Hon. J. M. MADDEN (Minister for Planning) — I welcome Ms Tierney’s interest in this…

JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF VICTORIA BILL

I rise to make a contribution to the debate on the Judicial Commission of Victoria Bill 2010. At the beginning I also indicate that the government will not be supporting Mr Rich-Phillips’s reasoned amendment. With respect to the proposed amendments that have just been circulated by Ms Pennicuik, I understand Mr Tee will be responding…

UCI ROAD CYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 2010 UCI World Road Cycling Championships were held in Geelong from 29 September to 3 October. The whole city was buzzing with anticipation during the days before the racing as the infrastructure was being erected and the riders were out in the colours of their respective countries exploring the course and undertaking time trials.…