STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

MS TIERNEY: That same emphasis on supporting students is reflected in a really significant initiative that will see schools having dedicated mental health practitioners on site. The Andrews Labor government understands the challenges faced by regional communities, especially young people living in farming areas. All schools aim to support students’ health and wellbeing, but welfare…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: THE CAPITOL

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:40:31): On Monday I joined the vice-chancellor of RMIT, Martin Bean, at the reopening of the iconic Capitol theatre on Swanston Street in the city. By investing $2.5 million in the Capitol’s refurbishment, the Andrews Labor government has helped to make this world-class…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (14:04:40): Today I want to inform the house of yet another example of how the Andrews government’s revitalisation of Victoria’s TAFE system is changing people’s lives. In March I had the pleasure of opening the Berwick Centre for Health at the Chisholm Institute…

WESTERN VICTORIA REGION SPORTING CLUBS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:49:12): Last weekend I was very pleased to join the Bannockburn community in opening the Bannockburn Victoria Park netball courts. The completion of two competition-standard netball courts with new lighting plus undercover seating and fencing was made possible by a $100 000 grant…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:21:56): I rise to update the house on the Andrews Labor government’s further investment in Victoria’s TAFE infrastructure. Prior to last year’s state election Labor announced a $220 million Building Better TAFEs Fund, the largest single investment in Victoria’s TAFE asset portfolio in…

EDUCATION FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:14:05): Thank you, and that is not what the budget paper says. In fact what we have is those on the opposite side being in absolute denial. They are the past masters of cuts. If you want to know about cuts, just go across…

EDUCATION FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:09:40): I am very pleased with the outcome for the skills and training, and higher education portfolios in last Monday’s budget. The fact of the matter is that there has been an additional $82 million provided in government-subsidised training. There is also an…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:07:28): I rise to update the house on an additional two courses that will be added to Labor’s free TAFE course list as a result of Monday’s state budget. Next year the certificate III in early childhood education and care and the diploma…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: TAFE FUNDING

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:07:28): I rise to update the house on an additional two courses that will be added to Labor’s free TAFE course list as a result of Monday’s state budget. Next year the certificate III in early childhood education and care and the diploma…

GUARDIANSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION BILL 2018

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (15:50:54): Throughout the course of this debate, in the other place as well as in some of the points made in this house, issues were raised that require some clarification. Firstly, on the subject of medical treatment decisions under the Medical Treatment Planning…

OPEN COURTS AND OTHER ACTS AMENDMENT BILL 2019

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (17:21:42): Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for their contributions in this debate this afternoon. Suppression orders in courts are generally used at points that are very distressing for people, and I think that with everyone’s contributions today we have been able…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: GOTAFE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:32:21): Recently I had the pleasure of visiting GOTAFE’s Shepparton campus to speak firsthand with staff and students who are part of this growing institute. There is absolutely no doubt that GOTAFE is turning the institution around. This has happened through the sheer…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: LA TROBE UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:37:06): On 29 March I was privileged to take part in the installation of the new chancellor of La Trobe University, the Honourable John Brumby, AO. John, who served as Premier of this great state from 2007 to 2010, could not be a…

DOUG PHILLIPS

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (16:30:58): I rise today to acknowledge with great sadness the recent passing of Doug Phillips of Portland and offer my condolences to Doug’s wife Helen and children, Lachlan and Brianna. Doug devoted untold hours, over decades, to environmental activism, protecting forests, waterways and…

ROSS AND ANDREW POWELL

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (13:49:28): (By leave) I rise to pay tribute to two valued and very much loved members of the Victorian community in Western Victoria, Ross and Andrew Powell – a father and son who recently lost their lives while attempting to rescue a person…

MINISTERS STATEMENTS: GOTAFE

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria — Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:37:34): My ministers statement today is on the importance of not only training in regional communities but training that leads to good, sustainable jobs. Last week I had the pleasure of meeting workers at Benalla’s LS Precast facility who supply precast…

FRANCIS SUTHERLAND HAMBLY

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (09:48:34): Today I rise to pay tribute to the life of Francis Sutherland Hambly, whose career reflected long and dedicated service to tertiary education in this country. Frank Hambly passed away in November 2018, aged 83, in Canberra, although both his own education…

HON. GORDON SCHOLES

MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (10:00:47): I rise today to reflect on the life of Gordon Scholes, a man whose life was devoted to longstanding service to his community and to the Australian Labor Party. Gordon Scholes died in December 2018 at the age of 87. He represented…

Portland Bay School and Portland Lighthouse Home

MS TIERNEY (Minister for Training and Skills) (10:24:58) — I rise today to draw the house’s attention to two fantastic projects in Portland. Recently I had the privilege to officially open Portland Bay School, a school providing great opportunities for Portland students aged between five and 18 with special needs. This school on a brand-new site has…

Learn Locals

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…

TAFE funding

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…

Joe Pearl

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…

Justice Legislation Amendment (Family Violence Protection and Other Matters) Bill 2018

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…

Corrections Amendment (Parole) Bill 2018

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…

Corrections Amendment (Parole) Bill 2018

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…

Corrections Amendment (Parole) Bill 2018

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,…

Corrections Amendment (Parole) Bill 2018

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…

Serious Offenders Bill 2018

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…

The Geelong Project

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…

Anzac Day

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…

Auslan training

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,…

Long Service Benefits Portability Bill 2018

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…

Responses

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…

Western Victoria fires

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…

Planning scheme amendment GC65

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…

International Women’s Day

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…

Justice system

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…

Racing Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2017

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…

Bail Amendment (Stage Two) Bill 2017

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,…

Skills and jobs centres

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…

Oaths and Affirmations Bill 2017

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…

Corrections system

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…

Port Phillip Prison

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,…

Firearms Amendment Bill 2017

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…

Frankston planning scheme

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…

Fines Reform Amendment Bill 2017

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…

Boroondara Planning Scheme Amendment

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…

Auslan training

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…

Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2017

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…

Apprenticeships and traineeships

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…

Prisoner hepatitis treatment

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…

Look Good Feel Better

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…

Corrections Legislation Further Amendment Bill 2017

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…

Victorian Training Awards

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…

National Skills Week

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…

Victorian Disability Awards

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…

Planning and Building Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability and Other Matters) Bill 2017

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…

Planning and Building Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability and Other Matters) Bill 2017

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…

Aboriginal Prisoner Rehabilitation

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…

Sheepvention

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…

Timber industry

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…

Bail Amendment (Stage One) Bill 2017

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…

Holmesglen TAFE Student Hub

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…

Queen’s Birthday Honours

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…

Apprenticeships and traineeships

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…

Basalt to Bay Landcare Network

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…

Anzac Day

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,…

Catalyst Consortium

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…

Family Violence Protection Amendment Bill 2017

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…

Family Violence Protection Amendment Bill 2017

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,…

Family Violence Protection Amendment Bill 2017

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…

Learn Locals

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…

Catherine Jenkins and Vicki Perrett

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…

Aboriginal prisoner rehabilitation

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…

Timboon P-12 School

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…

Emergency services volunteer funding

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…

Administration and Probate and Other Acts Amendment (Succession and Related Matters) Bill 2016

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…

Education and Care Services National Law Amendment Bill 2017

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…

Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Bill 2017

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…

Building Amendment (Enforcement and Other Measures) Bill 2016

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…

TAFE funding

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…

Penalty rates

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,…

Crimes Legislation Further Amendment Bill 2016

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…

Fair Work (Commonwealth Powers) Amendment Bill 2017

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…

Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Amendment Bill 2016

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…

Consumer Acts Amendment Bill 2016

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…

Western Victoria Region roads

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…

Ararat correctional facility

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…

Daniel Lutz and Vicki Jellie

 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…