FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches August to December 2015

Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Melbourne’s West Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Autism Spectrum Disorder Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Electoral Integrity

Suite 101, 19 Lacy Street, Braybrook Vic 3019 Telephone (03) 9317 5900 • Fax (03) 9317 5911 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches August to December 2015

CONTENTS Sunbury rail services...... 3 Aspergers Victoria...... 17 Climate change...... 3 Sunbury rail services...... 17 Autism services...... 3 Local Government Amendment (Improved Autism services waiting lists...... 3 Governance) Bill 2015...... 17 Sunbury municipality...... 3 Vocational education and training...... 18 Abuse in disability services...... 3 Department of Treasury and Finance: budget Vocational education and training...... 4 papers 2015-16...... 19 Tullamarine Freeway congestion...... 4 Essendon Keilor College...... 19 Foetal organ trading...... 4 March for the Babies...... 19 Landfill guarantee...... 5 Traffic delays: economic impact...... 19 Vietnam Veterans Day...... 5 Sunbury rail crossing...... 20 Western suburbs youth workers...... 5 Sunbury rail services fines...... 20 Essendon level crossing...... 5 Michelle and Stevie Payne...... 20 Autism support groups...... 5 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Werribee South road interchange...... 6 Bill 2015...... 20 Infrastructure Victoria Bill 2015...... 6 Sunbury rail services...... 21 Williams Landing school...... 7 Police numbers...... 22 Hon. Francis Raymond Scully...... 7 Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Horne Street-Gap Road, Sunbury...... 8 Committee...... 23 Regional and rural gas supply...... 8 Deer Park level crossing...... 23 Government performance...... 9 Sunbury municipality...... 24 Sunbury rail services...... 9 Adoption Amendment (Adoption by Albion railway station...... 9 Same-Sex Couples) Bill 2015...... 24 Sunbury public meeting...... 9 Adoption Amendment (Adoption by Carranballac P-9 College...... 9 Same-Sex Couples) Bill 2015...... 25 Main Road, St Albans, Level Crossing...... 10 Derrimut Hotel...... 25 Bulla landfill...... 10 Minister for Agriculture questions on notice...... 25 Western suburbs road gridlock...... 10 Sunbury municipality...... 25 Regional rail link...... 10 Traffic congestion...... 25 Public holidays...... 11 Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment Sunbury rail services...... 11 (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2015...... 26 National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment Bill 2015...... 12 (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2015...... 27 Sunbury municipality audit review...... 13 City of Wyndham...... 36 Sunbury municipality...... 13 Landfill waste site...... 36 Western suburbs road strategy...... 13 Government Performance...... 36 Government performance...... 13 Western distributor...... 39 Racing Amendment Bill 2015...... 14 Sunbury rail services...... 39 Autism Health & Well Being Expo...... 14 Delivering Victorian Infrastructure (Port of Sunbury rail timetable...... 15 Melbourne Lease Transaction) Bill 2015...... 39 Warrnambool-Geelong rail services...... 15 Autism services...... 40 Sunbury community...... 16 Impact of western distributor...... 41 Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Autism services...... 41 Supervision) and Other Acts Amendment Sunbury municipality: audit committee cost...... 41 Bill 2015...... 16 Moonee Ponds Creek...... 41 Western distributor road...... 17

Suite 101, 19 Lacy Street, Braybrook Vic 3019 • Telephone (03) 9317 5900 • Fax (03) 9317 5911 Email [email protected] • Web www.berniefinn.com

IN 2 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Constituency questions Minister for Housing, Disability and COUNCIL | Adjournment 4 August 2015 Ageing. It is important to point out 5 August 2015 that in the area of autism the first and most important program of all is early intervention. It cannot be stressed too Sunbury rail much, and it is extraordinarily important Sunbury in the life of any child with autism. It is services absolutely crucial, and the earlier a child municipality Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) receives early intervention, the better the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I — My constituency question is to the results will be. wish to raise a matter this evening for Minister for Public Transport, and I Just a few weeks ago I visited the Olga the attention of the Minister for Local thank the minister for her answers to my Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Government. The matter follows a public previous constituency questions, none Trobe University. The staff are doing some meeting I attended at the memorial hall of which, I have to add, provided any amazing work there. I came away from in Sunbury just a few short weeks ago. It useful information. I refer to the debacle that visit with a very big smile on my face, was a meeting held under the auspices of occurring at Sunbury railway station on a having seen some of the wonderful work the auditors who are apparently reviewing daily basis. Commuters are increasingly in they are doing. One of the programs they the decision by the previous government a state of total confusion as to which trains are working on is the detection of autism to remove Sunbury from the City of Hume, they can board or indeed when V/ Line in children as young as six months. That and I am delighted to be able to tell the trains now leave. Some drivers have would be an extraordinary achievement, house that Sunbury still knows how to apparently been directed to leave early and I am told they are not far away from hold a public meeting. The place was to avoid picking up passengers. Will the doing so. Even if they succeed, it only packed to the rafters, and there was plenty minister personally intervene to clarify the makes a difference if an early intervention of give and take and good old-fashioned situation for those seeking to catch trains program is available. heckling. It was like going back to a at Sunbury? World’s best practice tells us that a bygone era, but very good indeed. child needs at least 20 hours of early I was not surprised to see that there COUNCIL | Members statements intervention per week. Most children in was a sizeable delegation from the this state do not even get a quarter of that. Australian Services Union (ASU) at 4 August 2015 If they get 2 to 3 hours per week, most that meeting, given that the Australian think they are doing well. To my way of Services Union has been very active in thinking that is just not good enough, spreading misinformation and opposing and indeed it is having a significantly the decision by the previous government Climate change detrimental effect on children and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — In to set up the Sunbury city council, even ultimately on their families as well. We though, it has to be said, a good number of the midst of the coldest winter Melbourne need more government support for early has experienced for two decades, and those ASU members would have needed intervention services for children with a GPS to get to Sunbury, and I am sure often torrential rain that Tim ‘Sandbags’ autism, and quite frankly we need it now. Flannery told us would never fall again, they would have used one. As I heard one I noticed a number of ministers in the These programs are life changing for say after a particularly heavy downpour Andrews government lining up to pay children and also for the families living outside the meeting, ‘We don’t have rain homage at the feet of shyster-in-chief, Al with autism, because it is not just the like this in Broadie’, which pretty much Gore, on his recent visit to Melbourne. children with autism who are impacted sums up the feeling they had. How pathetic! but also their mothers, their fathers and Outside I was told by one of these their siblings. Sometimes members of the ASU folk — I think he may have been a Gore has made tens of millions of extended family are impacted by a child’s dollars out of the global warming climate union organiser in fact — in no uncertain autism as well. I ask the minister whether terms, ‘The Sunbury council is dead, change scam, so he would have made it he will consider what I have had to say his business to ignore the plummeting brother’. There is no way that a Labor about this extremely important matter government will allow this to go ahead’. temperatures in Australia and overseas, and provide the sort of support I have the number of scientists on ships stuck in That is what he said to me. These people asked for as a matter of urgency, because clearly have a significant influence on ice at the polar caps and the fact that there there are many thousands of children has been no global warming for almost 20 the current government. Inside the throughout the state and many thousands meeting, listening to the auditor, I agreed years. Mr Gore would undoubtedly call of family members who are desperate for this a ‘pause’. almost immediately that this will not this sort of support. happen, because there is an old saying The global warming myth has already in politics that if you want a certain cost Australians many thousands of COUNCIL | Constituency questions result, you appoint the people you want millions of dollars. Bureaucracies and to a committee, and on this occasion it assorted programs to fight something 5 August 2015 appears the government has done that. that does not actually exist have hit the national budget hard. Here in Victoria The Leader of the Opposition in the we have one of the world’s greatest white Assembly, Matthew Guy, has called this elephants sitting down at Wonthaggi — Autism services a farce, which it clearly is, and not for the a memorial to Labor’s gullibility. The first time has Labor betrayed us, it would desalination plan will cost Victorians waiting lists seem. I am hoping against hope that the almost $2 million a day for years to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) government will be serious in this regard. come. The time has come — long gone — My constituency question is to the I ask the minister to give a guarantee in fact — for governments of Australia to Minister for Health. Many community that the government is serious about officially declare global warming a sham health centres provide or at least establishing the Sunbury council because, and shun prize shysters such as Al Gore facilitate early intervention programs for quite frankly, nobody in Sunbury believes and Sandbags Flannery. It is time to grasp children with autism. These programs, it is. reality with both hands. To do otherwise is as I have explained to the house before, to fail those who put their faith in them. are crucially important to the future life COUNCIL | Family and Community prospects of these children and their Development C’tee, 6 August 2015 COUNCIL | Adjournment families. Will the minister provide to me a full summary of waiting lists for early 4 August 2015 intervention for children with autism at community health centres in Melbourne’s Abuse in disability western suburbs? Autism services services Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I raise a matter for the attention of the move:

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 3 That the Council take note of the report. be the first person who has actually picked Tullamarine Freeway that the daily mess it up in 100 years. on the freeway will be removed? I will speak very briefly to this report. The subject of this particular committee I am very hopeful that this report will be inquiry was one of the more distressing taken seriously, I am very hopeful that the COUNCIL | Adjournment recommendations will be taken seriously subjects I have experienced in my years 6 August 2015 in Parliament. I find it repugnant in every and I am very hopeful that not just the way that anybody who is vulnerable, government but indeed the Parliament anyone who is defenceless, anybody who will consider the abuse of disabled people is not in a position to defend themselves a very serious matter. I believe it is an Foetal organ is the subject of abuse. I find it repugnant, issue that should be addressed as a matter I find it less than human, that people with of urgency. trading a disability should be treated in any other The PRESIDENT — Order! The good Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I way than other human beings with the thing is, Mr Finn, you might well find that raise a matter for the attention of the full respect they are due. Unfortunately in 100 years time you will find your place Minister for Health. It follows a question what we have found in our committee in history! asked on Tuesday by Dr Carling-Jenkins of considerations, keeping in mind this is an Mr FINN — I don’t think it will be Ms Mikakos in her capacity as the minister interim report, is that this abuse goes on worrying me too much then. representing the Minister for Health in and goes on far too often. this house. On that day Dr Carling-Jenkins While this is a very good report, it is just Motion agreed to. asked if the bodies of babies killed in the beginning. To fully tackle the depth abortions were being sold for spare parts of abuse that is going on, Parliament in this state. It is no reflection on Ms should consider this subject at much COUNCIL | Questions without notice Mikakos — none at all. She replied that greater length and at a much higher level, 6 August 2015 to her knowledge it had not happened. because while the recommendations of My personal view is that that is not good this committee are very worthwhile, it enough. I think we need a far more is something that the government and definitive answer on that particular ministers need to take into consideration Vocational matter. as a matter of priority. It is intolerable Ms Shing — On a point of order, that we, as a state, allow these things to education and President, I take great issue with Mr Finn’s happen. referral to the issue which Dr Carling- The considerations of this committee training Jenkins raised as the selling of babies’ distressed me enormously. As members Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I organs for spare parts. I ask you to seek would be aware, people with disability wish to raise a matter for the attention of that he rephrase it in less offensive terms. are pretty close to my heart, and I found the Minister for Training and Skills. Given The PRESIDENT — Order! I am not an most of the things we heard quite that the interim report on vocational editor of people’s contributions. Whilst heartbreaking. For us to call ourselves education and training funding is now a I might from time to time also have a civilised society and allow these sorts watered down issues paper released 57 concerns about terminology and indeed of things to happen is probably pushing days late, does the minister still commit to the misphrasing we all do at times, there the truth, because if we were truly a implementing the final report conclusions is certainly nothing unparliamentary as civilised society, we would never tolerate of the review in time for the 2016 training such in what Mr Finn has said. Whilst abuse towards people with disabilities year? it might be a matter of concern to some or children or the elderly or anybody Supplementary question members, I am not in a position to ask who is not in a position to fully defend him to withdraw that sort of comment. themselves. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Ms Shing — On a point of clarification, I commend this report. I congratulate thank the minister for his answer, and President — not as a misrepresentation the committee chair, Maree Edwards, it is wonderful to see him so animated. of what I understand Dr Carling-Jenkins’s the member for Bendigo West in the Given that the minister has received initial contribution was on that issue? Assembly; the deputy chair, Cindy two differing sets of preliminary The PRESIDENT — Order! It would be a McLeish, the member for Eildon in the recommendations that resulted in point of order if it was outside the scope of Assembly; and my fellow members, Chris the release of a watered-down issues things. I am also advised that Dr Carling- Couzens, Paul Edbrooke, Emma Kealy paper, and given that there is constant Jenkins is in the chamber — if she felt she and Suzanna Sheed — the members disagreement between his two reviewers, was misrepresented. Obviously Mr Finn is for Geelong, Frankston, Lowan and is it not fair to say that this process, under also able to paraphrase as there is limited Shepparton in the Assembly respectively. I his watch, is a shambles? time available to us to raise adjournment also commend the committee secretariat: matters. As I said, the words might be Dr Janine Bush, the executive officer; Ms COUNCIL | Constituency questions raw for some members, but they are not Vicky Finn — no relation, I understand — unparliamentary. who is the research officer — — 6 August 2015 Mr FINN — As I said, we need a Mr Jennings — She is a relation to definitive answer on this matter. It follows somebody! the appalling revelations in the United Mr FINN — She probably is related States in recent weeks that Planned to somebody. That is very good. You are Tullamarine Parenthood has been found to be selling coming along very well, Minister. It is a for profit the body parts of babies killed really good start to the day — it is the best Freeway congestion in abortions. If the abortion industry is start you have had all week! Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My question is to the Minister for Roads making money this way in the United I thank also Mr Patrick O’Brien, the and Road Safety. Every day the people States, it would very much surprise me if research officer, and Ms Helen Ross- of Melbourne’s north-west and beyond that industry is not doing the same thing Soden, the administrative officer. I crawl, bumper to bumper, in traffic here in Australia. thank these people for the contributions gridlock on the Tullamarine Freeway. To Victoria is the abortion capital of they have made to what is an extremely make matters worse, this is the first scene Australia. The law allows babies to be important report, one that I sincerely that greets visitors to our state after they killed right up until the moment they hope will not go into a ministerial cabinet land at Tullamarine airport — not a great would otherwise be born, and the annual somewhere and be left to collect dust. welcome to Melbourne at all. Given that death toll from abortion is over 20 000 I have been involved in a number of the Andrews government has scrapped babies per year. We know that some committees over a number of years. All the only project offering a solution to the babies are born alive as a result of what too often committee reports find their shemozzle — the east–west link — what are called failed abortions, and they do way onto cabinet shelves, and in 100 years hope can the minister offer users of the not survive. There is ample opportunity someone will be wandering through those offices, they will find a report and they will

IN 4 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE for abortionists to sell the body parts of Australians who fought in Vietnam are more youth workers. I know they can turn these babies. as much heroes as those who served in around many lives, and I ask the minister Ms Mikakos made it clear on Tuesday World War I, World War II, the Korean to provide youth workers as soon as that this particular practice is illegal War and the Borneo campaign before possible. in Victoria. Still, we have no definitive them as well as those conflicts we have seen since. Some have not always given answer as to whether this is going on. COUNCIL | Constituency questions As I said, there is ample scope for this Vietnam veterans the respect that is to happen. In my view there is a distinct their due. The disgraceful treatment our 19 August 2015 possibility, if not a probability, that this returning soldiers received from some is occurring. I think we as a Parliament people will live forever in the national have a responsibility to ensure that the law memory as a stain on Australia’s history. I is being followed and that the appalling salute our Vietnam veterans, and I thank Essendon level practices we have seen in the United them for their courage, their commitment States are not repeated here in Australia and their service. We honour them and crossing and in particular in Victoria. their sacrifice. God bless them all. Lest we Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My forget. constituency question is for the Minister What I am asking the Minister for Public Transport. I refer the minister to for Health to do is to institute a full, the website of the member for Essendon independent inquiry to ascertain whether COUNCIL | Adjournment in the other place, which on 20 March this this practice of selling the body parts of 18 August 2015 year said: aborted babies is occurring in Victoria in either the private abortion industry Essendon residents are tired of the or public hospitals. I hope the minister traffic congestion around Essendon will set that up as a matter of urgency station as a result of the Buckley Street so that this matter can be resolved and Western suburbs level crossing. People can lose 15 people can either rest assured that it is not minutes in peak hour just trying to get youth workers across the railway line. The people of occurring or, if it is, actually do something Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I to stop it. Essendon deserve better. raise a matter this evening for the Minister I could not agree more with that. It for Youth Affairs, and I am delighted to see continued: COUNCIL | Constituency questions the minister is in the chamber. Last week 18 August 2015 it was my very happy duty to welcome the That’s why I am pleased that an shadow Attorney-General, the member Andrews Labor government is removing for Hawthorn in the other place, to the the Buckley Street level crossing. This western suburbs. The reason for the visit promise is fully costed as part of our Landfill guarantee was to meet a legendary youth worker in centrepiece policy to remove the 50 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My the western suburbs, ‘Sir’ Les Twentyman. worst level crossings in Melbourne. constituency question is to the Minister With us were two representatives from Five months later I must now ask: when for Environment, Climate Change and Victoria Police. Les was at the wheel and does the government intend to replace Water. I refer to this morning’s public took us around some of the hotspots for costings with funding and remove the hearing by the Legislative Council’s youth problems in the western suburbs, Buckley Street, Essendon, level crossing? Standing Committee on the Economy and from Footscray through to Braybrook and Infrastructure, in which the CEO of the Sunshine. It was illuminating to me, and I COUNCIL | Adjournment Melbourne Metro Rail Authority, Mr Evan think it was an education for all of us who Tattersall, indicated that vast quantities went on the tour. 19 August 2015 of landfill from the Melbourne Metro rail Of course Sir Les has been very project would be dumped somewhere concerned about the ice epidemic for a in the vicinity of Melbourne Airport. long time and has been warning about its At the same time Mr Tattersall would impact. It is quite horrific to see what it is Autism support not rule out that the landfill mentioned doing to young people and their families. would be contaminated. Will the minister It is not something that affects just one groups give the people of Melbourne’s north- person; it has a ripple effect throughout Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I west a guarantee that she will prevent families and the community. The 20th wish to raise a matter this evening for the dumping of possibly contaminated Man Fund is doing a tremendous job in the attention of the Minister for Housing, material from this project in their area? helping young people to stay away from Disability and Ageing. I have spoken ice and to get off it if they find themselves before in this house about the lack of support for many families who have COUNCIL | Members statements on the wrong side of the drug. We saw some appalling living conditions, even a family members with autism. I know 18 August 2015 teenager who had set up camp and was from personal experience that it can be living under a pedestrian overpass about a very lonely journey when a child is 100 metres from my office on Ballarat first diagnosed with autism. Quite often Road. That shocked me; I had not noticed families are in a state of shock and do Vietnam Veterans that before. This young fellow had a not know where to turn. In order to fill mattress and had hung up his clothes on this vacuum some selfless individuals — Day a spike in the wall. It was something you themselves having children with autism Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — would not expect to see in Melbourne. — have taken it upon themselves to form As we have heard, 18 August is Vietnam support groups which provide information The 20th Man Fund and Les Twentyman for parents who are in the situation I have Veterans Day, and today I pay tribute have been doing a great job for young to those brave men and women who described. They are people who sacrifice people in the western suburbs and indeed their own time; they are selfless and they served their nation in that theatre of throughout Victoria for a very long time. war. Last Sunday morning I joined the really care about other people. It would Les Twentyman has changed many lives be very easy to say, ‘I have got my own president of the Keilor East RSL, Bill for the better, and I believe he has saved Laker; Moonee Valley mayor Narelle problems. Everybody else can look after a good number of lives as well. He is themselves’. But these people take the Sharpe; other councillors; and local MPs more than capable of turning these young to show our gratitude to those residents initiative to go out and show the care for people’s lives around, but he needs help others that is necessary. of the Essendon-Niddrie area who paid — there is no doubt about that — and the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam and to that is where my request to the minister One such group that I have been lay wreaths in their memory. It was an comes in tonight. What Les Twentyman involved with now for a number of emotional gathering as we remembered and the 20th Man Fund need more than years is Autism Angels of Brimbank. As those young men who lost their lives — anything else to continue their good work I go around the state I know there are a the oldest being just 24 and most only 21 is youth workers. They desperately need number of groups in a similar situation. or 22. My admiration for them is beyond

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 5 words. It truly restores anybody’s faith in is exceptionally good at making have thousands of cars spewing all sorts humanity to see these people do the work announcements. As for funding projects of gunk into the air, yet they are the ones they do. This work not only adds to the and seeing them through, forget it — that who come in here and tell us about pressure that they are all under looking is not an option for it. climate change and greenhouse gases and after their own child with autism, but it We have seen from this government emissions and all sorts of things’. also adds to the financial pressures on a one of the more extraordinary acts in the The government has made a name family — with the costs of phones, travel history of this state: the cancellation of a for itself on this issue, and you would and myriad other expenses that come with road that Victoria so desperately needs have to say it has made a name for itself such a role. — and I think everybody agrees, or most because both the government and the It is something that we really need people agree, that it is desperately needed Premier are infamous around Australia to look at as a state. I think it would — at the cost of at least $640 million. I as the government and the Premier who be an exceptionally good thing if the remember back in the old days when we spent a billion dollars of taxpayers money government were to provide a degree were building CityLink and people were to build nothing, and I do not think that of funding to cover expenses for these putting forward projections as to how has ever been done before. It has to be groups. We are not talking about the cost much that would cost. There was great a first. Wherever you go in this country of sheep stations. We are looking at a shock and horror that it would cost $2 people know who Daniel Andrews is. small contribution to these selfless people billion, and there were a whole range of They say to you, ‘That’s that idiot from to help them get through and provide the concerns. But I wonder: if people had Melbourne!’, and I say, ‘That’s right — that sort of service I have been talking about. been told then that we would one day is that idiot from Melbourne’. And you I ask the Minister for Housing, Disability have a government that would spend up can go anywhere in Melbourne and they and Ageing to take my comments into to $1 billion of taxpayers money not to will agree with you — he is that idiot from consideration and to set up a fund from build a road — — Melbourne, and that is what we are known which these people can apply for some Mr Drum — We were in Parliament for in Victoria — the state that spends degree of funding. I believe that would when they did it. money to do nothing. be a giant step towards helping these Mr FINN — Indeed. CityLink was a Mr Ondarchie — Apart from the logo! wonderful people. matter of great consternation to so many Mr FINN — Apart from the logo; I will people because it was going to cost so get to that in a minute. Fair dinkum, have COUNCIL | Constituency questions much money, but at the end of it we had you ever seen such a shameful waste of 20 August 2015 a road. With this crowd over here, at the money in all your born days? Just remind cost of $1 billion, we will have absolutely me about the logo later as I have not got it nothing. I was driving down Alexandra written down here. Parade the other day. I was over the other If we are serious about infrastructure, Werribee South side of town — — the very first thing we should be doing Mr Drum interjected. is looking at an airport rail link. The one road interchange Mr FINN — No, I was greeting some thing you have to say about the Labor Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My people from the autism community on Party is that it is consistent because this constituency question is to the Minister the other side of town. I was driving down is the second time that it has shelved the for Roads and Road Safety. I am sure that Alexandra Parade to get back to the west, airport rail link. I remember back in 1999 the minister is aware of the longstanding which is what you do these days. I looked when Steve Bracks, then the opposition need for a diamond interchange on at those delightful little homes along leader, promised the people of Victoria the Princes Freeway at Duncans Road Alexandra Parade and thought, ‘God, that if he was elected Premier he would in Werribee South. The nearby K Road they’re worth a fortune — I wish I had build the airport rail link. I can say — as houses the Werribee tourism precinct one!’. I also thought to myself, ‘These are I have in this chamber before and quite with Werribee Open Range Zoo, National the people who fought so hard against possibly will again — that the first broken Equestrian Centre, Victoria State Rose the east–west link’, and I wondered, ‘What promise of the Bracks government way Garden and Werribee Park and mansion. genius decided that in order to make their back in 1999 was the scrapping of the As things stand there is no direct route life better they would keep Alexandra airport rail link, and of course Labor to any of those attractions from Geelong, Parade packed in the way it is practically recently did it again. Avalon Airport or the west of the state — a 24 hours a day?’. What absolute genius The Napthine coalition government, situation that most certainly needs to be — whether it be Daniel Andrews and his before the last election, was all set to go rectified. I ask: will the minister fast-track Socialist Left colleagues, Mr Barber over with the rail link to the airport, which is plans to build an interchange at Duncans there and the other Greens or whoever desperately needed. But then the Labor Road, Werribee South? it might have been — decided that the Party won the election, and it was turfed people of the inner city of Melbourne, in out the window. So here we have a North Fitzroy and Carlton, were going to government that is opposed to roads and COUNCIL | Second reading be better off by keeping all the cars on opposed to rail. You then have to ask: how 20 August 2015 Alexandra Parade? It is truly one of the exactly does it expect us to get around? great mysteries of our time. Are we all going to be issued with Shetland When I travel on the Tullamarine or ponies? Is that how it expects us to get West Gate freeways, as I do on a very around? This is a government that does Infrastructure regular basis, it will take me up to an not have a clue what it is doing. hour to get down the freeway. It would Mr Barber interjected. Victoria Bill 2015 normally be a 5 or 10-minute trip — — Mr FINN — Mr Barber says that Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Mr Ondarchie — 15 maybe? he is going to bring his pony, and I have to say at the beginning it is a great Mr FINN — I would not say 15 minutes, look forward to that, but Mr Barber pity Ms Shing is not in the chamber, should beware, because that pony may because I know she was particularly unless you get out and walk, but it would be a 5 or 10-minute journey generally, yet produce emissions. He should not be looking forward to my contribution this standing behind that pony when it evening — and it is getting on towards this here we are, every morning, bumper to bumper with cars spewing out all sorts of emits those emissions, because it could evening. If she is listening, she might like get very nasty indeed. Then we have to come up and join us. At the beginning emissions, but the Greens do not worry about that and nor does the Labor Party the Labor government’s prize pre- of my contribution I am tempted to election announcement — the West suggest another amendment to the because they have stopped the road and they feel very proud of themselves, so to Gate distributor. According to the then bill — that is, to change the name. This opposition leader and now Premier, this should not be called the Infrastructure see this amendment introduced by Mr Barber about greenhouse gas emissions, project was ‘shovel ready’. We know what Victoria Bill, it should be called the What was shovel ready because we know what Infrastructure Bill, because under this fair dinkum I nearly — I laughed a lot. I thought to myself, ‘These are the people was being shovelled at the time, but here government there is no infrastructure. Let it was — it was shovel ready, until he was us face facts: what infrastructure are we who keep the traffic gridlock going. talking about? The Andrews government These are the people who, every day,

IN 6 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE elected and then he said, ‘Mmm, perhaps actually pay for anything. The government There are 10 000 people a year moving it is not quite so shovel ready’. announces a lot of things, but it never pays to Wyndham, and the majority of the Ms Fitzherbert — Shovel unready? for them. There are a lot of costings but families who move to Williams Landing Mr FINN — Shovel unready it may well not much funding. We are told that if the are young families with young children. be, Ms Fitzherbert. Then it all went very metro tunnel is ever dug, all the dirt, as Therefore when 3500-plus families settle quiet for a while, until Transurban said, Mr Ramsay alluded to, will be dumped in in Williams Landing, the number of ‘Hey, we’ve got an idea!’. Transurban my electorate or in Ballarat, which I have children who need to go to school or went to the Premier and said, ‘Have we to say does not do a great deal for me. We child care will easily reach 4000 or 5000 got a deal for you!’. It is a great deal for in the west of Melbourne have been the or more. Clearly when we have 4000 or Transurban. It is a lousy deal for anybody dumping ground of Victoria for decades. 5000 children and no schools, we have else but a great deal for Transurban. Let me tell you, we have had a gutful. We a major problem. We are looking at the I do not blame Transurban for doing have had enough. other prospect of the number of children, what it has done. There is a mug born Ms Lovell — Labor’s dumping ground. even just further down the track, 4000 to every minute, and it would be doing Mr FINN — Labor’s dumping ground, 5000 — — itself a grave disservice if it did not take indeed. I know the problems we have had Mr Jennings — It is not a prepared advantage of the one over there. That is with the Tullamarine landfill — the one speech. what it is trying to do. Here we have this opposite the airport where visitors to this Mr FINN — It is not a prepared speech, half-cocked tunnel going somewhere — great city are greeted with the stench of I can assure you. or so we think — and possibly ending at it. The stench of Labor we have to put up Mr Jennings — I can tell. a T-intersection somewhere near Etihad with anyway, but we do not want a repeat Mr FINN — You can tell. I am picking Stadium, which will complement the car performance of that landfill now. points from the submission I received park at Etihad Stadium. You can spend an The other day at a hearing of the from my constituents, and I thank them hour or two getting out of the car park and economy and infrastructure committee, for that. I am always very pleased to hear then get stuck at the T-intersection just to chaired so well by Mr Morris, we had from my constituents, and I am very make your night complete. Here we have the CEO of the Melbourne Metro Rail happy to pass their concerns on to the this project being promoted as the answer Authority telling us that he has a great minister. to our problems, and the only people spot picked out near Melbourne Airport I point out to the minister that there who will benefit from it are the people to dump all the soil. I was thrilled to hear at Transurban, who will get another 100 are a number of schools in the area. The that — I cannot begin to tell you! I suggest Alamanda estate in Point Cook is only half years worth of tolls or something similar. It to Mr Tattersall that he might like to take is all quite extraordinary. the size of Williams Landing and already his soil and dump it out in Mulgrave. That has a school that is reaching its maximum As for that shovel-ready West Gate would be a great spot. I think some of the enrolment capacity. The Saltwater Coast distributor that we heard about before the locals would appreciate it every bit as estate in Point Cook is slightly smaller election, we are still waiting. much, and perhaps even more, than we than Williams Landing and has two Mr Ondarchie — For the shovel. would in the west of Melbourne. schools planned. But as I said, Williams Mr FINN — No, I assure Mr Ondarchie I was going to go on to talk about the Landing has no school, and from what that the shovel has been put to good Greens, climate change, greenhouse gas I understand there are no plans for a use. We are still waiting to see where the emissions and other fairy stories, but I will school there in the foreseeable future. Premier has put that West Gate distributor. have to come to that another day. I do not I ask the minister to examine the facts, We then move on to Bay West. We all oppose this bill and the opposition does take into consideration the rapid growth remember Bay West. This was something not oppose this bill, but we do hope that of Williams Landing and the number of heavily promoted by the Labor Party prior one day very soon there will actually be children we will soon have in Williams to the election, and I thought to myself at some infrastructure in this state. Landing and provide a proper school the time that it was a bit mad. It went the facility for these people. same way as the West Gate distributor COUNCIL | Adjournment plans. We do not know where it has gone. 20 August 2015 COUNCIL | Condolences We will show the map of Tasmania 1 September 2015 in a minute. It is not very often that you see it in here, but it is something I think we should have a look at. I am of course Williams Landing talking about the $20 million logo that Hon. Francis this government has imposed upon us. I school really do not know how much government Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Raymond Scully members had had to drink when they wish to raise a matter for the attention of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I came up with this, because if anybody the Minister for Education. It concerns rise to associate the Liberal Party with came to me and said, ‘I have a logo to sell representations that have been made to the motion of condolence, moved by the you’, and after asking them how much they me by a significant number of constituents Leader of the Government, in relation said, ‘$20 million’, I would turf them onto in Williams Landing. They are requesting to the late Francis Raymond Scully. He the street to begin with. that a school be built in the suburb of was born on 27 January 1920 in Bendigo, Ms Fitzherbert — Ask them if they have Williams Landing. As they say, it is one of Victoria, as Mr Jennings has said, and he a bridge. the fastest growing suburbs in the city of left us on 12 August, just very recently. He Mr FINN — They would have a bridge. I Wyndham, and the city of Wyndham itself was an extraordinary man in many ways. would ask them if they had a bridge. These is one of the fastest growing municipalities For starters he had been married to his people have come up to the Premier and in Australia. From time to time it is wife, Moira, since 1957, which in itself is said they have a great logo for him — and indeed the fastest growing municipality in quite an extraordinary achievement these for only $20 million. I have a deal for the Australia. days. Premier: I will do it for $10 million! Out I am informed that research has shown It says here that he was in two political of the generosity of my heart, I will do that families in Williams Landing are parties, but I think in fact it was three. It a better logo than the one he has, and I facing serious schooling issues and that says here that he was in the Australian will charge only $10 million — and then the situation will get worse in the very Labor Party and the Democratic Labour he will never see me again. Fair dinkum, near future. A school is seriously needed Party, but my recollection is that he was what is going on at 1 Treasury Place? Is the in this fast-growing suburb. It is one of the also in the Australian Labor Party (Anti- place inhabited by complete lunatics? It is most critical and essential needs for the Communist) for a period before that just amazing. future of the 3500-plus families and the party changed its name to the Democratic Then we have the metro tunnel, which I 4000 to 5000 children living in the suburb. Labour Party. He was the Assistant gather is some sort of train tunnel that the At this point in time there are around 80 Minister of Lands and Assistant Minister government is talking about. It is talking babies born a week to Wyndham mothers. of Electrical Undertakings from December about it, but it has not actually paid for This equates to almost four kindergarten 1952 to March 1955 and Secretary to it because this government does not groups per week.

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 7 Cabinet from December 1952 to March some of the ramifications of those. This COUNCIL | Constituency questions 1955. He was the MLA for Richmond from was not just something that routinely 1 September 2015 17 December 1949 to 30 May 1958. occurs in political parties. This was an As the member for Richmond, he event that rocked Australian politics. It was, and could only have been, a Tiger, rocked the nation. It certainly rocked the and that is just one of the few things I Labor Party. It led to decades of Liberal Horne Street-Gap have in common with Frank Scully. I governments, both federal and state, and am invigorated by the words of his local the Democratic Labour Party kept the Road, Sunbury member, Murray Thompson, the member Liberals in office for many years as a result Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) for Sandringham in the Assembly and of their preferences. — My constituency question is for the himself a former Tigers champion, who As a result of the split, the Democratic Minister for Roads and Road Safety. I said that Frank Scully lived his politics Labour Party made Sir Robert Menzies refer the minister to the issue I raised with the same courage, conviction and the longest serving Prime Minister in with him earlier this year — it was in commitment with which Francis Bourke Australia and Sir Henry Bolte the longest about February, as I recall — regarding played his football. If everybody could serving Premier of Victoria, and I think it the particularly dangerous roundabout at have the same eulogy delivered about exceedingly unlikely that we will ever see the Gap Road–Horne Street intersection them, I am sure we would all be very anybody serve for that sort of time again. in Sunbury. At that time the minister pleased with that. I am told that Francis It would have been a very different ALP informed me that VicRoads had the Bourke was at Frank Scully’s funeral, and I if Frank Scully and his colleagues had matter under consideration. If VicRoads would be happy to be in Francis Bourke’s remained in the Labor Party. There may is still considering when this roundabout presence any time at all. well be many in the Labor Party today, will be replaced with traffic lights, will I did not know Frank Scully personally, both at a state and a federal level, who the minister direct VicRoads to conclude which I regret, but his is a name that is so would not be there if Frank Scully and its inquiries and get on with the job of familiar that when I heard of his passing, his colleagues had had their way. I do not making this intersection safer for Sunbury I felt that I had actually lost someone in wish to be particularly partisan on this residents and visitors? the family. If Mr Jennings can quote Peter occasion, but he left us a legacy of a Labor Westmore from News Weekly — and there Party which must have disappointed him is something I did not think I would ever — to put it very, very mildly. COUNCIL | Adjournment see in this Parliament or in this life — I will Frank Scully was a man of honour. 1 September 2015 do the same. Mr Westmore wrote: He was a man of integrity and a man of Frank Scully, the last surviving MP extraordinary principle. He is somebody from the Labor ‘split’ in the 1950s, died who put his beliefs before his career, and peacefully in Melbourne on August 12, I ask members to imagine, if they will, an Regional and rural having been a part of the most tumultuous issue coming up that they feel so strongly events in the history of Victoria. He is about that they would be prepared to put gas supply survived by his devoted wife, Moira, their own personal gain — their career, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I two children, grandchildren and great- their seat in Parliament — on the line wish to raise a matter this evening for the grandchildren. to fight for that principle. I am not sure attention of the Minister for Energy and Resources. It is a matter that I have raised It is always difficult to guess what there would be many of us who would do that. Frank Scully and his colleagues in previous Parliaments, and I am going to might have been: but if the split had not give it another go tonight. It concerns the caused the collapse of the Victorian Labor did that. As a result, Frank Scully lost his seat in 1958, but we can be assured that desperate need for a natural gas pipeline government in 1955, Frank would have in the township of Bulla. The minister been a member of the Victorian cabinet his contribution as an MP, as an assistant minister and as Cabinet Secretary will be might not be aware of where Bulla is, but and in time could well have become it is a 2-minute drive from Melbourne Premier of Victoria. remembered. It is often said that what really matters is Airport, it is about 7 or 8 minutes from That may well be the case. Sadly we Sunbury, and from where I stand at the will never know. What we do know about not the dates when we are born and die, it is that little blank in the middle, where we moment I could jump in the car and be Frank Scully is that he was a great man. home in 25 minutes. I should point out Under any description he was a man of go in between. In Frank Scully’s situation that is most certainly the case. His cause that I live in Bulla as well, so I declare my extraordinary conviction, extraordinary interest there to begin with. commitment and extraordinary bravery. was freedom. He stood for freedom. He fought for freedom, and his mortal enemy Over an extended period of time we As I said before, I did not know Frank was communism. He fought against have had a need for natural gas in Bulla. Scully personally, but I knew very well communism with every breath he had. We have watched a number of towns somebody who did know Frank Scully, For that he should be very proud, and his across Victoria — towns all over the north, and that was a bloke called Stan Keon, family should be very proud of the great south, east and west — get natural gas, who was the member for Richmond man they had amongst them for so long. and we have sat there. before Frank Scully and who also became Honourable members interjecting. the federal member for Yarra and was Our condolences go to Frank Scully’s subsequently defeated by Jim Cairns in an wife, Moira, and to his family, many of Mr Davis interjected. election in, I think, 1956 or thereabouts. whom are in the gallery today. I will finish Mr FINN — There is no bull in Bulla, It was in Stan Keon’s kitchen that I learnt by quoting Frank’s son, Michael, who, and certainly he has not done anything many of the stories of the split and the at the funeral at Sacred Heart Parish in for us. We have watched from Bulla as all heroism of people such as Frank Scully. Sandringham, said, ‘Goodbye, you are these little towns around Victoria have Indeed it has to be said that it was in Stan now at peace with the God you so loved. had gas connected. But poor old Bulla Keon’s kitchen where, at the age of 18, I Rest in peace’. We can only add to that a does not get a thing. It is still served by learnt to drink beer whilst being told of hearty ‘Hear, hear!’. Frank Scully fought individual gas canisters on each property these many stories. You would not be the the good fight, and Australia, particularly and is at the mercy of the gas companies. first, President, to point out that Stan Keon Victoria, is so much a better place for him Just recently ours was not the only house was a damn good teacher if he taught me having been here. to run out of gas because there was a that particular activity. truck shortage and the company could As has been pointed out by the not fill up the gas bottles. You can imagine Leader of the Government, Mr Scully what that does to a family in the middle left Parliament in 1958, which is a fair of winter. The natural gas is very much while ago — in fact it was three years needed. before I was born — but the ramifications I should add that Bulla is a delightful are still with us. The split in the Labor place. We have the Black Horse Hotel in Party in 1955 was not just your routine the main street there — and a great feed factional brawl — and I suppose Mr it puts on for lunch or dinner — and we Somyurek over there could tell us have the service station, the Country Fire

IN 8 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE Authority station, the community and sports centre and the Bulla Hill Railway COUNCIL | Adjournment COUNCIL | Constituency questions once a month, but that is about it. One thing that we are certainly lacking, as I 2 September 2015 3 September 2015 have mentioned, is natural gas. I ask the minister to use her influence and her power and whatever she may have at her fingertips to facilitate the connection of Albion railway Sunbury public natural gas to the township of Bulla. It is ludicrous that a town so close to the city station meeting of Melbourne and to gas pipelines has no Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) gas itself. raise a matter for the attention of the — My constituency question is to the Minister for Public Transport concerning Minister for Public Transport. I have the Albion railway station, which has been been contacted by representatives of COUNCIL | Members statements brought to my attention by an article in the Sunbury Train Association who are 2 September 2015 the Brimbank Weekly by journalist Ben deeply concerned that the member for Cameron. He begins by saying: Sunbury in the other place has reneged Albion railway station urgently needs on a commitment to the association better security and more police on the to hold a public meeting to discuss the Government beat amid reports of “prolific” car theft government’s plan to renege on another and vandalism. Labor commitment — to retain V/Line performance services for Sunbury. As Mr Bull refuses to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Kings Park commuter Jarryd Tuyau call a meeting, I have taken it upon myself am sure some members in this house said the passenger side window of his to organise one. If such a meeting is held will remember the battle of Windy Hill on car was broken on 29 July. He believes in Sunbury, will the minister attend to it was one of 17 cars damaged over just explain to the local community why the the federal election day of 18 May 1974. two days at the station. Richmond and Essendon players, officials Andrews government is shafting Sunbury and supporters involved themselves in ‘When I spoke to the PSO … in the car on this issue? one of the biggest stoushes ever seen park, he told me mine was one of 10 on a football field — police horse and cars that day … COUNCIL | Adjournment all. It is a long time ago, and I thought it ‘The male officer I reported it to [at 3 September 2015 would be hard to top. Then I picked up Sunshine police station] mentioned that this morning’s Herald Sun. The brawl seven cars had been damaged the day inside the Andrews government is leaving before.’ the Tigers and Bombers in the shade. Allegations of deceit and dodginess are ‘Nothing seems to be being done Carranballac P-9 not coming from this side of the house, about this, yet West Footscray and as you might expect, but from within a Sunshine stations have been rebuilt — College government that is hopelessly divided by by the previous government, I might Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I hate. If Geoff Shaw was pursued to the add — wish to raise a matter for the attention ends of the earth for the misappropriation of the Minister for Education, and it filled with CCTV cameras and concerns Carranballac P–9 College in of $1500 and a federal Speaker was forced illuminated … to resign over a helicopter ride, the Point Cook. I draw to the minister’s allegations aired today warrant some very ‘How about an investment in the attention the fact that Carranballac P–9 serious action. While we wait for such security of your passengers and their College has lost approximately $500 000 in action, we can watch a government riven belongings at stations known for high funding due to its reclassification as being with strife, bitterness and factional fix-ups. crime rates?’. in a higher socio-economic area. It is quite Victoria deserves a responsible, visionary Sunshine police Inspector Dave Byrt extraordinary because, as one constituent government. The current one is a dodgy says: has pointed out to me, just because you are a CEO of a home business does not dud. ‘There’s no doubt that station car mean that you earn $250 000 a year, The PRESIDENT — Order! I take it parks are an issue for us, and Albion has been an issue. despite what the Department of Education that the references to action were not and Training may think. a reflection on the Chair, or Presiding I think it is about time that the issue Officers. It is in my court. was resolved. It is clear that there is a At about 45 per cent the student major crime problem in terms of the turnover rate at Carranballac is one of the highest in the state, and that is probably COUNCIL | Constituency questions vehicles that are parked at the Albion station car park, and I think it is about because of the high number of defence 2 September 2015 time the minister and the government force families with children attending did something about that. It is more than the school. Perhaps it is also due to the appropriate, given the statistics and the high number of rental properties in the police concern, that the minister takes area. That in itself creates issues with Sunbury rail this on in a very personal way and directs support staff. At the Boardwalk School her department to conduct an upgrade of campus grades 3 and 4 classes have services Albion station to meet the needs of local between 30 and 35 students, which to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My train travellers. It is not good enough for my understanding and to anybody’s constituency question is to the Minister the government to sit back and say, ‘Well, understanding is above the state average for Public Transport. I am sure the we know what’s going on. We see how and above what we are aiming for. minister is aware of the anger generated in much damage is being caused and how The funding of aides has been cut the Sunbury community by her decision many cars are being destroyed and stolen’ at the college by about 25 per cent. to break Labor’s commitment to keep but then not do anything about it, when it Only 25 per cent of parents pay the V/Line services running to and from the is in a position to do so. voluntary contribution fee, which is one town. Given the feedback the minister Therefore I urge the minister, as a of the lowest percentages in the city of says she is interested in receiving and the matter of urgency, to authorise at once the Wyndham. Only about the same number data and documentation provided to her upgrade of the Albion station to bring it of parents turn up for parent-teacher by Sunbury residents, will the minister up to the same level as the West Footscray, interviews. All in all Carranballac P–9 now reaffirm Labor’s original promise to Sunshine and Footscray stations that were College is in need of a rethink by the retain V/Line services for Sunbury, or is rebuilt by the previous government under government. It is in need of the restoration she still pushing ahead with her plan to the regional rail project. I ask the minister of the funding that has been taken from it. remove 200 train services per week from to take this on for the benefit of local train I ask the minister to review this this growth area? travellers. classification to take into consideration

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 9 the matters I have raised here tonight, as to what actually goes into the tip and excitement as it was put together. I saw particularly with a view to some of the speculation that has led to a view that the construction of the new Sunshine problems that Point Cook has faced over maybe asbestos is being dumped in the station, which is something to behold. I the last six, seven or eight years due to a tip. It is important to know exactly what am sure Mr Melhem will know that the lack of proper planning by the previous is in there and what is being dumped in colour scheme of yellow and black is a Labor government. I ask the minister to there. particularly impressive feature of the endeavour to right a few wrongs here with I say, and I have said this before, it is new Sunshine station. We put the project regard to Carranballac College in Point no secret to anybody in this house or together on time — in fact under time — Cook, to review the classification that has indeed outside the house for that matter and under budget as well, and in fact we been given and to restore the funding so that I hate the fact that the west and the were able to use some of the savings to that Carranballac College is capable of north-west of Melbourne are the dumping pay for the removal of the level crossing providing — and does provide — the sort grounds of our state. I have pretty much at Main Road, St Albans. Labor is now of education that our young people in had a gutful of that, but given that in claiming credit for that one, but you would Point Cook need and deserve. certain instances that is the case, we at expect that. We know that where truth is least need to know what is being dumped to be found, Labor is not. That is almost a truism in itself these days. COUNCIL | Members statements upon us from a very great height. We got the regional rail link project 15 September 2015 I ask the minister to initiate a full Environment Protection Authority built before we lost the election last year. Victoria investigation of all environmental It was on time, it was under budget and all matters relating to the Bulla tip. It is Labor had to do after it was elected — all only fair, it is only right and it is only Jacinta Allan had to do — was to print the Main Road, St reasonable that locals have a right to timetable. What did she do? Jacinta Allan, know what is dumped practically in in the finest tradition of the Labor Party, Albans, Level their backyards. Anything less than stuffed it up. She stuffed up good and that is totally unsatisfactory. It is in fact proper — — Crossing intolerable, and I for one will not tolerate Ms Shing interjected. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Bulla and surrounds being kept in the Mr Melhem interjected. was flabbergasted last week when I heard dark on this particular matter. I ask the that the federal opposition leader had Mr FINN — I tell you what: there is minister as a matter of urgency to initiate a lot of reason to be angry. Next week I congratulated the Victorian Premier on an investigation into this tip and provide removing the Main Road level crossing invite Ms Shing and Mr Melhem to come answers to questions that locals are asking with me to the Sunbury railway station in St Albans. Mr Shorten knows only too about this facility. well that it was the Liberal government of so they can tell the punters at Sunbury, Denis Napthine that allocated the funding who are facing fines of up to $500 for necessary to end the long-running COUNCIL | Constituency questions using a V/Line service, that they are not saga surrounding the level crossing. Mr 16 September 2015 taking their plight seriously. Here we have Shorten knows the history of Labor’s a situation in which this great new rail neglect of the people of St Albans on this system that was going to be such a boon issue, a neglect going back to at least for this state and such a plus for so many 1982 and probably further. Mr Shorten Western suburbs commuters, particularly those across the displayed that neglect a few years ago western suburbs and the outer west, the when he committed the then federal road gridlock Labor Party has stuffed up to the point Labor government to provide half the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My where people are now actually facing the funding for this project only to run a mile constituency question is directed to the prospect of losing services — — when he was called upon to produce the Treasurer. I refer the Treasurer to the daily Ms Shing interjected. money. He almost got away with it, but he saga of the many thousands of motorists Mr FINN — Ms Shing tried that did say it in front of thousands of people, crawling to work each morning along yesterday. It did not work then, and it is so he could not quite get away with it. It the Westgate, Tullamarine and Calder not going to work now. It is a disgrace was Bill Shorten in fact who lied to former freeways and the Western Ring Road, that we have a situation in which we Prime Minister Kevin Rudd; he lied to which again this morning was blocked. had this great project, put together by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He is The daily gridlock has worsened, with the former Liberal government under a man who is known to be very loose with even the slightest of vehicle accidents former Minister for Public Transport Terry the truth. I assure you, Acting President, I displaying the capacity to cripple the Mulder, but then members will remember will not allow him to lie to his electorate. entire road network servicing Melbourne’s that the first thing ‘Juliar’ did — former west. Will the Treasurer tell us the cost to Prime Minister Julia Gillard — when she COUNCIL | Adjournment the Victorian economy of the thousands first became Prime Minister was to pull of hours lost in traffic mayhem on the the money from it. She pulled a quarter of 15 September 2015 aforementioned freeways and roads in the a billion dollars from this project when we Western suburbs every day? were elected in 2010. That is what she did. She was a vindictive sort of individual, and she still is. There is a lot of vindictiveness Bulla landfill COUNCIL going on over there, but we will leave that Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) 16 September 2015 one alone. Former Prime Minister Gillard — I raise a matter for the attention pulled a quarter of a billion dollars from it. of the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water. It is quite We had to find that money, or the extraordinary that I first raised this matter Regional rail link project would not have happened. close on 20 years ago, and it is staggering Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I The regional rail link would not have that it is still a problem. The matter was going to say it gives me a great deal happened at all if it had not been for the revolves around the mystery surrounding of pleasure to speak on this motion, but previous Liberal government, and that the Bulla tip and what goes into it. it does not. I wish I did not have to speak is an indisputable fact. We got the thing The Bulla tip is on the main Sunbury– on this motion and support it, but I do up and running, we built it and we were Melbourne road, and many thousands of compliment Mr Morris on bringing this ready to go. We then lost government, and motorists pass this tip every day. On some matter before the house today. all that was left for the Labor Party to do days — and I can vouch for this myself — was to get the timetable right. It could not I think it is worth considering just for a even do that. This mob of incompetents the smell is horrendous and in fact does moment what the previous government lead to nausea in many instances. I pass just staggers me. If there is a way for the did in putting the regional rail link project Labor Party to stuff something up, it will this particular tip on a very regular basis together. The regional rail link runs right on my way to Sunbury, and the smell is find it. Even if there is not, there is a fair through the centre of my electorate, chance it will manage to find it anyway. almost milk curdling sometimes. There and I watched with some considerable has also been of recent times speculation So I say to Mr Morris: congratulations on

IN 10 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE bringing this motion before the house. I a holiday on grand final eve’. He said that doing. There are so many workers who are warmly and enthusiastically support this we would have a holiday for the parade. going to miss a day’s pay because of this motion, and I am very hopeful that the What he did not take into consideration is holiday because their employers cannot house will support it too, because this is the fact that if Friday were a holiday, there afford to pay them. an important matter that needs attention. would be nobody in the city, and if there I have been listening to this debate for would be nobody in the city, there would months now, and I am yet to hear a proper be nobody to watch the parade, so why the COUNCIL argument for this holiday. I like a holiday hell would he do this anyway? as much as the next bloke. I particularly 16 September 2015 Even the AFL, when it heard about it, like a holiday associated with the footy. asked, ‘What is he doing?’. I think the AFL Footy is a huge part of my life — not so may have been the first body in this state much this week, but certainly it was last Public holidays to actually ask the question, ‘Is this man week. I love it, and I do like a holiday. But Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I mad?’. It may well have been the very first, this particular holiday on the eve of the was speaking just a moment ago about because it had not been consulted. grand final, which is arguably Melbourne’s massive Labor stuff-ups, and I have Ms Crozier — It was just ahead of the premium sporting event, although I am jumped from one straight into another. queue. sure the Victoria Racing Club would This public holiday we are having before Mr FINN — It may have been ahead of strongly contest that, makes no sense at all the grand final is something that people the queue; it can claim that. The AFL was — none, zilch, zero. I ask the Premier even in other states are finding extremely not consulted about this — one would at this late stage to reconsider and rethink amusing, particularly people in New have thought it would have been if this the stroke of brilliance he had under the South Wales, in Sydney. They are our were such a great idea that would boost shower one morning and come out and competitors. What we lose here in tourism in Melbourne, as we have been say, ‘Yep, I got that wrong. I don’t wish Victoria, they will take, and they will take told. The government tells us that the to cause pain, and I don’t wish to cause gladly. Over the last four years, up until public holiday is going to boost tourism difficulties’, and scrap this holiday. the end of last year, they were struggling to in Melbourne and also boost tourism in compete with Victoria, but no longer. We the country, so people are going to be COUNCIL | Adjournment now have a situation — — in Melbourne and in the country at the 16 September 2015 Mr Ondarchie — They have overtaken same time. I am looking forward to seeing us on the Hume Highway. that; I have been looking into how to be in Mr FINN — They have overtaken us on more places at once. I have been looking the Hume Highway; Mr Ondarchie speaks at how to be in more places than just the Sunbury rail the truth. It was said earlier today — I one for quite some time, so I will be very think it was said by Mr Dalidakis, which interested to see how this works. services should not surprise me, because Mr I will tell members what is going to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Dalidakis says a lot of things that make no happen on 2 October this year. The city of — I raise a matter this evening for the sense at all — ‘If you love the footy, you Melbourne on Collins Street is usually a attention of the Minister for Public should love this holiday’. What an absolute hive of activity on grand final eve. There Transport. It concerns Labor’s broken load of old nonsense that is. are usually people there, quite often promise to the people of Sunbury that will I have to say that I was one of the 90 186 hundreds of thousands of people gathered result in Sunbury passengers being booted who were at the MCG, as indeed were Ms after coming out of their offices and shops off V/Line trains from 1 January. As I have Fitzherbert and Ms Lovell, on Sunday to to see the grand final sides parade up and mentioned to the minister, and as I have see Richmond robbed of a chance to play be presented to the crowd on the steps of mentioned in this house before, I am sure for the premiership. We all saw the free the Old Treasury building. That is now a the minister would be well aware if she kick that was not paid that would have thing of the past. In fact the AFL knew that looked at her inbox that there is a white- resulted in a Richmond goal. We saw Collins Street would be nothing but an hot anger about this outrageous betrayal North Melbourne get that ball after the empty canyon. of the Sunbury community. I can certainly free kick was not paid, and they rushed Ms Crozier — Fun busters. understand why the member for Sunbury down to the other end and kicked a goal, Mr FINN — Labor members are fun in the Assembly is reluctant to be seen in which cost us the match. We all saw that. busters, as Ms Crozier suggests. The AFL public these days after this government The only people who did not see it were knew what it would be like, so it has failed the Sunbury community so very the umpires, which is extraordinary given changed the plans for the grand final badly. that there were over 90 000 people there parade — the grand final parade as we The anger has become fury with the who did. The only people who did not have known it for the past 30 years or so is news that any person boarding a V/Line see it were the ones with ‘OPSM’ written no more. This holiday, this brilliant idea train at Sunbury from 1 January will face on their shirts — I can only suggest to from Dodgy Dan under the shower, has an exceedingly heavy fine. I was shocked members that they should have gone to killed the grand final parade. Now we are when I heard how heavy these fines will Specsavers. What a great pity that they did having some sort of carnival or something be. I ask the minister to confirm the two not. down in the park. For the life of me I fines — one for boarding the train and There is someone else who should have cannot see the benefit to anybody except another for having the wrong sort of ticket, gone to Specsavers: the Premier. The a few of the boys from the Construction, I am told — and confirm what the fines Premier of this state should have gone Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, who will be. I have heard two different figures to Specsavers, because this is a dog of an would have taken Friday off anyway. — I have heard somewhere in the vicinity idea if ever I saw one. I can see it — I have Mr Ondarchie — And the SDA. of $420 and I have heard somewhere in glasses from Specsavers — and he should Mr FINN — The Shop, Distributive and the vicinity of $480. It seems to me to be be able to see it as well, so maybe he Allied Employees Association (SDA) will a fair whack for getting on a train, but should go down and get his eyes checked. be getting triple time. Its members will this is apparently what the government Where on God’s earth did this idea come be happy. Do not mention the SDA in has planned for Sunbury residents if they from? I envisage, I imagine — — case Mr Somyurek comes in. He will have inadvertently wander onto a V/Line train Mr Ondarchie interjected. a meltdown. He will just go right off, as and sit in an empty seat from 1 January Mr FINN — Mr Ondarchie thinks it Mr Melhem well knows; he will back me next year. It seems to me that this is might have been from a bit of Foster’s. The up on that one. It is just astonishing that adding insult to injury, and I regard this as Premier would be the only one in Victoria we have a government that is going to disgraceful treatment of the good people who still drinks Foster’s. I would imagine cost small business in this state millions of Sunbury. that Dodgy Dan got up one morning and of dollars. We have a government in this In confirming the fines, I also ask the was singing a little ditty under the shower state that is going to cost workers millions minister to confirm if she is prepared to when all of a sudden it struck him — not of dollars in lost pay. We have a party, the jail anybody who is fined but refuses to for the first time, I have to say. He said, Australian Labor Party, that says it is the pay the fine, because there are a number ‘Hey! Here’s an idea. This will work well workers party. This holiday is sticking it of people in the Sunbury community with the boys from the CFMEU. We’ll have up the workers. That is exactly what it is who have told me that they will indulge

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 11 in civil disobedience by getting on V/ Line of electricity. Electricity is essential would be happy to enlighten me at some trains. It is quite extraordinary that in in modern life. I do not think there is stage. this day and age getting on a train is civil anybody who would argue with that, apart On very hot days we frequently hear disobedience and carries with it the risk from maybe the odd Green who is living warnings that some areas will have their of being fined heavily and maybe being in a tree or cave or something. Everybody power supply cut. It is a nonsense that in sent to jail. I ask the minister, firstly, to else would agree that electricity is Victoria we have situations where on a confirm exactly what the fine is and, absolutely crucial, it is essential, for us to 40-degree day — as rare as they are these secondly, if she is prepared to jail anybody survive. days — people are inside around their air who refuses to pay the fine, because I can I then have to ask the further question: conditioners sheltering from the heat but assure the house that there are a number if it is so important, why can we not all use they are living under the threat of a power of Sunbury residents who are prepared to it? I ask that question because there are a cut by the power companies. Availability go to jail on the principle of this issue. lot of people out there who cannot afford and having a reliable service is clearly an The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! to use electricity. I have heard stories issue, and it is beyond me why that would After some consultation it is my view of pensioners going to bed at 5.00 p.m. be so in Victoria in 2015. It is clear that that Mr Finn’s adjournment matter was during the winter just to keep warm we need a new coal-fired power station a series of questions. It is not clear what because they cannot afford to warm their in Victoria. We have the capacity to do action he is seeking. I ask Mr Finn to homes. I have heard of families not being that, and in my view we need to do that rephrase the action component of the able to provide hot water to bathe their as a matter of priority. In this state we matter he has directed to the minister. children because they cannot afford the should never ever have a situation where Mr FINN — The action I want is for the electricity. The battlers out there, who on availability of power is an issue. minister to confirm the fines and whether a daily basis are sitting around the kitchen On the issue of electricity prices, one she is prepared to jail somebody for not table wondering how they are going to contender for the prime ministership paying the fines. Confirmation, I think, is pay the bills and coming to the view that of this country was talking about the an action. That is my view. something has to give, are going to cut reintroduction of a carbon tax. We just The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! back, and have been cutting back, on their got rid of the carbon tax. We know what Confirmation of the fine is an action, yes. electricity usage. a carbon tax is — it is a tax on electricity. In terms of the second component, that is I have to say that at my place when We saw how much the power bills went still a question. the electricity bill comes and we see the up when Julia Gillard was the Prime envelope the breath is held until such Minister briefly a few years back — ‘Juliar’ time as we open the envelope to discover — before she was knifed. She introduced COUNCIL | Second reading whether we will be able to eat that week. I the carbon tax, and power prices went 17 September 2015 am talking about amounts of a thousand up immediately. The mate of Mr Melhem or, in one instance, almost $1500 — just on over there, Bill Shorten, tells us that he one electricity bill. I am certainly not on does not care about the battlers, he does my own in expressing my concern about not care about the pensioners, he does National Electricity this. It is something that everybody should not care about the families, he just wants take into consideration, particularly Greens preferences, so he will reintroduce (Victoria) governments. a carbon tax. He is happy to slug those I think we have to give thanks for the who cannot afford electricity. He is happy privatisation program of the Kennett to slug those who struggle to pay their Amendment Bill government in the 1990s when we look power bills. That is what Australia has to around at some of the other states that look forward to under a Labor government 2015 after the next election. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — As are now very keen to privatise. One delighted as I am to follow Mr Leane, I must realise that if we had not taken the It is quite extraordinary that, after what have to say that when I go to my eternal steps we did back in the 1990s, Victoria we have been through and the fact that reward, I may request that the good Lord would now be in a very bad way. Victoria we have a government that was elected give me those 15 minutes back because would have more expensive power and on getting rid of the carbon tax, we have I am not sure they were quite worth it. a far less reliable power supply. That is an opposition leader who would seek to However, it is good to see Mr Leane up something the Kennett government has be elected Prime Minister on a platform and about again and back on his feet left us: a reliable electricity supply — to a of reintroducing this weird, weird tax. after he was done over by the factions certain degree — which is certainly not as That is something that needs to be taken earlier in the year. It is worth noting that expensive as in some places interstate. into consideration by every Australian whilst Mr Leane talks about the supposed The other thing with regard to our but particularly those who struggle to pay scaremongering of the Liberals with electricity supply that we have to consider their electricity bills as we come up to a regard to smart meters, it was one of is availability. I have to say that in Victoria federal election sometime next year. his old mates from the Electrical Trades in 2015 when I hear or see warnings on the radio or television or other media forms Business interrupted pursuant to Union, Dean Mighell, who was also sessional orders (Question Time). very concerned about the impact that telling me in the middle of winter or in the smart meters might have. He was very middle of summer — the two extremes concerned that they may cause house that we have, and as we know, this winter Debate resumed. fires. We know the Labor Party has some in particular has been a particularly cold Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — considerable history with house fires. You one despite — — Prior to question time I was speaking just have to look at the Rudd government Mr Ramsay interjected. about the threat to the working poor — of a few years ago. A few houses went up Mr FINN — It has been wet in certain the battlers of this nation — of a carbon then. Perhaps if you add the smart metres parts. Follow me: I will show you where it tax and the impact that would have on to the pink batts, you have grounds for is wet. electricity prices in this country. We a fairly decent blaze. It is good to see Mr Honourable members interjecting. have already seen what it will do. We Leane back on his feet and contributing Mr FINN — No, we will leave it alone. remember what happened the last time in this house again after what was a fairly we had a carbon tax, when electricity hefty and very nasty blow by his factional It has been particularly cold, and despite the warnings from our friends over there prices went through the roof. We saw a colleagues and former colleagues earlier number of companies go out of business, in the year. in the corner, the summers in the last few years have not been as hot as we have and we saw unemployment increase We have heard at some length today come to expect. as a result of a carbon tax. It is beyond about smart meters. We have heard about all comprehension that we would have smart power. I have to ask the question: Ms Pennicuik — They are in California; they are in Canada. somebody who seeks the office of Prime how smart? Minister now proposing that he would What we have failed to talk about Mr FINN — I have to say that I do not introduce a carbon tax if he became Prime today and what we need to take into live in Canada, and I do not know what Minister. consideration is the human impact the power supply in Victoria has to do with Canada. But I am sure Ms Pennicuik Mr Jennings interjected.

IN 12 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE Mr FINN — I do not care who proposes COUNCIL | Constituency questions COUNCIL | Constituency questions the carbon tax. I will oppose it, let me 17 September 2015 6 October 2015 assure you. This is a nonsense, based on a fallacy and fighting something that does not exist. Here we are proposing that we inflict greater pain on the Sunbury Western suburbs general community to fight something that genuinely does not exist. Before municipality audit road strategy members opposite get up and start talking Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) about the science being settled, it is a — My constituency question is to the question of which scientists you speak review Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My Minister for Roads and Road Safety. Last to because there are tens of thousands, if Friday was a public holiday. As a result not hundreds of thousands, throughout constituency question is to the Minister for Local Government. The Andrews traffic levels were significantly lower the world who will tell you that there is than normal on roads in Melbourne’s no conclusive evidence that man-made government continues to muddy the water surrounding the establishment of west. These lower levels, however, did climate change is a reality. Even if it were, not prevent an accident on the Princes a carbon tax in Australia would have no a stand-alone Sunbury municipality. The general view in the Sunbury area is that Freeway causing gridlock on the West impact on it at all — absolutely no impact Gate Freeway back to and onto the West on it at all. the government is using the audit review to justify its decision to break an election Gate Bridge and for many kilometres on The previous Labor federal government promise to the Sunbury community that the Western Ring Road. Public holiday referred to the carbon tax as an economic it would respect a democratic vote to or working day, this is not an irregular reform. It was not an environmental establish a Sunbury council. Nonetheless, event. Given the government’s decision to reform and had nothing to do with the the Sunbury community would like to scrap the east–west link, the apparent loss environment. There was nothing about see what the auditors have to say. Will of the Premier’s shovel-ready West Gate changing temperatures or weather, as the minister provide a time frame for the diversion and no apparent decision on the extraordinary as it seems. The former public release of the auditor’s report? western distributor, what will the minister Assistant Treasurer is here at my feet, and do to assure motorists in Melbourne’s I would be interested in hearing his advice west that they will not have to spend half on what tax he would impose to change COUNCIL | Adjournment of the rest of their lives stuck in traffic? the weather, because that is what the left 17 September 2015 in this country and indeed around the world seem to think we can do. They think COUNCIL | Members statements we can change the weather by imposing 6 October 2015 a tax. We know that is fairyland stuff. It is Sunbury nonsensical. All it will do is hurt business, hurt workers and hurt the battlers. That is municipality what it will do. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Government I have to admit that the Labor Party wish to raise a matter for the attention was once the party of the workers, but it of the Minister for Local Government. performance is the party of the workers no more. The If I sound a tad exasperated this Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — It fact that the Labor Party is proposing the evening, that exasperation is on behalf is not surprising that there is such little reintroduction of the carbon tax tells us of the people of Sunbury. It follows the faith in the integrity of politicians — that members of the Labor Party could statement from the Minister for Local particularly state senators — when we not give two stuffs about the workers, the Government today that the audit review look at Labor’s treatment of Melbourne’s families, the battlers or the pensioners of into the proposed Sunbury council west recently. Fresh from misleading the this country. They just do not care, and recommends that Sunbury remain in Sunbury community on the subject of they are displaying that for all the world Hume. Surprise, surprise! I express my V/ Line services to the town, Labor has set to see. As I said before question time, personal disgust at this whole process. The up a process which will almost inevitably Deputy President, I hope people will take result of this review was never in doubt. break its election promise of less than 12 this into consideration and will remember It was established by the government months ago to support the establishment that before the last federal election they to get this very result. In fact Labor has of a stand-alone Sunbury council. We voted to remove the carbon tax, which was been frustrating the bid by Sunbury for know Labor does not like Sunbury; we just the most monstrous tax on electricity this municipal independence since 1999. wish it would stop shafting us. country has ever seen. The imposition of The government should not pretend this Add to that the sideshow put on by the carbon tax caused the greatest leap in was a fair review; it was not. The whole assorted Labor rabble in St Albans last electricity prices that this country has ever process was exceedingly dodgy — and week. There they were, all celebrating the seen. you have to say there is much about this beginning of works on the Main Road level Using my family as an example, government that is exceedingly dodgy. crossing, and there was no mention of the there was a significant reduction in our There is real anger in Sunbury. It is fact that it was state and federal Liberal electricity bill when the carbon tax was palpable this evening. I know the minister governments that had allocated the removed. I was particularly pleased by made up her mind a long time ago, but I funding for this level crossing’s removal. that, and I am sure many other people ask her yet again to change it. I ask her to There was no mention of the almost four would have been very pleased to receive respect the will of the people — the people decades of Labor neglect that saw the that reduction as well. People in the media who, in Sunbury and in Hume, voted to safety of locals overlooked on an annual would not talk about it because they only grant Sunbury freedom from Hume City basis. Indeed the member for St Albans like to talk about bad things. However, as Council. I ask the minister to listen to in the Assembly — perhaps I should say a result of what former Prime Minister them, to reject the audit report and to the infamous member for St Albans — Abbott and his government did, there was allow the establishment of a stand-alone tweeted, ‘We did it’. There is no doubt that a significant reduction in electricity prices Sunbury municipality as put forward by she, as former mayor of the disgraced for people across the board in Australia the previous government one year ago — Brimbank City Council, is responsible when the carbon tax was removed. Mr Davis — Gazetted! for much, but the removal of this level crossing is not among that. Fortunately I support this bill, but I hope the Mr FINN — and gazetted and promised comments I have made here today are not a living soul in St Albans believes a by the Labor Party when in opposition. I word she says. I can totally understand taken into very serious consideration ask the minister to keep that pre-election because this is a matter that really does why. I am sick of Labor lies in Victoria, promise on behalf of the ALP, not to fail particularly in Melbourne’s west. matter to real Australians. the Sunbury people yet again and to reject the audit report and let the Sunbury council go ahead.

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 13 COUNCIL | Second reading Mr FINN — Coming in here is Hopefully this bill will ensure that it will 6 October 2015 sometimes a gamble, but apart from that I be in a strong position for a long time to do not indulge. come. I commend the bill to the house. When I first started work, very early on, We on this side of the chamber certainly I took a fancy to the dishlickers. My first do not oppose it. I can only wish all those Racing job was at Radio 3DB. involved in the harness racing industry Mr Ondarchie — Did you call the races? and the racing industry generally all the very best as we approach a very exciting Amendment Bill Mr FINN — I did not call the races. part of the year here in Melbourne. I worked with luminaries such as Bill 2015 Collins and Ray Benson. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Mr Ondarchie interjected. COUNCIL | Adjournment — I rise to speak today on the Racing Mr FINN — If you want me to start, I 6 October 2015 Amendment Bill 2015. Following on could go on all day. At that time, at the from my dear friend and colleague Mr age of 17, I started work at 3DB putting Ondarchie, I cannot help but begin by the races through to the country stations. offering a few words of praise for the late I would push the button to make sure Autism Health & Bart Cummings, a man whose name will that they got their races when they should live forever in racing immortality, as they have. It was quite extraordinary. If you Well Being Expo say. The contribution he made to racing in wanted a tip, Ray Benson was the bloke to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I this country will not be forgotten. listen to, because if Bill Collins had a tip, raise a matter for the attention of the Whilst Mr Ondarchie ran through a he would keep it to himself. He was the Minister for Housing, Disability and long list of extraordinary achievements accurate one, but he would not let on. If Ageing. In July I was honoured to be asked of Mr Cummings, my memory of him he had a good thing, he would put more to open the Autism Health & Well Being is of an occasion on which I met him a than just a few bob on it. He was a great Expo at the Darebin Community Centre. couple of years ago, and he was a delight. part of the racing industry in this country. This extraordinarily successful event was You would be hard put to find a more Irrespective of the Melbourne Cup and organised by Amanda Curtis, for whom I humble individual. He did not put on airs, the glamour, money, party atmosphere have enormous admiration. I will let Ms even though he was somebody perhaps and international attraction it has for Curtis’s words describe what occurred. entitled to. He did not see himself as so many thousands, harness racing has She stated: being important in any way. He was there its own identity in this state. As a child I One in 100 people have autism. because he loved the races, and he did would sit down every Saturday night and Finding services and products to not do a bad job. He did not bung it on, as watch The Penthouse Club with Mike support children, teens and adults some in his position might do. Williamson and Mary Hardy. I would with autism is confusing and difficult. To his wife and family I offer my watch the red hots, as they were referred Carers are often forgotten. Educators condolences and say it will be a long time to in those days, at the showgrounds. That are struggling with students on the before we see another Bart Cummings. was very much a part of my childhood. spectrum in the classrooms. I ran He was one of the best. They say nobody I have a certain affection for harness Melbourne’s first ever Autism Health is irreplaceable. That may be so, but if racing, and of course I have been to & Well Being Expo on 25 July 2015 to somebody is, it is Bart Cummings in the Moonee Valley on a number of occasions provide information to people with racing industry. He was an extraordinary to watch the harness racing there. I have autism, their carers and educators. With contributor and an extraordinary been very lax in that I have yet to make 70 exhibitors, high-profile speakers individual when it comes to racing in it to the new home of harness racing throughout the day, and around 1500 Australia. at Melton, which is not far out of my people through the doors on the day, it Racing is one of the great things about electorate. was a tremendous success. I’m a single mum, I used my savings to get this event Australia, and we are approaching one of Mr Ondarchie — Tabcorp Park. the most exciting times, particularly here off the ground, and broke even after Mr FINN — Tabcorp Park. I must do in Melbourne, with the Spring Racing spending $25 000. something about that very soon. Carnival kicking off soon. We are just a This is a remarkable achievement month or so away — maybe even a little I am delighted that Dale Monteith by Amanda Curtis. Having spent some bit less — from seeing the greatest race in came up with this report. He clearly considerable time there on the day, I know the world. is a man with enormous knowledge that there was something for everybody. and an enormous passion for harness Mr Ondarchie — The Cox Plate. Someone described the expo to me as racing. He has put forward a number of Disneyland for somebody with autism, Mr FINN — The Cox Plate may well be recommendations the government has because it showed a wide variety of one of the great races in the world. I am acted on. I heard Ms Symes say earlier that services available to people with autism not sure whether it is the greatest, but it is this is another example of the government and their families. certainly one of the greatest races. I have fulfilling its election promises. spent many a pleasant time at Moonee The very great concern that Ms Curtis Ms Symes interjected. Valley Racecourse, which of course is in has — and a number of others share the electorate of Western Metropolitan Mr FINN — She said words to that this concern, including me — is that the Region. effect. She said this bill is an example expo will be a one-off. As members can of the government doing what it said it imagine, for a single mum who has a Mr Ondarchie — Money Valley? would do. That is the same as saying that child on the spectrum and who has put in Mr FINN — Sadly it has not been for it is fulfilling an election promise, I would $25 000 of her own money to get this up me, I have to say. For me it has been Loss- have thought. Anyway we will not argue off the ground, this can only be a one-off. of-Money Valley on most occasions. The that point at the moment. Can I just say It is impossible to believe that she would people around me who were smiling most that if you want a debate with somebody be able to do this on another occasion, let were the bookies. I like to make people on election commitments, you will very alone every year. happy, and I particularly like making them easily get one out in Sunbury, where I ask the minister to provide some happy. They are always pleased to see before the last election the government funding for Ms Curtis to ensure that the me. The last time I was at Moonee Valley lied to people left, right and centre. That 2016 Autism Health & Well Being Expo for the Cox Plate was on one of those is certainly coming home to roost now for occurs. My understanding is that the expo occasions. It is a very good thing that I the people of Sunbury. is a first for Victoria and probably for am not a gambler. I am not somebody Back to the bill, the harness racing Australia. We should be particularly proud who bets on races on a regular basis. I do industry is an important one. It attracts a of this initiative. I ask the minister to show it maybe once or twice a year. Otherwise certain passion or a certain sort of person his pride and to put forward the money I would be in more strife than the early with a passion for harness racing. It runs necessary to ensure that this expo occurs settlers. I do not think that would be — — deep in their bones. It is wonderful to see again next year. Mr Ramsay interjected. that it is now going strong after it went through a few difficulties not so long ago.

IN 14 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Constituency questions will be very pleased to take any bucks he the people of western Victoria to vote for 7 October 2015 can get hold of, and this one has landed the Greens, because they will not. Those directly at his feet. people will not fall for the empty rhetoric I think back to my days on the farm of the Greens. They know the causes of a at a place called Coragulac — in fact it whole range of problems, and when Mr Sunbury rail was Alvie, Warrion and Coragulac. We Barber goes down there they see another moved three times without actually one coming. I would suggest to Mr Barber timetable shifting because the post office in those that he is most certainly wasting his time. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) time was pretty much the same as the Mr Ramsay’s motion is a very good — My constituency question is to the post office these days. The staff did not one, but I fear we will have to wait for the Minister for Public Transport. I refer the quite know what was going on half the return of a coalition government after the minister to the statement by the member time. I recall that in those days there was next election for those services to come for Sunbury in the other place to the a great sense of isolation. The school bus to Warrnambool. I do not believe this Sunbury Train Association that timetables to Colac would often take up to an hour government will provide any joy at all for and schedules for services to Sunbury and a half to get there. To describe that anybody. for next year would be finalised in as an effective means of public transport Mr Herbert interjected. November 2015. Will the minister confirm would probably be pushing a point. Mr FINN — There will be no joy from information received by the Sunbury When I heard people in this chamber this Labor government. I will put it this Train Association that the scheduling of talking about the sense of isolation felt by way, for the benefit of Mr Herbert: if the services to Sunbury for January 2016 was people in the country who lack access to Labor government will not do anything completed approximately two months ago public transport, I could certainly relate for the people of the western suburbs, why and that Mr Josh Bull’s advice was another to it. I commend Mr Ramsay for bringing would they do anything for the people deception the people of Sunbury have forward this motion today so that we can of western Victoria? It is a nonsense to had to suffer at the hands of the Andrews discuss this sort of thing. suggest that will happen. I commend Mr Labor government? I have to say that under this government Ramsay for trying. He is a conscientious The PRESIDENT — Order! That is very there is probably not much chance that and hardworking local member who marginal. the Warrnambool line will get extra train stands up for his constituents in this services. We already have a situation Parliament, and he is to be commended where the Andrews Labor government is COUNCIL for that. pulling train services from places such as I look forward to seeing Richard 7 October 2015 Sunbury. After being promised that the Riordan and Roma Britnell joining us here V/ Line services to Sunbury would remain, in the Parliament early next month. we have been told that will change and Sunbury will lose significant coverage. Mr Dalidakis — Who? Warrnambool- If you are going to see that in a place Mr FINN — You will find out, brother. It like Sunbury, which is relatively close to is coming. Geelong rail Melbourne, you will certainly see very Mr Dalidakis — Comrade. little improvement for the people of Colac, Mr FINN — No. In the spirit of services Camperdown, Warrnambool, Winchelsea friendliness and warmth that I exude from Mr Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) and so forth down the track. And time to time, I say that I look forward to — I strongly support the motion put Birregurra of course; I would be remiss not that. I have not met Roma as yet. I look forward by Mr Ramsay, and I commend to mention Birregurra. forward to doing that. I have known him, as indeed I commend Mr Morris, on Mr Barber — Camperdown. Richard for some years. The Riordan the magnificent work they are doing to Mr FINN — I did mention family are icons of Colac, I think you could support the people of western Victoria. Camperdown, Mr Barber. I should throw say. They know that area very well, and the There may be members who will in Terang as well. I am glad Mr Barber area knows them very well. Richard will think it odd that a member for Western stuck his head up, because I was going to be the ultimate local member. He will be Metropolitan Region would be speaking mention him. I know he has spent a great an excellent member. I know from people on this particular motion, but my history deal of time in the Western District. who have spoken to me about Roma that goes back to my days as a lad in Colac. I Mr Davis — Family holidays? she will be the same for the South-West grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Coast electorate. I look forward to them Mr FINN — I do not think it was for coming into this Parliament and joining Colac, and let me tell you, I know a cow family holidays. He has been down there when I see one. I will leave that alone. Mr Ramsay and Mr Morris as very strong in the hope that the Greens might get and firm voices for western Victoria. I Mr Ondarchie interjected. some sort of electoral windfall or boost think that is something we should all be Mr FINN — Mr Ondarchie, I will milk it from his campaigning efforts. I have to quite excited about. for all it is worth. say to Mr Barber — I will take him into my confidence here — that country people Mr Leane interjected. I recall only too well that from time to Mr FINN — Mr Leane is very excited time the train from Melbourne seemed and particularly the people in the Western District have very strong BS meters. When about it. You can tell when Mr Leane gets to be the link between us and civilisation. excited. It is obvious to all concerned. As a callow youth in those days — and I Mr Barber goes down there, those meters know there may be some in the chamber probably go into meltdown. The people of Mr Ramsay — Is there a coup coming? who might have trouble believing that I the Western District of Victoria will never Mr FINN — Is there a coup coming? was a youth, but indeed I was — I used vote green as long as their tails point to the We know there is a coup coming, but Mr to move between my school in Sunbury ground. It is not going to happen. Ramsay is getting me off track. I could and my home in Colac, and I used to In the tradition of friendliness I will talk about that for a while. Who put Mr catch the train. I remember that train make a suggestion: the Greens should not Somyurek and Mr Melhem together? Dear very well. All those years ago there were bother with the Western District. If they me, they were asking for trouble there. two train services a day, and I have to say follow the example of Labor members, I will return to the motion by it astounds me that now, after all these who have given up on it altogether and commending Mr Ramsay on his efforts, years with all of the changes that we have walked away, they will be a lot better off. and I look forward to this motion seen in the state, there is only one extra They should work on the areas in the inner passing. At the election of the coalition train a day on the Warrnambool line. I suburbs of Melbourne, where they have government in November 2018, I look find that astonishing, and it is perhaps a chance. Earlier we were discussing the forward to these services Mr Ramsay has somewhat of an indictment of a number possibility of getting a tram for Colac, asked for being delivered. of governments. but I think that is highly unlikely, even Mr Herbert interjected. during a by-election campaign. In the Mr FINN — This government is spirit of warmth and friendliness, I offer currently in power and the buck has to that advice to Mr Barber. It is a waste of stop somewhere. I am sure Mr Herbert time for him to go down there to try to get

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 15 COUNCIL | Adjournment the rules of the adjournment debate, going to say men, but you cannot call 7 October 2015 which Mr Finn is actually more conversant them men — who were there purely to with than most. He has got it on the get some form of sexual gratification, and record. He can represent his community they did not particularly care how they got as much as he likes. But it is not a proper it. These are the people we need to crack Sunbury matter for the adjournment debate, and down on. We need to come down on them Mr Finn knows it. like a tonne of bricks. community Mr Finn — I do not believe that. I suppose I am speaking in this Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I The PRESIDENT — Order! Mr Finn manner because I am the father of three wish to raise a matter for the attention of cannot possibly make the comment, ‘Stop daughters, and obviously I am concerned the Premier. On 7 November last year the the war on Sunbury’. It is rhetoric. It is not about them, given the attitude of some then opposition shadow Minister for Local a question. people in our community. No doubt in Government, Richard Wynne, said of the Mr Finn — It is representation. years to come, as they grow a bit, I will lose a lot of sleep wondering how they are separation of Sunbury from the City of The PRESIDENT — Order! It is not a Hume: and what they are doing at various times question. of the night. However, it is only fair and … the separation has been gazetted … reasonable to think that people should and the matter has been finalised. COUNCIL | Second reading be able to go about their lawful business 8 October 2015 without being assaulted, without being The then candidate for the Assembly raped and without being treated as some seat of Sunbury, now the member for sort of garbage. That is pretty basic in a Sunbury, Josh Bull, said on 17 November civilised society, but unfortunately there 2014 that he supported Sunbury out of are some people who just do not accept Hume, but by all indications, that was not Serious Sex that, and they are the people who should the case at all. This government has gone feel the full force of the law. to extraordinary lengths to frustrate the Offenders Unfortunately there are some on separation, to keep Sunbury in Hume and the bench in our court system who do to break its pre-election promise to the (Detention and not necessarily share that view. Those people of Sunbury. judges, magistrates and other members Despite my best efforts to have the Supervision) of the judiciary who regard the rights of roundabout at the corner of Gap Road offenders as being more important than and Horne Street in Sunbury removed and Other Acts the welfare of victims should quite frankly and replaced with traffic lights, the not be on the bench. They should all be government has responded with nothing turfed from the bench. but indecision. I cannot get an answer Amendment Bill The justice system that we have, such out of the minister on this particularly as it is — it is more a legal system that a dangerous intersection. It is endangering 2015 justice system — should be about looking the lives and safety of local people. Every Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I rise to say a few words about the after the rights and welfare of victims. day when I go through it I consider myself When I see people who have committed very lucky to succeed. Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Supervision) and Other Acts Amendment dreadful crimes, particularly crimes Labor promised the people of Sunbury Bill 2015. I think it was Ms Symes who of a sexual nature against women and that when the electrification of the mentioned earlier that there is bipartisan children, getting off pretty lightly, I get Sunbury line was complete, the people of support for the bill, which is as it should really angry. That is when I really fume, Sunbury would be able to keep the V/Line be. I would hope there is a bipartisan because these are the sort of people services that serviced their community. attitude across the board on this issue, who need to be put away. They need to Not only is the government preparing because there are very few more heinous be kept off our streets. They need to be to back away from that promise but the or vile crimes than sexual offences locked up to protect us, to protect our people of Sunbury now face fines of up to committed against women. Whoever we wives, to protect our daughters, to protect $500 for daring to board a V/Line train. are and wherever we are from, we should our mothers and in some instances My attempt to have Sunbury Road all agree on that. That is a no-brainer, our grandmothers. I cannot begin to duplicated has been dismissed out as they say in the classics. However, imagine what goes through the mind of of hand. Of course this road is very unfortunately there are some in our somebody who is capable of breaking into dangerous, and congestion on it is quite community who for whatever reason — I a house and raping a 90-year-old. I do not horrendous at times. struggle to understand the mindset of understand how somebody could even The reason I bring these matters to the these people — see women as something think about that, much less do it. attention of the Premier is to ask him they can use and something that has been We need to have an attitude that tells this: to stop the war on Sunbury. This put on this earth for their gratification. people we will not tolerate this. Whether government is kicking Sunbury from pillar They have no respect for women. In fact we are community members, legislators, to post, and it must stop. I ask the Premier, generally speaking they have no respect judges on the bench or police, we need plead with the Premier if I must, to direct for anybody, except of course themselves. to send a very clear message that we his ministers to stop the war on Sunbury These are the people this legislation is will not tolerate this sort of disgraceful and to give the people of Sunbury a fair go. aimed at. behaviour. We talk a lot about tolerance The PRESIDENT — Order! I rule that I get very angry when I hear about rape in this modern age, but there are some out as an adjournment item. To call on cases or sexual assault and people say, things we just cannot tolerate. This sort the Premier to stop the war on a suburb is ‘She had it coming’, ‘She shouldn’t have of behaviour is totally intolerable. I hope just not an adjournment matter that the been there at that time’ or ‘She shouldn’t some members of our judiciary, who may minister is required to respond to. have been wearing that on that occasion’, be reading Hansard in a quiet moment Mr Finn — On a point of order, because there is never a justification, an one day, get that message. If they are President, you are denying me as an excuse or a reason for sexual assault. Every reading Hansard in a quiet moment, they elected member of Parliament the right to woman should be able to go wherever she probably should get a life as well. Their job represent my constituents in this place to likes, wearing whatever she likes — within is to protect the innocent and to get justice the Premier. the law, anyway — at any time and not feel for victims, not to be activists for the rights of criminals. Ms Mikakos — No, it is about following the threat of some gorilla attacking her. It the rules of the adjournment debate. is a dreadful indictment of our society that Criminals are called criminals for a this attitude is so prevalent. reason — because they are criminals. Mr Ondarchie — You’re not the When you commit a heinous act such as President! I do not frequent King Street very often, it has to be said, but in years gone by I a violent sexual assault, then you pretty The PRESIDENT — Order! Ms Mikakos may have popped down there from time much lose your rights as far as I am is not the President, but I will take up to time. I saw these sorts of apes — I was concerned. There are a good many people exactly what she said. It is about following

IN 16 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE in this community, and I am sure every COUNCIL | Adjournment COUNCIL | Constituency questions member of this house would know at least 8 October 2015 20 October 2015 one or two of them, who would gladly reintroduce capital punishment for sexual offenders. I am not one of them, but I can fully understand why they would take that Aspergers Victoria Sunbury rail view. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I This bill is also worthy of support wish to raise a matter for the attention of services because it helps the police to do their jobs, the Minister for Housing, Disability and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My and that is quite a rarity these days. When Ageing, and it concerns an organisation constituency question is to the Minister we pass legislation it usually ends up I met with recently. Aspergers Victoria, for Public Transport. The minister is aware making it harder for the police to protect a registered health promotion charity, of the anger that continues to be displayed us. I cannot sympathise enough with has been providing essential information by Sunbury residents at the government’s those members of Victoria Police who may and support services to those living decision to backflip on a previous Labor know who offenders are but are prevented with Asperger’s syndrome and autism promise to allow V/Line to continue by law from gathering the evidence to spectrum conditions since 1991. The servicing Sunbury. I will be one of many lock these creatures up. I get frustrated vision of the organisation is to promote local residents who attend a community sometimes in this job, but I cannot begin the positives of Asperger’s across the meeting in Sunbury next Wednesday to imagine how frustrating it must be life span and to make a difference to the night. This meeting will be addressed by for them to know that some individual lives of individuals with Asperger’s by Public Transport Victoria officials, but walking down the street is guilty of rape, providing support, knowledge and skill that is not good enough. The minister is a vile and dreadful individual who may development to enhance the abilities and has the power to stop this outrageous indeed have committed any number of lives of people with Asperger’s and their decision. Sunbury train travellers want to assaults. Mr Melhem made the very good families. It should be pointed out that all hear from her. They want the chicken, not point that once somebody has committed of the board members and volunteers the tail feathers. Will the minister come a sexual assault, it is likely that they will do are either on the spectrum or have close to Sunbury next Wednesday night and it again. For police to be prevented from family members living with Asperger’s. explain personally to locals why she is pursuing somebody they know to be guilty Aspergers Victoria began in 1991 with stripping them of their V/Line service? of a crime is almost reason to rip your hair four families meeting in a suburban out, and that is another good reason to living room to discuss family issues support this bill. related to the new diagnosis of Asperger’s COUNCIL | Second reading I have gone on a little longer than I had syndrome. From these humble beginnings 20 October 2015 anticipated, I must say. That is unusual it has grown dramatically. It now has for me. I will conclude by reiterating my 13 individual peer support and social personal disdain and disgust. Sexual groups running in five locations around assault is a crime that can never be Melbourne. These groups met 140 times Local Government justified or excused. We as a society must during the last financial year, with over adopt that attitude. We must realise that 2000 people attending. That is more than a Amendment women are not things for gratification. threefold increase in just five years. Women are human beings with the same The groups cater for all members (Improved rights as everybody else. They should of the Asperger’s community: adults, be protected by the law. This legislation young adults, teens and girls and boys moves a little bit further toward offering with Asperger’s, along with their parents Governance) Bill that protection. On that basis I am very and carers, siblings and partners. Last pleased to support the bill. year Aspergers Victoria delivered seven 2015 seminars, attended by nearly 750 people; Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I rise this evening — it is almost — to speak COUNCIL | Constituency questions attracted 40 000 visitors to its website; maintained Twitter and Facebook forums; on the Local Government Amendment 8 October 2015 produced four 20-page newsletters; (Improved Governance) Bill 2015. As engaged in face-to-face contact with somebody who has taken an interest in nearly 3500 people; and serviced local government for a bit over 30 years thousands of helpline calls and emails. It — perhaps 35 years now — it is always of Western provides a resource library, information interest to me to see a piece of legislation pack and fact sheets. It also supported of this kind come before the house. If distributor road four families after the suicide of their there is one thing that we can take for Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My loved one with Asperger’s. granted, it is that a good local council is constituency question is for the Minister a blessing for a community. If you can The board and the volunteer team of get a good local council, comprised of for Roads and Road Safety. Confusion nearly 40 people work hard together with surrounding the Transurban proposal councillors, a CEO and officers who little or no recognition, and last financial actually care about their community and for a western distributor continues. The year they received only a single grant latest episode apparently sees an array the area they are charged with looking of $2272 from the then Department of after, that is something you can celebrate. of bridges and elevated roads that locals Human Services along with donations of are calling Spaghetti Junction. At least That is something that will be of enormous $3000. That barely covers the rent. That benefit to everybody in that community. the people of Melbourne’s west have is where the problem arises that I wish something to think about while they are to raise with the minister tonight. The I recall that some years ago when stuck in traffic. Given this continued organisation, Aspergers Victoria, is now at I was first elected as the member for confusion and the wild speculation as to a crisis point. The work required to run the Tullamarine in another place there what may be next, none of which eases organisation is more than 500 hours per was a council called the Bulla Shire the congestion, will the minister consider month. The volunteers who are running Council. It comprised Sunbury, Bulla resurrecting the Premier’s much-vaunted Aspergers Victoria right now just cannot itself, Greenvale and Craigieburn. That and shovel-ready West Gate diversion? continue to do it. It is burning them out, was probably the best council I have and they need support. ever seen operate in my life. It was an exceptionally good council. I still know I asked the minister to make a time some of the councillors who were on the as soon as possible to meet with Lyndel council at that time. They really put their Kennedy, the president of Aspergers communities first, and that is something Victoria, to discuss with her the needs that perhaps we do not see as much of of the organisation and to come to some now as we used to. It probably reflects a arrangement whereby the government little why the people of Sunbury are so can make a financial contribution. keen to have their own council. It tells us

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 17 why the people of Sunbury are so keen to mistreating and abusing their ratepayers of Wyndham, I am simply informing the break away from the Hume City Council, and residents, they need look no further house and members of the government which they say does not care about than the other house and the member for what the people in Wyndham are telling Sunbury at all. St Albans. They will see what happens if me. The people of Sunbury are very keen that is the sort of activity you get involved It is very sad what party politics does to have their own council — the Sunbury in. You too can get a safe Labor seat — that to local government. Despite the fact City Council — and it should have been is the Labor way. that caucusing before council meetings up and operating on 1 July this year. I still shake my head when I recall the is supposed to be illegal and something Despite the pre-election promise of debates we had in this place over a two- that is just not done, we all know we have the Labor Party last year, that has gone year or three-year period when some of councillors elected as Independents who the way of the flesh, and we are now in the activities of that Brimbank council and are members of the ALP, and who, once a situation where it would appear that Natalie Suleyman, when she was mayor elected, all gather to form a Labor caucus. Sunbury city council will not happen at of that council, were raised in this house. They have hoodwinked the voters, their all. That is something that a lot of people The activities of the council I am referring constituents, to get elected and once in the Sunbury area are mourning, and to led to the dismissal of the subsequent elected they then act as a Labor caucus. they are very angry that they were lied to Brimbank council. I am sure, Madam We all know that goes on in any number of and that they have been deprived of their Deputy President, you will recall some councils right across the state, and that in own council. They do not wish to stay of the debates we had in this place at the itself is a very unfortunate thing. within the City of Hume any longer. Some time. It is a bit of a laugh for the Labor There are a number of exceptional of them have been fighting hard for that Party to talk about improved governance people in local government, and I want for 20 years and will continue to do so. I when it holds out a safe seat in Parliament to pay my compliments to one who has am very pleased to say that Matthew Guy, as reward for somebody who has been recently retired — that is, Bill Jabour, the Leader of the Opposition in the other involved in far from improved governance who was the CEO of Hobsons Bay City place, said during a recent visit to Sunbury — quite the opposite. Council for some years and in recent that he would make sure that within 12 When I was first elected to this place, years has been the CEO of Brimbank months of becoming Premier the Sunbury back in 2006, probably the best council City Council. What he has done as CEO, City Council will come into being. That is a in Melbourne’s west was the Wyndham particularly in Brimbank, is something he very good thing indeed, and the people of City Council. My recollection is that Cr can be exceptionally proud of because, Sunbury will be very excited, and indeed Shane Bourke and his team really had despite the difficulties that the former are very excited, at the prospect of the Wyndham humming along very nicely. Labor-controlled council gave the election of the Guy government in 2018, as Things have changed since then, it has to people of Brimbank, the administrators indeed we all are. be said. We have had the politicisation of with Bill Jabour as the CEO have really On the opposite side — almost a that council. Way back in 2006 there was dragged Brimbank out of the hole it was parallel universe, one could say — we very little party politics in Wyndham City in. I particularly want to compliment Bill have those councils that are not so good. Council. Everybody was working for the Jabour on his career and his work. I am We have those councils that trash their community. Some were Liberal, some not just saying that because he is a very communities. We have those councils were Labor and some were nothing at all, strong Richmond fan, a very good man that are a disgrace to the name of local but they all worked for the good of the indeed, but he has done a tremendous government; indeed they are a disgrace community. That was to their credit. But job as the CEO at those two councils that I to the name of any government in this of course wherever the ALP goes it sticks have mentioned. He should be very proud state or indeed this nation. Whenever I its nose into local government. We have in particular of the role he has played in think of a council of that nature my mind seen the near downfall of the Wyndham rebuilding Brimbank. immediately goes to the former Brimbank council because of the activities of the ALP I support this bill and hope it will have City Council. Ms Dunn, a member for in that council. some impact in improving governance in Eastern Metropolitan Region, made Mr Dalidakis is very sad, but it is very local government in this state, but I have a reference to that council during her sad that Wyndham City Council, once suspicion, as we stare at local government contribution. I recall that shortly after a very proud and effective council, has returning to Brimbank next year, that the being elected as the member for Western turned into a bit of a rabble — a bit of ALP will ensure that improved governance Metropolitan Region I said to a local a circus. There is a situation where if is something we will not see. in the Sunshine area, ‘Is this Brimbank somebody dares say something against council as bad as everybody says it is?’, the mayor or the CEO, they will go on and he looked at me and said, ‘They report. Somebody will make an official COUNCIL | Questions without notice got the Sunshine council and the Keilor complaint about their behaviour. It is a 21 October 2015 council and put them together. What bit like Melton, next door. I understand do you reckon?’. I soon worked out that Melton City Council has recently indeed that was very much the case. The introduced laws or by-laws whereby Brimbank council was so bad that even councillors cannot publicly express a Vocational its comrades in the Labor Party — the view contrary to the policy of the council. Brumby government, as it was then — Anybody who thinks free speech is alive education and felt the need to dismiss that council and and well in local government should go appoint administrators. to Wyndham or Melton. and they will training It is interesting to note that the so-called be disavowed of that view very quickly Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My improved governance that this bill is all indeed. It is deeply regrettable that certain question is to the Minister for Training about is very different to what the Labor councillors — — and Skills, and I ask: will the minister Party actually practices, because what we Mr Ramsay — A good mayor, though, in detail how many students are currently have seen is that the mayor of the council Melton. enrolled in and studying barista-related that led to the dismissal of Brimbank — Mr FINN — Yes, she is a good mayor. I courses in Victoria? then councillor Natalie Suleyman, who agree. She is a very good mayor. Are you is now the member for St Albans in the related? Supplementary question Assembly — has been rewarded for her Mr Ramsay — She is with an E. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I nefarious activities as mayor of Brimbank Mr FINN — Sophie Ramsey is a good ask the minister: do barista students City Council by her election to the state undertake work experience as a part of the Parliament and by being given one of the mayor. The council itself is a little bit strange, but not as strange as Wyndham. course? If so, have any barista students safest Labor seats in the state. If anybody undertaken work experience in the wants to know what the Labor Party really They are doing some very odd things in Wyndham at the moment, and I am minister’s ministerial office, utilising his thinks about maladministration, about new coffee machine and milk frother? activities which some might even regard receiving constant complaints from as corrupt, about activities which bring people who live in Wyndham about local government into disrepute and that council. As a local member and about activities that see local councils representative in this place of the people

IN 18 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Statements on reports responsible for much of what is going on ahead, and many of them are struggling. and papers, 21 October 2015 in this state. They might like to deny it, but The last thing they need is a decision they in fact have a moral obligation to run by the Department of Education and this show in the best interests of Victorians Training to make their lives even harder. — and they are not living up to that. That The last thing they need is to have extra Department of is something that every Victorian knows. pressure brought upon their families by Even the government’s own people know. a decision of the education department You can see by the internal ruminations of which basically destroys the educational Treasury and the ALP exactly how the true believers feel opportunities their children currently about a government that is so big on waste enjoy. This is, in my view, outrageous. Finance: budget and that is so big on economic vandalism. Unfortunately it is just part of a trend, This is the most ideologically hardline I suppose, of decisions we have seen papers 2015-16 left-wing government we have had in the from the education department over a Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I history of Victoria. It makes Joan Kirner long period of time. I ask the minister to rise this evening to speak on the budget look like a softie. It is making a mess of the personally intervene in this particular papers for this year. I think it is somewhat state, and I have absolutely no doubt that, decision and reverse it to ensure that of a truism to say that Labor cannot the way things are going, by the time we the adolescent Baseroom is retained at handle money. We know that wherever get the opportunity to take over again in Essendon Keilor College so that these Labor goes — whichever state, whether 2018, Victoria will be floating face down in children are given a fair chance. it be Victoria, the commonwealth or the pool. elsewhere — debt and economic calamity will follow. We just have to go back to the COUNCIL | Members statements days of the Cain and Kirner governments COUNCIL | Adjournment 22 October 2015 here in Victoria when, if Victoria were 21 October 2015 a company, it would have gone into liquidation and members of the cabinet would have been locked up. To this day March for the many people are of the view that they Essendon Keilor should have been. The governments Babies of that time left Victoria in a state of College Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — On economic ruin and budgetary disaster. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Saturday, 10 October, it was my very great That is something that Labor repeats over wish to raise a matter for the attention of honour to again lead the annual March and over again. It is a pattern that we have the Minister for Education this evening, for the Babies. Thousands of people to get used to, it seems. The Labor Party and it is as a result of an email I received from across Victoria marched through gets in and stuffs things up. The Liberal last week from a constituent. It reads as the streets of Melbourne and massed Party gets in and fixes them. Then Labor follows: outside this building to commemorate gets in and stuffs things up, and on it goes. the seventh anniversary of this Parliament I am a mother of three boys with an passing the most extreme abortion law The Bracks and Brumby governments ASD — were well and truly on their way to a in the Western world. We marched to repeat performance of the Cain-Kirner autism spectrum disorder — mourn and remember the at least 20 000 years when they were turfed out in 2010. aged 16, 15 and 10. My 16-year-old son tiny Victorians killed by abortionists in Now, after less than one year of the attends Western Autistic adolescence the previous 12 months. We marched to Andrews-Barber government, we have Baseroom and East Keilor college, reach out to those babies’ mothers, many a situation where the government just Niddrie campus. of whom are suffering as a result of the seems to have no budgetary restraint or trauma of abortion. Many of them were We were informed on 13 October 2015 forced into a dreadful decision, ironically economic responsibility at all. Can one that the Baseroom will be closed due to begin to imagine the impact on the budget cost of program and lack of funding, at because they felt they had no choice. of a $1 billion hit for cancelling a project the end of 2015, and the Wattle program Abortion hurts women too. that is so desperately needed by so many at Laverton campus will change the way We marched to make it very clear to people? it operates. the community, the Parliament and the government that growing numbers of us I ask members to consider for a moment The adolescence Baseroom has been those items in the budget that could have will continue to work to overturn this evil at EKC for the past 22 years, providing legislation, that this matter is not settled been boosted with that up to $1 billion support for adolescents with Asperger’s, that was thrown away by the current and we are not going away. We were assisting in the mainstream at EKC particularly pleased to hear Dr Carling- government in an attempt to save a few where the child is capable of learning seats in the inner city. It is just beyond Jenkins outline her bill to provide support and in the Baseroom itself for extra for mothers and pre-born babies. I pay comprehension how any government support in learning and other pathways could be so irresponsible. You would not when mainstream is not suitable. tribute to Victoria Police for providing think even a Labor government could be most effective protection from the usual that irresponsible. But sure enough, it My son, who has an IQ of 71, tried rabble — but the ferals were elsewhere most certainly is. to engage in mainstream in year 7; this year. however, he regressed and attended I look forward to next year’s March Just a few weeks ago I asked the Baseroom full time since then. The staff Treasurer about another side of the for the Babies on 8 October 2016. I look in the Baseroom have supported him to forward even more to a time when we impact of that decision — that is, the value keep him engaged, along with myself. to the Victorian economy of thousands of will not have to march — a time when people sitting in traffic jams night and day. A review was conducted and Victorian law will recognise and protect He got back to me yesterday with not even presented to the Western Autistic all life. an attempt to answer the question. He School council to discuss what programs were viable et cetera. Parents rabbited on about a number of potential COUNCIL | Constituency questions projects that may or may not happen, of the Baseroom had no idea of this and but he made no attempt to put a value were not given a voice to advocate for 22 October 2015 on the time of those tens of thousands, if their children and future children who not hundreds of thousands, of Victorians would benefit from this program. who are stuck in traffic, as I have said, on a My 10-year-old son is already daily basis, morning and night. struggling at a mainstream school; he is Traffic delays: It is time that this government got in year 4. What is his future going to be if … suitable support is non-existent? economic impact serious. It is time that members of the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My Andrews-Barber government came to I have to wonder out loud, ‘What constituency question is to the Treasurer. I the realisation that they are actually future indeed?’. These parents of children previously asked the Treasurer to provide running the show — that they are actually with autism have a very difficult road

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 19 for me a figure indicating the cost to the up a plan. In fact it would not surprise needs. They are champions whom we can Victorian economy of the thousands of me if it already had a plan, but if it has all get behind. hours lost in traffic mayhem on freeways not done so, to get this project under way and major roads in Melbourne’s western soon as possible. The people of Sunbury suburbs on a daily basis. In his response need this project to happen as soon as is COUNCIL | Second reading the Treasurer provided assorted and practicable. 10 November 2015 varied information, none of which went anywhere near answering my question. Indeed the Treasurer made no attempt COUNCIL | Constituency questions to answer my question at all. I ask again: 10 November 2015 Prevention of will the Treasurer furnish any details his department holds on the cost to Cruelty to Animals the Victorian economy of thousands of motorists being stuck on the West Gate, Sunbury rail Tullamarine, Calder and Princes freeways Amendment Bill and other major roads in Melbourne’s services fines west? Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My 2015 constituency question is for the Minister Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I for Public Transport. I note that the warmly join you, Acting President, in COUNCIL | Adjournment minister in reply to a previous question on welcoming George Cox to the gallery. 22 October 2015 2 September said she welcomes the input I have known Mr Cox for a good many of the Sunbury community with regard years, and he is a very solid citizen indeed, to Labor’s broken promise on V/Line let me assure you. It is good to see him — services to and from the town. Since then and looking so well, too. Sunbury rail the minister has accepted my invitation to I rise to speak tonight on the Prevention attend a community meeting in Sunbury. of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Bill crossing Despite her reluctance to discuss the issue 2015, and, as Mr Ondarchie pointed Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I everybody else wanted to talk about that out previously, the opposition will be wish to raise a matter this evening for night, I am sure the 200-plus locals in supporting this bill. I am particularly the attention of the Minister for Roads attendance left the minister in no doubt enthusiastic about this bill because I think and Road Safety, and it is in regard to as to the community’s feeling on the anything that leads to the diminishing of a long-running sore in the township of plan to kick Sunbury residents off V/Line cruelty to animals you would have to say Sunbury that needs to be rectified as services. Rather than merely welcoming is a very good thing. When we think of soon as possible, which is the need for community input, will the minister animals, we are looking at a number of a third railway crossing in Sunbury. At actually listen and act on it and stop the categories. I am not looking at anybody the moment we have two, one at Station $435 fine for Sunbury V/Line customers as in particular in the house tonight, but Street, which is a level crossing — which of January 2016? we are looking at probably three or four I have no doubt the government will at categories of animals. some stage in the next 50 or 60 years get Ms Tierney interjected. COUNCIL | Members statements around to removing — and we also have Mr FINN — I do not know why Ms one at Macedon Street, which is a bridge 10 November 2015 Tierney is getting upset. I have no idea at that some genius at VicRoads closed some all. years ago without telling anybody, causing I believe that there are about three total gridlock from one end of Sunbury to or four basic categories of animals we the other, to the point where people just Michelle and Stevie would come into contact with in our left their cars and came and picked them lives. Of course there is the domestic- up the next day. Payne type animal — and I am very pleased to Mr Herbert — If they are still there. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I say that my dog, Bobbidog, is very much did not back the winner of the Melbourne in that category. She is an exceptionally Mr FINN — Some of them might still be Cup, and for the first time I am not there. There would be other suburbs, Mr good dog. She probably sleeps about too unhappy about that. In fact I am 21 hours a day, but the rest of the time Herbert, where they would not be there absolutely delighted with who did win it the next day, let me tell you, or certainly she is absolutely sensational. She is a and the lessons that the win has had for very good dog, and I enjoy her company their wheels would not be! our community. As impressed as I was As I said, the need for a third crossing is enormously. She is probably the with Prince of Penzance winning at 100 to friendliest dog I have ever encountered, a matter that has been ongoing for some 1 — although not, I suspect, as impressed years. This need is particularly strong now and the fact that I have four children and as the bookies — it was the jockey and that she has never bitten one of them that we have had the growth in housing at strapper who caught my attention and Jacksons Hill, which is a very impressive would indicate she is also the most patient the imagination of the entire nation. dog on the face of the earth. She has been estate in Sunbury. Of course Sunbury itself The scenes in the mounting yard when is a rapidly growing area. When I first went joined in recent times by a cat called Yoda. Michelle Payne embraced her brother He is quite a lively little beast. there many years ago it was a country Stevie left a tear in the eye of millions, and town — — I must include myself among them. Yes, domestic animals are a part of my Ms Fitzherbert — It was a village. life, but they are also part of the lives of The story of the Payne family is one to millions of people throughout Australia Mr FINN — It was indeed a village, inspire every Australian. Michelle and or a hamlet. Is there any advance on and probably hundreds of millions, if Stevie’s struggle to overcome adversity is not thousands of millions, of people that? But now Sunbury is very much an a tale of true Aussie grit. From Michelle outer suburb which has grown over the throughout the world. Our dogs, our cats, losing her mother at the age of six our guinea pigs — I am just trying to think years. Many more thousands of people months and suffering a dreadful fall live in Sunbury than did so when I first what else you would have as a domestic that threatened to end her career, to pet. I am sure there are a number of other went there in the 1970s. I assume the Stevie refusing to let Down syndrome be minister would understand that this sorts of animals: a mouse, a rat, whatever. a disability that would stop him living There are a few rats I could think of but means more traffic and that he would also a happy and productive life, theirs is understand that this means we need more perhaps will not mention, not by name, a journey of which dreams are made. anyway. I am sure Mr Somyurek could infrastructure for that traffic, particularly Michelle Payne and her brother Stevie for those vehicles that wish to get across fill us in with quite a few names, if you have captured Australia’s heart. They are wanted to go down the rathole, as it were. the railway line from one side of Sunbury entirely deserving of being named joint to the other, or access Vineyard Road or Australians of the Year for 2016. They are a Domestic animals are a very important the Melbourne road on the other side of choice that would be met with nationwide part of the lives of a good many Sunbury. I ask the minister to get cracking acclaim. Michelle and Stevie Payne would Australians. I know an enormous number with VicRoads and request that it draw be the Australians of the Year our nation of people who have dogs. They love their

IN 20 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE dogs. I also know an enormous number of — I used to work with a bloke called As much as I love animals — and I do people who have cats. I do not know what Ray Benson; you might remember him love animals, as I said a little bit earlier it is, but women in particular seem to love — and he used to give me some tips on — we must never put their welfare before their cats. I know a number of cat ladies. the greyhounds. I am very glad I gave up that of people. I am not saying we should They cannot help themselves. I have to say betting on the greyhounds, because it was cause them any pain or distress or be that it mystifies me just a tad that they just not the most profitable thing I have ever cruel, because I think it is incumbent cannot stop at one. done, and it was probably the quickest upon us to ensure they are comfortable Honourable members interjecting. way of losing money this side of poker and that if, for example, they are to be Mr FINN — No, they cannot! They have machines. consumed by us, they are put down in a a number, and quite often they will have Mr Ramsay — Have you spoken on the humane manner. up to six or seven — everywhere. You can bill yet? Then we have people like the Greens, understand why people would be very Mr FINN — I have mentioned the bill as demonstrated by the amendments keen to see this bill pass in order to protect in passing. I have spoken about cruelty to they have put forward tonight, who would their cats and their dogs. You know — one animals, because it concerns me that we close down the greyhound industry, they dog, two dogs — however many you might have seen live bait used in the training of would close down the harness racing have. They would be very keen — — greyhounds, and that is something that industry and they would close down the Mr Dalla-Riva — Why do you ask? is clearly intolerable; that is something horseracing industry; in fact, they would close down most of farming, it has to be Mr FINN — Why do you ask indeed? that we cannot tolerate under any circumstances. said, because quite frankly the Greens They would be very keen to see this regard animals as being more important legislation go through, as am I, as a great The racing industry also includes harness racing, or the trots, as it used to be than people. That is something that I have lover of my dog and indeed my cat. to say I do not quite understand. I hope People also have farm animals. As called — I am not sure when they became harness racing, but they were the trots that Ms Pennicuik, when she gets the somebody who grew up on a farm I think I opportunity to speak to this house tonight, have a pretty strong understanding of the when I was a lad — and thoroughbred racing. The most magical time of the year might explain that to us, because I for one importance farmers put on their animals. would be really keen to know the mindset While some — perhaps the Greens, for for racing — has it just concluded or is it still going — is the Spring Racing Carnival. that is extolled by that prominent Green, example — might not understand farm Professor Peter Singer, who, quite frankly, animals and their importance, the fact I spoke earlier today in my members statement about that. should be in a white coat and locked is that farmers are in the business of away for his own protection, if not ours. protecting their animals. Without their Members have to take into These are the people who promote animal animals the farmers would have no consideration that these forms of racing welfare over that of people. We can have business, so they are very keen to protect contribute hundreds of millions, if not both; that is what I am saying. their animals — to protect their cattle, billions, of dollars to the Australian economy every year. They employ I am very pleased to support this sheep or pigs, as the case may be, or bill tonight. Obviously we will not be indeed in some instances their chooks. I thousands upon thousands of people. It is absolutely crucial that the dogs and supporting the amendments of the have to say, however, that I do not know Greens, but I am very pleased to support whether you, Acting President, have been horses that are the stars of the show are looked after, because if you have a dog and the bill. May it go a long way towards near a chook farm, but they stink to high ensuring the welfare, safety and upkeep heaven. They are probably the worst it is not doing too well, nobody is going to come and see it. I see Mr Jennings over of animals, wherever they may be in this smelling things known to man. I have state. some sympathy with those who look at there furiously nodding in agreement. In those establishments and say, ‘Perhaps fact I do not think I have seen Mr Jennings we should clean them up a bit’, because so excited about anything for a very long COUNCIL | Adjournment I certainly would not want to be living time — — 10 November 2015 within cooee of one. Mr Jennings interjected. But I think it is important that we give Mr FINN — I do not know. Is Mr credit where it is due — and that is to Jennings professing an interest in or some those farmers who put an inordinate knowledge of the greyhound caper? I am Sunbury rail amount of effort, resources and time not sure. Perhaps we will have to find out into ensuring that their animals are well a little bit later on. services looked after and well protected. It is very The final category of animals that we Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I much a part of their daily lives, and I think come into contact with would be of the wish to raise a matter for the attention perhaps people do not give enough credit wild variety. I really want to mention the of the Minister for Public Transport. I to farmers who really go out of their way Royal Melbourne Zoo, which is something refer the minister to some comments she — and I am sure Mr Ramsay, who has we here in Victoria should very proud of, made at a recent community meeting just joined us, will back me up on this — and not just the Royal Melbourne Zoo but in Sunbury, which I understand she to ensure that their animals are treated also the Werribee Open Range Zoo and thought was to discuss the future public properly. the one up at Healesville. transport needs of Sunbury and regional We have, then, sporting animals, Ms Bath — The Healesville Sanctuary. areas. But of course the over 200 people which we have heard about earlier this Mr FINN — The sanctuary at who attended the meeting wanted to talk evening. My grandfather — and this Healesville. These are zoos that are really about the V/Line service to and from will surprise Mr Ramsay and even you, making a huge contribution to animal Sunbury and the fact that the government Acting President — owned a winner of welfare in this state. I have to say that is planning to throw Sunbury residents the Melbourne Cup of greyhounds many having been to Taronga Zoo in Sydney a off that service come 1 January 2016 years ago. He has gone to God now, but he few years ago, our zoo leaves that zoo for and impose fines of somewhere in the used to tell a few stories about that, and dead; there is no comparison. Taronga vicinity of $435 for any Sunbury resident I probably should keep those quiet just Zoo might have a great view of the with the temerity to get on a V/Line for the minute. Greyhound racing has, I harbour, but that is about it. I do not know service at Sunbury and park themselves suppose, its own folklore about it, for want why you would bother; you should just on a vacant spot. That was what the of a better word. It is a form of racing with stay at the Opera House. locals wanted to speak about, and that a rich tradition. is not surprising given that some time The Royal Melbourne Zoo — and ago a previous Labor government had Mr Ramsay interjected. those who run it — the open range zoo at Mr FINN — He did. Tony Lockett did promised, once electrification had taken Werribee and the Healesville Sanctuary place, that Sunbury would have the best love the greyhounds. My word he did. are to be commended on the work they He probably still does; he has not left us of both worlds — that Sunbury would do to ensure the welfare and upkeep of have both metropolitan services and yet. That is a form of racing with a rich animals that may well be endangered tradition. I remember that many years V/ Line services. Now we have a situation in many other parts of the world. That is where this government is going back ago I used to have a bet on the dishlickers. something we should all be very proud of. When I first started work back at 3DB on that undertaking and is preparing to

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 21 rob Sunbury travellers of their treasured would be aware of the difficulties and the Chief Commissioner of Police. That is V/ Line service. struggle that the people of Werribee have something that happens. I raise this matter because the minister had to get the police numbers they need. Mr Ondarchie — Ken Lay. made some comments at this particular We know there is no way that Labor will Mr FINN — Ken Lay is another example. meeting which gave locals some hope that ever properly resource Victoria Police. You are exactly right. But going back to the this might not happen in its entirety and That is a given. late 1990s we had an individual appointed that there may be some wriggle room — Perhaps what is worse is that Labor as chief commissioner who had absolutely if I could call it that — for locals. I have will never give the police force the moral no respect for Victoria Police at all. In fact to say that some hope was raised in the authority it needs to do its job. Labor she said in her opening press conference hearts of a number of people who were members are constantly undermining the as chief commissioner that as far as she there that night, and I would hate to think police force. They constantly undermine was concerned Victoria Police was as that the minister had instilled in them law and order in this state. We have seen corrupt as the police force she had come false hope. I would hate to think that the it over many years, and it comes down to from in New South Wales. I have said minister had said something to give locals one thing — that is, that the political left this before but it is worth repeating: that some feeling of satisfaction when in fact hates the police. That is the bottom line. is one of the most despicable comments none was deserved. We have seen some of the more extreme that I have ever heard from a Chief It is absolutely incumbent on the elements of the political left, including Commissioner of Police — to attack her minister now to come clean with the trade unionists — John Setka and his crew own members in that way was a disgrace. people of Sunbury and to tell the people — belting police on the streets. As we saw, following on from that of Sunbury what she has in mind, to tell Mr Ondarchie — And the horses. appointment, the fabric of Victoria Police the people of Sunbury what her plans are, Mr FINN — And the horses as well was destroyed by that chief commissioner. what she intends to do with regard to the indeed; that was appalling. We have seen That chief commissioner was somebody comments that she made at this particular these people treating police with total and who did not have the best interests of law meeting or if she plans to go ahead and absolute contempt. We have seen them and order or the Victoria Police at heart. slap Sunbury people around come 1 spitting on police, we have seen them I think everybody now knows that and January next year. kicking police and we have seen them everybody now accepts that. Although punching police. These are the people when I first raised my complaints about Christine Nixon in this house there COUNCIL who are behind the Labor government. These are the people who are behind the was outrage from members of the then 11 November 2015 scenes, pulling the strings. These are the Brumby government, there is nobody on people who are in the backrooms, telling that side of the house today defending the Premier, Daniel Andrews, and the Christine Nixon at all, because they know Minister for Police, Wade Noonan, what that I was right. They know the damage Police numbers to do, what to say and how to think. It that Christine Nixon did to the Victorian Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — It police force because she was put there to gives me a great deal of pleasure to rise should not come as any surprise at all to realise that Labor has no respect for our do a job, and did she do a job on Victoria to speak on this motion so ably moved Police! by Mr O’Donohue. Mr Ondarchie was police force. That is almost a truism these quick to paraphrase Daniel Andrews, so I days — a very sad truism, but a truism Sadly it will be some years, in my will paraphrase Mr O’Donohue, because nonetheless. view, before Victoria Police recovers what this motion says is that O’Donohue That is not to say that come election from the damage that she did. But again, cares. That is something that everybody time ALP members will not use the police it was a classic example of the Labor who is concerned about law and order in force and the police union if they can Party using Victoria Police for its own this state, whether they are on the job or in order to try to portray themselves as political purposes. The police should they are people in their homes concerned something they are not. They will try to be above politics. The police, as far as I about their welfare, really needs to take pretend and tell the electorate that they am concerned, should be revered; they into consideration, because we have a are very much on the side of the police. should be respected. The police are situation in this state where we have a We saw that at the last state election when people we depend on as a society. As a government that does not care about the ALP had a police officer or somebody community we depend on them every Victoria Police. We have a government pretending to be a police officer on its day, every night. They are out there that does not particularly care about how-to-vote card. It did not matter that putting themselves on the line, putting law and order. In fact over many years Labor does not actually care about law their lives on the line to protect us. They Labor members have shown time and and order. It does not matter as far as its deserve better than to be treated as time again that they are contemptuous members are concerned. They do not political pawns by the ALP, but that is what of our law enforcement officers. They are actually care about the police, but they happens, and I suppose that is something contemptuous of authority, and that is will use the police wherever and whenever we almost just have to come to accept. We because the people who are pulling their they possibly can. That was just another know that the Victorian police force under strings evidently are people who do not example of how Labor members regard Labor is grossly under-resourced, and I necessarily follow the law as most of us do. the police as dirt beneath their feet. cannot help but think — — It has been my view for a very long time, This is another example of the way Mr Ramsay interjected. and I have said so in this house over a the Labor Party is only too happy to Mr FINN — Yes, Mr Ramsay, I will finish number of years, that there are two very politicise the police force and use the shortly. I cannot help but think what that important things that Victoria Police Victoria Police for its own political ends. $857 million that we know of that has needs to do its job properly. It needs to That is something that, I think, is beneath gone down the S-bend as a result of Labor be properly resourced, and, perhaps just contempt. I have absolute and total scrapping the east–west link would do as importantly, it needs the authority of respect for Victoria Police. for the resources of Victoria Police. That the government of the day to do its job. I say, ‘Thank God we have such great would give Werribee every police officer The matter of resources is something that men and women out on the beat every day that it ever wanted or ever needed. It is often debated, and certainly out in my protecting us’, and I fear to think where would look after the people in Sunshine. neck of the woods in the western suburbs we would be and what would happen It would look after the people across the the police are very much under-resourced. to us without them. But what do Labor western suburbs, and even Mernda might I think of the struggle that the officers at members do? They will use them, but get a police station. Sunshine, for example, put up with every they will never give them the respect they Mr Ondarchie — You think? day with numbers that are so far below deserve. Mr FINN — With $857 million I reckon what they need to do their job in the way We just have to go back a few even Mernda might get a police station, they would like to that it is just not funny. years to the early days of the Brumby and I wish the people of Mernda well as I think of the struggle that we have had government when it appointed a new things stand at the minute though. They over what seems to be decades to get the chief commissioner. It is interesting: the are certainly going to need it. appropriate number of police officers first thing a Labor government does, I commend Mr O’Donohue for the in Werribee. I am sure Mr O’Donohue generally speaking, is to get rid of the fact that he has brought this motion

IN 22 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE before the house, because I believe law five years that things change constantly. It about how they arrest drug dealers, only and order is one of the most important is a moving feast, and to take all of these for those drug dealers to go to the court, issues in this state, indeed in this country. issues on board in the one reference is get a slap on the finger and then go out Without law and order there is probably asking far too much. I ask Ms Patten to on the street selling again. In fact I recall not much else that we can do. If society is have a think about that. She raised some one police officer telling me that one drug breaking down around us, if criminality is meaty issues, as I said, with regard to this dealer was released by the magistrate running rampant, it does not matter how issue, but I do not think they can be all and there he was on the steps of the good the schools are, because nobody done together. I think that is impractical courthouse selling drugs as the police is safe. It does not matter how good the and it is something that we should officer left. How devastating must that hospitals are, because nobody is safe. Law consider. be? It must have an impact on the police’s and order is the very foundation of our Ms Patten and I — and this will surprise desire to arrest these people. society and Victoria Police members hold many people — are alike in at least one We have got to get fair dinkum and, as that foundation together. They hold the way. Nobody will ever die wondering I said earlier — this is not Liberal Party foundation together and without them we where we stand on just about anything. policy by the way — my very strong view is would be in a great deal of strife. That may well be the only thing we have that drug lords should be met with capital I once again commend Mr O’Donohue in common, I do not know; but the fact punishment. We have to get really serious for bringing this motion before the house, of the matter is that Ms Patten has been about this. This is an issue that is ripping and I urge the house to support it. I am very forthright and very honest in her our state and our nation apart and we are hoping, perhaps hoping beyond hope, attitude to illicit drugs. She has a policy nowhere near serious enough about it. that the Andrews Labor government might of legalising a good number of them I could talk about education, I could talk actually do something to show some and softening the attitude of society to about rehabilitation, and I would love to support for a group in our society that is the use of others that she does not want do that at much greater length but I am fully deserving of that support and indeed decriminalised or legalised altogether, being given the finger here — I am being is very much needing that support. At and I have to say that I do not agree with told to wind up. I will do that, but I will the moment there is no respect from this that attitude. I do not believe we are going just say one thing to the house, and that government for our police force. There is to solve the drug problem by making is that we must not wave the white flag on no respect from the political left for our drugs easier to access. I do not believe this. We must not give up. We must go in police force, and that is something that we are going to cure alcoholism by giving harder against drugs. Let me tell members everybody in this house knows. I am very out bottles of Johnny Walker, which is the that the only time we will lose the war on hopeful that when this government leaves equivalent of the proposal that Ms Patten drugs is when we stop fighting. We must office in November 2018, which is only has put, perhaps indirectly, in this motion never stop fighting. I oppose this motion. three years away, it will not have caused today. I oppose this reference. I know where it is enough damage to the Victorian police The last message that we need to send trying to take us, and I oppose that too. force or to law and order in this state for us to the community right now is that we are to fix up the damage that has been caused. going soft on drugs. As you pointed out when you made your contribution, Acting COUNCIL | Adjournment 11 November 2015 COUNCIL | Reference President, at a time when the ice epidemic is causing massive problems right around 11 November 2015 this nation, indeed right around the world, the last thing we need to do as a Parliament is to send a message to the Deer Park level community, particularly to young people Law Reform, Road in our community, that we are going soft crossing on drugs or that drug abuse is perhaps Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I and Community not as bad as we previously had thought, wish to raise a matter for the attention of because it is. It kills people, it destroys the Minister for Public Transport, and it Safety Committee individuals, it destroys families and it concerns a letter that I was copied into Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) destroys communities. recently. It is from Daniel Attard of Deer — I rise today to speak on the motion We must stand strong in our Park, obviously a constituent, and it says: moved by Ms Patten. I have to say at opposition to illicit drugs. We must send I am writing to you regarding an the very beginning that on looking at a firm message to every corner of every escalating safety issue pertaining to the this particular motion the first thing community in the state that we as a railway crossing at Mount Derrimut that strikes me is the impracticality of Parliament will not be backing away from Road, Deer Park, adjacent to the Deer having all these issues considered by one our fierce opposition to illicit drugs. I have Park V/Line train station. committee made up of a relatively small to say, as Ms Patten has said — and I said group of MPs. Since the completion of works relating a moment ago that we might only have to the regional rail link, there have been, My view is that if a group of six, seven one thing in common but I will throw in and still are, frequent and significant or eight MPs were to be given the job of another one just to make her day — that malfunctions with increasing regularity examining all these issues, those MPs I agree with her when she says that we regarding the operation of the boom would not have time to do anything cannot do the same thing the same way gates. Most recently, this morning the else and the committee would report and expect a different result. boom gates were down for a continual somewhere around about 2022, I would An honourable member interjected. period of approximately 25 minutes. imagine, because it is going to take that Mr FINN — Okay, I will cut out the — — long to examine these very weighty Often, during the morning and and important issues. I certainly do not Ms Lovell — Cut out the crap! afternoon peak periods, the boom gates dispute the importance of many of these Mr FINN — There is no crap, I can are down for significant lengths of time issues, even if I do dispute the direction assure Ms Lovell, but I do agree that if — in regular cases between 25 and 40 that some of them may take us in. I think you do the same thing the same way minutes. This includes periods of up to it is impractical. My view is that big is not and expect a different result, that is 10 or 12 minutes where no train is either necessarily always beautiful. And this is quite insane. In fact it is the definition of arriving or departing the platforms at big; this does not get much bigger. In my insanity. Deer Park station. Leaving aside the issue of significant traffic congestion years in this Parliament I do not think I One thing we have not done in this state due to the length of time vehicle traffic have seen a bigger recommendation or a is to actually get fair dinkum about drugs. is not able to proceed across the train bigger proposed reference to a committee. We have not got fair dinkum about drugs. lines, there is increasing frustration in If this motion is passed, this will keep We have not given our law enforcement the local community which is leading us going for a very long time, and at the agencies the resources they need to fight to dangerous behaviour on the part end of it I am not sure we will be any the the drug problem. We have not had a of train commuters, pedestrians and wiser because over the period of this judiciary for years that takes the drug cyclists in attempting cross over and reference there would be changes. We problem seriously. How many times have around the safety gates. have seen over the last two, three, four or I heard police officers complain to me

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 23 On many occasions Victoria Police COUNCIL | Second reading We have to take into consideration the officers have been present at the 12 November 2015 views of people who have been on the list crossing during morning periods. When for some time and are very keen to adopt. Victoria Police are not present, I have As I said, I do not want to treat same- personally witnessed on countless sex couples badly — I do not want to occasions pedestrians, rail commuters Adoption treat homosexual people badly at all. I do and cyclists climbing over or walking have and have had over the years many around the safety barriers while the gay friends. When I think about some of crossing alarm is sounding and the Amendment the more enjoyable gatherings over the boom gates are down. Several times years they have often been as a result of I have witnessed motorcyclists riding (Adoption by around the boom gates and passengers the input of one or more of those friends in vehicles attempting to raise the who are quite often very talented, have smaller boom gate by hand and allow Same-Sex Couples) a certain flair, a way with words and are vehicles through. generally speaking very funny. I have Bill 2015 to say that I do not back away from my There is clearly a fault with the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I friendship with them at all. operation of the boom gates — find it difficult to speak on this bill. I I should say at this point that if this bill I would say that is pretty true — find it difficult because I do not want was just about parents, foster parents that has yet to be rectified. As stated, us as a society, as a community, to go or same-sex couples who already had safety is the primary issue; however, the back to the bad old days when people children or custody of their children, I may congestion that happens during many were persecuted for their sexuality. I do well have a very different view to the one peak periods is incredibly frustrating not want to go back to the bad old days that I come to this debate with because I for locals and can drastically increasing of, if you will excuse an expression that can see the argument that has been put commuting and travelling times. is probably very unfortunate but was forward, particularly by Ms Pulford, who used, poofter bashing. I do not want to I thought put forward a strong argument … go back to that. I do not want to go back for that particular case. But I think what The behaviour of locals, while being to the days when people were dragged we are really talking about here is stranger dangerous, is certain to result in a before the courts or locked up because adoption, as it is called. That is almost an serious — and likely fatal — accident if of their sexuality. That was wrong and unfortunate term, but that is what we are rectification works are not immediately is not something I would ever support. talking about, and I am very hopeful that undertaken. I certainly do not want to go back to nobody will take offence at my stand on Mr Attard has contacted Public the days when we would have that this issue. Transport Victoria and VicRoads and has sort of persecution of anybody for that I do not hold the view that just because heard nothing. Obviously this is of grave matter, but particularly on the basis of somebody has a different view that makes concern to the people of Deer Park and somebody’s sexuality. them a bigot or a redneck or whatever; the people who use that level crossing. It We are talking today not about the I think that in a debate such as this it is is not an insignificant level crossing, and rights of an interest group, and we are very important that we have respect for it is important that as a matter of urgency talking not about the agenda of an interest everybody. I know we are talking about the minister ask her department to carry group. What we are talking about first and very few adoptions indeed, but with each out the rectification works on this level foremost is the welfare of children. I spend adoption we are talking about a child, and crossing to make it safer and easier for all a fair bit of my life fighting for the rights each child is extremely important. As a concerned. of children of various ages. The rights of matter of principle I cannot vote to deny children and the welfare of children are any child a mother or a father. issues I get very emotional about, and I Children, as much as possible, need a COUNCIL | Constituency questions think that as a legislator my first priority 12 November 2015 mother and a father. I know in this day is to defend those who are in no position and age that is almost a rarity, with the to defend themselves and to protect those divorce rate the way it is and the number who cannot protect themselves. of single parents there are, many of whom I am not convinced that same-sex are just amazing. I can think of one off Sunbury adoption is in the best interests of the top of my head who is a single parent, children. Now that is not to say that many and I am in awe of what she does and municipality same-sex couples are not superb parents what she has done for her kids. I know Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My — I have absolutely no doubt they are — that families, as we have known them, constituency question is to the Minister but many studies, many surveys and many have changed over a period, but I still stick for Local Government. The minister is academic considerations have shown that to the principle that I will not vote — I aware of the long struggle of the Sunbury children do best when they have a mother have thought this through many times, people to be liberated from the control of and a father. I do not think there would be and I have actually stayed awake at night Hume City Council. She is aware of the too many who would argue about that. thinking about it — and I cannot vote to vote of the residents of Hume to grant We have, as has been pointed out in deny a child a mother or a father. I cannot Sunbury its municipal independence. this debate, very few adoptions in this vote to deliberately deny a child a mother She is aware of the gazetting by the state. I think the latest number I heard the or a father. previous government of the Sunbury City other day was 48 last year. We know why We cannot say that all heterosexual Council to begin operation on 1 July of there are few children up for adoption. this year and the guarantee by the then couples are great parents, just as we It is because most of the children who cannot say that all homosexual couples ALP shadow minister and the candidate would normally have been adopted have for Sunbury before the last election to are bad parents. There are good and bad been killed. We know that. That is sad in on both sides, as we know. It is ridiculous respect and support the process. The itself, because that leaves an inordinate minister is aware of establishing a so- to try to generalise about these things, but number of couples desperate for children that is a principle. It is unfortunate that called audit review conducted by at least who cannot adopt. They are desperate to one individual who went into that process we cannot legislate for individual cases. adopt. That in itself is a problem, and I am It is unfortunate, but we cannot, so I will with a preordained position and her use not sure how we address it. of this audit to justify killing the Sunbury state that principle now: I cannot vote to council, a decision that she now tells us One of the issues that has been raised deliberately deny any child a mother or a she is proud of. I ask: how can the minister with me over the last month or so by one father. take pride in this outrageous lie to and such couple is their concern that if this bill I will go on to clause 17 of the bill, which deception of the people of Sunbury? is passed, one or more same-sex couples I will be voting against when we get to seeking to adopt may move above them the committee stage. This is just another on the list as a sign that the government example of this government’s attack on is serious about this matter. That is religious freedom in this state. It has been something I do not think we can rule out. going on for some years, and I think, quite

IN 24 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE frankly, it has got to stop. This is probably Derrimut Hotel, I have a suspicion that Mr of the Government were able to provide as good a place as any to stop it. As we Leane, who is sitting behind him, might comprehensive responses to the question, know, there is one religious agency which be. so I ask: why is the minister hiding behind is opposed to this bill. It happens to be the The problem in the area surrounding the pathetic excuse of standing orders biggest, but it is opposed to this bill, and the Derrimut Hotel — I hasten to add it when clearly she is avoiding answering some people might say that that does not is not actually in the hotel; it is outside this basic and straightforward question? matter — it is only one. Religious freedom the hotel — is that there has been a spike is of paramount importance to our society. in alcohol-induced violence outside the Supplementary question Just as freedom of speech, freedom of hotel, in the park across the road and next Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I expression and the freedom to live the way door. People gather and consume large thank the minister for her response. I we want to are paramount to our society, amounts of alcohol and then proceed to note that her response was still carping so is religious freedom. I will be voting do very antisocial things and attack the on about the response time and that she against clause 17, and I will, after much hotel. In fact drunks have been laying avoided the fact that it is voluminous. thought, also be voting against the bill. siege to the hotel. However, the FOI documents received The hotel management has had to make by the opposition on 30 October detail COUNCIL | Committee Stage a decision to put no women in the bottle the minister’s chartered flights and 12 November 2015 shop because it is just not safe for them. It international and interstate commercial has put on extra security, which of course flight details and costs. Given that the has cost the management more money, information asked for in the question on and its numbers are down because notice was already compiled, why did the people are obviously having a great deal minister mislead the Parliament in her Adoption of trouble getting in or indeed getting out written answer? of the hotel. The Derrimut Hotel has on a Amendment number of occasions been in lockdown because of the violence outside. Can you COUNCIL | Constituency questions (Adoption by imagine the distress of your average bloke 24 November 2015 in a Sunshine pub not being able to go Same-Sex Couples) home? That is something that I think we really need to take into consideration as well. Sunbury Bill 2015 The Sunshine police are doing their Clause 17 best, but as we know — and I think municipality Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — we raised this earlier this week, Mr O’Donohue — the Sunshine police — My constituency question is to the I read recently a speech in the other Minister for Local Government. I refer place on this particular bill in which the are, to say the least, stretched beyond breaking point. They just do not have the the minister to correspondence to her member for Ripon, Ms Staley, made some from the Sunbury Residents Association excellent points on this. I hope she does capacity to provide the sort of support that the Derrimut Hotel and people in dated 24 September asking her to reject not mind me paraphrasing her, but I think the recommendation of the audit review it is worth noting that because of the the surrounding area need to protect them from this sort of behaviour. I am panel on the formally gazetted split of small number of adoptions in this state, Sunbury from the City of Hume, a letter to we are talking about the only faith-based asking the minister to direct the Sunshine police to facilitate a plan to stop this which she has still not responded. Given adoption agency that takes objection the view, widely held in Sunbury, that to this bill conducting, being involved particular violence in the precinct, but most importantly to provide the resources the Andrews Labor government used the with or facilitating, call it what you will, audit review to scuttle Sunbury’s bid for very few adoptions — almost zero — so to the Sunshine police to enable them to do the job that is needed to protect the municipal independence and the total in effect it would have no impact on the incapacity of the member for Sunbury numbers to remove this clause. What we people who use this hotel, particularly the blokes in the front bar whose welfare in the Assembly to properly represent are seeing here is an out-and-out vote, his constituents, why did the minister and very clearly, on freedom of religion. we should all be concerned about. I ask the minister to take this on as a matter snub the Sunbury Residents Association Mrs Peulich — It’s an attack. of urgency. This is something I believe before she betrayed it by breaking Labor’s Mr FINN — Of course it is an attack is important, and it needs some urgent election pledge to respect the gazetting of on freedom of religion. This is about a attention from the minister. the new Sunbury council? government that says, ‘You must do what The PRESIDENT — Order! I will let the we say’. This is a government that wants question stand, but it did sail close to the to control everybody, including people’s COUNCIL | Questions without notice wind in the respect that it actually sought religious choices. I add this to this debate, 24 November 2015 a response from the minister that might because I think the points that were have been more appropriately pursued made by Ms Staley in the other place are in the adjournment debate than in a worth putting on the record here. I cannot constituency question, notwithstanding understand why, given the fact that it Minister for that it did relate to a local government would have absolutely no impact on the area. The response sought from the numbers, the government would want to Agriculture minister was more of a nature that push ahead with this if it does not want might have been better pursued in to control the religious institutions in this questions on notice the adjournment debate, but I will not state. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — intervene on this occasion. My question is to the Deputy Leader of COUNCIL | Adjournment the Government. Last sitting week, in COUNCIL | Members statements 12 November 2015 response to questions on notice regarding the value of her chartered flights and 24 November 2015 international and interstate commercial flights since December 2014, she wrote: Derrimut Hotel Compiling this information is Traffic congestion Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I voluminous and will take more than the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — wish to raise a matter this evening for the 30-day response time afforded under Last week I found myself in the situation Minister for Police. It concerns an issue the standing orders of the Legislative of having to drive from the west to the that has been brought to my attention by Council. east of our wonderful city. This is not a people associated with the Derrimut Hotel The minister’s colleagues the Minister journey I wish to repeat any time soon. I in Sunshine. Whilst the Special Minister for Training and Skills and the Leader left home at 7.30 a.m., having heard on the of State might not be familiar with the

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 25 radio that the Tullamarine Freeway was I have been a victim of this many times The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) blocked — not exactly an unusual event over the years when I have expressed — Order! I say to Mr Dalidakis, on the these days. I decided I would follow the views and been attacked — at times point of order, the clock was stopped route I had taken many years before when violently — as a result. I think the most because I asked the minister — — I was working in Wantirna, and I thought public example of that was just two years Mr Dalidakis interjected. that would get me to where I was going ago when I led the March for the Babies The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) very soon. Sadly, I was incredibly wrong. through Melbourne. About 5000 or 6000 of — Order! Mr Dalidakis should not argue The journey was absolutely horrific. It took us — families, old people, young people — with the Chair. I am advised by the Clerk me 2 hours to get to the Eastern Freeway. were attacked. Many of us were physically that the reason the clock was stopped was That is 2 hours from Melbourne Airport, assaulted. We were ambushed in fact by a because I asked the minister to ask for an near where I live, to the Eastern Freeway, group of thugs — hooligans representing extension. and then of course I had to continue on the abortion industry in this state. I do not to Morwell to get to the meetings I had to say that people in the abortion industry Mr Dalidakis interjected. attend. were actually involved. They are cleverer Mr Ondarchie — Why are you such an It is just extraordinary that this is the than that; they send others to do their angry man? Why are you so angry? greatest achievement of the Andrews dirty work. Those who were involved in Mr FINN — It is a good question. Why is government in its first year — that it the assaults and the savagery that day he such an angry man? He is typical of the has allowed traffic congestion to get to were the ones I saw riding bikes into old government we have in this state, one that the point where it takes 2 hours to get people, the ones who left a bruise on my does not tolerate dissent and one that will across the city of Melbourne at a cost of daughter’s cheek that she had for two go to extraordinary lengths to stop people somewhere in the vicinity of $1 billion weeks after that. They were the ones who who disagree with it. in taxpayer dollars. Labor governments are apparently so very, very tolerant of We know that this is being pushed of years gone by sent the state broke by different views and indeed would be very by the abortion industry. The abortion building major projects; the Andrews supportive of this legislation tonight. industry in this state, as it is in the rest government has plunged Victoria into So we come to the question of who of the country and around the world, is debt by stopping one. The scrapping of the exactly is pushing this legislation. I have all about making dollars. The abortion east–west link is an outrageous attack on to say that I get a lot of emails. We have industry is a multibillion-dollar industry. Victoria. been getting a lot of emails about a lot of We have international companies that things lately. I think last night another make billions from killing babies. That is group started on another thing, and I have what they do. They kill babies. We have COUNCIL | Second reading been getting a lot of emails on that today. people who get up in the morning, they 24 November 2015 I have to say that in my 16 years in this put on their suit, they go to work, they Parliament I have not received one single kill babies all day, they go home and at email or piece of mail — in the old days, the end of the week they get paid — for by snail mail — or at any stage had any killing babies. Those who do it are, to my Public Health representation from anybody asking me to view, the lowest form of life. Anybody introduce bubble zones, as they are called, who would kill babies for a living, who and Wellbeing around abortion clinics. would kill babies for money, is a pretty low Who then is pushing this? I think it is a individual. Having spoken to a number of Amendment (Safe fair enough question to ask. First of all, it is people in the medical profession, I can say a hardline, left-wing government we have that even doctors — real doctors — regard in this state. I do not think there is any abortionists as at the bottom rung of the Access Zones) Bill doubt that we have as Premier of this state ladder. the most hardline, ideological, left-wing Ms Patten likes to tell us she is a great 2015 individual who has ever held the position civil libertarian and that she believes in all Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — sorts of freedoms. She believes in freedom Next February I will have been a very of Premier of this state. This bloke makes Joan Kirner look like a softy. of speech, the freedom to take drugs, proud member of the Liberal Party for the freedom to do all manner of things. I 35 years. I must have joined when I was Business interrupted pursuant to recall Ms Patten, however, not so long ago very, very young. I am a Liberal because I standing orders. with a loudhailer out the front here trying believe in freedom. I believe in freedom of desperately hard to drown out people speech, I believe in freedom of assembly, I Sitting extended pursuant to who she disagreed with. Her respect for believe in freedom of religion and I believe freedom of speech — — in freedom of choice. This bill offends all standing orders. Ms Patten interjected. four of those freedoms. Mr FINN — I thank the minister for To begin with this evening I would her cooperation in allowing me to speak Mr FINN — Yes, I saw you. My eyesight like to congratulate my colleagues in the further. might not be that good, but it is not that Australian Capital Territory, the Liberal bad either. A lot of lies have been told in Honourable members interjecting. this debate. members of the Legislative Assembly in Mr FINN — I will go for another hour if the ACT, who have voted as a party to Ms Patten — You have just told one I can, and I thank the minister, as I say. We yourself. oppose a similar piece of legislation to the have this hardline, left-wing government one we are debating now. They have voted that has a policy of not tolerating — — Mr FINN — No, you were there. There to oppose that legislation on the basis that have been a lot of lies told in this debate, they too support freedom. I congratulate Mr Dalidakis — On a point of order, and they originate with the abortion the ACT Liberals on the stand they have Acting President — — industry. I suppose that is fair enough; if taken. Mr Finn interjected. you are prepared to kill babies for a living, This bill is another example of the The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) telling a few lies is not going to worry you. hypocrisy of the left. We hear so often — Order! Mr Finn! There is a point of That is not going to worry you at all. That is from those on the left that they believe in order. just the way such people are, I suppose. I freedom of speech. We hear so often from Mr Dalidakis — Irrespective of the have to say that history will not treat them those on the left that they believe in civil fact that the member’s language is or their supporters well — not at all. liberties. We hear so often from those on unbecoming, I wish to point out that the The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, the left that they respect other people’s clock had stopped at 10 minutes and 1 who have been referred to in this debate right to do this, that and the other thing. second. I just wanted to alert you to that. — I know quite a number of them — are And of course they do — until somebody Mr Ondarchie interjected. good people. They are the people who disagrees with them, and then that respect Mr Dalidakis — It just started now, Mr have been referred to in this debate as disappears out the door. That is something Ondarchie. If you were not observing it, the ones who stand at the back gate here we have come to expect. They will not that is okay. I was taking the time to let the at Parliament House. They are gentle tolerate dissent, and this bill is another Acting President know. people. They are loving people. They are example of what I am talking about. good people. They do not harass; they

IN 26 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE help. They do not harangue; they help. In Very often this is the first time, the only COUNCIL | Committee 20 years of being outside the abortuary in time, they will ever be offered any real 24 & 26 November 2015 East Melbourne there has not been one help. In fact over that 20 years, more than arrest, not even at a time when the police 300 women have been saved from having had the move-on laws for, what was it, an abortion — and obviously over 300 Note: Bernie’s contributions during the 12 months? Not once did the police find babies have been saved from abortion — Committee stage of this bill are shown the need to use them. For 20 years we by the Helpers standing outside that one have had these good, peaceful, loving abortuary in East Melbourne. here in one combined ‘Finn In The people standing outside these places, I strongly commend Dr Carling- House’ entry, as relevant to each clause and the police have never found reason Jenkins’s contribution to this debate of the bill, and not as separate entries to take action against them. That tells because the points she made about the as they appeared in Hansard. Where me something. If you have been doing impact of abortion on women should be multiple separate contributions have something for 20 years — — taken very seriously. The attitude that been made in respect of a single clause, Mr Herbert — The law needs to change. abortion is some sort of great panacea they are separated here by a horizontal Mr FINN — Mr Herbert might for all problems that women have is just rule. remember the move-on laws that he a nonsense. I go back to my earlier point, championed the removal of. He is trying and that is that this debate is not about to bring them back tonight. Mr Herbert abortion at all. That debate is coming. should go and have a little sip of whiskey The abortion debate is coming and there and calm down, or has he already had a are no two ways about it. It is still an Public Health sip of whiskey? Maybe that is the case. The issue despite what some have said, and I police have had the opportunity and in 20 suggest it will remain an issue for many, and Wellbeing years have had nothing to do with it. many years to come. This debate today is Mr Herbert — On a point of order, about freedom. Amendment (Safe Acting President, I can understand Mr Who would have thought we would Finn being offensive to people who have have a bill before this Parliament that Access Zones) Bill different views to him, but I take great would make offering somebody help a offence at his implication that I have had a crime in this state? What is this country drink. I have not. He does this all the time coming to when we have a piece of 2015 when he cannot have a smart alec remark legislation in this state that says that Clause 1 silently praying could be a crime? This — he does that. Mr Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) is not North Korea; this is Melbourne, Victoria. Of course it is worthwhile — I go back to some discussions that — Order! I thank Mr Herbert. I am not we were having a little bit earlier with sure that is a point of order. remembering that the effects of this bill go way beyond the precincts of Melbourne. regard to GPs and GP offices or clinics Mr Finn interjected. that may or may not prescribe or deliver This is very unnecessary legislation. The RU486. The minister has told us that that Mr Herbert — Further on the point provisions to protect people from the sorts of order, Acting President, on Mr Finn is a matter for the federal government of accusations that have been made have and the registration would be with the reflecting on a member, he just did it again been in the laws for years; they are there in total contempt of the Chair. federal government. In order to facilitate now. We do not need this legislation. This this legislation, will the state government The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) proposed law is all about protecting the — Order! I thank Mr Herbert. I am just seek from the federal government a list culture of death. That is what it is about. of practitioners who prescribe RU486 taking some advice from the Clerk in It is an attack on freedom of speech, and relation to this matter. I am going to seek to provide to the police so that they can it is an attack on freedom of religion. I enforce this law? that Mr Herbert ask Mr Finn to withdraw heard Ms Shing’s contribution. It was an the remarks he found offensive. interesting contribution and one that I Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families Mr Herbert — On the point of order, tried very hard to follow, but if freedom and Children) — Obviously police will be Acting President, I ask that Mr Finn of religion is not something that this bill appropriately trained in the provisions of withdraw his remarks. intends to impinge on, then I am sure this bill before its commencement, but it is not proposed that that list be made The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) that Ms Shing and the members of the government will be happy to support publicly available because, as indicated — Order! Mr Herbert has asked Mr Finn to earlier, it would attract unwanted withdraw his remarks. my amendment, which is about to be distributed around the house right now. attention to those particular medical Mr FINN — I am more than happy to clinics. withdraw those comments. If Mr Herbert Opposition amendments circulated Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I says he has not been drinking, I take his by Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) am not suggesting to the minister that the word for it. pursuant to standing orders. government makes the list public. What The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) I am suggesting is that this government — Order! I ask Mr Finn to withdraw the Mr FINN — I can assure the house that has a list and it should provide it to the remarks without added commentary in if this bill stands as it is, there are more police so that if a complaint is made, the relation to his remarks to Mr Herbert. than enough people ready to go to the police know that they can act because this Mr FINN — I am very happy to High Court to strike it down, because particular clinic or this particular GP’s withdraw. this bill is a conflict. It is an attack on surgery is on that list. freedom of speech and an attack on The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families — Order! I thank Mr Finn. I ask him to freedom of religion in this state as well. I can assure Mr Dalidakis, Mr Herbert, Ms and Children) — Unless there is a finish his contribution in the 5 minutes complaint triggered, Victoria Police would and 5 seconds he has left. Shing and the rest of them over there that they cannot legislate away opponents of not ordinarily be involved under the Mr FINN — I will do that. This law abortion. They can try, but it is not going provisions of the bill, so it is not necessary is an anti-choice law, because women to happen because we are not going to that that information be provided in have no choice at an abortuary. The go away. We stand for life, we stand for anticipation unless there is a problem that counselling at most of these places is women, we stand for babies and, tonight becomes apparent at a later point in time. practically non-existent. I recall some of all nights, we stand for freedom. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — If years ago a friend of mine tried one out Mr Dalidakis — Time! a complaint is made to the police that to see what the counselling was like. The there is a protester or somebody wearing a counselling involved checking the book The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) T-shirt or a car with a sticker on it out the and saying, ‘Are you free at 10 o’clock on — Order! I thank Mr Dalidakis, but I am front and that has offended somebody, Tuesday?’. That was the counselling. What quite capable of reading the clock and do how are the police to know, if you are we have with the Helpers outside these not need guidance. not providing them with the relevant abortuaries is the ability for women to information, that this is a clinic or a GP’s access assistance if they actually need it. surgery that is covered by the act?

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 27 Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families think it is enough for her to say, ‘Leave Dictionary.com uses the word ‘abortuary’. and Children) — In those circumstances it to the police’. We really need to have a In fact it is a noun, and it is a derogatory police would make inquiries of the clinic definitive statement here as to whether term for an abortion clinic. That is the as to whether they prescribe RU486 and the government wants this legislation term on www.dictionary.reference.com. a zone would therefore be established. to impinge upon the rights of a religious That may be something that you take into It would obviously in those particular organisation that wishes to erect a consideration. circumstances be in the interests of the billboard along the lines of which I have Mrs Peulich interjected. clinic to share that information with described. I ask the minister to make that Mr FINN — I can understand why you Victoria Police. definitive statement in the interests of would be sensitive. clarity for everybody, police included. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — So The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! It is that is a matter that is dependent entirely Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families a derogatory term. on the police inquiry to discover what the and Children) — Mr Finn is essentially situation is with regard to the role that any asking me to respond to very ill defined Mr FINN — My oath, it is a derogatory doctors surgery or GP clinic might have. hypotheticals, and it is very difficult to term. They kill babies there, you know. do that, but the legislation is very clear That is why it is derogatory. In the Collins Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families and English dictionary as well, is it — — Children) — The provisions are triggered that only communications that relate if there is a complaint and there is a to abortion are prohibited. Billboards The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! problem that becomes apparent. making general religious statements We will continue this discussion and would be acceptable. I also refer him this committee respecting each other’s Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — positions. Going back to an issue that was discussed to the principles that are set out in the a little earlier, this is a particularly bill. They are clearly designed to give Mr FINN — Yes, I will, but I am also important point that has to be made the courts, potentially, guidance in respecting the truth. and it is extremely important that the relation to the interpretation of this The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Mr Finn! minister makes the government’s position particular legislation. The principles set Mr FINN — Yes, Madam Deputy clear because this is a matter that will be out in the bill clearly refer to the public President. examined in the High Court as it may well being entitled to access health services The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! contravene the Australian constitution. including abortions and people being I will also ask you to refer to me as the That is the matter of religious freedom. able to enter and leave such premises Deputy President, not Madam. Thank you. As the minister has made clear, there without interference. It goes on further to talk about the need to protect a person’s Mr FINN — Now we’re getting silly at are a number of facilities that either this hour of the morning, aren’t we? This commit abortions or provide RU486 safety and wellbeing and respecting a person’s privacy and dignity. All of these billboard that I have referred to opposite around Victoria that will be subject to the clinic that commits abortions, and I this legislation. There will be a number matters would obviously be taken into consideration by any court that was to understand that is in the dictionary, that of churches — religious facilities — that clearly says ‘Jesus loves you and your are clearly within those 150-metre zones look at the scope of this legislation at any future point in time. baby’ could well be taken by somebody around Victoria. What if one of those was — a staff member, an alleged doctor or to put up a billboard that said something Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — somebody accessing that clinic — as as innocuous as ‘Jesus loves you and your The minister says we are talking about a being directed at a client of the clinic that baby’ opposite an abortuary. Would that hypothetical, but in fact we are not talking commits abortions. What would be the be, under the auspices of this law, an about a hypothetical, because I have given situation there? Where does the church illegal act? her an exact example of what I am talking stand with that billboard and with the Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families about, where the billboard clearly says, message that it has directed to those on and Children) — If the billboard did not ‘Jesus loves you and your baby’. If that is the other side of the road? specifically relate to the issue of abortion, opposite an abortuary, it is quite possible — — Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families then it is likely that the billboard would and Children) — I think Mr Finn will find not be prohibited under the terms of the The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! I that I responded to that question about 10 bill. highlight to Mr Finn that I have checked minutes ago. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — the dictionary, and there is no such word as ‘abortuary’. I would ask him not to use Mr Finn — No, you didn’t. What if somebody were to see that board Ms MIKAKOS — I encourage him to opposite the abortuary and they were that word, which does not exist. Mr FINN — I knew, Madam Deputy refer to Hansard tomorrow, because I to take offence and make a complaint have responded. that that billboard is making reference to President, that freedom of speech was both them and their child? Where does under attack in this state, but I did not that leave the police in terms of their realise that it was under attack in this Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I judgement on what is offensive and what house. But if you would like to provide to am a bit concerned about what I have is not offensive? me a list of words that you approve and disapprove of, I am happy to follow that. just heard because it seems that the Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families government is trying to legislate for The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! We and Children) — I refer Mr Finn to the something which it does not have any are simply using the dictionary, Mr Finn. comments I made in when summing up idea about. It has no idea of the full the second-reading debate. I indicated An honourable member interjected. ramifications of this legislation. For to the house at that time that, as is Mr FINN — Funk & Wagnalls! Yes, example, I am sure that I am going to be always the case with the interpretation, indeed there is a fair bit of that going on. approached in the not-too-distant future implementation and enforcement of The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! by people in my electorate of Western the law, individual circumstances will Excuse me, that is not appropriate. Metropolitan Region who will be asking be considered and determined by the Mr FINN — What? It’s a dictionary, isn’t how many people will be impacted police and, if tested, by the courts. These upon by this buffer zone in the western decision-makers will apply the law with a it? The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! suburbs. I will be asked which areas will common-sense approach. be impacted upon by this buffer zone in Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Mr Finn, you know exactly what you are doing, and it is not appropriate. the west. If I am not able to tell them that, — Thank you again, Madam Deputy it seems that if, for example, they want to President. I hear what the minister is Mr FINN — I am referring to Dictionary. put up a pro-life sign in their front yard, saying — that it is up to the police to com. they could be inadvertently breaking the call the shots here — but this is a matter The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! We law. that will be examined by the highest are using the dictionary that the clerks If the minister cannot tell us the court in the land at some stage. I think use. Do not denigrate that. full ramifications of the law that she it is incumbent upon the minister, and Mr FINN — I am not denigrating is proposing, then Mrs Peulich’s point indeed it is extremely important, that she the dictionary. I adore the dictionary. is a very good one — that is, that the make her position and the government’s I think that is probably one of the bill should be withdrawn and thought position very clear on this. I do not best dictionaries I have ever seen. But through. I ask the minister to take that on

IN 28 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE because it is extremely important. It is no to life groups. The Minister for Health, the they went through this alleged four-week use coming in here telling us that we are member might recall, made it very clear process. going to have legislation which affects at the time that Ms Patten introduced thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, her bill to the house that the government of people and then not being able to tell us would be legislating in relation to these Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I who those people are or where they are. particular issues, and therefore members am very concerned about the minister’s That is just a nonsense. I follow up what of the public would have been well aware lack of a definitive answer to many Mrs Peulich said, and I ask the minister that this was on the government’s agenda of these questions. I do not think it is to withdraw this legislation, to go back and that it was intending to legislate in good enough to say, ‘I couldn’t possibly and do the homework that is necessary this area. In fact I think that probably did imagine a, b and c’. We really need to to ensure that people are aware of the full lead to a number of us receiving emails know this is going to happen or this is not implications of this law and if indeed they in relation to this issue, so the Victorian going to happen. We are not really all that will be impacted upon by it. community certainly would have been interested in the minister’s imagination, well aware that the government was as good as it may be. intending to legislate in respect of these We already have a situation in Tasmania Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — issues. where a Catholic archbishop is being Bill Shorten would probably be very Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) dragged before a tribunal for doing wary of Newspoll just at the minute. My — Given the very public view of the what Catholic archbishops do — that concern is very real in this. If people government that it was going to legislate is, teaching the teachings of his church. look at government and see government on this issue, as the minister pointed out, I would imagine when that bill went legislating to have unforeseen impacts, and given the very public view that the through the Tasmanian Parliament the I think we have very valid reason to government was going to legislate in the minister at the time said, ‘I could not worry and I think people have very valid way that it has, would it be fair to say that imagine that would ever happen’. The reason to worry. If governments get up the consultation process, targeted or not, fact of the matter is it has happened. It is and say, ‘We are going to legislate A, B was a sham process that was just gone not a question of what we can imagine and C and it will have this impact on through so the government could say that or not imagine; we really need to know this number of people in this area and it had a process — that the government in a definitive manner what is possible this is who they are’, that is fine; people had made up its mind what it was going to and what is not possible under this law. It will accept that. But if this government, do before the process actually began? worries me enormously that it is just too or any government, for that matter, is Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families wide open. It is too open to interpretation going to legislate without knowing what and Children) — I reject that assertion. by just about everybody. impact this legislation will have — we do The government consulted with relevant This bill is a dog’s breakfast, and the way not know who it will impact and we do stakeholders. In addition to that the we are going the dog will be around to eat not know quite how it will impact them Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations it. It is an absolute shocker, and unless — I would suggest that this legislation Committee, which is a bipartisan the minister can give us some definitive is very bad legislation and needs to be committee, also had the opportunity answers I ask her to take this bill away, do withdrawn. That is a very valid point, in to receive submissions from interested her homework, give it proper consultation my view. groups and members of the public. — not the targeted consultation that she Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — refers to — and come back with a bill How long did this consultation process go that she actually understands and the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Will on for? government understands. We can then this bill apply to facilities when they are say to the people of Victoria, ‘This is how not open? Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families and Children) — I am advised that the this bill works. This is how this bill will Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families and consultation process was underway for impact you’, and we can talk about it in a Children) — I refer the member to the test approximately four weeks. definitive manner instead of on the basis in the definition of prohibited behaviour of the minister’s imagination or even Ms that relates to communication ‘that is able Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Shing’s imagination. to be seen or heard by a person accessing, am just going through the time process. My recollection is that Ms Patten’s bill Ms Shing — It is the courts and the attempting to access, or leaving premises police. It is the separation of powers. at which abortions are provided and is came to this house in early September. reasonably likely to cause distress or When did the process begin after Ms Mr FINN — That is what I am saying. anxiety’. It would be hard to imagine how Patten’s bill was withdrawn? How long As Ms Shing points out, it is the courts people would be accessing such premises after that bill was withdrawn did the and the police, but we in this place are when the facility is in fact closed. consultation process begin? the ones who make the law. If we do not Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families know here and now what the law says Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I and what the law does, how are the police was just confirming that in preparation for and Children) — I am advised that the consultation process commenced supposed to know? How are the courts the March for the Babies next year. I thank supposed to know? We need to make this the minister for that. immediately after the government indicated it was intending to legislate in law definitive. We need to tell the police Mrs Peulich interjected. respect of these issues. and the courts exactly what we mean, and Mr FINN — Do not worry, we know this minister is not doing that. That is the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — where we will be going. problem: this minister is not doing that. I That very day, I am assuming. That is ask the minister to come out and give us The targeted consultation process is a very good for a government that is not fascinating concept, to say the very least. some definitive answers on some of these renowned for its quickness. I have to issues that have been raised by Dr Carling- Which publications did the minister wonder, given that the process began at advertise the process in, or did the Jenkins, Mrs Peulich and Mr Dalla-Riva. the beginning of September and went I ask the minister to give some of these minister just pick out organisations that for four weeks — that brings us into she thought may have an opinion and not definitive answers or to withdraw the bill October — and there would have to and start again. actually let the general public know that have been a time period to consider all she was seeking consultation? the submissions and the views of the Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families stakeholders who contributed to it. The and Children) — Mr Finn is making that and Children) — I indicated to the bill, as I recollect, was in the Parliament assertion because it is in his political house much earlier that the government by the end of October. One would have to interest to make that assertion. I strongly undertook a targeted consultation process think — — disagree with him. We have canvassed a range of hypothetical examples. In fact I with stakeholders. This included health Mrs Peulich — They worked overtime. services, women’s and community have volunteered a number of examples to Mr FINN — Yes, they either worked groups, primary care representative assist the house in understanding how the overtime — very unusual indeed, Mrs organisations, unions, human rights and bill will operate in practice, but in terms Peulich — or, as I said, this was a sham civil liberties groups, legal representative of any hypothetical Mr Finn might give process and they had already decided groups, local government and also right what they were going to do well before

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 29 there may be any range of permutations in the point that the police will be applying there are a number of similar concepts terms of how the scenario could play out. this particular test. It is an objective in the Tasmanian Reproductive Health If Dr Carling-Jenkins were to be sitting test to assess whether in the particular (Access to Terminations) Act 2013, there in a cafe with the windows wide open and circumstances the individual involved has are also a number of differences. I will she had a megaphone and was directing reasonably caused distress or anxiety to not go into them at any great length her comments to women walking past the patient. at this point, but I have very detailed and entering an abortion clinic, then my Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I information about all the differences. In answer may well be different. When Mr just want to make this very clear in my terms of the hypothetical that Mr Finn Finn is asking me to give him a definitive own mind. So even somebody just walking has posed, I can advise him that going response in relation to every hypothetical, past and witnessing an exchange as brief back to the definition of prohibited obviously it will depend on the particular as the one that I have described could behaviour, the offence is triggered if there circumstances at that time. The police report that to the police and make an is communication that is reasonably likely and the courts are the appropriate bodies official complaint; is that correct? to cause distress or anxiety. A placard empowered under this legislation to Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families and that had on it only information relating interpret how it will operate in practice. Children) — It is open to a member of the purely to text from the United Nations The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! public or a patient or a staff member at a declaration would not of itself be seen to Before I take the next question, can I clinic to lodge a complaint. It is then for cause distress or anxiety. remind members that committee of the the police to have regard to the particular Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — whole is an opportunity to ask questions, provisions of this bill in assessing What if, particularly in reference to the not reprosecute second-reading speeches. objectively whether the definition of rights of the unborn child, a woman going Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) and provisions relating to ‘prohibited into the clinic were to take offence at that — It is a while ago now, but I do not behaviour’ have been triggered. At placard and report that, which is quite believe I actually mentioned that in my the moment there is nothing to stop a possible? What would be the legality of second-reading speech; however, I stand member of the public putting a complaint the individual involved in displaying that corrected if that is the case. in to Victoria Police about a whole range sign? I ask the minister to give us a definitive of things under various laws. It is then for Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families answer on this one, then: would it be legal the police to determine whether or not and Children) — As I have explained or illegal under this bill to offer somebody it is within or outside of the scope of that to Mr Finn on numerous occasions, it assistance outside a clinic where relevant offence. is an objective test for Victoria Police abortions are committed? Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Is to determine whether the offence has been established. Whilst a member of Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families and there anything in this legislation to deal with vexatious complaints — somebody the public or a staff member in a clinic Children) — The member is not clear as to can make a complaint, ultimately it is for what assistance he is referring to. who may, for whatever reason, decide that they wish to make a complaint about Victoria Police to objectively determine Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — If, a certain individual? Of course it would whether the offence has in fact been for example, I was standing outside one of cause that individual a great deal of committed in all the circumstances. these places and I said to a woman, ‘I can discomfort and trouble. Is there anything Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — We help you; you don’t have to do this’, would that deals with such a complaint or series have listened to the minister at length this that be illegal? of complaints? morning, and I have personally come to Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families and the conclusion that there are more holes and Children) — I again refer Mr Finn to Children) — I am not aware that there is in this legislation than you would find the definition of ‘prohibited behaviour’. anything specifically in this bill relating to in an old sock. Anybody from the legal I think the bill is very clear in its scope. vexatious complaints, but of course police profession listening to this will have the A communication by any means in will exercise judgement and common engine started and be heading for the a manner that is able to be seen or sense in applying this law, as they do with High Court as we speak. My question is: heard — and a verbal communication every other law in our state. to what length will the government go to will clearly fall into that category — to protect this legislation in the High Court, a person seeking to access an abortion and for a government that loves spending clinic will be caught by this provision if Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — taxpayers money, how much taxpayers it is reasonably likely to cause distress or Much has been made in this debate so money will be going into the pockets of anxiety. As I have explained to the house far about the Tasmanian legislation, and lawyers to defend this legislation? before, this is an objective test that will be I have to say that it seems to me that the Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families assessed by Victoria Police upon receiving government has picked up the Tasmanian and Children) — In response to earlier a complaint. legislation, transferred it across Bass questioning from Mr Dalla-Riva around Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — If, Strait and dumped it on Victoria. It is constitutional matters I indicated to for example, somebody was to approach appropriate that I ask this question the house that this bill has been very a woman, in the manner that I have because it is about an actual event that carefully drafted in such a way that it is described, outside one of these places and occurred in Tasmania. I am wondering consistent with the Victorian Charter of say, ‘I can help you’, and that woman took what the legal position would be if it were Human Rights and Responsibilities as well offence at that, what would be the process to occur here, and you might put money as with the constitution. As to whether from that point on? down that it will. other individuals or groups may wish to Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families There was a gentleman who deposited challenge the legislation in the future, that and Children) — Again we are covering himself within the prohibited zone with is a matter for them. ground that we have already canvassed signs displaying quotes from the UN in response to Mr Dalla-Riva’s many Universal Declaration of Human Rights Clause 2 questions around how police would and also the UN Declaration of the Rights Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I enforce these particular provisions. I gave of the Child, one of which was making think the point that Mrs Peulich makes quite detailed explanations, and I refer reference to children before birth. The is a very important one in that before the member to the Hansard in relation to police came and said, ‘This is ridiculous, the bill actually commences, if indeed it those matters. But as I have indicated, just we are not going to arrest him for this’, does become an act, which it probably very briefly, it is possible for a member even though he was clearly in breach will, it is important that those who may of the public to lodge a complaint with of that law down there. If that were to be impacted by it know what impact it Victoria Police, as it is possible for a staff happen in Melbourne, what would be will have on them. What actions will the member in the clinic to lodge a complaint. the legal position? Or indeed if that were minister take to inform those people who I would imagine in most instances it to happen in Victoria, I should ask, what may be impacted by this new law? That would be the clinic that would be lodging would be the legal position? includes all stakeholders, whether they be a complaint on behalf of a patient or Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families abortionists or whether they be pro-lifers patients — multiple patients — who had and Children) — I thank Mr Finn for his or whether they be police or others. What been harassed by someone on entering question. I firstly point out that while activities will the minister provide for all the particular facility. But again I make

IN 30 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE stakeholders in this matter to inform them anxiety to someone accessing an abortion could come in conflict with the law. I think of exactly where they stand before this law provider or where they impede a footpath it is only reasonable that we — — comes into operation? without reasonable excuse within a zone. Mr Leane — Why? Why? Ms MIKAKOS (Minister for Families These organisations are institutions which Mr FINN — The member says, ‘Why? and Children) — On Tuesday we had a do not engage in this sort of behaviour. Why?’. It sounds like somebody with a very extensive committee stage on clause They will not be affected, and we do not speed gun over there. anticipate that there will be unintended 1, which is the purpose clause of this Mr Leane interjected. bill, and in fact it went for more than 4 consequences from this legislation. hours. I understand that there were more Those organisations that have strong Mr FINN — He does not want people to than 100 questions that I responded to in views against this bill, such as Right know they could be breaking the law. He considerable detail, and Mr Finn had the to Life Victoria and Helpers of God’s does not want people to know that, does opportunity to ask questions on clause 1 Precious Infants, know full well that this he? If that is the government’s attitude — with respect to these matters. legislation is coming, so we are talking that it does not care about who it impacts about a handful of individuals who might with its laws — then let the minister get We are now on clause 2, which relates up or Mr Leane can get up. Instead of strictly to the commencement date. Mr have a contrary view — who share your views, Mr Finn — and are opposed to this interjecting across the chamber, he can Finn is seeking to pursue questions that get up and say that the government does go further than what relates to clause 2, legislation. We know that the vast majority of the people of Victoria are supportive of not care about the impact this will have on so perhaps Mr Finn’s questions would people in those bubble zones. be better placed during the course of his this bill. I think you need to reflect on the amendments or another clause in the bill. fact that you are seeking to delay debate Ms Symes interjected. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I on a bill on a day where we have just had Mr FINN — Or indeed Ms Symes can strongly disagree with the minister. It is a bipartisan spirit in this house around get up. very important before this house agrees to violence against women. Let us remember Ms Hartland — On a point of order, a commencement date for this bill that we what this bill is about. It is about Deputy President, this is an important have some sort of guarantee that people preventing women being harassed and debate, and I ask that members be called who will be affected by this legislation intimidated as they access legal health back to the actual debate. are informed of the fact that it will be a services in this state. Mr FINN — I agree. It is a very law that is coming into practice and that Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I important debate. I think freedom of they may be liable or affected or impacted think the last comments by the minister speech, freedom of religion, freedom of — call it what you will — in some way. I were disgraceful. They were shameful. For assembly are matters that are crucially am merely asking a very simple question somebody to draw a correlation between important for the future of this nation and that has got nothing to do with clause 1 what we heard this morning in the other are something we are debating tonight. and little to do with clause 5. My specific place and what this is — a restriction If the government is proposing a law question relates to the commencement on freedom of speech, a restriction on which restricts freedom of those things in of this act — and I note clause 2 says freedom of assembly, a restriction on the manner that it is proposing, it is very commencement. I am asking what the freedom of religion — is disgraceful. It important that before the commencement minister and the government propose to is beneath the dignity of a minister of of that law it informs the people who may do to inform those who may be impacted the Crown, and quite frankly I think the be impacted by it. by this legislation of how it will affect minister should apologise to this house The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! them. for demeaning not just herself but also the Does Mr Finn have a question? government and indeed the Parliament. I Mr FINN — My very word I do. I am call on her to apologise for the comments merely asking the minister what actions Ms MIKAKOS — No, I am responding that she has made. the government will take to inform those to you, Mr Finn. Listen in. We have just I think there are far more than a few who may be impacted by this law that had the terrorism bill debated: are you people who may be caught up in this. they could be breaking the law if they take suggesting that the government should What I am asking for is some sort of certain actions themselves. It is a very write to all potential terrorists that we are guarantee that the minister and the simple question. about to change the law in Victoria? We government will provide information have legislation in this Parliament all the to everybody who lives or works in a time to put in place new criminal offences. restricted zone, that 150-metre restricted Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I The government of the day does not need zone around a place that commits listened to the President’s contribution to communicate to any potential offender abortions. I want to know what the with amazement, because I have not the change of the law. minister will do, what the government will suggested, and nobody else has suggested, Obviously all the health services be doing, before the commencement of that the bill be delayed at all. The first I that are impacted on by this legislation the bill to inform people living or working heard of it was when the President himself know full well that this change is in that 150-metre radius of their rights and suggested it, so I am not sure where he got coming and will be informed about the what the situation now is so as to prevent that from. them breaking the law. passage of the legislation. As I indicated I think it is really important that we previously, we are having negotiations know — that people know — before the with Victoria Police at the present time bill’s commencement what it involves. in relation to these matters as well. I Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) I understand that, as Minister Jennings can also assure the house that we will — I think it is very important that the says, the government is mindful of a be engaging with business and religious questions that we are asking, and that I whole range of things. It is great that the organisations — including the Catholic am asking in particular, are answered by minister is mindful, and it is great that Archdiocese of Melbourne, the Australian the minister, because the minister and the government is mindful, but the fact Catholic University, St Vincent’s Public indeed the government are asking the of the matter is that what is in the law is and Private Hospitals, the Catholic house to agree to a commencement date. what matters. What is in the law is what Theological College and the Greek If we are to agree to a commencement dictates to the police how they enforce Orthodox church, which sit within a zone date, we need to know what actions the that law. It dictates to the courts — to the — to provide guidance and assurance government will take before that proposed magistrates, to the judges — how that during the implementation and prior to commencement date to inform those who law is adjudicated. I am not overly keen proclamation of this bill. may or may not be — particularly may be on hearing how mindful the government I have also sought to provide assurance — impacted by this law. is on anything. I want to know how the during the course of the debate we We are talking about a 150-metre wording of the law impacts on those have had on this bill that individuals radius around abortuaries. We are talking people, and we need to tell them before or organisations will only be affected about GP clinics that prescribe RU486, so this law comes into commencement. insofar as they engage in behaviour that is various medical clinics around the place. A classic example of somebody who harassment, intimidation or where it may We are talking about a significant number may be impacted on by this and have be reasonably likely to cause distress and of people who will be in areas where they nothing to do with anybody in the

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 31 abortion debate is somebody who might Let me tell you, the people who are Mr FINN — No, I think we are dealing wear a T-shirt that was particularly handing out the pieces of paper will be the with amendments 3, 4, 5 and 6, are we popular a few years ago — everybody was only ones who will give that poor woman not? wearing them — a Choose Life T-shirt. the full story, because you can bet your The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! Some members might have had them — bottom dollar that the abortionists inside Amendments 1 and 2 are separate big Choose Life T-shirts. If somebody was will not. principles to the other amendments Mr wearing a Choose Life T-shirt down the Speaking of bottom dollars, that is why Finn has moved. street, walking past an abortuary, then an they doing it. They want their money; that employee or somebody who is particularly Mr FINN — I will go with amendments is the bottom line. They are not going to 1 and 2, then. Amendment 1 is just a enthusiastic may well report that, because tell women that there are other options as has been pointed out, the — — typographical matter. I offer my apologies available. If somebody endeavours to help to the house for getting that confused. a woman to make an informed choice, Clause 3 Amendment 2 to clause 5 exempts praying they are sent off to jail for 12 months. or other forms of religious expression, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I That is ludicrous. That is possibly the so Ms Shing gets her opportunity now just have one question for the minister most ludicrous law that has ever been put to support this, and I am sure she will with regard to the objective of the bill. I before this Parliament. But there it is. avail herself of that opportunity. This want to know what the real objective of Here we have a law which is proposing a amendment will actually decide whether this bill is. It is not what we have heard maximum of 12 months jail for somebody this legislation survives, because if this from various people throughout the saying a quiet prayer, for holding up a amendment is defeated, it will send a very course of this debate or indeed from sign or for offering to help somebody. If clear message to everybody, including people from outside this house over a somebody had told you 10 years ago, 5 the High Court of Australia, that it is long period of time. Is not the objective years ago or last week that anybody would the government’s intention to suppress of this bill to shut down opposition to the be proposing a law like that for Victoria, freedom of religion in this state. I do not abortion industry in this state? This is the would you have believed it? I would not think that can be much clearer. government’s way of contributing to that. have. If somebody had said to me that if I have to say when I first heard that Is that not the real objective of this bill? you offer to help somebody, you will go people were praying outside abortion to jail for 12 months in Victoria in 2015, Clause 5 clinics I thought, ‘That’s a bit odd’. I am I would not have believed it. What I am sure many of us do think that is a bit odd. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! We proposing is bad enough, let me say. To But I asked one of the people who pray have a number of proposed amendments lock somebody up for a month for offering outside the clinics one day, ‘Why do you remaining on this clause. Mr Dalla- to help somebody is bad enough; to lock do it?’. For them, yes, it is a religious thing. Riva has one amendment and Mr Finn them up for a year is an obscenity. Yet this It is not just a particularly or peculiarly has six, and I call on Mr Finn to move is what this bill in its current form does. Christian thing. Religions across the world amendments 1 and 2 standing in his I urge the house to remove the of various denominations and creeds have name, which deal with definitions. draconian penalties as presented in this a view that we should pray for those who Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I legislation. It is just beyond all human are dying or who are about to die. I have move: decency to think that somebody can be done it, unfortunately, too many times jailed for saying a prayer or offering help. with members of my own family leaving 1. Clause 5, page 4, line 22, omit Once we do that Australia’s freedom is this world, hopefully for a better place. “behaviour;” and insert “behaviour — ” gone. We are no longer in the free nation Those people — the Helpers — have 2. Clause 5, page 4, after line 22 club. If we can make a complaint to police a view that they have an obligation, a insert — “but does not include praying and police can come down, take them to moral duty, to be with those children or other forms of religious expression;”. the courts and lock them up for a year, on their last journey on this earth and Thank you, Madam Deputy President, maximum, for saying a prayer, holding up that they have a duty to be with those for your consideration on this matter. a sign or offering to help — if that is the children who are about to be mutilated I thank Ms Wooldridge for her Victoria we are living in in 2015 — I can inside the clinics. They see that as their consideration. Madam Deputy President well understand why a number of people moral duty. For them and, I think, for — — have written to me in the last week or two many Christians — though as I say this and said they want to get out of this state. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! is not peculiarly Christian; I think a wide That is not the Victoria and the Australia number of various religions would have ‘Deputy President’ will do. that I love, and it is certainly not the Mr FINN — Yes, it will. These the same view — to pray with and for the Victoria and the Australia that I want my dying is something that is really at the very amendments are aimed to change the kids to grow up in. This is a free country. more draconian points of this bill. To basis of their belief, and I can understand To lock somebody up for such a minor that. I therefore ask the house to accept propose 12 months jail for somebody offence is a disgrace. So I ask the house to saying a quiet prayer in the street is this amendment, because it inserts some take on board these amendments. reason into this legislation. straight out of North Korea. As I said, I am not overly thrilled even to Ms Shing — That is actually not correct. I did a bit of research today on freedom put up what I have put up. I would much of religion throughout the world and Mr FINN — It is. We will get to that in a rather have no penalties at all, because I here in Australia, and I came across a few minute; we will be able to vote on that in a do not think somebody should be locked articles and a few surveys that I thought minute, Ms Shing. up for saying a prayer or holding up a sign I might make some reference to. There is The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! or offering somebody help. I do not think one I would like to thank VicHealth for. In Through the Chair, Mr Finn. that is on at all. The penalties involved 2011 a report was written by Dr Natascha Mr FINN — Certainly. Ms Shing will here are decidedly un-Australian. Klocker, Ms Brigid Trenerry and Ms Kim have the opportunity in a moment to vote I ask the house to support these Webster. That report was entitled How on that religious exemption. But at the amendments to provide some balance. We Does Freedom of Religion and Belief moment it is 12 months jail for somebody heard about balance from the minister on Affect Health and Wellbeing? I thought holding up a sign saying, ‘I want to help Tuesday night — a fair bit about balance. I given that this bill is allegedly about health you’. Sending someone off to jail for am proposing that we put in some balance and wellbeing this would indeed be a 12 months is not the Australia that we now and ask the house to amend these report that would be worth having a good know and love. This is not a free country draconian, severe, harsh and, all in all, read of — and I did, and I found a number anymore if this bill goes through in this unfair penalties and give this legislation of points that I think would be salient to current form — 12 months for holding up some credibility — maybe, maybe not. But this debate. a sign; for handing out a piece of paper certainly these amendments will go some The project, as the authors described it: saying, ‘We can help you’; for handing way towards making this bill a little better. out a piece of paper saying that there is The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! We … was designed to achieve the a better way, that you have not been told are dealing with Mr Finn’s amendments 1 following aims, via a comprehensive everything. Twelve months jail! and 2 at the moment; is that correct? review of the existing literature on the relationship between religion and belief and health and wellbeing.

IN 32 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE I want to emphasise that link — religion not: that is something that the house has to and belief, and health and wellbeing — look at the impacts of religion on take into significant consideration when because these are the two matters we are whole communities or societies, considering this amendment, keeping currently discussing. The following aims including on secular society. in mind that this amendment is about for discussion were put before the authors. Religious belief may serve as the excluding prayer and religious practice One was to identify and explore the basis for social practices that can from the prohibited activities under this effects, both positive and negative, contribute to other positive or bill. of religion and belief on health negative health outcomes. For We could talk about evidence of and wellbeing. The second was to example the oppression of women, discrimination against religious minorities identify and explore the impacts of which has a basis in some religious in Australia, which is the next chapter of religious discrimination on health and doctrines, is associated with poor the report. You have to wonder if indeed wellbeing. The third was to develop an health outcomes, while altruism, a this law, as proposed, might in itself be a understanding of the causal pathways founding principle of many religions, form of discrimination against a religious by which religion and belief can have may contribute to positive health minority. It seems that Christians now are positive and/or negative effects on health outcomes. a religious minority, and that is something and wellbeing. The fourth was to develop There we have it. The first point states that was mentioned in this report in 2011. an understanding of the causal pathways that altruism, as displayed by those who It states: by which religious discrimination affects offer help outside the places that commit There is considerable evidence health and wellbeing. The fifth was abortions, has already been shown to be a of discrimination against religious to produce a report on the basis of a positive health outcome for these people. minority groups in Australia. The bulk literature review, outlining the effects that That is something that is at the heart of of the existing literature focuses on the religious belief and practice and religious this bill. If the minister is serious about experiences of Muslim Australians … discrimination can have on health and what she says about the objectives of the It uses Muslim Australians as an wellbeing. The sixth was to contribute a bill, then clearly health and wellbeing example, and it could well be that Muslim public health perspective to the Australian are something we should be taking very Australians, who are known — — Human Rights Commission’s broader seriously. Health and wellbeing should be project on freedom of religion and belief taken into consideration not just for some The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! I in the 21st century. but for all. draw Mr Finn back to the amendment and the relevance to this clause as opposed to I cannot express to the house, Deputy The report goes on to say that the study a contribution on the history of religions President, just how important this did not: of the world. matter is to millions of Australians. weigh the impact of religion on There are people who are tuning in to Mr FINN — I am talking about the particular groups, such as same- amendment, Deputy President. If you had this debate tonight, many for the first sex-attracted individuals, for whom time; many of them have never viewed been listening, Deputy President, I am exclusion from some religious talking about — — the parliamentary debates before, and I communities may be associated with welcome them. They are tuning in to see negative health consequences — The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! I what we are doing in this house tonight, can assure Mr Finn I have been listening. because they are deeply concerned about although that is not entirely relevant to this debate. The study did not: Mr FINN — If you had been listening, the impact this legislation will have on Deputy President, you would know that freedom of religion in this nation. explore the health implications I have made constant reference in my The report undertaken by the academics of particular religious beliefs and contribution so far to the health and I named earlier on behalf of VicHealth, practices. For example, when the use of wellbeing impact on the individuals who which is a reputable organisation that contraception is prohibited on religious would be banned under this law from has done a great deal of very good work grounds, this may result in negative practising their religion. It is not a history in Victoria over a long period of time, health impacts for women, their lesson on religions of the world. This is a is something that we need to take into partners and their children. scientific document, and we are often told consideration in greater detail. On page 18 It also did not: by the other side, ‘You’ve got to stick with the report says: explore the role that religious the science. ‘Where’s the science? Believe communities and institutions may the science. Trust the science’. Well, here I It is important to note that this study am presenting the science for the benefit was based on the understanding that themselves play in discrimination religious belief is something over which against other religions or those without of the house. the individual should exercise choice a religious faith. Mr Jennings interjected. and control. This extends to the freedom This section of the report finishes by Mr FINN — I am sure Minister Jennings to not hold or practise a religious belief. saying: would be only too pleased that I have For this reason, the study was not adopted this attitude to do that. There is considerable debate in designed to work out whether religion Mr Jennings — On a point of order, should be promoted as a ‘tool’ for scholarly and wider circles about the impact of religion on these aspects Deputy President, the scientific method, promoting health (as may be the case cause and effect, may be the issue that with, for example, exercise or diet). of community and societal wellbeing (Hitchens 2007; Dawkins 2006) and may assist Mr Finn to come back to talking Rather, its aim was to understand the about the provisions of his amendment relative importance of religious beliefs on the potential for religion to foster intolerance (Hall et al. 2010). All of these that may demonstrate a connection to his and practices in protecting the health of thesis that he is relying upon. people of religious faith and, hence, the factors can in turn influence health. need to protect the rights of individuals However, this study did not explore the Mrs Peulich — On the point of order, to practise their beliefs free from evidence linked to these broader debates. Deputy President, I found the tolerance discrimination. For this reason, it does not provide a basis of laughter and chatting, both from for drawing conclusions about the ‘net the gallery and in the chamber, to be This bill allows religious discrimination. most disrespectful to Mr Finn. I do not After just a couple of paragraphs of this benefits’ of religious belief to health at the population level. share all of Mr Finn’s ideas, but many report we have already discovered that people do, and I think he is deserving religious discrimination is not something What we are talking about here is the impact that religious belief and religious of the opportunity of speaking to his that we should be encouraging in law, as amendment, which goes to the very core the bill does. The report also says: practice will have on individuals. In this particular instance we are talking about of his being. To be honest with you, I It is also important to note that individuals who are practising their think it is disappointing and disrespectful the focus of this research was on the religion and who would be banned from and almost ironic that the people who relationship between religious beliefs practising their religion under this law. are espousing a form of legislation that is held by individuals and their health. intended to lessen anxiety or feelings of It did not assess the impact of religion Not only would that be intolerable in a free society, it is also something that harassment and intimidation would also and belief at the group, community or be engaging in behaviour that could in societal level. More specifically, it did would have a severe health and wellbeing impact on the individuals involved. I think actual fact be construed to be the same.

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 33 I think Mr Finn ought to be given the is a generation by generation proposition. more than happy to do that. I just say to opportunity and the respect to speak to He said that the loss of freedom may be whoever votes against this amendment: his amendment, which goes to freedom just one generation away. I do not want I ask you to refrain from the hypocrisy of of religion, and he should be allowed to my children to grow up with less freedom talking about civil liberties at me again, do so without interruption, without the than I did. This legislation as it currently because I will just laugh at you. If you jeering and the laughter, and without stands takes away the freedoms that do that, that would be very kind. I ask comment, both verbal and non-verbal, my children should enjoy and should the house to support this amendment. from the gallery. be allowed to enjoy. This amendment This is the true test of the intent of the The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! restores at least one of them, and I do not government on this legislation. That is not a point of order. However, I do think it is too much to ask; I do not think thank Mrs Peulich for raising the issue that is too much to ask at all. of the level of noise in the chamber and In fact if the government is serious Further discussion of clause 5 and Mr in the gallery. I request that members about the supposed objective of this bill, DALLA-RIVA’s amendment: keep their conversations quiet. I also then I think it will accept this amendment. 1. Clause 5, page 4, line 26, omit cannot help but comment that Mr Finn If it does accept this amendment, there “150” and insert “15”. was extremely vocal earlier on in his will be a significantly lessened chance of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I contribution. it being thrown out as unconstitutional if rise to support the amendment moved Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I and when it goes to the High Court — as by Mr Dalla-Riva, and I congratulate thank Mrs Peulich for her comments. I do I say, when is more likely than if. If this him on putting it forward. I have to say not agree with her that it is ironic, because amendment is defeated, all I can say to in supporting the amendment that I do I think the level of disrespect shown is in those QCs who are listening and indeed not believe in a buffer zone at all. I do not fact indicative of what we are seeing in this watching this debate tonight, is ‘Start your believe it is necessary. I believe it is a gross legislation — that is, a total disrespect for cars, because we have a court case on our violation of civil liberties, but that is not religious freedom in this state. That is what hands’. something that concerns those who are it is all about, despite what the minister For those and for many other reasons behind this bill. We are talking about an might say. It is all about stopping people that I would like to go into at some extreme bill put forward by an extremist from expressing their religious beliefs length but will not, I urge the house to government. That is the simple fact of the and from practising their religion in a support this particular amendment. This matter. I am surprised the government way that they are entitled to do. As I said, goes to the heart of this amendment. stuck to 150 metres and did not go for 300 I do not see any irony in that. I think the Religious freedom in Australia is very dear. metres or maybe 2 or 3 kilometres. way some people have carried on in this Hundreds of thousands of Australians Mr Dalla-Riva — They looked at a place over the last half-hour or so is very have died in wars for freedom. Freedom kilometre. instructive. It is disappointing, but it is not of religion is one of those freedoms and, at all surprising, as this bill is designed to quite frankly, I do not think we have a Mr FINN — Did they look at a suppress religious freedom in Victoria. It right to take that freedom off anybody, kilometre? I am surprised it did not go is clearly in breach of section 116 of the as the government is attempting to do with a kilometre, because this government Australian constitution, and when it goes tonight. is extremist in its attitude. It is extremist in to the High Court — and I do not say if, its views on civil liberties. It has contempt We are in Victoria. We are not in North for those who have a different view, and I say when — it will be thrown onto the Korea, we are not in China. We are not scrap heap as it so richly deserves. clearly it will not be supporting Mr Dalla- in any of those communist nations that Riva’s amendment. This is a particularly good report. I persecute religious minorities. We are would like to talk about it in much greater not in any of those countries that jail Mr Herbert interjected. depth, but I will not. I was going to, but Christians for being Christians. We are a Mr FINN — I’m sorry? I won’t mention Dr Carling-Jenkins said that it might not free nation, we are a free country, and I anything about Mr Herbert at all. be a good idea, so I will take her advice. want Australia to remain a free country. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! You can thank her for that, because I was For that reason I urge, plead with — beg Through the Chair! going to back up my arguments on this if I have to — the house to support this Mr FINN — I am sorry, Deputy amendment at some considerable length. amendment. President. I was just asking Mr Herbert Quite frankly the arguments put forward what he was mumbling about over there. in this report by VicHealth — and I advise The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! anybody who has a spare 2 or 3 hours to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Through the Chair! have a read of it — make it a particularly listened to the minister very carefully, and Mr FINN — I said ‘Deputy President’. good report. I see Minister Jennings is I have to say that at least Ms Hartland was taking significant interest in that, and I serious about her intent when she made Mr Herbert — Make your mind up. suggest he get his staff to print him a copy. no attempt to dispute anything that I had Mr FINN — No. I am making my point, It will be great reading over the weekend. said. The minister’s comments have been Deputy President. If Mr Herbert will allow It will do him a world of good, and it might very similar to everything else that she has me to make my point, I will certainly actually enlighten him — not that I am put up in this debate. There have been no do that. It is almost amusing to hear Ms suggesting he is unenlightened — about guarantees. There have been no definitive Mikakos get up and quote a body like some of the other matters in life that he statements of protection for religious Marie Stopes International as a credible may not have necessarily considered as freedoms, for religious rights. supporter of this legislation. That is like important. I make that suggestion. This amendment will tell us all exactly me saying, ‘The Richmond Football Club This report, along with a number of what we need to know about the intent of should be given half a million dollars of other documents I have here, show that the government with regard to this bill. state government money’. Of course I am religious freedom and religious belief, If this amendment is carried, then the going to say that, and so is Marie Stopes which this legislation suppresses, is vitally government is serious about protecting because it has a very strong vested interest important to many millions of Australians religious freedoms. If this amendment is in this. Marie Stopes International is and indeed to many millions of people defeated, it will confirm what we already one of the biggest abortion businesses around the world. My view is that there know, and that is that the government in the world — I think it is in with are a number of freedoms and, as I said wishes to suppress religious freedom via Planned Parenthood now; there was an on Tuesday night, my basic reason for this legislation. That is not something that amalgamation a while back — and it kills being a Liberal is that I believe in freedom, I can tolerate. more babies than anybody else in the world. Of course it does not want people and religious freedom is an extremely That is not something that anybody pointing that out to its clients or passers- important part of those freedoms. who cares about civil rights can tolerate. by. It would want to keep people as far We have seen over in eastern Europe It is interesting to hear and see those who away from its vile centres as it possibly communists suppress religious freedom holler long and loud about civil liberties could. for many years. I do not want to see that and freedoms and all these sorts of things, happen here. It was the great Ronald but they will vote on this legislation to I think 150 metres is ridiculous. It is a Reagan who once said — and I do not stomp on religious freedom. They are nonsense to keep people so far away from wish to paraphrase him — that freedom anywhere, but I suppose if you are going

IN 34 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE to suppress people’s liberties — if you are heard a great deal this year about the pub I cannot begin to imagine the mindset going to suppress people’s rights — you test. If members opposite wish to test this of the sort of person who comes up with might as well do it properly. That seems to — I know Mr Jennings might have some legislation like this, that locks people up be the attitude of this government. difficulty conducting the pub test, and it — and not bad people but good people Mr Dalla-Riva has made a thoughtful is a pity Mr Herbert is not in the chamber; — for daring to care about their fellow and considered attempt to bring some he might have a bit more enthusiasm for human being, for daring to love their semblance of sense to this bill, and, as I the task ahead — if they were to conduct fellow human being or for daring to offer say, I commend him for that. I support his the pub test, I am sure they would find assistance to their fellow human being. amendment, and I sincerely hope that the that people in that pub would find it That to me is abhorrent in every way and committee will also support his efforts to extraordinary that any government would just beyond belief. It seems, however, that moderate this extremist bill. propose that somebody would be jailed it may well be the case, but I am hopeful The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! We for 12 months for praying in the street. I that those who are listening in their rooms are now moving on to an amendment 3 think the average person would find that might be persuaded by my words tonight, standing in Mr Finn’s name. This seeks just appalling in every way. that they might think about what they to amend the prescribed penalty and In fact I have to say, and there will be are doing, that they might break away can be considered a test for his further members of this house who will have from their ideological masters and that amendments 4, 5 and 6, which also deal trouble believing this, I have trouble they might vote for these amendments with penalties. finding words to describe just how to moderate this bill to stop good people appalling these penalties are. A year in being locked up for a year for offering to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I help people, for praying or for holding up move: jail for holding a sign, for praying, for offering somebody help — a year in jail! a sign. 3. Clause 5, page 5, line 19, omit “120 Are we fair dinkum? Are we serious? Do Every day we read in the newspapers penalty units” and insert “10 penalty you really want to lock somebody up in about sentences handed down by judges units”. the already packed jails we have? We hear in this state, and I am sure members As I have pointed out throughout the people saying, ‘Oh, our jails are full. Hey, opposite are often — very quietly, of course of this debate, this is extremist let’s put a few pro-lifers in jail for praying’. course — appalled at some of those legislation from an extremist government What a great idea! What a brilliant sentences. pushed by an extremist movement idea! Somebody should get an Order of Somebody could be locked up for a with an extremist agenda. What these Australia for coming up with that idea. year for offering to help somebody, when amendments are attempting to do is to Isn’t that sensational? Somebody prayed; every day you see rapists, murderers moderate that extremism. We know that lock them up! What is this country coming and people who are involved in culpable one of the intentions of the government to? What is this state coming to when we driving and a whole range of other crimes is to suppress freedom of religion in this allow that sort of thing to happen? What getting a slap on the wrist. You can state — that is clear. The vote was 30 to sort of state are we going to leave for our imagine Dr Carling-Jenkins going to jail 8. It is very clear that its intention is to children if we crack down on the civil for praying outside an abortion clinic. She suppress freedom of religion in this state. liberties of ordinary Victorians in the way is in there with somebody who assaulted We now have a situation where, under that this bill is proposing? her next-door neighbour and stole her this legislation, somebody who could We are not talking about bad Victorians. money. The basher next door asks, ‘What be offensive by praying — and you have We are not talking about murderers or are you in for?’, and Dr Carling-Jenkins to remember that we have a group of rapists or bank robbers or car thieves or says, ‘I’m here for praying’. Do you reckon members of this house who gather out the even graffitists. We are talking about good, they would believe that? In Victoria, front every day because they find being in loving people, who want to help others. unfortunately they would. the presence of people who pray offensive That is who we are talking about. So what It may well be that by the end of this — could be subject to penalty. do we do with them? We lock them up morning Victoria will have a law that locks As Mr Jennings pointed out a little bit for a year. If that is the attitude of this people up for praying, that locks people earlier, this bill is triggered by complaint. government, and if that is the attitude of up for helping others, or wanting to help It would not be too hard for somebody — this Parliament, then it stands condemned others. That is a pretty sad reflection on Ms Patten, for example — to be offended by the people of Victoria, and it will stand this state, it is a sad reflection on this by somebody praying and to make a condemned by history. In years to come Parliament and it is certainly a very sad complaint to the police. The police would when people read that the Victorian reflection on those who are pursuing this come and arrest that person for having government locked people up for praying, rather dreadful agenda. I ask members to the audacity to pray. We could have a that it locked people up for daring to offer support these amendments to moderate situation where we got a dodgy magistrate somebody assistance, how do you reckon this extremism and to save Victoria from or a magistrate who perhaps had an that is going to look? the contempt and the disdain that would agenda of their own — and God knows What will future generations think about inevitably come our way as a state if this there is no shortage of those — and we what members have done to this state and law is passed in its present form. could quite foreseeably see somebody left them? Members should think about arrested for praying being jailed for a year. that. We politicians like to think about As I mentioned earlier, that is the sort of our legacy. We like to think that in years Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) thing you see in North Korea. That is the to come people will appreciate what we — I am interested to hear a couple of sort of thing you see in China. You used have done. Do members really want to be ministerial opinions on what the hopes to see it in Cuba — I do not think you do remembered as being part of a Parliament and expectations are for this legislation. I anymore — but when you get to the point that locked people up for praying? Do hate to disappoint them, but some people of locking somebody up for praying, when members want to be remembered as have said to me already — people who you get to the point of locking somebody being part of a Parliament that locked have never been outside abortuaries up for holding a sign saying ‘I can help people up for offering other people before — that they will — — you’, when you lock somebody up for assistance? Is that what members want? The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! I actually offering that help, I think at that I honestly have trouble believing that. I ruled on this in the previous committee. I point you have to say we no longer live in a do not think anybody would want that. If ruled that that term is derogatory and will free country. You have to say that anybody members do not want that, I urge them not be used in this chamber. who would support such a proposition is to use their vote now to ensure that that Mr FINN — I beg to differ, Deputy not a supporter of civil liberties. Anybody does not happen. Members’ legacy is in President. Would you like to provide me who supports such a proposition has no their hands right now. When we take this with a list of words I can and cannot say? respect for the basis on which our country vote — in a few minutes time — members I would really appreciate it. It is in the was founded. Anybody who supports such will decide how they are remembered Collins dictionary. Would you like me to a proposition really does not care about in history. That is the simple fact of the go and get a copy? freedom in this nation. matter. I urge members — I even beg them The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! All these four amendments are if I have to — to moderate this extremist legislation. I ruled on this matter on Wednesday attempting to do is to moderate an morning. I ask the member to continue. extreme piece of legislation. We have

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 35 Mr FINN — Let the people viewing I urge the house to support this needs a good council, it deserves a good this debate understand that this is all amendment to moderate what is extremist council and I believe we should give it a about freedom of speech. We have just legislation. Before this legislation many good council. seen another example of the trampling of of us thought this government was an freedom of speech, albeit a small one. That extremist, hard-line, ideological left- is indeed unfortunate. wing government, and this confirms and COUNCIL | Constituency Questions As I was saying, people who have reinforces that view. I am hoping the 25 November 2015 never been outside these places that kill house might take a different view and babies before have said to me that they moderate what are penalties of an extreme will attend and be involved in protests nature in an extreme bill. I urge the house to support my amendments. Landfill waste site and acts of civil disobedience because Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My they believe their civil rights have been The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! constituency question is to the Minister breached. They believe this is an unjust I remind members that Mr Finn’s for Environment, Climate Change and law. Many of them believe this is an evil amendment 3 is a test for his further Water. The minister may be aware of law. They have said to me personally that amendments 4, 5 and 6. the avalanche of outrage following the they will be arrested if need be in seeking release of a draft metropolitan waste and to protect their civil liberties. I am not resource recovery implementation plan. somebody who necessarily believes in COUNCIL | Adjournment 24 November 2015 If she is not aware, she should check her civil disobedience — although it has to be inbox. Locals are furious that this plan said that it worked quite well for Mahatma recommends that all of Melbourne’s Gandhi, Martin Luther King and quite a future landfill waste should go to the few others over the years — but if a law western or northern suburbs. is unjust, people are entitled to break it. City of Wyndham That seems to be the view handed down Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Given the difficulties already over the years, and that is something I can wish to raise a matter for the attention of experienced with landfill waste, assure the house, from my information, the Minister for Local Government. The specifically at Ravenhall and Bulla, and will happen. City of Wyndham is one of the fastest the failure of the Environment Protection growing municipal areas in Australia, Authority Victoria to protect residents, will On the other matter, Minister Mikakos and quite often it is considered the fastest the minister reassure my constituents that insists that people will not be arrested growing municipal area in Australia. Not Melbourne’s west will not in future be the for praying. She is a bit more definitive so long ago the Wyndham City Council dumping ground for millions of tonnes of tonight than she was on Tuesday night, was doing a damn fine job. It was doing stinking waste? which is a good thing. But then an a very impressive job. In fact I remember amendment which would have actually when I was first elected to this place some backed up what she said was defeated. almost — — COUNCIL Not only was it defeated, but she voted 25 November 2015 against it. In my experience actions speak Ms Shing — Seven hundred years ago. louder than words, and her action in Mr FINN — It was not 700 years ago; it voting against my amendment to protect just seems like it at the minute. When I religious liberty told us everything we was first elected to this place some years Government need to know about what will happen with ago the Wyndham council was by far this law. It told the police, and it told the the best council in the western suburbs, particularly compared to Brimbank City Performance courts. Debate resumed from earlier this day; Let me make it very clear that those Council and some of those councils that I am sure the minister will remember motion of Ms WOOLDRIDGE (Eastern seeking to express their religious beliefs Metropolitan): and their religious freedoms outside only too well. But sadly something has these places will be subject to arrest. They gone awry. Something is crook in the That this house condemns the will be subject to prison under this bill, state of Brimbank — not in Brimbank, in Andrews Labor government on its first and that is totally unsatisfactory. It is an Wyndham. year in office, a year of putting politics intolerable situation in a free country. In Honourable members interjecting. before people and failing Victorian Mr FINN — The administrators have families as a result of economic free countries people are not jailed for this mismanagement, infrastructure projects sort of thing; in free countries people are done a very good job at Brimbank, I have to tell members, and maybe, just cancelled or stalled, service delivery not fined for this sort of thing. failing, increased burdens on business, I repeat that if this bill is passed in its maybe, it is time for administrators to election commitments broken, factional current form, this state will no longer do the same at Wyndham, because it fighting and inappropriate union be a free state. Our civil liberties that so seems to me that after discussions with a influence. number of constituents in the Werribee many before — men and women — have Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — As sacrificed enormously for, will have area good governance has broken down at Wyndham City Council. We have had most people in this house would know, more than a chink in their armour; there I love football. I am very fond of the will be more than a hole in the wall that numerous instances of late of councillors bullying other councillors behind closed Australian brand of football and am very protects us as a free people. To suggest much looking forward to the season next that somebody should go to jail for a year doors, and we have had numerous instances, I understand, of councillors year to see the Tiges in action. It is great for saying a prayer or for offering help — to have a Rioli back at Tigerland, I should God help us! It is just extraordinary to jail threatening other councillors behind closed doors, payback and all sorts of very quickly hasten to add; it is very somebody for doing that when so many exciting to have a Rioli back at Tigerland. others are walking out of jail, getting good examples of the nastier side of life that behaviour bonds and all sorts of weird and we have come to expect when people get Putting that aside, I want to make a wonderful things for real criminal acts. out of control. It seems that that is exactly football analogy. Here in Victoria it is Normally this government is very keen to what has happened — a good number of almost quarter time. The siren is about protect criminals. It is very keen on the councillors at Wyndham are indeed right to sound for quarter time, and we have civil liberties of criminals, but not so keen out of control. a government that is yet to score. In my on the civil liberties of people who are On behalf of my constituents in experience if you do not score in the first good people and just want to help other Werribee and surrounds, I ask the quarter of any game, you are struggling; people. minister to appoint somebody to inquire if you do not score in the first quarter of a big game, you are gone. That is what We have seen in this place tonight into the good governance level, or indeed the governance level, of the City of the story is, and this government is yet something that has been illuminating for to score. That is the basic problem. That many of us and which has reinforced for Wyndham and have as a real possibility the prospect of appointing commissioners would be a big enough problem for any others something we have known for quite government, and of course it is an even some time. if they do not come up to scratch. As I said, Wyndham is one of the fastest larger problem for the people of Victoria, growing municipalities in Australia. It

IN 36 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE because we have a government that is a Eastern Freeway is pretty much the same, he do? He scrapped the only road that total dud. It has nothing going for it at all. from what I understand, and certainly the was going to make any difference — and We heard from Mr Mulino — and I am Monash Freeway is a basket case and has a major difference at that. He scrapped it. sorry if Mr Somyurek comes racing back been for many a long year. Not only did he scrap it, he spent — we are in when he hears the name ‘Merlino’, but it On this particular occasion I heard on still adding all this up; the head chef tells is Daniel Mulino, not James Merlino I am the radio that the Tullamarine Freeway us that the costs could still be increasing, referring to. I make that distinction for Mr was inoperative, basically. I thought to but we are told we are looking at Somyurek, because I know he gets excited myself, ‘That is not going to work’. One somewhere in the vicinity of $1 billion — about these things. Mr Mulino earlier thing that really does get my goat is having close to 1000 million dollars of taxpayers was saying that when people voted last to sit in traffic and just wait in the hope money to stop a road that we desperately November, they voted for a government that something might give at some stage. need. If that makes sense to anybody, that was different. I have to agree with Mr Mr Drum — You should be used to it. please put your hand up, because the more I think about it, the more stunned I Mulino, because this time a year ago we Mr FINN — I should be used to it, but I had a government that was responsible am at the rank stupidity of that decision. It am not. I am very impatient when it comes is outrageous in the extreme. and visionary. It had an agenda. It knew to that sort of thing, Mr Drum. It gets up where it was going. It had plans for my snout and makes me very agitated. So I This government deserves to be turfed Victoria’s future. decided I would do what I used to do years out at the first opportunity on the basis We now have a government that is very ago when I was working in Wantirna for of that decision alone. If they do nothing different. We have a government that is the then federal parliamentary secretary else wrong — and they are doing their wasteful, incompetent and riddled with to the Treasurer, Chris Pearce. I would fair share of things wrong — solely on the personal hatreds and factional brawling. It travel from my then home in Sunbury to basis of this decision to scrap the east– is impossible to believe, but it is true, that Wantirna every day, which is a fair hike. west link and spend close to $1 billion in this mob have actually plunged Victoria, When I first started taking that journey, it order to do it, they deserve to be turfed in less than 12 months, back into debt started off as 1½ hours. out. I would hazard a guess that it is the without spending money on anything to most appalling decision by a government Two years later it was 2½ hours. But in the history of Victoria. hang out on. It is extraordinary. Then they with the journey last week down the tell us that in fact the Auditor-General Western Ring Road through Heidelberg Ms Fitzherbert — That is a big call. does not know what he is talking about — and onto the Eastern Freeway I was Mr FINN — It is a big call, but I have that the Auditor-General is wrong when absolutely staggered to find that it took me to say I am really scratching. I am going he says that Victoria is in debt. 2 hours just to get to the Eastern Freeway. back through the Kirner years, the Cain The Treasurer of the state has another How bad does it have to be before this years and even the Bracks and Brumby title. He is not just the Treasurer; he is government realises we have a major years, with the north–south pipeline, the the head chef, because he is over there problem? desal plant and all the nonsense that has furiously cooking the books. That is exactly Ms Fitzherbert — Terrible. gone on in Labor governments gone by, what he is doing. They are unbelievable, but I think the scrapping of the east–west this crowd. There will say anything. They Mr FINN — It is. Ms Fitzherbert, let link at the cost of $1 billion is something will do anything. They do not really care. me assure you it is terrible. Terrible is that nobody can hope to match. It is I have seen governments with no shame an extraordinary understatement of my something that we all hope will never be before, but honestly I have never seen experience just last week. matched in the history of this state. It is a government that has taken it to these Ms Fitzherbert — Disastrous? truly an amazing decision, particularly extremes. Mr FINN — Disastrous would be a fair when you remember that previously this I will dwell for a moment on the description. was a project that had the support of the east–west link. If Mr Jennings wants to Ms Fitzherbert — Catastrophic? Labor Party. It was the then opposition come into the chamber and listen to Mr FINN — Catastrophic is not a bad leader, the now Premier, who woke up one what I have to say, I am sure he will be word either, I have to say. I feel very sorry morning and said, ‘I’ve had a chat with illuminated, as indeed he should be. The for those people who in the course of a few of my mates in the Socialist Left in east–west link is a proposal that was put their business have to traverse Melbourne the inner suburbs’, and then announced it forward by the previous government. It on a daily basis, maybe once, twice or without consulting anybody. is a project that is very much needed, not three times. It must be extraordinarily Ms Fitzherbert — A rush of blood to the just in Melbourne but across Victoria. It frustrating and extraordinarily annoying head? is needed for Gippsland, it is needed for for them — and of course extraordinarily Mr FINN — Perhaps, Ms Fitzherbert, the Ballarat, it is needed for Geelong, it is expensive, particularly if they are ultimate rush of blood to the head. He just needed for Bendigo and it is needed right running their own business. It must announced that, if he became Premier, he down in the Western District. It is certainly be extraordinarily expensive. That is would scrap the east–west link. I feel for needed for the western suburbs and the something that this government just people like Mr Melhem, who up to that eastern suburbs. It is a road which would refuses to take into consideration at all. point had been very strong supporters enable the crossing of Melbourne to be Here we have a situation where of the east–west link. They were put in a a possibility again, and in doing that you Melbourne for most of the day, I have to situation where they had to do a complete would not have to rip your hair out. say, is in gridlock. It used to be during 180-degree U-turn. We had people who I am speaking from personal experience peak hour. Peak hour is growing longer were going full steam ahead, with all the because, as I mentioned yesterday — I and longer every day, to the point where arguments, saying, ‘Let’s build the thing; think it was yesterday; the days seem to now on the Tulla peak hour usually begins let’s get the jobs’. You would have thought have rolled one into another this week — at about 3.00 p.m. and finishes quite often it was Mr Melhem channelling Denis my own experience of travelling across at 7.30 p.m. On the West Gate Freeway it is Napthine. But all of a sudden we had a the city just last week was extraordinary. not a lot different. In fact on the West Gate situation in which people who perhaps I was on my way to Morwell for a meeting peak hour might actually start at around had a fair idea of what was good for the and public hearing of the Family and 6.30 a.m. in the morning these days. state had to do an Olympic-style backflip, Community Development Committee. I Mr Ramsay — It is piling up at 5.00 a.m. because the leader of the day — the then left my home in Bulla, which is near the in the morning. opposition leader, now Premier — wanted airport, at 7.30 a.m. I heard on the radio Mr FINN — Did you say 5.00 a.m., Mr to look after a few mates. that the Tullamarine Freeway was in a Ramsay? Five o’clock in the morning. That Ms Fitzherbert — A backflip with a pretty bad way. Basically, it was stuffed. tells you what a real problem we have. double pike? As I pointed out yesterday, that is not When peak hour begins at 5.00 a.m. on the Mr FINN — Triple pike, possibly a at all unusual. Rarely does a day go by West Gate, we have a major issue. quadruple pike, which is something you when the Tullamarine Freeway is not in do not have to see. that situation, and I should not claim any So what did the Premier of this state special deals there, because of course the do to solve this problem? What did this Ms Fitzherbert interjected. West Gate Freeway is exactly the same. Premier of this state do in order to allow Mr FINN — I do not know. I think he The Calder Freeway is often the same, the traffic in the state to travel freely from one may have mounted, and there is a fair side of Melbourne to the other? What did bit of that still going on. Wherever I go,

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 37 whether it be here in Victoria or interstate, We remember Steve Bracks, he of the do know that it is not funded and that if one thing that is bound to get a laugh, red helicopter. Way before Bronwyn it goes much further, the money will run particularly interstate — not so much in Bishop found it, Steve Bracks had his out. Just yesterday the Minister for Public Victoria it has to be said — is to mention own red helicopter. He was elected back Transport, Ms Allan, went on the record the east–west link. As a result of that in 1999, and one of the promises that he as starting to talk up the Metro 2 project. decision, Victoria is the laughing-stock made in the lead-up to that election was If you do not have the money for Metro of Australia. Daniel Andrews has made that, as Premier, he would build a rail 1, why the hell would you start talking Victoria the laughing-stock of Australia, link to the airport. He said that back in about Metro 2? These people are living in and he did it in the first six months of his 1999, and what is it now? It is 2015, some a fantasy world; they are not on the same premiership. That is hard to beat. 16 years later, and the Labor Party has planet as the rest of us. It is astounding. I Ms Fitzherbert — It’s special. scrapped it again. It scrapped it back then. know it is a truism to say Labor does not Mr FINN — My word it is special, and it I may have mentioned this in passing know how to handle money, but those is an extraordinary way to go about it. to the house before, but that broken opposite honestly believe that if they promise of Steve Bracks was made back spend it, more will magically appear. Of course we are still waiting for a in 1999, just weeks after the election that An honourable member — From the decision on whatever it is called. Is it saw Bracksie take over as Premier. Labor the West Gate distributor, the western federal government. pulled the plug on it. They said it was not Mr FINN — From the federal distributor or the western diversion? What going to happen after all. the hell is he calling it this week? All these government, from the taxpayer — it could plans with squiggles on maps are floating The Napthine coalition government be anybody. They do not particularly around. Perhaps it is a major project; had indicated its very strong support, care where the money comes from, and perhaps it is not a major project. We do desire and intention to build the airport indeed when it runs out they just keep not quite know what it is, because nobody rail link, but this year the Labor Party spending it anyway, until the creditors say will tell us. killed that project for the second time. no. We have seen Labor governments do That is incredibly sad. I go to Sydney and I find it quite staggering that one year that before. This government will be even Brisbane, which both have rail links, and worse than we have seen, in my view. into its term we have a government which the Sydney one works very well. does not have a major project. We have a In the few minutes that I have left, I city and a state that are in desperate need Ms Fitzherbert interjected. want to talk for a couple of minutes about of some major transport infrastructure. Mr FINN — I do not go overseas much, Sunbury. The dodgester has told us that he Under normal circumstances members of but Mr Melhem tells me, because he has kept every promise that he has made. the government would also think that that spends a lot more time overseas than I do. I beg to differ. It was only 12 months ago was quite staggering, but apparently they In fact I was in a discussion the other day, that we heard from the Labor Party that do not; they are quite proud of it. and it became quite — — it would respect the will of the people of Mr Melhem showed us earlier today Mr Melhem interjected. Sunbury and respect the will of the people what the government’s major project is. Mr FINN — He is getting excited again of Hume. The then Minister for Local He pulled a 47 000-page glossy pamphlet over there. It became quite heated, Government in the coalition government, out of his back pocket. He told us about because we were debating what would be Tim Bull, gazetted that new council, which what the government apparently had done of greater value: Mr Melhem’s frequent was to begin operation on 1 July this year. and claimed credit for a great number of flyer points or Craig Thomson’s credit We heard that from Dick Wynne, the things that the previous government had card. That was the debate that went on. I Minister for Planning, who was then the done, but that is beside the point. am not sure if we came to a satisfactory shadow Minister for Local Government, and we heard it from Josh Bull, who I Do you know what they say in the Labor conclusion, but that is something that we might continue to discuss at some stage. understand is the member for Sunbury in Party? Never let the facts get in the way the Assembly. of a good story. The truth and the Labor As Ms Fitzherbert has pointed out, an Party are like Perth and Sydney — on airport rail link is pretty much a standard Mr Drum has a quizzical look on his opposite sides of the country. They are so feature in many major cities. face, and understandably so. If you are far removed from each other that it is just Ms Fitzherbert — Everyone has one talking about Mr Bull, you have to say, not funny. If anyone wants the truth, they except us. ‘Tim Bull, good; Josh Bull, bad’. That is should keep away from the ALP; they will the truth of the matter. In fact I feel a bit Mr FINN — Just about everyone does sorry for the poor little swine, because never find it there. It has this major project have one, except us and Adelaide, but in a big glossy 2015 Christmas brochure. the government keeps dumping him into then again Adelaide does not count. That it. It found a dirty great drum of a most Perhaps it is a Christmas catalogue. I do is pretty much par for the course. not know; I have not had a chance to have unfortunate substance, and it dropped We have a government in this state that him from a very great height, not just on a look at it yet, but Mr Melhem seems to has killed off a major road to link one relish it. Obviously somebody gave it to the Sunbury out of Hume issue but also on side of Melbourne with the other, indeed the V/Line issue. him this morning, and he is like a kid with link one side of Victoria with the other. a new toy. It was absolutely magnificent to The people of Sunbury were told It has also killed off the airport rail link by a Labor government when the see the excitement in his eyes. that everybody has been waiting for for Ms Fitzherbert interjected. electrification process started that, decades. Dodgy Dan says, ‘No way, it is yes, they would have V/Line and they Mr FINN — It was heartwarming. It gave not happening’, so that is the end of that. would have electric services — they me a deep inner glow to see Mr Melhem Then we move on to the Melbourne would have the best of both worlds. It in what I think was a state of extreme Metro rail project. That seems like a good has to be pointed out that the people of excitement. He was clearly excited, which idea. You are tunnelling away and putting Sunbury were never actually asked about is a good thing. I can only hope that in railway stations and putting down electrification, because if they had been when Santa visits Mr Melhem, he might lines and all that sort of thing. It is a bit asked they would have made it very clear get some of the things that are in the like promising to put a Mercedes in every that they did not want electrification; brochure. garage. It is a great idea; if only we had the they just wanted a few more V/Line An honourable member interjected. money to do it. Government members are trains. It would have been a far cheaper Mr FINN — Why do we ask indeed. I talking about $11 billion. I think they said proposition, it has to be said, but they mentioned earlier that we in this state they have $2 billion. They probably made were not asked. When they did raise the desperately need some major transport that up. issue with the then government they were infrastructure, so you would think that Mr Ramsay interjected. told by the then member for Macedon, any government worth its salt would be Mr FINN — Is that from the feds? They Joanne Duncan — and didn’t she make a furiously promoting an airport rail link. have got some state money. We have these big splash! — ‘Yes, you will have both — Ms Fitzherbert — It makes sense. people carrying on once again, rabbiting not a problem. That’s done and dusted; Mr FINN — It does make sense; it does. on about these fictitious major projects the deal is done’. As Sam Kekovich would say, you know that they have. This metro project is a Here we have a government — Jacinta it makes sense. Absolutely he would say ripper. I will leave it to Mr Davis to tell us Allan, Josh Bull and all the rest of them that, and we all do. exactly where that is going to go, but we — which has told the people of Sunbury

IN 38 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE that as of 1 January next year, if anybody COUNCIL | Adjournment COUNCIL | Second reading in Sunbury dares to board a V/Line train 26 November 2015 8 December 2015 and park their tail on an empty seat, they will be fined $438. In a lot of places you do not get that much for murder! It is just extraordinary that this mob is not only Sunbury rail Delivering ripping the V/Line services away from the people of Sunbury but slugging the good services Victorian people of Sunbury $438 every time they Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My get on the train. adjournment matter is for the Minister for If there is a government anywhere that Public Transport, the Honourable Jacinta Infrastructure is showing contempt for any of its people Allan. It concerns an issue that I am sure the way this government is showing Ms Allan is very familiar with, and that is (Port of Melbourne contempt for the people of Sunbury, I the issue of V/Line versus Metro Trains would like to know where it is. Clearly Melbourne services for Sunbury and the Lease Transaction) the Labor government is at war with the questions surrounding the finalisation of people of Sunbury. I would like that war to the timetable and service schedules for Bill 2015 stop. Enough. Cease. Finish. Sunbury for 2016. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I On 7 October I asked the minister to am, and have been for a very long time, COUNCIL | Adjournment let us know what the timetable would be, a great supporter of privatisation. I recall 25 November 2015 given we had been informed that they going to Liberal Party state councils back had been finalised two months prior to in the 1980s where I proposed motions that. I have received a response from the in support of privatisation and was minister this week saying: browbeaten and knocked around by those who said we should not privatise and that Western The Andrews Labor government is we should keep things in public hands. So currently in the process of finalising timetables and service schedules for it gives me some significant satisfaction distributor to come to this house today and see that Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) a metropolitan train timetable that will take place next year and expect even a Socialist Left Premier can see value — I raise a matter this evening for the in semiprivatisation. attention of the Minister for Roads and to be in a position to make a formal Road Safety. Last week I was contacted by announcement in the near future. Mr Ondarchie interjected. a number of constituents in the Yarraville Quite frankly, with less than 35 days to Mr FINN — As this sceptre is made area, and as is my wont, I visited them go before this government imposes a $438 indeed, as Mr Ondarchie points out. Even shortly thereafter. They are in, to say the fine on Sunbury residents for having the the most ideologically driven Premier that least, a state of flux as to their future. audacity to board a V/Line train, I have this state has ever seen can see value in They do not quite know what impact the an extreme amount of difficulty believing leasing a public utility as he is attempting western distributor will have on them, that the timetable is still being finalised. to do here with the port of Melbourne. their houses, their neighbours or even In fact I do not believe it at all. I am almost The only problem is that the Premier their pets. The Stony Creek reserve is tempted to say that I know it is not true. does not quite get what privatisation is between their homes and the West Gate As I said, I was told two and a half months really all about, because privatisation is all Freeway, and the tunnel — the tunnel ago that the timetable had been prepared. about competition. It is all about allowing mark II, it would seem — will run under What I would like to know is why the people to get into the marketplace and the Stony Creek reserve and turn it into a minister will not release it. What has she compete with each other. A monopoly, as dirty great hole. They are very concerned got to hide? the government is proposing, is not going about the impact this will have on their I know that the minister has thrown to serve anybody’s purposes. It is a failure lifestyle, the value of their properties and a the member for Sunbury to the wolves. of a scheme even before it begins. whole range of matters. We know that just at the moment he is in In recent times we had an excellent The problem is that despite frequent more strife than the early settlers on this proposal, I thought, put forward by the requests they are unable to get answers. issue and a couple of others as well, but coalition government for a deep bay They cannot get a definite answer from this really is a matter that goes to the heart port down at Hastings. Even the Labor anybody as to what is going to happen of a lot of people in Sunbury who want to Party, in the lead-up to the last election a and what is going on. Transurban is in no know what their travel plans will be for little over 12 months ago — how quickly position to say, and the government, if it 2016. it forgets — was proposing Bay West as does know, is not telling anybody. So we I ask the minister in as pleasant a way a location for a second container port. have a situation where a significant group as I possibly can to release the timetable. Members of the Labor Party proposed to of people who are living happy and what We know she has it there somewhere. We the people of Victoria, ‘If you vote for us one would describe as normal lives in the ask her to release the timetable and let the to be the government of Victoria, we will inner suburbs are threatened by a project people of Sunbury know what she has in build Bay West’. They said it to the people and have no way of finding out exactly store for them for 2016. They would very of Geelong and to the people of the west what that threat entails or means for them. much like to know, and with less than 35 of Melbourne, and of course that has It is particularly unfair. days to go of this particular year, I think it now been turfed out the window. That is I know the government has a lot of is well and truly time for her to come clean something that cannot be reiterated more trouble making decisions and struggles and to let the people of Sunbury know strongly. when it comes to biting the bullet on these exactly what their timetable will be for Members of the government say they matters, but the time has well and truly next year. went to the electorate and they got a come for the minister and the government mandate. They did not get a mandate. If to let these people know exactly what they came in here today and said, ‘This they are in for. To live this way, with the legislation will allow the lease of the constant threat hanging over their heads, port of Melbourne and we will build Bay is something I think is largely intolerable. West’, then yes, they would most certainly I ask the minister to make it clear to the have a mandate, but they do not because people of Yarraville very soon exactly what they lied. There is one thing that we have impact the western distributor, with the come to expect from Labor governments revised tunnel — if indeed the revised the world over, be they state, federal or tunnel is not going to be revised again — territory, and that is that they will lie will have on them and their homes. through the teeth on every occasion, and they will do it shamelessly. They will do it without consideration for what is right in any given discussion.

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 39 I come to this debate with a parochial T-intersection. It is just extraordinary. one thing that the Labor Party absolutely point of view. I have deep concerns about Anybody looking from outside must think excels at, it is stuffing things up, and the this legislation’s impact on the western Victoria has gone stark raving mad, and bigger the project the bigger the stuff-up. suburbs of Melbourne, particularly the I have to say, looking at this government, You just have to have a look at the desal inner western suburbs such as Yarraville they may well be correct. plant on the flood plain in Wonthaggi. and Seddon that have been subjected to None of this makes any sense, unless I think they are calling it Steve Bracks heavy traffic flows for many long years. of course, as Mr Ramsay alluded to, you Centre. That is a classic example of the One only has to visit Francis Street in are a shareholder in Transurban, because sort of thing I am talking about. If it cannot Yarraville to see the impact that the people if you were a Transurban shareholder, build a desal plant, would you really trust around that area have had to live with for a tonight you would have the Moet out. You this mob with deciding the future of our very long time. The extraordinary thing is would think this is a great night for you, port for the next 70 years? I do not think that if the east–west link had gone ahead, your family and probably your grandkids so. their problems would have ended. The as well. You would be paraphrasing The regional rail link is another classic heavy vehicles driving through Yarraville, Kerry Packer by saying, ‘You only get one example. We built the thing. The Liberal Seddon and Footscray would have been Daniel Andrews in your life, and I’ve just Party and The Nationals built the thing. taken off those streets. got mine’. You would be celebrating the We raised a good deal of the money so the But under this scheme we have a fact that the Premier of Victoria is a mug thing could go ahead after Julia Gillard cut situation which is quite extraordinary and is so desperate for any project that the funding, and we finally got the thing. given that the people of those areas vote he has gone along with this thing that We built the thing. All the Labor Party had Labor so strongly and so regularly. You Transurban is going to make an absolute to do was to get the timetable right and would think that this government would killing on. Guess who is going to be print it. That is all it had to do. What did it give them some consideration, but not paying? The people of Victoria. Whenever do? It stuffed it up. If a government cannot on your nelly! Zilch, zero, nothing! What Labor stuffs up, who picks up the tab? print a timetable, how could anybody trust the government is in fact proposing is a The people of Victoria. That is something it with the sale or the lease of the port of scheme whereby there will be more traffic we have come to accept as the norm over Melbourne? on the roads of the inner west. There will decades. Ms Crozier — A major asset. be more trucks and bigger trucks on the We then come to the port itself and Mr FINN — A major asset, as Ms Crozier roads of the inner west. How does the the handing over of the lease to a private points out. government live with itself when it treats company for the next 70 years. The its own people in this way? Daniel Andrews, I think it is pretty clear company will need to do significant to most people, is no Tom Cruise, but at It regards the western suburbs as its dredging, and it will need to blast the the moment all we are hearing from him own, and then it treats these people — its heads significantly. We are talking about is ‘Show me the money’. That is all he is own supporters — with total and absolute a — — saying. Was that show about Eddie or contempt. I have no idea how members Ms Crozier interjected. Frank McGuire — or it might have been of this government sleep at night, having Mr FINN — The environmental impacts Jerry; I am not sure. It was one of those. done that to these people. I certainly are huge, Ms Crozier. We are talking about ‘Show me the money’, the Premier says, would not be able to if I had done that. trying to look into the future, to 2085. I and that is what all of this is about. He We had today, I understand, some sort would suggest that in 2085 there will not does not care what he has to do as long as of announcement by the Premier — be too many of us left on this earth — he gets the money. He wants the billions Ms Crozier interjected. maybe under it but certainly not on it. so that he can blow it in the way that only Mr FINN — The western diversion, For this government to try to predict what a Labor Premier can. as I have often described it, Ms Crozier Victoria and Melbourne will need in 2085 It is, from my perspective, a major — spot on the money — but they call is, as I said earlier, some sort of raging concern. It is something that my great- this the western distributor. I have had insanity. It is just a nonsense. Not even grandchildren are going to have to live the opportunity in recent weeks to ask somebody with a crystal ball as big as the with. We are deciding here tonight the chairman of Transurban — which I one the Treasurer, Tim Pallas, has would something that my great-grandchildren understand is right into this up beyond its be able to see what will be happening are going to have to deal with. This is neck — exactly what is going to happen in 70 years. It comes back to those not something that is going to go away with this so-called western distributor. environmental impacts I was discussing. tomorrow or next week; this is 70 years in He has given me some suggestions as to What will happen to Altona beach and the future. I ask the house to give this bill what he would like to see happen, but he Williamstown beach in my electorate? the most serious consideration. said ultimately it is up to the government What will happen to the marina at Point to decide. What those of us in the western Cook or Werribee South? suburbs would like to know is what Mr Ondarchie interjected. COUNCIL | Members statements exactly is going to happen here? If the Mr FINN — It may not be there for long, 9 December 2015 government is going to go ahead with this Mr Ondarchie, because if this government project, supposedly in conjunction with gets its way we may well have a situation the — — — it is not giving any guarantees either Autism services Ms Crozier interjected. way — where there will be significant Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Mr FINN — ‘Where are they going to explosive work at the Heads and have met some wonderful people over get the money from?’, is an extraordinarily significant dredging, which will have huge the course of the year. As I have travelled good question, Ms Crozier, but as you and environmental impacts on our bay, our the state meeting autism groups, service I know, that is not something the Labor beaches and our bayside suburbs. That providers, educators, parents and Party has ever cared about. The Labor is something that this government just researchers, I have met some amazing Party does not give a stuff where it gets refuses to talk about. It just will not talk people doing some amazing things. From the money from, as long as it can move it about it, and it has to. You cannot come Broadmeadows Primary School, which along to the next crowd. Labor members to this Parliament with a proposal which I visited last week with the Leader of the will just say, ‘There’s a whopping great potentially has such a dire impact and just Opposition in the Assembly, Matthew debt there that’s going up by the second. refuse to talk about it. You cannot do that, Guy, to parents in Leongatha, all I have We’ll just leave that sitting in the corner but that is exactly what the government is met have impressed me enormously. trying to do tonight. until the Liberals get in, and they can fix Last week I visited an autism service that up’. It goes back, I suppose, to the Labor specialising in early intervention. There I We have this extraordinary situation Party saying to us, ‘Trust us’. I am a very met Brian. Brian is a three-year-old who here in Victoria where the Labor trusting person, as members on this side on a 1 to 10 scale of cuteness is about a 19. government has spent close to $1 billion of the house will know, but I am never I watched as he went through his paces, stopping a road which would have going to trust members of the Labor Party naming a variety of colours and shapes. removed the traffic from Yarraville, when they tell us, ‘Trust us’. Just have a At this point I must have caught his eye, Seddon and Footscray, and now it wants look at their record over generations. As I and he came over to say hello. I asked him to build the world’s most expensive have said in this house before, if there is his name. As he replied ‘Brian’, the room

IN 40 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 FINN THE HOUSE erupted with cheers and applause. I was books from the library and so on. The Creek and in particular that section of told it was the first time Brian had told children also participate in cooking, art, Moonee Ponds Creek near the exit of the anyone apart from his therapists his name. learning social skills as well as getting a Tullamarine Freeway at Flemington Road. Little Brian did not just make my day much-needed break from mainstream It is somewhat of a misnomer to refer to it or my week. He made my year. I look school (a lot of these children receive as Moonee Ponds Creek, because that part forward to doing much more for Brian no funding and so rely on this break). is in fact a particularly ugly concrete drain. and those like him. Families with autism There is no fee for the arts program. On My view has long been that it is about time in this state are way behind the eight Saturdays the school runs a social skills we did something about that. ball. This government does not give them program for three different age groups. I attended the annual general meeting the support and respect they deserve, The parents have just been informed of the Footscray Historical Society in the that there will be a fee increase from $40 and I look forward to a Guy government per term to $211 per term. last couple of weeks, and I discussed with changing that. In wishing Brian and all a number of locals this very plan. They children and families with autism a very Under any circumstances one can suggested to me that I should raise this in happy Christmas, I look forward to them see that the rise in fees is way beyond the house, and I am doing that now as a all having a better Christmas in years to the CPI. I am also hearing stories of result. They have quite detailed plans of come. cuts with regard to the Jennings Street what they would like to see involved in Autism School in Laverton. This is a very the repatriation of the creek to its natural disturbing thing indeed. state. Given that this is one of the major COUNCIL | Constituency questions Labor has a very sad track record with arrival points of people to our city, and 9 December 2015 autistic education in the western suburbs, sometimes to our country, it would be a and I ask the minister to address these very good thing indeed if we were to get cuts to ensure that children do not miss rid of the concrete drain, replace it with out on these much-needed programs. I the natural waterway that it once was and Impact of western am sure — at least I am hopeful — that appropriately line it with trees and other the minister will be aware that these vegetation. It would be a delight instead of distributor social programs in particular are crucially the eyesore it currently is. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My important for children with autism. They In asking the minister to put in place constituency question is to the Minister very much shape their future and how plans to restore the creek to its natural for Roads and Road Safety. I refer to the they will cope with life. I ask the minister beauty, I take this opportunity to wish Premier’s announcement regarding the to investigate the matters that I have you, President — as well as members western distributor or, as some refer to raised and restore the funding that has and staff and their families — a very it, the western diversion. Aside from been cut from these areas. happy Christmas. I am hopeful that on questions surrounding the business future Christmases many of us will be plan — such as: is there one? — and the able to go down to the banks of the newly funding of this very mysterious project, COUNCIL | Constituency questions 10 December 2015 restored Moonee Ponds Creek and enjoy very real concerns exist among residents a barbecue or a picnic, something that of Melbourne’s inner west as to the impact at the moment is quite impossible — not this road will have on their lives. Requests that you would want to do it anyway. by concerned locals to Transurban for the release of consultation reports have Sunbury I ask the minister to take this on board been met with the response that it is up and to put in place a plan to return the to the government to do that. Taking that municipality: audit Moonee Ponds Creek to something advice on board, I ask: when will the that we can all be proud of, something minister publicly release these reports on of beauty and something that nature committee cost intended it to be. consultation with local residents? Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My constituency question is to the Minister COUNCIL | Adjournment for Local Government. Prior to the last election the then opposition committed 9 December 2015 to respecting the views of the people of Sunbury and Hume, as expressed in a democratic vote, and implement Autism services the coalition government’s decision to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I establish a stand-alone Sunbury council. wish to raise a matter for the Minister for After much procrastination the minister Education, and it concerns some major came up with an audit committee, the worries that I have about education result of which was a predetermined funding for children with autism in the report the government used to break western suburbs of Melbourne. It has its promise to the people of Sunbury. been brought to my attention that there Putting aside the cost to the government’s have been some significant funding cuts integrity, how many taxpayer dollars were at the Western Autistic School, resulting in expended in perpetrating this disgraceful a subsequent increase in costs for certain betrayal of Sunbury and Bulla residents? educational services. One letter has been brought to my COUNCIL | Adjournment attention. It reads: 10 December 2015 My son William amongst many other high-functioning children attend programs run by the Western Autistic School at both the Niddrie Moonee Ponds and Laverton campuses. Parents have recently been informed that Creek due to funding the Tuesday arts Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) program is being cut completely. — I raise a matter this evening for the This program offers children a break attention of the Minister for Environment, from mainstream school as well as Climate Change and Water. I am sure that supports their learning, socially and this is something that even the Greens will within the community. It facilitates agree with me on, so this is a red-letter and supports the children in learning day for us all. Even Mr Jennings may go how to function in the community along with this. It concerns Moonee Ponds by doing some shopping, borrowing

IN FINN THE HOUSE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2015 41

FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches August to December 2015

Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Melbourne’s West Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Autism Spectrum Disorder Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Electoral Integrity

Suite 101, 19 Lacy Street, Braybrook Vic 3019 Telephone (03) 9317 5900 • Fax (03) 9317 5911 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com