PHILIP LYNCH

I take this opportunity to congratulate Philip Lynch, who recently received a Victorian Teachers Credit Union award for outstanding results in his bachelor of education. Mr Lynch began his tertiary education at the University of Ballarat, where he received outstanding results in his first year, and was subsequently awarded a scholarship by the former federal…

ROADS: PIONEER ROAD, WAURN PONDS — UPGRADE

To ask the Minister for Planning (for the Minister for Roads): In relation to the promised upgrade and duplication of Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds: (1) Has the minister sought, and received advice from the Department of Transport on the upgrade and duplication of Pioneer Road; if so — (a) when will this upgrade commence; and…

SOUTH-WEST CANCER CENTRE: IMPLEMENTATION STUDY

My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Health, David Davis, and it is in relation to the south-west cancer centre implementation study. Mr Davis would recall that in May last year the then Minister for Health, who is now the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Daniel Andrews, announced that a…

FOODBANK VICTORIA: FUNDING

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — Members of the house may be aware of the charitable organisation Foodbank Victoria, which for the past two years has provided emergency relief resources for Victoria’s most vulnerable. The food bank aims to deliver nutritious, healthy food to individuals and families experiencing hardship through a network of community organisations such…

CHILDREN: TAKE A BREAK PROGRAM

To the Legislative Council of Victoria: The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that funding for the Take a Break occasional child-care program, which is provided at more than 220 neighbourhood houses and community centres across Victoria, will cease after 31 December 2011. The…

VICTORIAN CERTIFICATE OF APPLIED LEARNING: FUNDING

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall. Did the department provide advice or modelling on the impact that the cuts to the number of VCAL (Victorian certificate of applied learning) coordinators would have on schools and students before the minister implemented these cuts, and…

TIERNEY TO TAKE PETITION TO PARLIAMENT

Hundreds of surf coast community members have expressed their angst at the Baillieu Government signing a petition condemning the decision to cut the Take-A-Break occasional childcare funding. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today met with a number of families who use the service and will take their petition to Parliament next week. Ms…

MINISTER FOR SPORT AND RECREATION: MEDIA RELEASE

My adjournment matter this evening is directed to the Minister for Sport and Recreation and relates to a chain of events leading up to 21 July when the minister made two funding announcements in Geelong, including funding for the Grovedale sports club redevelopment project and funding for Barwon Rowing Club. As is the case with…

LIBRARIES: FUNDING

To the Legislative Council of Victoria: This petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws to the attention of the house the Baillieu government’s plans to slash recurrent funding for council-operated public libraries. In particular we note that the Baillieu government’s decision to slash library funding will mean that libraries will be forced…

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: ARMSTRONG CREEK

My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Public Transport, and it is in relation to public transport availability in Geelong’s new suburb, Armstrong Creek. At the beginning of August current and potential landowners in Armstrong Creek were informed by the member for South Barwon in the Assembly, Andrew Katos, that they will…

GORDON TAFE: REPORT 2010

I rise to make a statement on the Gordon TAFE annual report of 2010. When people think of Geelong, they often think of its icons — the Geelong Football Club, Deakin University and the Geelong Ford plant — but along with these important icons we have the Gordon TAFE, which is very high on that…

SHEEPVENTION

I take this opportunity to congratulate the Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society on another fabulous Sheepvention, which was held on 1 and 2 August this year. The weather was much more favourable this year, and that no doubt contributed to the record number of people attending Sheepvention, with a very noticeable increase in patronage on…

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — EDENHOPE

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Edenhope, 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 — LAKE BOLAC

To ask the Minister for Higher Education and Skills (for the Minister for Education): In relation to school bus services in Lake Bolac, 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 — APSLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — KANIVA

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — NHILL

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — STAWELL

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — MAROONA

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — CLUNES

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — HORSHAM

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — FORREST

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — COLAC

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — COLERAINE

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — WINCHELSEA

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — CAVENDISH

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — MOUNT DUNEED

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — ALVIE

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

EDUCATION: SCHOOL BUSES — MORIAC

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

JOHN STANFORD AND HELEN PROUD

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

BAILLIEU BACKFLIPS ON BOOKS

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

TIERNEY URGES FAMILIES TO FIGHT FOR CHILDCARE FUNDING

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

REGIONAL CITIES: GOVERNMENT POLICY

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

DEAKIN UNIVERSITY: REPORT 2010

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

CROATIAN COMMUNITY: INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS

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

COMMUNITY SECTOR: WAGES

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

LEADERS FOR GEELONG: RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS

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

LOAVES AND FISHES: FUNDING

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

COALITION LEAVE GEELONG OUT ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT AGAIN

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

AVALON AIRPORT: FUTURE

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

SHIRE OF COLAC OTWAY: AWARD

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

RURAL PRESS CLUB OF VICTORIA: BREAKFAST

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

BAILLIEU AXES HOME WISE FOR VULNERABLE

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

AWARDS TO RECOGNISE SURFCOAST OUTSTANDING SENIORS

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

AWARDS TO RECOGNISE COLAC OUTSTANDING SENIORS

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

BAILLIEU AXES HOME WISE FOR VULNERABLE COLAC RESIDENTS

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

AWARDS TO RECOGNISE CORANGAMITE OUTSTANDING SENIORS

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

AWARDS TO RECOGNISE PORTLAND OUTSTANDING SENIORS

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

BAILLIEU AXES HOME WISE FOR VULNERABLE PORTLAND RESIDENTS

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

COLAC SECONDARY COLLEGE: FOOTBALL AND CRICKET OVAL

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

SOUTH WEST TAFE: REPORT 2010

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

WORK PLAN

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

NATIONAL CELTIC FESTIVAL, PORTARLINGTON

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

ANGLESEA PRIMARY SCHOOL: REDEVELOPMENT

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

CANCER COUNCIL VICTORIA: ANNUAL REVIEW 2010

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

RAIL: NORTH SHORE STATION

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

BUDGET PAPERS 2011-12

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

HEART DISEASE: GO RED FOR WOMEN

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

BILL ROYCROFT

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