The matter I wish to raise is for the attention of the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Maxine Morand. The 2008-09 budget allocated $23.9 million over four years for 500 additional early childhood intervention services places and a further 500 places in 2009-10. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics data the number of…
Pink Ribbon Day is Monday, 26 October. I encourage all women to book for regular mammograms. I had my first mammogram on Monday morning at the breast-screening facility at Gheringhap Street, Geelong. It took 10 minutes. The staff were courteous and professional and made it all so easy for me. Today’s mammogram experiences do not…
I take this opportunity to congratulate the organisers of the Birregurra festival held last weekend: Rod Gray, coordinator, and the assistant coordinators, Amanda Garner and Jacqueline Zakharia, along with all the other volunteers who really have reason to feel proud in providing the wider community of western Victoria with a fantastic event. We were blessed…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings. Will the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to protect Victoria’s catchments and help communities to restore our land and water systems? Mr JENNINGS (Minister for Environment and Climate Change)…
I rise to speak on the South West Institute of TAFE’s annual report 2008. At the commencement of my comments can I acknowledge Wayne Krause, the president of the board, as well as Joe Piper, the chief executive officer, and the board members, who put in an enormous amount of time and hard work and…
On another matter I wish to welcome and congratulate Robin Miles and his family.
He is the new regional director of the south-western Victoria division of
VicRoads, and I look forward to a very fruitful working relationship with him to
make western roads safer.
This morning I wish to congratulate the Minister for Women’s Affairs, Maxine Morand, for organising an engaging and informative Premier’s Women’s Summit on 8 September. Many women attended for the very first time. I am sure they will now take up the many opportunities and challenges that were rolled out over the course of the…
I take this opportunity to speak on the passing of Josie Black, a passionate social justice campaigner who passed away last Friday morning, 11 September. The headline in Saturday’s Warrnambool Standard read ‘One of a kind’, and there is not a better description for Josie Black, who was a passionate leader and champion for rural…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is directed to the Treasurer, John Lenders. Can the Treasurer update the house on current employment figures in Victoria? Mr LENDERS (Treasurer) — I thank Ms Tierney for her question and for her positive interest in jobs in Victoria and in her electorate, particularly in the great city…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Local Government and relates to the Brumby Labor government’s Living Libraries program. I have recently been made aware of a funding application for $500 000 made by the Golden Plains Shire Council to the state government’s Living Libraries program. This application details the Bannockburn library development project,…
I rise to speak in support of the Racing Legislation Amendment (Racing Integrity Assurance) Bill 2009. I declare from the outset my membership of the Geelong Racing Club. The racing industry is tremendously important to the state of Victoria. It can lay claim to the creation of some 70 000 job opportunities per annum and…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. As we know, Victoria’s heritage is recognised as one of the state’s competitive strengths, and investment in the restoration and maintenance of heritage is returned in economic, social and environmental benefits. Can the minister update the house on how the…
I rise in support of the motion before the house this afternoon, which is to note the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission interim report. I begin by paying my respect to those who lost their lives in the tragic fires of February 2009. I also acknowledge the family and friends who lost loved ones. Their…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Treasurer, John Lenders. Can the minister update the house on any recent releases by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and what they tell us about the current state of Victoria’s economy? Mr LENDERS (Treasurer) — It is amazing: a glass half full, or a glass…
I had the pleasure of being involved in three emergency services events in the Wimmera region on 18 August, which included the Horsham VICSES twin cab utility handover, the Grampians Country Fire Authority group new forward command vehicle handover and the official opening of the Kaniva VICSES station. I take this opportunity to thank all…
I am pleased to rise to make a contribution to the debate on the Courts Legislation Amendment (Judicial Resolution Conference) Bill 2009. Before I go to the specifics of this bill, I register my support of and my thanks to Chief Justice Robert French of the High Court of Australia for the paper he delivered…
On another note, last week the Minister for Housing announced a massive investment in public housing in Norlane to fund an additional 160 affordable new homes. On the completion of this project Geelong will have 200 affordable new homes — an investment of $40 million by the Brumby Labor government, with 170 jobs directly supported…
On 8 August the Minister for Public Transport visited Geelong with welcome news of 400 additional weekly bus services as part of the massive $80 million Brumby Labor government package to boost public transport links. From the beginning of next week, on top of the 400 new weekly bus services there will be an additional…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, and like last night it is also a request to support an important application put together by a community in the electorate of Western Victoria Region — on this occasion it is in relation to the Portland foreshore civic precinct upgrade.…
It is a great pleasure to stand in this place and speak in support of the Brumby Labor government’s annual statement of government intentions, announced by the Premier on the first parliamentary sitting day of this year. This is only the second year that such a statement has been presented to Parliament, and I believe…
I am pleased to make a contribution do debate on the Human Tissue Amendment Bill 2009. The amendment before the house deals only with blood donations. It is important at the outset to say the bill does not deal with organ and/or tissue donations. The key to this amending legislation is being able to increase…
I have much pleasure in making a statement in relation to the Victorian Coastal Council 2007-08 report. As members of this house would be aware, Victoria boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines of any state. It has magnificent coastal scenery, and we have many coastal townships dotted along its coast. The coast is also…
On another matter, I welcome the announcements made by the Minister for Education, Bronwyn Pike, last Wednesday of a new primary school for Torquay North and the extension of Torquay College from P-9 to P-12. This is an extremely popular decision that has been embraced by the local community. Parents on the school council, the…
On Sunday, 2 August, on behalf of the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, I announced $1.35 million for a major redevelopment of Portland airport. The modernisation works will prepare the airport for new services, more passengers and increased maintenance contract works by extending the apron area, expanding the maintenance hangar and providing…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan. It relates to an application for funding under the Small Towns Development Fund for the Beeac windmill park and history walk. Some time ago I was made aware that an application had been made by the Colac Otway shire in relation…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula. Can the minister update the house on the latest developments in Victoria’s important automotive industry, particularly in regard to Victoria’s major automotive manufacturers? Hon. M. P. PAKULA (Minister for Industry and Trade) — I am always pleased to…
On another matter, the community of Allansford came together on 2 August for the official opening of the redeveloped Allansford mechanics hall. The Brumby Labor government contributed $132 500 from the Small Towns Development Fund to this project. The day was a real celebration, particularly for Bev Byron, secretary of the hall committee, but also…
On Sunday, 2 August, I represented the Minister for Regional and Rural Development at the Hamilton Sheepvention wool fashion parade, when I announced $800 000 for an extensive upgrade of the Hamilton Showgrounds. These significant improvements will benefit local community groups but also the annual beef expo and Sheepvention. The Hamilton Pastoral and Agricultural Society…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula. Can the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to support the Australian fashion industry and how this is boosting jobs and the Victorian economy? Hon. M. P. PAKULA (Minister for Industry…
I wish to make some comments about the Gardiner Foundation annual review 2008. In doing so I draw the attention of the house to the comprehensive work the foundation undertakes throughout Victoria. For those who might not be all that familiar with the foundation and by way of background, the foundation was established in 2001.…
I rise to make a contribution on this important debate. I welcome genuine debate, particularly on the issue of education. It has always been a no. 1 priority for me, and I am more than happy that it is a no. 1 priority for the Brumby Labor government. But when I looked at the first…
My adjournment matter for the Minister for Police and Emergency Services is in regard to the latest round of the community safety emergency support grants. Some months ago the minister announced that applications were open for the new $3.76 million 2009 round of the community safety emergency support program. This program plays a crucial role…
Over the last four weeks some truly magnificent events have occurred in Western Victoria Region: the completion and formal opening by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mr Jennings, of the $14 million Portland Trawler Wharf; the arrival of the $20.8 million south-west emergency helicopter at its home base in Warrnambool, greeted by the…
I rise to make a statement on the Consumer Affairs Victoria annual report 2007-08. Consumer Affairs Victoria is the state’s leading consumer protection agency and was established to protect and promote consumer interests and to make sure that consumers get a fair deal. In the reporting period CAV received more than 545 000 calls to…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula. Can the minister outline to the house how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to secure jobs in the automotive sector and in particular in the Geelong region? Hon. M. P. PAKULA (Minister for Industry and Trade)…
Last Wednesday I was in Colac to make two announcements. Firstly, the government allocated $60 000 to the Shire of Colac Otway under the community facility funding program, minor facilities category, for the resurfacing of six netball courts. This government understands that quality, accessible community sport and recreation facilities play an important role in building…
On Sunday, 14 June, the Geelong region celebrated yet another milestone in road infrastructure development, with the opening of stage 3 of the Geelong Ring Road. Premier Brumby, along with federal Labor member of Parliament Darren Cheeseman, officially opened the stage 3 section of the ring-road. The opening was also witnessed by all local Labor…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. The Brumby Labor government is committed to encouraging residential development in regional Victoria while balancing the need to make sustainable, long-term decisions that improve local communities. Can the minister update the house on recent decisions regarding planning approvals in Apollo…
I rise to make a statement on the Country Fire Authority annual report 2007-08. I will focus most of my remarks around CFA volunteers and the CFA in our communities. On page 5 of the report the chairman, Kerry Murphy, points to research conducted by the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre which shows that CFA volunteers…
I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper. The action I seek is for the minister to assist Victoria’s dairy farmers to become more profitable and productive, especially in the wake of the recent drop in milk prices, by widely publicising and promoting the outcomes of a new $6.9…
I rise with a heavy heart that is quite agitated this evening, because like many other members in this chamber I have become increasingly impatient with the type of business that is before this house on Wednesdays. This is just symptomatic of what we have been putting up with for some time. But this motion,…
On 20 May I had the pleasure of joining a number of community members at Birregurra and Forrest for not one or two but three significant announcements for the local area. Firstly, a total of $243 000 will be invested as part of the Brumby Labor government’s Small Towns Development Fund and the synthetic surfaces…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations, Mr Pakula. Can the minister advise the house of any recent successful initiatives that demonstrate the Brumby government’s commitment to fair workplaces? Hon. M. P. PAKULA (Minister for Industrial Relations) — I thank Ms Tierney for her question and for what…
I also rise to make a contribution in support of the Crimes Amendment (Identity Crime) Bill 2009. As we have heard from Ms Mikakos, this bill proposes new offences to cover the making, using or supplying of identifying information, possessing identification information, and possessing equipment capable of making identification documentation with the intent of committing…
I rise to make a statement on the Deakin University annual report 2008. At the beginning of the reporting period the Deakin University council approved a new strategic plan entitled ‘Delivering effective partnerships’, which will be in place until 2012. From my experience with the university I could not think of a more appropriate title…
The Saturday after this place last rose the clash between Alvie and Forrest in the Colac and District Football League occurred. The standard of football and netball played that day was tremendously high. It was not all that long ago that many country sporting clubs were floundering, not being able to cobble enough players together…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville, and is in relation to funding for a number of health services in the Western Victoria Region to address wound management for elderly and disabled patients. As members know, there has been much progress made in terms of younger people understanding the importance…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings. Will the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to help address the complex issues involved in adapting to the impacts of climate change and demonstrating once again the Brumby Labor…
I am also pleased to rise to speak in support of the Fair Trading and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2008. I would clearly argue that the bill does a number of key things. Firstly, it strengthens enforcement capacity and it updates and amends definitions in the Fair Trading Act 1999. It also inserts an unfair…
On another matter, I must mention that hard work is well and truly under way by Una McAlinden and the organising committee who, along with visitors and local committee community members, will make this weekend the best ever National Celtic Festival in Portarlington. Last week I had the great pleasure of announcing a $22 500…
Since the last sitting week we have had National Volunteers Week and Education Week. I had the good fortune of officially launching Education Week at Ashby Primary School in Geelong West. This is a school that clearly knows that high levels of literacy and numeracy are imperative, but it is also committed to nurture a…
I am pleased to rise and make a contribution in respect of the bill before us, the Workplace Rights Advocate (Repeal) Bill 2008. The intention of this bill is to repeal the Workplace Rights Advocate Act 2005 and to make consequential amendments to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 and the Public Sector…
I rise to make a statement on the Kyneton District Health Service annual report 2007-08. The chief executive officer of the health service, Jennifer Gale, indicates in the report that the service was brought in without a deficit, largely due to a substantial funding allocation from the Department of Human Services as well as to…
The motion before the house today, moved by the opposition, contains charges of the government having squandered its opportunities; of having failed to capitalise on historic opportunities; of having failed to deliver in key services which Victorians deserve and expect; and further, of having failed to provide critical infrastructure, thereby failing to provide Victoria with…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings. Can the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is taking action through the package for parks and biodiversity that was announced in yesterday’s state budget to reduce the risk of bushfires across Victoria…
I take this opportunity to speak on the passing of Paul Turner, an active and energetic community member in Geelong, an Australian Labor Party member and a wonderful friend to the many who knew him. Paul was a regular contributor to the Geelong Advertiser ‘letters to the editor’ column, demonstrating his vigour and energy to…
It is a pleasure to rise and speak in favour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground Bill 2008. Many say the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the heart of Melbourne. Whether they are sporting fans, music fans or interested in the history of this great city, for many people the MCG holds a special place in their…
I rise to make a statement on Film Victoria’s annual report for 2007-08. It is obvious that film is an important medium, a medium that is accessible to all, regardless of one’s socioeconomic background. Film provides entertainment, information and pushes the boundaries of our imagination. It is a great vehicle for phenomenal acting, but it…
It is not my intention to speak at length on this issue this afternoon as I made a fairly lengthy contribution when this matter was before the house on 11 March 2009. What I would like to do is provide a report to the house on a number of things that have happened since 11…
Many of us in this chamber have a number of music festivals held in various communities in our electorates. In Western Victoria Region we have along the coast the Port Fairy music festival, the Portarlington Celtic festival and the Apollo Bay Music Festival, just to name a few. Last weekend was the 17th annual Apollo…
My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Women’s Affairs, Maxine Morand. I request that she attend a particular conference in south-western Victoria with me later this year. By way of background, it is worth noting that on this day 100 years ago the Adult Suffrage Bill received royal assent, giving for the…
I would also like to take this opportunity to mention the United Way Geelong campaign launch for 2009, which was held at the Ford Discovery Centre. I encourage employees to approach their employers to organise payroll deductions for donations to the campaign and to join the workplace giving program. People are feeling the effects of…
Halls in small communities are often the focal point of social, organising and emergency support activities. The hall at Swan Marsh is a prime example. Over the years the local community has determined that it is an important community asset and has raised money to assist with its maintenance. Over the last 27 years members…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is also for the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. Can the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to deliver its commitment to improve infrastructure, particularly in regional Victoria? Hon. J. M. MADDEN (Minister for Planning) — I welcome Ms Tierney’s interest…
The matter I raise is for the Minister for Health in the other place, Daniel Andrews, and is in relation to ensuring that health services in western Victoria continue to have access to high-quality medical equipment and facilities. I am aware that this government has invested $4.1 billion in the largest capital works program the…
I also rise to speak in support of the Sheriff Bill 2008. This bill will consolidate the powers of the sheriff and the sheriff’s office. A number of acts have provided powers for that office over a period of time, and that has been recognised as a piecemeal approach to the various legal sources governing…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula. Can the minister outline to the house how the Brumby Labor government is cooperating with the commonwealth government, businesses and unions to support and secure jobs in these difficult economic times, and is he aware of any impediment…
I rise to comment on the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority annual report for 2007-08. First I will briefly describe the geographic boundaries of the catchment management authority (CMA). It essentially begins in the west, just west of Port Campbell, and moves right along the coast, around the Surf Coast, around the Bellarine Peninsula to Geelong…
Part of the privilege of being a member of Parliament is dealing with an extremely wide range of issues and a wide range of groups within our communities. An afternoon’s activities can range from handling early childhood issues and access to technology and presenting school prizes to formally opening synthetic greens at bowls clubs. Each…
I rise to make a contribution to this debate. Firstly I will address the iconic nature of the area we are talking about and then move on to the reason for the project. The issue of the Barwon Heads bridge has been around for a long, long time, and it has been more specifically an…
Later that day I assisted in the launch of the DVD Cattle Stories and Bush Yarns. The Brumby Labor government contributed $5000 towards this project to record the living history of livestock agents, cattlemen, drovers and women who were involved in the history of livestock selling in the district. The Brumby Labor government knows it…
The 17th Heywood Wood, Wine and Roses Festival on Saturday, 28 February, was a wonderful success, with over 10 000 people attending. Congratulations must go to the organisers and in particular, Mrs Elaine Evans, president and organiser of the street procession. On the day, my toughest job was assisting in the judging along with the…
On 17 February I was in Lorne to announce the Brumby Labor government’s contribution to the second stage of the Mountjoy Parade streetscape upgrade. The $500 000 for the second stage will be used to expand and improve the public open space along the Great Ocean Road within the retail and commercial centre of Lorne.…
I rise to lend my support to the condolence motion before the house. From the outset I also express my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones — 210 people confirmed dead so far; 210 people who were and will continue to be cherished. Hundreds of people have been injured, and many remain…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Agriculture in the other place and is in relation to the boat ramp at Lake Purrumbete. At present the boat ramp at Lake Purrumbete is not in use due to the lake’s low water level. Under Marine Safety Victoria’s 2008-09 boating facilities and community harbours program, this…
I am pleased to rise to speak in opposition to the motion moved by Mr Koch. As we have been advised by a number of speakers today, over the last 10 years there has been unprecedented growth in Victoria, particularly population growth. That growth has come from other states and from other countries, and in…
Last Friday I was in Portland with the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, when she announced a Brumby Labor government injection of $280 000 for the region, specifically for the Great South Coast strategic plan. Great South Coast councils include the Colac-Otway, Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne and Southern Grampians shire councils, along with…
I am very pleased to rise to speak in support of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Food and Drink Spiking) Bill 2008. It is a very important piece of legislation, and it further demonstrates this government’s commitment to protecting Victorians, particularly those who are potentially in vulnerable situations, in circumstances where people are out supposedly attempting…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Industry and Trade. Will the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to ensure that Victoria remains the engine room of the automotive industry, and in doing so will the minister outline the challenges the industry is…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. It is in relation to the Creating Better Places program and an application for funding by the Golden Plains Shire Council for the Bruces Creek open space corridor project. I had the opportunity of having a tour of the area several months ago with…
I rise to make a statement on the Hesse Rural Health Service 14th annual report, which is for 2007-08. This reporting period has been a very exciting time in the further development of Hesse Rural Health Service with the signing of contracts to commence the building of the specialised, 10-bed rural dementia wing. I would…
I rise to make comment on the sad but so consistent comments made by the shadow minister for industry and state development, Richard Dalla-Riva. However, before I do so I would like to draw the attention of the house to this most recently announced manufacturing and industry policy, Building Our Industries for the Future —…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. Geelong is an important regional centre to the state of Victoria and is experiencing significant levels of population growth. Can the minister advise the house of the Brumby Labor government’s actions to make sure Geelong accommodates this growth in a…
On 15 November I attended the Clunes annual show and enjoyed the wonderful festivities in that beautiful town. I enjoyed the opportunity of talking to members of the community on issues of mutual concern. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved in the Clunes and District Agricultural Society for their…
On Friday, 31 October, I had the pleasure of representing the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs to officially open the new pavilion at the Don Wallace Reserve in Teesdale. The new pavilion enhances the previous smaller facility and now provides more space for local clubs to host events and accommodate the increasing number…
I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, in relation to the Port Fairy community centre. The Port Fairy community centre is a $2.8 million project. I had the pleasure in June this year of representing the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development in announcing…
I rise to make a contribution to the debate on the State Taxation Acts Further Amendment Bill 2008. The bill is divided into six parts and makes amendments to a number of acts. It amends the Duties Act 2000, the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994, the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 and the Taxation…
I am pleased also to rise to make a contribution on the Multicultural Victoria Amendment Bill 2008. What we have before us this afternoon is a bill to enact an election commitment taken by the Labor Party to the 2006 election. That commitment was to merge the Victorian Office of Multicultural Affairs with the Victorian…
On 18 July 2007 the Ford Motor Company announced that it would close the Ford engine plant in 2010. It was a dark day for Ford workers and a sad day for Geelong. A question mark hung over Ford’s future, but with the change of government in November 2007 hard work began on a new…
I rise to make a statement on the Lorne Community Hospital annual report 2007-08. I would like to begin by saying that the Lorne Community Hospital does an absolutely marvellous job servicing the health needs of residents in Lorne and surrounding areas, and visitors to the area during the lead-up to the Christmas break and…
It is with pleasure that I rise to speak on another fantastic announcement for Western Victoria Region under the Brumby Labor government’s $18 million Transport Connections initiative. This summer a new bus service connecting people living in the Colac area to Lorne will operate seven days a week. There has been a longstanding need for…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan. Last Monday saw the announcement of a historic new car plan from the Rudd government which will provide $6.2 billion to the industry. This funding will provide a serious future for the industry. Leaving that announcement to one side, there has…
I rise to speak on the Stalking Intervention Orders Bill 2008. This bill essentially seeks to preserve the current system of stalking intervention orders, with minor and technical changes, until the stalking intervention order system can be comprehensively reviewed by the Department of Justice. To provide some background to this, the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s…
Australia is one of only 15 countries in the world where vehicles are manufactured. Vehicle manufacturing is important to general industry, the Australian economy, employment, skill levels and innovation. Yesterday I was at the Automotive Centre of Excellence when the Prime Minister announced A New Car Plan for a Greener Future. The plan defends all…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Acting Minister for Industry and Trade, John Lenders. Can the minister outline to the house how the Brumby Labor government is listening to and working with regional communities and stakeholders, and more specifically how it is doing so in the Geelong area? Mr LENDERS (Acting…
I rise to speak on the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Trust annual report 2006-07. It gives me great satisfaction in the year that we celebrate women’s suffrage in Victoria to speak on this report. The trust has a dual role which is essentially to manage the heritage building which houses women’s organisations and to develop…
At last there is a very special seat for that dangerous and persuasive woman, the pioneering suffragist Vida Goldstein, in Portland, the town where she was born nearly 140 years ago. At last Vida Goldstein has been recognised for the significant role she played in helping Victorian women win the right to vote 100 years…
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Community Development. Last Friday I had the pleasure of launching the Mt Gambier to Portland Transport Connections trial bus service in Nelson when over 40 community members were in attendance. It would be no news to people in this chamber that I am a serious fan of…
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is for the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings. Can the minister please inform the house how the Brumby government is supporting innovative approaches to reducing vehicle emissions? Mr JENNINGS (Minister for Environment and Climate Change) — I thank Ms Tierney for her question and for…
I am also pleased to make a contribution to debate on the Labour and Industry (Repeal) Bill 2008. This bill actually gives effect to an election commitment by this government to reduce the regulatory burden, by reviewing legislation and repealing any act or regulation that is assessed as being redundant. As part of this commitment,…