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…

MAKING WESTERN VICTORIA KINDERGARTENS MORE INCLUSIVE

The Andrews Labor Government is helping Western Victoria’s kindergartens upgrade their buildings and playgrounds and buy equipment to provide a more inclusive environment for children with disabilities and additional needs. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced $6.4 million for the new Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program to improve classrooms and playgrounds. Local governments,…

BRINGING THE BEST OF THE ARTS TO WESTERN VICTORIA

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney is encouraging local not-for-profit arts groups, arts societies, venues and local councils to apply for funding, and increase the range of cultural experiences available in Western Victoria. Applications are now open for the Andrews Labor Government’s Small Regional Presenters program to bring new shows, performances and festivals to…

$2 MILLION FOR COMMUNITIES ACTING TO PROTECT VICTORIA’S BIODIVERSITY

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP has encouraged local environmental organisations to apply for the $2 million 2018 Community & Volunteer Action Grants, and $116,000 for Crowdfunding Grants under the Biodiversity On-ground Action Initiative, recently announced by the Victorian Government. The Andrews Labor Government is helping community groups in Western Victoria to undertake…

HITTING SIXES FOR WARRNAMBOOL CRICKETERS

Tomorrow’s local cricket stars will soon be enjoying better facilities at Mack Oval in Warrnambool with the announcement of funding through the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund – Cricket Facilities. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced Warrnambool City Council would receive $90,000 in funding to upgrade facilities at Mack Oval, home of Russells Creek…

A NEW MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE FOR WARRNAMBOOL

Warrnambool is the latest rural centre to open a new recovery-based mental health service, which will free up acute hospital beds and boost local employment opportunities for health workers. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today opened the $4.75 million South West Healthcare Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) 10-bed facility. Operations will officially commence in…

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…

FUNDING BOOST FOR SURF COAST SHIRE EVENTS

The Lorne Sculpture Biennale and Surf Coast Arts Trail events have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to tourism, arts and culture by being awarded grants by the Andrews Labor Government to support their continued success. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced that both the 2018 Lorne Sculpture Biennale and the Surf Coast…

GRANTS TO BRING THE BEST OF THE ARTS

Birregurra, Cororooke and Apollo Bay will play host to exciting new performances thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Small Regional Presenters program. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today congratulated Birregurra Community Group Inc, Red Rock Regional Theatre and Gallery and Apollo Bay Arts Inc who have received support for their presentations. The productions…

BUILDING A BETTER ROAD TO A VICTORIAN ICON

Travelling to one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations will soon be a significantly smoother and safer experience for drivers when works to improve Otway Lighthouse Road start next week. The Andrews Labor Government is investing $2.3 million to rebuild 4.2 kilometres of the road – the gateway route to Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse, 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…

HELPING KIDS BECOME MATHS MASTERS

The Andrews Labor Government is helping pre-schoolers and their families in the Colac Otway Shire improve their maths skills through a new early years’ program. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that early childhood educators at Apex Preschool Centre in Elliminyt and Lavers Hill and District Preschool will participate in Let’s Count training,…

IMPROVEMENT WORKS UNDERWAY ON FOXHOW ROAD

The Andrews Labor Government has begun repairing the damaged and narrow surface of Foxhow Road, as part of its $40 million investment in widening and making roads safer for drivers in south-west Victoria. Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney today announced works have started on rebuilding and widening four kilometres of road between Wettenhalls Lane…

HITTING SIXES FOR MODEWARRE CRICKETERS

Tomorrow’s local cricket stars will soon be enjoying better facilities at Mount Moriac Recreation Reserve with the announcement of funding through the Community Sports Infrastructure Fund – Cricket Facilities. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced $52,810 funding to upgrade facilities at Mount Moriac Recreation Reserve, home of Modewarre Cricket Club. The funding will…

NEW SURF COAST BOARDWALK FOR ANGLESEA

Work has begun on a $257,000 raised boardwalk along the iconic Surf Coast Walk to protect the sensitive Anglesea heathland and enhance the visitor experience. Western Victoria MP Gayle Tierney, representing Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, today turned the first sod on works to build the 180-metre boardwalk at Demons Bluff. EcoProjects Australia is constructing the…

ENGAGING! MORE YOUNG PEOPLE IN COLAC

Young people in Colac will have more opportunities to actively participate in and connect with their local community, through the Andrew Labor Government’s Engage! 2018-20 program. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced Colac Area Health will receive an Engage! 2018-20 grant of $130,000 over three years for their Our Place 3250 project.…

ENGAGING! MORE YOUNG PEOPLE IN WARRNAMBOOL

Young people in Warrnambool will have more opportunities to actively participate in and connect with their local community, through the Andrew Labor Government’s Engage! 2018-20 program. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced two organisations in Warrnambool will receive an Engage! 2018-20 grants for projects that will support young people aged between 12…

NEW SECURITY OFFICERS FOR COLAC COURT

Colac residents will have access to safer and more secure court facilities thanks to a $330,000 upgrade and the roll out of new Court Security Officers under the Andrews Labor Government. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced three Court Security Officers will be deployed on court sitting days from today, Monday 18 December.…

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…

MUSIC GRANT CELEBRATES LOCAL TALENT

Geelong’s music scene will take off like never before, with the Andrews Labor Government’s latest round of grants providing support to local artists and music industry. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today welcomed news that Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Marrma Rom Two Worlds Foundation are amongst more than 50 music industry representatives…

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…

FUNDING BOOST FOR CORANGAMITE LANDCARE GROUPS

Corangamite environment groups have received $191,000 in funding as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $1.93 million Landcare Grants program. Announcing the grants, Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the funding will be distributed through the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, which supports local Landcare groups carry out environmental projects to improve regional waterway…

FUNDING BOOST FOR LOCAL LANDCARE GROUPS

Local environment groups in Victoria’s south-west will benefit from $191,000 in funding as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $2 million Landcare Grants program. Announcing the grants, Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the funding will be distributed through the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, which supports local Landcare groups carry out environmental…

GETTING THE PLANNING RIGHT IN BANNOCKBURN TO BOOST JOBS AND MAKE COMMUNITIES STRONGER

The Andrews Labor Government is getting the planning right in Bannockburn to cut red tape, boost jobs and make homes more affordable. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced an $80,000 grant to assist the Golden Plains Shire Council develop the Bannockburn Traffic and Car Parking Strategy. Bannockburn is growing, and we’re giving…

FUNDING BOOST FOR EMERGENCY VOLUNTEERS IN WESTERN VICTORIA

Volunteers in Western Victoria are receiving a welcome funding boost, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government. Minister for Emergency Services, James Merlino recently announced the outcome of the 2017-18 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, delivering grants to 300 successful applicants. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today congratulated the 26 emergency service organisations in…

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…

FUNDING BOOST FOR PORT FAIRY

The Port Fairy Folk Festival has been recognised for its outstanding contributions to tourism, arts and culture by being awarded a grant from the Andrews Labor Government to support its continued success. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced that Port Fairy Folk Festival has secured a $20,000 grant through the Labor Government’s Regional…

FUNDING BOOST FOR KOROIT

The Koroit Irish Festival has been recognised for its outstanding contributions to tourism, arts and culture by being awarded a grant from the Andrews Labor Government to support its continued success. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced that Koroit Irish Festival has secured a $5,000 grant through the Labor Government’s Regional Events Fund.…

FUNDING BOOST FOR APOLLO BAY

The 2018 Apollo Bay Seafood Festival is set to expand to a 3 day event thanks to a funding boost from the Andrews Labor Government. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced that Apollo Bay Seafood Festival has secured a $10,000 grant through the Labor Government’s Regional Events Fund. This family fun event features…

SPRING SHADE GRANTS HELP SCHOOL KIDS IN WESTERN VICTORIA GET READY FOR SUMMER

As we head into summer, more students in Western Victoria will be protected from the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with extra shade to prevent deadly skin cancers. Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced five schools will receive $102,474 through the Andrews Labor Government’s School Shade Grants Program. The $1.4 million program provides…

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…

PROTECTING RECREATIONAL AND ABORIGINAL WATER FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney has welcomed new legislation introduced to parliament to enshrine recreational and Aboriginal water values into law for the first time across Victoria. The Andrews Labor Government has already taken significant steps to implement these values through projects like the Cultural Flows project along the Glenelg River. Traditional knowledge…

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…