I rise to make a contribution to this debate and in particular I focus my comments on the proposed standing committee. I have looked at the proposal in every way possible, I think, and the only description I can give it is of a group of people attempting to flex some political muscle and ignoring …
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria)— My question is to the Minister for Planning. Can the minister advise the house how the Brumby government is committed to supporting the development of strong, vibrant local communities across Victoria through the Creating Better Places program? Hon. J. M. MADDEN (Minister for Planning)— I welcome the question. I know the…
I was astonished to read in last week’s Weekly Times quotes from the federal Liberal member for Corangamite, Stewart McArthur, stating that he had not picked up resentment amongst voters in his electorate on interest rates or workplace reforms. In relating what the current issues are in the electorate Mr McArthur simply said, ‘If we…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation in the other place, Jacinta Allan. Last week the minister launched a $3.96 million initiative to attract skilled migrants to regional Victoria. This is part of the Brumby government’s skilled migration strategy. The Global Skills for…
I rise to congratulate the Warrnambool City Council on being commended in statewide awards recognising excellence in early childhood services. The council’s Welcome to Warrnambool Early Years Service helps in making it easier for children born overseas to make the transition to kindergarten and has been highly commended at the second annual ‘early years’ awards …
I rise to mention a vital service for not only Victorians but all Australians experiencing various difficulties in life. The Lifeline service began in 1963 after the late Reverend Dr Sir Alan Walker received a call from a distressed man who days later took his own life. Only days after the service was established, Lifeline…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development in the other place, Jacinta Allan. Last week the minister announced a grant of $300 000 from the Brumby government to upgrade the electricity supply in the Heywood industrial corridor. The project will create the capacity for the upgrade of major infrastructure in…
I wish to speak in support of the Fisheries Amendment Bill. The allocation of natural resources is always a point for debate and indeed controversy. The allocation of natural resources, who gets to use them and how are key factors in this debate. As previous speakers have outlined, this matter comes before us as a…
Last week in Port Fairy a number of announcements were made by the Minister for Regional and Rural Development in the other place, including a $1.5 million state government grant for the Port Fairy port. The Port Fairy economy centres around tourism and fishing, both of which will be significantly enhanced due to this grant. …
My adjournment matter is directed at the Minister for Mental Health in the other place, Ms Neville. In early September the minister announced that the Mindlinx mental health first aid course would be available at no cost to volunteers in Geelong to better support people with mental illness. I congratulate the minister on the announcement,…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria)— My question is to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Can the minister inform the house of the outcomes of the PricewaterhouseCoopers audit of compliance with the service agreement between Parks Victoria and the Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre? Mr JENNINGS (Minister for Environment and Climate Change)— The last time I…
My adjournment matter is for the Treasurer. The Treasurer announced at the beginning of this month that a partnership has been struck between Barwon Water and the Plenary Environment consortium under the Partnerships Victoria model to build a $76 million biosolids treatment facility. This is another example of successful partnerships between government departments, agencies and…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria)— My question is to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. I refer the minister to the recently released survey of Australian businesses by the Australian Industry Group in conjunction with Sustainability Victoria, and I ask: can the minister inform the house of the study’s findings and how Victoria compares to …
In recent weeks I have attended many citizenship ceremonies in a number of towns across Western Victoria region, including Kyneton and Ballarat. It is fantastic to see the strong numbers at the ceremonies epitomising the strength of multiculturalism in Victoria. The recent Geelong citizenship ceremony was moved to a larger venue to accommodate some 120…
I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Public Transport in another place. On 31 August the minister announced a new V/Line timetable for the Geelong line. Geelong train travellers will have the benefit of three new weekday services, delivering 4312 extra seats on the Geelong line each week. The new services…
It is unfortunate that we need to even consider this bill, but most people are aware that a number of highly publicised incidents have occurred over the last 12 months or so, some of which have already been touched on. We were taken through a number of cases in the media — by the Herald…
I am pleased to speak on the Grain Handling and Storage Amendment Bill. At the very heart of this bill is a reduction of regulation affecting grain handling and storage in a sector for which the Essential Services Commission recommends a light-handed regulation regime. Secondly, the bill extends access regulation to the port of Melbourne…
On Thursday, 6 September, I had the pleasure of representing the Minister for Health in the other place, Daniel Andrews, in officially opening the redevelopment of the Balmoral Bush Nursing Centre. The total cost of the project was just under $866 000, with the state government contributing just over $412 000. The bush nursing centre…
I rise to speak on the annual report of the Supreme Court of Victoria for 2005-06. The Supreme Court of Victoria is the supreme court in the state and is governed by the Supreme Court Act 1986. It is equal in status to the legislature and the executive government, and it is imperative in a…
On 4 August, along with hundreds of other country football fans, I enjoyed a very entertaining football match between Penshurst and Woorndoo. My colleague for Western Victoria Region, David Koch, was also present. We then opened the new amenity facilities at the Penshurst Football Netball Club. The $67 000 amenity room redevelopment was able to …
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria)— My question is also to the Minister for Planning. Access to affordable and appropriate housing is a critical element in building sustainable, diverse and inclusive communities. I ask the minister to advise the house what initiatives VicUrban is undertaking to improve access to affordable housing in Victoria. Hon. J. M. MADDEN…
It is with honour that I rise to pay tribute to the first woman elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Mrs Fanny Brownbill. Fanny Brownbill was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1938 after her husband, William Brownbill — who previously held the seat — died whilst in office. Fanny held the seat until her…
My question is to the Minister for Information and Communication Technology. The minister previously noted that information and communications technology (ICT) is an important sector that impacts on the rest of the economy. Can he inform the house of Victoria’s recent record in attracting new investments in the ICT sector, particularly in regional Victoria? …
I rise to make a statement on the Centre for Adult Education’s annual report for 2006. The Centre for Adult Education (CAE) provides learning opportunities to the Victorian community through an extended range of programs and services. The centre receives state government funding through the adult community and further education (ACFE) division to provide accredited…
Australian Medical Association in 2004. Her involvement in the Victorian Indigenous Family Violence Task Force and the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Group gave her an opportunity to contribute to her community, and as such she was recognised for her efforts with the national NAIDOC Youth of the Year award and the Victorian Ricci Marks Young…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Industry and Trade. Ford Geelong recently announced it would close its in-line six-cylinder engine plant in 2010 with the loss of 600 full-time jobs. The Geelong economy is vibrant at the moment with over 6000 jobs created in the last 12 months. As a matter of fact,…
On 20 July I attended with the then Minister for Community Services, Gavin Jennings, and many supporters, the Alcoa Celebrate All Abilities Festival launch and the Bar None local leadership project. The catchcry of the state government initiative is ‘Bar none’ because the state government is committed to a world where everyone can participate without…
I rise to speak in support of this bill. What I have found since being elected is that I have been provided with an opportunity to meet with a whole range of people from diverse backgrounds who confront a number of issues in their daily lives. The area of people with differing abilities is one…
I rise to speak in support of the Magistrates’ Court and Coroners Acts Amendment Bill 2007. As we have heard from previous speakers, the bill makes six separate but interrelated amendments to the Magistrates’ Court Act 1989 and also the Coroners Act. I do not wish to cover all six proposed amendments, but I will…
I rise to mention another example of the small towns development fund in recent times. On Monday, 25 June, I was in Lismore to announce on behalf of Mr John Brumby, the then Treasurer and Minister for Regional and Rural Development in the other place, and now of course the Premier of this great state, …
I rise to mention a truly wonderful event that took place in the week beginning 1 July, the Make Poverty History Zero Seven Road Trip. It involved 500 of Australia’s most dynamic young people as ambassadors to spread the Make Poverty History message, and inspire those they met to take action to end extreme poverty.…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Victorian Communities in the other place. Regional Victoria, and the western region in particular, has experienced decades of government neglect in the provision of public transport, and this has led to economic stagnation, social isolation and reduced life expectancies due to the difficulty in accessing services. The…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria)— My question is to the Minister for Industry and State Development. Given my history prior to coming to this house and indeed because Geelong is in my electorate, this issue is of incredible importance to me and to Ford workers at Geelong. Can the minister advise the house of the details …
On Sunday night, along with my family, I witnessed a barrage of Workplace Authority television advertisements. The federal government has hit a new low in its abuse of power. The first frame of the advertisement enters the debate by stating that the federal government wants to tackle a myth. The advertisement itself essentially admits to …
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Planning. The Bracks government has an unprecedented commitment to regional Victoria, and in the electorate of Western Victoria Region, Geelong is a significant beneficiary of funding associated with the transit cities initiative, which is part of the government’s commitment to Melbourne 2030, its long-term plan to manage…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Planning. The past seven years have seen a dramatic turnaround in the prosperity and future prospects of Geelong and south-western Victoria. The Bracks government has worked hard to attract jobs, people and investment to the region, and this has resulted in an increased…
It is with great pleasure that I also rise to speak on the South West Institute of TAFE annual report 2006. When I looked at the report it became very apparent to me that the South West Institute of TAFE has a very well-established reputation. It is financially secure, it is committed to regional sustainability,…
On Monday 4 June I represented the Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment in the other place, Jacinta Allan, in opening the new and refurbished science and technology rooms at Apollo Bay P-12 College. The new facilities include new science rooms, a preparation storeroom, a music room, two music practice rooms, an art room,…
On Monday, 28 May 2007, I represented the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs in the other place and opened the Inverleigh second oval project and Rokewood Recreation Reserve redevelopment. It was a fantastic day for sport and local communities in the Golden Plains shire with the opening of these two great projects. It…
When I made my inaugural speech one of the points I wanted to make was that I was so pleased to be part of a government that has an enormous commitment to regional Victoria. That view has been solidified during my term of office over the past six months as I have travelled throughout the…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I rise to make a contribution in respect of the Gordon Institute of TAFE and its annual report for 2006. As many members know, the Gordon institute is based in Geelong — in fact the institute is almost synonymous with the word ‘Geelong’. However, it now has campuses outside Geelong…
I rise to mention just two examples of the use of the Small Towns Development Fund that I have witnessed in recent times. The first was the opening of stage 2 of the Bannockburn industrial estate on Tuesday, 15 May 2007, by the Minister for Agriculture in the other place, Joe Helper. Supported by the…
I also join other members of this chamber in wishing the very best to all of those families who have been taken by surprise by yesterday’s events. I also join with Ms Lovell in expressing thanks for all the tireless work that has been done over the last nearly 24 hours by the emergency services…
I rise to support the State Taxation and Gambling Legislation Amendment (Budget Measures) Bill. I was going to talk on a wide range of aspects of the bill, but I think it is more appropriate, given that I have heard from all the parties now, bar the Democratic Labor Party, to talk about the points…
On 18 May this year I attended the Warracknabeal Primary School to talk with students, teachers and support staff on the importance of the Premier’s reading challenge. The day was a celebration of what reading brings to all of us as individuals, as well as the ongoing development of a mature and democratic society. It…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Community Services. Can the minister explain to the house how the Bracks government is supporting the health of older Victorians by providing a continuum of care and in particular what the government is doing in my electorate to focus on the high-care end…
One of the largest manufacturing sectors in Victoria is the car industry, and the Bracks government has delivered to make Victorian-manufactured cars even more attractive to the consumer. The matter I raise today is directed to the Minister for Industry and State Development. The cutting of stamp duty will result in savings of up to…
As previous speakers on this side of the chamber have stated, the Bracks government is serious about protecting Victorian workers and their families from WorkChoices wherever constitutionally possible. This bill will make it unlawful to discriminate against an employee who has raised his or her concerns about pay or conditions and it will enable workers…
I wish to make a statement on the Deakin University annual report 2006. I remind the house that Deakin University was originally established under a 1974 act. The primary specialisation of the institution in the 1970s was the promotion and facilitation of higher education through external studies, which was quite new to this country at…
On Sunday I had the pleasure of attending an event in Clunes held by the Clunes Tourist and Development Association in conjunction with the Hepburn Shire Council. The event was called a ‘Book town for a day’. It was part of a project called Creative Clunes, which received $15 000 from the Department for Victorian…
My adjournment matter relates to mental health services in western Victoria and is directed to the Minister for Mental Health in the other place, Lisa Neville. In early April this year the minister announced the expansion of the Youth Early Psychosis service in Warrnambool, which will also assist communities beyond Warrnambool in the south-west. The…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Education. Can the minister advise the house on how the Bracks government works together with the commonwealth government to achieve a quality education for our children? Mr LENDERS (Minister for Education) — I thank Ms Tierney for her question and her insightfulness in…
On 10 May I represented the Minister for Housing, who is also the Minister for Local Government and minister responsible for neighbourhood houses in the other place, in opening the extension of the Hamilton community house. It was a joyous event, attended by Mr Koch, a member for Western Victoria Region, Mr Delahunty, the member…
I address my adjournment matter to the Minister for Agriculture in the other place. I have travelled extensively across my electorate and worked with wonderful communities, but I am often asked what our government is doing to assist communities in dealing with the curse of noxious weeds and pest animals. Pest plants and animals are…
A key priority for the Bracks government is to facilitate better ways in which our markets can operate. Indeed this bill contributes to the better operation of markets by ensuring that consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged, are well informed and protected. This bill makes Victoria’s consumer laws more effective, efficient and definitely…
On 14 May I had the pleasure of representing the Minister for Victorian Communities in the other place in announcing funding for two new and improved community spaces in Geelong — the Geelong youth activity area and the Northside Geelong community centre. Located in the waterfront precinct, the Geelong youth activity area will be a…
On Monday, 23 April, I represented the Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment in the other place, Jacinta Allan, in opening the Colac Primary School’s new and refurbished school buildings. The state government contributed nearly $692 000 to the cost of this work. In addition to the refurbishment, the new buildings and new computers,…
On 21, 22 and 23 April events were held in 28 regional locations to thank firefighters, support staff, volunteers and community members. On Sunday, 22 April, I spoke at two events, one in Heywood, followed by an afternoon tea function at the Warrnambool Civic Centre. The events provided representatives of the state government with an…
The pre-dawn Anzac Day service in Johnstone Park, Geelong, had an atmosphere that could be virtually touched — people walking from all directions in the dark in silence, with a common purpose, to the dome. Children of all ages crouched and made their way through the crowd and sat in a circle, ever so attentive…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is also for the Minister for Planning. I commend the Bracks government for its ongoing commitment to a sustainable, secure and affordable energy supply for Victoria. Renewable energy, and wind energy in particular, are critical to achieving a sustainable future. I ask the minister to inform the house…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I rise to make a contribution with respect to the commissioner for environmental sustainability’s report Strategic Audit of Victorian Government Agencies Environmental Management Systems of January 2007. Environmental management systems (EMS) that are reported are in respect of office-based environments. It is a system that has measurements and benchmarks. It…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — On the evening of Tuesday, 3 April this year, I, along with the future deputy leader of this country, Julia Gillard, attended the Wyndham City Council Australian citizenship ceremony. It was the largest ceremony of this type that I have experienced and definitely the largest the Wyndham City Council has…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I am pleased to be speaking on the amendments to the Nuclear Activities (Prohibitions) Act. This piece of legislation is vital to maintaining a nuclear-free Victoria. The commonwealth government is continually attempting to ride roughshod over the conventions of Australian federalism and impose its will on the states with scant…
I rise to speak on the Livestock Disease Control Amendment Bill as well. Firstly, can I say that I do not have a veterinary science or a medical background, but I did have the honour of working for the Australian Public Service Association. It was through the portfolios of the federal Department of Primary Industry…
On 29 March this year I had the honour of attending and speaking at the Polish Seniors Day. The event was hosted by the Geelong Polish Club at White Eagle House and was attended by over 700 Polish people from all over Victoria. The day was a procession of cultural performances from various Polish seniors…
The matter I wish to raise relates to drought relief, and I direct my adjournment matter to the Minister for Agriculture in the other place. On Thursday, 5 April 2006, a significant number of new drought infrastructure projects for south-western Victoria were announced — 3 projects in Corangamite shire, 6 in Glenelg shire, 1 very…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Industry and State Development. Can the minister provide the house with the outcomes of the recent Australian International Airshow 2007, which was held at Avalon? Hon. T. C. THEOPHANOUS (Minister for Industry and State Development) — I thank the member for her question.…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Industry and State Development. Will the minister inform the house about the upcoming Avalon international airshow and its benefits to the Victorian economy? Hon. T. C. THEOPHANOUS (Minister for Industry and State Development) — I am very pleased to have this question from…
The matter I raise relates to the announcement made on 8 March by the Minister for Agriculture in the other place of $12 000 in travel bursaries for four Victorian rural women — $3000 for each — to attend the 4th World Congress of Rural Women to be held in South Africa. The conference will…
Last Thursday International Women’s Day in Ballarat was celebrated by the announcement of the 2007 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation rural women’s award. Gathered at the historic Mining Exchange in Lydiard Street, Ballarat, women from all over Victoria were brought together to recognise the vital contribution that women make in rural Victoria. Deborah Bain…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I had the pleasure of attending the 25th Pako Festa held on Saturday, 24 February, in Geelong — the largest festival held outside Melbourne. The theme of the first festa this year was Reflections on Culture. Over 70 cultural groups joined a vibrant, exciting and at times very noisy procession…
I also rise to support this condolence motion. Following the passing of Jim Simmonds I have been visited by a number of memories of events going back to the early to mid-1980s, when I first arrived in Melbourne and began living in Reservoir. I remembered my first Reservoir ALP branch meeting in McFadzean Avenue and…
The matter I wish to raise relates to rural health, and I direct my adjournment matter to the Minister for Health in the other place. Health, like education, is dear to all of us. Having healthy education and health systems are key indicators in any developed democracy, as is the provision of these services beyond…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Could the minister please inform the house of the resolution of the Convincing Ground issue near Portland? Mr JENNINGS (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) — I thank Ms Tierney for her question and her concern about a very important planning matter that…
It is not my intention to speak at length. The amendments before us are streamlined. We have heard many contributions and, as I understand it, there is cross-party support, but what I hope to do is give a quite succinct contribution that hits home at the points that are behind the very intent of the…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Small Business. Can the minister advise what measures are being taken in the small business portfolio to implement the Bracks government’s election commitments to encourage women in business and industry? Hon. T. C. THEOPHANOUS (Minister for Small Business) — I thank the member…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — On Friday, 16 February, I was invited to attend a retirement gathering at Ford Geelong. Two exceptional people from the training department, Judy Mazey and Lou Nettleton, had decided after much deliberation to commence a new journey in their lives. I would like to focus on Judy Mazey. Judy Mazey…
Last Monday I was fortunate to meet with participants and carers involved in as well as the organisers of the leadership program for people with disabilities, Leadership Plus. The program has run for three years and has 12 monthly intakes. This involves one three-day opening retreat in Geelong followed by eight two-day seminars in various…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — I rise to inform the chamber that I had the pleasure of joining the Minister for Agriculture in the other place, Joe Helper, and John Eren, the member for Lara in the other place, in visiting the M. C. Herd abattoir in Geelong North and then Steggles Poultry in Belmont…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Education. Can the minister highlight the importance of the strategic approach needed for investment in capital works for Victorian schools? Mr LENDERS (Minister for Education) — I thank Ms Tierney for her question and her interest in capital works in schools. As Ms…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria)— My question is to the Minister for Planning. The federal minister for the environment has finally approved the long-delayed Bald Hills wind farm project in Gippsland. He has ultimately delayed a project that will deliver definitive environmental benefits for Victoria. I ask the minister to inform the house of what action …
I take this opportunity to congratulate members of this house on their election and in particular the ALP members and members in the other place who have areas within the western region. The members for Melton, Lara, South Barwon, Ripon, Ballarat West, Ballarat East, Geelong and Bellarine in the other place, Don Nardella, John Eren,…
I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we stand, the Kulin nation, and pay my respects to their elders. President, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on being elected President of the Legislative Council. I am confident that you will ensure the efficient operation of this Council in a manner that …