PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

FIFTY-SIXTH PARLIAMENT

FIRST SESSION

Book 1 19 and 20 December 2006

Internet: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/downloadhansard

By authority of the Victorian Government Printer

The Governor

Professor DAVID de KRETSER, AC

The Lieutenant-Governor

The Honourable Justice MARILYN WARREN, AC

The ministry

Premier, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs...... The Hon. S. P. Bracks, MP

Deputy Premier and Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change...... The Hon. J. W. Thwaites, MP

Minister for Education...... The Hon. J. Lenders, MLC

Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment and Minister for Women’s Affairs...... The Hon. J. M. Allan, MP

Minister for Gaming, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs ...... The Hon. D. M. Andrews, MP

Minister for Victorian Communities and Minister for Energy and Resources...... The Hon. P. Batchelor, MP

Treasurer, Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Minister for Innovation...... The Hon. J. M. Brumby, MP

Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrections...... The Hon. R. G. Cameron, MP

Minister for Agriculture...... The Hon. J. Helper, MP

Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission, Minister for Tourism and Minister for Information and Communication Technology ...... The Hon. T. J. Holding, MP

Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing...... The Hon. R. J. Hulls, MP

Minister for Community Services and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs . . . The Hon. G. W. Jennings, MLC

Minister for Public Transport and Minister for the Arts...... The Hon. L. J. Kosky, MP

Minister for Planning...... The Hon. J. M. Madden, MLC

Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs...... The Hon. J. A. Merlino, MP

Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Children and Minister for Aged Care ...... The Hon. L. M. Neville, MP

Minister for Roads and Ports...... The Hon. T. H. Pallas, MP

Minister for Health...... The Hon. B. J. Pike, MP

Minister for Industry and State Development, Minister for Major Projects and Minister for Small Business...... The Hon. T. C. Theophanous, MLC

Minister for Housing and Minister for Local Government...... The Hon. R. W. Wynne, MP

Cabinet Secretary...... Mr A. G. Robinson, MP

Heads of parliamentary departments Assembly — Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: Mr R. W. Purdey Council — Clerk of the Legislative Council: Mr W. R. Tunnecliffe Parliamentary Services — Secretary: Dr S. O’Kane

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

FIFTY-SIXTH PARLIAMENT — FIRST SESSION

Speaker: The Hon. JENNY LINDELL Deputy Speaker: Ms A. P. BARKER Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Premier: The Hon. S. P. BRACKS Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Deputy Premier: The Hon. J. W. THWAITES Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition: Mr E. N. BAILLIEU Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition: The Hon. LOUISE ASHER Leader of The Nationals: Mr P. J. RYAN Deputy Leader of The Nationals: Mr P. L. WALSH

Member District Party Member District Party

Allan, Ms Jacinta Marie Bendigo East ALP Lindell, Ms Jennifer Margaret Carrum ALP Andrews, Mr Daniel Michael Mulgrave ALP Lobato, Ms Tamara Louise Gembrook ALP Asher, Ms Louise Brighton LP Lupton, Mr Anthony Gerard Prahran ALP Baillieu, Mr Edward Norman Hawthorn LP McIntosh, Mr Andrew John Kew LP Barker, Ms Ann Patricia Oakleigh ALP Maddigan, Mrs Judith Marilyn Essendon ALP Batchelor, Mr Peter John Thomastown ALP Marshall, Ms Kirstie Forest Hill ALP Beattie, Ms Elizabeth Jean Yuroke ALP Merlino, Mr James Anthony Monbulk ALP Blackwood, Mr Gary John Narracan LP Morand, Ms Maxine Veronica Mount Waverley ALP Bracks, Mr Stephen Phillip Williamstown ALP Morris, Mr David Charles Mornington LP Brooks, Mr Colin William Bundoora ALP Mulder, Mr Terence Wynn Polwarth LP Brumby, Mr John Mansfield Broadmeadows ALP Munt, Ms Janice Ruth Mordialloc ALP Burgess, Mr Neale Ronald Hastings LP Napthine, Dr Denis Vincent South-West Coast LP Cameron, Mr Robert Graham Bendigo West ALP Nardella, Mr Donato Antonio Melton ALP Campbell, Ms Christine Mary Pascoe Vale ALP Neville, Ms Lisa Mary Bellarine ALP Carli, Mr Carlo Domenico Brunswick ALP Northe, Mr Russell John Morwell Nats Clark, Mr Robert William Box Hill LP O’Brien, Mr Michael Anthony Malvern LP Crisp, Mr Peter Laurence Mildura Nats Overington, Ms Karen Marie Ballarat West ALP Crutchfield, Mr Michael Paul South Barwon ALP Pallas, Mr Timothy Hugh Tarneit ALP D’Ambrosio, Ms Liliana Mill Park ALP Pandazopoulos, Mr John Dandenong ALP Delahunty, Mr Hugh Francis Lowan Nats Perera, Mr Jude Cranbourne ALP Dixon, Mr Martin Francis Nepean LP Pike, Ms Bronwyn Jane Melbourne ALP Donnellan, Mr Luke Anthony Narre Warren North ALP Powell, Mrs Elizabeth Jeanette Shepparton Nats Duncan, Ms Joanne Therese Macedon ALP Richardson, Ms Fiona Catherine Alison Northcote ALP Eren, Mr John Hamdi Lara ALP Robinson, Mr Anthony Gerard Mitcham ALP Fyffe, Mrs Christine Ann Evelyn LP Ryan, Mr Peter Julian Gippsland South Nats Graley, Ms Judith Ann Narre Warren South ALP Scott, Mr Robin David Preston ALP Green, Ms Danielle Louise Yan Yean ALP Seitz, Mr George Keilor ALP Haermeyer, Mr André Kororoit ALP Shardey, Mrs Helen Jean Caulfield LP Hardman, Mr Benedict Paul Seymour ALP Smith, Mr Kenneth Maurice Bass LP Harkness, Dr Alistair Ross Frankston ALP Smith, Mr Ryan Warrandyte LP Helper, Mr Jochen Ripon ALP Stensholt, Mr Robert Einar Burwood ALP Herbert, Mr Steven Ralph Eltham ALP Sykes, Dr William Everett Benalla Nats Hodgett, Mr David John Kilsyth LP Thompson, Mr Murray Hamilton Ross Sandringham LP Holding, Mr Timothy James Lyndhurst ALP Thomson, Ms Marsha Rose Footscray ALP Howard, Mr Geoffrey Kemp Ballarat East ALP Thwaites, Mr Johnstone William Albert Park ALP Hudson, Mr Robert John Bentleigh ALP Tilley, Mr William John Benambra LP Hulls, Mr Rob Justin Niddrie ALP Trezise, Mr Ian Douglas Geelong ALP Ingram, Mr Craig Gippsland East Ind Victoria, Mrs Heidi Bayswater LP Jasper, Mr Kenneth Stephen Murray Valley Nats Wakeling, Mr Nicholas Ferntree Gully LP Kosky, Ms Lynne Janice Altona ALP Walsh, Mr Peter Lindsay Swan Hill Nats Kotsiras, Mr Nicholas Bulleen LP Weller, Mr Paul Rodney Nats Langdon, Mr Craig Anthony Cuffe Ivanhoe ALP Wells, Mr Kimberley Arthur Scoresby LP Languiller, Mr Telmo Ramon Derrimut ALP Wooldridge, Ms Mary Louise Newling Doncaster LP Lim, Mr Muy Hong Clayton ALP Wynne, Mr Richard William Richmond ALP

CONTENTS

TUESDAY, 19 DECEMBER 2006 BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Sessional orders...... 29 OPENING OF PARLIAMENT BY COMMISSION ...... 1 Proclamations...... 32 SWEARING IN OF MEMBERS...... 1 ADJOURNMENT ELECTION OF SPEAKER ...... 2 Port of Hastings: development ...... 46 Rail: Broadmeadows line ...... 46 ELECTION OF DEPUTY SPEAKER...... 3 Sheep: pens ...... 47 PRESENTATION OF SPEAKER TO GOVERNOR...... 3 Sunbury: day hospital...... 47 GOVERNOR’S SPEECH Planning: Glenelg development ...... 48 Presentation...... 4 Planning: Stonington Mansion...... 48 Address-in-reply...... 17 Police: memorandum of understanding...... 49 COMMISSION TO SWEAR MEMBERS ...... 4 Bushfires: emergency services...... 49 EastLink: construction...... 50 MINISTRY...... 4 Melbourne Water: Edgars Creek rehabilitation...... 51 SHADOW MINISTRY ...... 4 Responses...... 51 THE NATIONALS: PORTFOLIO RESPONSIBILITIES...... 5 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Water: state supply...... 5 WEDNESDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2006 Bushfires: response ...... 6 Water: interstate trading...... 7 BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Bushfires: Thomson Dam...... 8 Photographing of proceedings ...... 53 Water: Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong supply ...... 8 Adjournment...... 54 Bushfires: emergency services...... 9 CONDOLENCES Water: Gippsland recycling proposal ...... 9 Donald Neville Saltmarsh...... 53 Bushfires: government assistance...... 10 PETITIONS Police: Caulfield assault...... 10 California Gully Primary School: access road...... 53 Economy: rural and regional Victoria ...... 11 Falun Gong: human rights ...... 53 DISTINGUISHED VISITOR...... 7 Parliament: responsible government ...... 53 STATUTE LAW REPEALS BILL Mornington Peninsula Freeway: extension ...... 54 Introduction and first reading...... 12 Rail: Melbourne–Shepparton line...... 54 WATER AMENDMENT (CRITICAL WATER DOCUMENTS ...... 54 INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS) BILL MEMBERS STATEMENTS Introduction and first reading...... 12 Parliament: 150th anniversary...... 55 MURRAY-DARLING BASIN AMENDMENT BILL South East Water: dams policy...... 55 Introduction and first reading...... 12 Alfred Centre: project completion...... 55 INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION AMENDMENT Water: tank rebates...... 55, 59 BILL Neil Treyvaud...... 56 Introduction and first reading...... 12 Brauer College: science wing ...... 56 SENATE ELECTIONS AMENDMENT BILL Legislative Assembly: former members ...... 56 Mount Waverley electorate: election result ...... 57 Introduction and first reading...... 12 Water: restrictions ...... 57 PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AMENDMENT BILL Tom James ...... 57 Introduction and first reading...... 13 Mordialloc electorate: election result...... 57 CONTROL OF WEAPONS AMENDMENT Bushfires: Gippsland East electorate...... 57 (PENALTIES) BILL Frankston electorate: election result...... 58 Introduction and first reading...... 13 Mary Yeaxlee ...... 58 STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT Family violence: anger management support (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL group...... 58 Introduction and first reading...... 13 McKinnon Secondary College: achievements ...... 58 Second reading...... 13, 32 Police: Caulfield assault...... 59 Remaining stages ...... 46 Macedon electorate: election result ...... 59 DOCUMENTS ...... 15 Cranbourne electorate: community kitchens ...... 60 APPROPRIATION MESSAGE ...... 17 Planning: Stonington Mansion...... 60 Greater Geelong and Surf Coast: mayors ...... 60 SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE Eltham electorate: community service awards ...... 61 Membership...... 29 MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE Water: management...... 61 CONTENTS

GOVERNOR’S SPEECH Address-in-reply ...... 82, 98, 134 SENATE ELECTIONS AMENDMENT BILL Second reading...... 88 ABSENCE OF MINISTER...... 89 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board: chief officer ...... 89 Schools: government policy ...... 89 Roads: funding ...... 90 Water: Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong supply ...... 90 Gaming: public lotteries licence...... 92 Hospitals: funding...... 92 Planning: local government...... 93 Industrial relations: WorkChoices...... 93 Local government: funding...... 94 Government: financial management ...... 94 WATER AMENDMENT (CRITICAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS) BILL Second reading...... 95 MURRAY-DARLING BASIN AMENDMENT BILL Second reading...... 96 CONTROL OF WEAPONS AMENDMENT (PENALTIES) BILL Second reading...... 132 INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL Second reading...... 133 PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AMENDMENT BILL Second reading...... 134 ADJOURNMENT Rail: V/Line retail promotions ...... 145 Oak Park Tennis Club and Hadfield Netball Club: funding ...... 146 Water: irrigators ...... 147 Multicultural affairs: grants ...... 147, 148, 149 Fitzsimons Lane–Parkwood Place, Templestowe: safety...... 148 Rosebud Hospital: obstetric services...... 149 Australian Labor Party: election promises ...... 150 Special Olympics Victoria: funding...... 151 Responses ...... 151

MEMBERS INDEX ...... i OPENING OF PARLIAMENT BY COMMISSION

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 1

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 Bendigo West Bob Cameron Bentleigh Rob Hudson OPENING OF PARLIAMENT BY Box Hill Robert Clark COMMISSION Brighton Louise Asher Proceedings commenced at 11.04 a.m. by Clerk Broadmeadows John Brumby reading the Governor’s proclamation convoking Brunswick Carlo Carli Parliament. Bulleen Nicholas Kotsiras Usher of the Black Rod appeared at Bar and Bundoora Colin Brooks announced that the Senior Commissioner appointed Burwood Bob Stensholt by the Governor to open Parliament (the Honourable Justice Marilyn Warren, AC, Chief Carrum Jenny Lindell Justice of Victoria) requested attendance of Caulfield Helen Shardey Legislative Assembly members in Legislative Clayton Hong Lim Council to hear commission read for commencement and holding of present session of Cranbourne Jude Perera Parliament. Dandenong John Pandazopoulos Derrimut Telmo Languiller Honourable members, accompanied by chief officers of house, proceeded to Legislative Council Doncaster Mary Wooldridge chamber. Eltham Steve Herbert On return of members to Legislative Assembly Essendon Judy Maddigan chamber the Honourable Justice Christopher Evelyn Christine Fyffe Maxwell entered chamber and was conducted to Ferntree Gully Nick Wakeling chair by Serjeant-at-Arms. Footscray Marsha Thomson Forest Hill Kirstie Marshall SWEARING IN OF MEMBERS Frankston Alistair Harkness Commission appointing the Honourable Justice Geelong Ian Trezise Christopher Maxwell to administer oath and Gembrook Tammy Lobato affirmation of allegiance to members of Legislative Gippsland East Craig Ingram Assembly read by Clerk. Gippsland South Peter Ryan Clerk announced receipt of return of writ issued by Hastings Neale Burgess the Governor for election of 88 members to serve for electoral districts set out below and endorsed to Hawthorn Ted Baillieu show election of following members: Ivanhoe Craig Langdon Keilor George Seitz District Member Kew Andrew McIntosh Albert Park John Thwaites Kilsyth David Hodgett Altona Lynne Kosky Kororoit André Haermeyer Ballarat East Geoff Howard Lara John Eren Ballarat West Karen Overington Lowan Hugh Delahunty Bass Ken Smith Lyndhurst Tim Holding Bayswater Heidi Victoria Macedon Joanne Duncan Bellarine Lisa Neville Malvern Michael O’Brien Benalla Bill Sykes Melbourne Bronwyn Pike Benambra Bill Tilley Melton Don Nardella Bendigo East Jacinta Allan Mildura Peter Crisp ELECTION OF SPEAKER

2 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006

Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio ELECTION OF SPEAKER Mitcham Tony Robinson Ms DUNCAN (Macedon) — I propose the member Monbulk James Merlino for Carrum, Jenny Lindell, as Speaker of the Mordialloc Janice Munt Legislative Assembly, and I move:

Mornington David Morris That the member for Carrum take the chair of this house as Morwell Russell Northe Speaker. Mount Waverley Maxine Morand Ms MUNT (Mordialloc) — I second the motion. Mulgrave Daniel Andrews Ms LINDELL (Carrum) — I accept the Murray Valley Ken Jasper nomination. Narracan Gary Blackwood Motion agreed to. Narre Warren North Luke Donnellan Narre Warren South Judith Graley Clerk declared honourable member for Carrum duly elected as Speaker. Nepean Martin Dixon Niddrie Rob Hulls Ms Lindell conducted to chair by proposer and Northcote Fiona Richardson seconder. Oakleigh Ann Barker The SPEAKER (Hon. Jenny Lindell) — To the Pascoe Vale Christine Campbell Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of The Polwarth Terry Mulder Nationals and all members I say thank you for electing me to the position of Speaker of the Legislative Prahran Tony Lupton Assembly. Preston Robin Scott Today I feel the same mixture of pride and humility Richmond Richard Wynne that I felt on the first day of the first term of the Bracks Ripon Joe Helper Labor government on 3 November 1999, when I first Rodney Paul Weller took the oath of office as the member for Carrum. To the electors of Carrum, whom I have had the honour to Sandringham Murray Thompson represent, I say thank you for the trust you have Scoresby Kim Wells displayed by electing me for the third time. Seymour Ben Hardman Like many members, I enjoy the robust nature of debate Shepparton Jeanette Powell that can occur within this chamber. The cut and thrust of South Barwon Michael Crutchfield policy debate, the sharp wit and the outrageously funny South-West Coast Denis Napthine all have their place in our parliamentary democracy, but, to use a sporting analogy, members should play the ball, Swan Hill Peter Walsh not the man — or woman. I certainly look forward to Tarneit Tim Pallas working with all members to ensure that the business of Thomastown Peter Batchelor the house is conducted in an orderly and amicable manner. I welcome the opportunity to work with the Warrandyte Ryan Smith parliamentary staff not only to make the parliamentary Williamstown Steve Bracks precinct a leader in the sustainable use of energy and Yan Yean Danielle Green water but to facilitate and monitor the collection of environmental data throughout the Parliament, including Yuroke Liz Beattie levels of resource consumption, energy and water use, Members took and subscribed either oath or and waste production. affirmation of allegiance to Her Majesty Queen On behalf of all members I would like to acknowledge Elizabeth II. the contribution of our former Speaker, Judy Maddigan. Commissioner withdrew. As the first woman Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Judy has earned her place in the history of this chamber. On behalf of all members I thank her for endeavouring to enhance the image of parliamentarians ELECTION OF DEPUTY SPEAKER

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 3 in the wider community through her efforts to improve I note your commentary about the importance of energy the standard of behaviour during debates. and energy wastage — and there is a certain synergy in that with regard to the control of question time! We Once again, thank you for the honour you have look forward to participating in a constructive manner conferred upon me today. in the way you discharge your important role, with the respect and impartiality that behoves it. I congratulate Mr BRACKS (Premier) — Speaker, I congratulate you again. you on your election to the position of Speaker. You have served this Parliament extremely well over the last seven years as the member for Carrum. As you ELECTION OF DEPUTY SPEAKER mentioned, you have been elected on a third occasion. Obviously the people of Carrum have a great deal of Mr LANGDON (Ivanhoe) — It is my great regard for your work and have asked you to come back pleasure to propose the member for Oakleigh, Ann to this place. You were also an Acting Speaker in the Barker, as Deputy Speaker, and I move: last Parliament, and you filled that position extremely well. I know you will carry with you the great That the member for Oakleigh be appointed Deputy Speaker of this house. independence and great professionalism that the role of Speaker requires, and I know the faith we in this house Dr HARKNESS (Frankston) — I second the have in you will be repaid in your work as Speaker over motion. the next four years. Congratulations on behalf of the Labor Party. The SPEAKER — Order! Does the member for Oakleigh accept the nomination? I also congratulate the former Speaker, the member for Essendon, who did a great job in this house over the last Ms BARKER (Oakleigh) — I am very honoured to full term of office. I wish her very well in her future accept the nomination. parliamentary duties and thank her on behalf of the Parliament and the Labor Party. Motion agreed to.

Speaker, we wish you the best in the coming term. Speaker declared honourable member for Oakleigh duly elected as Deputy Speaker. Mr BAILLIEU (Leader of the Opposition) — Speaker, I rise to add our congratulations on your Mr BRACKS (Premier) — I have to inform the appointment and our best wishes for the term ahead. house that I have already ascertained that the Governor Your office is one of immense significance to our will be pleased to receive the Speaker in the library, Westminster system. It is an office steeped in authority, Parliament House, today at 2.10 p.m. I would like as equity and balance, and combines the need for wisdom, many members as possible to assemble in the library at decisiveness, fair play and a fair go. 2.08 p.m. to accompany the Speaker.

At the end of the day responsibility for the good Sitting suspended 11.50 a.m. until 2.30 p.m. conduct of the house is one we must all share, and we The SPEAKER resumed the chair and read the look forward to working with you to advance the prayer. collective cause of the Parliament. We trust that our conduct and the conduct of the house under your stewardship will be in line with the high expectations of PRESENTATION OF SPEAKER TO our community, and we will be doing our best to make GOVERNOR it so. Congratulations on behalf of the Liberal Party and the opposition. The SPEAKER — I advise the house that today I presented myself to the Governor as the choice of this Mr RYAN (Leader of The Nationals) — Speaker, I Assembly and that he was pleased to address me in the echo the sentiments of the Premier and the Leader of following terms: the Opposition in congratulating you upon your appointment to this high office, which is of pivotal Speaker, importance to the way in which this Parliament functions. I congratulate you upon your election for I have pleasure in congratulating you on your election to the high and important office of Speaker of the Legislative your third term here, and on behalf of The Nationals I Assembly. undertake to work with you in the discharge of your onerous responsibilities in this place. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

4 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006

The able manner in which you have discharged the duties you The honourable member for Broadmeadows is have undertaken during your parliamentary career is Treasurer, Minister for Regional and Rural recognised by the members of the Legislative Assembly, who in their wisdom have selected you as their Speaker. Development and Minister for Innovation. He will answer for the Minister for Industry and State I have confidence that you will fulfil the duties of this Development and the Minister for Small Business in distinguished office and hold fast to its traditions and another place. The honourable member for Bendigo customs. West is Minister for Police and Emergency Services David de Kretser, AC and Minister for Corrections. The honourable member Governor of Victoria for Ripon is Minister for Agriculture.

The honourable member for Lyndhurst is Minister for GOVERNOR’S SPEECH Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission, Minister for Tourism and Minister for Usher of the Black Rod brought message from the Information and Communication Technology. The Governor desiring attendance of honourable honourable member for Niddrie is the members in Legislative Council chamber. Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Members, led by the Speaker, proceeded to Council Minister for Racing. The honourable member for chamber. Altona is Minister for Public Transport and Minister for the Arts. She will answer for the Minister for Major Sitting suspended 3.25 p.m. until 5.05 p.m. Projects in another place. The honourable member for Monbulk is Minister for COMMISSION TO SWEAR MEMBERS Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs. The honourable member for Bellarine is Minister for Mental Health, The SPEAKER announced receipt from the Minister for Children and Minister for Aged Care. The Governor of commission authorising her to honourable member for Tarneit is Minister for Roads administer oath or affirmation of allegiance to and Ports. The honourable member for Melbourne is members who have not taken and subscribed same Minister for Health, and she will answer for the since election. Minister for Community Services in another place. The honourable member for Richmond is Minister for Housing and Minister for Local Government. MINISTRY In the Legislative Council John Lenders is Minister for Mr BRACKS (Premier) — I wish to inform the Education; Gavin Jennings is Minister for Community house of the responsibilities that will be undertaken by Services and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; the ministers in this Parliament. In the Legislative Honourable Justin Madden is Minister for Planning; Assembly, I will be responsible for the roles of Premier, and the Honourable Theo Theophanous is Minister for Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Industry and State Development, Minister for Major Veterans’ Affairs. The honourable member for Albert Projects and Minister for Small Business. Park is Deputy Premier and Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change. He will answer on The member for Ivanhoe continues to be the behalf of the Minister for Planning in the other place. Government Whip in the Legislative Assembly.

The honourable member for Bendigo East is Minister Honourable members — Hear, hear! for Skills, Education Services and Employment, as well as Minister for Women’s Affairs. She will answer for Mr BRACKS — They all want to get on with the the Minister for Education in another place. The whip! The Government Whip in the Legislative honourable member for Mulgrave is Minister for Council is Matt Viney. Gaming, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs. The honourable member for Thomastown is Minister for SHADOW MINISTRY Victorian Communities and Minister for Energy and Mr BAILLIEU (Leader of the Opposition) — I am Resources. He will answer for the Minister for happy to inform the house of the responsibilities of the Aboriginal Affairs in another place. Liberal Party in this house. I will have responsibility as Liberal Party leader and as shadow Minister for the Arts. The member for Brighton will be the Deputy THE NATIONALS: PORTFOLIO RESPONSIBILITIES

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 5

Leader of the Opposition and have responsibility for responsibility for police and emergency services, water, environment and climate change. The member corrections and Treasury; the member for Lowan will for Box Hill will be the shadow Attorney-General and have responsibility for health, mental health, aged care have responsibility for industrial relations, information and for children and will also be the Whip for The and communication technology, and energy and Nationals; the member for Mildura will have resources. responsibility for public transport and major projects; the member for Morwell will have responsibility for The member for Nepean will be responsible for skills, industry and state development and sport, recreation education services and employment, innovation, and youth affairs; the member for Murray Valley will Victorian communities and veterans affairs. The have responsibility for tourism, consumer affairs and member for Bulleen will be responsible for veterans affairs; the member for Rodney will have multicultural affairs and youth, sport and recreation, responsibility for roads and ports, Victorian and will be the Opposition Whip. The member for Kew communities and small business; the member for will be responsible for police and emergency services Shepparton will have responsibility for local and corrections, and will be the manager of opposition government, planning, women’s affairs, multicultural business in the Assembly. affairs and the arts; the member for Swan Hill will have responsibility for water, environment and climate The member for Polwarth will be responsible for public change, agriculture and industrial relations, and will transport and roads. The member for South West Coast also be the spokesman on the River Murray. will be responsible for ports, regional and rural development, and racing. The member for Malvern will In the other place, Damian Drum will have be responsible for gaming. The member for Caulfield responsibility for community services and disabilities, will be responsible for health. The member for Bass housing, racing and Aboriginal affairs; and Peter Hall will be responsible for local government. The member will have responsibility for education, skills and for Scoresby will be the shadow Treasurer. The employment, energy and resources, information and member for Doncaster will be responsible for mental communication technology, and innovation. health, drug abuse and aged care. Mr Mulder — On a point of order, Speaker, I seek In the other place, Philip Davis is the Leader of the clarification from the Premier as to which minister will Opposition in the Legislative Council and will have take responsibility for the rail freight network. responsibility for education; Andrea Coote is the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and will have The SPEAKER — Order! There is no point of responsibility for community services, Aboriginal order. affairs and children, as well as being the manager of opposition business; Richard Dalla-Riva will be responsible for the scrutiny of government and QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE manufacturing and exports; David Davis will be responsible for industry and state development, major Water: state supply projects and small business; Matthew Guy will be Mr BAILLIEU (Leader of the Opposition) — My responsible for planning; Wendy Lovell will be question is to the Premier. Will the Premier guarantee responsible for tourism, women’s affairs, housing, that in 2007 Victorians will have adequate water country Victoria and consumer affairs; Gordon resources for households, industry and agriculture? Rich-Phillips will be responsible for finance, including the Transport Accident Commission and WorkCover; Mr BRACKS (Premier) — I thank the opposition John Vogels will have responsibility for agriculture; leader for his question. I am very grateful that the and David Koch will be the Opposition Whip. public of Victoria has endorsed our policies, including Our Water Our Future, for the next term.

THE NATIONALS: PORTFOLIO In the overwhelming endorsement of the public of RESPONSIBILITIES Victoria for our plan, endorsement was given for the largest recycling project in Victoria — in fact the Mr RYAN (Leader of The Nationals) — Shadow largest in Australia — the $300 million investment in responsibilities for The Nationals are as follows: I will the eastern treatment plan to recycle water to A-grade retain responsibility for the areas of the quality. The public of Victoria gave support to our plan Attorney-General, regional and rural development, to have a pipeline — the goldfields super-pipe — for finance and gaming; the member for Benalla will have Ballarat and Bendigo, which has been opposed QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

6 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 variously by different opposition parties in the state. seeing very large bushfires occurring in this state which They gave endorsement for our plans for recycling in are usually characteristic of a very dry bushfire Bendigo, recycling in Ballarat, recycling in Geelong season — a drought — and which would occur at the and the connection of the aquifers which we are end of the summer period, not the start of the summer proposing for the Geelong region as well. They also period. endorsed our proposals for a water grid, which include significant improvements to the irrigation system in the I pay tribute to the thousands and thousands of state, to make sure we can secure water for the future. firefighters who are currently on the front line. As we are meeting here in the Parliament this afternoon we The people of Victoria have decided — — know that there are thousands of paid and professional firefighters and thousands of support staff who are there Mr Baillieu — On a point of order, Speaker, it was supporting the efforts of communities right around the a very simple question about a guarantee on water state. I am very grateful for their support, and I know resources in 2007. that the people of Victoria are very grateful for their support. The SPEAKER — Order! There is no point of order. The fires continue to be fought by thousands of brave Victorians with support from interstate and overseas Mr BRACKS — The best guarantee is the firefighters. I take a moment to wish a speedy and guarantee that the public gives to your program, and the effective recovery for the New Zealand firefighters who public has guaranteed that we have the plans, we have are currently hospitalised and some who have just come the opportunity and we have the mandate to implement out of treatment as well. We wish them every success. what are going to be the best water projects anywhere They have been reunited with their families in some in Australia — — cases. They have done a great service for us. We Honourable members interjecting. appreciate the service they have given, and we wish them a speedy recovery. The SPEAKER — Order! Following the 2002–03 bushfires we received a report Mr BRACKS — In saying that, I point out that the from the emergency services commissioner, Bruce public also rejected the inferior plans of the opposition Esplin, which indicated that, whilst the fight was which were put as well. effective in 2002–03, there are other things we can do to make it even better. The three major Honourable members interjecting. recommendations were, first, that we use more local intelligence on the ground — coming up from The SPEAKER — Order! The Leader of the communities, firefighters, volunteers and others — to Opposition! better look at fire behaviour in certain communities and see how to better prepare for that and counter those Bushfires: response situations.

Mr HARDMAN (Seymour) — My question is to The second recommendation was that we reinforce the the Premier. I refer to the bushfires currently burning in community effort to have effective fire plans in place, north-eastern Victoria and Gippsland, and I ask the and that has been an enormous success in this state. The Premier to detail for the house what steps the fire plans, with which we are leading the country and government has taken to better respond to the bushfire leading the world in some cases, are part of the effort to threat. have the community be part of the fire fight and to Mr BRACKS (Premier) — I thank the member for make sure we have clear information for people on Seymour for his question, and I also congratulate him whether to stay or to go. If they are staying, they need on his elevation to the position of Parliamentary to have fire plans ready, and if they are going, they need Secretary for Agriculture. I know the member will do a to go early. These plans have been important adjuncts good job in supporting the member for Ripon in his role to the fire fight in this state. The third recommendation as Minister for Agriculture in this state. was for more resources. There was a recommendation in 2002–03 that we further increase resources to The bushfires in Victoria have been raging since support our firefighting effort in Victoria. 1 December. We have to remind ourselves in this house that it is in fact the middle of December and not the On all those fronts we have made sure that with this fire middle of February or the middle of March. We are fight, which is taking place in worse conditions than we QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 7 had in 2002–03 — they are arguably as bad as the communities and those householders were as part of conditions in 1983 and possibly as bad as the conditions that fight. which were faced in Victoria in 1939 — we have the best firefighting effort we have ever had in this state, There is great community spirit in Victoria, and there is despite these very difficult circumstances. I great cooperation. I know it is going to be a long effort, congratulate the teams and teams of people out there and I know that we have to understand in this house implementing the plans which were outlined as part of that fatigue is going to be there in the future, because the Esplin report in 2002–03. For example, in resources what is happening now is going to be repeated in we have nearly doubled the Country Fire Authority’s January and February next year. We are coming up to a budget to $200 million per year — that is the highest time when people are preparing with family and friends budget the CFA has ever had in this state. We have for events at Christmas. A lot of our communities have provided $77 million for new firefighting trucks and been fighting fires and worrying about the threat of fire tankers and $82 million for new and upgraded stations. to their communities. In this house we want to pay tribute to them and pay tribute to those communities That enabled, for example last Thursday, on a critical and understand that the fire fight is going to be a long day in Victoria in fighting the fires, 4000 firefighters to one. Again, I reiterate the support we have for our be on the front line. It enabled 600 tankers to be there firefighting services in Victoria. supporting those firefighters, as well as 190 bulldozers and 43 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to confront Water: interstate trading the fires burning across a front of some 200 kilometres. We do have more resources, we do have better plans Mr RYAN (Leader of The Nationals) — My and we do have the support of the community in question is to the Minister for Water, Environment and instituting those fire plans as well. Climate Change. Given the reliance which Victoria’s Murray River communities place upon irrigation water, Nevertheless we have taken some losses here in this why is Victoria proposing to commence interstate water state, and certainly our condolences go out to the family trading in January 2007 when New South Wales has and friends of the person who had volunteered to fight a made no such commitment? fire, and that includes the heroic action that was taken in trying to support a neighbour and friends in that fire Mr THWAITES (Minister for Water, Environment fight. We also offer our support to the people who have and Climate Change) — I thank the Leader of The lost dwellings as part of the fire episode in this state. Nationals for his question. There is a very simple Some 30 houses have been lost. We have lost some answer. It is because The Nationals in Canberra and the tourist facilities as well, and some fencing and other Liberal Party in Canberra have, as part of the national equipment have been destroyed. Obviously we will do water initiative, indicated that there ought to be what we can to support those people who have lost in permanent water trading and in fact have imposed a this fire. financial penalty on Victoria for not doing the trading. Perhaps the Leader of The Nationals would do better to I am very grateful for the cooperation and support of pick up the telephone and speak to his colleagues in the the federal government. I was able to announce — as federal Nationals, speak to the Leader of The Nationals was the Premier of Tasmania in relation to the fires that and speak to the federal Minister for Agriculture, occurred there — joint assistance arrangements which Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, and if he did the commonwealth has also instituted as part of its he might be informed about the national water disaster plan in addition to that which we have initiative. instituted as part of the Department of Human Services recovery efforts in this state. Questions interrupted.

I want to also say, having visited the fire areas — and I know many members of this Parliament have done DISTINGUISHED VISITOR that — that whilst we have had some losses, it is The SPEAKER — Order! Before calling the remarkable how many houses have been saved. On the member for Eltham, I acknowledge the presence in the night on which we lost several houses, something like gallery of former Speaker Alex Andrianopoulos. 200 houses were directly saved, and if you saw how close the fires got, with everything burnt out — sheds, Questions resumed. fences, everything on the properties except houses — you could see how successfully defended those QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

8 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Bushfires: Thomson Dam being constructed, with the aid of around 40 to 50 bulldozers, by, as I indicated, DSE, the army and the Mr HERBERT (Eltham) — My question is to the CFA. On top of that, aerial incendiaries are being used Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change. to maximise back-burning back from the control line in Can the minister advise the house what steps the order to do everything we can to stop the fire in its Victorian government has taken to protect Melbourne’s westerly advance. Unfortunately, due to the weather water catchment during the current bushfires? conditions predicted for later this week, there is a real concern that the fire will spread and that there will be Mr THWAITES (Minister for Water, Environment spotting which could lead to fire on the east side of the and Climate Change) — I thank the member for Eltham Thomson catchment. It is now only around 5 kilometres for his question, and I also congratulate him on his from the dam on the east side. Clearly our priority at appointment as the Parliamentary Secretary for this stage is to do everything we can to reduce the risk Environment. of the fire entering the catchment and causing major damage. In the next few days further work will be done The Mount Terrible fire continues to threaten the on that control line and on the back-burning to Thomson water catchment. The Department of maximise protection. Sustainability and Environment, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Melbourne Water are working In conclusion, I also would like to thank all those on the around the clock to protect the Thomson catchment, fire front from the DSE and the CFA. I also thank those which has Melbourne’s largest water reservoir. I should back in the coordination area, because one of the also say that the Australian Army is providing highlights of the firefighting effort has been the assistance in building control lines to protect the extraordinary coordination between all the agencies, catchment. both in the incident control rooms and back at CFA and DSE headquarters. I would like to thank them for all Since the 2002–03 fires, a lot of work and resources that good work as well. have gone into protecting our water catchments. Managing fire in the catchments is now seen as a core Water: Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong supply responsibility of Melbourne Water. Indeed, Melbourne Water itself is funding some 82 dedicated firefighters Mr BAILLIEU (Leader of the Opposition) — My for the fire effort. Melbourne Water is also funding a question is to the Premier. What contingency plans are helicopter which is able to participate in the fire effort in place to provide water security in the next 12 months as well. All of this is in addition to the resources that for Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong? the Premier has referred to — the more than $168 million of extra funding that our government has Mr BRACKS (Premier) — I thank the Leader of provided for the Country Fire Authority and the the Opposition for his question. Each of those Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). I communities do have reserve capacity for providing might also say that Melbourne Water staff are doing a water resources to their communities. They have been great job, and 25 Melbourne Water staff have been outlined by the government, including, of course, in specifically trained in firefighting so that they also can Ballarat the connection of previously disused reservoirs participate in the fire effort. which have now been connected — in fact I saw that at the White Swan Reservoir, which is being held as Prior to the fire season a considerable amount of work reserve capacity for Ballarat; including the was done on the preparation and protection of the advancement of the recycling project at the Wendouree catchment, and that included clearing of access roads treatment plant; and including the project at the Shell and tracks. Around 160 kilometres of fuel breaks and refinery, which is being fast tracked, and the connection about 1860 kilometres of roads around the catchment to aquifers in the Barwon Downs region in Geelong; were cleared. The fire-bombing helicopter, as I and of course in Bendigo’s case we are very advanced indicated, is in place, is available and in fact has been with the tender processes for the goldfields super-pipe. used on recent days. Extra firefighting equipment, And we do have other contingencies in place. In each of including bulldozers and 3000-litre trucks, is able to those communities our plans are well advanced, well help with the fire effort. received and well supported by the Victorian community. At present a control line is being built along the western flank of the fire. That control line currently runs from Jamieson South down to Matlock and Walhalla — it is about a 50-kilometre control line. The control line is QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 9

Bushfires: emergency services The Metropolitan Fire Brigade is also assisting. Its members are backfilling in some CFA stations, which Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — My question is to the frees up resources that can attend the fire front. Minister for Police and Emergency Services. I refer the minister to the tremendous efforts of Victoria’s A lot of equipment has had to be located around the firefighters and support agencies in battling the state. Yesterday, for example, there were 552 tankers, bushfires currently burning in Gippsland and 229 bulldozers and 28 aircraft involved in the fire north-eastern Victoria and ask what the government is effort. The army has contributed, where possible, as doing to support those fighting the bushfires. well.

Mr CAMERON (Minister for Police and The government believes in the importance of Emergency Services) — I thank the honourable preparedness, and after the Esplin inquiry it put a lot of member for Yan Yean for her question. I also thank her effort into preparedness. In the bushfires of 2002–03 we as a volunteer firefighter in her local community, saw community meetings work very effectively. During having done a tour of duty in the north-east of Victoria the current fires we have seen that extended; there have in the Tolmie district. already been around 100 community meetings in local areas. I also thank the many honourable members in this house who have supported and encouraged the The government has more than doubled the budget of community during this very difficult period. Many the CFA. It has invested $77 million in new firefighting honourable members have in their local areas provided trucks and tankers and $82 million in 172 new and local leadership and encouraged people to go to upgraded CFA stations and 50 local SES units. That of community meetings. They have certainly helped in course has been very important in terms of being their local areas. Can I just say that this is a time when prepared. That is in addition to the $168 million which it is very important that we all come together, and we the government announced post the Esplin inquiry. In have seen that happening. That is something that has the current budget — the 2006–07 budget — there is an been very good and well appreciated throughout all the additional $26 million to help firefighting resources. In communities that are affected by these fires. October and also last week the government announced funding for an additional air crane, that being As we have heard a lot of people have been involved in Malcolm, and additional community awareness these fires. They include those people who are career campaigns and resources. There were also firefighters and others who are employed full time at announcements about hardship grants and firefighters the fire front and elsewhere. Also we have had and coming from abroad. Not only do we have firefighters continue to have thousands of volunteers across our from abroad, we also have them from interstate. great state. These volunteers really demonstrate the depth of support that we have in our community, and The government will continue to work very closely the spirit of Victoria comes through. I would certainly with all of those involved in the firefighting effort. We like to pay tribute to all those people. They come from know there is a long road ahead of us to get to the end the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the State Emergency of summer. But we on this side of the house are very Service (SES), the Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance, proud of all those people who have been involved, and the Salvation Army and from the coastguard, whose we look forward to continuing to work with them and members also come out and help. They also come from the community during this terrible summer. many local organisations. Water: Gippsland recycling proposal Collectively they make sacrifices themselves, but the people around them also make sacrifices, their Ms ASHER (Brighton) — My question is to the employers make sacrifices and their families make Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change. sacrifices. They are the people who are doing so much, I refer to the minister’s claim on ABC’s Stateline on and without them we would be in a very poor state. We 10 November this year that the feasibility study for the should all join together to say thank you very much to Gippsland water project had been released. I ask: to them. We know this has been a difficult period during whom, and will he now make a copy available to the December, but given that it is so early on in the fire house? season, it is going to be a very long and difficult summer. Mr THWAITES (Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change) — I thank the member for Brighton for her question, congratulate her on her QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

10 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 appointment and welcome her as the opposition’s the provision of food, shelter and other support — spokesperson on water. I think she is the third or fourth clothing et cetera. To date 28 emergency grants have opposition spokesperson on water we have seen. I am been paid, totalling $12 700. Longer term assistance pleased that she has been appointed and is in the has also been made available through the major shadow cabinet, unlike some of her predecessors. personal hardship grants, particularly to people of limited financial means. At this point the department is An honourable member interjected. working very closely with people who have had their principal place of residence destroyed to ensure that any Mr THWAITES — It’s true. eligible person obtains a grant as soon as possible.

An honourable member — Take it as a The Department of Human Services is also working compliment. with local government, Centrelink, the Department of Mr THWAITES — Yes, I am very pleased she is Primary Industries and non-government agencies to there. I look forward to our relationship. ensure that further assistance is delivered to affected individuals in a timely and coordinated manner. At The eastern recycling project is a very exciting project. these times it is important that different jurisdictions It offers the potential to save an enormous amount of work together so that processes are streamlined. water, to reuse that water for industry and to provide extra water for Gippsland, for the environment and for We are also working with the federal government to Melbourne. deliver the assistance that both the Premier and the Prime Minister have announced. To date the federal At the time we released our central region strategy we government and the Victorian government have each released details of that project — details from the provided $350 000. Grants of up to $15 000 will be feasibility report. We indicated at the time that certain provided to primary producers and small businesses matters were commercial in confidence and were not and also to charities assisting on the ground to support appropriate to be released. This is a very positive people whose properties have been damaged by fires. proposal that deserves proper investigation, and that is Grants will also be provided to local governments to what we will do. assist them in responding to the fires. Bushfires: government assistance We are also providing psychological support to people through staff from the Department of Human Services Ms MORAND (Mount Waverley) — My question and our funded agencies. People are continuing to be is to the Minister for Health. I ask the minister to detail trained so that that kind of counselling and for the house how the government’s personal hardship psychological support is available. grants are assisting the victims of bushfires. In conclusion, the bushfire season, as we have heard Ms PIKE (Minister for Health) — I thank the from the Premier and the Minister for Water, member for Mount Waverley for her question. I Environment and Climate Change, is expected to welcome her to her new role as Parliamentary Secretary continue for several months. I certainly share the for Health. She will be of great assistance to the concern of all members of this house for our fellow government. citizens — our fellow Victorians — who have been affected by these fires. I also add my thanks for the Under the current state emergency management tireless work of Country Fire Authority and Department arrangements my department, the Department of of Sustainability and Environment firefighters and other Human Services, is the delegated coordinator of members of the community, particularly hospital staff emergency recovery in Victoria, while local and counsellors, who are providing comfort and support government takes responsibility for implementing to vulnerable Victorians at this time. services to affected individuals and communities. The Bracks government has moved very quickly to ensure Police: Caulfield assault that people adversely affected by those fires have immediate financial assistance available to them and Mr McINTOSH (Kew) — My question is to the then have longer term support as well. Premier. Why has no action been taken in regard to the serious assault on Mr Menachem Vorchheimer on Emergency grants of up to $900 per household have 14 October 2006, allegedly by members of a group of ensured that the immediate health, safety and wellbeing Ocean Grove footballers, including a serving member needs of people affected by the fires are met through of the Victorian police? QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 11

Mr BRACKS (Premier) — I thank the member for In that context I am pleased to advise the house of some Kew for his question. Like many members of this statistics which show that the economic performance in house, I was very concerned about the attack that country Victoria is second to none. Today the Building occurred, and of course quite appropriately and Commission released the November data on building correctly those matters are being investigated by permit approvals. It shows that rural building permit Victoria Police. There is an independent position that activity increased by 9.7 per cent over the last year, the Victorian police have, I should remind the with particularly high increases in the north-west opposition, and that is that they are charged with the region — 30.4 per cent; the north central region — responsibility of investigation, not members of 18 per cent; and the north-east region — 14 per cent. Parliament. That is how it should occur with the That means those permits are now at their highest ever separation of powers, and I would fully hope and level. expect that the police would be given the opportunity to do their job effectively. Certainly it would be the case On a second very positive statistic, last week the with the government that we would allow them to do Australian Bureau of Statistics regional labour force their job effectively. data was released. It shows that the unemployment rate in regional Victoria has fallen to just 5.1 per cent. This Mr McIntosh — On a point of order, Speaker, this is the lowest rate since January 1990, when the rate was question was simply about what action the government 4.9 per cent. It is the lowest rate there for 16 years, and had taken. I do not need a lecture about the separation of all the jobs generated in regional Australia over the of powers. last year, one in every three has been generated in regional and rural Victoria. Mr BRACKS — Speaker, I will reiterate. You would think that, of all members, the member for Kew Finally, on population, we are still seeing very strong would know better. It just shows how convenient rates of population growth — 1.3 per cent over the last political matters have taken over from principles. The year, outstripping the Australian average and being the police will fully investigate independently, as they highest rate on record for 15 years. Building permits are should. at the highest ever, the unemployment rate is the lowest for more than 16 years and population growth is the Economy: rural and regional Victoria strongest for more than 15 years. Despite the great challenges, this is a very good performance. Mr TREZISE (Geelong) — My question is for the Minister for Regional and Rural Development. I refer The point I want to make today in answering the the minister to the government’s commitment to question from the member for Geelong is that despite making regional Victoria a great place to work, live and the very difficult circumstances — the drought, the raise a family, and I ask the minister to detail for the bushfires — the medium-term outlook for country house the most recent independent economic data that Victoria remains very positive indeed. We have demonstrates that the government is delivering on that significant new private sector investment and job commitment. generation in the pipeline. Some of the projects supported under the government’s community regional Mr BRUMBY (Minister for Regional and Rural industry skills program, or CRISP, will see 400 new Development) — I thank the member for Geelong for jobs at Excelior in Shepparton, 100 new jobs at Patties his question. Can I say at the outset that rural and Foods in Bairnsdale — that is a great success story: regional Victoria faces a number of challenges. We Patties is now exporting its pies to China and the United have heard in many of the answers to questions asked States — and around 200 new jobs at Flavorite today about the challenge posed by the drought — Tomatoes in Warragul. potentially the worst drought on record. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics has In addition we have more than $1 billion of forecast that farm incomes this year will be the lowest infrastructure projects under construction or in the in 30 years. On top of that we have rising interest rates, pipeline. The largest is the Wimmera–Mallee pipeline, and of course on top of that we have an Australian a $500 million project that is leading Australia in water dollar which is higher than it should be, dragged up by conservation; and there is the goldfields super-pipe, the resources boom which benefits particularly the state with more than $100 million worth of investment, and of Western Australia. All that means that we face some the continuing rollout of the natural gas program. We challenges in maintaining a strong and competitive already have 400 kilometres of natural gas grid in the economy in regional and rural Victoria. ground, with more to come. We have hundreds of millions of dollars in road and rail infrastructure, with STATUTE LAW REPEALS BILL

12 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 something like $400 million for the Geelong bypass. WATER AMENDMENT (CRITICAL That is a fantastic project which is opening up new WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS) economic opportunities. On top of that — — BILL

Mr Bracks interjected. Introduction and first reading

Mr BRUMBY — It is a very good project! On top Mr THWAITES (Minister for Water, Environment of that we have allocated $146 million in drought and Climate Change) introduced a bill to amend the assistance, which is out there. I will just say that in the Water Act 1989 to facilitate critical water 2002–03 drought we provided around $80 million for infrastructure projects, to amend the Land support. This time we have already committed Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 and for $146 million, $11 million of which is going out in other purposes. $300 000 grants to local government. I know there are now more than 100 grants, which — — Read first time. Mr Ryan interjected. MURRAY-DARLING BASIN AMENDMENT Mr BRUMBY — There are 100 projects which BILL local government is ready to announce. Introduction and first reading The final thing I want to say in terms of optimism for the medium term is that we have very strong and very Mr THWAITES (Minister for Water, Environment determined farmers in Victoria. Whether you look at and Climate Change) introduced a bill to amend the the dairy farming sector, the horticultural sector, the Murray-Darling Basin Act 1993 to approve an beef sector, the wool sector or the fruit growers, they amendment to the Murray-Darling Basin know that circumstances are difficult at the moment. agreement to facilitate the operation of the But they know the medium-term fundamentals are Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s water good, and they are getting on with the job and are business on appropriate commercial principles and committed to the future. When you put all those things for other purposes. together you build on the very strong foundations that we have. We are very confident about the medium-term Read first time. outlook for regional and rural Victoria under this raft of policy initiatives announced by the Bracks government, which is really about making country Victoria a great INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION place to live, work, invest and raise a family. AMENDMENT BILL Introduction and first reading STATUTE LAW REPEALS BILL Mr HULLS (Attorney-General) introduced a bill to Introduction and first reading amend the Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 to provide for style changes in acts and statutory rules Mr BRACKS (Premier) — In accordance with the and for other purposes. usual practice, and in order to preserve the privileges of the house, I move: Read first time.

That I have leave to bring in a bill for an act to revise the statute law of Victoria by repealing spent acts. SENATE ELECTIONS AMENDMENT BILL

Motion agreed to. Introduction and first reading

Read first time. Mr HULLS (Attorney-General) introduced a bill to amend the Senate Elections Act 1958 and for other purposes.

Read first time. PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AMENDMENT BILL

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 13

PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AMENDMENT Mr BRUMBY (Treasurer) — By leave, I move: BILL That this bill be now read a second time. Introduction and first reading At the commencement of the 2006 election campaign, the government announced key reforms designed to Mr HULLS (Attorney-General) introduced a bill to make home ownership easier for Victorians as well as amend the Public Prosecutions Act 1994 and for reforms to support employment growth in the Victorian other purposes. economy. Read first time. The government has already implemented important reforms making home ownership more affordable for CONTROL OF WEAPONS AMENDMENT Victorians. (PENALTIES) BILL We are the first and currently the only state that has Introduction and first reading fully abolished stamp duty on mortgages — which saves an average home buyer around $1400. Mr CAMERON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services) introduced a bill for an act to We have introduced the first home bonus, which has amend the Control of Weapons Act 1990 to increase assisted almost 87 000 home buyers — providing the penalties for certain offences relating to additional assistance for young people purchasing their prohibited and controlled weapons and for other first home. purposes. And we are proud to have extended assistance to Read first time. concession card holders. When the government was first elected, a pensioner paid the full amount of stamp duty if the value of the property was above $130 000. STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION Today, they receive a full stamp duty exemption up to AMENDMENT (HOUSING $300 000 and a discount up to $400 000. AFFORDABILITY) BILL As a result of these measures, Victoria has led the way Introduction and first reading with housing affordability. Recent Housing Industry Mr BRUMBY (Treasurer) introduced a bill to Association data shows that on average Victoria has amend the Duties Act 2000, the First Home Owner had the highest level of housing starts of all the states Grant Act 2000 and the Pay-roll Tax Act 1971 to for the past three years, and according to the association improve housing affordability and bring forward forecasts, housing starts in Victoria will continue to payroll tax cuts and for other purposes. outperform other states for at least the next three years.

Read first time. Last year, Victoria had more first home buyers than any other state in Australia. In fact, we had 40 214 new first Second reading home buyers compared to New South Wales with 39 149 — impressive, given that New South Wales has Mr BRUMBY (Treasurer) — I move: 1.7 million more people. That this bill be read a second time immediately under standing order 61(2). And the most recent Real Estate Institute of Australia survey shows that once again Melbourne is the most I advise the house that the other parties and the affordable city on the eastern seaboard. Independent member have been provided with copies of the bill and a briefing in accordance with standing But across Australia, affordability remains an important order 61(2). issue. In recent months higher interest rates have put pressure on Victorian families. Motion agreed to. Our election commitments are aimed at continuing to assist first home buyers and to reduce stamp duty for most Victorians who buy a home. STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

14 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006

This bill delivers on these important commitments. It The First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 is amended to provides for a conveyance duty reduction for certain give effect to the commitments announced around the principal-place-of-residence transactions and the extension of the first home bonus. The amendments: extension of the first home bonus — including an increase in the bonus for the purchase of newly extend the $3000 first home bonus for buyers of constructed homes. existing properties until June 2009 (from June 2007); and The Duties Act 2000 is amended to give effect to the reduction in duty payable on eligible properties increase the bonus to $5000 for all first home buyers purchased as a principal place of residence. The duty of newly built homes, commencing 1 January 2007. payable will be reduced as follows: The bonus, in both forms, is available for properties valued at or below $500 000 and purchased as a cutting the duty rate from 6 per cent to 5 per cent for principal place of residence. properties valued between $115 001 and $400 000; and First home buyers will have a choice between the conveyance duty reduction or the first home bonus. cutting the duty payable by $2850 for properties However, the first home bonus will always be more valued between $400 001 and $500 000. generous to give first home buyers an edge in the The reduction will take effect for contracts entered into market. on or after 1 January 2007. Three-quarters of all Victorian home buyers will benefit from this new package of bonuses and conveyance duty The assistance is deliberately targeted to those home cuts. buyers who need it most: those Victorians buying a home for themselves and their family to live in. In addition to the benefits to first home buyers, the added incentive to purchase newly constructed homes Reflecting this, the largest percentage reduction in will provide a boost to the Victorian building industry. conveyance duty will be enjoyed by purchasers of While Victoria has led the nation in housing starts, the homes around the median Melbourne price. The rate building industry is especially vulnerable to fluctuations cut will deliver a saving of around $2600 on the in the economy, including recent interest rate increases. purchase of a median-priced home, which represents a Along with Victoria’s off-the-plan concession on stamp 14 per cent cut in duty payable. duty, this additional grant will provide strong incentives for families to look at purchasing newly constructed To ensure that the duty reduction is only available to homes. genuine purchasers, there are some criteria that must be met for eligibility for the reduction. These include: During the campaign, we also made a commitment to provide relief to the business sector. The bill will an age limit of at least 18 years; amend the Pay-roll Tax Act 1971 to bring forward the implementation of the payroll tax cuts announced in the a requirement to commence occupation of the 2006–07 budget. The rate reduction from 5.15 per cent residence within 12 months of settlement; and to 5.05 per cent is being brought forward to take effect a requirement to occupy the residence for a from January 2007, rather than July 2007. This continuous period of at least 12 months. represents a $26 million benefit to businesses.

However, the commissioner of state revenue will have Victoria already enjoys one of the lowest payroll tax a discretion to allow exceptions to the age and rates in the country and this further change represents residency requirements to deal with certain situations, direct savings for Victorian businesses. Victoria’s such as a genuine home buyer under the age of record on tax reform is second to none, with more taxes 18 years, legitimate temporary absences or where a being abolished under the intergovernmental agreement home becomes unfit for occupation. than any other state. This comes on top of the already announced abolition of the business rental duty from The conveyance duty reductions will save home buyers 1 January 2007. $305 million over five years. The government has a proud record of taxation reform that benefits Victorian families and businesses. The DOCUMENTS

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 15 measures contained in this bill on housing affordability Law Reform Committee — De Novo Appeals to the County and payroll tax will further build on this record. Court, together with appendices and minutes of evidence — Report and appendices ordered to be printed

I commend the bill to the house. Legal Ombudsman, Office of — Report 1 July 2005 to 11 December 2005 — Ordered to be printed Debate adjourned on motion of Mr WELLS (Scoresby). Legal Profession Act 2004 — Practitioner Remuneration Order under s. 3.4.24

Debate adjourned until later this day. Legal Services Board — Report 12 December 2005 to 30 June 2006 DOCUMENTS Legal Services Commissioner — Report 12 December 2005 to 30 June 2006 — Ordered to be printed Tabled by Clerk: Necropolis Springvale, Trustees of — Report 2005–06, together with an explanation for the delay Australian Centre for the Moving Image — Report 2005–06 Public Accounts and Estimates Committee — Report 2005–06, Confiscation Act 1997 — Reports 2005–06 under s. 139A together with appendices — Report and appendices ordered to Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 — be printed Documents under s. 12H: Planning and Environment Act 1987 — Notices of approval Amendments to the Standard for Uniform Scheduling of of amendments to the following Planning Schemes: Drugs and Poisons Alpine Resorts — C17 Part 1, C18 Notice regarding the amendment, commencement and Ballarat — C58, C84, C88 Part 1, C105, C112 availability of the Poisons Code Bass Coast — C43 Environment and Natural and Resources Committee — Baw Baw — C37, C39 Inquiry into the Production and/or Use of Biofuels in Victoria, together with appendices and minutes of Bayside — C39 Part 3 evidence — Report and appendices ordered to be printed Boroondara — C58, C62, C70 Financial Management Act 1994: Brimbank — C80 Part 2, C91 Report from the Minister for Agriculture that he had Buloke — C10 received the 2005–06 report of the Northern Victorian Fresh Tomato Industry Development Committee Campaspe — C47 Cardinia — C59, C76, C87 Part 2 Report from the Minister for Finance that he had received the 2005–06 report of VicFleet Pty Ltd Casey — C52 Part 1, C80 Part 1, C82, C86, C97

Reports from the Minister for Health that she had Central Goldfields — C8 received the 2005–06 reports of: Colac Otway — C46 Anderson’s Creek Cemetery Trust, together with Frankston — C37 an explanation for the delay Glen Eira — C53 Bendigo Cemeteries Trust, together with an Glenelg — C31, C32 explanation for the delay Greater Bendigo — C63 Part 1, C90 Lilydale Memorial Park and Cemeteries Trust Greater Dandenong — C55, C84 Preston Cemetery Trust, together with an explanation for the delay Greater Geelong — C101 Part 2, C113, C142 Templestowe Cemetery Trust, together with an Greater Shepparton — C33, C72 explanation for the delay Hindmarsh — C3 Gene Technology Act 2001 — Review of the operation of the Hobsons Bay — C61 Act Horsham — C29 Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation Ltd — Report 2005–06 (two documents) Hume — C65, C73, C78 Kingston — C54, C58, C69 Intellectual Disability Review Panel — Report 2005–06 Knox — C40, C46, C52 Macedon Ranges — C25, C39 DOCUMENTS

16 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006

Manningham — C25 Magistrates’ Court Act 1989 — SR 164 Maribyrnong — C31, C61 Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958 — SR 142 Maroondah — C57 Motor Car Traders Act 1986 — SR 148 Melbourne — C115, C120 Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005 — SR 153 Melton — C62 Parliamentary Salaries and Superannuation Act Mildura — C20 1968 — SR 155 Moira — C20 Part 1, C21, C29 Planning and Environment Act 1987 — SR 135 Monash — C67 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 — SR 143 Moreland — C35, C37, C64, C73, C75 Road Safety Act 1986 — SR 158 Mount Alexander — C32 Sentencing Act 1991 — SR 144 Moyne — C20, C22 Serious Sex Offenders Monitoring Act 2005 — SR 133 Nillumbik — C42, C44 Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 — SRs 131, 147, 160 Port Phillip — C58 Supreme Court Act 1986 — SRs 161, 162, 163, 169 Pyrenees — C15 Trade Measurement Act 1995 — SR 146 South Gippsland — C39 Trade Measurement (Administration) Act 1995 — Stonnington — C62, C66 SR 146 Strathbogie — C23 Transport Act 1983 — SRs 138, 139 Surf Coast — C15 Part 2, C18, C29 Victoria State Emergency Service Act 2005 — SR 130 Swan Hill — C23 Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal Act 1998 — SR 165 Victoria Planning Provisions — VC39, VC42, VC43, VC44 Water Industry Act 1994 — SR 159 Wellington — C23 Part 1, C23 Part 2 World Swimming Championships Act 2004 — SR 156 West Wimmera — C7 Subordinate Legislation Act 1994:

Whitehorse — C41, C50 Part 2, C64 Ministers’ exception certificates in relation to Statutory Wodonga — C39, C48 Rules 123, 126, 131, 142, 147, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169 Wyndham — C51, C89 Ministers’ exemption certificates in relation to Statutory Yarra — C75, C86 Rules 127, 128, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, Yarra Ranges — C33 140, 141, 144, 145, 146, 148, 149, 150, 151, 155, 158

Yarriambiack — C6 Victoria Grants Commission — Report year ended 31 August 2006 Professional Standards Council Victoria — Financial Statements 2003–04 and 2004–05 (two documents) Victoria Law Foundation — Report 2005–06

Statutory Rules under the following Acts: Victorian Relief Committee — Report 2005–06, together with an explanation for the delay Australian Grands Prix Act 1994 — SR 157 Building Act 1993 — SRs 136, 154 Water Act 1989: Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 — SRs 149, Avon Water Supply Protection Area Declaration Order 151 2006 Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 — SRs 134, Little Yarra and Don River Catchments Water Supply 140, 141, 150 Protection Area Declaration Order 2006 Corrections Act 1986 — SR 132 Woori Yallock Creek Catchment Water Supply Protection Area Declaration Order 2006. County Court Act 1958 — SRs 166, 167, 168 Financial Management Act 1994 — SR 152 Heritage Act 1995 — SR 137 Infringements Act 2006 — SR 145 Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 — SR 161 APPROPRIATION MESSAGE

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 17

APPROPRIATION MESSAGE In the city of Wyndham the growth projections are even more dramatic, with conservative estimates over a Message read recommending appropriation for comparable period suggesting at least a 135 per cent State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing increase in population. The pressure on local Affordability) Bill. infrastructure in the face of this growth is enormous. I am pleased to say the Bracks government recognizes the challenge and is making real and sustained GOVERNOR’S SPEECH investment with and for the community, whether it be through the new emergency department at the Werribee Address-in-reply Mercy Hospital, the upgrading of existing schools like The SPEAKER — Order! I have to report that Werribee Secondary College or creating new parks like today the house has attended the Governor in the the 230-hectare Werribee Regional Park. Working Legislative Council chamber, where the Governor was families in the west deserve the best, such as access to pleased to make a speech to both houses of Parliament, high-quality education, first-class health facilities and of which I have obtained a copy for accuracy. As the improved parks and open spaces to grow together. speech is printed and available on the table, it is not Our record is strong, but we know there is more work necessary to read the speech. to do — work like ensuring that the range of education Sitting suspended 6.19 p.m. until 8.02 p.m. choices complements the broadening of employment opportunities within the area so that the proposed Mr PALLAS (Minister for Roads and Ports) — I Werribee science and technology precinct, the largest move: contiguous section of government-owned land in metropolitan Melbourne, will serve to bring a broad That the following address-in-reply to the speech of the range of skills, activities and jobs into the local Governor to both houses of Parliament be agreed to by this community. Actions such as these should assist in house: lessening the commuting demand upon a community Governor: where a disproportionately high percentage of people have to travel long distances to their places of work. We, the Legislative Assembly of Victoria assembled in Parliament, wish to express our loyalty to our Sovereign and to thank you for the speech which you have made to I may be a newcomer to this chamber, but I am not a the Parliament. stranger to this place. As many in this house know, before the state election I was the Premier’s chief of I take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional staff. In fact, I first walked into the opposition rooms in owners of the land on which we stand here today, the this building on 22 March 1999, the day Steve Bracks Kulin nation, and to pay my respects to their elders. I became leader of the state parliamentary Labor Party. also wish to congratulate you, Speaker, on your In other words, I am well aware of what is expected of appointment, and I know that you will uphold the proud MPs and ministers, because I have learnt for the past traditions and dignity of this place. Also Speaker, I seven years and nine months from a man of great would like to congratulate you another personal decency, honour and fortitude — Steve Bracks. What landmark, and accordingly I wish you a happy the Premier has impressed upon me in word and deed is birthday! this: government is a privilege, not a right.

Thank you, Speaker, for the opportunity to speak in That integrity and work ethic was apparent from day reply to the Governor’s speech on behalf of the people one in the opposition rooms and has been evident each of Tarneit. Tarneit is a remarkable community. It is a and every day since. It is evident in the services we diverse and dynamic community, a place with a history have upgraded, including the nurses, teachers, police going back to the first settlement of Melbourne, and as and public servants employed and the schools, a growth corridor it is a place exuding optimism, hospitals, police stations, roads and railway lines opportunity and great promise. The seat of Tarneit is rebuilt. It is also evident in the way the Bracks the centre of an extraordinary population boom. The government has stood up for working families against city of Wyndham is the third largest growing the commonwealth’s extreme industrial relations laws. municipality in Australia by volume of numbers and the How far we have come! fastest growing municipality in percentage terms in the country. If the current trend continues, by 2030 there In September 1999 Steve Bracks saw a Victoria which will be a roughly 75 per cent increase on the current he described as ‘a skyline above and a wasteland western regional population. below’. Today I see a community fashioned from the GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

18 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 bottom up and looking ever upwards, confident but not before the fog of dementia irrevocably stole him from complacent and aware of the enormous challenges that me. I asked him this question: ‘How can I ever repay confront us by revelling in the challenge and a you for what you’ve given this family and this new-found sense of common purpose. The journey community?’. Dad’s response was instantaneous: ‘Give from 1 Treasury Place to this place is geographically more than you get. Do more for your children than I speaking hardly the stuff of Burke and Wills. In fact, ever did for you’. It was a reprise of a personal motto you can walk from my old desk in the Premier’s office my father had told me countless times before, when I to here in 5 minutes and still have time to buy a coffee was still living under his roof, because, as he used to at Treasury Deli. say, ‘If you do give more than you get, you may never be rich but you will always know the true value of But like most members, I suspect the forces that drove things’. me to make the leap into public life stem from my family in general and my parents in particular. I am the ‘Give more than you get’. My dad’s mantra son of Welsh migrants. My Greek surname, I believe, is encapsulates my ambitions for public office. It is in a the legacy of my great-grandfather, himself a migrant, way my attempt to repay a debt forever beyond my who found his way by a circuitous route to the means. I am attempting to follow in my father’s coalmines of the Rhonda Valley in Wales, and who footsteps and give more to the community that I am a unfortunately died at a young age seeking his fortune in part of. the gold rushes in the Yukon in the early part of the last century. He left behind his German wife and two ‘Give more than you get’. In my own way that is children, one of whom was my grandfather, Jack. I precisely what I have been trying to do for almost a remember as a child being awestruck by his tales of quarter of a century through the labour movement, first privation during World War I, the son of a German as a union official, then as an adviser and now as the widow living amongst her homeland’s enemy. member for Tarneit. After all, the working men and women I represented then as a union official, just like I grew up in a profoundly more nurturing and affluent the working men and women I now represent as a community in Toronto, New South Wales, just outside member of Parliament, deserve more — more Newcastle, the third of six children. My father was the opportunities, more services and more fairness in the local general practitioner who believed unquestionably workplace. in the value of community service. In the early days that meant years without a holiday or weekend break, One example more than any other demonstrates to me not to mention frequent late night and early morning the need for us as a community to stay true to the ethos calls from neighbours in need of care. I hated those of a fair go. At one stage when I was working for the calls as a child. I have no doubt Dad, who liked to Federated Storemen and Packers Union of Australia I sleep, would have preferred to stay in bed, but day in found myself involved in an arbitral proceeding against and day out Dad got out of bed and became the a wool-broking company. Wool-broking companies much-loved Dr Pallas. He never shirked his had employed large numbers of store workers before responsibilities. the advent of wool-packing machinery and forklifts, but over time the number of those workers had dwindled. My father passed away a little over 12 months ago. He You could always tell when union fees had been was a proud and independent man, which is why it was received from the wool stores. They always paid in such a cruel injustice for him to be afflicted by vascular cash and every dollar was smudged with the lanolin dementia in his final years. I feel for the members of grease they picked up from the constant handling of our community who live with the reality of this wool. debilitating disease, and for their families and support networks who know the anguish of the slow journey The wool store workers were hard and proud men who into darkness. I continue to feel a great debt to the loved their work, and most knew only one employer highly professional aged carers who supported my and one job. The case I became involved in concerned a father through his final days without once losing a company that targeted the older workers for sense of respect for him as an individual. I remain termination, partly to avoid greater liability to their indebted to those health care workers, just as I remain defined benefit fund. To make matters worse, the indebted to my family. company argued that, due to the seasonal nature of the industry, the workers were not eligible for even the One night, whilst my father was enjoying one of his minimum redundancy payout — in other words, those increasingly rare moments of lucidity, I attempted to workers, some of whom had clocked up almost impress upon him how much I felt indebted to him, 30 years service to the company, were to be discarded. I GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 19 will never forget the impact this act of industrial a state and as a community. If we succeed, the benefits callousness had on those workers. I remember one are enormous, not just to people’s working lives but to storeman — a man with decades of service behind him, our national wellbeing. with a rugged face worn through years of hard work and new-found emotion — tearfully begging for his job A recent analysis by the Department of Treasury and because it was the only way of life he knew. He was Finance calculated the potential cumulative boost of a utterly devastated. I tried, but failed, to secure the fully implemented national reform agenda as up to redundancy benefits I still believe those workers 13 per cent of gross domestic product. Put in context, deserved. the Productivity Commission has estimated the total bonus flowing from the impact of national competition It was then that I came to the same realisation that a policy reforms as of the order of 2 per cent. So there is bunch of shearers did in the 1890s in a place called a chance that a day will come when ageing store Barcaldine — that one of the best ways to protect the workers, and many others like them, will be assured welfare of working families is to be engaged with a that lifelong learning is a reality and their continuing similarly motivated political party, a Labor party. contribution to our society will be valued and valuable. Because right now, in workplaces across Melbourne and regional and rural Victoria, we need reason and At a time such as this, of increased global competition, justice to prevail, just like we needed it in the 1890s. we simply cannot afford to build a great divide between We need to treat working people as people, not as haves and have-nots. We cannot afford to go wool-packing machines and not as cost units, because backwards. We can only go forward. For me, one of the our people are our state’s greatest natural resource. We best ways forward is to realise the true value of need to produce a highly efficient, skilled, flexible work community. And to give more than we get. That is what force to compete internationally, rather than the primary carers do, day in, day out, in all too rarely low-skilled, disposable work force that the visited nursing homes and aged care centres. That is commonwealth’s new, flawed industrial relations what the Country Fire Authority volunteers are doing regime is geared towards. right now, throughout the forests and townships of our state. And that is where the real wealth of our What I am talking about is a proper sense of balance, community lies. because over the past 150 years of our state’s democracy we have been fortunate. More often than One of the challenges that we face is the way our not, a sense of balance has prevailed — and that is a lifestyle is changing and our sense of community is credit to generations of employers and unions, as well threatened. For many of us the real challenge is to as governments. I want to make one thing clear: I do combat a poverty of overabundance and the not now believe nor have I ever believed in the concept isolationism of affluence, where for each of us time is of class conflict, that one group within our community often the rarest commodity of all. Many of us are can advance itself only at the expense of another. That finding solace in materialism when we would be better is why I am strongly opposed to WorkChoices, which, off looking for it in a broader sense of community. I do at its core, is all about conflict over community — not advocate eschewing material possessions or the conflict not in the sense of combatants fully armed and comforts of modern life — indeed, I am rather partial to at war, but in the insidiousness of a cowering them myself. I remember my father’s words, ‘Know the disproportionality that ensures economic might true value of things’. We need to ensure we wear our dominates over fairness and reason. We must not allow possessions lightly. We need to remember that our the sum of our fears and insecurities to triumph over friends and families and communities are much more hope and aspiration — because we are all diminished, important. smaller, meaner and less cohesive when we do. The most valuable things that we can build are the There is a better way. As the Premier has shown in his bridges between each other. In a public policy sense championing of the national reform agenda, we can there is no more important bridge to build than one over harness enough productive potential if we are prepared the ever-widening gap between our federal and state to invest in our most valuable asset, each other, by governments. Our federation is at a crossroads, and the increasing the nation’s skills base, invigorating and choices for the future direction of this country have empowering people’s working lives, by governments of never been more stark or profound in their implications. all persuasions embracing a sense of common purpose The ever-expanding constitutional and fiscal grasp of and agreeing upon the steps necessary to be taken to get the federal government threatens to transform the states there. The value of this endeavour is critical to our into nothing more than service providers. Although future. If we fail, then we are diminished as a nation, as constitutionally impregnable, all too often the states can GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

20 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 see their mandates usurped by the predations and kindness to make my life easier and more productive, I arrogance of Canberra’s one-size-fits-all approach to am enormously grateful. The greatest regret of my new governance. career is that I have been unable to bring Irene with me. I am sure that the contribution she will continue to The chasm between providers of services and raisers of make will be of the highest quality. taxes has never been more profound. Seven out of 10 times a taxpayer feels a government hand in their I would also, without naming names, like to thank the pocket it is the federal government, and only about public servants who took a former union official like three times in 10 is it a state government. Yet when it me and showed him how public service means being comes to service delivery, almost 40 per cent of all prepared to put forward frank and fearless advice, often government services are provided by the state. So we in a less-than-welcoming environment. need either to accept that states have a legitimate role to play in our federation and resource them appropriately I say thank you to Leo Donovan, who set me on the or to consign ourselves to a culture of centralism that is path to the place where I am today, to Greg Sword, who bloated and often unresponsive to the needs of local allowed me to experience the full range of union communities. Governments that deliver the services responsibilities, and to Bill Kelty, who showed me the should be held accountable. Unless we have a more value of cooperative interaction with government. cooperative and mature approach to the management of Thank you to Bob Hawke, a great advocate for working our respective responsibilities, blame shifting and people, a great Prime Minister and a great friend and unaccountability will be inextricably part of our counsel to me. federation, and all governments will suffer in the public mind accordingly. Last but not least I would like to acknowledge and thank my predecessor as the member for Tarneit, Mary Finally, I would like to thank some of the many people Gillett. Mary has been a friend and colleague for over who have made it possible for me to be standing here 20 years. We worked together as rookie industrial today. First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, officers for the then Federated Storemen and Packers Karen, my son, Jack, and my daughter, Grace. Karen, Union. My fondest memory of Mary was in the Jack and Grace have allowed me a great indulgence. To mid-1980s when she stayed up all night making sure a them go my greatest accolade and thanks. They have very inexperienced industrial advocate did justice to his allowed me to pursue a career and a calling that I love. case. I did — but only with her invaluable assistance. That calling means I am often away from home and the Mary has served the community and the labour hours can be long. I promise my family that they will movement with great distinction. The greatest tribute I never be a secondary consideration to me, because to can pay to Mary is to simply state that she has given me public life must be an extension of our personal more than she has gotten. I hope I can do the same. priorities and motivations. Without them, I am rudderless; their love and support sustain me. I would like to thank the people of Tarneit for the privilege and honour they have entrusted me with. I I also want to acknowledge and thank each and every will not let them down. one of the political advisers I have worked with since 1999 — because good government needs good I thank the house for the courtesy extended to me this advisers, and they need to be constantly attentive to the evening. range of good ideas and advice that permeates our Ms RICHARDSON (Northcote) — Today the community. The hours are long and the recognition Governor in his speech outlined a program that will minimal, but the role they play is vital to modern good bring confidence to the Victorian community. It is governance. therefore my great privilege to make my inaugural So to my often unfairly maligned friends, most notably speech by seconding the motion. Let me congratulate Sharon McCrohan and Ben Hubbard, who have served you, Speaker, on your elevation to the office. To this government and this state unswervingly and successfully preside over this great chamber you need unselfishly for over seven years, and to the other strength, grace and a keen sense of fairness, qualities political advisers toiling away in relative anonymity, you bring with abundance. May I also wish you a very seeking only one real reward for their efforts — a good happy birthday. Labor government — I say: your contribution matters. I also take this opportunity to congratulate the Premier To Irene DeAngelis, who has kept me organised for on his leadership and his success in becoming only the seven years and carried out countless small acts of second Labor Premier to win a third successive term in GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 21

Victoria. For the people of Northcote his achievement other public artworks, reflects its vibrant artistic is their gain. community — one of the largest in Melbourne.

To be elected as the Labor representative for Northcote Northcote’s most outstanding feature is its cultural brings feelings of honour and obligation. I thank the diversity. One in three people living in Northcote was people of Northcote for their support of the Labor Party born overseas and speaks a language other than and for their trust in me as their representative. I English. The Greek and Italian populations in commit to listening to their concerns and remaining Northcote are among the largest in Melbourne, and they attentive to their needs. flourish in glorious harmony alongside vibrant Arabic, Vietnamese and Chinese communities. The city of Since its establishment in 1927 the electorate of Darebin, which includes almost all of the electorate, is Northcote has been represented by distinguished Labor privileged to have the largest indigenous population in parliamentarians: John Cain, Sr, a former Premier; Melbourne. As the first elected representative of Frank Wilkes, a former parliamentary leader; Tony Northcote to be born overseas — who arrived in Sheehan, a former Treasurer; and Mary Delahunty, a Australia speaking a language other than English — I former minister for education, planning, the arts and pay tribute to this harmonious, diverse, multicultural women’s affairs. Each has played a significant role in community as a model for all Australians. the development of this state, and I hope in time to be judged worthy in this company. In recent years the electorate of Northcote has undergone significant change. Most notably house Mary Delahunty reluctantly withdrew her nomination prices have soared, particularly in the southern part of on the eve of the state election for the sake of her health the electorate. In November the median house price for and her family. She made a significant contribution to a home in Alphington was $604 000 — more than Labor’s success in government, but of all Mary’s triple the price in 1995. In short, many more people achievements her distinct contribution in the lead up to have discovered what migrant families and long-term Labor’s successful 1999 election campaign is residents of Northcote have known all along: it is a particularly noteworthy. Few candidates can take great place to live and raise a family. singular credit for an increase in a political party’s fortunes, but Mary’s by-election win in 1998 had a Sadly, this same appeal has placed many of the homes direct impact on the public perception of Labor. Her in Northcote out of reach of families on average success not only created a spike in ALP support in the incomes. The increasing popularity of the electorate’s polls but also set in motion a mood shift in the state’s suburbs has brought new pressures and strains to the media. The significance of this achievement, given the community. Development of residential areas has 1999 results, should not be forgotten. angered and polarised many residents. Just as there are families struggling to pay for their homes under higher The electorate of Northcote, well served by Mary mortgage rates, there are those unable to find a home Delahunty, is bordered by three of Melbourne’s great suitable to meet their changing needs. waterways: the Merri Creek, the Darebin Creek and the Yarra River. The parkland along the creeks — Yarra This financial struggle is at times exacerbated by the Bend Park, Darebin Parklands and the All Nations lure of gaming venues. I pledge vigilance in monitoring Park, just to name a few — are priceless and are places the impact of gambling on my community. There are where families like my own have spent many a glorious too many people appearing before the courts and being afternoon. Commonwealth athletes recently battled for convicted of serious crimes who are addicted to poker bowling honours at the John Cain Memorial Park, and machines and other forms of gaming. We cannot ignore spectators no doubt had a coffee or lunch in a cafe the high cost of broken families and social dislocation. along High Street or Station Street. Our prized Gaming machines are a legitimate form of landmarks, Northcote town hall, Northcote Pottery and entertainment for many people but they will remain a the old railway bridge crossing the Yarra River on legitimate cause of concern for me as a member of Chandler Highway, are all magnificent reminders of the Parliament. prosperity and foresight of our forebears. But for animal lovers like myself, special mention must be Another growing concern for the people of Northcote is made of Fido the Dog at Fairfield Village. Fido stands getting the balance right between a prosperous, 5.5 metres high and is 8 metres long. Nothing on sustainable economy and caring for our environment. Queensland’s lists of giants can compare to this Labor knows that without economic growth there will tail-wagging, eye-glowing monster pooch. Fido not be no job growth. Without work there can be no hope. only highlights Northcote’s sense of fun but, along with Labor knows that our ecological health is in decline. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

22 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006

Without a solution on climate change and the security The campaign made a significant impression on me as of our water supplies there can be no hope. Labor it was run from our lounge room by my mother, governments have always led in this debate because we Veronica Power, who is in the gallery today. I do not believe that the environment vis-a-vis jobs remember protesting, collecting petitions, the constant represents an either/or proposition. letter writing and the campaign meetings. I learnt a thing or two about campaigning against the Liberals, It is no accident that Al Gore congratulated the Bracks but most of all I learned about Labor and its Labor government by saying, ‘I want to say how commitment to the environment. impressed I am with the proposal and initiatives to help solve the problem of the climate crisis’, or why leading A fundamental aspiration of the Labor Party is to create water expert, Professor Peter Cullen, singled out a society that is measurably better for each successive Victoria as ‘the model for the rest of the nation to generation. We do not want our children and follow’. Unlike our opponents, Labor’s initiatives build grandchildren to lament the damaged environment that consensus among competing stakeholders to provide a we have bequeathed to them. This requires that the platform for sustainable growth. prosperity enjoyed today is not bought at their expense. That is why the protection of our environment is a Before Bob Hawke decisively acted to save the cornerstone principle for Labor governments. It is why Franklin River and before the Greens party even the Bracks Labor government leads the way in existed, another environmental battle was fought here progressive climate change policies and water in this state. Again it was a Labor government that initiatives, and by decisively acting in this way it acted decisively to the advantage of us all. This battle shames the conservatives in Canberra. In short, our focused on the integrity of Melbourne’s water supply in commitment to the environment arises from our the early 1980s. It had a profound impact on my commitment to justice for our generation and the political views and future direction. generations to come.

In April 1981 a National Party member for North On 1 May 1891 striking shearers with the same Eastern Province, the Honourable David Evans, let the passionate commitment to justice gathered around a cat out of the bag when he proposed the multiple use of tree in Queensland to form the first branch of the Labor Melbourne’s pristine water catchment areas. In other Party. This passion for justice drives Labor words he proposed logging of the Upper Yarra governments still. We believe that individual prosperity catchment, which, unlike the Thomson catchment, had should not be dependent upon your postcode; that the not been logged for over 100 years. An environmental claims of the few do not override the needs of the campaign opposing these plans was launched by a many; that everyone has the right to be treated fairly in group called TAP TAP. In the fury that followed, the the workplace; that difference should be treated with then Hamer-Thompson Liberal government repeatedly tolerance; that universal health care is a right not a denied such plans, yet refused to strengthen legislation privilege; and that every person has the opportunity to to prevent logging in perpetuity. Moreover, it sat on its share in the wealth of the community and to reach their hands when the authority charged with the task of full potential. managing this asset — namely, the Upper Yarra and Dandenong Ranges Authority — recommended in If justice is the guiding principle, then there is an March 1982 that logging be allowed. obligation to fight on behalf of those who are denied justice. As Pope Gregory the Great said: Thousands of Victorians rallied on the steps of Parliament House and thousands more signed petitions When we attend to the needs of those in want, we give them in opposition. The original ‘No advertising materials what is theirs, not ours. More than performing works of mercy, we are paying a debt of justice. please’ sticker that many of us still have on our letterboxes today was created at that time and sold to This ‘debt of justice’ is the very lifeblood of the Labor raise funds to help the TAP TAP campaign. Party as it is in no other. It is for that reason that 100 years to the day after that meeting under the tree I In marginal Liberal seats the campaign was particularly became a member of the Labor Party. I joined because I intense. On the eve of the 1982 election TAP TAP felt then — and I know now — that only Labor will get urged voters to support Labor as the only party the policy balance right, making markets work for committed to opposing logging in these areas. people and protecting the environment for all the Following his election, this is precisely what John Cain people yet to come. Only Labor will protect working did: he moved to protect the upper catchments from families from the fundamentalisms of extreme market logging in perpetuity — no ifs, no buts. worshippers and those who wish to drag us back into GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 23 the Dark Ages, falsely invoking environmentalism as jobs are heading to labour markets where people earn their excuse. less and endure much lower living standards. Victoria’s future lies in giving people the skills and education they Getting the policy balance right makes a real difference will need to be part of a high-growth, high-skilled and to migrant families like my own. In 1969 the political ultracompetitive economy. It is that simple. circumstances in the country of my birth, Tanzania, became untenable. My family literally shut the front Education is the only gift that lasts a lifetime, and the door of their home and walked onto a boat bound for Bracks government is committed to ensuring that every Australia carrying suitcases and not much else. We child receives that gift. That is why we are embarking were not, as many assume, recent arrivals to Tanzania; on the largest modernising and rebuilding program in my family’s connection to Africa stretches back many decades, committing more than $2.3 billion over the generations to the early 1800s. next five years. Labor will deliver renewed tech wings to every secondary school, build three maths and An Irish ancestor of mine unfortunately ran foul of the science specialist centres and build 20 new schools in law and found himself on his way to a penal colony in growth areas. We will also expand the number of Australia. However, on nearing a South African port he selective entry schools like Melbourne High School and and his convict brother determined to jump ship and MacRobertson Girls High School. We will also expand risk death rather than face the grim prospect of what lay the select-entry accelerated learning program to schools ahead if they stayed on board. So my family was like Thornbury High School in my electorate. We are always destined to reach these shores; we just waited a committed to ensuring that students with special few generations to receive a warmer reception. abilities are given every opportunity to shine in the best possible environment, whether their parents can afford I wonder what those two Irish brothers would say if Melbourne Grammar or not. they knew that their descendant would not only proudly call that former penal colony home but also serve as a The government is very proud that students from legislator in the Parliament of Victoria. Victoria’s two selective entry government schools, MacRobertson Girls and Melbourne High, achieved the My coming to this house has been a long journey in best Victorian certificate of education results for 2006. every way, and I am particularly honoured to have been Any suggestion that these schools should be shut or appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Education. their programs abolished will be vigorously opposed. The British Labour Prime Minister, Tony Blair, once Labor is going to fight to ensure all Victorian children remarked that the three priorities of his government are given every opportunity to excel and to reach for the were ‘education, education, education’ and that, stars. moreover: I pledge to do everything within my power to raise Education is the spark that can light a love of learning, and we know what learning means — horizons broadened, standards and accountability in the provision of imaginations are fired, confidence and ambition take root. education in this state. The future success of our Success only comes through hard work, but how much easier children and Victoria depends on our doing just that. it is to work hard if you can feel the strength of your own inner potential. That is what a good teacher in a thriving Just as our children require support to succeed, behind school does: they give a child that most precious asset in life — self-belief. every successful person in politics is an army of sympathisers, enthusiasts and tireless campaign At the November election Labor identified education as workers. The union movement is led by some of the its no. 1 priority in government. I could not have asked finest individuals, and I have been privileged to work for a more exciting challenge to make a difference than with many of the best, including Michael Donovan, in this critical area. Russell Atwood, Earl Setches, Tony Murphy and a man destined for great things, Bill Shorten, all of whose Education is the key to equality of opportunity. If we knowledge and experience I have counted on and been get that right, we can lift the most disadvantaged guided by. children out of the desert of despair and into the oasis of opportunity and ensure that anyone with an education I would also like to acknowledge federal parliamentary and determination can fulfil their potential. representatives Senator Stephen Conroy, Senator Robert Ray and Julia Gillard, whose support I have Education is also the key to our economic future. cherished. Whether we like it or not, we are being priced out of the market in significant areas of manufacturing. Those GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

24 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006

For faithful friendship I would like to thank the education and a better health system served Malvern Minister for Education and Leader of the Government and Victoria well. in the other place, John Lenders; his wife, Elizabeth; as well as you, Speaker, and your husband, Roland Another distinguished former member for Malvern is Lindell. Thanks also to the Minister for Industry and the Honourable Lindsay Thompson, who served as State Development, Minister for Major Projects and Minister for Education for a record 12 years and as Minister for Small Business, Theo Theophanous, in the Premier from 1981 to 1982. As education minister, other place; the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Lindsay built the foundations of Victoria’s modern for Multicultural Affairs, Telmo Languiller; newly education system. He is a man of policy conviction and elected member Robin Scott; and former member personal courage, and was respected on both sides of Michael Leighton. the chamber.

I wish to express my undying gratitude to Labor’s It is no coincidence that these two former members for hardworking activists in Northcote, including the Malvern are particularly associated with the field of federal member for Batman, Martin Ferguson; the education. One of Malvern’s distinguishing features is newly elected member in the other place, Nazih the outstanding quality of its schools, some of them Elasmar; Alison Donohue; Steve Tsitas; Giorgia Moar; government schools but many of them independent. We Ian Dennis; Nesrene Asmar; Andy Mylonas; Philomina must cherish the choice that provides, because parental O’Connor; Melissa and James Thyer; Denis and Kay choice is the keystone of a responsive, vibrant and Setches; and many, many more. I would also like to diverse education system — a system that enables any acknowledge the support of Jacinta Collins, Henry parent or any child to find a school that reflects their Barlow, Gail Cracknell, George Logan, Henry Pinskier values, whether that school be in the government or in and Will Dowling, all of whom have never wavered. the independent sector.

My sincere thanks to my three parents, Richie The people of my electorate embrace school choice and Richardson and Tony and Veronica Power; my quality in education, as do I, because education is brothers, Hamish and Alastair; Alastair’s wife, Alison, fundamental to realising the goal of a society where and children Rebecca, Nathan and Jack Richardson. I every individual has the opportunity to develop his or am what I am largely because of you. her talents and abilities to their full potential. Education does more than open minds: it opens hearts, and it Finally, to my husband, Stephen Newnham, and my opens doors. children, Marcus and Catherine, you are and always will be my proudest achievement. I hope to do all that I My mother, Toni O’Brien, brought up her two boys can to make you proud. single handed, with her family a world away in Ireland. Yet despite the many difficulties she faced, and at Mr O’BRIEN (Malvern) — Deputy Speaker, my considerable personal and financial sacrifice, my congratulations to both you and the Speaker on your mother ensured that my brother and I received an election to high office. education that equipped us to take our place in the world with confidence. For that, and for her love and so I feel greatly honoured to stand in this chamber as the much else that I can never adequately express, I thank representative of the people of Malvern, and I thank her and acknowledge her presence here today. them for the trust they have placed in me. I am the sixth member to represent Malvern since the district was I suspect that I am not the first member to say that he created in 1945. While, like each of my predecessors, I became politically charged while at school and am a member of the Liberal Party, I am conscious that I university. I joined the Liberal Party in 1989. That was am charged with the duty to represent all of the people my final year of school and the year in which the Berlin of Malvern, and I will strive to do so to the very best of Wall fell. It was a wall which sought to imprison an my ability. entire population and symbolised the immorality of an ideology which placed the individual — every Malvern has been well served in this chamber in the individual — at the service of the state. The year 1989 past. I wish to particularly acknowledge the excellent was also the time of the Cain government in Victoria. I contribution made by my immediate predecessor, am not sure which of those events had the greater Robert Doyle, as both the member for Malvern and influence on my decision to join the Liberal Party, but it Leader of the Liberal Party, and place on the record my is not a decision I have ever had cause to regret. thanks to Robert on behalf of both those constituencies. Robert’s tireless efforts and commitment to quality GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 25

My political education continued when I enrolled at the all in their separate and individual capacities. In all that the University of Melbourne, only to find that what people can individually do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere. purported to be a bastion of academic freedom and intellectual inquiry operated as a closed shop. This I adopt Lincoln’s wise words. affront led me to join the Melbourne University Liberal Club, of which I have the honour to be a former As legislators we must accept our limitations; accept president and life member, as is the honourable that we are sovereign but not omnipotent; accept that member for Box Hill. Friendships forged in those days legislative actions by their very nature tend to uniform with people such as Ian Pattison, Katherine Forrest, application when so many individual problems require Christopher Muir and Scott Ryan have enriched my life individual solutions — solutions that are often beyond and proven that good humour is as essential to politics the understanding of government, much less within the as it is to life. competence of government to provide.

I also had the good fortune to learn much about politics Instead, we must be prepared to place greater trust in from my time working with the federal Treasurer, the our fellow Victorians — trust them as individuals, trust Honourable Peter Costello. In 1999 Peter took a chance them as families and trust them as communities; trust on a young solicitor, offering him a job as legal counsel their industry, their commonsense, their compassion, on his staff. I thank Peter for throwing caution to the their sense of justice and their decency; and trust them wind all those years ago and for his continued to do for themselves those things they are capable of friendship and support. doing and to do those things better than can government. I also acknowledge the extended family I had in that office, including Elizabeth McCabe, Niki Savva and I am confident that Victorians, given the opportunity, my former Canberra housemates Mitch Fifield, Tony will honour that trust. Smith and Robert Jeremenko. It is a matter of some relief that those walls cannot speak. This brings me to the question of federalism in Australia. Under the Australian constitution our nation As a practising barrister who is now hanging up his is constructed as a federal system. National and state robes I would be remiss if I did not refer to a growing governments are each sovereign, with their own powers concern within the legal profession. and areas of legislative responsibility. This division of powers is not only a product of the wisdom of our One of the fundamental tenets of our democracy is the constitutional founding fathers, it is a product of the independence of the judiciary from the other arms of wisdom of the Australian people who ratified our government. However, that independence is placed constitution at referenda. under pressure if appointments to the bench are stated to meet any criteria other than strict judicial merit. Any Federalism has a popular mandate in this country that suggestion that judicial appointments ought to be must not be ignored. Moreover, it is a sensible system representative of the community, or particular sections for a country the size of Australia, where the needs of of it, is misguided and damaging to the administration Cape York may be vastly different from the needs of of justice. Cape Woolamai.

A court is not a representative forum. That is the Federalism encourages the states to compete, to privilege and the duty of Parliament, and Parliament compare and to contrast. The states have the freedom to alone. A court is a place for the dispensation of justice act as policy laboratories, to innovate in health, to find according to law, and judicial appointments must not be new ways to combine economic growth with tainted by factors irrelevant to that fundamental task. environmental conservation and to meet the challenges of an ageing population. And where policy mistakes are Whether it is despite my previous experience in the made in any one state, under a federal system the practise of law and in politics or because of it, I enter consequences of those mistakes are quarantined to that this Parliament acutely conscious of the power of state rather than inflicted on the nation as a whole. government but equally cautious of its potential for misuse. There have been many challenges to the operation of our federal system and the role and powers of the states Over 150 years ago Abraham Lincoln wrote: since 1901. The High Court’s tendency to favour the legislative power of the national government at the The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at expense of the states is one. Vertical fiscal imbalance is GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

26 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 another, although recent tax reform measures have done journey to date. I place on the record my thanks and my much to alleviate that concern. affection. I am also very fortunate to have a father-in-law of the acumen and good humour of Les The latest challenge is, to some extent, self-inflicted. It Groves. is the challenge of relevance. Specifically, unless states are prepared to demonstrate that they are willing and Finally, to my wife, Michelle, and my children, Eleanor able to take responsibility — financial responsibility and Reagan: Michelle, you are my partner in life, my and political responsibility — for their constitutionally best friend, my greatest supporter and my most prescribed duties, our citizens will rightly question what perceptive critic. Without your love and support I could it is that we do and why their taxes fund us. not stand here today, nor would I wish to. And to my two beautiful young children, who mean the world to I fear that the influence of our state is diminishing, and me, I hope and pray that my endeavours in this we must act now to address the causes that are within chamber, and those of all members present, make this our capacity to influence. This is not to say that great state of Victoria an even better place for you, and harmonisation and cooperation between the states and for every child, to make your homes and follow your the commonwealth do not have an important place. dreams. They do. However, uniformity and centralisation do not, of themselves, benefit the state or the nation. Each Mr CRISP (Mildura) — It is with humility that I issue must be judged on its individual merits. stand here today as the elected member for Mildura. I congratulate you, Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, my We cannot claim state rights without accepting state colleagues in The Nationals and other members, and I responsibilities. Failure to accept those responsibilities offer my acknowledgment to the previous member, will lead to our citizens turning elsewhere for solutions Mr Russell Savage, who served the electorate for nearly and to other levels of government stepping into the 11 years. I thank him on behalf of the Mildura vacuum, for which we could blame no-one but electorate for his commitment, and I thank him also for ourselves. his gracious words in handing the seat over to me on his defeat. I sought election to this place to be part of a sovereign Parliament, deliberating and legislating for the good I acknowledge Mr Milton Whiting, the National Party government of Victoria, not to merely be a service member who last held the seat, serving from 1962 to provider. So if we wish for Victoria to continue as a 1988. I also acknowledge the efforts of a former sovereign state, we must act like one. That means no member of this place, the Honourable Ken Wright, who more finger pointing and no more blame shifting. That handed over the reins of representing North Western means embracing responsibility for those areas Province to the Honourable Barry Bishop, a member of constitutionally reserved to the states rather than The Nationals, who retired at the end of the looking for opportunities to pass political and financial 55th Parliament. When I decided to stand it was at the responsibility to Canberra. It means displaying policy urging of Barry Bishop. He asked me to have a go on innovation and showing that Victoria can lead the the basis of my credentials in being committed to the way — the brightest point in the federation star. The people of the land and in heading the fight against the continued relevance of this Parliament and of our Bracks government’s determination to build a toxic federal system of government depends on our response waste facility in the middle of the food bowl, which to this challenge. constitutes the bread and butter of so many of the people in that region. Any successful candidate for election knows that his or her success is a team effort. I wish to thank the Liberal Especially now, in this place, I put on the public record Party’s members in Malvern, especially my electorate my heartfelt thanks to my wife, MaryAnn, my family chairman, Warren Samuel; the vice-chairman, Stewart and my extended family, and also to the legion of Stribling; my campaign manager, Narelle Sheezel; and people who were unflagging supporters throughout my the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in another place, campaign. I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those the Honourable Andrea Coote. My thanks also to the people. hardworking professionals at 104 Exhibition Street, led by state president Russell Hannan, and state director Mildura is the unofficial capital of the tri-state Julian Sheezel. They all kept me cool, calm and elected. economic hub where the Victorian, South Australian and New South Wales borders meet. No matter where Closer to home my brother, Conor, has been a great they come from, the people of the region are united by friend, a best man and a wise political counsel over the one thing — their isolation from their respective state GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 27 capital cities. The people in Wentworth visit Melbourne The producers in my electorate have been smart with far more often than they do Sydney, and the many their water, their chemicals, their diversification and the people in Mildura visit Adelaide far more often than like. However, this is not solving the big issues they do Melbourne. currently facing them. All the communities of which I speak with affection — for I have knocked on many of City people need to look at these communities in their residents’ doors — have similar issues that plague different ways. They are communities that have been them on many levels. Be it on a business or a family united by their isolation, by shared hardship and by level, these issues include water, red tape, health, utter reliance on each other. They farm for the same safety, education and the fact that their livelihoods markets; their kids are all mates; and they share their could be wiped out by the establishment of a toxic successes, joys and sorrows. These communities are waste dump on their doorstep. My constituents daily united by their shared humanity — not divided by face the downturn in local tourism, the lack of a decent artificial state borders designed to suit bureaucrats and rail network to take their produce to market or port, the politicians who live hundreds of kilometres away. lack of equity of access to health services and the lack of adequate housing. These are issues that I am keen to There have been my detractors. Yes, it is true that I did tackle. live in New South Wales and served as a councillor on the Wentworth council and on a health board in the In particular I would like to focus on four main issues: same state literally a stone’s throw from Mildura. Those rail, our hospital, water and the toxic waste dump that who would seek to condemn me for this action the government has earmarked to be built at Nowingi. obviously have no idea of cross-border issues such as health, aged care and education. I issue an invitation to The electorate of Mildura has a crumbling rail network. those people to visit the region and try to understand I urge the government to recognise the value of country how the 250 metres of Murray River water does not just rail in the same way it identified the value of regional divide two states but unites two or more communities. rail in the 55th Parliament. The rail network is now and will be into the future a vital economic country asset for My electorate is large and encompasses the desert oasis the continued competitiveness of our commodities. of Mildura and the surrounding towns of Irymple, Failure to adequately address this issue will see Merbein, Robinvale, Red Cliffs, Ouyen and other commodities move from road transport with the fiercely proud communities such as Hopetoun, Tempy, unavoidable degradation of our road transport asset. A Speed, Werrimull, Meringur, Cullulleraine, smart Victoria does not pass the buck. Murrayville, and so on, that were all founded on both hard work and hard luck, forever relying on the fickle Mildura has a public-private partnership for hospital whims of the weather to carve out a livelihood from the care. Since the establishment of the current Mildura soil. Base Hospital Mildura has grown, yet the service has not kept up. There are key statistics that show how busy Whether because of climate change, man-made causes Mildura hospital has become. The community is aware or natural causes — I will leave that to the experts to of this, as there are often delays and even overcrowding debate — my electorate and indeed not only the entire in accident and emergency departments. I urge this state of Victoria but two-thirds of the nation in which government to find a way to meet the community’s we live are experiencing tough times, the like of which needs, particularly before the peak demand of the have not been seen for many decades. We are all short winter period. The community does not care about of water. My electorate is full of smart primary complications; it just wants the problem fixed. producers — producers of many of the agricultural and horticultural products that grace the tables of not only On the question of water, I would like to start with a Melbourne’s city-living residents but also the tables of quote from Mark Twain: interstate and international consumers. They include grapes, wine, fruit, honey, vegetables and the grains Whiskey is for drinking. Water is for fighting over. that provide the staple for so many of our meals. The Our challenge is not to let the second part of this quote majority of these producers are family farms which become a reality. We need to secure the future water form the backbone of communities and the fabric of needs of our state. This is particularly important for country society and country life. There is a deep those in my electorate who are the last users of the concern that managed investment schemes will affect River Murray in Victoria. It will rain again, the river that fabric. will run again, but we must learn from this part of our history and work to avoid it being repeated. Addressing the distribution losses and the consideration of another GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

28 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 reserve storage at Murray Gates on the Jingellic arm of The Save the Foodbowl Alliance was formed in the Murray are just two of the many proposals that Mildura to oppose the establishment of the toxic waste should be considered. dump. It has a strong and well-reasoned view that no toxic waste dump should be built anywhere in Victoria Mildura has turned water into gold and all of Victoria until such time as industry meets international best has benefited from this, but without the security of a practice for reducing toxic waste levels. At present constant supply of water, the river of gold that makes Australia is way behind Europe, Japan and even the the cities prosperous will disappear. I am reminded of USA in reducing toxic waste. This is not a another quote: not-in-my-backyard, or NIMBY, argument by Mildura residents. The toxic waste dump in itself is absolute If a country is well, the cities will thrive, but if the country is ill, grass will grow in the streets. madness. The present major toxic waste dump is located at Lyndhurst near Dandenong, with some going We need to secure Victoria’s water. to Tullamarine. About 95 per cent of the state’s toxic waste comes from Melbourne. Suddenly this will have In May 2004 the state government forever changed its to be transported to Nowingi. unspoken social contract with the city of Mildura. After a revolt at three preferred locations, the government The present toxic waste load is about 89 000 tonnes a decided that Nowingi was just the right distance away year and the cost of disposal sits at around $300 a from Melbourne to locate a toxic waste dump. In fact tonne. The toxic waste dump proposed for Nowingi is there was no more distant major Victorian community designed to receive around 10 000 or 15 000 tonnes a that the government could have identified for its toxic year, yet with the current waste load this means the dump. Already reeling from difficult times in grape, facility will be filled in three or four years. In order to dried fruit and citrus markets, the community copped it get the toxic waste down to that level, it is estimated again with the toxic waste dump destined for some of that disposal costs will need to go past $3000 a tonne in the most prized dryland forest in the world. order to make the facility last the proposed 25 years. Either way the present solution does not work and it is a That decision upset a lot of people in the Sunraysia huge and wasteful expense. A brief report prepared by district who felt betrayed by the state government. After the Save the Foodbowl Alliance suggests the estimated all, their local independent member had paved the way cost of this dump is about $200 million over its life. for the government to take control in 1999 and they Victoria can better invest its money. were still waiting for an upgraded railway line which had been promised many years before. The avoidable One of the additional sleepers is that a consolidation toxic waste dump just joined the rest of the dots. yard will need to be established in Melbourne to accumulate toxic waste for transporting to Mildura. In In September 1997 the current Minister for Planning in some of the submissions to the EES panel, the another place launched the ‘Give Toxics the Boot’ government stated that rail transport is an economical campaign to protect Werribee from the toxic waste option for freighting the toxic waste. However, the dump which was being proposed by the Kennett track is literally falling apart and it is estimated that a government. The member for Broadmeadows, and then total refit cost is around $200 million, which is based opposition leader, took the podium in support of that on the estimates gleaned from various sources, cause. The planning minister has now received the including the fast rail experiences. The dog spikes panel report on the environment effects statement holding down the rail can be literally pulled out by (EES) for the proposed toxic waste dump at Nowingi, hand; others litter the trackside. near Mildura. The EES was a very narrow inquiry and is considered likely to give the go-ahead for the toxic If the government were prepared to tackle industry and waste dump on environmental grounds. invest half the money allocated to the toxic waste proposal in treatment technologies and industry The government had earlier chosen three rural sites for assistance, there would be no need for this new toxic the toxic waste dump, but these local communities were waste dump at Nowingi. The load could be reduced to able to create sufficient political protest to frighten it around 10 000 to 15 000 tonnes per annum, perhaps off. The government then settled for Nowingi, which is even lower, and local councils invited to tender for the located about 50 kilometres south of Mildura on the facility. Calder Highway. The proposed site sits in the middle of two national parks and it has always been treated as a I urge the government to build a better Victoria, not one national park. It is a beautiful piece of land. that dumps on country Victoria — a government that unites rather than divides. Division leaves people SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 29 disenfranchised and disillusioned. There are better of opportunities available to them to serve this ways. The Bracks government needs to give toxics the Parliament. boot. Let us do what we are all committed to do — build a better Victoria. I would point out to you, Deputy Speaker, that the other place has already carried a similar resolution with the Debate adjourned on motion of Mr BATCHELOR same sort of sunset provision, nominating the members (Minister for Victorian Communities). from that chamber to this committee.

Debate adjourned until later this day. I have pleasure in moving this motion in the expectation that once this committee is established by its successful passage, those members, together with the SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS members of the upper house, will be able to provide COMMITTEE advice to this chamber on bills and be reconstituted by the 28 February sunset provision. Membership Mr McINTOSH (Kew) — The opposition supports Mr BATCHELOR (Minister for Victorian this motion. I do not need to go into any further detail Communities) — I have a number of motions I seek to other than to adopt the words of the Leader of the move by leave, and I will move them sequentially. House.

Firstly, by leave I move: Mr DELAHUNTY (Lowan) — On behalf of The Nationals, I do not oppose this motion. We have one That the members for Bundoora, Brunswick, Murray Valley, Kew and Sandringham be members of the Scrutiny of Acts member on it — the member for Murray Valley — and Regulations Committee until 28 February 2007. who tells me that today is the first day of his 10th Parliament. So today is a bit of a birthday for him In moving this motion I wish to point out to the house too. that this comes before the house with the agreement of the other parties. It is an expedient resolution, because The Nationals are happy that the 28 February 2007 the other parliamentary committees are not yet ready to sunset provision be included in this motion. We have a be established and constituted. But we have agreed as a taxing bill before us today, and that will obviously go Parliament, as you will hear through the course of this through, but the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations debate, that because of the role of the Scrutiny of Acts Committee provides good advice to the Parliament. We and Regulations Committee in examining legislation support it, and we support this motion. and providing advice to the chamber, it would be best in terms of the performance of Parliament and the Motion agreed to. outcomes that Parliament is seeking to achieve in considering in detail the various bills that are going to be brought forward by the government, that this BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE committee be constituted now. We have also agreed Sessional orders that when the other parliamentary committees are constituted in the February sitting weeks, we will have Mr BATCHELOR (Minister for Victorian the opportunity to reconstitute this committee. Communities) — This motion relates to sessional orders for the 56th Parliament. I move, by leave: Those members who are being appointed today know that there is that sunset provision, but in the That the following sessional orders be adopted to come into interregnum they will be required to carry out the work operation with effect from the next sitting day: of the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee and 1. Days and times of meeting provide advice to the house. During the period of time until 28 February 2007 it is the intention, certainly at Unless otherwise ordered, the house will meet each this point in time, to have that committee reconstituted Tuesday at 2.00 p.m. and each Wednesday and along with the other parliamentary committees, so Thursday at 9.30 a.m. when members on both sides of the chamber are 2. Act titles considering putting their names forward for membership of parliamentary committees, particularly (i) The Clerk of the Parliaments must alter the title joint parliamentary committees, of which this is one, appearing before the enacting words or if there is a they will be able to do so in full knowledge of the suite preamble before the preamble in a bill that is to be BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

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presented to the Governor for royal assent by The third of these amendments to the standing orders substituting the word ‘Act’ for the word ‘Bill’; and deals with the incorporation of statements of (ii) the alteration of the bill to give effect to compatibility under section 28 of the Charter of Human paragraph (i) is not to be taken as an amendment to Rights and Responsibilities Act which was passed last the bill. year. The minister, when introducing a bill to the house, must deliver a statement of compatibility to make sure 3. Incorporation of statements of compatibility that the bill is compatible with the charter of human The statement of compatibility tabled under section 28 rights. We are endeavouring to have a mechanism to of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act enable statements of compatibility to be incorporated in 2006 will be incorporated in Hansard without leave Hansard in a similar way the second-reading speeches being required. are placed on the Hansard record. The context of how By way of a brief explanation, the house will recall that this would work is that at some stage during the during the term of the last Parliament — the presentation of the second-reading debate the 55th Parliament — the Assembly took a decision to sponsoring minister would make it available. consolidate a series of sessional orders that had grown The option we could have undertaken was simply to in number and complexity over a number of have a table and members would have had access to it parliamentary terms in the revised standing orders that on that day and subsequent days when each piece of came to this house by way of recommendation from a legislation was being debated, but the intent here is not joint committee. only for that procedure to be made available to On a day like today, the opening of a new members of the house on the day of its debate, but for it parliamentary term, the intent that was expected at that to be incorporated into Hansard so that those looking at point in time has come to fruition, so that most of the the procedures for each passage of legislation could rules of procedure that were previously incorporated also see not only the second-reading speech and the into the standing orders will continue to operate. second-reading debate but also the statement of compatibility. In the last term we had one sessional order, and that related to the days and times of meeting. It was argued This goes a long way towards putting into effect this at the time, and it is still being put forward now, that government’s decision to have a charter of human setting the days and times of meeting should be a rights and to require statements of compatibility. This conscious decision of each incoming Parliament. That will be achieved through a very simple machinery of is why these operational provisions are contained in the government, a sessional order, that will be put into sessional orders rather than in the standing orders. effect. I would expect it would receive widespread support. The second element enables the clerks of the Parliament to alter the title, either at the beginning or Mr McINTOSH (Kew) — The opposition certainly before the preamble of a bill which is to be presented to does not oppose these sessional orders, and indeed we the Governor for royal assent, by substituting the word accept the first two as being very necessary to the ‘Act’ for the word ‘Bill’. This is a technical procedure. process. However, the opposition pauses to draw breath It is very similar to the procedures carried out by the to some extent, not so much from the point of view of clerks after the end of one calendar year and the statements of compatibility being incorporated in beginning of the next, when the passage of some bills Hansard but perhaps in relation to the way the overarch those two calendar years. Then the clerks have government has gone about this without much thought. the administrative ability and are required to change the At the end of the day, whether you support the idea of a titles of those bills to conform with the year in which charter of rights or not, the statement of compatibility is they are passed. This motion makes the procedure a very integral part of that process, and all those much more streamlined. members who were in the previous Parliament will recall that the statement of compatibility was the With the passage of legislation that brings new law into cornerstone of this charter. play, this motion will facilitate a process which starts with legislation in the form of a bill but concludes with Given that any legislation that we as members of the royal assent being given by the Governor. The Parliament pass in this place can change and alter clerks will be able to make that administrative change people’s rights and liberties and that an ordinary act of which does not affect the substance of either the bill or Parliament can be amended from time to time, it is most the act but has the legislation appear in the correct form important that a statement of compatibility be made in a for the giving of royal assent. positive sense so that a bill conforms with the charter of BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 31 rights. Likewise you could say that when a bill does not second-reading speech rather than merely being tabled conform with the charter of rights for certain reasons, as a document. It would form part of the record of this those reasons should be set out quite clearly. Parliament, but it would also form part of the body politic of this place, because it would be a crucial and The other thing I draw breath about is that this is important document. It would be one of the only times I essentially unlike any other activity in this place. I said can think of when what we do in this place could at the time of the debate that the statement of ultimately become justiciable. compatibility may very well be justiciable in a court because a court has to consider the statement of Mr DELAHUNTY (Lowan) — On behalf of The compatibility; it can actually pass judgment as to Nationals I say that we are not opposed to this motion. whether or not it accepts what the minister says. It is With regard to the days and times of meetings, the still the law, but the way this will operate is that on the motion states that we will start at 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday rare occasion it comes before a court, that court will be and at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. It does able to actually pass judgment on whether the minister not give the finishing times and I just want to record or this place got it right. that The Nationals are very keen to continue the sitting times we had during the 55th Parliament. Likewise, it was certainly everybody’s understanding that this would be a significant part of the process in We travel long distances to get here for the sittings of passing a bill through this place. We know that the Parliament and it would be wrong for us to go back and Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee will now sit in our hotel rooms or units when we could be sitting have that expanded responsibility to also pass judgment in here doing some work on behalf of the people we in relation to every single act that passes this place as to represent in country Victoria. The member for Mildura whether it conforms with the charter of rights and has about a 6-hour drive to get here, although if he is responsibilities. lucky enough to catch a plane it takes about 1 hour. The member for Swan Hill has a 4-hour drive and it is about 1 The most important thing about this particular aspect is a 3 ⁄2-hour drive for me. We would rather see debates that one would have thought it would have been continue as they are. We hear that the finishing times something upfront and crucial to the whole process of could change, so I record that we would rather continue the debate rather than just being tabled. I thank and with the current times. acknowledge the clerks who picked this up — not the government but the clerks — who have provided a The second part of the motion deals with act titles to mechanism whereby it can at least form part of the provide a greater understanding of the acts of record of this Parliament through Hansard. Parliament, and we see no problem with that. Again, we congratulate the parliamentary staff for bringing I would like to think that mature heads would suggest forward this change. It is the sort of commonsense stuff that if it has to be made before a second-reading speech that we in The Nationals are in favour of, so we support it ought to be something like a section 85 statement and it. it should be clearly stated by a minister as part of that second-reading speech, even if it is at the beginning of The third part of the motion deals with the that second-reading speech rather than just being tabled incorporation of statements of compatibility. Section 28 at some other time. Essentially and most importantly, of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities that is the time when we all find out about the detail of Act requires that a member introducing a bill table a a bill that comes before this Parliament — that is, at the statement of compatibility before making a time of the second-reading speech, when you get a copy second-reading speech. Already in this 56th Parliament of the bill and you get a second-reading speech read we have heard one second-reading speech before this out. I would like to think that when people are motion has been passed. I listened to the three or considering a bill, from the first moment they know four-page second-reading speech and I do not believe what a minister is saying about whether it complies or there was any reference to the charter of human rights does not comply with the charter of human rights and and responsibilities legislation. responsibilities. When that bill was debated in the Parliament earlier this Having said that, I hope that wise heads prevail and that year we opposed it. We believed it would create this statement is made up front like a section 85 confusion and division within the Victorian statement, although there is a different precondition as community, but more importantly it has already shown to when that statement has to be made. I would like to that it has created some confusion within the think it would be made by the minister orally during a Parliament. We do not believe the charter of human STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

32 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 rights legislation provides for anything that the engineering. If the charter of human rights was so government wants people to think it will provide for. important, why did the government not incorporate it We will wait to see whether it truly provides the things into the second-reading speech we heard earlier today? the government said it will. We believe the statute law The charter will cause confusion and be divisive, but and common law have served our Parliament and we have to operate within it. However, for those Victorians for many decades. That is one of the reasons reasons The Nationals will not be opposing the motion why we opposed the legislation. before us.

Today I obtained a copy of the Charter of Human Motion agreed to. Rights and Responsibilities Act which was passed this year. Section 28 deals with statements of compatibility. Proclamations Section 28(3) states: Mr BATCHELOR (Minister for Victorian A statement of compatibility must state — Communities) — I move, by leave:

(a) whether, in the member’s opinion, the Bill is compatible That this house authorises and requires the Clerk to table with human rights and, if so, how it is compatible; and copies of proclamations of the Governor in Council fixing dates for the coming into operation of acts, as published in the (b) if, in the member’s opinion, any part of the Bill is Government Gazette from time to time. incompatible with human rights, the nature and extent of the incompatibility. This is a procedural or operational sessional order. It simply facilitates the expeditious operation of the Section 28(4) states: house. It requires the Clerk to table copies of A statement of compatibility made under this section is not proclamations when acts come into operation. It binding on any court or tribunal. enables the Clerk to do that procedurally time after time without having to bring the matter before the house on There are many ways for the government to get out of each occasion via a procedural motion. It is a simple this. Section 29 is headed ‘No effect on Victorian law’ and straightforward procedural recommendation that and states: will make the operations of the house much smoother. A failure to comply with section 28 in relation to any Bill that becomes an Act does not affect the validity, operation or Mr McINTOSH (Kew) — The opposition supports enforcement of that Act or of any other statutory provision. the motion. That is how the government got out of including it in Mr DELAHUNTY (Lowan) — The Nationals also the second-reading speech today. support the motion.

It is interesting to note that the government’s first Motion agreed to. motion dealt with the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee. Section 30 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act states: STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING The Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee must AFFORDABILITY) BILL consider any Bill introduced into Parliament and must report to the Parliament as to whether the Bill is incompatible with human rights. Second reading Already we have seen that that has not proceeded. The Debate resumed from earlier this day; motion of legislation is not yet six months old and we are already Mr BRUMBY (Treasurer). jumping the hurdles that it has created. Section 39 is Mr WELLS (Scoresby) — On behalf of the Liberal headed ‘Legal proceedings’ and section 39(3) states: Party I rise to speak on the State Taxation Legislation A person is not entitled to be awarded any damages because Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill. The purpose of a breach of this Charter. of the bill is to give effect to the government’s election promises on housing affordability and payroll tax; to Even if we did something wrong, there are no legal or provide stamp duty reductions for the purchase of financial penalties for the government at this stage. As residential property which is clarified as a principal we said back in June or July when the legislation was place of residence; to extend the first home owner grant debated, we do not believe it will deliver the things the scheme and to provide additional grants to first home government says it is promising. We do not think it is purchasers of newly constructed residential premises; necessary. We believe it is more about social STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 33 and to bring forward previously announced payroll tax Cuts to stamp duty from 6 per cent to 5 per cent on family cuts by six months. homes … As I have mentioned, it refers also to: The first of the main provisions concerns stamp duty reduction for the purchase of residential property which A $2850 cut to stamp duty on houses … is bought as a principal place of residence. It applies to properties with a dutiable value between $115 000 and Extending the $3000 first home bonus until 30 June 2009. $500 000. There will be an approximately In a press release two days later Labor referred in $2600 reduction on a median-priced property of around glowing terms to the way that Deloitte reviewed the $360 000. The maximum saving under this program Bracks government’s election promises. In a press will be $2850. The cost to the budget is $305 million release of 31 October the government goes to great over five years. First home buyers will have a choice lengths. It states: between taking the new stamp duty rate reduction or the first home bonus — they do not get both. Accounting services firm of the year, Deloitte, has been engaged by the Australian Labor Party to review the cost and The second part of the bill provides for an extension of budget impact of the Bracks government’s election the first home owner grants, with increased grants for commitments, Premier Steve Bracks and Treasurer John new properties. The first home owner grant scheme was Brumby announced today. to expire on 30 June 2007 and the government wants to ‘Deloitte has independently assessed the Labor Party’s extend it to 1 July 2009. The bill provides $5000 grants election commitments to ensure our policies are affordable to first home purchasers of newly constructed and responsible … residential premises and $3000 for used properties. The … cost to the budget will be $234 million over four years. Deloitte has concluded: ‘recurrent expenditure commitment estimates have been prepared with due skill and diligence and The payroll tax cuts which were promised in May last accurately in all material respects with appropriate supporting year will be brought forward by six months. The cut of assumptions’. 0.10 per cent, from 5.15 per cent to 5.05 per cent, will commence from 1 January 2007 rather than 1 July It sounds great. It goes on: 2007. The government claims that 23 000 businesses ‘They are also satisfied that all of our capital investment will benefit from those cuts. The direct cost to the commitments are capable of being accommodated within budget will be about $26 million. existing budget forward estimates’, Mr Brumby said.

The opposition will not oppose the bill but I would like ‘This means our policies are funded without a single to make some further comments on it. additional dollar of debt — every promise made by Labor will be delivered within the budget.

The government announced these measures in a press ‘Deloitte will also complete a second stage sign off in relation release of Sunday, 29 October. It states that the Premier to the impact on future budgets following the release of the released: pre-election budget update by the secretary of Treasury’.

… Labor’s housing affordability policy to help Victorians The opposition accepts that. I refer to the letter that buying a home for the first time and those already in the Deloitte signed off. It is very clear. It is addressed to the property market, while ensuring access to affordable state secretary of the Victorian branch of the Australian accommodation for all Victorians. Labor Party. In the second paragraph it says that it has:

It is important to mention some of the points because I … calculated whether the total value of the capital investment want to come back to the way members of the Labor commitments to be made as part of the 2006 election are Party went about putting together their election within the unallocated capital budget contained in the promises and the way they did their audit for this Department of Treasury and Finance forward estimates particular process. contained in the 2006–2007 Victorian budget papers. Based on the work performed, we have concluded that: Mr Lupton interjected. The recurrent expenditure commitment estimates appear Mr WELLS — We will get to that. It might be very to have been prepared with due skill and diligence and interesting for members to know just some of the accurately in all material respects, with appropriate processes that Labor chose. I will go to some of the supporting assumptions. things that Deloitte said. The press release of The total capital investment commitments appear to be 29 October goes on: capable of being accommodated within the Department STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

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of Treasury and Finance forward estimates contained in and all of a sudden members of the Labor Party the 2006–2007 Victorian budget papers. backbench are all going to water over it. The opposition accepts that. If one goes to Labor’s Honourable members interjecting. Financial Statement 2006 — The Third Term of a Bracks Labor Government and looks at the section Mr WELLS — We are talking about the State headed ‘Summary of Labor’s 2006 Election Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Commitments’, one sees that total new capital Affordability) Bill, which contains an election promise. investment is $3277 million — in other words, about The reason that it was introduced today is because the $3.3 billion in new capital. I went to the same place as government wants that promise to be in place by Deloitte went to and looked at unallocated capital. In 1 January 2007. I am merely looking at the audit budget paper 2, 2006–07 Strategy and Outlook, the process for this particular piece of legislation. When I total amount for unallocated provision for future go to the Deloitte letters I am referring in part to this allocation is $2210 million. The total unallocated particular piece of legislation. provision for future allocation is $2.2 billion but Labor’s commitment to capital is $3.3 billion, so under I go to the Deloitte letter of 21 November which refers its own audit process the government is $1.1 billion to this particular piece of legislation, among others, and short on capital expenditure. states:

In the press release the government stated that there Based on the work performed, we have concluded that: would be another update, and there was. On The estimated net recurrent initiatives prepared by Labor 21 November Deloitte put out another letter, also could be accommodated within the forecast net results addressed to the state secretary — as the parliamentary from transactions reported in the pre-election budget secretary races off to grab the Treasurer, just to make update for the three years ending 30 June 2010. sure that all these points can be clarified — in which it The second point in the letter reads: states: The impact of the estimated net recurrent initiatives prepared Based on the work performed, we have concluded that: by Labor on the forecast net results from transactions reported in the pre-election budget update indicates a budget operating The estimated net recurrent initiatives prepared by Labor surplus in excess of $100 million per annum. could be accommodated within the forecast — — Mr Stensholt — On a point of order, Deputy What I ask, and it is a simple, straightforward Speaker — and I congratulate you on your appointment question — — to your position — I was just wondering whether we Mr Stensholt — That is a long bow to draw. are debating the bill or previous budget papers and other things dealing with capital expenditure? The bill The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member is actually dealing with taxation, not with capital. for Burwood has a very loud voice.

Mr WELLS — On the point of order, Deputy Mr WELLS — The question I am asking is very Speaker, the reason we are debating this bill is because simple and straightforward. In the first letter Deloitte it reflects an election promise. I am merely looking at mentions the capital, and it is happy about the audit the process of those election promises, using the Labor process for that, but in the second letter there is no Party’s own audit system, so I ask you to rule out the mention of capital. We have a $1.1 billion shortfall in point of order. capital. The government’s own audit process does not stack up. We are still waiting for an intelligent The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I have heard conversation or an intelligent point of order for enough on the point of order. I will rule on the point of something to happen to be able to justify why the order. As the member for Burwood and other members government’s own audit process was flawed. would know, a certain amount of leeway is given to lead speakers in a debate. However, I believe the Mr Stensholt interjected. member for Scoresby should be a little clearer on how he is relating those remarks to the content of the bill. I Mr WELLS — I can understand the member for recognise there is some leeway, but I think he is Burwood getting really upset because I guess he played straying just a little bit. a part in working out the audit process, and it has not worked at all. It is incredibly disappointing. Let us go a Mr WELLS — Isn’t it an interesting night! We are step further and look at the pre-election budget update talking about an election promise and an audit process, STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 35 that was intended to make sure the government had Earlier I mentioned payroll tax. There will be a cost to enough money to pay for its budget promises. the budget of $26 million. That was foreshadowed in the budget in May this year when the government said Mr Holding interjected. it would further reduce payroll tax to 5 per cent over three years: from 5.25 per cent to 5.15 per cent, and Mr WELLS — When you make sure you have the then to 5.05 per cent. These cuts were said to be worth money available to pay for the State Taxation $533 million over four years. Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill you have to — — It is interesting to note and needs to be put on the record that this government talks about equity when it comes Mr Holding interjected. to taxation. Let us look at some of the history of the Mr WELLS — The government did not realise Labor Party in regard to the three things we have there was a cost to the budget, and it stuck it in. As the mentioned. Since Labor came to government in 1999 it finance minister you do not understand there is a cost to has raised the take from stamp duty tax from $1 billion the budget. You do not understand there is a cost to the in 1999 to $2.7 billion in 2006. It has increased the budget! stamp duty on a median-priced house in Victoria by 71 per cent to $17 560, it has increased stamp duty on a The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member median-priced house in Melbourne by 91 per cent to for Scoresby, through the Chair. And the minister will $18 160 and it has collected $14 billion in stamp duty cease interjecting across the table. from home buyers since 2000. It did not offer 1 cent towards a change in stamp duty until the death knock of Mr WELLS — Through you, Deputy Speaker, the election. when we look at the update we find that the unallocated provision for future investment is $2.5 billion. No When we look at the extension of taxes we see that matter which way you look at it, Labor does not have there is now a payroll tax on fringe benefits and the money to fully fund its capital expenditure. It is termination payments, payroll tax on apprentices and around $800 million short under its own audit process. trainees, stamp duty on mortgage debentures, stamp That is why members on this side of the house are duty on extensions to land-rich companies, new payroll struggling with how the Labor Party is going to pay for tax on employment agencies, a transit city tax and land its election promises, such as the one we are debating tax on properties owned through trusts. We understand tonight. there is a certain amount of criticism of what the Labor government has promised, taking into consideration the I raised the point that the government’s audit process is amount of money it has collected over the last seven flawed, and we have great concerns about how it is years and the amount it is giving back to taxpayers. going to pay for what is outlined in this particular bill. We are also concerned about the $800 million shortfall The Housing Industry Association (HIA) put out a flyer in capital expenditure. When the Treasurer is summing on 6 October 2006 with the heading ‘Cutting stamp up we will be listening with great interest to how he duty will assist home buyers’. It states: explains that. First home buyers in Victoria pay more in stamp duty on an average priced home than in any other state according to the When you look at what the government was putting HIA. forward during the election campaign you see that the Liberal Party was also focusing very strongly on stamp In Victoria, stamp duty on new homes can represent as much duty, and their promises were not too dissimilar. But as 6 per cent of the cost of a new house with first home buyers paying $13 600 on a $300 000 home compared to one of the big differences between the two parties is New South Wales where first home buyers pay no stamp duty that we believed that first home buyers who really at all on any new house up to a value of $500 000. needed the money should be given both the first home bonus and a cut in stamp duty. We wanted to make sure After making those few points, I indicate that the they received those benefits. We are disappointed that Liberal Party will not be opposing this bill, but we look there was no mention of land tax by the government forward with great interest to what the Treasurer has to during the election campaign, and we are disappointed say in regard to the financing and audit processing of with this bill. Land tax is destroying many small this particular election promise. businesses today. We promised to make sure that all properties valued between $540 000 and $2.7 million Dr SYKES (Benalla) — It gives me pleasure to rise would receive some sort of benefit. in behalf of The Nationals to speak on the State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

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Affordability) Bill. The Nationals support the bill on The Nationals fully support the reduction in stamp duty, the basis that if it is good for country Victoria, we will but we ask why stamp duty has not been reduced to support it. That view has repeatedly been espoused by zero for first home buyers of houses up to $500 000, the Leader of The Nationals. It is encouraging that that particularly in country Victoria, which would seems to have been recognised by the electorates of encourage young people to stay in country Victoria or country Victoria, which supported us very strongly at return there to raise their families. Similarly, we ask the recent election with something like a 12 per cent why there is not a preparedness to go further and reduce swing and a couple of extra seats coming our way. stamp duty to zero for young people buying their first farm in country Victoria, which would facilitate the The key aspects of the bill have been covered very intergenerational transfer of farms in Victoria and succinctly by the member for Scoresby. Whilst, as I maintain Victorian farmers at the forefront of said, we Nationals support the bill, we strongly believe international agricultural pursuits. it does not go far enough in its support of country Victorians — and young country Victorians in The provisions detailed in the bill have parallel particular. There is a continuing drift of young people provisions in similar, related legislation. Although there away from country Victoria to the big smoke. This is a limited amount of time to assess the bill, it appears long-term trend of youth exiting from country Victoria to be an appropriate and sound way of achieving the has been compounded by a series of here-and-now objective of improving the affordability of houses. crises, including the drought and its associated lack of water, the closure of the tobacco industry in the Business interrupted pursuant to standing orders. north-east river valleys and, as we discussed earlier in the day, the severe fires that started in north-east Sitting continued on motion of Mr HOLDING Victoria and are ravaging the high country. (Minister for Finance, WorkCover and the Transport Accident Commission). I would like to spend a moment or two on those fires, given that other speakers have raised the issue during Dr SYKES (Benalla) — The advancement of the the day and given that they are impacting very heavily introduction of the second stage of payroll tax on my electorate. The fires — about 50 of them — reductions from 5.15 per cent to 5.05 per cent is started a couple of weeks ago after lightning strikes. I welcome, but again The Nationals suggest that this does was involved from the start as a result of the regional not go far enough to encourage employment in country fire manager of the Department of Sustainability and Victoria. We believe there should be a 20 per cent Environment (DSE) contacting me and inviting me to payroll tax reduction in country Victoria, because it is participate in briefings in order to remain abreast of the necessary to encourage employment growth in country issues. Victoria in order to maintain the opportunity for people to gain productive employment and therefore meet their I should say I was very impressed with the commitment housing repayments or rental requirements, if that is to the principle of fighting the fires with a focus on, as what they seek to do. mentioned earlier today, local knowledge, asset protection and aggressive control measures. There have As I mentioned earlier, country Victoria is in an been hiccups, but when they were fed to me they were extreme economic and social plight at the moment. In fed on to management, and I am very pleased to say basic terms it is damn tough. The drought is a that those hiccups have been addressed where 1-in-100-year or 1-in-1000-year event, depending on necessary. I add my thanks to the Country Fire who you listen to. From a farming point of view the Authority and DSE firefighters, to those who have drought has reduced feed availability. We have seen an come from interstate and overseas, and also to the State increase in feed prices, water is becoming scarce and Emergency Service, the police, the Red Cross, local stock prices are crashing. The flow-on impact on the government and the timber workers and contractors out local communities and local businesses is very there. As has been said, there are up to 50 bulldozers significant. Some businesses are operating with a working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, building 70 per cent reduction in their incomes, which is having the fire control line to protect Melbourne’s water a flow-on affect on communities. Young people and supply. Members of the general community have made others are now unemployed and looking to go a heck of a contribution, and they have been under elsewhere. At this stage the drift of young Victorians enormous stress. away from country Victoria is increasing.

I return to the legislation. This bill seeks to improve In addition to the drought, there have been three waves home affordability, especially for first home buyers. of frost which have knocked the stuffing out of the STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 37 grape industry particularly in the Ovens and King cannot survive unless there is support. We may end up valleys but also elsewhere in my electorate. To survive with cheap housing in north-east Victoria, but people is a real test of the persistence and resilience of the will not live there because there will not be any jobs. people who work at vineyards. Whilst the closure of the We need to address the broader issues of employment tobacco industry is supported by a fairly significant and economic recovery to complement the provisions federal government package and there has been a of this bill. commitment by the Victorian Minister for Agriculture to support growers making a transition to other I have another email from a business in Mount Beauty. industries, the reality is that we are going to have to The business is very grateful for the support from the struggle to retain our young people in country Victoria firefighters and the government’s input so far, but it is unless we make an effort to provide alternative forms of struggling because of a drop in its income as a result of employment and seek to ensure that there is affordable tourists being discouraged from coming into the area. housing. Finally, a very competent tourist operator has suggested Now we have fires which may be the straw that breaks a solution. A letter from the operator says that when the camel’s back. The social and economic implications solutions are being put in place, they should include a of the fires are massive. Last Saturday the front page of tourism promotion strategy like that following the 2003 the Border Mail carried a report that suggests the fires fires. Those strategies must be implemented have already had a $100 million economic impact on immediately and must use local expertise. During the our area. It does not matter how cheap housing is — if last fires around $2 million was invested in tourist you do not have an income or a job and there is promotion strategies, but very little of that money nowhere to work in the area, low-cost housing is not actually came to north-east Victorian businesses. We relevant. My phone and email service are running hot at are saying, ‘Get those strategies in place immediately the moment because people are raising their concerns. I and ensure that the money comes locally so that would like to draw some of them in a constructive everyone in the local area benefits’. fashion to the attention of the government. The government should be encouraged to make Lena Birti from Kancoona Valley Wines outlines in a packages available to businesses — as I said, not just letter to me that her business experienced the fires in those businesses or properties that have had their 2003. It was just recovering from the 2003 fires, but on infrastructure burnt, but those which have had their top of that it has suffered smoke damage from the income substantially reduced. The government should recent fires. The business has attempted to set up a also look at reimbursing the cost to local government of cellar door cafe, but no-one is coming to the area now combating the fires. Mansfield shire has already because of concerns regarding the safety of tourists. incurred a debt of over $250 000, and it cannot stand to The net result is that the business is doing it tough. She carry that loss. asked whether there is going to be any form of financial assistance available to farmers and tourist operators. I Turning to the issue of drought, there is no point in have mentioned that there are some forms of assistance pursuing affordable housing if we do not have people to available to people who have been affected directly by live in it, so we are asking the government to address the fires, but that assistance must be extended to the water issues by ensuring pragmatic and equitable involve businesses that have lost their custom but not solutions. The $1000 tank rebate applies only to people necessarily had their infrastructure burnt down. on reticulated supplies. Other people are missing out, and that is illogical. At a local level we have the Mount I have also had an email from Yvonne Evans of the Buffalo Chalet under economic pressure. Some neighbourhood centre at Mount Beauty. She made it 4000 people have signed a petition saying ‘Save the quite clear in her email that her community is facing a chalet’. That can be done at very little cost to the severe economic crisis, particularly in her area because government if it comes up with a more appropriate and it was affected by a poor snow season. Businesses in longer lease for the chalet and if it looks at reducing the Mount Beauty area did not have a good snow operating costs. season to generate income to survive the tough period the area is currently experiencing. In summary, we in The Nationals support the bill as far as it goes, but we call on the government to live up to In 2003 the Bright Country Golf Club, which I visited its claim of governing for all Victorians. We ask that last week, lost $30 000 in income. People did not come the government work with members of The to the area because of the bushfires. It is already $5000 Nationals — who have been given a resounding down in profits. The club secretary says the business endorsement by country Victorians to represent STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

38 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 them — to implement the provisions of this bill, but homes below $500 000. They account for about 27 per also to adopt the additional measures, some of which I cent of all property purchases and 26 per cent of all have mentioned today, to ensure there is a viable, residential transactions. The first home buyer bonus has economically sustainable country Victorian community had a very high take-up rate since May 2004, involving after we get through this drought and that country some 84 000-plus people. Victoria remains a great place to live, work and raise a family. This legislation will provide incentives in the construction industry and also provide people with Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Warren North) — I incentives to look at purchasing housing, whether it be welcome the support of The Nationals and the use of their first or their second home, as long as it is their our little catchcry. That was very good! principal house of residence.

It is an honour to speak on the State Taxation Our record on taxes and housing affordability is very Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill. strong. Since 2000–01 total revenue in Victoria has This bill very much implements commitments the grown by about 38.1 per cent. That is less than the government made during its successful campaign in growth of the Victorian economy, which has been 2006 to provide stamp duty relief, to change the first about 41.2 per cent, and much less than the growth in home buyer bonus scheme and to bring forward the the commonwealth revenue of 43.2 per cent. Taxation payroll tax cut as announced previously. has grown at about 31 per cent, which is less than the gross state product of 41.2 per cent. We have a great In the 2006–07 budget the government announced a record on tax reform. We have gone from having the reduction in payroll tax from 5.15 per cent to 5.05 per second-highest number of taxes in the country to the cent to take effect from 1 July 2007. We have brought second lowest. Payroll tax has been cut by 13 per cent, this forward to 1 January 2007. The first home buyer which is the second lowest in Australia. We have bonus of $3000 was due to expire on 30 June 2007. We forgone $2 billion in land tax. Duty on non-residential have now extended this scheme to 30 June 2009. Under leases has gone. Financial institutions duty has gone. the extended scheme total grants for first home buyers Duty on quoted marketable securities has gone. Duty will be up to $10 000 for established homes and on unquoted marketable securities has gone. Duty on $12 000 for newly constructed homes, which is a great mortgages has gone. Bank account debit taxes have bonus for many people in my electorate. Amendments gone. Business rental duty is to be abolished from will be made to the Duties Act of 2000, the First Home 1 January 2007. Owner Grant Act of 2000 and the Pay-roll Tax Act of 1971. We have done a marvellous job. We introduced the payroll tax maternity leave exemption, effective from In relation to tax relief for home buyers, the legislation 1 January 2003. provides that you have to be 18 years of age or over to qualify for stamp duty reduction; it contains a definition Looking at land tax specifically — — of a newly constructed home, which is the same as the definition in the GST legislation; and it contains a Mr K. Smith — You’re off with the pixies! definition of a principal place of residence, which is very much the same as that used in the Land Tax Act. Mr DONNELLAN — There are no pixies in the Clearly these definitions are required to ensure that only Labor Party! Apart from the headline figure on land those people who deserve to receive the stamp duty and tax — we have foregone $2 billion — we have to be part of the first home buyer scheme are eligible. increased the tax-free threshold by 135 per cent, The total cost of the package is of the order of decreased the top rate from 5 per cent to 3 per cent, and $565 million over five years. The package has been introduced an exemption for aged care facilities, well supported by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria caravan parks and rooming houses, and we have capped and by the Victorian Employers Chamber of bills at 50 per cent for 2006 and 2007. Land tax revenue Commerce and Industry, and I know that it has been has increased by about 43 per cent, while property well received in my local community. values have increased by 103 per cent. So we have done a good job in not taking as much as we could The outcomes of this legislation have been very well have. targeted. The government’s policies for housing affordability have been very well formulated. The Virtually all small businesses with land holdings proposed tax relief for home buyers addresses the issue between $380 000 and $3.4 million pay the lowest land of affordability, targeting those people purchasing tax of all states in Australia. STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 39

If the Liberal stamp duty plan had been imposed, for take was $1 billion. In 2006 this has grown to houses valued somewhere between $500 000 and $2.7 billion. So on the back of a property boom the $600 000 there would have been a top rate of about government has clearly enabled itself to collect a huge 9 per cent, which would have been the highest rate in amount of revenue, and after seven years of doing all the Australian states. So we would have had a absolutely nothing it is now saying it will — — Treasurer who would have introduced a stamp duty rate of 9 per cent for properties valued between $500 000 An honourable member interjected. and $600 000, which would have probably made us the laughing stock of Australia. I commend the bill to the Ms ASHER — In terms of stamp duty you have house. done absolutely nothing. It is now saying it will return a small amount back to some buyers. Ms ASHER (Brighton) — Congratulations, Deputy Speaker, on your election. I also note it is a very limited form of relief for first home buyers who have been given a choice — which is I wish to make a few comments on the State Taxation an odd word — between a stamp duty cut or the first Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill, home bonus. which of course the Liberal Party will not oppose. The bill contains stamp duty cuts for principal places of The third observation I would make is that this bill fails residence in the bracket of $115 000 to $500 000, with to address the fundamental flaw in the stamp duty a maximum saving of $2850. The bill also encapsulates system that the Labor Party has not addressed for seven some changes to the first home owner grant scheme. It years — that is, that the stamp duty scale has been extends the scheme to 1 July 2009, whereas previously unchanged for that duration, except through this bill the Labor Party was going to terminate the scheme on now before the house. Basically stamp duty is based on 30 June 2007. The government will increase to $5000 bracket creep. As property values have increased — the first home owner grant for the purchase of a new and we have seen a massive property boom, house whilst keeping at $3000 the level of assistance particularly in Melbourne — the government has just for an existing property. raked in the revenue. It was $1 billion when the government came to office, and it is now $2.7 billion. The bill also brings forward payroll tax cuts, and I am always happy to give credit where it is due. As a What the government should have done is adjust the minister in the previous government, which introduced stamp duty scales to allow for changes in property payroll tax concessions in three consecutive budgets in values. Of course the government will never do that, very hard times, I am pleased to see the payroll tax cut because it is too hooked on the revenue from property in this bill. The cut was included in the May budget, taxes. Again I refer the new Parliamentary Secretary for when a three-tiered cut process was announced by the Treasury and Finance — and I congratulate him on his government, and this particular cut has been brought appointment — to an element of the Liberal Party forward to 1 January 2007. The government has policy which actually addressed the issue of bracket indicated its intention to have the rate of payroll tax at creep in stamp duty. 5 per cent from 1 July 2008 whilst maintaining the I invite the Labor Party to have a look at this because it current threshold. would be a much fairer system. There should be an The bill is based on the government’s housing annual adjustment of stamp duty scales to reflect affordability policy, which it released for the 2006 changes in property values. You can easily set up a Victorian election. However, notwithstanding the system like that involving the Valuer-General signing obvious mandate the government has, I have a number off, and I invite the Labor Party to think seriously about of observations on these tax cuts. The first is that if the stamp duty reform and to address the inherent bracket government thinks these cuts are going to make creep that it has still in its stamp duty rates. housing affordable, then it is kidding itself. These are I also cannot resist making another observation on the small changes and should be acknowledged as small housing affordability statement, the Labor Party’s changes. policy for the 2006 Victorian election, because I love My second point is that there is very limited stamp duty sitting in this chamber and hearing members of the relief in the bill before the house. It is very important to Labor Party. If there is a problem, it is all the federal realise the overall stamp duty collections that have been government’s fault. I note here the government’s the domain of this government. In 1999, when this constant desire to take credit for something that the government first came to office, the total stamp duty tax federal government has done. Ever since the goods and services tax was introduced government members have STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

40 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 taken credit for the $7000 the first home owner grant I could use Elsternwick, Elwood and Hampton East as that is funded by the commonwealth government but is examples in terms of median values, but my point is the administered by the state. same. This government has chosen to make a claim in the second-reading speech that Melbourne housing I note that the Labor Party’s 2006 election policy on affordability is better than affordability on the eastern housing affordability says, on page 5: seaboard. Again the parliamentary secretary made the point that he wished to make some comparisons. I am Along with the first home owners grant, this will bring the total state government assistance to $12 000 for newly built or making the point that this government rips people off constructed properties under $500 000. with its stamp duty. Were the same properties located in Queensland or New South Wales, a lesser rate would That is not accurate. The $7000 has come from the be paid. federal government as part of the agreement between the commonwealth and the states which brought in the The Liberal Party does not oppose the bill before the GST arrangement. The state administers the money. I house. From my point of view, I think the payroll tax do not expect a lot of honesty from this government, reduction being brought forward is a good initiative — but I would have expected that if you were going to and one that of course we pursued when in government. claim you were an open, honest and transparent However, the facts of the matter are that the stamp duty government, you would at least acknowledge where the relief contained in this bill does not go far enough and funding was coming from. does not address the voracious practices of this government in ripping stamp duty out of the high end Finally, I would like to take up the invitation of the of the market and not adjusting the property scales. The parliamentary secretary, and which was contained in government did nothing for seven years until its the second-reading speech, to compare Melbourne introduction of this bill. housing affordability with housing affordability on the eastern seaboard. I make the observation, as I have Mr LUPTON (Prahran) — May I congratulate you, done previously, that in my electorate of Brighton, if Deputy Speaker, on your election to your office earlier the government wants to talk about stamp duty, I know today. It is a particular pleasure for me to support the where it is getting its revenue from. In September 2006 legislation before the house tonight. On the first sitting stamp duty levied on a median-value property in day of this new Parliament the government has brought Brighton was $68 475. Were that same valued property in legislation to start putting into place its election located in New South Wales the stamp duty would be commitments, which were so thoroughly endorsed by $53 965; and were that property of the same median the people of Victoria on 25 November. value located in Queensland, the stamp duty would be $43 912. One of the important policy statements that we took to the election was that we would improve housing The record of this government on stamp duty compared affordability and reduce payroll tax rates for business in with Queensland and New South Wales — and I will this state. I am very pleased that this legislation — the take the parliamentary secretary to task on this — is first legislation to be introduced by the third Bracks abysmal. This government is a voracious tax collector, government — implements those election and it particularly enjoys collecting taxes on property. It commitments. In particular it brings in reductions in has a view about who can afford to pay the bill and who conveyancing duty, it brings in extensions to the first cannot. Again, in the case of a median-value property in home bonus scheme and it brings forward by six Brighton East the stamp duty is $43 960. Were that months already announced reductions in payroll tax. property located in New South Wales, the stamp duty would be $31 715; were it located in Queensland, the The changes in conveyance duty that will be brought in stamp duty would be $27 412. under this legislation from 1 January 2007 will mean that the 6 per cent marginal tax rate will be reduced to To look at a median property of lesser value, if you like, 5 per cent for home purchasers — that is, purchasers of than a property in Brighton, let us consider Hampton, a principal place of residence — valued between where on the median for September 2006 stamp duty of $115 000 and $400 000. On the purchase of a home $45 088 was charged by this voracious tax collector of valued between $400 000 and $500 000 a purchaser a government. Were that property located in New South will receive at $2850 reduction in duty. The first home Wales the stamp duty would be $32 561, and were it bonus scheme, which was brought in by the Bracks located in Queensland the stamp duty would be government, and the amount paid by the state $28 117. I think I have made my point. government as a tied grant pursuant to the GST arrangements through the federal government mean STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 41 that the first home bonus scheme in Victoria will be This is about something being offered to young people extended from its original expiry date of June 2007 to who are going into their first home, and the first thing 30 June 2009. In addition, the Bracks government will you say is, ‘You have to make a decision. Do you want increase the bonus to $5000 for the purchase of new to save $380 or do you want to save $150?’ — that is residential premises valued up to $500 000. what it gets down to — instead of saying, ‘We are making you an offer that is going to put you into your The payroll tax cuts announced in the 2006–07 budget own home. You are getting $7000 from the federal are also being brought forward by six months. government — —

In the last budget the Treasurer announced reductions The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! Through the in stamp duty to 5.15 per cent from 1 July 2006, to Chair! 5.05 per cent from 1 July 2007, and to 5 per cent from 1 July 2008. The rate reduction from 5.15 to 5.05 per Mr K. SMITH — We have heard from the member cent is being brought forward by six months from for Brighton where the $7000 comes from. It comes 1 July 2007 to 1 January 2007. This will reinforce from the feds as part of the GST deal. You want to keep Victoria’s position as the second-lowest payroll tax calling it yours, and we know it is not. What you are state in Australia. It will mean we will continue to drive doing is trying to dud people. You are going to extend economic growth, drive down unemployment and have the first home owner grants to the year 2009 — and so a low unemployment rate, and continue to make sure they should, Deputy Speaker. I thought that is what you Victoria is a great place to employ people. were looking at me for!

Economic growth and business prosperity will increase For seven years now you have been ripping money out under these changes. I commend the bill to the house. of the pockets of Victorians and home buyers. You have been taking stamp duty from these people for a Mr K. SMITH (Bass) — Deputy Speaker, I long period of time. It started off at $1 billion, and now, congratulate you on your appointment, and I welcome seven years later — not a long period of time — it is up to this Parliament all the new pinkos, greenies, union to $2.7 billion because the prices of properties go up. thugs and left-wing loonies sitting on the government You do not make any allowance for bracket creep. benches. I can only say, ‘Welcome, your nightmare is Instead you are taking every bit of advantage there is back’. I must say it is a great pleasure to be back in this out of bracket creep, and you have not reduced the Parliament and to stick up for the decent people of amount of money you have been taking — — Victoria who did not vote for this government. I can say that in another four years it will be out, and the sooner The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I ask the the better. member for Bass to speak through the Chair. With a number of new members in the chamber, it is important The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I welcome the to start the day off well. welcome from the member for Bass, but I ask him to now speak on the bill! Mr K. SMITH — I did not want them to get too excited, so I thought I would talk to them a bit about it! Mr K. SMITH — I am pleased to have the opportunity to get that off my chest. It has been What the government has been doing to the people of building up for about three months. Victoria is just not fair. Regarding payroll tax, the cuts it is offering to businesses are not good enough. What It is a pleasure to be here to speak on the State Taxation we are trying to do is encourage employment in this Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill, state. We have the Prime Minister, John Howard, doing which we are not opposing. The surprise for me an absolutely fantastic job creating employment with tonight — I suppose it is one of the biggest surprises of his industrial relations WorkChoices legislation, but my life — is that this government is actually doing this government is ripping money out of the pockets of something that it promised to do. This legislation is the employers of this state, particularly small business something you promised, but the truth of the matter is people, who are struggling to try to make ends meet. that you have not gone anywhere near far enough. What you have done to the poor people of Victoria with What are they doing to them? They are not doing very the promises that you have made is a bit of a joke. This much as far as payroll tax is concerned. They are government really has not delivered any savings to first reducing it by 0.1 of 1 per cent. Is that right? This home buyers, who now have to choose between taking government is offering to the people and the businesses stamp duty reductions or the first home owner grant. of Victoria a small, miserable amount of money. That just does not seem fair to me. Government members come in here thinking they are STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

42 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 doing these people a favour, but they are not doing not giving decent reductions in stamp duty. It knows these people a favour at all. that the median price of a house has gone up by about 50 per cent, yet the amount of money it is taking in It is important for people to understand that this stamp duty has gone up by something like 90 per cent. government is all about smoke and mirrors. It thinks, The amount has gone from about $9000 to $17 000 for ‘We will take it out of one pocket and give them back a a median-priced property. We and they know that, but little bit out the front’. But the offers are not really good they are just ignoring the fact that they have been enough for the people of Victoria. The government ripping the people off for such a long time. knows how much extra money it has been getting out of the people of Victoria for a long time — in fact, for We are not opposing this piece of legislation. We are seven years. Do you, Deputy Speaker, know how big pleased to see something being done for the people of the budget is now? It has gone from the $19 billion it Victoria, but it is a pretty sad and sorry night when we was seven years ago to $32 billion now. All of that has have to be sitting here at 10.35 p.m. to rush legislation come from the pockets of the people of Victoria. It has through that is not really going to be of benefit to young come about from stamp duty, land tax and its rip-off home owners or to business people who have to pay fees on public transport. It has come from all the payroll tax or land tax. It is just not very fair that we government’s fines. It has all come out of the pockets should be doing this. of the people of Victoria, and it is time that this government was fair dinkum in trying to deliver It should be a reasonable amount of money that this something back to the people. government is offering to the people of Victoria. We do not oppose this legislation. I hope it gets through I am pleased the government is rushing this legislation quickly, but I wish the government was doing more for through Parliament — good on it — but why did it not the people of Victoria. make it fair dinkum and bring in something that was worthwhile for the people of Victoria and for the first Mr LANGUILLER (Derrimut) — Deputy Speaker, home buyers who would benefit because they would I commend you on your elevation to the position. I get into their homes a little sooner? Not that far down welcome every member to this house, including the the track those home owners are going to have a member for Bass, although the member for Bass, in my development levy imposed, because developers are judgment, is again wrong. In the limited time that has going to have to pay for the growth corridors. The been made available let me put the facts squarely on the people who are going into their first homes will have to table. pay several thousands of dollars, because the developers are not going to take it out of their profits, The first thing is that, according to the Real Estate and neither should they have to. It is the government Institute of Victoria, Melbourne happens to be the most that is going to take it out of the pockets of the affordable city for housing. Victoria leads Australia in developers, who are going to take it out of the pockets building approvals and in first home buyers. In 2005 of young people who are trying to get into their first Victoria had the highest number of first home buyers in homes. This government is not being fair to those Australia. As a matter of fact Victoria had 40 214 first people. home buyers compared to New South Wales with 39 149, and it has 1.7 million more people than Victoria. It is not being fair to the people paying payroll tax and Victoria invested $1.75 billion between 2000–01 and land tax. Millions and millions of dollars in land tax are 2006–07. being paid by the small business people of Victoria. People in the electorate of Bass — perhaps people on As there is a limited amount of time left, I wish to Phillip Island who have holiday homes that may well conclude by calling on the opposition parties to come have been in the family for years — are suddenly, clean on the following subject. Since Labor came to because property values there have gone up, in a office seven years ago the federal government has cut position where they have to pay land tax. This the commonwealth-state housing agreement by government is offering absolutely nothing to those $900 million. The $900 million taken by the Howard people, and it is offering nothing to the struggling small government under that agreement has translated into businesses that have to lease factories or have to pay 6000 homes that have not been built in Victoria because land tax on their properties. It is unfair to the people of of that unfair deal. Victoria. One promise we made and will uphold is that we will This government could have done something to assist continue to pursue a fair arrangement between the the people, but it has not done so. It is not fair that it is states and the federal government in relation to the STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 43 housing arrangements. We will make sure that under a Alphington is $31 000 compared to $22 000 on an Labor government we retreat from that unfair and equivalent property in New South Wales or $13 000 in absolutely unjust arrangement that we have currently Queensland. The member for Northcote, as she with the federal government. Simply in order to distributes her maiden speech, can point out that those compensate for the $900 million that we lost, the who seek to buy in her electorate pay $18 000 more Bracks government has put in additional funds of the than the equivalent home purchaser in Queensland. order of $450 million. This is not fair; this is not just. It is an inequitable burden. What a wonderful bill it is that we will be passing just before Christmas. It will deliver thousands of new Going back through the mists of time, in the closing homes to Victorians who would not have been able to days of the Cain-Kirner administration there was a afford homes had it not been for the Bracks government proposal to increase the revenue base of the state by and the policies and legislation we are now bringing imposing an ad valorem tax on the purchase price of a about. I commend the legislation. I commend the small business in exactly the same way as stamp duty implementation of the promises that we made during affects real estate and a first home. After the purchaser the course of the election. I am very proud of the fact of a small business had paid for the goodwill of the that this government is the one that made the promises business and paid the electricity bond, the accounting and the one that is delivering them right on time for charges, the legal charges, the insurance costs, the Christmas. purchase price of the business and other ancillary costs, they were going to have to pay a tax on the value of the Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — The reforms business on an equivalent scale again. No wonder that proposed by the legislation do not go far enough. The administration was thrown out in 1992 as it was Bracks government has had an excessive reliance on seeking to gain funds and money to prop up a range of stamp duty, as evidenced by an increase of some schemes. $1 billion to $2.3 billion over the last six or seven years. The reality is that the Bracks government, through the As we are approaching the Christmas period I increase in the revenue base of the state from encourage those members of the Bracks government $19 billion to $32 billion, has had an excessive reliance who are interested in achieving a work-life balance, or a upon tax policy in this state. The one landmark event work-family balance, and in pursuing recreation or that will endure in the minds of those in the fitness activities to make a booking at the Tulip Street Sandringham electorate over the next four years will be tennis centre in Sandringham. It is a wonderful 13-court the closure of one of the best sporting facilities in the complex with barbecues. Families have gathered there district as a direct consequence of the Bracks for the last 25 years. Unfortunately when they arrive government’s taxation policies. there in the union bus for the annual picnic, they will find a testament to the Bracks government’s land tax. Ms MUNT (Mordialloc) — May I add my The consequence of the taxation policies of the Bracks congratulations to your appointment as Deputy government is the closure of one of the best sporting Speaker. I know you will do a wonderful job. facilities in the Sandringham electorate — a 13-court tennis complex with ancillary facilities. It is a direct I would like to make a very brief contribution to debate consequence of the land tax policies of the Bracks on the State Taxation Legislation Amendment government. What the Treasurer will see, if he joins the (Housing Affordability) Bill. The bill has three main union picnic down at the Tulip Street centre, is the parts: the first is to make savings in the stamp duty remnants of a sign saying ‘Axe the Bracks land tax’. people have to pay, the second is to increase the first home owner grant and the third is to decrease the level Turning to the bill, we can look in the same way at of payroll tax. There was an election in November that stamp duty and its impact upon the Victorian taxpayer. gave the government a clear mandate to put these In the electorate of Sandringham, for a property that policies into place. One of the reasons we are sitting might be worth $550 000, the stamp duty is $28 000, in this week is to bring all of these things into place by contrast to $20 000 in New South Wales and $11 500 in 1 January 2007. They join a raft of other great Queensland — a massive difference between Victoria legislation that the Bracks government has put through. and Queensland of some $17 000. If we take the suburb There have been tax cuts in every year that I have been of Alphington as another example — we heard the a member of this place. It is a great bill, and I commend maiden speech of the member for Northcote earlier this it to the house. evening — we see that the median price there is $604 000. The stamp duty on a median-priced house in STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

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Mr BRUMBY (Treasurer) — I thank all the and refer back to the last budget of the former Liberal members who spoke in this important debate. The government, when Mr Stockdale was the Treasurer, to government recalled the Parliament before Christmas explain what a dill the member for Scoresby is. so that we could give effect to this tax bill. This is what we promised during the election. We promised to Mr Wells interjected. extend the first home buyer scheme, we promised to introduce a bonus of $5000 for newly constructed The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The Treasurer homes, we promised to cut stamp duty for will speak through the Chair and the member for principal-place-of-residence purchases up to $500 000 Scoresby will cease interjecting. and we promised to bring forward payroll tax Mr BRUMBY — I am embarrassed for the member reductions to 1 January 2007. This is about the for Scoresby because he has been fed a line by the government getting on with the job. It is about former shadow Treasurer, no longer the shadow government keeping the faith with the people who Treasurer, the member for Box Hill, because he supported its election and who expect it to implement double-counted election promises and was out by its mandate, and it is about delivering on election $285 million. He was fed a line tonight which commitments. unfortunately the member for Scoresby was gullible This is a good bill. It reduces the tax burden on enough to swallow. Victorian families and Victorian business. It continues What had been included in the pre-election budget with the government’s program of taxation reform and update numbers, which I happen to have with me tax reduction. I want to make a couple of comments tonight, on page 23 is what we call the unallocated about the contributions to the debate. provision. The unallocated provision is the cash I particularly thank the member for Narre Warren available for expenditure in that year. Typically the North, the Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury and total estimated investment (TEI) is two to three times Finance, for his contribution to and work on this bill. I the unallocated provision. The reason for that, and you thank other speakers for their contributions. do not have to be too bright to work it out, is that when you promise a hospital, for example, you cannot build it I will make a couple of general points. Points have been in one year. Typically you announce the TEI — say, the made about the level of taxation in Victoria today Royal Children’s Hospital — as a $1 billion project but compared with the past. If you go back a decade to the it gets built over five years. The first year unallocated former government in 1996–97 you will see a graph provision is the amount of cash available for included in all the budget papers that Victorian taxes at expenditure that year against the TEI. Typically the rule that time were well above the national average as a of thumb used by the Department of Treasury and share of gross domestic product (GDP) on any figure Finance is that the TEI will be around three times the that you care to take. unallocated provision.

Honourable members interjecting. Just so we can help the new shadow Treasurer — perhaps the short-lived shadow Treasurer — I refer to Mr BRUMBY — As I said, it was in 1996–97. the budget statement for 1999–2000 — — Under the Kennett government not only were we above the rates of national taxation, but for a number of years Mr Wells interjected. we were also above the rates of New South Wales taxation. The payroll tax rate was 5.75 per cent, today it Mr BRUMBY — You might understand this. I am is 5.15 per cent and reducing to 5.05 per cent. Do you trying to help you, you dill! know what the top rate of land tax was under the Mr Wells interjected. low-tax Liberal Kennett government? It was 5 per cent. Do you know what it is today? It is 3 per cent! Let us Mr BRUMBY — You made a goose of your first not hear this hypocritical drivel from the opposition that speech. has been there for seven years and still could not come up with a funded tax policy for the election. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member for Scoresby will cease interjecting. Tonight the shadow Treasurer no. 5 made a complete and absolute dill of himself, and I will explain how in a Mr BRUMBY — You would not take any advice moment, in his first speech in the portfolio. He went on from the deputy leader, because she is a failed shadow about this issue of unallocated capital. I will explain it STATE TAXATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (HOUSING AFFORDABILITY) BILL

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Treasurer as well. In 1999–2000 Alan Stockdale was tabled each year at the treasurers conference and signed the Treasurer. off by the federal Treasurer.

Honourable members interjecting. The other point that I want to make in this debate is on the issue of housing and stamp duty in Victoria. We The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The lead Australia in residential and non-residential Treasurer, to finish summing up. building approvals. We are, despite what the deputy leader says, the most affordable city on the eastern Mr BRUMBY — Here we have page 7 of former seaboard, according to figures from the Real Estate Treasurer Stockdale’s budget statement for 1999–2000, Institute of Australia and the Housing Industry headed ‘Investment in infrastructure’: Association (HIA). Stamp duty in Victoria as a This budget provides for the commencement in 1999–2000 of proportion of gross state product is below the national new infrastructure projects — average, and the source for that is the Australian Bureau of Statistics. We lead Australia in new housing starts, as that is, TEI — I said today in the second-reading speech. We have led with a total estimated cost of $1.356 billion. This includes in the last three years, and according to the HIA we will first year funding of $360 million. lead in the next three years. In calendar year 2005 we led Australia in first home buyers — not a bad effort That is how it works; that is the unallocated provision. considering New South Wales has 1.7 million people The total estimated investment is around three times more than we do. that amount and every budget — — We provide the most generous pensioner stamp duty Mr Wells interjected. concessions in Australia, and I heard some of the stamp duty numbers run out tonight. Opposition members The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I have asked never provide examples about pensioners, they never the member for Scoresby on several occasions to cease provide examples about home buyers and they never interjecting in that manner, and I ask him once more to provide examples about people who buy off the plan. cease interjecting. The fact is that we provide the most generous stamp duty concessions for pensioners anywhere in Australia. Dr Napthine interjected. As I said today, when we were elected the limit was The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member $130 000; today you get a full benefit up to $300 000, for South-West Coast can cease interjecting as well. phasing out over $400 000. The Treasurer, to conclude his summing up. We are the only state to provide off-the-plan Mr BRUMBY — There were other factual errors in concessions. We were the first state to abolish stamp the contribution which I should also comment on. The duty on mortgages, and to my knowledge we remain member for Brighton repeated the claim twice that the the only state in Australia which has fully abolished $7000 first home owner grant is ‘funded by the duty on mortgages, saving the average home buyer commonwealth’. That is just not correct; it has not been about $1400 on a mortgage. We have through correct for three years. The only time it was funded by Melbourne 2030 identified 25 years of land supply, and the commonwealth was when we were receiving our building activity is the highest on record. budget balancing assistance from the federal In terms of stamp duty, the reality is that a median first government. We have been out of budget balancing home buyer price in this state in 1999 was $166 438, on assistance for three years. which $6143 was paid in stamp duty. Today a median I am sure the new member for Malvern, who used to first home buyer price is $255 000, and the stamp duty work for the federal Treasurer, would happily confirm is $10 960. From the first home bonus and the first the advice I am providing tonight: the only time in home owner grant they would get a cheque for $10 000, which the commonwealth could have been said to be so the net stamp duty cost is $960. That is an 84 per paying for the $7000 was when the state was out of cent reduction in stamp duty. If you look at a newly pocket — that is, when it was receiving budget constructed — — balancing assistance. For the period since we have been Honourable members interjecting. out of budget balancing assistance, the full amount of the $7000 has been paid for by the states. Again, there Mr BRUMBY — You can compare the amount of are many people who would confirm that to the deputy stamp duty paid on a median house price then and a leader, including the writers of all the papers which are ADJOURNMENT

46 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 median house price now. Back then on a median house of Cardinia in regard to the proposed road and rail it was $6143; today it is $960. If you look at a newly routes on the Gippsland rail corridor. The concerns that constructed home from 1 January, where we are paying I raise and the concerns that the residents of Casey and the $5000 grant, again if you go to the median-priced Cardinia have involve the secretive way this issue was house in 1999, the stamp duty was $6143. In 2007 — hidden from people in the election campaign. It only this is post 1 January, with the $5000 grant — stamp surfaced because of an observant local citizen, and only duty will be $10 960. With the first home bonus at then because of the lack of answers from the Port of $5000 plus the first home owner grant at $7000, Hastings Corporation and the government as to what totalling $12 000, they in fact have $1000 in their was proposed. pocket. The reduction in tax is 117 per cent. We now know that the proposal relates to the Finally, I am not familiar with the particular case the development of the port of Hastings and the road and member for Sandringham raised in relation to the rail access to Melbourne and beyond to the north and impact of land tax, but I can say that for most land tax west and the connection to Gippsland and to the eastern payers, certainly small business payers, between suburbs. I am not against the development of the port of $300 000 and $3.4 million with unimproved capital Hastings. In fact I have supported the development of value at that level, the way in which we have structured the port for 25 years, but I do have great reservations the scheme means that they pay the lowest land tax in about the proposal to run the rail connection from Australia — the lowest. So it is not going to please Hastings along Baxter-Tooradin Road through everyone, but as I have said before in Parliament you Pearcedale, along Clyde-Five Ways Road, then parallel cannot get any lower than lowest. to Ballarto Road through the farming and residential properties in the Clyde, Cardinia and Officer areas, These are good bills. They are sensible bills. They are where people who have come to those areas for a affordable. They are provided in the context of strong peaceful lifestyle will now have that ruined by the budget numbers going forward, with a minimum expected 16 trains and the 3500 truck movements a budget surplus of $100 million a year. They were what day, carrying containers and small amounts of we promised to do. We are doing them. They will be break-bulk — that is, timber, coal, paper, steel, vehicles implemented from 1 January. They will make a et cetera — from Gippsland. difference to small business. They will make a difference to first home buyers, and they will make a This port will be used for both export and import and difference to those who purchase their principal place will become the cargo hub for Victoria and Australia, of residence. I commend the bill to the house. so a great deal of thought must go into the planning and implementation. That could happen sooner rather than Motion agreed to. later, depending on the environment effects statement report on the dredging of Port Phillip Bay. The lack of Read second time. consultation has been abysmal, and the new minister Remaining stages must be prepared to extend the period of consultation and submissions to the end of March 2007. Passed remaining stages. The minister and the Port of Hastings Corporation must Remaining business postponed on motion of explain to the residents and the farming population the Mr BRUMBY (Treasurer). effects that the public acquisition overlays will have on their local properties and the extent of the devaluation of their properties. The minister must make amends for ADJOURNMENT the appalling and secretive way this proposal has been handled by his department and the Port of Hastings The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The question Corporation. is: Rail: Broadmeadows line That the house do now adjourn. Mrs MADDIGAN (Essendon) — I have a problem Port of Hastings: development and I would like some assistance from the Minister for Mr K. SMITH (Bass) — I would like to address my Public Transport. My electorate of Essendon contains concerns to the new Minister for Roads and Ports, and I five railway stations on the Broadmeadows line — ask that he extend the consultation and submission Strathmore, Glenbervie, Essendon, Moonee Ponds and times for the residents of the city of Casey and the shire Ascot Vale. We are having an increasing problem with ADJOURNMENT

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 47 commuters from further out on the Broadmeadows line Stressed or hungry sheep produce less wool, which driving through our residential streets to seek parking at breaks easily and has little value. those stations. I would like the minister to investigate the possibility of a park-and-ride facility at a station However, Sharlea wool regularly brings a premium further out on the Broadmeadows line. price because it is not only ultra fine but has the highest tensile strength of any in the world. Sheep are housed in It is not really possible to have one within the confines moderated temperatures, have constant access to water, of Essendon, which is a very old suburb and where are fed an exact and nutritious ration, have their health there is very little vacant land around any of the railway monitored daily and are given the opportunity to graze stations. It is causing considerable problems for my and ruminate on long fibre for at least 5 hours a day. residents, particularly those in areas around Ascot Vale Sheep can see and touch other sheep and are rugged and Moonee Ponds who do not have off-street parking, off-shears. As a result of this, shedded sheep have long because people are attempting to park all day in lives and a low death rate. residential streets. Compare that to the fate of animals in the more natural It is a considerable problem and having a park-and-ride environment of the farm paddock suffering the station further out on the line would enable a large extremes of heat, dust, cold and drought; susceptible to number of people to park their cars and catch the train predators like foxes and crows; victims of fly strike, to the city, which would be much better and healthier pink eye, footrot and internal parasites; and handled, of for them and would also be a considerable relief to necessity, in dusty and muddy yards. A code of practice residents in stopping unwanted traffic in the streets. is in place, and the industry welcomes the development of a dedicated code of practice specific to the Sharlea Sheep: pens industry.

Mr WALSH (Swan Hill) — I raise an issue for the I invite the minister to visit Ian and Kaye Appledore’s new Minister for Agriculture. Following the Royal operation at Brim with me to see these issues for Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals raising himself. I urge him to recognise the attention that the issue of individually penned sheep with the Animal Sharlea growers give to their animals’ welfare and call Welfare Advisory Committee last week, I seek from the on him to reject spurious claims that individual pens are minister his assurance to the Victorian Sharlea cruel and should be banned. I know the minister went ultra-fine industry that he will not begin his term of home to attend a speech night tonight and may not be office by caving in to his Labor mates in the animal back in time to answer, but I implore him to take this liberation movement and banning individual pens for issue on board. sheep. Sunbury: day hospital This branch of the wool industry produces a very strong, very fine fibre for a high-quality, specialised Ms DUNCAN (Macedon) — In the lead-up to the niche market. The name Sharlea came from the first recent state election — and what a wonderful election it property to develop these techniques at Horsham, now was, the good people of Victoria choosing to re-elect known as the Horsham Wool Factory. Unfounded the Bracks government for a third term! — the Bracks RSPCA claims that these sheep are starved, stressed government committed to building a day hospital in from being separated from the mob, housed in Sunbury. Some $15 million was allocated to this task, inappropriate sheds, affected by cold and heat, denied and the action I seek from the Minister for Health is to the opportunity to ruminate and bored by confinement ensure that this money is allocated in a timely manner are unsubstantiated and erroneous. to ensure that this critical piece of health infrastructure is available to the people of Sunbury and the Significant investment is required to develop a Sharlea surrounding areas as soon as possible. operation. The cost of infrastructure, feed, livestock and labour needed to succeed is so great that producers In 2002 the Bracks government built the new protect their investment by giving diligent attention to community health centre, which is an integrated care animal welfare and farm management. In any type of centre, in Sunbury with the intention of extending this livestock operation the most powerful evidence of facility in the future; it was built in such a way that a well-cared-for stock is the quality of the meat or fibre second storey could be added later. In early 2006 the products they produce. If animal health, wellbeing and local private hospital announced its intention to close its contentment are compromised, the effect is easily seen. operating theatre. This was a real blow to the people of ADJOURNMENT

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Sunbury and runs counter to the hospital’s earlier stated build their dream home. It means that a person whose intention of maintaining these services. shed is falling down cannot get a permit to replace the shed even if it is on the same footprint. It means that a While this decision of the private hospital is regrettable, young couple in a one-bedroom house on their own it has provided an opportunity to provide these services land at Narrawong cannot get a permit to build extra in a public facility. I am proud to be part of the Bracks bedrooms so they can start a family. The minister needs government, which has been prepared to fill this gap to listen to the local community and the shire council, with the provision of a public day hospital. It is which are urging him to provide an exemption for land intended that this new service will provide same-day covered by DPO5 in the same way the previous surgical services, rehabilitation, pathology, diagnostic minister provided exemptions for DPOs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. services and specialist outpatient clinics. We will also work with local GPs to establish an after-hours urgent This is a very serious issue. The land covered by DPO5 care clinic. Much of the planning work has been done in Portland covers a variety of locations and most of the for this new facility, but there is still a lot of planning areas where there is significant development in the work to be done. I ask the Minister for Health to ensure Portland district and the Glenelg shire. These people are this planning work is completed so the construction of frustrated, angry and very concerned about the future this facility can commence as soon as possible and so value and use of their land. We have a situation where the people of Sunbury and the surrounding areas of the there is an absolute freeze on any planning applications Macedon Ranges can benefit from these additional being able to be processed, evaluated and proceeded services that will be provided locally by this facility. with.

We have seen previously that the health services We need the minister to provide an exemption for provided by the private hospital have declined in recent DPO5 so that planning applications can be dealt with in years, and we know if they are not profitable, they will the usual way. We are not looking to fast-track any cease operating. I am committed to working with the planning applications, and we are not looking to take Bracks government to ensure that the provision of these any shortcuts. We simply want the freeze lifted so that critical health services are provided in a sustainable we can get on with processing planning applications in way within a public setting so that the people of the normal way for land covered by DPO5 in the Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges can have confidence Glenelg shire in and around Portland and district. This that this new service will be there to stay. is vital for the local economy and local confidence but, most importantly, it is absolutely essential for Planning: Glenelg development landowners who have bought land with the clear view of building their dream homes and getting on with their Dr NAPTHINE (South-West Coast) — Deputy lives. I urge the minister to take this matter very Speaker, I congratulate you on your appointment. seriously. I wish to raise a matter for the Minister for Planning in Planning: Stonington Mansion the other house through the Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment. The action I seek Mr LUPTON (Prahran) — Speaker, can I take this from the minister is that he take immediate action to lift opportunity to congratulate you on your election to that the current freeze on all planning applications and office today. I am sure you will do an outstanding job processing on land covered by development plan as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. overlay 5 (DPO5) in the Glenelg shire. I urge the minister to understand the effects of this planning Tonight I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister freeze on the dreams and aspirations of many families for Planning in another place. In recent days there has who simply want to build homes on their land, the been some media speculation around the future of impost of this freeze on local tradespeople, suppliers Stonington Mansion, which is owned by Deakin and the local economy and the effect of this freeze on University and has housed its Toorak campus for some investment confidence in Portland and the district. years. Currently Deakin University is in the tender process for a potential sale of Stonington Mansion. This freeze is a direct result of a decision by the previous Minister for Planning, and it is having a I am concerned that the future of such an important devastating effect on local land-holders and the historic building in Victoria should not be put at risk Portland community. It means that young families who through that process and that, whatever the outcome of own their own land in a subdivision and have houses all the tender process being undertaken by Deakin around them, simply cannot get a planning permit to University, the heritage values of the mansion and its ADJOURNMENT

Tuesday, 19 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 49 status on the Victorian heritage register is maintained. I committed to a course of action during the caretaker call upon the Minister for Planning to monitor the period of government, the writs having been issued on progress of the tender outcome and to ensure that the 31 October. Certainly the first impression is that that heritage values of such a substantial and significant would be in breach of the caretaker provisions. Victorian property are not diminished in any way. Accordingly I would have thought that the people of Victoria need an explanation as to the contents of this The background to the building is one of some interest document and why it was entered into during the and importance in the context of the current debate. It caretaker period. was built in 1890 for the Cobb and Co. coach line proprietor, John Wagner. The mansion was acquired for Members have heard government members talk often use as Victoria’s vice-regal residence in 1901 and was about not involving themselves in the operational used for that purpose for 30 years. After that time it was decisions of Victoria Police, but one of the other people used as a girls school, a hospital for the care of child who was specifically excluded in the process was the polio victims, a Red Cross convalescent hospital and a Chief Commissioner of Police. It would appear that health department administration centre. In 1957 it was while this government is quite happy to bleat about not transferred to the then Education Department and was involving itself in operational decisions, it is also quite used for educational purposes by the then State College happy to cut the Chief Commissioner of Police out of Victoria as a teachers college. In 1992 the State when it suits it, notwithstanding the fact that the Chief College of Victoria was merged with Deakin University Commissioner of Police will have to pick up the pieces and in September 1995 the then Kennett government in negotiating the enterprise agreement with the Police transferred the title for the site to Deakin University as Association. an unrestricted Crown grant. There is also the suggestion that, as the opposition sees The status of this very substantial historic building is it, the clear purpose of this was to silence a significant important. The heritage values of the building need to critic of the Victorian government — that is, the Police be maintained. It is an historic building on the Victorian Association. We know the Police Association has been heritage register. I call upon the Minister for Planning very critical of the government about the Office of to ensure that, whatever happens through the tender Police Integrity and the armed offenders squad. All of a process, none of the heritage values of this property are sudden, after the Premier was involved, there was a diminished in any way. resolution of that impasse. That seems to be bizarre in the extreme. Police: memorandum of understanding We also saw the Police Association being very critical Mr McINTOSH (Kew) — I raise a matter for the of the lack of police in Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong. attention of the Premier or the Minister for Police and The people of Victoria deserve to know — — Emergency Services. The matter I raise is the firstly denied and finally admitted but still secret The SPEAKER — Order! The member’s time has memorandum of understanding (MOU) that the expired. Premier entered into with the Police Association on 6 November. The action I seek is to have this secret Bushfires: emergency services memorandum of understanding released immediately so that all Victorians can know and assess what the Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — I take the opportunity Premier has committed the Victorian government to do to congratulate you, Speaker, on your appointment to and pay into the future. the office of Speaker.

I should raise a number of points. Firstly, from all the The matter I wish to raise is for the Minister for Police press reports or otherwise, only the Premier seems to be and Emergency Services. The action I seek is for the involved. There does not seem to have been any government to provide all encouragement possible for involvement of the former or current Minister for the community to support wholeheartedly the efforts of Police and Emergency Services. It would perhaps be of our fire and emergency services and their volunteers. some note to the people of Victoria that such an Victorians have looked on in awe at the magnitude of important document should at least have involved the the fires currently threatening our state. They are Minister for Police and Emergency Services. dwarfing the massive area damaged in 2003 and Another matter is that the MOU was entered into on threaten to dwarf the 1983 and 1939 fires. I want to 6 November. The Victorian government was particularly commend the agencies and the thousands of workers and volunteers from the Country Fire ADJOURNMENT

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Authority (CFA), the Department of Sustainability and EastLink: construction Environment, Victoria Police, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, the State Emergency Service, St John’s Mr WELLS (Scoresby) — I would like to raise an Ambulance, the Red Cross and the coastguard. I pay issue of concern with the Minister for Water, tribute to their families, loved ones and particularly the Environment and Climate Change. The concern I employers who have supported them through this would like to raise is the inability of the Environment difficult time. Protection Authority (EPA) to take action over the building of the Scoresby freeway, or EastLink, and in In my own electorate, volunteers and appliances from particular the amount of gritty dust that is showering brigades such as Epping, South Morang, Wollert, the neighbourhood of Cathies Lane as a result of the Mernda, Whittlesea, Doreen, Yarrambat, Plenty, Wattle rock-crushing processes. Glen, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Arthurs Creek, Panton Hill, Christmas Hills, Research, North The residents of Cathies Lane in Wantirna South, Warrandyte, Kinglake West, Kalkallo and St Andrews which runs alongside EastLink, have three main and my own brigade at Diamond Creek have put in a concerns which need to be addressed. The first is they fine effort and spent many hours defending lives and are having problems with cracks in the walls and property at fires in the north-east, Gippsland and the ceilings of their homes. The second is they have south-west so far this season. concerns about the noise walls, and the third concern is this gritty dust which comes onto the houses from the It is particularly frightening to see these fires project. It is this third issue on which I seek the threatening our state this early in the season. I find it attention of the minister and ask for action to be taken. quite amazing that the federal government still says climate change is a myth. Anyone who has been on the Mr Alan Mortimer is the hardworking representative of fire ground over the past couple of years knows that the residents and also president of the EastLink tollway climate change is with us. residents action group. The group believes it has typically been given the run-around by the I have been privileged to meet many of these volunteers Environment Protection Authority and Knox council. in recent weeks. Last Saturday I had the privilege of Over the last few weeks the residents have been visiting those fighting the Stoneyford fires near complaining to the EPA about the level of gritty dust Camperdown. I was there on behalf of the government entering people’s houses. The EPA has informed the to express my thanks for the efforts being made by residents that they need to contact Knox council. Knox many local brigades in region 6. They have largely council has then informed the residents that it is the looked after this fire on their own, accompanied by responsibility of the EPA and that they should take the many other local volunteer organisations and the local matter up with that body. As a result, no-one is taking community. Last weekend they were being assisted by responsibility for monitoring the dust in this area. volunteers from region 5. I particularly want to thank Malcolm Fallon, the area manager from region 6, for The residents point to thick layers of dust over tables, his work in showing me around and the work he has furniture and windows. It is also increasing the number done in the past couple of weeks. I also thank Senior of problems being experienced by the children who live Sergeant Ken Stilsby and the police who have provided in this area. An article in the Age of 5 December great support to the CFA in the area. I further thank the reported that: Red Cross volunteers who have kept the emergency At least three families who live within 100 metres of the rock services on the ground fuelled and watered over that crusher say it is causing serious respiratory problems in their time. children. I was privileged to be part of a region 14 strike team Local doctors confirm this. The minister needs to take defending Tolmie a couple of weeks ago. I want to immediate action to fix this mess and ensure not only commend everyone involved. I urge the minister and that the EPA visits the site but that the EPA or the employers to support everyone — — relevant authority takes control of the dust levels coming from the area. The SPEAKER — Order! The member’s time has expired. The residents certainly deserve answers, and they deserve some action. They are sick and tired of getting the run-around from the EPA’s passing the matter on to other authorities. In a recent letter that was sent out they say that the EastLink people, the Southern and Eastern ADJOURNMENT

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Integrated Transport Authority community advisory have been neglected in the vain hope that Melbourne group, state that EPA representatives have been visiting Water would play its part and act on its responsibilities. the site, but we still do not understand why they are not taking action. I ask the minister to get the EPA to With the Kodak site redevelopment there is an ideal and intervene in this important issue. very exciting opportunity to clean up the creek and beautify its banks so that between Murray Road and Melbourne Water: Edgars Creek rehabilitation Hopetoun Avenue, a picturesque waterway and tranquil surrounds can be created. Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) — My congratulations also, Speaker. I repeat that I took Melbourne Water to this site over 12 months ago. In this time it has stagnated on the Tonight I raise a matter for the Minister for Water, issue, yet Santa has managed to circumnavigate the Environment and Climate Change. The action I seek is globe twice. Melbourne Water should act! for Melbourne Water to work on a clean-up of Edgars Creek between Murray Road and Hopetoun Avenue. I Responses also ask that they work with the local community on the replanting of native vegetation after the creek is cleaned The SPEAKER — Order! The Minister for Skills, up. Education Services and Employment to respond to issues raised by the member for Bass for the Minister The Newlands and North Coburg communities greatly for Roads and Ports on the railroad corridor for the port appreciate the Edgars Creek surrounds and its of Hastings; by the member for Essendon for the recreational opportunities for walking, running, cycling, Minister for Public Transport on park-and-ride golfing, athletic training and a free-range dog park. We facilities; by the member for Swan Hill for the Minister also appreciate its flora and fauna. The waterway which for Agriculture on penned sheep; by the member for is the responsibility of Melbourne Water and is severely Macedon for the Minister for Health on the day hospital degraded is obviously a critical component of the in Sunbury; by the member for South-West Coast for ambience of this important park. Over the last couple of the Minister for Planning in the other place on lifting decades investment by Melbourne Water in its upkeep the ban on development plan overlay 5 (DPO5) in has been extremely minimal or even nil. As a result of Glenelg shire; by the member for Prahran — — this lack of attention the creek bank has severely eroded in a couple of parts and in one section is in danger of Mr K. Smith — On a point of order, Speaker, as collapsing. this is the very first adjournment debate of this Parliament at the very least one would have expected Over 12 months ago I took some of the most senior ministers to be at the table to represent their personnel in Melbourne Water on a site visit to departments in giving answers to the questions raised highlight their lack of attention to their responsibilities. by members of the opposition. I just feel that having We saw a waterway overgrown and its banks covered one junior minister at the table is not sufficient to with blackberries and other weeds. Safety fencing was enable the questions to be answered. I would ask you to in poor repair. In round figures Melbourne Water draw this to the attention of the Premier. collects approximately $3 million through a parklands levy on Moreland properties. Moreland deserves a The SPEAKER — Order! There is no point of significant level of these fees spent locally, particularly order. given the state of Edgars Creek. It is time for Melbourne Water to act on Edgars Creek. The member for Prahran raised a matter for the Minister for Planning in the other place about To give recognition where it is due, at my instigation Stonington Mansion. Melbourne Water has cleaned up some sections of the Merlynston Creek and worked with Mercy College on a The member for Kew raised a matter for the Premier on tree-planting day. Another is planned when the drought the memorandum of understanding signed with the breaks. The current drought has had diabolical Police Association. consequences, but one benefit of it is that this is an ideal The member for Yan Yean raised a matter for the time to clean up the waterway itself and Edgars Creek Minister for Police and Emergency Services about in particular. Once the clean-up is finalised, let us encouraging community support for volunteers. replant the banks with native vegetation. Moreland council and ratepayers have generously maintained the The member for Pascoe Vale raised for the Minister for surrounding parklands for decades, but the waterways Water, Environment and Climate Change a matter ADJOURNMENT

52 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 19 December 2006 about Melbourne Water cleaning up Edgars Creek between Murray Road and Hopetoun Crescent.

The member for Scoresby raised a matter for the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change asking the Environment Protection Authority to take responsibility for the dust problem on Cathies Lane.

Ms ALLAN (Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment) — Like many other members of the house, Speaker, I wish you all the very best in the four years ahead.

I am delighted to be able to stand here and respond tonight on behalf of the ministers to whom you have referred. The matters that the 10 honourable members have raised will be referred to those ministers for their response and action.

The SPEAKER — Order! The house is now adjourned.

House adjourned 11.28 p.m. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 53

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 eliminate a major health and safety risk in terms of children not being subjected to dust as well as having a safer and more organised parking area for parents to drop off and pick up The SPEAKER (Hon. Jenny Lindell) took the chair their children from school. at 9.35 a.m. and read the prayer. By Mr CAMERON (Bendigo West) (11 signatures) BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Falun Gong: human rights Photographing of proceedings To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: The petition of residents of Victoria draws to the attention of The SPEAKER — Order! I advise the house that I the house that we support the coalition to investigate the have given approval for still photographs to be taken persecution of Falun Gong (CIPFG) to investigate the alleged from the public galleries, the Hansard box and the forced organ harvesting allegations and the illegal detention government advisers’ box before and during question of Falun Gong practitioners in detention centres, labour time today. No additional lighting will be used and the camps, prisons and hospitals. photographs will be used by the Parliament for The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative promotional and educational purposes. Assembly of Victoria

1. request to the Victorian government that it:

CONDOLENCES end Victorian funding agencies, medical organisations and individual health professionals participation in any Donald Neville Saltmarsh government of China-sponsored organ transplant research, meetings or training; The SPEAKER — Order! I advise the house of the death of Donald Neville Saltmarsh, member of the inform residents that donor organs sourced from the Peoples Republic of China may be from non-consenting Legislative Council for the electoral province of prisoners of conscience including Falun Gong Waverley from 1976 to 1982 and member of the practitioners; and Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of Wantirna from 1982 to 1985. assist CIPFG with the research and investigation of the alleged harvesting of organs from, and the illegal detention of, Falun Gong practitioners; I ask members to rise in their places as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. 2. request the state government to ask the federal government that it: Honourable members stood in their places. prevent Australian citizens from travelling to China for The SPEAKER — Order! I shall convey a message organ transplants; and of sympathy from the house to the relatives of the late prevent companies, institutions and individuals Donald Neville Saltmarsh. providing goods and services to China’s organ transplant programs until such time as it is satisfied that no organs used have been harvested against the will of the donor;

PETITIONS demand an end to the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China; and Following petitions presented to house: assist CIPFG with the research and investigation of the California Gully Primary School: access road alleged harvesting of organs from, and the illegal detention of, Falun Gong practitioners. To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: By Mr CLARK (Box Hill) (1586 signatures) The petition of California Gully Primary School Community, Staley Street, California Gully, 3556 (suburb of Bendigo and Parliament: responsible government part of the Bendigo West electorate) draws to the attention of the house the need for improvements to vehicle access and To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: parking at California Gully Primary School. The petition of the residents of Victoria draws to the attention The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative of the house that in the year of the 150th anniversary of Assembly of Victoria support the Department of responsible government in Victoria it is essential that the Sustainability and Environment and the department of Parliament continue to provide good governance and education and training in providing funds for the sealing of effective management of the state. the access road and parking area to minimise windblown sand and dust blowing across the school playground. This would DOCUMENTS

54 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006

The petitioners therefore request that the Victorian Parliament DOCUMENTS continue to provide effective government for the people of Victoria, and to ensure peace and fairness for all. Tabled by Clerk:

By Mrs MADDIGAN (Essendon) (1874 signatures) Alpine Resorts (Management) Act 1997 — Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan under s. 33E Mornington Peninsula Freeway: extension Financial Management Act 1994 — Budget Update 2006–07 To the honourable the Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly in Parliament assembled: Financial Management Act 1994 — Report from the Minister for Health that she had received the 2005–06 report of the The humble petition of the undersigned citizens of the state of Mildura Cemetery Trust. Victoria sheweth the Parliament that the Bracks government’s decision to not proceed with the building of the Mornington The following proclamations fixing operative dates Peninsula freeway extension as promised to the citizens of the were tabled by the Clerk in accordance with an order of city of Kingston on several occasions, by both the Premier the house dated 19 December 2006: and the member for Carrum, is contrary to the wishes of the people who elected them. Catchment and Land Protection (Further Amendment) Your petitioners therefore pray that: Act 2006 — Sections 3, 4, 5(1), 5(3), 7, 8, 13, 16(1), 21, 23 and 25 — 24 October 2006 (Gazette S284, 24 October 2006) 1. The Parliament undertake to ensure that the state government begin construction of the Mornington Courts Legislation (Jurisdiction) Act 2006 — Section 10 — Peninsula Freeway extension to that design and capacity 1 November 2006; Part 2 — 1 January 2007 (Gazette G40, as originally promised by the Bracks Labor government, 5 October 2006) and Groundwater (Border Agreement) (Amendment) Act 2005 — Whole Act — 31 October 2006 (Gazette G43, 26 October 2. Complete the project by June 2010 being two years later 2006) than promised by Labor in 1999, and Health Services (Supported Residential Services) Act 2006 — 3. That the project not be funded by a tollway like the Sections 9 and 17 — 12 October 2006 (Gazette G41, Scoresby (EastLink) project. 12 October 2006)

And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. Justice Legislation (Further Amendment) Act 2006 — Remaining provisions (except Part 4) — 18 October 2006 By Mr MULDER (Polwarth) (509 signatures) (Gazette S273, 17 October 2006) Rail: Melbourne–Shepparton line National Parks (Otways and Other Amendments) Act 2005 — Part 4 — 24 October 2006 (Gazette S285, 24 October 2006) To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: National Parks and Crown Land (Reserves) Acts The petition of the residents of Victoria requests that the (Amendment) Act 2006 — Sections 13(2) and 16(2) and Victorian government takes action to ensure that the new Part 3 (except s. 26(6)) — 19 October 2006 (Gazette G42, V/Line timetable for the Melbourne–Shepparton line be 19 October 2006) reviewed and that V/Line consult with the users of the line, as there is a great deal of dissatisfaction among members of the Water (Governance) Act 2006 — Part 3 — 31 October 2006 communities of Tatura, Murchison and Kyabram with the (Gazette G43, 26 October 2006). changes that have been made. With the new times there is an extra half hour travel on the early morning and evening services, while other services can take an extra hour at least BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE according to the times given by the information service. Also there is a lot of confusion as Tatura and Kyabram are now Adjournment listed under the Echuca to Melbourne line. By Mrs POWELL (Shepparton) (736 signatures) Mr CAMERON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services) — I move: Tabled. That the house, at its rising, adjourn until Tuesday, 13 February 2007. Ordered that petition presented by honourable member for Shepparton be considered next day on Motion agreed to. motion of Mrs POWELL (Shepparton). MEMBERS STATEMENTS

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MEMBERS STATEMENTS Liberal Party had a different one at the last election. We said we would build a dam at Arundel. Parliament: 150th anniversary This is part of the actual bill from the water retailing Mrs MADDIGAN (Essendon) — The petition I authority, which has got nothing to do with dams and presented this morning had signatures gathered as part having ALP propaganda on its bills. More so, this bill of the travelling exhibition of the Parliament’s was sent out during the election campaign to a batch of 150th anniversary celebrations. Over the past year the customers in that group. It is unacceptable that water travelling exhibition has visited nine country towns as authorities have got government propaganda on well as spending a short time at the Royal Melbourne consumers’ water bills. It is the same syndrome as the Show and Parliament House. ALP using taxpayer-funded resources to produce its own ALP campaign on water. It is unacceptable, and it It was very successful and enabled country people to should be stopped. get a feel and a taste of the Parliament of Victoria without having to travel to Melbourne. Many of the Alfred Centre: project completion comments received by our staff who were working with the exhibition show that it was widely appreciated. Mr LUPTON (Prahran) — I draw members’ attention to the Alfred Centre for elective surgery in One of the reasons for the success of the exhibition is Prahran. The Alfred Centre will be officially opened in the hard work of a large number of staff from the February 2007, and as chair of the community Parliament of Victoria who volunteered to work on the participation panel for the Alfred Centre I pay tribute to exhibition as it travelled around the towns. In particular everybody who was involved in the successful the Legislative Assembly attendants made a great completion of the project — in particular, all the other contribution in guiding tours through the exhibition. I members of the community participation panel who would also like to acknowledge the work of the gave up a considerable amount of their time to be 150th project officer, Sharon Morris, and Parliament’s involved in the development of the project. I also thank education officer, Rod Espie. the project team and its director, Brian Stephenson; the builders, Baulderstone Hornibrook, the Department of The exhibition was visited by over 400 people a week, Human Services and everybody at The Alfred hospital and they were able to see question time in action, not who made a great contribution to this project. that I think it gave them a good view of Parliament but they did get to see what Parliament was like. It was a Bracks government initiative to develop and build the Alfred Centre for elective surgery — a I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the $90 million project that is the first of its kind in former President of the Legislative Council, Monica Australia. It will provide a new model of care focused Gould, and thank her very much for her work. I also on patients, families and carers. This centre will provide wish her all the best for the future. elective surgery with reduced waiting times and separate the elective surgery from emergency surgery at South East Water: dams policy the Alfred so that elective surgery will not need to be Ms ASHER (Brighton) — I wish to draw the cancelled due to emergency arrivals. attention of the house to the blatantly party-political I congratulate the government and everybody involved nature of a water authority which should be in the successful completion of this project, which will independent. The authority is South East Water. The lead to greatly improved medical services for the latest bill sent to consumers by this water authority people of Prahran district and the wider community of shows that it is doing the government’s bidding by Victoria. mouthing the minister’s propaganda on dams on the actual water bill. Water: tank rebates

South East Water has a four-page bill which is joined Mr DELAHUNTY (Lowan) — Water, or the together in the middle. There is some information on shortage of water, is challenging the Lowan district. In water restrictions, which is legitimate. However, the fact all of country Victoria, and now Melbourne, is water bill refers to the ALP policy on dams and states feeling the pressure of water shortages. This city-centric that building dams does not create more water, it government stands condemned for its discriminatory simply diverts the flow from already stressed rivers. I policy on rebates for water tanks which you can only am quite happy for the ALP to have that policy. The get if you are on a town supply. Many people in MEMBERS STATEMENTS

56 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 country Victoria live outside the towns, on farms or in proud foundations he has built and the legacy he has small businesses like tourist facilities and do not get any left for Craigieburn will benefit generations of rebate. That is why country people supported the policy Craigieburn children to come. of The Nationals, which is to provide water tank rebates to all, no matter where they live. I attended the graduation at Craigieburn Primary School on Monday night and it was a fitting tribute that one of With the water shortage the government and the water the students had put together a little cameo of Neil’s authorities must do more to inform country 24 years at the school. It was delightful. communities of details of where they can access water, speed up permits for such things as bores, and access Brauer College: science wing potable water. My office is inundated with concerns about water. One example is an email I have received Dr NAPTHINE (South-West Coast) — During the which states: election campaign both major political parties promised funding to rebuild the 35-year-old science wing at Some old designated drought … bores on DSE’s web site are Brauer College in Warrnambool. Unfortunately the locked and access is being denied Labor Party-promised funding of $1.5 million will only … be provided in next year’s state budget, which means that work will not be able to be commenced until July I am frustrated. I do not know who else to plead the case with … hopefully someone can get some sanity back into the 2007. Brauer College has already spent $80 000 of its argument. own funds drawing up very detailed plans for this … much-needed upgrade because Labor previously promised funding for this rebuilding in the May 2006 I and the community want the dam[n] thing reinstated as a state budget, but it failed to deliver then and the school drought bore asap … for livestock and fire purposes. is worried that it will fail to deliver in May 2007.

Shortage of domestic and stock water requires the The school is ready to go. The works are needed government and the water authorities to work with urgently, and I therefore urge the government to country communities to better inform them of access to provide a Treasurer’s advance to commence this project water and water grants which will assist them through immediately. The current science rooms are too small; this very difficult time. they are cramped and unsafe, and there are numerous Neil Treyvaud breaches of occupational health and safety rules. There are blocked sinks, there are no working fume Ms BEATTIE (Yuroke) — Tomorrow the cupboards, there are holes in the flooring and there is no education system is set to lose one of its stars, as Neil safe, secure storage for chemicals. This is the largest Treyvaud, principal of Craigieburn Primary School, secondary school in country Victoria. It is a begins the next phase of his life and commences his magnificent school that is doing a great job, but it is retirement. I wish Neil all the very best, but it will be being hampered by a lack of facilities and continued very sad to see him go and I know that both the school promises from the Labor government which are not and his wider community in Craigieburn will all miss delivered. What we want is a Treasurer’s advance so him very much. work can commence immediately on the science wing and so this much-needed upgrade can be completed as As principal for 12 years and as a member of the school soon as possible. community for 24 years he has worked tirelessly for the benefit of students who have attended school, and Legislative Assembly: former members lobbied with great enthusiasm and effort to ensure the best resources and opportunities have been made Ms MORAND (Mount Waverley) — May I first available to his school and the students. congratulate you, Speaker, on your election as Speaker of this house. With pride he led the school to its new home in Grand Boulevard. His valuable contribution to the I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the development of this site as a significant community seven Labor members of the Legislative Assembly resource not only for the education of our primary-age from the 55th Parliament who were not successful at children but also as a hub of community activity and the recent state election. The former members are spirit has been of great benefit to the Craigieburn Heather McTaggart in Evelyn, Dympna Beard in residents. I know the school community will be very Kilsyth, Rosie Buchanan in Hastings, Anne Eckstein in sad to see him go, but I know all too well that the very Ferntree Gully, Brendan Jenkins in Morwell, Ian MEMBERS STATEMENTS

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 57

Maxfield in Narracan and Peter Lockwood in While I am all for water restrictions, they should be Bayswater. All of them worked very hard as local implemented with some level of pragmatism! I buy new timers to suit the level 2 rules and now find out that level 3 members, serving their community and making a requires different timers. tangible difference to those communities in many different ways. You would not find a kinder or more Your strategy is costing me a lot of money. caring person than Dympna Beard, and in Rosie Buchanan you would not find a person more passionate Tom James about social justice, equity and women’s rights. We Ms MUNT (Mordialloc) — Speaker, I would like to will all miss the good humour, laughter and join other members in congratulating you on your companionship of Heather McTaggart and Brendan appointment and wishing you all the best. I know you Jenkins. We will miss them all! will be a wonderful Speaker of this house.

Mount Waverley electorate: election result I would also like to congratulate Mr Tom James of Cheltenham on his receiving the Australian Defence Ms MORAND — I would also like to take this Medal. I attended the presentation ceremony with opportunity to thank Mount Waverley constituents for Mr James on 1 December, when the medal was their support at the election. I particularly thank the presented by the Honourable Simon Crean. Mr James many people who offered their support and good has served our country in our armed forces. He has also wishes to me during the election campaign and during served our community for many years and is a very the long 10 days between election day and the proud member of the Cheltenham-Moorabbin RSL declaration of the poll. I am committed to continuing to club. I was very proud to accept Mr James’s invitation work hard for my constituents to the very best of my to attend the awards ceremony as a mark of recognition abilities, and to continuing to represent Mount of his wonderful service to Australia and to our Waverley residents in this Parliament and as part of the community, and also as a mark of respect to all who Bracks government. have served or are serving our country. I acknowledge I wish all my constituents and members a very happy the contribution of Mr James. I know that, like me, his Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season. family must be very proud of his achievements. Water: restrictions Mordialloc electorate: election result

Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — I place on the Ms MUNT — I would also like to take this record the concerns of a constituent, Alan Clapham, opportunity to thank the people of my electorate for that have been forwarded to the Minister for Water, once again putting their trust in me as their Environment and Climate Change. His letter states, in representative for the next four years. I really look part: forward to serving them in the Victorian Parliament and achieving more wonderful results for our community, I believe you have a flaw in the water restrictions you recently particularly the rebuilding of our schools. We have announced. made a great start in the last four years, but there is It is the even-odd system that is causing grief and will more work to be done. probably result in me using more water rather than less. Bushfires: Gippsland East electorate The water timers I have work on a weekly cycle. That means if programmed for Monday, Wednesday and Friday in one Mr INGRAM (Gippsland East) — I would like to week they will be odd days and the next even days. put on the public record my thanks to the emergency I am advised by your office that I cannot use my timers unless service volunteers from the Country Fire Authority, the I reprogram them each week. As I cannot reprogram them State Emergency Service and the Red Cross and the myself this is not possible. I will therefore need to revert to firefighters from the various government departments, manual operations. the army and New Zealand, who are battling the blazes After discussions with representatives and SE Water I went that are spreading across large areas of my electorate. I and bought timers that would do an every-second-day cycle would like to recognise the efforts of the contractors as required by your restrictions. I gave my old timers away. working on the fire lines, particularly the timber bush I now note in stage 3 restrictions you are moving to a workers, for their expertise and equipment is essential Wednesday and Sunday system. My new timers will not for effective control and management of the fires. I work on this basis. I can do every three days or even four would like to thank the incident managers and staff at days, but once again I cannot comply! the incident control rooms at Heyfield and Bairnsdale MEMBERS STATEMENTS

58 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 for their assistance in providing information about the emigrated to Australia in 1964 and settled in Frankston fires. two years later. Mary was a great friend to many Frankston people. For 28 years, Mary had a bric-a-brac I would also like to send my condolences to the family stall at the Frankston Sunday market. In recent years and friends of Donald Dosser, who was killed whilst she occupied stall no. 1 at the market and following her protecting his mate’s house from the fires in my sad passing the market will no longer have a no. 1 site, electorate, at Seaton near Heyfield. as a lasting tribute to this Irish charmer.

In the last few days a number of issues in relation to the As a regular market stallholder myself, located opposite fires have come up. One is the impact of the ongoing Mary’s stall, I developed a friendship with her, as many fires on the tourism industry in my electorate. I would other stallholders and patrons did. A very genuine and like to place on the public record that Gippsland is a decent person, she will be very sadly missed. very large place, as is East Gippsland. Many areas in East Gippsland are still open for business. I would like Family violence: anger management support to encourage members of this place and the media to group particularly get the message across that East Gippsland relies very much on the tourism industry. We should Mrs FYFFE (Evelyn) — Four years ago, before I encourage people to come there, because places like was so rudely interrupted, I made a speech in this house Mallacoota, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville and Metung about the refusal by the then Minister for Women’s are open for business. We should encourage people Affairs to allow a victim of domestic violence, Kay across the Christmas period to ensure they do get — — Nesbitt, to speak on the same platform. It was therefore disturbing and saddening that the first person to come The SPEAKER — Order! The member’s time has through my door after this election was a distraught expired. woman who told me that due to funding cuts and changes to criteria the domestic violence anger Frankston electorate: election result management support group that she had been a member of for some time could no longer continue. Originally Dr HARKNESS (Frankston) — Speaker, I too wish run by Anglicare, Yarra Ranges Family Services has to congratulate you on your appointment to your office. now secured the program. However, changes mean that I would also like to take this opportunity to place on it is limited and available only for newly identified record my thanks to the Frankston community for clients. re-electing me as the member for Frankston. I am once again very humbled to stand up for Frankston and I am For all its platitudes about caring for families, this very much looking forward to implementing my government has cut off the lifeline for women like commitments as outlined throughout the election Kerry, literally throwing them out into a world of campaign. loneliness, anger and despair. Victims of domestic violence do not want to continue being victims; they A lot has been achieved in the Frankston community, want and need help. They have a right to support and but there is a lot more to be done. The next four years understanding from others; they need access to are going to be very exciting for the Frankston long-term counselling tailored to their situation. community, with the further upgrading of Frankston Hospital and new initiatives to tackle the growing As recorded in Hansard, this government throws issues of obesity and mental health, renewed and money at people who conduct races — it has given upgraded trade wings in every government secondary those who race dogs $15 000, horses, $41 000, and fast school and 4500 new apprenticeships, tackling water cars, $94 000 — but cannot find $15 000 for a program and climate change challenges, and more affordable to support women who genuinely and desperately need public transport owing to the abolition of zone 3. help. I call on the Minister for Women’s Affairs to stand up for these women and demand that they get the A busy election campaign in Frankston was made all funding support they so desperately need. the more interesting with the arrival on 2 November of Kirsten Elle Harkness. McKinnon Secondary College: achievements

Mary Yeaxlee Mr HUDSON (Bentleigh) — Speaker, may I congratulate you on your appointment. I know that you Dr HARKNESS — On a very sad note, however, will serve this Parliament well. one of Frankston’s true treasures passed away suddenly on 25 November. Born in Ireland, Mary Yeaxlee MEMBERS STATEMENTS

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 59

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Westminster system has disappeared. If it is good presentation night at McKinnon Secondary College, enough for the Bracks government to do secret deals where the school’s Victorian certificate of education with the police over campaign promises, then ensuring (VCE) results were announced. McKinnon has the law is enforced is the least that should be expected. demonstrated once again that it is one of the top The hypocrisy and lack of sincerity of the Premier and non-selective government schools in this state the Labor Party is now there for all to see! achieving outstanding results with all its year 12 students. Out of 209 VCE students, 100 received an Macedon electorate: election result equivalent national tertiary entrance rank (ENTER) score above 80, and 67 students, or over one-third of all Ms DUNCAN (Macedon) — I rise this morning to McKinnon VCE students, received an ENTER score thank the people of the electorate of Macedon for the above 90. honour and privilege of representing them for a further four years. I have represented this area for the last seven In the last five years there has been a steady increase in years, and much has been achieved in that time. An the percentage of students achieving a study score amount of $23 million has been allocated to capital above 40. In 2001, 10 per cent of all study scores were funding for our schools and roads have been upgraded. above 40; in 2003, 11 per cent were above 40; and in There is a new hospital in Kyneton and a new 2005 it was 19 per cent. In 2006 again 19 per cent of all community health centre in Sunbury. There has been a study scores were above 40. Overall, 33 per cent of complete rebuild of tracks and signals on the Bendigo McKinnon’s year 12 students ranked in the top 10 per railway line, with extra services. Gas has been rolled cent of students in the state and 65 per cent in the top out in four towns, with another three towns to go. 30 per cent of the state, which is an outstanding achievement. I look forward to continuing this work with the continued rollout of gas, the ongoing capital works However, McKinnon Secondary College does not just programs on our schools, the construction of a day produce outstanding academic results, with several hospital at Sunbury and the duplication of Vineyard individuals and teams featuring in statewide sports Road, with traffic lights at Mitchells Lane. I look finals. In addition, the fine musical talents of students at forward to continuing these good works and getting on the school were on display at the presentation night with the job of improving local infrastructure and through various ensembles. The school is ably led by services, especially in the area of public transport, with principal, Alan Lawrence, assistant principals Pitsa an average of a 20 per cent reduction in V/Line fares Binnion, Andrew Newton and Andrew Chisholm, and from March 2007. the year 12 student managers. I would like to thank my campaign team and those Police: Caulfield assault many volunteers who staffed the polling booths. I thank all the people who had the confidence in me to Mrs SHARDEY (Caulfield) — Of great concern to represent them for another term. I will continue to do all the Jewish community in my electorate was the alleged I can to ensure their confidence is not misplaced and to bashing by drunken members of the Ocean Grove make sure the electorate of Macedon continues to football club of a young Orthodox Jewish man on the benefit from the good governance of the Bracks Sabbath of 14 October in the presence of his children. government. They were returning from the Caulfield Cup in a bus being driven by an off-duty policeman who, it is I would also like to wish all in the electorate a merry claimed, attempted to drive the bus away from the Christmas and a happy new year. Our thoughts are with scene. The perpetrators not only assaulted Menachem all those involved in the firefighting efforts across this Vorchheimer but screamed racial abuse at him and state as we look forward to one of the worst fire seasons other community members who were walking along in this state’s history. Balaclava Road at the time. All provided detailed reports to police, yet police to date have failed to charge Water: tank rebates those responsible for this uncivilised attack on Mr JASPER (Murray Valley) — The state Menachem. government must immediately implement a uniform The Premier, when asked what steps his government is water tank subsidy scheme across Victoria and end the taking to ensure justice is done, hides behind the skirt of current discrimination against those householders not the separation of powers, as if suddenly the serviced by a reticulated water supply system. I have responsibility of ministers to this Parliament under the been working extensively making representations to the MEMBERS STATEMENTS

60 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 water minister throughout this year on the basis that Church; Mr Phil Sealey, the coordinator at William there are inequities in the scheme that need correcting. Angliss Institute of TAFE; all the hospitality students at William Angliss; Cr Steve Beardon; Ann Douglas from Put simply, people living outside the cities and towns the Cranbourne branch of the National Australia Bank; who do not have a reticulated water supply are Megan Powell and Santa Claus Visits; Bakers Delight, ineligible to apply for the subsidy arrangements. My Cranbourne North and all the businesses in Cranbourne question to the minister is, ‘Why discriminate?’ The that kindly donated toys for the young ones of response from the minister indicates that rebates are Cranbourne to enjoy. provided to encourage water-saving initiatives and that those outside the water-serviced areas are well aware of Planning: Stonington Mansion the need for conserving water, therefore they do not need financial assistance. Surely there is an even greater Mr O’BRIEN (Malvern) — Stonington Mansion is need to support financially the installation of water a Malvern and Victorian icon, having served as a home tanks outside reticulated water areas. to Governors, convalescent soldiers and, most recently, Deakin University. It gave the name to the very The situation is emphasised by the current drought municipality in which it is located. It is a treasured part situation in country Victoria, and the shortage of water of our heritage, but today it is under threat. When has now been further emphasised and complicated with Stonington Mansion was entrusted to Deakin the fires in north-eastern Victoria and in Gippsland. University by the state, it was to foster learning — not to be sold off for development to the highest bidder. I again call on the minister to review the water tank But that is exactly what Deakin University proposes to subsidy scheme to include all people installing tanks do. What is worse, the university has an accomplice in and, in particular, to support country Victorians outside this breach of trust, because the sale cannot proceed water reticulation areas. They cannot understand the without the approval of the Bracks government. If inequity of this scheme, why they cannot be involved in Labor’s Minister for Education withholds approval, the it and why they are not eligible for the state government sale cannot proceed. There is no urgency to sell, as subsidy support scheme. Deakin University does not plan to move out for a year.

Cranbourne electorate: community kitchens The government has a choice: it can actively conspire in the sale and destruction of our cultural heritage or it Mr PERERA (Cranbourne) — Firstly I take this can sit down with Stonnington City Council, the federal opportunity to congratulate you, Speaker, on your government, Deakin University and local residents to elevation to this high office. I am sure you will serve plan a way forward that can accommodate the this Parliament very well. university’s needs with the preservation of a historic In conjunction with a network of community building. The opposition is committed to the champions, I have been part of a team that is delivering preservation of Stonington Mansion for the benefit of successful community kitchens in the electorate of the Victorian community. If the Labor government fails Cranbourne, including the areas of Cranbourne, to match that commitment, it will stand condemned. Frankston North and, shortly, Carrum Downs. I am Greater Geelong and Surf Coast: mayors pleased to note that our Christmas community kitchen held last night in Cranbourne saw over 500 meals Mr CRUTCHFIELD (South Barwon) — I served. Santa and his two helpers also made an congratulate you, Deputy Speaker, on your position. appearance and presented all the children with Christmas presents. I take this opportunity to congratulate the newly elected mayors of the City of Greater Geelong and Surf Coast With the increase in interest rates, rising petrol and Shire. The new mayor of the of the City of Greater child-care costs and the general pressures on young Geelong is Bruce Harwood, a detective with Victoria families, there are families in Cranbourne that are doing Police and a councillor of my old ward of Kardinia. it tough — and some are doing it tougher than others. Bruce is a fiercely independent individual who has Most of them cannot afford the luxury of eating out and friends on both sides of politics. Bruce and his wife socialising frequently. Jennifer have a long connection with the sporting community. In particular, Bruce was president of the The community kitchen is a success in view of the Geelong Amateurs Football and Netball Club in the last sound partnerships that work tirelessly to deliver this year it won a premiership. Bruce has ensured a very initiative to our community. I take my hat off to smooth and non-acrimonious transition of mayoralty Reverend Paul Creasey of the Cranbourne Uniting MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 61 from Cr Shane Dowling to Cr Peter McMullin and now Primary School won the award for his initiative in a to Bruce. It is a credit to the current council. whole range of activities in assisting the school — —

I also congratulate Cr Rose Hodge, who has taken over The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The the mayoralty of Surf Coast Shire. Rose has a work member’s time has expired. The time for making ethic inferior to no-one’s, and even prior to being statements has now ended. elected she was on nearly every committee in Torquay. She also has a very strong sport and recreation background. Rose, like Bruce, will be a very good MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE grassroots mayor for her community. Water: management I also thank former mayor of the Surf Coast Shire, Libby Mears, and former mayor of the City of Greater The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The Speaker Geelong, Peter McMullin. Both have been strong has accepted a statement from the member for Brighton supporters of their communities and very strong proposing the following matter of public importance for advocates for Geelong, and particularly for the ring discussion: road — in more recent times, for stage 4 and federal That this house condemns the Bracks Labor government’s funding in particular. They are now part of a group of mismanagement of Victoria’s water resources and in councils that want Stewart McArthur and the federal particular its failure to provide water certainty and to take government to match the Bracks government’s adequate action on supply, recycling and infrastructure. commitment to stage 4 of the ring-road. Ms ASHER (Brighton) — A matter of public Eltham electorate: community service awards importance is often a misnomer for something the opposition or indeed the government wants to debate on Mr HERBERT (Eltham) — I congratulate you, a certain day, but this is a genuine matter of public Deputy Speaker, on your appointment. importance. It relates to one of the great failures of the Bracks Labor government — that is, the government’s I rise today to congratulate the winners of the 2006 failure to play its part in water management. It has Eltham community service awards. This is the fourth made a lot of demands on irrigators and it has made a year that I have presented these awards, which were lot demands on domestic consumers, but the instigated for young people whose actions have assisted government has not played its part. others — whether it be within their school, local community or more broadly across the nation. This The government cannot make it rain, and no-one is year I presented the awards for the following students: suggesting it has that power, but the government does Sarah Jupp from Catholic Ladies College, who won an have the capacity to provide infrastructure, and the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to government has failed on this point. The government the college leadership, the Students Representative does have a capacity to influence the level of supply of Council and social justice activities; Sean Currie of Our water, and it has failed on this point. The government Lady Help of Christians Primary School, who won an does have the capacity to invest in many things that award for his terrific participation in the World’s would have improved the situation had the government Greatest Shave fundraiser; and Rebecca Cherubin, who addressed this matter seven years ago, and the won the award from Sherbourne Primary School for government has failed to act. leadership and participation in extracurricular activities. I want to go through a number of reasons why we on At Greenhills Primary School Frederica Shakespeare this side of the house condemn the government so and Biljana Cvijetic won the award for their leadership strongly for its failure on water. First of all the and assistance to the school community. I am told they government regards the water authorities as a cash cow. are both fantastic role models for other students. At It takes out dividends from the water authorities and it Holy Trinity Primary School Nyssa Jaworowski won takes out tax-equivalent payments, environmental the award for her work with a missionary, helping to levies and so on. In broad terms the government has raise funds for underprivileged children in Libya. taken out $1.8 billion of revenue from the water William Phipps, from Eltham North Primary School, authorities, and it has not put that money back into won the award for his coordination of student water infrastructure. The government claims it has environmental work groups, which have achieved an invested $1 billion. I think that is a very rubbery figure, enormous amount in beautifying the school and helping and I am sure I will have more to say on that over the it save water. Caleb Johns from St Francis Xavier course of the next year or so. MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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The fact of the matter is the government treats the water should not have been built. A glass does not create authorities as a cash cow. It has taken out $1.8 billion in water, but a glass stores water. Labor has done nothing revenue and it has not reinvested that amount of money on water storage — nothing at all — in its seven years in water infrastructure. That is one of the great failures of office. of this government — diverting revenue from water to other areas of expenditure. Another thing the Labor Party could have looked at in office was recycling. We have heard the Minister for The second area of failure is what I refer to as the Water, Environment and Climate Change make a seven-year syndrome. The government has been in number of comments on recycling of late times, with power for seven years and has done nothing. It has very small targets. Again I urge members of Parliament made a series of announcements recently — I grant not to believe this government but to look at the that — but they come after years of inaction on the government’s track record on recycling. I instance — as water front. It is all very well for the Premier to say, I always do — the Federation Square development. ‘Water is one of the great issues of our times’, but over That development had a water recycling system. the last seven years the government has not acted as if State-of-the-art tanks were being put in, and that water water were one of the great issues. was going to be used to cater for the bathrooms and the gardens. It was a state-of-the-art water recycling project I also make the observation that the area where the in Federation Square. What did this government do? government has probably shown the most action on the Because of its failure with cost overruns, it actually water front is its $13 million advertising campaign, Our pulled the water tanks out of the Federation Square Water Our Future. That campaign was given to project to save $350 000. Do not listen to this Shannon’s Way, Bill Shannon being a Labor mate government on recycling — it was prepared to dump involved in Labor’s fundraising arm, Progressive this project to save $350 000! Business, and that contract was awarded without an open tender, but that is not the major point. My point is Similarly on the Spencer Street redevelopment — I that the government has spent $13 million on an refuse to call it by the new name — there was again an advertising campaign about its slogan Our Water Our opportunity for water recycling, and the government Future, but it has not done the hard work. It has not said no. One of the things the Liberal Party did several looked at security of supply, it has not looked at years ago was come out with a policy that would infrastructure and it has not dealt with the issue of require developers of government-sponsored major recycling sufficiently early or enough. projects — whether it be the government alone or the government in partnership with a public-private There are many, many things the government could partnership — to have water recycling as part of them. have done on water and has failed to do. I again make Again we have seen doubts expressed in the press this the point that no-one expects a government to make it week about the way the Labor Party has managed water rain, but we all expect government to invest in recycling. At the last election we made a number of infrastructure and to look at alternatives that other states substantive proposals in relation to recycling. are looking at. It is, again, an example of where this government will not do the hard work. The public does not believe the Labor Party. Its track record is one of walking away from recycling. It has One of the things the government could have done is made a couple of late announcements during the look at dams. The government does not like the ‘dam’ election campaign. It has failed on this issue. word, presumably because of its association with the Greens. At the last election the Liberal Party had a Another issue the Labor Party has failed on is the proposal to build an $80 million Arundel dam — a opportunity for establishing alternative supplies. During small dam which would supply 17 000 megalitres of the last election campaign the Liberal Party proposed a drinking water for Melbourne and deal with the issue of desalination plant — a proposal that was initially flood mitigation on the Maribyrnong River. The Labor greeted with ridicule from the Labor Party. The argument — which I referred to earlier today in a proposal was for 145 million litres of fresh drinking members statement as being perpetuated wrongly by a water to be produced, which would equate to one-tenth water authority on consumers’ bills — is that a dam of Melbourne’s consumption when the plant was does not create water. A dam does not create water, it completed. I refer to the example of Perth’s water stores water, and unless we have water storage, we do supply. In a press release dated 19 November 2006 the not have water. I find that quite ironic, coming from a Western Australian Labor government stated: water authority which bills people for the provision of water from dams. That is like saying the Thomson Dam Western Australia has become the first state in Australia to use desalination as a major public water source. MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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The Labor Premier, Alan Carpenter, is quoted as I instance a matter that came to light last week saying: involving a petroleum company at a Yarraville terminal. The petroleum storage tanks there hold By harnessing water from the ocean, we have acquired an 170 million litres, and from time to time they require abundant source that is not dependent on rainfall. maintenance to check for leaks. This particular The press release went on to state that when the plant is company puts top-grade drinking water into the tanks to fully operational it will produce 130 million litres of test for leaks, and then throws it away — water per day and supply 17 per cent of Perth’s needs. 170 million litres of water! The plant was built by that Labor government in less than two years, on time and on budget. The government should require industry not to waste water. I note that the competitor of this company does I take up the point made by the Labor Party in not waste water. Instead it treats it to a recycling level comments about costing. I have no doubt that if the and then gives it to councils to water ovals and the like. Victorian Labor government built a plant like this, it I again make the point that there is no requirement on would be over budget and late. But I think if Perth can industry not to waste water, while there is a requirement do it, we can do it too in Victoria. I also note that other on consumers. We are not allowed to water our Labor states are prepared to look at this option. In terms driveways — nor should we, and I accept that — but of a possible alternative supply, the government has the way the government has treated consumers is failed on this front as well. inequitable compared with the way it has treated industry. I invite the minister to come out to the suburbs Another area of failure of this government is that the and hear the reaction to the differential ways in which main thrust of its water policy is to ask domestic different groups of consumers have been treated. consumers to use less. That is the whole thrust of its Securing Our Water Future Together white paper — to There is also the matter of the significant amount of have domestic consumers use less water. I think there seepage and leakage within the metropolitan system. has been a significant amount of public goodwill in this The amount of money being ripped out in dividends regard, but the government is at the stage now where it instead of being put back into the system to deal with is risking this public goodwill on water restrictions. seepage and leakage again shows negligence by the One needs to look at the government’s performance government. I also make the point that if the Minister with industry. It is here where the government has for Water, Environment and Climate Change deigns to failed again. I grant that industry is different — industry participate in this debate, and I can see the junior, is tied up with jobs — but the way the government has newly appointed parliamentary secretary waiting to handled industry compared with the way the speak, members should not believe him — and they government has handled domestic consumers is not should not believe the parliamentary secretary either. It equitable. is a darn sight easier to run an advertising campaign or issue a press release than it is to actually do the work on What the government set out to do in its Securing Our storage, on recycling and on alternative supplies. Water Future Together white paper — I refer to page 104 — was to encourage industry. It was I refer to the question I raised in the house yesterday. demanded that consumers reduce consumption, but On Stateline on the ABC on 10 November, in a debate industry was to be encouraged to cut down water usage. with the shadow Minister for Water, the Minister for The government set up a scheme to work with the top Water said in relation to the Gippsland proposal, 200 water users, and it was a voluntary scheme — note ‘We’ve released the feasibility study’. In the heat of a again that for consumers it was obligatory. debate during the election campaign, that is what he said. Of course yesterday in Parliament he was obliged There is no requirement on industry not to waste water. to concede that he had not released the feasibility study. Most damning of all, according to this paper, is the fact I would urge people to remember that this minister says that industry was given three years to draw up the first thing that comes into his head. This minister water-saving plans. We do not have three years. We are goes for spin rather than substance every single time. in a drought and supplies are dwindling; we do not have three years. If you refer to the chapter ‘Progress In conclusion, the government has not played its role. It towards securing our water future’ on page 32 of the has certainly asked country Victorians and metropolitan paper you will see that in 2004–05 the government has domestic consumers to play a substantial role, but the remained on this track of only encouraging industry to government has not played its role. It has put out reduce water use and not demanding reduction of use advertisements, it has put out press releases and it has the way the government has with consumers. put out glossy brochures. But it has done nothing about MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

64 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 storage, and it has done nothing about desalination or Honourable members interjecting. an alternative supply, as employed by the Western Australian Labor government. It has done very little on Mr HERBERT — I hear comments from those — — recycling, and what it has done is incredibly late. It has spent insufficient money on infrastructure. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member for Brighton was heard in relative silence. I ask for the We see a government that talks and makes a lot of noise same courtesy to be shown to the member for Eltham. about water being important, but it has been a government of inaction for the bulk of its seven years in Mr HERBERT — In fairness to those opposite, office. The tragic thing about the minister for water is including the member for Brighton, the Liberals did that he has held the portfolio for over four years but has have a plan — for a dam on the Maribyrnong. They done nothing other than run a $13 million advertising thought the dam would be their silver bullet for the campaign to convince domestic consumers that they water crisis, but it was ridiculed by industry, ridiculed should cut their consumption. That is not good enough. by water authorities, and ridiculed by ordinary Victorians. In the end it was completely shot down in I invite the minister to come out to the suburbs and hear flames by the realisation that it would pose a major what the people are saying about their water threat to commercial aircraft due to birdstrike. management. I go back to my fundamental point: this government has ripped out $1.8 billion in revenue from Ms Duncan — It has been rejected for 40 years. the water authorities and has not invested sufficiently in Mr HERBERT — ‘Rejected for 40 years’, we hear storage and in infrastructure. That is one of this the member for Macedon say. This is a shoddy matter government’s great failures, and for that the minister of public importance. It is a very poor start to the and the government should be condemned. Parliament, and it masks the simple fact that inflows to Mr HERBERT (Eltham) — It is a pleasure to rise Victoria’s water storages have decreased across the to speak on this matter of public importance. I would state as a result of a massive reduction in rainfall in our like to start by congratulating the proposer of the MPI, catchment areas. This winter was particularly bad, with the member for Brighton, on her appointment to the our storages receiving virtually no water at a time when position of shadow Minister for Water, Environment they would usually be filling ahead of the summer. On and Climate Change, particularly in relation to water. I top of this, our catchment areas are now so dry that they had hoped that she would bring a fresh approach to the will need really heavy and sustained downpours over a opposition’s perspective in this area, but I fear from her substantial period before we see them recovering and recent contribution that that is not the case. water storages filling.

This year Victoria has experienced its worst drought on The impact of climate change is clear for all to see. The record, with rainfall at only a fraction of its long-term CSIRO estimates that there will be 8 per cent less water average. What is the very first response to this crisis available for Melbourne by 2020 and 20 per cent less that we see in this Parliament from the opposition? We by 2050. That is why we need sustainable solutions, see a matter of public importance proposed simply to and that is why we are putting in place the plans we try to score political points. have today.

Do we see opposition members offering a bipartisan It is clear that across the state everyone is doing it solution to Victoria’s water problem? No, we do not see tough. Farmers are having their water allocations them offering anything like that. Do they offer any reduced, with irrigators in the Goulburn system hope whatsoever to the thousands of farming families receiving about 24 per cent of their water entitlements. desperately worried about the impact the drought is In other parts of the state households are carting water having on their livelihoods and families? No, they do for household and stock use. Many regional hubs like not; they offer no hope to those people. Do they offer Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong are at their highest any real solutions to ensuring that the economy of our levels of restrictions — and I will speak more about that regional centres and of our state is not crippled by the later — and in Melbourne we will be starting shortage of water? No, they offer no hope whatsoever. stage 3 water restrictions in January. Instead they whine, they carp, and they seek to Mr K. Smith — It’s a bit late. undermine attempts by this government to produce sustainable and long-term solutions to Victoria’s water Mr HERBERT — ‘A bit late’ we hear from the situation. member opposite. The truth is that the circumstances we are in would have been much worse if the Bracks MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 65 government — unlike the opposition, I might say — installing tanks, they are recycling water in the toilet had not taken up the water challenge back in 2002 and systems and they are putting in low-water-use gardens. developed an absolutely comprehensive response to the drought. It is clear that without our response over the We come to local government. We are seeing some last four years, here in Melbourne alone we would have terrific initiatives being carried out with this been consuming an extra 100 billion litres per year of government. One of them — one more small water and our circumstances would have been more example — is the WaterSmart sportsgrounds project in dire. The government has detailed a substantial — — my electorate. This is a $2.6 million project which will transform the surfaces of grounds and the way they are An honourable member interjected. watered across Nillumbik. It will save something like 12 million litres of water a year, which is about a 70 per Mr HERBERT — What have we done? We have cent saving on the current water patterns. What a detailed a substantial and well-thought-out plan for terrific initiative! Not only that, it will result in better water that is based on four major areas, not on a shoddy quality grounds that young people and old people like little dam on the Maribyrnong. It is based on to play on. conservation and conserving water; on a better use of alternative supplies, such as recycled water and Mr K. Smith — A federal government initiative? stormwater; on connecting up a water grid; and on looking after the rivers and aquifers that provide our Mr HERBERT — It is a local initiative. The water. The plan will deliver something like 260 billion member for Bass asks whether it was a federal litres of water for Melbourne alone by 2055. Unlike the government initiative. If it had been a federal opposition, which has no plan, we have a plan that has government initiative — as we found out today — it been acclaimed by water experts such as Peter Cullen would unfortunately be tied up in red tape for another and by industry and farming groups. The plan means decade. No, it was a local initiative that we got going that we are better placed than any other state across the quickly. country to deal with the water crisis. In water recycling we are making significant gains. We It is clear from the silence over there that we are better have already boosted recycling, and we have a plan to placed. Those across the road know that this is a recycle 20 per cent of our wastewater in Melbourne by national drought, and they also know that the Prime 2010. That will be a tremendous achievement, and Minister held up the Victorian model at the national industry will no doubt play its part in it. In 1999 we water summit on Cup Day as a model for other states to were recycling a measly 2 per cent of our water — that follow and as a way of getting across the water crisis is not too long ago. Today, we are recycling some this country is facing. He, like other experts, recognised 14 per cent. We are also pursuing innovative recycling that despite the current crisis Victoria’s water plan is projects in regional Victoria. Members of the working. opposition hate this, because they seem to think that they own that area. I would like to outline just briefly some of the aspects of that four-point plan. I turn firstly to conservation. In In Bendigo, crucially, a recycling project has started Melbourne we are already using 22 per cent less water which we are jointly funding with the local water per person than we did in the 1990s, and we will boost authority and the federal government. It will boost that to 25 per cent by 2015 and 30 per cent by 2020. water supplies by 4 billion litres. In Geelong the Despite the claims of the opposition, that is hard-core, Victorian government has committed to a recycling factual information. project to be carried out with the local water authority and the Shell refinery which will save something like The farming community is saving water through better 2 billion litres a year. irrigation and on-farm improvements. You just have to go up to Mildura to see some of the fantastic Dr Napthine — Federal-government funded. water-saving initiatives that are happening up there across a lot of the irrigated areas. We are also building Mr HERBERT — It is funded by the Victorian the Wimmera–Mallee pipeline, which will save government and the local water authority. 1 billion litres of water a year. One of the major issues here is the water grid. This is I turn to schools. The local schools in all the electorates one of the great innovations of this plan. The water grid that we all represent are incorporating water-saving will connect our water system so that water can be used programs in their school curriculums. They are across the state where it is needed the most and where it will provide the greatest value. MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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Honourable members interjecting. The other part of our water strategy is to improve our rivers and streams, and that is an important aspect. The Mr HERBERT — It seems a lot of people opposite Our Water Our Future package provided an additional do not realise that Victoria is made up of many different $100 million over four years for natural water and often independent water systems. Our plan is to resources. In 2005–06 alone $10.2 million was invested connect up these systems into a far more flexible and in large-scale river restoration programs, with projects responsive entity. We are going to connect Bendigo and in every region of Victoria. The drought makes it Ballarat to the Goulburn system in the north — a imperative that we ensure that our river systems and system that has an annual water entitlement of about aquifers are operating efficiently and effectively not just 1000 gigalitres. for water conservation but also for the environment.

Honourable members interjecting. Approximately $600 million is being invested right now in a Yarra River package to improve flows in the Mr HERBERT — Probably the only contribution Yarra. We are improving flows in the Thomson and on this one that those opposite have made for their Macalister rivers. Something like 10 000 megalitres has federal counterparts is to try to sabotage it, particularly already been returned to the Thomson River to boost its the Ballarat component. flow. All 10 regional river health strategies have been We are going to do this through the goldfields developed through catchment management authorities super-pipe — a 155-kilometre pipeline from the and Melbourne Water. Waranga West channel all the way to Ballarat via An auditing system on the health of our rivers is in Bendigo’s Lake Eppalock. We have committed place. We are also fully committed to identifying $101 million to this project on top of the water water-saving projects to provide something like authority’s funding. 214 000 megalitres to the Murray River. These Dr Napthine — When is it going to deliver water to initiatives, as well as the decommissioning of Lake Ballarat? Mokoan, will save something like 44 000 megalitres of water annually, and they will improve flows in the Mr HERBERT — That is a good point. The major Snowy River, the Murray River and other rivers. hold-up on this project is of course not the Victorian government but the federal government; we have seen Dr Sykes interjected. that today. We have committed $101 million to this Mr HERBERT — There seems to be some pipeline. The water authority has committed opposition! It is a problem. Do you in fact have a better $52 million to this pipeline. We are getting the pipes; way? We hear the opposition — — we are awarding contracts — and we are waiting for the federal government’s $119 million. Where is it? What The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member did we hear today from the federal Parliamentary for Benalla will cease interjecting across the chamber. Secretary to the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull? He wants more red tape! It does not matter that we have Mr HERBERT — We hear the opposition given business plans to the federal government. We saying — — have given it more information than it could ever look at. The water catchment authorities and the water Dr Sykes interjected. boards have done the work; they have worked it all out; we have given the federal bureaucrats their information; The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member but no, Mr Turnbull wants more. He wants to delay the for Benalla will cease interjecting across the chamber. whole thing with red tape. Mr HERBERT — We hear the member for Benalla Well, we will not delay it; we will keep going. The saying they have a better strategy, but let us look at the tragedy will be — and I hope those opposite are taking facts on this. Let us look at this year alone and the note here — when they have to tell people, if the contributions from the opposition leader up until this federal government does not kick in, where the extra first sitting of the new Parliament. How many times has money will come from. It will come from taxpayers he spoken on water? Four times. One of those was and water users. So I would hope that, rather than just about water polo! How many questions on water has he knock and whine, members opposite actually get onto asked in question time? The answer is zip, zero and their federal Liberal counterparts. zilch! There is the better plan from the opposition leader — not one question! MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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What about the policies the Liberals took to the We have seen the example of the federal industrial Victorian public, which were absolutely denounced and relations laws. The state government here does not like rejected? What were they? A dam on the Maribyrnong them, so there is a hue and cry. The government has River, which I have spoken about before and which helped fund a High Court challenge to them, and the would have resulted in 1 per cent extra water for Premier and other ministers have spoken at public Melbourne and a major threat of bird strike to rallies against that federal government initiative. But commercial aircraft. They have no saving target, and when it comes to water and water being traded out of they have no water recycling target for Melbourne. They our communities here in Victoria, there is absolute have opposed the government’s water pricing reforms. I silence. There is not one squeak of opposition to that understand they even oppose the five permanent happening and nothing about finding a way forward so water-saving rules for regional Victoria. They have we may be able to save some of those communities. produced no legislative proposals for industry water savings. When they were last in government they We could be cynical, but perhaps if the Victorian decommissioned the Tarago Reservoir. They have Farmers Federation was a member of the Australian absolutely no plans whatsoever. They have no policy on Council of Trade Unions, the government might do regional water infrastructure investment. something about it. But the government does not seem to want to do anything about it for the communities out This is an important issue that deserves serious there. There is an opportunity under the national water consideration. It does not deserve this shabby matter of initiative, as I understand it, for the government to use public importance that does nothing more than knock, third party impact clauses to review some of this and to knock, knock. Our state is in trouble with water. I ask have a look at the socioeconomic cost to the those opposite, instead of just carping and whining, to communities. There is also an opportunity to look at the actually do something. issue of stranded assets to see how it might do things better and hold things up for a while until New South The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The Wales comes to the party. member’s time has expired. There is a lot of water being traded down the Murray Mr WALSH (Swan Hill) — The matter of public River at the moment. There are unseasonally high flows importance (MPI) that has been proposed by the going down that river, and there are bank cave-ins member for Brighton asks this house to condemn the because of those high summertime flows. There is Bracks Labor government’s mismanagement of damage being done to the river channel, which is one of Victoria’s water resources and in particular its failure to the Living Murray icon sites, but there is deathly provide water certainty and to take adequate action on silence again on the other side of the house as to what supply, recycling and infrastructure. The Nationals damage might be being done to the river because of the believe it is a very good MPI to put forward, and we changes in flow that are happening at the moment. support it 100 per cent. There is also the issue of trade anomalies. As I You only have to go back to question time yesterday to understand it, if someone trades out of the Goulburn understand that the Bracks government does not get it system to the Murray system, particularly into South when it comes to water policy. There is a high level of Australia, they immediately turn what is a 25 per cent anxiety in country Victoria over the Bracks allocation into a 95 per cent allocation. That allocation government’s management of water and its future water can then be temporarily sold on the market within that policy. There has been an unforeseen high level of system at a huge profit to the people who are there. But permanent water trading out of a lot of our irrigation what do we hear from the government? Nothing. districts, which is going to do irreparable damage to the Instead it says, ‘We will just let these things happen. social fabric of those communities. Apart from the We will let our own Victorian communities suffer drought, one of the reasons for the high level of trade is because of the trading rules that are there at the the fact that New South Wales will not allow water moment’. The government will not do anything about trading out of that state. The Minister for Water, it. Environment and Climate Change, in answer to a question yesterday, said, ‘The national water initiative What The Nationals would like to see is a moratorium says we cannot do anything’. I thought the minister was on permanent trade out of the existing irrigation the minister for water in Victoria and was here to stick districts until the drought is over and until public policy up for his Victorian communities. can catch up with what is going on. Country people feel betrayed by the Bracks government when it comes to water policy. We are in a severe drought. We have had MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

68 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 similar droughts in history, but the situation does not Geelong and Melbourne. The government just does not need to be as critical as it is at the moment. If you look get it! The 200 largest water users in Melbourne use a at the history of what has happened over the last seven significant percentage of Melbourne’s water. Why do years, you find that the Bracks government has we not look at relocating some of those industries? collected $1.8 billion in public sector dividends from Why do we not look at — — the water authorities. It is now also collecting $60 million a year in the secret environmental tax. Honourable members interjecting. There is a lot of money that could have been reinvested in water initiatives so that the crisis we face now would Mr WALSH — If the other side of the house would not have needed to be as bad. like to listen, I am very prepared to tell them what they should be able to do. What is worse is that in the last week of the previous Parliament we rushed through changes to the Water Act The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member that mean the Treasurer can also demand capital for Swan Hill knows the rules of the house. He should repayments from the water authorities. So not only do ignore the interjections and get on with it. we have $1.8 million being ripped out of the water Mr WALSH — Thinking about how you develop authorities in public sector dividend taxes, and not only all of Victoria, you could put in place some incentives are we getting $60 million a year taken out in a secret whereby the largest water-use industries could relocate environment tax, but we now have the Treasurer being to where there is water instead of spending a fortune to able to go to the water authorities and say, ‘I want a build pipelines to bring the water to them. At the capital repayment from you this year’. It is not about moment we are talking about transferring wealth out of investing in water savings and not about securing water our country communities to benefit the cities. Look at for the future of our communities; it is about getting the Colbinabbin pipeline, which is about taking water money for consolidated revenue. That is not what water from the Goulburn Valley to send to Bendigo. Coliban authorities are about. They are about making sure we Water should be condemned for being asleep at the have water for our communities, not about supplying wheel for the last decade, as should the state money to consolidated revenue. We are creating haves government. The government had done nothing about and have-nots when it comes to water. If you live in the piping the Bendigo rural supply, which could have city, it is going to be fine, because the government will saved a lot of water, until recently, when the federal pay for a super-pipe to get water to the cities. But if you government got involved and put money on the table live in the country, that water will have gone to the city. for recycling water in Bendigo. The government has Mr Herbert interjected. done nothing about harvesting stormwater in Bendigo.

Mr WALSH — This is where the government just Damian Drum in the other place has been pushing very does not get it. It is not about paying for it. It is about hard for a stormwater harvesting project, but because the government taking water away from viable country the government did not think of it, it will not entertain communities to send to the cities, which will destroy his thoughts about the issue. The government has done those country towns. It is time we put the word nothing about examining the emergency use of ‘decentralisation’ back on the public agenda here in groundwater — such as water out of the Campaspe Victoria and thought about where we want to locate deep lead or water out of the Loddon deep lead — industries in Victoria and where we want to locate which could get Bendigo through the current drought populations in Victoria. If all this government — — and then be recharged in the future.

Mr Herbert interjected. The last thing I would like to talk about is Lake Mokoan. The decommissioning of Lake Mokoan is an The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member absolute disgrace. The government has not honoured its for Eltham should cease interjecting. commitment to provide security of supply to the irrigators, it has not addressed the issue about flood Mr WALSH — If all this government wants to do mitigation for Benalla, it has not addressed the issue is build a water grid and build a super-pipe to take about wetland rehabilitation and, more importantly, it country water to the cities to make the cities bigger, it has not thought outside the square. We can look at what just does not get it. That is what the whole issue is has happened with the Barren Box Swamp project out about. We should be seriously considering how we get of Griffith in New South Wales. For once New South industries into the country where the water is and how Wales may have done something right with water. It we develop all of Victoria, not just Bendigo, Ballarat, has actually done it well there with a win-win situation, MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 69 whereas Lake Mokoan seems to be about a win-lose the Labor Party to its second-largest victory in situation for the people there. Victorian history. That should be noted and taken into serious consideration by those on the other side. Lastly, I turn to the results of a survey published in the Weekly Times of 13 December. It shows that 84 per The government is fast-tracking infrastructure projects cent of country people felt that the Bracks government by introducing bills in the Parliament to make sure that was doing a poor job of managing water reforms, that happens. The goldfields super-pipe is one of those 81 per cent of country people felt that the Bracks projects. Liberal Party members in my electorate tried government was managing drought issues poorly, and to divide the community on that issue. Much to my 74 per cent of country people felt that the Bracks pleasure and surprise a constituent, through no government had been negligent in failing to build new prodding from me, had the moral fortitude to get up and irrigation infrastructure. say to a Liberal Party member, ‘My mother lives in Bendigo and she is facing no water. She needs it, and I We have heard a lot said about how the state election support some of our water being shared across the endorsed the Bracks government’s water policy and state’. that it had a mandate. You could ask the ex-member for Morwell and the ex-member for Narracan what they Members of The Nationals from Shepparton through think about the Bracks government’s water initiative Rodney, Swan Hill and to Mildura are utilising water and whether they were endorsed for the future, because from the upper catchments around my electorate and the loss of those two seats was a result of the further east — — government’s proposal to send Melbourne sewage to Gippsland and take back good water. Dr Sykes interjected.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The Mr HARDMAN — And from Benalla, that is member’s time has expired. correct, because we are sharing that resource. I can also remember that not all but definitely some Liberal Party Mr HARDMAN (Seymour) — It is always a great members rejected the farm dams legislation, which was pleasure to speak on an issue such as water and about about sharing a water resource right across the state, no how important it is. I note the Leader of the Opposition matter where you lived, and having a secure supply for spoke four times on water in the last Parliament — so everybody. The hypocrisy is appalling. They still do not did I — and he did not ask any questions. I asked a realise it now. question on water in the last Parliament. If they look back through Hansard, members of The Nationals and The Eildon Dam wall, including the spillway upgrade, the Liberal Party will see that as the member for is important infrastructure that has been implemented Seymour I take the issue of water very seriously. Even under the Bracks government. At a total cost of before the start of the last election I chose to sell the $52 million half of it was funded by Goulburn-Murray water achievement to the electorate, especially to irrigators and the remaining half — $26 million — Seymour. I am very proud of being a part of a came directly through the state government. government that has delivered that. Dr Sykes interjected. We have had record low rainfalls over the past 10 years, and they are leading to record low inflows to Mr HARDMAN — The member for Benalla fails our dams for both urban and rural consumption. It is to realise that the Eildon Dam can hold the equivalent true that the government cannot make it rain; it is true of six times the amount of water in Sydney Harbour. that we always need to do much more. We are finding Before the Bracks government and the that out. The Victorian community knows that we have Goulburn-Murray Rural Water Authority fixed up the to keep on doing many more things to develop our wall and the spillway it could hold 65 per cent of its infrastructure. capacity because of the fears of the 1-in-10 000-year drought. In other words, that investment by our At the state election we took a plan to the Victorian government and the irrigators of Goulburn-Murray people about what we were going to do to improve Water has meant that the equivalent of another two infrastructure, the water situation and water security for Sydney Harbours full of water can go into the Eildon our state, as did the Liberal Party. The people weighed Dam. But that is ignored by the other side up the ideas of the Liberal Party and the Labor Party and they said on balance that the Labor Party plans for In the last election the towns of Wallan, Kilmore, our state were the best plans. As a result they supported Broadford, Wandong and Heathcote Junction were on ridiculously high water restrictions. We were trucking MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

70 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 water into the Broadford supply so that the others could Sustainability program is now saving 12 per cent of the be on stage 10 water restrictions in their towns. We said water that industry was previously using, so it is that we would find the best solution to this problem. playing its part with the 200 to 1000 industries which We did and we invested $22.6 million to connect use more that 10 megalitres of water in their businesses. Wallan to Yarra Valley Water, which has taken the We are making headway in that particular area. The pressure off the Sunday Creek Reservoir for those other Bracks government, through its Our Water Our Future communities in my electorate. campaign and the research which was undertaken to develop that campaign, has a proud record in this area We did that; we said we would make the plans and we because it has taken the community with it in making have done it. At the election we told the Victorian these water savings. people that we had the plans for Victoria. Obviously irrigation is a serious issue and there are serious There has been a great deal of hypocrisy from the problems further down, particularly in the Goulburn opposition over climate change. I remember some system where I believe people are currently on about opposition members saying during the election 24 per cent of water entitlements. The issue is bad, but campaign that they supported wind farms but did not we should look at the dryland farmers as well because support the location of any of the proposed wind they are in the same situation. Their dams are getting farms — in other words, they support wind farms but dangerously low and their feed is not growing. not where there is wind. That is hypocritical and is exactly what they have said. Wind farms are placed There are people from the member for Benalla’s where there is wind, which is why people are building electorate and my electorate who have never had to wind farms in those particular areas. You cannot have feed out at this time of year. They are now buying in your cake and eat it too. hay, which would not normally happen until the winter months. That is how serious it is. Those people know We have to make some hard decisions at times. People that the government cannot do anything about those in my electorate are concerned about wind farms but particular problems, but we have to find ways of better there are plenty of processes for them to go through if managing our resources. The Bracks government’s there is a real issue. Hopefully that will not happen. We $15 million Water Smart Farms initiative — obviously all have to share in the responsibility for this. for irrigators — is one way to do that. Already it has saved significant amounts of water on many farms by We are suffering from the lowest rainfall for 10 years looking at where the wastage is and at how water can and it seems to be getting worse. The humidity levels be better utilised. We should be doing more and more are going down, which is the reason for the bushfires of that into the future because there is wastage. spreading at the present time. It is about time that people stopped looking to be opportunistic and got on The Deputy Leader of the Opposition spoke about board to find good, decent and practical ways to solve domestic users being somehow mistreated because they our problems into the future. have been asked to contribute to water savings with a 22 per cent reduction in their water use. I do not see too Dr NAPTHINE (South-West Coast) — Victoria is many people suffering as a result of that but what I do facing a water crisis as a result of a number of very dry see is a lot less suffering occurring in the future because years. That crisis has been exacerbated by the of the permanent water savings introduced by the mismanagement and inaction of the Bracks Labor government. government. There is absolutely no doubt that the government’s mismanagement of our water and its The Deputy Leader of the Opposition said we have inaction on water is making what was a water problem done nothing about industry and the way in which into a real water crisis. industry uses water. Industry can make improvements too but it is also about people in industry, business and Melbourne is going on to stage 3 water restrictions. I the whole community realising that we have a real will talk about what is also happening in regional and crisis; we have climate change. I think the Prime rural Victoria. Many rural towns and cities are on Minister may have discovered it, but I am not too sure. stage 4 restrictions and have been on stage 4 restrictions I heard the Prime Minister on the radio the other day for some time. People in Melbourne who think they are and he still sounded sceptical. suffering with stage 3 restrictions ought to talk to some of their country cousins in Bendigo, Balmoral and in The fact of the matter is that people are realising that. some of the country towns that have been on stage 4 Our top 200 companies are already saving significant water restrictions for many months. amounts of water. I believe the Pathways to MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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On top of that the farmers across the state are facing when the government should be using funding to invest significant problems because of the lack of water. There in water-saving infrastructure like the Wimmera Mallee are irrigators who have zero allocations. When you sit pipeline, which we support. around the table with the Campaspe irrigators, who have a zero allocation again this year after a zero Similar projects should be instigated throughout our allocation last year, you see that they are absolutely at irrigation system to generate significant water savings the end of their tether. They deserve our support, our to provide additional water for the environment and sympathy and a much better response from the additional water to meet the needs of cities. The government than the way the government has ignored decommissioning of Lake Mokoan is an absolute their plight in the past and seems to be still ignoring disgrace. It is a situation where there could be a them. The Campaspe irrigators deserve better treatment win-win outcome. There is a win-win opportunity to than that. get a better environmental outcome and a better water security outcome, and the government is simply The Goulburn irrigators are only getting 24 per cent of ignoring that opportunity. their entitlement. Many of our farmers on dryland farms are facing major problems through the lack of water. We have a crisis in water in our provincial cities. Water There is not only a lack of feed for their stock but also a storages in Bendigo are at 9.2 per cent. It is interesting lack of access to emergency water supplies. More and to note that through the Governor’s speech yesterday more farmers are now facing problems such as the the government committed to: closure of the local emergency bore, which will not be … secure enough water for Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, reopened by the Bracks Labor government. The local Westernport and the Latrobe Valley … water authorities and the government are closing access to standpipes, so that farmers are not only facing a but there was no mention of Bendigo. Bendigo is left water crisis but they are facing a situation where they high and dry by this government. There have been are being forced to cart water hundreds of kilometres water restrictions in Bendigo since 2002. It has had because this government has not responded restrictions for four years and this government sat on its appropriately in an emergency situation, which is an hands and did nothing to help that community secure absolute disgrace. water supplies. It has only been in recent months with federal government assistance that a water recycling There is a shortage of water for firefighting, there are project, which has been on the books for years, has got increasing problems with groundwater, there are funding to go ahead. It should have been done years disputes among farmers and among communities about ago. There is no commitment from this government to access to groundwater and there is competition between pipe the Coliban rural system, which is losing heaps of irrigators and groundwater users. Bores are drying up water through leaks, evaporation and seepage. Nothing and the water authorities are simply not able to respond has been done to fast-track the pipeline project which to the needs of those communities. They are simply the Liberal Party supports. refusing to respond to farmers who are facing water crises through groundwater bores drying up. We support the Colbinabbin to Eppalock pipeline. It was announced in May but not one sod has been turned Now we find the Labor government taking water from on the project — not one sod in six months. The farmers to supply cities without investing in government came in here yesterday and said, ‘We are water-saving infrastructure. The Liberal Party supports going to bring in legislation to fast-track that project’. the pipeline from Colbinabbin to Bendigo; it has always The project has been on the books since May! The supported it. Indeed, the Liberal Party announced its government could have put the legislation through in commitment to that pipeline ahead of the government, June. It could have built the project by now. but we believe the water for that pipeline should come from water-saving infrastructure and investment in As at 19 December there were only 11 000 megalitres water-saving infrastructure rather than simply taking it of water in the Ballarat supply system — 17.1 per cent. from our farmers, because that is cutting off your nose This is a real crisis facing individuals, families, to spite your face. If you take water from farmers you businesses and investor confidence in Ballarat. What take away the economic lifeblood of Victoria that has the government delivered? False promises, depends on the farming community to generate the uncertainty and a lack of commitment to Ballarat. Let billions of dollars that are the lifeblood of the economy us have a look at what the government promised. of this state, the lifeblood of country communities and In 2005 it said in its discussion paper on the central the lifeblood of Victoria. It is folly to make a short-term region sustainable water strategy: decision to take water from farmers to supply the cities MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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An agreement, in place since the construction of Lal Lal to our economy; it has failed country towns; it has Reservoir, provides for Barwon Water to transfer its share of failed our major provincial cities, and it has absolutely the reservoir to Central Highlands Water for Ballarat, with the understanding that Central Highlands Water will assist failed to deliver on water recycling. It has been in office Barwon Water to access an alternative water source. for seven years. Yesterday through the Governor’s speech the government had the temerity to say it is So in 2005 the government said, ‘Let’s give Lal Lal to going to upgrade the eastern treatment plant. It should Ballarat’. In November 2005 the document, under the tell the people who are facing the Gunnamatta outfall plan for Ballarat, stated that as part of the Central how many litres of water are being wasted there that Region Sustainable Water Strategy, the government, should have been recycled and reused over the last Central Highlands Water and Barwon Water would seven years. It has failed to deliver by not adopting transfer Lal Lal to Ballarat. So that was the desalination; it has failed to deliver by not adopting new government’s policy 12 months ago in 2005. dams; it has failed to deliver by not using our aquifers to the maximum and it has failed to deliver by not In the Ballarat Courier in April 2006 the government fixing the 8 to 10 per cent we lose in leaks in our said it had dumped that policy and would connect Cairn system. Curran Reservoir to Ballarat to secure water supplies for the next 50 years. We said at the time that the Cairn Ms DUNCAN (Macedon) — In rising to speak on Curran option was absolutely ridiculous because there the matter of public importance this morning I welcome is no water in Cairn Curran — less than 5 per cent — this matter being raised by the opposition. It is good to and the pipeline was too long and too expensive. Lo see it starting to talk about water after seven years and and behold, by August 2006 the government had starting to take water seriously. I am pleased it has dumped that policy. So we are now on the third policy made its former leader the spokesperson on water. It is for Ballarat and the government has announced a a great catch-up to this government that has really been pipeline to take water over the Great Divide from going on about water. People in my electorate think I Eppalock to Ballarat. The minister promised this bang on about water all the time, and have done for the pipeline — and I interjected when the previous speaker last five or six years. But it is better late than never that was speaking, which was inappropriate, and said, the opposition is now starting to realise that we are in ‘When is this pipeline going to be delivered?’. In the serious trouble. lead-up to the election the Minister for Water said it would deliver water to Ballarat by the summer of 2008. The thing that worries me about the debate in this But what he did not tell the people was that his own chamber is that there seems to be some suggestion that sustainable water strategy — and this is about the there is a quick fix to this problem. This is not a fourth one — released in October 2006 says there problem that is going away. If we look at forward would be interconnection to the Goulburn system estimates, they show that this problem will be with us by 2010. for many years to come, and in fact some would question whether we are in a drought or whether this is Further, the pre-election budget update released in now the normal pattern of rainfall in this country. It is November says that $20 million would be provided for quite frightening to see some of the forward estimates. this pipeline in 2008–09 and $40.7 million in 2009–10. It really worries me to see opposition members trying to So there is no way this pipeline is going to deliver play politics with this. They seem to think that any water to Ballarat by 2008. The earliest will be 2011, if it government can resolve this problem without requiring goes ahead at all. Given we have had four changes of any commitment from every individual water user to policy in 12 months for Ballarat, how can anybody in contribute to this effort. Ballarat have any confidence that this government knows what it is doing with water and will deliver on We started this campaign prior to 2002. The first rule in water for Ballarat? Is it any wonder the people of the management of any natural resource is Ballarat are in a water crisis and are suffering a loss of conservation. It is the smartest, most economical, social confidence in this government? and environmental way to manage this problem. Conservation is no. 1. When the government ran the Similarly, Geelong has only 24 per cent in its system, excellent advertisements in 2002, with the Premier and the government is proposing to connect it to flying over water storages trying to highlight the Melbourne. Now Melbourne is facing stage 3 and problem we had with water in this state and this stage 4 water restrictions. country, the response from members of the opposition was to laugh. They thought it was a joke and were The Labor government has failed regional and rural critical of the money that was spent on that advertising. Victoria on water. It has failed the farmers who are vital MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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We know what the outcome of those advertisements people in Dubai are not on water restrictions. I do not has been. know — I have never been to Dubai — but I would absolutely guarantee that the cost of water in Dubai is We now see Victorians using 22 per cent less water hugely greater than it is in this country. There is no than they were using in the 1990s. This is the most solution that will not have a huge impact on the cost of logical way to resolve this problem. Look at the water and on the way we use water in the future. misguided promise of the Liberal Party at the last election for the dam at Arundel. I think from memory it Since January 2003 more than 145 000 rebates on was promised it would cost $80 million, only water-saving products have been claimed across the $20 million of which was funded by the opposition; it state. That money, which has come from the Victorian was relying on the federal government to contribute the Water Trust, has saved more than 1200 megalitres of other $60 million for that project. water per year. The government has committed to extending the program for a further four years. The I cannot remember the figures for the water that that government’s increased rebates on water tanks $80 million dam would supposedly have captured, but connected to toilets and laundries will come into effect in return for the $6 million spent on refitting from 1 January. In March 2005 the government water-efficient shower heads we will save more than introduced permanent water-saving rules. From we would by investing $80 million in the very dodgy memory, the opposition’s response to that was again to and questionable savings that might have been made scoff. Those permanent water-saving measures have through the water captured in that Arundel dam. The been introduced statewide. The government has also way members of the opposition are trying to play the introduced a tiered pricing system for water users. politics of this issue is by suggesting that the state build Again, from memory, the opposition’s response to that big infrastructure — ‘big this’ and ‘big that’, with loads was to scoff and to try to suggest that this was some of money invested — and that doing so will somehow secret tax, or whatever. There is not a water authority in solve the problem but will not, which is the most the world that would not say that that is the way to go, frightening part of this debate, require any effort on but the opposition’s response was to simply play base people’s part. politics and scoff at all these measures.

We must get over this attitude to how we use water. I A lot has been said about people in industry not pulling have been on tank water for 12 years, and I have been their weight, but they are contributing to this. With the acutely aware of the drought for 10 years. I think most tiered water prices they have a greater incentive than people are Water Wallys. When I go into people’s ever to save water. Since 1999–2000 people in industry homes and see how they even wash their hands under a in Melbourne have saved 24 per cent per capita. People tap, it seems to me that people think we must have so in industry are doing their bit, and they will be doing a much pressure that we virtually sandblast the dirt off lot more because some of the legislation that the our hands. It is always frightening to me to watch government has introduced requires people in major people turn on the tap and see the water going straight industries to implement energy and water-saving from the tap into the sink, with nothing in between to measures. capture it and with it not being used. All of us, including people in industry, agriculture and urban As I said, the government has rolled out $6.5 million areas, can do a lot more to save water. No doubt we for water-efficient shower heads. Again, it is one of the will have to do that in the future. simplest, most efficient ways for any government to encourage water savings. Members of the opposition do This is a really serious issue. The most logical way to not like it, because it requires effort. Heaven forbid that start, as this government has, is to push the issue of we should require anyone to make any effort! Under conservation. People do not want to hear that, of course. that program 180 000 shower heads save more than It is fairly simple, but it requires effort. The misguided 2000 megalitres of water annually. On-the-spot fines way that members of the opposition are handling this will be put in place in 2007, targeting the very few issue is by suggesting that the problem can be solved by Victorians who do not do the right thing. Again, putting a pipe here, there or wherever, giving the members of the opposition do not like it, because it impression that there are all manner of quick fixes to actually requires some effort. this problem. There is no solution to this problem which does not require effort and investment and which The government has also shown leadership through the will not result in an increase in the cost of water in this national water efficiency labelling and standards country. The other day I heard a woman on the radio scheme by introducing mandatory water-efficiency talking about Dubai. She said that as far as she knew standards and 6-star labelling for a range of water MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

74 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 appliances. Previously the government introduced We asked, in the event that the Premier would not 5-star building regulations that applied from 1 July provide that fundamental guarantee, what the 2005. From memory, the opposition was critical of that contingency plans were for our three major regional as well. I do not think we have ever had the support of cities, Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong. I invite members the opposition for all manner of things that the to look at the record, because they will see that there are government has done. no contingency plans. As other members have pointed out — and the member for South-West Coast gave us I am pleased to quickly highlight the efforts of my local the figures — those cities are facing a dramatic crisis, water authority, Western Water, which is recycling yet this government cannot deliver contingency plans or approximately 80 per cent of wastewater in my area, so even the simple guarantee of water supplies in the next leading this country in water recycling. I will refer 12 months. ‘What happens next?’ is the clear question. quickly to the sorts of recycling measures we have seen. There has been a $160 million upgrade of the The view of members on the government side of the Western Water treatment plant; $19 million for the chamber is that everything is okay. We heard the Werribee recycling scheme; the implementation of the member for Eltham say that Victoria’s water plan is eastern irrigation scheme, which recycles working. 5800 megalitres for agriculture; the use of third pipes in households; the introduction of third-pipe recycling in Mr Herbert interjected. Cranbourne, also proposed for Epping and Werribee; and $3.5 million for the Sunbury–Melton pipeline, Mr BAILLIEU — Indeed the member for Eltham which has been in place for many years and is very well has repeated it, saying that it is working. If it is used. working, then you would imagine that the Premier of this state could assure Victorians that they will have There is loads to be done in this area, and there is no adequate water supplies next year — but he cannot, he quick fix. As has been said by the previous speaker, the did not and he will not. people of Bendigo and Ballarat understand that this is a crisis, but at the last election they also showed that they Mr Herbert interjected. believe this government is in the best position to Mr BAILLIEU — The government has an manage it. As I said, there are no quick fixes. This will absolutely comprehensive plan, according to the take a lot of investment and a lot of effort by a lot of member for Eltham — but that is not the case. people, and it must start with conservation and recycling. Based on the predictions, this drought will In fact we have just heard the member for Macedon continue for many years. We must start to appreciate admit that we are in serious trouble. After seven years, the value of water. This requires bipartisan support. We with all the drought statistics we have had, we have the must all play our part. member for Macedon admitting that we are in serious trouble in this state. What has happened is that the Mr BAILLIEU (Leader of the Opposition) — Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change, Deputy Speaker, I take the opportunity to congratulate who has been the minister for a number of years, has you on your election. conned his backbench. He has conned the cabinet, he There is no more fundamental obligation for a has conned the media, and he has conned the public. government than to provide its community with secure Labor’s management of water in this state has been a water supplies. I do not think anyone in this house con. After seven years we have not advanced and we would have any doubt about that. Yesterday the have a crisis. opposition put a fundamental question to the Premier, As the member for Brighton pointed out, we have had asking whether the Premier of this state could guarantee no investment in water savings, no investment in water security for Victorians — that is, adequate water additional water storage, virtually no investment in supplies — not forever into the future but for next year, recycling, and we have achieved little; and the policy 2007. You would imagine that any government that had from the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate a handle on its fundamental obligations would be able Change has been to encourage Victorians to shower to guarantee water security for the next 12 months. together and pray for rain. That has been the policy. It is What did we get from the Premier? Nothing. He would a policy of prayer, and it has not delivered. Sadly it has not give that guarantee. It was an extraordinary not delivered. All the precautions that should have been admission. taken have not been taken. MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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Indeed, the Premier claimed during the last few actually piped with a third-pipe system? After all this months — and he is on the record as making the talk and all these years it is a handful. Then ask claim — that the Labor government made water the yourself: of those that are piped, how many are no. 1 challenge in 2002. If it is the no. 1 challenge and connected? Even fewer. Barely 100 to 150 homes in now his own backbencher admits we are in serious Victoria have third-pipe systems connected, despite the trouble and the government cannot guarantee the fact that more than 20 000 homes a year are built on the fundamental supply of water, then the challenge has not fringes of Melbourne. been met and this government, as the member for Brighton said, has failed. We heard yesterday and again today the water minister being picked up. He misled Victorians again on It is very aptly described in the Herald Sun this Stateline during the election campaign in regard to the morning. As cartoonists do, Mark Knight in this Gippsland water project. He said he had released the morning’s edition describes well the mismanagement feasibility study. It was a lie, and we heard that of water by Labor with an illustration of the Premier admission yesterday — another con. and the water minister struggling, stationary, doing nothing on water. It has been a con. What do we find is When it comes to the drought response protocols, we the excuse now? The great big finger of the Bracks have seen the government deliberately avoid government is now directed back at Canberra: ‘You introducing stage 2 restrictions when they should have have to take responsibility’. It is Labor’s responsibility been introduced much earlier. The government said it in this state to deliver water security, and it has not could not be done. The Premier said it publicly. We delivered it. It has been a joke. What we have seen called for them to be introduced. The member for instead is a series of claims which can only be South-West Coast in his former role called for these described as a con. We have heard them repeated in the restrictions to be introduced. The government said no, it press releases and in briefs given to the back bench — could not be done. Now we have seen the government the poor old backbenchers have been conned. itself, in the form of the Premier and the water minister, say, ‘Now we can do it with stage 3’. This is what we We have heard this figure of a 22 per cent saving — have been arguing for for ages. What is it based that has been trotted out since the 1990s. But if you go on? The drought response protocols. When were those back and look at the details and the figures you see that restriction protocols updated last? In 2001. The it was originally published in the Herald Sun that there government has not updated those restriction protocols has been a 22 per cent saving since 2003. The minister for climate change or drought from 2001, an act of had to walk away from that when he was tripped up. He incredible negligence. had to say that he was sorry, that was not true. It was the mid-1990s — that was the vague claim; then it was We have seen the Thomson Dam and Melbourne’s the average of the 1990s, now it has gone even vaguer. water supply figures plummet, and we have had Go back and look at the figures and you see that the misrepresentation from the government about that. The savings have not been delivered. bottom 17 per cent of the Thomson Dam holds inaccessible or unusable water. This government We have heard again this morning that there has been resisted that claim, and only when the evidence from 15 per cent recycling in Victoria. That is absolute the original studies on the Thomson Dam about where rubbish; it is more like 1 per cent or 2 per cent. The the Bells portal outlet is was put on the table was that additional percentage points are made up of the two revealed. We had the government talking about treatment plants at Carrum and Werribee washing accessing water from the Swingler Weir inlet. themselves with their own effluent. There has not been Unfortunately that inlet is 15 metres above the water an investment in recycling, and in terms of washing level now. That was a con. themselves with the effluent the water minister ought to be doing it himself. We have heard talk about the success of the restrictions. With stage 1 restrictions we should have expected a We have heard talk about the pricing of water. What 4 per cent reduction, but in fact during the time of those has the government done in the last six months? It has restrictions water consumption increased. With stage 2 put up the price of recycled water. It has put it up, we should have expected 11 per cent savings. In fact discouraging investment by the private sector in nowhere near that has been met. We have heard about recycling. Talk to the developers and they will tell you the Ballarat super-pipe, and the member for South-West that this government has put every obstacle in the way Coast has pointed out that it has been a con. We have of developers introducing third-pipe systems; we have heard more recently about shower heads, the magic had virtually none. How many homes in Melbourne are bullet from the Minister for Water, Environment and MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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Climate Change. He loves to get out there and hand out day. That is what the opposition was trying to do with the shower heads. How many has he handed out? its thin, lazy, shallow agenda on water. There was Fewer than 5000, because that was the limit on the nothing there, no substance whatsoever. program. It has been a con. Mr Herbert — Half empty. We have a crisis. We have a government that has mismanaged this from start to finish, and we are going Ms GREEN — The glass was not even half empty, to be facing a situation where stage 4 restrictions will it was totally dry. There was a drought in the glass! be on us. Dennis Cavagna, the chief executive officer of South East Water, said on radio the other day that after We as a government have taken the issue of water stage 4 there is nothing. This government does not have extremely seriously. We put it on the agenda before the plans in place. anyone else was talking about it, well before the start of the previous term. For the new shadow spokesperson Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — I also congratulate you, for water to start with this matter of public importance Deputy Speaker, on your appointment. (MPI) and say there has been no investment just shows not only that the Liberal Party cannot develop policy Like the member for Macedon before me, I welcome but that it cannot even read. After proposing the MPI the fact that the Liberal Party has finally started taking this morning one would think the new shadow an interest in water. But it is playing catch up. It spokesperson for water would have bothered to stay for brought in the Leader of the Opposition — the big the debate, but where is she? She is not in here. water cannon — late in the debate, and you can see why he needed to change his water spokesperson. His I turn to the sacked shadow spokesperson on water, the sacked water spokesperson, the member for member for South-West Coast, who produced some South-West Coast, made mistake after mistake during real purlers during the election campaign that were very the election campaign. He contradicted his leader. entertaining. I will give you his top five contradictions of his leader. The Leader of the Opposition said water The member for South-West Coast challenged the was the top issue — although we know how thin the house and Melburnians, who are now on stage 3 water Liberal Party’s policy is from looking at its web site — restrictions, to take pity on their country cousins, who yet the member for South-West Coast’s own survey of are on stage 4. We as a government govern for all his electorate listed 12 key issues and water was not Victorians. We know what is going on there — and I amongst them. Is there any wonder that he does not think Melburnians do too. They have respect for their have the job anymore? He backed away from his country cousins, as the member for South-West Coast leader’s plan for an Arundel dam, saying in the Age of described them. Unlike the Liberal Party this 17 October that it was: government does not treat our country cousins like village idiots. During the election campaign the now … fundamentally a flood mitigation proposal, it wouldn’t be operated as a water catchment. sacked shadow spokesperson for water, the member for South-West Coast, took his roadshow from town to He also said in the Herald Sun of 4 November: town, promising the same water to one town and the next. We are going to do a full environmental impact statement before deciding if the dam will be built. I had a look at the Liberal Party web site during the I see the Minister for Mental Health, who is the election campaign — — member for Bellarine, is at the table. She would take an Mr Dixon — I bet you did. That’s where you got all interest in the issue in Geelong. The member for your ideas from. South-West Coast said Geelong could afford to give up water for Ballarat and called for greater restrictions in Ms GREEN — No, I got no ideas from there! Geelong. He said, and I quote from the Geelong Advertiser of 11 October 2006: I thought, ‘I hear the Liberal Party is talking about water in Ballarat and Geelong. What is it talking about There is greater capacity in Geelong to respond to a crisis … in the rest of the state?’. There was not one jot of water We just heard the Leader of the Opposition asking policy for the rest of the state. This was typical of the ‘What greater crisis is there than stage 4?’, which is short-term, lazy policies of this opposition. I agree with what Geelong was on. A month later the Geelong the Prime Minister — not on his position on water and Advertiser of 11 November quoted the member for climate change but on what he said about this lazy South-West Coast as saying: opposition — that you cannot fatten the pig on market MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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My assertion, which I believe to be accurate, is that the absolutely convinced that climate change is here. government, through Minister Thwaites, has stopped the Traditionally we would be able to deal with fires move to stage 4 for political reasons. overnight. There would be dew on the ground and you On the goldfields super-pipe, the member for would be able to do back-burning and control things a South-West Coast said he supported providing water lot more. The fire behaviour now — I saw this from the Goulburn system for Bendigo but did not personally at Tolmie two weeks ago — is suddenly support securing Ballarat’s water supply. I quote from a changing, because the temperature is even going up press release of 24 May 2006: overnight and the humidity is just not there. We are not getting the dew on the ground at dawn that we used to Dr Napthine said this pipeline would guarantee a secure, get and that we expected to get. Climate change is long-term and sustainable water supply for Bendigo … absolutely here. But then in a Herald Sun article of 30 August, I am really appalled at the short-term solutions of the Dr Napthine is quoted as saying the super-pipe is: Liberal Party and The Nationals. We have long-term … absolutely the most ludicrous, stupid thing I have ever problems with water, and I think the government and heard in 20 years of politics the community are facing up to these things. Our conservative opponents are interested only in the Mr Herbert — All over the shop. short-term fix. That is why they have water policies only for Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong. They do not Ms GREEN — Yes, he was all over the shop. care about the rest of Victoria. They told lies down in The final contradiction — not on water but on forming the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland about what was a coalition — was that the member for South-West really going to occur with the recycling and the very Coast said on 3AW on 10 November 2006: well-thought-out proposal to ensure that potable water is not wasted in electricity generation into the future I am glad the Prime Minister and I are on the same and is used where it should be for drinking and for wavelength, and I’m sure Ted Baillieu would happily be a washing. That plan will work, and to lie to the Premier of a coalition government. community and try to say that Melbourne sewage was But the Leader of the Opposition said on 10 November: going to be sent down to the Latrobe Valley for drinking was absolutely shameful. … we are standing in every seat, and we are looking to win government in our own right. That is the level of the policy discussion and debate that we get from both the Liberal Party and The Nationals. Is there any wonder the member for South-West Coast They are not interested in long-term solutions and they could not be trusted with the water portfolio any will not face up to climate change. We can see again longer — and he is supposed to be a friend of the their short-term thinking with this matter of public opposition leader! importance. The well is dry with policy for the lot on The Liberal Party and The Nationals are not in the other side in this house. I certainly oppose this coalition, but while I am talking about it, we heard an matter of public importance and support the interesting contribution from the Deputy Leader of The government’s investment in water, and I will continue Nationals, the member for Swan Hill. He contended to do so in the future. that the government is ignoring issues around water Mr DIXON (Nepean) — Deputy Speaker, I wish to trading. He quoted several articles from the Weekly congratulate you on your elevation to your position. I Times, but it seems he only deals in the back issues and know you will bring great humour, goodwill and a is quite behind the times. We know The Nationals are certain presence in this place to your role. living in the last century. They do not believe in climate change; they are naysayers, just like their conservative It is a pleasure to join in debate on this matter of public friends in the Liberal Party. Today’s Weekly Times has importance raised by the member for Brighton, an article headed ‘Water trading shift’. The Deputy especially the issues regarding the government’s Leader of The Nationals has not even read today’s mismanagement of Victoria’s water resources and its Weekly Times. failure to take adequate action on recycling and infrastructure, which I will address. As a firefighter and the Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, I know that climate change is As members in this place know, I have been talking here. I was at a briefing this morning from the about the Gunnamatta sewage outfall and the eastern Emergency Services Commissioner, and he is treatment plant for some years. For the member for Yan MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

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Yean to say that the Liberal Party has taken only a environment and water minister has walked down that recent interest in water issues and that she could not track and smelt and seen the sewage outfall. The find very much in the way of water policy during the member for Brighton is next on my list to go down last election shows that she obviously cannot have there, but everyone else I mentioned has been down looked very deeply. She certainly did not look at my there to see that. web site, and she did not look at the Liberal Party web site that talks about the upgrade of the eastern treatment The sewage outfall and the government’s lack of action plant — which has been a matter of policy for a number was a big election issue on the Mornington Peninsula. of years — and the eventual closure of the Gunnamatta The Clean Ocean Foundation, which is a community sewage outfall. group working down on the peninsula and throughout Victoria, is made up of ordinary people. It is made up This issue was reflected in the election, because this of surfers, it is made up of people who are members of government has been dragged kicking and screaming to the Greens, it is made up of people of all political recognise the fact that 420 million litres of sewage is persuasions and it is made up of environmental dumped into the ocean at Gunnamatta every single day scientists and environmental lawyers — people who of the year. The government has just ignored this issue love the area and have a real interest in it and who have and said, ‘It can’t happen. It’s too hard. We can’t do knowledge about this total issue. When the Labor anything about it, and it’s not worth tackling’. candidate for Nepean went down there and accused the Clean Ocean Foundation, with which I have worked for During the election campaign the people of the a number of years because it is a representative Mornington Peninsula saw through the government’s community group tackling a big issue in my electorate, promise and knew that the government was never, ever of being a front for the Liberal Party, goodness me, did serious about it. It has promised things and never that bring the house down! No matter how that delivered them, and it has never been serious about the candidate tried to backtrack, once she had said that she issue. That is why the member for Mornington had a lost all credibility and this government lost all swing of 10 per cent and I had a swing of 9.5 per cent. credibility on the Mornington Peninsula. That is why the Labor government lost the seat of Hastings — because the people of the Mornington The Clean Ocean Foundation is a wonderful group that Peninsula knew that the biggest single water issue in is working very hard to heighten awareness of the issue, Victoria was on their doorstep and that the government to do the research and to lobby all governments and all has done nothing about it for seven years. political parties to make a change down there at the outfall. I remember that the Labor candidate What is that problem? The problem is that the eastern gatecrashed a seniors forum and had a go at the Clean treatment plant treats 42 per cent of Melbourne’s Ocean Foundation there. She was quite rightly booed sewage, and it treats it only to class C standard. It is by 300 seniors on the Mornington Peninsula when she then piped through a pipeline out into Bass Strait at dared to say that. This government has completely lost Gunnamatta — 420 million litres a day of the plot and just does not understand the problem down C-class-treated sewage. When you are down there, you there. see it is brown. There is this massive brown stain heading out into Bass Strait and moving up and down The government vaguely promised it would do the coastline. You can smell it when there is an onshore something in 1999 and did not do anything. It vaguely wind. Among the surfers who try to surf down there, promised it would do something in 2001, but the excuse there are hundreds of documented cases of ear, nose after the 2002 election for not doing anything was, and throat infections. The smell affects the people who ‘We’ll wait and see what happens with the Gippsland live down there. A lot of people live down there and a recycling water project, and we’ll make our decisions lot of people holiday down there, and the only way you after that’. Again the government has come up during can appreciate the effect of this sewage outfall is to go the 2006 election and said it will upgrade the treatment down there. There is not one documented case of any plant, but it has no credibility on this issue. It has single member of this government ever going down promised it three times and it has never been serious there to see and to smell the sewage outfall. If they had about it. taken themselves out of Melbourne and gone down there to see it and smell it, they would understand the One point that illustrates the government’s lack of size and the nature of this problem. knowledge or real interest and its surface treatment of this issue is the fact that it still intends to extend the At last count, 12 members of the Liberal Party, every pipeline outfall 2 kilometres out to sea at a cost — a single leader of the Liberal Party and every shadow conservative cost — of $65 million. Why take the MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 79 problem 2 kilometres out to sea? All that will do is The government should take a leaf out of the Liberal spread the problem further around and send it down to Party water policy of a number of years by immediately the electorate of the member for Bass. The tidal upgrading the eastern treatment plant to A class and movements will take it into Port Phillip Bay. Why do actually setting a target date for the Gunnamatta outfall it? To construct this pipeline would require the levelling to be closed. We set it for 2015. I challenge the of hectares of the duned area on the Point Nepean government to set a date to close down that outfall and National Park. All the government needs to do is to rule actually do something and achieve something. out this extension. The Liberal Party has ruled it out; there is no need to do it. The government has refused to As I said earlier, the government should rub out the rule it out. It will not budge on it, and it knows nothing ridiculous idea of extending the outfall 2 kilometres out about it. to sea. It will achieve nothing and will just waste money. That $65 million would be far better spent on Another issue in relation to infrastructure and the many other worthy water recycling projects in Victoria. recycling of water on the Mornington Peninsula is the Nepean sustainable water project. This will be a joint Mr CARLI (Brunswick) — Deputy Speaker, I too project. It is being managed by the Mornington want to take the opportunity to congratulate you on Peninsula shire but it involves South East Water, the your elevation to the position of Deputy Speaker. After state government, the federal government and a large four years of sitting next to you in the house, I will miss number of major water users on the Mornington your company, but I congratulate you on your Peninsula such as the market garden industry and the appointment. I know you will do a fantastic job in that golf courses down there. All those users are taking position. water out of the Nepean aquifer, which is under extreme pressure at the moment. I imagine it will be This matter of public importance has been put forward contaminated very, very soon. They are taking all this by the Liberal Party. Essentially the Liberal Party water out of the aquifer and, as I said, it is under seems to be blaming the Labor Party for the drought. extreme pressure. Most of Australia, and certainly south-eastern Australia, is going through one of the most severe droughts since This project involves upgrading the Boneo treatment European settlement. People talk about it as a possible plant at the back of Rosebud to A class and putting in 30-year drought or 100-year drought. It is certainly an pipelines throughout the southern peninsula to supply enormous crisis for Australia, and it is a crisis that we A-class-treated water to all the market gardens, golf are dealing with in Victoria, and dealing with very courses and other major users of water on the effectively. It is also true that in the past seven years the Mornington Peninsula. The representative group that Victorian government has acted on water very has been formed put in a submission to the National effectively. Water Commission for funding, but it was knocked back last year. The reason it was knocked back is that At the moment we have a reduction in per capita use of this state government refused to put in the full amount, water throughout the state, particularly in metropolitan the one-third it was asked to put in, and under the water Melbourne. Recycling levels have risen, and there is commission grants guidelines it has to be an equal increasing investment in recycling and the use of share. This government refused to put up the extra recycled water. The government is also maximising the money. use of reliable water supplies from different areas of the state and linking up other parts of the state with those The project is again up for funding with the federal supplies. These investments being made by the government, and I hope this time the state government government are both short and long-term investments and South East Water show their commitment to real that deal not only with the drought but also with the recycling projects. It will save a lot of water. It will save longer term issues around water. the aquifer, and it has the potential to be expanded throughout the Mornington Peninsula and make a real In the Liberal Party there are climate-change dent in the amount of water that flows out of the sceptics — people who do not believe in climate Gunnamatta outfall. In fact, if the project goes ahead change — who immediately rush to blame the state and then grows in even a small way, it will reduce the government for the fact that there is a drought. We have Gunnamatta sewage outfall by 10 per cent. When you to confront not only the fact that there is a drought at look at the 1 per cent this government has contributed the moment but also the fact that the mean temperature to recycling, it just pales into insignificance. throughout Victoria is increasing and the likelihood is that as a result there will be less rain in south-eastern Australia. We have to deal with all the various issues, MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

80 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 but the Liberal Party wants a dam on the Maribyrnong. New South Wales and Victoria to ensure that there The best thing the member for Brighton said about the were improved environmental flows over a period of dam on the Maribyrnong was that it would not provide time and there was improved sustainability and better a lot of water — around 1 per cent of metropolitan management of groundwater to deal with catchment Melbourne’s use — but it would largely act in flood issues around that river. mitigation for Melbourne. It is not a solution for the water supply, and there is no rain. That dam is, at best, Water supply and water management are crucial to the a little bit of propaganda that was used by the Liberal Bracks government, and there have been major Party in its election campaign. investments with Our Water Our Future, which I think the member for Brighton referred to as an advertising During the time of the previous Liberal government we campaign. It is certainly not an advertising campaign; it saw the Tarago Reservoir being decommissioned. This is a detailed water management plan for this state. In government is now putting the Tarago Reservoir back the plan we allocate $100 million over four years for into the water system for Melbourne. It is important that our river systems and our natural water resources along we ensure that reliable sources of water are utilised. them. In just the one-year period of 2005–06, Certainly further dams, such as a dam on the $10.2 million was invested in large-scale river Maribyrnong, are not the solution. We have a severe restoration programs right throughout the state of drought. The drought will eventually break, but we Victoria. There is water management for you. I have have to deal with the bigger issues of climate change not heard any opposition members get up and talk and the environment and ecology of our water system. about the management of our river system, yet it is fundamental to drinking water for Victorians and also I want to particularly focus on the issue of for our irrigation, our tourism and our environment. environmental flows, because it is in that area that the Bracks government has made an enormous We are making major investments in the Yarra River. contribution. Environmental flows are difficult to An amount of about $600 million is being invested in a maintain in our rivers at the best of times, and very package to improve Yarra River water quality, with difficult in drought conditions. They are incredibly improvements to sewerage works, the acceleration of important and fundamental to the ecology and to the septic tank replacement, litter traps and better health of those rivers. It is the water from those rivers stormwater management. For example, in my own that supplies 4 million people across Victoria with electorate a mains sewer system replacement is going reliable drinking water and supports $5.2 billion of on along the northern corridor to ensure that the current agriculture. If we want to allow Melbourne and Victoria spillage of sewage into our creek system and eventually to expand in population and to ensure that our irrigation into the Yarra River does not continue. That is a areas function, we must protect the ecology and deal massive project that this government is getting on with. with the variability of those rivers so that they remain It is about managing our water systems in this state. healthy. We are returning water to improve the health of the We know that we are in a harsh continent — the driest Thomson and Macalister rivers in Gippsland. Already continent in the world — and that our rivers change 10 000 megalitres have been returned to the Thomson over seasons and between years. It is important that we River to boost its flow. The 10 major regional river get a sense of what the environmental flows are for strategies have been developed through catchment those rivers. A lot of work has been done by the Bracks management authorities and Melbourne Water for our government to ensure that we have an understanding of major river systems. We have set about compiling a and a management plan for all our river systems. It is river health report card which documents progress vital that we manage that water and provide the towards targets we have set for our river systems in environmental flows necessary for the ecology and that terms of environmental flows, ecology, sustainability, we deal with the differences between the rivers and water management — and that is progressing. We throughout the state. have set out the projects and we have a health card to ensure that we are doing them properly and that we It is also important that we restore stressed river have quantifiable data. systems and restore water where there has been severe environmental damage. The Snowy has been a big All of this demonstrates that we are dealing with the feature in this house in the last seven years. It was a big issue of water management in this state. Previous reason why the Bracks government was able to govern government speakers got up and spoke about how we in its first term, and it was with the Snowy that we are improving the water catchment, with better showed our determination to get agreement between management, demand management and all of that. I MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 81 want to add that we are also dealing with our river years to do something. What has it done? It has systems. It is our river systems that ultimately underpin produced a number of documents. It has produced a lot good water management in this state and underpin our of television and video propaganda, which it has had economy — certainly our agricultural economy — and running on our screens and which has been driving our capacity to have drinking water for the vast people crazy. It has put out $6 million worth of shower majority of Victorians. We are not simply dealing with heads that will be used or exchanged by the people of left-field issues like a dam on the Maribyrnong or Victoria — not this year but over four years. In four attempts to find a high-tech, high-cost, high-energy years time, if the government has not done something solution like desalination plants. We are actually better, there will not be too many people taking dealing with water in terms of our catchment and river showers! systems. Yet the government sees that as a major initiative. It is We have also decommissioned Lake Mokoan. That will providing shower heads for people, saying, ‘If you save 44 000 megalitres of water annually. We have had would like to take your old one off and bring it in we that debate in this house, and we have had a number of will exchange it’ — that is, as long as it has not used up speakers from the opposition criticise the government the supply that has been allocated for this current year. I for decommissioning Lake Mokoan, but that has been cannot quite understand where this government is really important in our ability to save water and to going. It just does not seem to understand that we have ensure that we have better environmental flows back in a crisis here in the state of Victoria with regard to water, our river system. which is one of the basic necessities of life.

Victoria has identified water-saving projects; we are I come from San Remo, where we are connected to committed to those — — Westernport Water. The current readings show we have 29 per cent capacity in our water supply. We are The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The coming up to Christmas, probably one of the busiest member’s time has expired. times at Phillip Island, Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson. Large numbers of people will be coming Mr K. SMITH (Bass) — I will not congratulate you down to an area with a very limited water supply. We today, Deputy Speaker, as I did so yesterday! I join have been on stage 4 restrictions down there now for at with the member for Brighton in the debate on this least two months, so our gardens are dying. But that is matter of public importance in condemning the Bracks all right; since we are running out of water down there government for its mismanagement of Victoria’s water we are prepared to try to preserve some of the water so resources and particularly its failure to provide water that we will be able to survive. We are looking at certainty and to take adequate action on supply, serving the people, not so much the plants. recycling and infrastructure. We have a water board down there that is desperately I am very disappointed that the member for Brighton boring bores into our aquifers to try to get some water had to bring a matter of public importance like this to supply for the people in that area. Four bores have been the house when we are probably in the middle of the put down so far and one of them has been successful worst drought this state has ever suffered in recorded and is providing a reasonable flow. The water board is history. This government had an opportunity to regard now looking at going in to the state coalmine area this as being an important enough issue to have brought around Wonthaggi and boring there to be able to draw it before the house itself and to have had some sort of water for our water supply. Yes, there is plenty of water summit on the problems we have here in the state of there; there is no doubt about that, but you should think Victoria. The last speaker from the Labor Party stood a little bit about what is going to happen when the up and devoted most of his speech to the aim of putting kilometres of mines underneath the ground all of a more water down our rivers for their environmental sudden lose their supply of water. That is going to flows. Certainly rivers are important, but I would have cause a great deal of problems as far as the ground and thought people are more important than our rivers. subsidence is concerned around the Wonthaggi area — Water is one of the basic necessities of life. It is one of and kilometres beyond Wonthaggi, because that is how those things that is needed for us to survive as a society. far the mines stretch. One does not really know the It is going to be important for us to address this damage that might cause. problem. This is something this government has not Consideration was given to connecting to Melbourne’s been prepared to do. We have been seven years in a water supply. Discussions started some years ago about drought in this state and this government has had seven the idea that we would be able to connect into and use GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

82 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 some of South East Water’s water to give us some government was prepared to waive some charges and certainty of supply down in that area, particularly when get in, try to help and do something. the tourists come down. We have an opportunity now to do something — and But what was the problem? We were looking for about the government can do it. It will certainly have my 2 gigalitres of water per year to keep the supply of support and, I am sure, the support of the people on this water going. But what has happened? As part of the side of the house if it actually does something about negotiations South East Water — and we have heard it providing certainty of supply. Do not talk about putting mentioned today — has said it wants payment upfront, it down the rivers, do not talk about not recycling and which Westernport Water, our water supply company do not talk about putting a pipeline another 2 kilometres down there, cannot afford to pay. We have a further out at Gunnamatta. Talk about using recycled government organisation like South East Water, which water. Talk about supplying the people of Victoria with is still a corporation of this government, making potable water that they are able to use because industry unreasonable demands on our local water company. It will be using recycled water and not potable water. It is seems absolutely crazy that this could happen and that about being seen to be good and being seen to be smart, we have a government that is not prepared to waive but I think delivering it to the people of Victoria may be those costs to give us some certainty of supply. well beyond this government.

I am wondering what this government is on about and The SPEAKER — Order! The time set down for what it is trying to do to the tourism industry down at the consideration of matters of public importance has Phillip Island and beyond. I supported the proposal to expired. take the recycled water down to the Latrobe Valley; I thought it was a great idea. It was not about taking Melbourne’s sewerage down there. As far as I was GOVERNOR’S SPEECH concerned the water going down to Gippsland was going to be treated to class A level. That would have Address-in-reply meant that all the potable water that is currently being Debate resumed from 19 December; motion of used by the electricity companies down there and by Mr PALLAS (Minister for Roads and Ports) for APM was going to be used not for industrial uses but adoption of address-in-reply for drinking water. And it would not have been a great burden for the people down there to be able to use the Mr SCOTT (Preston) — It is an honour to rise to recycled water stored there for industrial use. give my inaugural speech here today. Speaker, I too would like to congratulate you on your rise to the The government has not done anything about it. All it speakership. It is a long time since I first met you at a has done is talk about it for two years. I just worry meeting probably about 10 years ago. about why this government is not doing something. I do not think it understands, as I said earlier, that a crisis To be elected as a member of Parliament is a great has developed in this state of Victoria in the time it has honour, and I am deeply humbled to be entrusted by the been in government. The government cannot blame Jeff electors of Preston with this duty. No person rises to Kennett for this anymore. I know that is a shock to public office alone, and I would like to thank the some of you on the other side of the house. You are following people: my parents, Don and Amanda Scott; trying to blame John Howard for the problems we have my brothers, Tom and Alex Scott, and their wives, here in Victoria, but you are the government here in Nicola and Kyoko; my grandmother and lifelong Labor Victoria, and it is up to you to be able to make the supporter, Marjorie Burton; my long-suffering decisions that are going to give us certainty of water girlfriend, Shao Jie Wu; the politicians who have supply here in Victoria. You have a big enough budget employed me — Sherryl Garbutt, Bob Sercombe, Hong to be able to provide — — Lim, and of course Michael Leighton; my supporters and friends in the Labor Party, Adem Somyurek, The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Bass Stanley Chiang, Marlene Kairouz, Phillip Bain, Peter should address the Chair. Stephenson, Terrie Seymour, Mendo Kundevski, Chris Mr K. SMITH — That is what I am doing. They Kelly, Vince Fontana, Youhorn Chea, Sucettin, Perihan have a big enough budget to be able to provide the and Remzi Unal, David Feeney, the finance to make sure some of these things happen. Honourable Anthony Byrne, Jeff and Kathy Jackson, Those of us down in the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Christina Han and Steve Gagen; my old friends area would have some certainty of supply if the Christian Zahra, Michelle MacDonald, Robert Larocca, GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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Kate Dunn, James Kemp, Heather Watkins and Renee communities of real, absolute poverty where the Fry; and of course the electors of Preston. majority of citizens worked and lived frugally. Today poverty still exists but is not so universal. It is hidden in Election to public office is about election to the highest pockets of the community, often out of view. In East form of public service. In Victoria members of Preston and East Reservoir there are areas of real Parliament are responsible for the welfare of over disadvantage. If at the end of my parliamentary career 5 million people. This is a weighty burden, the gravity this disadvantage has not been reduced, I will consider of which I will never forget. The real achievement and my time in politics to have been a failure, regardless of glory in public life is to improve the lives of the citizens what high office I have managed to hold. who elect us. My mind always returns to Shelley’s poem Ozymandias when contemplating the Despite all the problems of drought, bushfires and pointlessness of seeking personal glory and power for climate change, today most Victorians are lucky to live its own sake. In the poem an inscription at the base of in what is a golden age. For most of human history, an ancient ruined statue reads: fear, poverty and ignorance have been the birthright of the vast majority. Now we live in an era of wealth, and My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: even the old limitations of time and space have largely Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair! been conquered. When any MP starts to believe in their own greatness, they should remember how unlikely it is that anyone There is enough food to prevent starvation; modern other than historians will remember a single one of our communications mean that I can personally call any of names in 100 years, let alone 1000 years. Real the 2 billion persons in this world who own a mobile greatness lies in the debate of ideas. As John Maynard phone; modern transport allows goods from the other Keynes said: side of the globe to be transported and sold in Victoria, almost as if they were produced here; and most of the Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt collected knowledge of the world is only a click away from any intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some on the Internet. defunct economist. We are all beneficiaries of thousands of years of human In this context this Parliament has an importance civilisation leading to free societies where reason is beyond Victoria. We belong to a community of ideas valued over ignorance, the rule of law has replaced which stretches back thousands of years through arbitrary punishment and representative democracy has recorded human civilisation. Through the use of replaced self-serving oligarchies and where the absolute observation and reason, new policies are developed. power of the state has been tempered by the human Falsifiable hypotheses are then tested in the real world. rights of individuals. Through this process new public policies allowing improvements in the human condition are developed. But not everyone shares in this bountiful harvest. One This is a continuous and worldwide process, and our of the key challenges for this Parliament is to create the Parliament plays its small part in the betterment of circumstances where more Victorians are able to share humankind. in this embarrassment of riches.

Concepts like the secret ballot, which were once known It is useful to consider the cause of this material as the Australian ballot, were first introduced in wealth — the market economy. In recent years there Australian parliaments, including the Victorian has been a radical expansion of the global capitalist Parliament, in 1856. economy with the addition of over 2 billion persons from China and India. This has underpinned the recent I am proud to be a parliamentary representative of the economic boom both internationally and in Australia. Australian Labor Party. As a Labor member in this Globalisation is a positive for Victoria. We have a place I will take due heed of the labour movement, of successful open-trading economy with a growing the trade unions, of rank-and-file Labor Party members service sector. Victoria must embrace the global and of Labor voters. economy, not retreat into the fantasy of a better The electorate of Preston, which includes much of the yesterday. Trade, both within our society and with other suburbs of Preston and Reservoir and a small section of countries, is the lifeblood of growth. Economic growth Coburg, is a wonderful place. Preston is a multicultural leads to a wealthier society which allows for the and diverse community, but it is a changing community funding of world-class education and health systems. with a growing middle class and areas of entrenched poverty. Seventy years ago places like Preston were GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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Our future lies with the production of high-value struggle against absolute poverty. The success of an manufactured goods and services. We need to readjust individual in their life should be based on their talents, our thinking to a future based more on producing willingness to work and intellectual capacity, not the educational services than on producing pots and pans. wealth of their parents. This is why Labor is committed The only nation I know of that preaches an economy to free quality universal education. philosophy based on pure self-reliance is North Korea, and I would not suggest that we follow its dear leader’s Last year I was lucky enough to travel to South-East economic path to paranoid isolation and mass Asia and there, in a slum outside Phnom Penh, starvation. Cambodia, I witnessed real absolute poverty. As the stench of sewage and the sight of flyblown children But at the heart of capitalism is creative destruction. greeted me, my life changed forever as I realised my Capitalism is efficient because of competition, and own problems were simply luxury’s disappointments. competition means that inefficient companies are Victoria is a wealthy community, and there is no reason destroyed, replaced by competitors in an endless cycle. why absolute poverty should exist here. All Victorians Improving competition cuts the prices of goods and should have access to enough food, decent shelter and services, increases economic growth and fosters quality medical services. innovation. Low prices are a greatly underrated source of economic empowerment. Most of the poorest are on At the heart of much of the struggle to achieve a fairer fixed incomes — pensions and other benefits — and share of the wealth in our society is industrial relations. thus lower prices increase the wealth of the poorest in A fair industrial relations system gives a greater share our community. This is one of the reasons national of the wealth of our economy to working families. I competition policy is vital for the future prosperity of firmly believe that ordinary working families have the our community. wisdom to determine their own future. Self-appointed experts should not be trying to determine the spending But markets fail. The market is not a perfect habits and life choices of working families. Labor mechanism, and the state is still required to intervene in governments seek to give working families the material society. Monopolies and cartels constantly seek to resources to make their own choices; Labor avoid competition. Businesses with asymmetrical governments help families have a fair day’s pay for a access to information use this imbalance to reduce the fair day’s work. This is the surest path to personal market power of consumers. Further, the market fails to empowerment. accurately price the external impacts of business activities. For example, the market sets no price on However, in fighting inequality the corrosive nature of pollution. For these and many other reasons welfare dependence must be acknowledged. The government should intervene in the market, not to writings of Aboriginal activist Noel Pearson pose a replace it but to ensure its effective operation and that it strong challenge to the notion of a welfare state without does not cause negative consequences for Victorians. personal responsibility. Work and personal responsibility must be at the centre of the modern social In addition, there are failures of the market which are of democratic project. a moral rather than material nature. The price of any good or service is determined not by central planning When I was a teenager there was a debate in Australia but by the demand for that service among consumers. about Asian immigration. My aunt is Japanese, and I But in the market the value of the labour of a disabled was deeply influenced by this debate. I have a simple person without the capacity to work is close to zero. belief about bigotry in all of its forms: it has no place in Even when the market functions successfully its modern Victoria. All forms of bigotry must be fought creative but destructive nature has significant negative so that all citizens can live free of discrimination. impacts on individuals and communities. The state has Victoria is a migrant society and should remain a an important role in helping those disadvantaged by the migrant society. People from around the world should market’s creative destruction. be able to come here to create a better life for their families. We in the Australian Labor Party believe that all should have a fair share in the wealth of our society. Every Victoria must remain an open, outward-looking society, person should have a decent life, because all human welcoming diversity as an expression of the universal beings have a value beyond what someone will pay for value of human life and of the liberal democratic value their labour. We believe that the market should be of the freedom of the individual to live as they see fit. civilised. This civilisation is linked to two important But for diversity to be maintained the human freedoms concepts: equality of opportunity and the constant of all individuals must be maintained. There are no GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 85 collective rights which allow for the advocating of Victor has been a great support to me over the past nine violence as a legitimate means of political expression in months, and I thank him for his assistance and Victoria. encouragement.

Women and children should not have their freedoms Doncaster is a vibrant and active community best limited as part of the expression of traditional cultural known to most as the home of Doncaster shopping practices. So I believe in a society where any woman town. Retail and business services dominate the has the right to wear a head scarf as the expression of business activity. Doncaster stands out as an electorate her religious belief but where no person can force a due to its very high proportion of people born overseas, woman against her will to wear a head scarf. All its ageing population and the fact that a Victorians should accept that others have the same disproportionate number of its people get into their cars freedoms that they accept for themselves. Without every day to go to work. They do this because public respecting the freedoms of others we can have no transport options are limited and do not provide real freedoms ourselves. choice for commuters. As the growth of Melbourne continues, government must not forget the I would also like to add something about my much-needed infrastructure for established areas that predecessor as the member for Preston. Michael is a has been overlooked to date. friend as well as my former employer. He is someone who taught me the value of loyalty. If you were ever in It would be very easy to believe that a commuter trouble and he was your friend, he would never suburb such as Doncaster lacks soul; however, nothing abandon you, no matter the cost. In politics there are could be further from the truth. The heart of the many allies but few friends. He was a true friend who Doncaster electorate is the thousands who volunteer to would sacrifice anything for his friends. I know he keep community, ethnic and sporting organisations perhaps did not achieve as much as he would have alive. From the Manningham Men’s Shed and wished in politics in the time he was here. He made a DONCARE (Doncaster Community Care and number of choices based on his loyalty to his friends, Counselling) through to the Doncaster Junior Football which cost him, but I know of no other person I would Club and the various ethnic senior citizens club’s, rather have in the trenches with me — a person who everyday people are giving their time and skills to assist would show loyalty to his friends and be willing to cast children and young people, recently arrived migrants, aside his own ambitions for those to whom he had the elderly and families in need. promised his loyalty. That is a lesson I hope to take with me throughout my career. As a 16-year-old I went to Canada as a Rotary exchange student and ever since have moved regularly, In conclusion, during the next four years I have the living interstate and overseas. My one constant has honour of serving the electors of Preston and Victoria. I been local activism for positive outcomes in and for the hope I serve them well and add my small part to the communities in which I have lived. This has taught me development of human progress both in this place and, that those who have a voice must use it for those who hopefully, to the contribution of this Parliament to the are unable to do so. I see these actions throughout the wider debate on ideas in the world itself. Doncaster community and pledge to support all those who do so for the benefit of our community, and I Ms WOOLDRIDGE (Doncaster) — pledge to continue to do so myself for people in Congratulations, Speaker, on your election to your Doncaster and throughout Victoria. office. A wonderful aspect of the Doncaster electorate is its I recognise at the start the firefighters and emergency ethnic diversity and the vibrancy that this brings, services personnel who are putting their lives at risk to represented in schools and workplaces, shops and protect families, homes and people’s livelihoods restaurants and community organisations. In Doncaster throughout Australia. over 40 per cent of people are born outside Australia and speak a language other than English at home. It is an honour to be here today representing the people Doncaster is a microcosm of the success of of Doncaster. In doing so I follow in the footsteps of multicultural and multiracial Victoria. This success is two distinguished members of Parliament: Morris one of the key qualities that defines Victoria at the Williams, who initially represented the seat of Box Hill beginning of the 21st century. We are all the richer for and then the seat of Doncaster from when it was formed the different backgrounds and the vibrant cultures we in 1976 until 1988; and Victor Perton, who ably bring to our society, and we are stronger when we live represented Doncaster for the subsequent 18 years. with respect and acceptance of our differences. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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I come to this house as a Liberal. For me Liberalism is and as a result 10 out of 13 of Australia’s largest based on respect for the individual, on his and her medical research institutes are located in Melbourne. liberty, dignity and freedom, and on the right to be successful, to take on responsibility, to work as hard as This is what my generation has inherited, but the world one wishes and to be rewarded for it. The individual’s is now globalised and highly competitive. It is success is the community’s success. Milton Friedman knowledge that drives prosperity, and there are no said: prizes for second place. As a state, therefore, we have no option but to create an education system that Some people see freedom as the promotion of greed and stimulates, challenges and extends all children. In our self-interest. But a truly free society is one that releases the competitive world we cannot rest on our laurels. While energies and creativity and abilities of everyone. It prevents some people from arbitrarily suppressing others. Most Australia ranks well in international comparisons in important freedom means mobility and diversity. It enables maths and science, there is room for improvement. today’s disadvantaged to become tomorrow’s privileged. And Korea ranks the highest in the world, with Western along the way it enables everyone from top to bottom to enjoy Australia achieving similar results. Japan is the a richer and fuller life. second-highest performing nation and South Australia, These are the principles that will form the basis for how Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory I intend to represent the people of Doncaster, to hold achieve similar results. While Victoria is above the the government to account and to develop policies that world average, we do not achieve at the same level as underpin my vision for Victoria. those previously mentioned countries and Australian states. In a state that prides itself on its scientific My son, Jamison, is 18 months old, and when I think of innovation this will not underpin future excellence. In the future he will inherit I have some very simple hopes fact a 2006 report from the Productivity Commission for him as he grows up. It is a future where he can shows that Victoria has the lowest public spending per achieve his potential surrounded by a supportive family student in both primary and secondary education in and cohesive community, a future where he can learn Australia. the skills and develop the capabilities that will equip him for jobs as yet unimagined, a future where he can A 2005 national benchmarking report shows that the form caring and meaningful relationships with the rich Victorian curriculum has the least evidence of academic diversity of people who make up our community, and a rigour of the mainland states in the areas of physics, future where he can contribute to the wellbeing of that fractions and decimals, literature and early-years community. This is a future for all Victorian children reading. What this translates to in terms of outcomes is regardless of their social, cultural or geographic that in year 10, 19 per cent of students cannot read, background. Liberalism is genuinely about equality of 18 per cent cannot write and 27 per cent cannot do opportunity. mathematics — and that is from the government’s own budget papers. How will we have an innovative I chose to stand for a seat in the Parliament of Victoria business environment which encourages the growth of as I am most passionate about the areas for which the small business and therefore jobs if our children cannot state government is responsible — education, do maths and science? Why will global companies innovation, health care, public transport and community choose to locate in Victoria if our young people cannot safety. Delivering effective policies and appropriate read to the standards achieved in other Australian states services in these areas has a real and positive impact on and by our Asian neighbours? Why do we have no people every day and is fundamental to individuals and sense of urgency as our children keep slipping behind? families being able to lead happy and productive lives. Our children must have a top-class education to ensure their future opportunities in a prosperous and successful However, Victoria is at a crossroads. No longer can we state. assume the prosperity we have enjoyed in the past. In the 1800s Victoria enjoyed growth and income that At the end of the 1980s, as an ambitious young person I came with the gold rush, and Melbourne was one of the felt I had to leave Melbourne. I moved first to Sydney wealthiest and fastest growing cities in the world. and then to the United States of America to pursue Following gold we had agriculture, particularly from opportunities and to develop my career. Ten years later the Western District, and then manufacturing as the I returned to Melbourne because I love Melbourne, I drivers of our quality of life. At the same time am a proud Victorian and this is my home. It is my aim Melbourne was the home of philanthropy, and the over the coming years to work to ensure that our business and philanthropic communities engaged like children can compete in the international market where nowhere else in Australia with the medical fraternity, skills, knowledge and human capital will flow even more freely than they do today. More importantly, we GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 87 must ensure that they do not feel they have to move Collectively, again and again, the states fail to take the interstate or overseas to find opportunities; but if they lead on areas of core responsibility. However, it has choose to do so, we must create a state to which they been shown that when a state chooses to take the lead it will want to return. can influence a nation.

With one eye on my son, but also understanding the Maree Tehan’s activism when she was health minister trends more broadly, I am also particularly concerned in this place had a direct consequence in terms of about boys’ education, as I see the results for boys creating the national mental health strategy which over slipping further and further behind those for girls in 15 years has transformed mental health in Australia at terms of literacy, retention rates and participation in the same time as Australia leads the world. Through higher education. This is not to take anything from the their service delivery role the states have a unique strong push over recent years to attain excellence in knowledge and connection to the needs of the girls’ education, but it shows we must also focus on community that the federal government does not have. boys. We must recognise different learning styles and We must use this knowledge to ensure we are taking approaches and encourage more male role models in responsibility as appropriate but also to inform federal schools. policy agendas for the benefit of this state and for the country as a whole. I also wish to talk about community cohesiveness. Individual and collective grassroots action is what In raising these issues I am mindful that I have not brings about positive outcomes and sustainable change. talked about mental health or aged care, for which I There is a role for government to encourage, facilitate have shadow ministerial responsibility. I have done this and fund such activities, but it must be driven from the deliberately, as I will have many opportunities to talk community for the benefit of the community. There has on these particular matters. been concern about the decline in social cohesion, but there are positive trends such as the emergence of social No person gets to this place without incredible support entrepreneurship, a growth in volunteering and an and encouragement. I would like to acknowledge my increase in business, family and individual parents, Anne and Philip Wooldridge, who are here in philanthropy. the chamber today and who taught me that individuals have to take responsibility for the change they wish to Community building has become a topic of debate and see, that doing your best in any endeavour, and doing it investigation, and while citizens turn their backs on with integrity, is more important than the outcome but formal structures they are forging ahead with initiatives that hard work and perseverance are the most likely to craft their own community rather than passively characteristics of success. My family is no stranger to awaiting it. At the same time corporate social parliamentary representation, with my brother, Michael, responsibility is being widely incorporated into a former federal health minister, who is also here today, business strategies as directors and management having made a real difference to the Australian recognise the mutual benefit from engaging with the community in many areas including immunisation, communities in which they operate. My Liberalism medical research and indigenous health. He has always says we must enable communities to get on and make been and continues to be a role model, mentor and the change they wish to see, understanding that friend, which I value enormously. government’s role is as a facilitator, and it is individuals who will successfully drive change. An overwhelming aspect of running a local campaign is the support which comes from hundreds who believe in Finally, on federal and state relations, there is ongoing Liberalism and are prepared to put their effort and time debate about the relationship between federal and state into convincing the community of the benefits of a governments as we see further involvement by the Liberal government. I thank many personal friends, the commonwealth government in areas that were Doncaster branches of the Liberal Party and in traditionally thought to be state responsibilities. I say it particular my campaign manager, Brent Rodrigues, for is not unreasonable for the federal government to get a substantial effort which was reflected in our result in involved when that involvement is as a result of a Doncaster. vacuum created by state inactivity. Why does the federal government have to put $19 million into a Finally, I would like to thank my husband, Andrew program for boys when education is a state Barling, for his unwavering support. Andrew grew up responsibility? Why does the federal government have in the Mallee and continues his commitment to the to put in place programs for drug and alcohol country through the two days every week that he rehabilitation when it is a state responsibility? spends in Bendigo as a specialist surgeon. I strongly SENATE ELECTIONS AMENDMENT BILL

88 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 support this work, as I believe people who live in rural The Governor-General, on the advice of the Prime and regional Victoria have a right to access local Minister, issues the writs for the House of specialist services. Andrew is a true example of an Representatives and the four territory senators, but the individual making a difference, having founded, raised Senate is the states house so the individual states issue funds for and run the Otis Foundation, a network of the writs for Senate elections in their respective states. rural retreats for women with breast cancer. Over the In Victoria, this is done under section 4 of the Senate past six years he and the Bendigo community have Elections Act 1958. Section 4 provides that the date raised over $1.8 million for the Otis Foundation. I am fixed for the close of rolls for Senate elections shall be proud to work with him on the board of Otis for the seven days after the issue date of the writ. benefit of women all over Australia at a particularly vulnerable period in their lives. Once the amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 commenced operation, section 4 of the I am here because I believe that a committed and Victorian Senate Elections Act 1958 became passionate individual can make a difference, be it at a inconsistent by virtue of the operation of section 109 of local level, in a community or for a state. I will support the Australian constitution. The proposed amendments those who seek to bring about positive change, I will will bring the timing of the close of the rolls for federal champion communities who work for a better future Senate elections into line with the Commonwealth and I aspire to make the changes which will ensure that Electoral Act 1918 by providing that the rolls close a future Victoria is a state built on world-class three working days after the issue date of the writ. education, cutting-edge innovation that creates wealth and employment, and engaged and vibrant The Victorian government does not support the earlier communities. closure of the rolls. As the commonwealth does not have fixed election dates, the Victorian government is Debate adjourned on motion of Mr LANGDON concerned that the federal government’s changes to (Ivanhoe). electoral legislation could disenfranchise many people who are unaware that an election may be called. This is Debate adjourned until later this day. because of the reduction in time between issuing of the writs for an election and the closure of the rolls.

SENATE ELECTIONS AMENDMENT BILL Judging from recent elections, closing the rolls when an election is announced could disenfranchise about Second reading 80 000 new voters and impact particularly on young Mr HULLS (Attorney-General) — I move: people.

That this bill be now read a second time. Many people do not enrol until an election is announced. Instead of accommodating these people, the This bill is necessary because of recent changes made federal government has made it more difficult. These by the federal government to electoral processes. changes mean that the electoral roll closes for new enrolments at least 33 days (almost five weeks) before The Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Electoral an election. Compare this with similar democracies that Integrity and Other Measures) Act 2006 (Cth) (the are trying to increase electoral participation. Canada federal act) was passed by the federal Parliament in allows citizens to enrol on the day when they turn up to June 2006. The federal act amended the vote and New Zealand gives its citizens until the day Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to reduce the close before the election. of rolls period. Prior to the amendments, the act provided for the rolls to close seven days after the writs The Victorian government is also concerned about the for an election had been issued. integrity of the roll, because many people who need to change or amend their enrolment details can be The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 now provides prompted by an election being called. In the three that the rolls for a federal election will close for new weeks leading up to the closure of the rolls in Victoria, enrolments on the day the writs for the election are 34 268 additions or amendments were made to the issued with the exception of 17-year-olds who turn 18 Victorian roll in preparation for the recent state before election day and applicants for citizenship who election. will become citizens before election day. The rolls will close for enrolment updates on the third working day The Victorian Electoral Act 2002 provides that, for after the issue of the writs. state elections, the roll closes seven days after the issue QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 89 date of the writ, which is the same time currently that the chief of the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency specified in the Senate Elections Act 1958 for closure Services Board, Peter Akers, resigned yesterday and of the rolls for Senate elections. However, our hand is that this resignation was in protest at continuing forced by the operation of section 109 of the federal government-sanctioned interference in the operation of constitution to bring the arrangements for Senate the MFB by the United Firefighters Union? elections into line with the commonwealth legislation. As Attorney-General, I have received advice that, in Mr BRACKS (Premier) — I thank the Leader of this case section 109 of the constitution will mean that the Opposition for his question. I am not aware of any the commonwealth laws, to the extent of any of those details. If a decision was made by someone inconsistency, will override the state laws. Failure to who heads up the fire services, they would make that amend section 4 of the Senate Elections Act 1958 will decision independently. The answer to the question is mean that the section is invalid. Even if the federal that I am not aware of any of those details. government did not challenge section 4, uncertainty and inconsistency would prevail with the possibility of The reality is that we are very confident in the some electors being eligible to vote for the Senate but management — — not the House of Representatives. Honourable members interjecting.

Section 155 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 Mr BRACKS — Good old contrived interjections! uses the term ‘working day’ in providing for the close of the rolls. The definition of ‘working day’ does not We are very confident in the management of all our fire include weekends or a day on which there is a public services and the cooperative nature of fighting this fire holiday. For consistency with the Commonwealth fight in Victoria. Electoral Act 1918 a definition of ‘working day’ is included in the Senate Elections Act 1958 because time Schools: government policy is normally calculated slightly differently under Victorian legislation. Ms RICHARDSON (Northcote) — My question is to the Premier. I refer him to the government’s I commend the bill to the house. commitment to ensuring that education remains its no. 1 priority and ask him to detail for the house the Debate adjourned on motion of Mr CLARK (Box government’s plans to invest $2.3 billion in Victorian Hill). schools.

Debate adjourned until Wednesday, 3 January Mr BRACKS (Premier) — I thank the member for 2007. Northcote for her question, and I congratulate her and other members on their inaugural speeches which have Sitting suspended 1.00 p.m. until 2.01 p.m. been delivered over the last two days. Business interrupted pursuant to standing orders. One of the core commitments we made in the election campaign was to rebuild every public school in ABSENCE OF MINISTER Victoria — primary and secondary, city and country. Every school in this state will be rebuilt, modernised The SPEAKER — Order! The Minister for Public and upgraded. We can achieve that because over the Transport and Minister for the Arts will be absent from last seven years we have upgraded and rebuilt some question time today. Questions for the Minister for 400 public schools in this state. Because of the base we Public Transport will be answered by the Minister for have built we are able to make the commitment that we Roads and Ports, and questions for the Minister for the will spend $2.3 billion, which includes money in this Arts should be directed to the Premier. financial year and money in future financial years, which will allow the upgrading of another 500 schools which will be built or modernised in this state. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE As we have heard, tech wings will be renewed in every Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services government secondary school in Victoria. There will be Board: chief officer better science and maths facilities and two new selective entry schools in this state, in addition to those Mr BAILLIEU (Leader of the Opposition) — My we already have. Of course we will also be building a question is to the Premier. Will the Premier confirm QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

90 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 significant number of children’s centres around the The SPEAKER — Order! There is no point of state. order.

We have indicated that education is one of the highest Mr PALLAS — The story of this government and priorities we have in this state. It is interesting to note, its commitment to rural roads is second to none. We are from the inaugural speeches I have heard, that that is doing for Victorian roads, and country roads in reflected across the chamber on both sides of the particular, what the previous government did not do. house — that one of the best things we can do in We have not turned our back on country Victoria. The Victoria is to have a highly educated, highly skilled translation of all this investment in country roads is state, a state that prides itself on being one of the demonstrated in a very tangible way: 360 Victorians are best-skilled states in Australia. Of course this alive today as a consequence of the Arrive Alive investment will do just that by modernising and strategy we put in place. We know country roads are upgrading every school — primary and secondary, among the greatest contributors to road casualties in country and city — and making sure that the facilities this state — about 30 per cent of casualty deaths occur match the excellent curriculum and teaching in our on country roads. Victorian schools. In respect of the issues relating to the fire, of course the This is a program which has the highest priority in our government is monitoring the closure of roads. We are government. It is the centrepiece of what we committed working through VicRoads to ensure that that to, and I am looking forward very much over the monitoring occurs. In the recuperation stage following coming four years to implementing our policies in the fires the government will remain open to reviewing every part of Victoria. the situation once we get a full assessment of the damage and the ongoing needs of country Victoria. Roads: funding Water: Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong supply Mr RYAN (Leader of The Nationals) — My question is to the Minister for Roads and Ports. What Mr HOWARD (Ballarat East) — My question is to initiatives will the government adopt to provide the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate additional funding for local roads in those many Change. I ask the minister to detail for the house the country municipalities now battling drought and fires, government’s plans to secure extra water for Ballarat, with the consequent impact on their rate base? Bendigo and Geelong.

Mr PALLAS (Minister for Roads and Ports) — I Mr THWAITES (Minister for Water, Environment thank the Leader of The Nationals for his question. and Climate Change) — I thank the member for Since 1999 over $3 billion has been invested in Ballarat East for his question and congratulate him on building better roads across Victoria, including the outstanding result he achieved in the recent election. $1.5 billion in regional roads. Not only is this government committed to building better roads, but it is Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong are all facing an committed to making sure that our roads are better unprecedented water challenge. resourced going into the future. Honourable members interjecting. We are putting $1.3 billion into outer metropolitan arterial roads and $687 million into rural and arterial Mr THWAITES — Members of the opposition roads. In addition to that, the government has put groan because they have no policies for water for the $597 million into the next generation of Arrive Alive future — and certainly none for Ballarat, Geelong or road safety programs. VicRoads road safety spending Bendigo. The stream flows into Lal Lal Reservoir and has increased by nearly 280 per cent since this Lake Eppalock, which service Ballarat and Bendigo government has been in office. There are over and also provide water for Geelong, are at 2000 road safety projects in place. Over 53 000 — — unprecedented lows. Just to give an indication of that, the average inflow to Lal Lal Reservoir for the filling Mr Ryan — On a point of order, Speaker, on the period from July to October is around question of relevance, I appreciate this general 27 000 megalitres; this year it has been less than information about road safety measures, metropolitan 400 megalitres. All these towns are facing a huge water roads and so on, but the question was about local roads. challenge. I would ask the minister to respond to that question. The Bracks government’s plan to deliver extra water for Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong was strongly QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 91 endorsed in the recent election. That plan comprises the Mr THWAITES — I am very pleased to say those goldfields super-pipe, which will deliver tenders for the pipes and pumps have already been 18 000 megalitres of extra water; the Bendigo recycling completed. This will be a great project for Bendigo, as project, which will deliver 4000 megalitres; the Barwon will the Bendigo recycling project. Construction of that Downs groundwater project for Geelong, which will is under way. I was there with the member for Bendigo deliver 8000 megalitres; and the Shell recycling project, East. The recycling project is under way — pipes are which will deliver 2000 megalitres. being built — and that is going to deliver an extra 4000 megalitres of water for Bendigo next year. Once On 25 November the Victorian public supported the again all we get from the opposition is whingeing, goldfields super-pipe and the extra recycling because carping, no policies and no funding. they know that these extra sources of water are needed. On 25 November the Victorian public roundly rejected The SPEAKER — Order! The minister should the opposition’s policies on water. Just look at Ballarat: conclude his answer. neither the Victorian public nor the Ballarat people nor the Ballarat business community supported the Mr THWAITES — What about Geelong? The opposition proposal, which was to take water from people of Geelong strongly endorsed our government’s Geelong and give it to Ballarat. None of them policy for a major water recycling plant at Shell that supported that. The Committee for Ballarat supports will provide 2000 megalitres extra. They supported our our policy; the Ballarat City Council supports our policy, which has already been delivered, to provide policy. I am pleased to say Central Highlands Water is extra water from groundwater from Barwon Downs. getting on with the job, despite the whingeing of the The people of Geelong roundly rejected the idea that opposition. The tenders are already out for the Ballarat Geelong should have to give up its share of Lal Lal for leg of the pipeline, and they are due back this Friday. Ballarat.

Let us look at Bendigo. Most people in Bendigo believe Mr McIntosh — On a point of order, Speaker, the the super-pipe should go ahead. The only people who minister has now been speaking for well and truly over do not support the super-pipe are some elements of the 6 minutes. If he wants to make a ministerial statement, opposition. The other elements of the opposition say he should allocate the time and not do it during question that they support the super-pipe, but it has to wait till time. I ask you to ask the minister to conclude his infrastructure savings are available. Just to give a answer. picture of what Bendigo thinks of this, I quote from the heading of a Bendigo Weekly article by Walkley The SPEAKER — Order! The minister should award-winning journalist, Anthony Radford, on conclude his answer. 10 November: ‘Liberals’ water policy could leave Mr THWAITES — I just emphasise that Geelong city … high and dry’. is on stage 4 restrictions, yet opposition members want Mr McIntosh — On a point of order, Speaker, the Geelong to give up more of its water for Ballarat — or 1 at least that is what they said when they went to minister has been speaking for almost 4 ⁄2 minutes. Perhaps he should not be debating the question; he Ballarat. In conclusion, I call on the opposition to should come back to the question and conclude his respect the views of the Victorian public as expressed answer. on 25 November.

The SPEAKER — Order! There is no point of The SPEAKER — Order! The minister should order. conclude his answer.

Mr THWAITES — The super-pipe tenders have Mr THWAITES — I call upon the opposition to already been awarded for the supply of pipes and respect those views and — — pumps for Bendigo. Honourable members interjecting.

An honourable member interjected. The SPEAKER — Order! The minister, to Mr THWAITES — Your side does not want to do conclude his answer. any work; you want to stop it forever. Mr THWAITES — In conclusion, now is the time The SPEAKER — Order! The minister should for all of us to get behind the super-pipe to provide ignore interjections. Interjections are disorderly. water security for Ballarat and Bendigo. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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Gaming: public lotteries licence investing in and rebuilding our public hospitals so that they can continue to deliver world-class health care, Mr O’BRIEN (Malvern) — My question is to the and in fact the budget of Victoria’s public hospitals has Minister for Gaming. I refer to a letter from the increased by 83 per cent since the Bracks government Secretary of the Department of Justice dated 4 October came to office in 1999. That means that every single 2006 to lotteries bidder Intralot which states: public hospital, whether it is in the metropolitan area or in our rural communities and regional towns, has had I write to assure you I am confident that the integrity of the public lotteries licensing process is being maintained to the an increase in its budget every single year the Bracks highest standards, and I have been assured by the probity government has been in office. auditor for the licensing process that it holds the same view. We need to increase those resources because the I ask the minister: what further communications have number of people coming to our hospitals is increasing. there been between the departmental secretary and In fact in 2005–06, 2.15 million patients — that is representatives of Intralot, and have these 500 000 more patients than in 1999 — were treated in communications been cleared by the probity auditor? Victoria’s public hospitals. We have also embarked on the largest ever rebuilding program of our hospitals in Mr ANDREWS (Minister for Gaming) — I thank this state’s history, rebuilding and upgrading 58 of the the honourable member for Malvern for his question. state’s public hospitals. All of that rebuilding and all of The integrity and the probity of this public lotteries that record investment is attracting more doctors and licensing process have been confirmed by the probity nurses to seek employment in Victoria’s public auditor, Pitcher Partners, which has carriage of this hospitals. matter, on three separate occasions. So on three separate occasions the probity auditor, Pitcher Partners, Today an independent report was released by the has confirmed the decision making and the probity of Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. That report the interdepartmental steering committee which has is on the medical work force, and it shows that Victoria oversight of this matter. is ahead of every other state when it comes to growing our public hospital system and employing extra doctors. Earlier this year a request was made by the steering These are the figures: Victoria has seen a 42 per cent committee for more time to complete the public increase in the number of doctors employed in our lotteries licensing process. The government, having public hospitals. Compare that with the other states: a received that request from the interdepartmental 30 per cent increase for the Australian Capital Territory, steering committee — that is, a request for more 27 per cent for Tasmania, 22 per cent for Western time — granted extra time. It is important that an Australia, 21 per cent for Queensland and only 19 per appropriate amount of time is allocated to this process cent for New South Wales. So Victoria has had a 42 per to get an outcome that has integrity, an outcome that cent increase in the number of doctors, and when we has probity and an outcome that serves the best interests translate that to raw numbers it means that of all Victorians. 1576 additional doctors are working in our public hospitals and 7263 additional nurses have been I can confirm that, as I said, the probity auditor in these employed in our public hospitals since 1999. matters, Pitcher Partners, has signed off on the work of the interdepartmental steering committee on three This is not the first independent report from Canberra separate occasions. This government is committed to an that shows that Victoria’s public hospitals are leading outcome in relation to the public lotteries licensing the nation. Whether it is about the employment of process that has integrity and probity and serves the doctors or whether it is about performance in interests of all Victorians. emergency departments, Victoria’s public hospitals are doing very, very well. But of course we know that there Hospitals: funding is a lot more that needs to be done. We have been Dr HARKNESS (Frankston) — My question is to investing in the services that matter, but we have to the Minister for Health. I refer the minister to the continue to do that. We are getting on with the job of government’s commitment to continuing to invest in tackling the very serious challenges that lie ahead and Victoria’s health system, and I ask the minister to detail that are facing Victoria’s public hospital system. for the house how the government is employing more Earlier this year the government, together with the doctors and nurses in Victorian hospitals. Australian Medical Association, the Rural Doctors Ms PIKE (Minister for Health) — I thank the Association of Victoria and our universities, mounted a member for Frankston for his question. We have been very strong and, I am pleased to say, a very successful QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 93 campaign to lobby the federal government for We can actually remember the previous government additional medical school places. This campaign — all that abolished councils, amalgamated councils without of our combined efforts along with those of other effective consultation and trampled over the rights of organisations — resulted in an additional councils in this state. We have reaffirmed the primacy 220 undergraduate medical places for Victoria. To add of councils. It is up to the public to decide whether it is to that, we allocated $30 million of capital funding to happy with the work of councils, not up to a Deakin, Melbourne and Monash universities so that government to describe them as a previous minister in a they can have the infrastructure to support this growing previous Liberal government did. He said they were the number of medical places. postbox of the state government and they were a creature of the state. We do not agree with that view. We have allocated a further $6.45 million over four years to the hospitals to meet the growing demand Industrial relations: WorkChoices for clinical placements and an additional $6.6 million for 40 additional medical interns next year. That Mr SCOTT (Preston) — My question is to the number will increase to an additional 75 by the year Minister for Industrial Relations. I refer the minister to 2009–10. On top of that, because we know it takes time the government’s commitment to working Victorians to train these additional doctors, we are investing and ask him to update the house on the government’s $5.2 million over the next four years in international efforts to protect workers from the federal recruitment, and the extra $13 million that we promised government’s extreme industrial relations regime. during the election campaign for payments to doctors who work in a non-core way within our rural hospitals Mr HULLS (Minister for Industrial Relations) — I will help to sustain the rural work force. thank the honourable member for Preston for his question. As he would know, this is really the first In conclusion, the government has been given a Christmas since WorkChoices commenced its relentless mandate by the Victorian people to implement the very march on the rights of working Victorians. For many, comprehensive package of health policies that we took WorkChoices is indeed the Christmas Grinch, having to the election. What the Victorian people also did was stolen workers penalty rates, stolen their overtime pay reject the policies of the opposition, because they knew and their family time, and even, in some cases, stolen that trying to find savings in Victoria’s public their jobs. The Bracks government is particularly hospitals — trying to take money away from Victoria’s worried about the impact of WorkChoices on young public hospitals — would mean cutting services and Victorians. sacking nurses. That is a policy we reject, and it is certainly a policy the Victorian public rejected. What Christmas and the new year are times when thousands our investment has meant, and what our continuing of young Victorians are entering the work force for the investment will mean, is that Victoria’s public health first time. They may obtain a summer job to help them system will continue to be the very best in Australia. fund their studies for the coming year. Many, of course, will be asked to sign Australian workplace agreements Planning: local government (AWAs). In almost all cases these AWAs will seek to cut the wages and conditions that young people may Mr BAILLIEU (Leader of the Opposition) — My have been entitled to under an award or a collective question is to the Premier. Does the Premier stand by agreement. his comments of 23 November on 3AW that under a re-elected Labor government the planning powers of In fact a new analysis of AWAs by Griffith University local councils and councillors would not be reduced Professor David Peetz shows that they have actually and would remain as they are now? reduced award conditions more than was previously understood. The study revealed that of 250 AWAs Mr BRACKS (Premier) — Yes, we have set out all lodged at the Office of the Employment Advocate, all our policies in the election campaign. Those policies of them — every single one of them — excluded some will be adopted by our government over the next four protected award conditions. Sixty-three per cent of years. And of course one of the things we want to do, them excluded penalty rates, 52 per cent excluded shift and we have committed to, is have a new agreement loadings, 51 per cent excluded overtime, 46 per cent with local government which enshrines and upgrades excluded public holiday pay and 40 per cent excluded its powers and reinforces local government as the third rest breaks. tier of government in this state. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

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This is not the type of thing we want to hear at … we don’t go bust, we just under-repair and things start Christmas time. It is Christmas time, Speaker, I remind crumbling, so it’s bad for the next generation. the house. What is the government doing to ensure regional councils in financial difficulty have the capacity to Honourable members interjecting. repair and improve basic infrastructure such as roads, Mr HULLS — It is Christmas time. It is a time for bridges and other public assets? good cheer in abundancy, not fear of unpaid Mr WYNNE (Minister for Local Government) — redundancy! Thank you for the opportunity to answer the question Honourable members interjecting. from the Leader of The Nationals. In the 2006–07 state budget the state government increased funding through Mr HULLS — Kids should be waiting for Santa grants and transfers to local government by over 10 per Claus rather than being hit by Howard’s industrial cent. These grants exclude funds provided to local relations laws. Families should be looking for full government for services under programs such as the Christmas stockings rather than being hit with large home and community care program and the maternal wage dockings! and child health program, and community services generally. There has been a 55 per cent increase in the Honourable members interjecting. maternal and child health budget since 1999–2000.

Mr HULLS — I warn all workers, but especially The important aspect, which the Premier has already the young, to be aware of the WorkChoices Grinch and indicated in relation to local government, is that this not to sign away their rights to penalty rates or public government stands together with local government and holidays if presented with an Australian workplace is very, very supportive of local government as a third agreement. I also urge parents to be vigilant and help tier of government. We enshrined local government in their kids avoid being exploited this Christmas. the constitution as an important third tier.

The Bracks government, as we know — and this was There are a number of councils that over the years have endorsed wholeheartedly by the Victorian public less approached the Office of Local Government to provide than a month ago — has set up a workplace rights support and mentoring to them. In particular, as I advocate. That workplace rights advocate, indeed, indicated to the Leader of The Nationals in a should be the first port of call for workers to obtain conversation yesterday, one of those councils was the advice before signing an AWA. Buloke council. The Office of Local Government has provided ongoing support, mentoring and monitoring of The Bracks government will always stand up for young that particular council — indeed, at the request of that Victorian workers, and the workplace rights advocate council. We will continue to provide support to legislation is just one example of at least 10 pieces of councils as required and upon their request. legislation that we have introduced into this place to protect Victorian workers against WorkChoices — and But the important message that I would leave with local every one of those was opposed by the Leader of the government and with the other side of the house is that Opposition. we are supportive of local government and we are in a partnership with local government, and that is in stark I conclude on this note: Christmas and summer should contrast to the Liberal Party, which treated local be about relaxing on sunny days, not about being forced government as a mendicant level of government and to sign AWAs! which it had a derisory relationship with. We have a Local government: funding strong relationship with local government, and it will continue to grow and prosper under the Bracks Labor Mr RYAN (Leader of The Nationals) — My government. question is to the Minister for Local Government. I refer to a quote from the president of the Municipal Government: financial management Association of Victoria, Dick Gross, in the Herald Sun Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Warren North) — My of 16 December: question is for the Treasurer. I refer the Treasurer to the … 10 per cent of our councils are under financial stress. government’s commitment to governing in a financially responsible manner, and I ask the Treasurer to detail for I further quote: the house the most recent economic data that WATER AMENDMENT (CRITICAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS) BILL

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 95 demonstrates the government is delivering on that 2.75 per cent. The latest employment figures — the commitment. November figures — show that Victoria’s unemployment rate fell to 4.7 per cent. The growth over Mr BRUMBY (Treasurer) — I thank the member the year has been 2.25 per cent, which is an upwards for Narre Warren North for his question. This morning revision reflecting the strong employment and jobs I released the 2006–07 Budget Update for the state. It growth we have had. shows that Victoria is in a strong and healthy position. I want to assure the house first and foremost in relation to In the house yesterday I mentioned the population this document today that the numbers do add up. figures in relation to provincial Victoria. For the state as a whole, population growth over the last year has been Honourable members interjecting. 1.36 per cent, which compares with population growth for Australia of 1.31 per cent. This is an extraordinary The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Kew growth performance by our state, one that I think has and the member for Scoresby! The Treasurer should been brought about by the plan we have had to have the opportunity to respond to the question in some welcome migrants, particularly skilled migrants; to level of quietness. make our state competitive in terms of taxation Dr Napthine interjected. arrangements; and to build a quality of life which is enviable in terms of other Australian states. As a The SPEAKER — Order! The member for consequence of that people have been moving to South-West Coast is warned. Victoria. In fact in 2005–06 our population increased by a massive 68 502 — well over 1000 people per Mr BRUMBY — I am surprised that the opposition week and easily the highest increase in population over is talking about numbers today, because I would not a 12-month period on record in Victoria. have thought its record was too good. There is no $285 million error in this document. The big question Finally, I turn to building approvals. I also mentioned that this house wants to know the answer to is: has the these for regional Victoria yesterday; but regarding the Liberal Party paid the bill to KPMG? state as a whole, Victoria had in the 12 months to October the highest level of building approvals of any Honourable members interjecting. state — $16.6 billion versus Queensland’s $15.5 billion and New South Wales’s $15.3 billion. Mr BRUMBY — Have you paid the bill? We continue to govern the state responsibly. We have The SPEAKER — Order! Conversations between delivered budget surpluses in every year we have been two individual members of Parliament across the in office, and we will deliver budget surpluses going table — I think I spoke about this yesterday — will not forward. We have a strong AAA credit rating. This be tolerated. budget update confirms the strong fiscal position of the state. We have the policies in place to get us through Mr BRUMBY — What the house wants to know is the challenges we face — the interest rates, the whether the Liberal Party paid the bill once or whether bushfires and the drought. We will get through them, it paid it twice! and we will get through them with a strong fiscal The budget update shows a revised surplus of position. $374 million for 2006–07 and an average surplus of $352 million a year over the forward estimates period. WATER AMENDMENT (CRITICAL The only difference between the document I have released today and the pre-election update is that since WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS) the election we have announced implementation of the BILL tax cuts. They take effect from 1 January, so those Second reading costings are built into the update today. Mr THWAITES (Minister for Water, Environment There are challenges that do face the state of Victoria and Climate Change) — I move: and indeed the whole of the Australian economy. We have been hit by a number of interest rate rises, we have That this bill be now read a second time. a high Australian dollar and we have the worst drought in more than 100 years. Despite those, the performance The purpose of this bill is to facilitate the fast-tracking of the Victorian economy remains robust and strong, of critical water infrastructure projects. and we are predicting growth in the 2006–07 year of MURRAY-DARLING BASIN AMENDMENT BILL

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Record low rainfall and inflows to Victoria’s reservoirs scheme to be amended to apply the public acquisition over the past decade are threatening the security of the overlay to that land. The bill will also ensure that water state’s water supply. To improve this situation, a authorities have all the functions and powers necessary number of water infrastructure projects are in the to deliver critical infrastructure projects. implementation phase with major augmentation options for Melbourne and Geelong in the medium to long term Water authorities will still need to obtain the usual also being developed. One of these projects is the approvals concerning environment protection, native goldfields super-pipe, which will connect Ballarat and flora and fauna conservation, Aboriginal cultural Bendigo to the Goulburn system. This project was heritage, forests, and national parks. Although no announced as part of the government’s sustainable exemptions from approvals have been provided in this water strategy for the central region. This bill, the declaration of a declared water infrastructure comprehensive plan sets out the actions that will be project by the Premier will send a clear message that taken to secure water supplies for homes, farms, the consideration of any approval applications are to be businesses, industry and the environment in the central given priority. region of Victoria for the next 50 years. Of course, as the sustainable water strategy makes clear, new The government will undertake a review of current infrastructure projects are one of many initiatives that planning and environmental approval processes with are required. the aim of expediting critical water infrastructure projects and the results of this review may require The failure of winter and spring rains this year has further legislative change. significantly worsened the water situation with many country towns on severe water restrictions. If this trend Summary of low rainfall and inflows continues through autumn This bill delivers on the government’s pre-election and winter of next year, Victoria will be faced with commitment to legislate to fast-track important water extreme conditions and challenges with many storages infrastructure projects. This represents an important running out of water. If this eventuates, it will be step in improving the security of Victoria’s water extremely important that there is certainty in critical supplies. water infrastructure projects being delivered in a timely manner. For this reason, the government made a To enable the impacts of this bill to be felt as soon as pre-election commitment to legislate to fast-track possible, it will commence on the day after royal assent. approval of critical water infrastructure projects. I commend this bill to the house. This bill will give the Premier the power to declare projects to be critical water infrastructure projects. The Debate adjourned on motion of Ms ASHER Premier will only be able to declare a project on the (Brighton). recommendation of the minister for water, after the minister has consulted the Treasurer and the Minister Debate adjourned until Wednesday, 3 January for Planning. The Premier will have broad discretion to 2007. determine which infrastructure projects are to be declared. This will give the Premier flexibility to declare infrastructure projects other than those that will MURRAY-DARLING BASIN AMENDMENT simply improve the security of water supply. This could BILL include environmental projects. Second reading A declaration will have two important consequences. Mr THWAITES (Minister for Water, Environment First, the Minister for Planning, rather than the local and Climate Change) — I move: council, will make planning decisions in relation to a project area. This will mean that decisions relating to a That this bill be now read a second time. project located within more than one municipal district will be made by one decision-maker in an integrated The purpose of this bill is to approve and ratify an way. amendment amending agreement to the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement 1992. Secondly, a water authority responsible for a critical water infrastructure project will be able to commence As some members would be aware, the Murray-Darling the formal process of acquiring land compulsorily Basin Agreement is an agreement between the without having to arrange for the relevant planning commonwealth, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, MURRAY-DARLING BASIN AMENDMENT BILL

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Queensland and the ACT, that articulates how The amending agreement will amend the governments will work together to manage the shared Murray-Darling Basin Agreement to: water, land and environmental resources of the Murray–Darling Basin. In doing so, it creates both a enable improved business practices for River Murray ministerial council and a commission. Water, which is the commission’s water business;

The Murray-Darling Basin Agreement, and its clarify Queensland’s liability in relation to activities predecessor, the River Murray Waters Agreement, has in which it has no part; and been in operation since 1914 and, over the years, has been refined to reflect our better understanding of best include supplementary details and correct a minor practice water management. typographical error in schedule C of the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement — the basin A major improvement in water management occurred salinity management schedule. in 1994 when the original COAG water reform principles were adopted by governments. Since that The first of these matters relates to the response of the time, it has become apparent that the Murray-Darling Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council to the Basin Agreement should be amended to better reflect COAG water reform principles adopted in February these principles. 1994.

Negotiations between governments on the form of these Specifically this involves enabling powers: amendments have extended over several years; to establish and manage a long-term renewals however, final endorsement by the Murray-Darling annuity fund to provide for capital renewals and Basin Ministerial Council was received earlier this year. major cyclic maintenance. The intention of this The details of the agreed amendments are articulated in amendment is to reduce the fluctuations in annual the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement Amending contributions and allow greater certainty for Agreement 2006. contracting governments in their financial planning;

In order for the amending agreement to take effect, for the commission, with council’s approval, to approval by each jurisdiction’s Parliament is required. undertake borrowings for the major renewals and Members may recall that legislation to this effect was cyclic maintenance previously mentioned; previously introduced into the Legislative Assembly on 9 August 2006. for the council to reassign the management of critical infrastructure between the relevant state However, at the commencement of debate on the bill, a governments; and minor error was discovered in clause 20 of the amending agreement relating to changes in auditing for the council to increase, from time to time, the arrangements, which had the effect of duplicating financial thresholds above which specific council clause 78(3) in the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement. and commission expenditure approvals must be Due to the potential for confusion arising from this obtained. duplication, it was determined that the bill should not proceed in its present form. The second matter aims to put beyond doubt the extent of Queensland’s liability. A revised amending agreement correcting this error was approved by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Currently, the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement does Council on 29 September 2006. Due to the minor not specifically ensure that Queensland cannot be held nature of this change, first minister re-approval of the liable in damages for matters in which it takes no part. revised amending agreement has been effected through an exchange of letters between the chair of council, the For example, Queensland plays no part in the Prime Minister and relevant state-territory first management of the natural resources of the Murray and ministers. Lower Darling systems. Queensland should therefore not incur any liability in these matters. As a consequence, the commonwealth government on 7 December 2006 introduced legislation giving effect to Whilst the ministerial council has recognised this the revised amending agreement. It is now appropriate principle, the agreed view is that an indemnity should that legislation containing the corrected amending be enshrined in the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement. agreement be once again put before the Victorian Parliament for approval. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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The third matter is to add to schedule C of the have created in our environment. This affects not only Murray-Darling Basin Agreement, which is the basin Victorians and Australians but the current and future salinity management schedule, a detailed description of population of this planet. The findings of the recent the authorised joint works and measures approved and Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change put implemented by the council. Opportunity is also taken the unpalatable prospect that ours may be the first to adopt a typographical correction. generation to leave a worse environment for our children than we ourselves have enjoyed, which of I commend the bill to the house. course brings less opportunities for the next generation.

Debate adjourned on motion of Ms ASHER In one Aboriginal language the words ‘narre warren’ (Brighton). have the following meanings: ‘narre narre’ means she-oak tree, and ‘warren’ or ‘woran’ means ocean or Debate adjourned until Wednesday, 3 January water. One translation given for ‘narre warren’ is ‘creek 2007. water by she-oaks is no good’. In Narre Warren, like everywhere in Australia, we face the challenges of GOVERNOR’S SPEECH providing good water and of securing our water supply for the future. Address-in-reply At a local level in Narre Warren South we are tackling Debate resumed from earlier this day; motion of the water issue in several innovative ways. I see houses Mr PALLAS (Minister for Roads and Ports) for being built featuring a 5-star energy rating; new gardens adoption of address-in-reply. blooming because they are being watered using recycled water from the newly installed water tanks; The SPEAKER — Order! Before calling the and children and parents together building an expansive member for Narre Warren South, I remind members wetland — featuring she-oaks — at the Berwick Fields that this is an inaugural speech. Primary School. They are wonderful, practical examples for securing our future. Ms GRALEY (Narre Warren South) — I rise to deliver my address-in-reply to the Governor’s address I have always believed in the vital role that government after my election to the seat of Narre Warren South on can play in not only leading the community but 25 November. I commence by congratulating the convincing members of the community to do their part Speaker on her elevation to that important role. In in making their homes and their neighbourhoods even standing I acknowledge the traditional owners of the better places. I truly believe, as Paul Kelly sings, that land on which we stand here today — the Kulin ‘from little things big things grow’. nation — and pay my respects to their elders, past and present. I applauded at the time the Bracks government’s initiative of establishing Australia’s first Minister for I offer my congratulations to the Premier for the Water, and I look forward to further initiatives from the exceptional fashion in which he led the Australian now Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Labor Party to victory in Victoria. Change. When I was mayor of the Mornington Peninsula we led the way in establishing a sustainability I will take this opportunity to thank my campaign team, framework. If you have visited the Mornington especially Lisa Carey and Efstratios Staikos who Peninsula in recent years you will have seen signs managed everyone involved in an expert manner and welcoming you to the Sustainable Peninsula. They with outstanding results. I think everyone felt it was a symbolise that economic, social and environmental job well done. issues are the basis of all decision making to ensure that a fair and good quality of life can be enjoyed by I also take this opportunity to thank Tim Holding for his everyone now and in the future. generous support. The values of sustainability, equity and solidarity are I thank the people of Narre Warren South for core Labor values. They are values that I hold true and continuing to support a Labor candidate, and I wish the act upon. They are also the basis on which we can retiring member, Dale Wilson, and his family all the successfully build a sustainable Victoria. There is a lot very best for the future. to be done in making a better future. A laudable start has been made, and I hope that as both a One of the greatest challenges we face today is our capacity as human beings to deal with the problems we GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 99 parliamentarian and community member I can continue My father, a soldier in World War II, was a panel beater to make a significant contribution. by trade, and I recall one day at the family home in Tottenham — after a Bulldogs win — his telling me Narre Warren South is the capital of working families very loudly, ‘You won’t be leaving school, because in Victoria. It is an electorate that is only four years old, you’ve got some brains and you’re to bloody use with over 30 000 households, and it is the fastest them!’. growing area in Victoria — we had an extra 10 300 voters this election. We have more children Jean and Roderick Couacaud, my parents, have sadly aged under five than anywhere else in Australia, and passed away, but I remember fondly that they always the streets are full of parents pushing prams, which fills placed their family first. Part of the reason I am a proud me with great hope for the future. member of the Australian Labor Party is their respect for families and their support of services for families. Fanny Brownbill, the first female Victorian Labor MP, was not allowed to deliver many speeches in the The Premier launched Labor’s campaign in his home Parliament, but the words she did speak in this place town of Ballarat — where it all began seven years ago were important ones. In arguing for the right of women at the launch in 1999 and which resulted in Labor’s to alight trains with perambulators in 1938, Fanny said: return to government. He spoke about the need then for:

Let us not forget that the children of today will be the citizens … hope for this place and others like it all across our state. of tomorrow and, shall I say, the powerhouse of the future. Hope for our streets and suburbs and towns. And hard work, because that is what good government is about — delivering These words have truth to them still. Narre Warren decent services and building a better future. South is growing and its citizens are growing. Next year will be the first year in which the Narre Warren Ballarat is home to a proud Victorian tradition of South P–12 College will have year 12 students — the standing up for workers’ rights, being the place where class of 2007. The electorate is growing up fast. the Eureka Stockade occurred. That event helped to shape Victorian identity. In fact being in this room I am especially hopeful that the many young people that evokes powerful feelings of that time. It is almost live in Narre Warren South will take a leading role in overwhelming to be standing here in this beautiful and caring for their fellow community members and their significant chamber that reflects the prosperity of the environment as well as securing their own personal gold rush in Victoria and the dreams of the colony’s success. I will be there to support them in any way I leaders for their very own local democracy. can. A highlight of the long election day was to see people When I speak with local people from a diverse range of from Sudan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Cambodia and backgrounds about what helped them to make a other places — some for the first time — voting decision to move to the area, they tell me they wanted a without fear or favour. In this, the 150th anniversary new house in a nice area and better opportunities for year of the Victorian Parliament, we should be more their family. Like so many generations of Australians proud that the secret ballot — the Victorian ballot — the people of Narre Warren South want to create a new has been our significant contribution to democracies home and better lives for their children. everywhere.

As Narre Warren South is a new and changing place it The charter presented by the Ballarat Reform League was important to begin all my campaign talks in the during the Eureka insurrection asserted that ‘the people local area by giving my potential constituents some are the only legitimate source of all political power’ and understanding of my own story and my own family. therefore the interests of the people need always to Like many other Australian families, my origins lie come first. We expect fairness, freedoms and respect beyond our prosperous shores. Ignace Eduouard from those who govern us, and these form a vital part Couacaud migrated to this country in search of what so of our Victorian constitution. The Australian Labor many others have sought in Australia: opportunity — Party’s heritage is sourced, in part, from the Eureka Australia Felix — and happiness. Ignace picked up tradition, and we will fight state and nationwide for the what little he had in Mauritius and set out for the rights of the people to be respected and the voices of the Victorian goldfields hoping to find prosperity, freedom people to be heard. The Premier and this Victorian and a better life for future generations than the one he government’s fight against the new industrial relations had lived. Each subsequent generation has tried to do law is important and encouraging for all of us living in that little bit better for their children. this state. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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As I mentioned, my father insisted that I get an On the hustings many people asked me about my education for myself. Without the proper resources, beliefs and my commitment to God. It is topical in however, it is impossible to pursue this. I thank the many suburbs. I believe we are responsible for each Whitlam government for providing me with my other as well as ourselves, or, as my never-christened educational opportunities. I am proud to be part of a mother, who never feared death, would remind me: government that is dedicated to providing a quality treat others as you want to be treated, and just be education for all Victorians. The commitment to rebuild yourself. I have been disturbed to see in our or modernise every single public school in Victoria cosmopolitan Victoria the preaching of views of shows that this government values education. With exclusion and fear. We are all fallible and flawed education as our no. 1 priority the Bracks government individuals. It is up to all of us to find and use our own has begun work on the new Berwick Technical particular moral compass, to determine our values and Education Centre, and thousands of children are now to make our own choices. As an MP I will be following learning in the electorate’s six new schools built by this my faith in justice, equality and compassion and will be government. This is a tremendous effort and a proud representing all families. record that we will continue. Already the Bracks government has pledged to build a new school, the I finish by thanking my two great educators, Professor Casey Central Secondary College, in my electorate, and Robert Manne and the late Dr Graham Little. I thank this is something that will help the hardworking Professor Manne for showing me how to use my brain families in Narre Warren South. This is a meaningful and not to be fooled by extremism of any sort or by promise that demonstrates Labor’s commitment to simple solutions to complex political matters. His role families. as a public intellectual is of benefit to us all in Victoria. I thank Dr Graham Little for teaching me how emotions As my own children went off to school, I re-engaged sharpen and deepen our thinking and how they can be with politics in the 1990s and became actively involved used to great effect in public life. with my local community. At that time good people were missing out on opportunities and feared what I am so fortunate for all the opportunities I have been might happen to their families in the future. Market given, and I pledge to represent all the constituents of fundamentalism was on the ascendancy. I learnt very Narre Warren South to the best of my ability with both early in my political life about the power of ideas, good my heart and my head. I am especially committed to and bad, and that joining with others to take action was using my experience to benefit other women in Narre more potent than tackling anything by oneself, although Warren South. ‘Choice’ is a bit of a buzz word, but it is the value of leadership should never be undervalued. one which can have much substance to it. It is The establishment of the Southern Women’s Action important to assist women to have more choices so they Network, or SWAN as it is affectionately known, may, as Hannah Arendt has identified, complement began with meetings around my kitchen table — our family life and paid work with the vita activa, the public first guest speaker was Joan Kirner — and it furthered life. This point of women balancing family life, paid my political education by connecting me with some work and a public life seems to be a fine one to wonderful women full of ideas, such as Val McKenna, conclude on. In doing so, I thank my family — Maureen McPhate, Amy Duncan, Jennifer Halley, Fran Stephen, Vanessa, Rebecca and Lucas — for providing Rule, Suzan Blackburn Mitchell, Debbie Roberts and me with the support and love to pursue a rich and Janice Gray. Some are Labor members, others are balanced life. women always working hard on a worthwhile, often unfashionable, cause, and some are practising Mr WAKELING (Ferntree Gully) — In this Christians. They have in common their capacity to address-in-reply debate I should like firstly to work hard in the quest for social justice. They have all congratulate you, Deputy Speaker, on your election to changed my life for the better and supported me on my the high office you occupy, and secondly, to road to this place. congratulate the other newly elected members of this house. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out It is a privilege to be elected as the first Liberal member only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. for Ferntree Gully. The electorate of Ferntree Gully lies to the west of the picturesque Dandenong foothills. These words are important to bear in mind when Located within the municipality of Knox, the electorate entering into this, the 56th Victorian Parliament. They comprises the established suburbs of Ferntree Gully and are, incidentally, taken from the pages of the Holy Boronia to the north. To the south lie the suburbs of Bible, in a letter from Paul to the Philippians. Rowville and Lysterfield, which over recent years have GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 101 experienced significant growth as many young families officer with the 23rd Battalion, which included service have established their new residences within these two in Gallipoli. He also served as a councillor with the suburbs. I am a passionate advocate for the needs and Shire of Ferntree Gully for five years. In recognition of aspirations of residents in the Ferntree Gully electorate. his service to the Ferntree Gully community the City of It was this passion that inspired me to serve this Knox was named in his honour. community as a councillor with the City of Knox and now as a member of this house. The Honourable William Borthwick represented the region with distinction, serving as the member for I firmly believe that the Ferntree Gully electorate Scoresby between 1960 and 1967 before serving as the deserves a greater range of services and infrastructure. member for Monbulk until 1982. During his tenure in This community has demanded improvements to public Parliament he served at various times as a minister of transport, road infrastructure, law and order, education water supply, lands, soldier settlement, conservation, and health services. Over the next four years I commit health and also as Deputy Premier between June 1981 myself to being a strong advocate for my constituency. and April 1982. It is clear that the Ferntree Gully electorate requires significant improvements to public transport. The The Honourable Geoffrey Hayes represented the region Rowville community is demanding a long-term as member for Scoresby between 1967 and 1976. He solution to solve its transport needs. As a Rowville also served the Parliament with distinction as a minister resident I understand the frustrations of my for planning and housing. Mr Hurtle Lupton, who constituency and will continue to advocate for the would be known to many in this house, served as the completion of the Rowville rail feasibility study. member for Knox between 1992 and 2002. Hurtle was Furthermore, to overcome concerns about community committed to the Knox community, having served as a safety I will continue the fight to upgrade Ferntree councillor with the City of Knox for 20 years, including Gully railway station to premium status. three terms as mayor.

Law and order is a major concern to my community. I am proud of the contributions my ancestors have The Rowville police station is currently operational for made to life in Australia. My maternal ancestors only 16 hours a day. This situation is untenable and I emigrated from England and Ireland in the will continue lobbying for this station to be operational 19th century. James Tomkins and his wife Maria for 24 hours a day. The road network throughout my produced 10 children in their native Dublin. Like many electorate requires significant upgrade. Many residents victims of the potato famine the family travelled to complain that there appears to be no clear planning to Australia on the Midlothian in 1853 in search of a better overcome congestion on our local roads. I commit to life. Upon arriving in Victoria with his family James fight for the duplication of Napoleon Road. Once obtained employment as a member of the Victorian completed, this will allow for the construction of the public service, serving as a messenger and housekeeper long-awaited Dorset Road extension. in the office of the Master in Equity. Another maternal ancestor, Thomas Hoskin, and his future wife, Health and education services in the region also require Tryphena, emigrated from Cornwall to Melbourne in significant upgrades. I will continue to lobby for the 1850s in search of a new life. After marrying in important upgrades to the Knox Community Health Melbourne the couple travelled to the country, where Service and also continue to push for the upgrade and they helped pioneer the community of Violet Town in redevelopment of our local school infrastructure. It is Victoria’s north-east. not acceptable for my constituents to be educated in substandard facilities. My maternal grandfather, Norman Tomkins, worked as a chauffeur for Sir Henry Wrixon at his property named The Ferntree Gully community has been well served Raheen in Kew. Sir Henry served as President in the over many years by a number of highly regarded Legislative Council. With the outbreak of war Norman Liberal members of Parliament. Sir George Knox immediately enlisted for service. Serving with the served the region with distinction for 33 years. In 6th Battalion, my grandfather was a proud Anzac, April 1927 Sir George was elected to the Legislative having landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. Upon Assembly as the member for Upper Yarra. In returning to Australia after sustaining an injury at the November 1945 he was elected as the member for front, Norman and his new wife, Elsie, raised four Scoresby, a position he held until his death in 1960. children during the height of the Depression. I am During his period in Parliament Sir George served as proud of their contribution and the manner in which the Speaker of the house between 1942 and 1947. Prior to couple raised my mother, Jacqueline. his tenure in Parliament he served as a commanding GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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My paternal ancestors emigrated from England. John years. I also look back with fondness on my time in Layburn emigrated to Australia in the 19th century and student politics. As the new member for Malvern would took up residence in the rural New South Wales recall, in the early 1990s spirited debate was led by township of Carcoar. His son, John Joseph Layburn, Liberal students throughout university campuses later served his country on two occasions as a member regarding the need for voluntary student unionism, a of the Bushmen’s Regiment during the Boer War in dream finally realised with the recent passage of South Africa. legislation through the Senate.

Another paternal ancestor, George Alfred Wakeling, I bring to this house a range of business experiences in and his wife, Jane, moved to Manly, New South Wales, both the private and the public sectors that have enabled with their three children. George established a small me to understand the impact of government regulation business in Sydney. His son Reginald was passionate on Australian industry. Working in the industrial about political discussion and instilled in my father, relations department of the Victorian Automobile Bill, and his three brothers the significance of political Chamber of Commerce allowed me to understand the philosophy and debate. significance of the small business sector to the Victorian economy. I am proud to serve in this house as a member of the Liberal Party. The late Sir Robert Menzies, founder of Small business is the engine room of the Victorian this great party, developed the Liberal Party on a economy, and it is vital that the Victorian government philosophy of smaller government and encouraging the develop the best mix of policies to encourage these right of the individual to grow and prosper. One only businesses to prosper. Furthermore, my more recent needs to look at the proposal by the then Chifley Labor role in a senior industrial relations position with the government to nationalise the banking system. Adecco Group has provided me with a unique Menzies, as Leader of the Opposition, declared in the opportunity to understand the employment needs of House of Representatives that such a move was: many Australian businesses. Working for one of Australia’s largest employers that on-hires over … a tremendous step towards the servile state, because it will 10 000 employees to thousands of businesses set aside normal liberty of choice, and that is what competition means, and will forward the idea of the special throughout Australia has enabled me to develop a range supremacy of government. That is the antithesis of of employment models with a large number of democracy. Democracy rests upon the view that the people businesses throughout this nation. are the rulers as well as the ruled; that the government has no authority and no privilege beyond that granted by the people Developing employment models on a national level has themselves; that while sovereignty attaches to the acts of Parliament, that sovereignty is derived from the people and also demonstrated the disparity in legislation amongst has no other source. the states in a range of portfolios. These experiences highlighted the need for greater harmonisation of It was this philosophy of free enterprise, small government regulation throughout the commonwealth. government and hard work that encouraged my father The former Kennett government should be commended to join the Liberal Party at an early age and later serve for achieving harmonisation at a national level with as a ministerial adviser in the former Hamer respect to industrial relations. I believe it is incumbent government. on future governments to explore greater opportunity for harmonisation amongst the various legislators. During my formative years I was taught about the Liberal philosophy around the family dinner table, a I have been provided with a wonderful opportunity to philosophy which supports the concept that wealth is represent the needs and aspirations of my electorate. I created in the private sector and the health of the private remain steadfast in my desire to see the delivery of sector determines the ultimate health of the economy. better services and infrastructure for the Knox My philosophy was further developed through my community. I also commit myself to working for a experiences in both my education and employment. better Victoria, a state in which business is encouraged to grow and prosper to allow all Victorians the My education at Haileybury College, my political opportunity to achieve a better quality of life through studies at La Trobe University and my postgraduate the benefits of full-time employment. studies in industrial relations at both RMIT and Monash universities provided me with the opportunity to I would like to take this opportunity to thank my explore and debate a range of political philosophies. I wonderful campaign team and supporters for their hard can recall many passionate philosophical debates with work. I am indebted to the commitment of Liberal Party lecturers and fellow students during these formative members in both the Rowville and Ferntree Gully GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 103 branches, who committed many months to my represent. There is a real sense of community and a campaign. I would also like to pay credit to my willingness to work together in the Bundoora fantastic campaign committee, in particular Glynis electorate. People care about what happens in the local Allan, Dawn Keast and former member Hurtle Lupton. neighbourhood: they look out for each other and are I will always be sincerely grateful to my campaign always ready to lend a hand. I have often wondered chairman, Graeme McEwin, who is here today, for his why that sense of community is so strong in my local commitment, drive and passion. Graeme is unswerving community and whether it is related to the fact that in his commitment to the Liberal Party in the Knox many older residents moved to the areas around region. Graeme put his faith in me many years ago, and Bundoora when they were only outlying townships I am sincerely indebted to him. around metropolitan Melbourne. Those small communities banded together to build their futures. I would like to thank my state colleague Kim Wells, the That original community spirit has endured, and it has member for Scoresby, plus my federal colleagues the been ingrained in younger generations and in others Honourable Chris Pearce, the federal member for who have moved into the area. Aston, and Jason Wood, the federal member for La Trobe, for their support and counsel. The efforts of Ask me some time and I will talk to you proudly about these members demonstrate the resolve of Liberal a local church, All Saints in Greensborough, that runs parliamentarians to assist their colleagues wherever an innovative community legal service to help people in possible. need; or the Diamond Valley Little Athletics Centre, one of the largest in Australia, where families gather on I will always be proud of my parents, Bill and Saturdays to compete in their own friendly games; the Jacqueline. I will always be very grateful to my mother, friends groups that care for Bundoora Park and the who put aside many issues to make sure that my Plenty River; and the Watsonia RSL, which provides education was the no. 1 priority in her life whilst trying scholarships to locals kids starting high school. Then to cope on a single fixed income with the 17 per cent there are the volunteers at Banyule who link eager interest rates in the 1980s. I would like to pay credit to volunteers to grateful organisations, and the people at my brother, Tim, and my wonderful parents-in-law, the Diamond Valley Foodshare who provide food for Colin and Judy Golding, for being so giving of their those who are caught short. Then there is the Kingsbury time to my campaign. Society, whose members are seeking to memorialise the great Bruce Kingsbury, VC, within the suburb that I would like to thank my wonderful wife, Levili, and bears his name. These are just some of the fantastic my two children, Thomas and Emily, who are not here groups of people in the Bundoora electorate. I have no today, for being such a fantastic family. Members in shortage of reminders of why I am fortunate to this house would know only too well the impact that an represent the people of Bundoora. election campaign has on our immediate families, particularly those who fight an 18-month campaign. In representing Bundoora I follow in the footsteps of a great woman — the previous member, Sherryl Garbutt. I would also like to thank my work colleagues at Sherryl stepped up to represent the electorate of Adecco who are here today for their support and Greensborough in a by-election in 1989 after the death friendship, and the many companies within the of Pauline Toner. Then, following a redistribution, she recruitment industry for their support. was elected to represent Bundoora in 1992 and Finally, I would like to acknowledge the contribution continued as the member for that electorate until made to the electorate by the former member for retiring at last month’s election. Sherryl stepped out of Ferntree Gully, Ms Anne Eckstein. I wish her and her public life, having served in the Bracks Labor ministry family well in the future and on behalf of the in the portfolios of environment, women’s affairs, constituents of Ferntree Gully thank her for the work community services and as the state’s first Minister for she did during her term in office. Children. She has left a legacy of many great achievements, including the establishment of marine Mr BROOKS (Bundoora) — It is indeed a privilege national parks. She served the people of Greensborough to rise to speak for the first time in this chamber. I take and Bundoora well, with many local achievements this opportunity to congratulate you, Deputy Speaker, including better schools, transport and other facilities. on your election to that position. I fondly remember working with Sherryl to secure It is a great honour to have been elected by the people funding to upgrade the popular Watsonia library and to of my own community to represent them in this provide a new netball stadium at Macleod. I also Parliament. My electorate is truly a great one to remember her leadership, along with others, in the fight GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

104 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 to save the Austin hospital from being sold off by the a very profound effect on me and my beliefs, in previous government. It is great to travel through particular my strengthened belief in the role of Heidelberg these days and see the new Austin and governments to provide high-quality health care for Mercy hospitals, thanks to the Bracks government. That everybody and responsive services to people who need modern health facility that stands on Heidelberg Hill them, and my belief in the role of governments to just eight or so years after the previous government was support carers who often do not seek recognition or trying to sell the old hospital is not only a great health reward but deserve some respite from the routine and facility for Melbourne’s north-east, it is also a concrete pressures they are under. example of the difference between the major political parties in this state. Having served for eight years as an elected councillor in local government, I have developed a strong interest Sherryl Garbutt should be proud of her many in the planning of our cities and towns. I congratulate achievements, and I wish her well for the future. I am the Premier on his appointment of the new Minister for sure that I will be calling her from time to time to seek Planning in the other place. I am sure he will do a great her friendly and supportive advice. job in that role, just as his predecessor, the Attorney-General, did. I have also worked with other members and ministers over the years and have learnt much from them. They Governments at all levels must play a role in guiding are people like the member for Ivanhoe, the member for the development of our cities to ensure the best possible Kororoit, the member for Yan Yean and the new outcome for the community, whilst ensuring that Minister for Education in the other place, all of whom I growth is not stifled. Clearly defined planning strategies thank for their encouragement and support. I would also and efficient planning systems encourage the right sort like to thank the new member for Northcote for her of growth in our cities. We have seen that occurring loyal support. here in Victoria. Melbourne, and in particular my electorate of Bundoora, is a great place to live and raise My election campaign in Bundoora was typical of a family. Family-sized homes are affordable, and there Labor Party local election campaigns — that is, it was is room for children to grow up. Bundoora electorate made possible by literally hundreds of volunteers who boasts great schools, La Trobe University, excellent all did their bit. Whether they were members of the sporting and recreational facilities, and it is serviced by Labor Party or friends and supporters of mine, I am an extensive transport network. You could not create a extremely grateful and humbled by their efforts. It better place to bring up a family if you tried. would be impossible to name them all in this speech, but a few deserve special mention. It makes sense to utilise this community infrastructure by promoting these sorts of areas as family-friendly My campaign director, Stephen Paul, was ably assisted areas and to protect family-sized homes from by Helen Coleman, Anne Paul, Sue Dyet, Rosie Bray, high-density development. Just as sensible is the Frank Beard, Ernie Gallie, Michael Paul, Terrie Earl, planning for an older generation and the shrinking Ermioni Aivazidou, Andrew Lanigan, Brian and Ellen average household size. Meeting these housing Smiddy, and Sandra and Tony Murphy. My wife, demands will be one of the key planning challenges in Melinda, and family members who are here today, middle-ring suburbs and in electorates like Bundoora. along with my daughter, Ally, and son, Thomas, are a In particular I hope to be able to contribute to further great support to me and have already endured much of thoughtful and well-considered planning policy in the the strain of political life. My mother, Kay, and brother, life of this Parliament. Robert, travelled from Sydney to attend yesterday’s opening of Parliament. My father, Bill Brooks, could Serving in Parliament is about making society a better not be here, but along with my mother is truly an place, changing things that are wrong and ensuring that inspiration to me and others who know him. He is a we do things in a fairer way for everyone. It is about humble man of courage and determination, and I know rising to the challenges that confront us and most he would have loved to have been able to travel to importantly ensuring that the load is evenly spread. It is Melbourne if he could. Then again, he cannot stand about ensuring that we make the right decisions for our politicians, so it would have been an interesting children and the generations that follow them. experience for us all. It is important for me to state in this, my first Whilst my father’s disability will never define who he contribution to the house, the unwavering faith I have in is, and my mother’s care for him will similarly not the Australian Labor Party to serve the interests of define her, it is very true that their experiences have had working people. I joined the Labor Party after working GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 105 as a tradesman on building sites, becoming involved in working with my community to achieve my goal of the union movement at job level — at that stage with making the Warrandyte electorate a better place in the Electrical Trades Union. I have witnessed the which to live. disregard that conservative governments have shown for workers conditions and their safety. My political The Warrandyte electorate is a special place in beliefs have been galvanised by the values of my metropolitan Melbourne. Its mixture of semirural and family. With respect, other parties will never deliver the urban settlements sees it comprising suburbs with their things I have spoken about for Victorians. It is only own distinctive identities, intrinsically with specific Labor that has done so in the past, and only Labor will needs of government. do so in the future. For all the words that are spoken, it is what governments do that counts. The first sale of land in Ringwood occurred in 1854 and saw many flocking to the area to join the timber, I am immensely proud to become part of a government quarrying and orchard industries that were flourishing that has rebuilt so much of our community’s vital social at the time. The electrification of the railway in the infrastructure, a government that has a plan for a 1920s and the building of Eastland shopping centre in sustainable future and a government that does business 1967 were both landmark events that fuelled the in a financially responsible manner, ensuring that our creation of the major activity centre we know today. state’s economy remains strong. My role in this place and my journey are just beginning. I am sure that most The Warrandyte township, once known as Anderson’s if not all members feel the same way as I do when they Creek, has its own claim to fame. It was arguably here are first elected — that is, they are full of enthusiasm that gold was first discovered in Victoria in 1851, and ideas. I look forward to sharing those ideas and kicking off the gold rush and helping to establish a putting that enthusiasm to good use. I look forward to large part of Victoria’s rich history. The township now honouring the trust that has been placed in me. boasts beautiful parkland and an unspoilt atmosphere, with local residents taking a keen interest and Mr R. SMITH (Warrandyte) — I begin by involvement in preserving that nature. congratulating you, Deputy Speaker, and the Speaker on your appointments. I very much look forward to Park Orchards, originally known as The Park, was once enjoying your displays of fairness and impartiality. My the site of a 560-acre orchard established in the early congratulations extend to all elected members. Your 1900s, with subdivision of the land for residential use presence in the house today clearly indicates that you beginning in the late 1920s. The creation of the share with me a deep desire to improve the lives of our Hundred Acres reserve in Park Orchards is a fine fellow Victorians. In particular I congratulate newly example of the government responding to the elected members. The six months since my preselection community’s wishes. Community action led to the local have given me a newfound respect for the dedication council purchasing the land with state and federal required to achieve this office. funding for recreation and appreciation of the natural habitat. Nowadays within the boundaries of the The people of Warrandyte have done me a great honour Warrandyte electorate we can enjoy the beauty of the in electing me to represent them in this Parliament. I am Yarra River and state forests, a thriving entertainment humbled by the trust they have placed in me, and I and shopping district, and a growing suburban thank them for their overwhelming support. I have community. learnt that one of the most important qualities we must possess as our communities’ representatives is the By virtue of the unique position in which the ability to listen. My predecessor, Phil Honeywood, who Warrandyte electorate finds itself, it is a wonderful was respected by both sides of this place, enjoyed great place to live. There are, however, many areas in need of support in the electorate over many years because of his immediate and ongoing attention. Most of the state firm connections with the community and his ability to schools in the electorate are in desperate need of funds positively tap into the issues as they arose. To the best for pressing maintenance issues. The police in the area of my ability I aim to emulate this behaviour by are under-resourced or are too often engaged in actively listening and providing the representation my non-core policing tasks. The local railway station is in electorate deserves. Our electorates will judge us all on dire need of renovation. The bus services are our ability to listen — to truly listen — understand and insufficient, and there are many roads that are unsafe or respond to the concerns and needs of our communities. cannot cope with the current traffic volume. Our iconic In order for me to have the opportunity to listen, I Yarra River is at its most polluted through Warrandyte, intend to make myself both approachable by and and the current plan to address this is progressing at an accessible to my constituents. I look forward to alarmingly slow pace. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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Throughout my campaign, each time I had the privilege I believe in the family unit as the basic building block to talk with a school principal, a police officer, a local for a productive society. We must support families commuter or simply a family in a shopping centre these where support is needed and help to relieve any burden messages were the same. My constituents’ issues and and hardship they face. I believe in supporting those the gravity of their concerns must no longer be ignored. communities that proudly represent our heritage and in I do not raise these issues to attack the government, I protecting our environment for future generations. It raise them to put the government on notice to indeed was a Liberal government that introduced the concept govern for all and to urgently address the needs of the of green wedges, and I will continue to argue for their Warrandyte community. necessity and importance.

It is vitally important that we start to lead Victoria I am proud to be a Liberal. Our party platform forward. There are many challenges ahead, not least in encapsulates my beliefs, and I am committed to the areas of water conservation, health and relieving the supporting those beliefs, both in my electorate and in tax burden on families. Sounder management of the this Parliament. resources at this government’s disposal can and must meet these challenges to provide a bright and ever My professional life prior to this has prepared me well prosperous future for Victoria. by providing me with many of the skills that will be needed in the coming years. I worked for almost All governments must show evidence of real 20 years in the foreign exchange and money markets. leadership. They do this by exhibiting decisiveness and This took the form of a variety of roles with several of establishing vision. It is easy to bask in the glory of Melbourne’s premier banks and corporations. The popular decisions gone well; it is similarly easy to lay ability to source sound information through the building blame at the feet of others when issues spiral out of of quality relationships was vital. This information had your control. What is difficult, however, is taking full to be cautiously considered before the next move was and absolute responsibility for things gone wrong. The made. There was a strong need to take decisive action public demands this form of accountability. and to keenly anticipate and accept the consequences of those actions, both negative and positive. I see similar I am passionate in my beliefs, and my passion leads me requirements in our roles today — the need to form here today. I believe in the rights of the individual and worthy relationships within our community, and the the provision of structures through which hardworking need to consider all the possible outcomes of our individuals can set and achieve their goals in life. actions and confidently go down the road we deem most suitable, despite the fact that it may not always be I left my family home in Queensland at the age of 17. the most popular route electorally. My success in life thus far is a result of my ability to take care of my own needs. I have orchestrated my own I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who life experiences, which have seen me achieve and have had such an enormous impact on my life. I thank exceed the goals I have set myself. The results have my wife, Avril: while I certainly had the personal been far more than I initially thought possible in both motivation to be here today, Avril’s encouragement and the personal and professional sense. I achieved this belief in me has been truly invaluable. My one-year-old result by working hard and finding the right son, Brodie, provided me with many joyous times opportunities. throughout the campaign period, and he made an intense and sometimes stressful time a great deal easier. I further believe we must help those in need and My parents, Jan and Glenn, set me on life’s journey provide the resources for those who cannot manage on with a finely tuned moral compass. They have always their own. In recent months I have had the pleasure of offered their unconditional love and support. My close meeting and speaking with the parents of disabled friends, who all know who they are, have been a major children. Their stories have stirred in me an part of my life over many years and have been understanding of the hardships they face and a deep instrumental in shaping who I am today. desire to help where I can. It is imperative that we are able to provide assistance to these families. All I would like to place on the record my thanks to the members of our community have a right to live their Liberal Party secretariat, my electorate council and the lives with dignity. We must manage our resources so local Liberal members of the Warrandyte electorate. that the maximum benefit is achieved for those who are The amount of work that goes into a campaign would unable to manage for themselves. This is an stagger anyone who has not been involved in one. My extraordinary challenge and one to which we all must success is due in no small part to the efforts of the many rise. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 107 who gave of their time, and to them I offer my way government did business. It was about bringing enormous appreciation. communities together, it was about providing services that were needed by all the members of our community, I would finally like to thank my Liberal colleagues in and it was about meeting those needs and sharing our the leadership team in both the upper and lower houses wealth. in the Eastern Metropolitan Region. Their support, guidance and companionship were invaluable during The Premier also stressed to us the importance of the campaign. discipline and team effort, and certainly for the last two terms that has been evident. I am certain that with this, I would like to close by pledging my commitment to the third Bracks government, that discipline and the Assembly and by voicing my great respect for our teamwork we saw in the first two terms will continue. democratic system of government. Albert Einstein said: I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a Footscray, who put their trust in me and the Australian man of value. Labor Party to represent their interests — a trust I By honouring the Liberal Party’s core ideals and being intend to live up to. Can I also say on behalf of all the true to my own beliefs, it is my intention to be a man of members of the Labor Party who represent the west that value in this, Victoria’s 56th Parliament. we will be a strong team and a strong voice in ensuring that we meet their needs and keep the commitments we Ms THOMSON (Footscray) — It gives me great made during the election campaign. pleasure to rise in reply to the Governor’s address. I am not certain if this is technically my inaugural speech, The people of Footscray have a long tradition of but it certainly feels like it is, and I certainly feel as electing Labor representatives. They have done so though I am the new girl on the block. Deputy Speaker, continuously since 1927. There has also been I want to congratulate you on your role and also the established a tradition of local members serving the Speaker on her elevation to the role of Speaker. Today people of Footscray for extensive periods of time, the we certainly saw how she will chair the procedures of longest serving being Robert Fordham, who served the this Parliament in a fair and very determined way. Parliament and the people of Footscray for 22 years. He was only a young man when he left, too! Robert played To the Premier I also would like to add my a key role as Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor congratulations for the election of a historic third Labor Party in preparing the party for government in 1982. He government — a victory that I do not think would have served as Deputy Premier and held numerous been possible without his style of leadership. I want to portfolios, his first as education minister. talk a little bit about what our government has been all about. Through the Premier we have seen all ministers Then came Bruce Mildenhall, who served 14 years and members of Parliament develop and implement from 1992 until the recent election. Certainly Bruce policies that have made a real difference to the lives of maintained the tradition of his predecessors, even to the Victorians rather than policy that is steeped in ideology extent that when we were cleaning out his office we with little care or concern for the detrimental effect that discovered Robert Fordham’s Christmas decorations. it may have on sections and segments of our They had been there so long that I am sure they should community. An example of that is industrial relations. be listed as items of historic state significance. If ever there were a policy driven by ideology with little concern for the people it would affect, it is the current No-one can doubt Bruce’s commitment to the people of ‘WorkNoChoices’ legislation that we have seen come Footscray. He worked tirelessly for them with humility from the Howard government. and quiet determination. I doubt if you could ever take Bruce out of Footscray, and you certainly could not We have not been afraid to make hard decisions in take the Footscray out of Bruce. I hope he enjoys his government when we have had to make them. We have retirement. I know he will still be active in Footscray certainly had a vision for what Victoria can be, and we and in the west. I hope that he and Karen have the have set up a framework to deliver that vision. This ability to share some quality time together. I wish to vision was developed with the work that we did with thank him for his support, his wisdom and his business, with the trade union movement, with the friendship, which I have come to value greatly. not-for-profit sector, with the broader community and with members of the Australian Labor Party’s policy The electorate of Footscray is diverse. It is a committees. We first developed Growing Victoria community where many live comfortable lives but Together, a document that saw a total change in the where for many others every day is a struggle. Nearly GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

108 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 half the population speak a language other than English. demonstration protesting what we thought was the It is a multicultural community, but it is one that works sacking of an extremely popular teacher. It turned out together. The community sector is interrelated. Every that our good intentions were misguided. I would like organisation knows every other organisation, and there to think that my political judgment has matured since are multicultural festivals to ensure that those from then. different cultures experience other cultures. It certainly did not stop me from embracing feminism, The city of Maribyrnong and the city of Brimbank joining the Movement Against Uranium Mining, make up the seat of Footscray. But I can say, as many becoming a member of the Australasian Union of have said before me, that there are, however, many Jewish Students, and getting involved in local youth challenges ahead. Like many inner suburbs of unemployment groups, local environment groups and Melbourne, the demographics are changing. There are of course the Australian Labor Party. distinct communities with different needs and expectations. My mother taught me generosity. In fact, I lived in a home that welcomed all. If you knocked on the door at Footscray is now both a residential and an industrial a meal time you were expected to sit down and actually area, which is a long way away from its establishment have a meal. Visitors from overseas were welcome to for brick makers and quarries of the past. There are come and stay, as one son of a friend of my mother’s major areas of new residential development, and in decided to do. He arrived from Israel intending to stay Braybrook and Maidstone the government is for three weeks, and he was still there three months undertaking a large neighbourhood renewal project. later.

There are the relatively newly arrived people from the In my inaugural speech I thanked many people, and that Horn of Africa. Many, like refugees before them, have gratitude remains. But I do want to thank some horrific but heroic stories of survival. Many have additional people. The Labor Party members in recognised qualifications that would put most of us in Footscray truly embraced me and the campaign. They this chamber to shame, yet they are unable to get jobs in worked hard and tirelessly, not just for me but for the their field and are relegated to driving taxis. Australian Labor Party. I thank Clive Bracey and Damien Wieland, who have now become my electorate There are many communities with equally challenging officers. I thank Cuc Lam, Sarah Toohey and Dick Lee, issues. Footscray has one of the highest incidences of who never watched a clock or ever went home. Ron type 2 diabetes, a disease which has a huge impact on Palmer is Footscray; there is not an organisation in the individuals who suffer from it and also on their Footscray that Ron Palmer either is not a member of or families and the broader community. has not been a member of. I thank Michael Clarke, who is the mayor of Maribyrnong; Senator Stephen Conroy; The Bracks government has committed to the largest and Nicola Roxon, the federal member for Gellibrand, ever investment in education, health and community and Bill Shorten, who will soon be the federal member safety in Footscray. But there is more to be done, and for Maribyrnong — the two federal seats in the seat of the government will meet the commitments it made Footscray — for their ongoing support and friendship before its election, and then some. over many years.

In my inaugural speech in the other place I talked about I wish to thank my ministerial staff: Rob Acton, Shaun my Jewish heritage and that from it I had learnt the Thomas, Robert Larocca, Nicole Rich — who thought importance of tolerance and the need to learn from she would get through being a ministerial adviser those who are different so that we may enrich our lives. without being named in Parliament; I have fixed that This has never been more important than today. I am now — and also Peter Marczenko and the others who proud to be a member of the Bracks government, which have worked in my office. My list of achievements as a truly embraces multiculturalism and promotes minister are long, and they could not have been community harmony and understanding, unlike the achieved without their support and the support of my federal government, which feeds on ignorance, fear and parliamentary colleagues. division. I would also like to thank Rob Gell for his personal I also mentioned in my inaugural speech that my father endorsement during the campaign and for his taught me to challenge and question, but most commitment to our environment. importantly to fight for what I believe in. In keeping with this my first foray into political activity was at the age of 14. It was to organise with some friends a GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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I look forward to working with my Labor Party home. The many adventures I had growing up have colleagues in the west to ensure that the west, and made me appreciate how good we have it in Gippsland, Footscray in particular, is a great place to live, work and in particular I have great memories of my and raise a family. adolescent years in school, although some teachers may not look back at this time so fondly. President Bill Clinton said in his State of the Union address in January 1999: The bulk of my working life was spent as a technical officer in the power industry, while over the last few … we have a government for the information age, once again, years I have managed a business in Morwell. Outside of a government that is a progressive instrument of the common good, rooted in our oldest values of opportunity, work I have been an active member of various local responsibility … determined to give our people the tools they sporting clubs over a long period of time. I am need to make the most of their … lives in the 21st century, a passionate about country football and I have involved 21st century government for 21st century America. myself at all levels of the game, serving as player, You could easily transpose ‘Victoria’ for ‘America’ in coach and administrator for several clubs over the that statement: it would still be true. I am very proud to years. be a member of the third Bracks Labor government. Having been involved in the Traralgon Football Club as Mr NORTHE (Morwell) — Congratulations, well as Gippsland Power, the Rosedale Football Club Deputy Speaker; and I also pass on my congratulations and my children’s club, I have been privileged to meet to the Speaker on her appointment. many others in my community who share my passion for the game. I am a life member of both the Traralgon Firstly, let me congratulate the government for its Football Club and the West Gippsland Latrobe Football recent success at the polls. May I also congratulate the League after playing in excess of 300 senior games of Premier and executive, the Leader of the Opposition football, and have been lucky enough to coach some and the Leader of The Nationals for their election to fantastic teams. positions of such high office, and more broadly all members of the Parliament for their election or The leadership skills I have learnt on and off the field re-election. have certainly helped me in business. When you are involved in sport you mix with people from all walks of I am sure I echo the words of many past members when life and you learn to work together as a team for the I say what a privilege it is to stand here today. It is a greater good of everyone involved. This is an approach true honour to be a member of the 56th Parliament of similar to that I will be adopting in politics. I will work Victoria. with anyone who is passionate and positive about the future of the Latrobe Valley. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor, Brendan Jenkins, for his service. While I have had a 40-year involvement with my local Mr Jenkins has been a long-serving public figure in the community, I admit to being on a steep learning curve Latrobe Valley and has worked hard in the community since my preselection in June this year. I have met with in a multitude of roles. I wish him and his family all the many of my fellow community members, and there is very best in their future endeavours. no doubt that the constituents of the Morwell electorate are extremely passionate and committed to improving By way of introduction I would like to share some of their region. Many acknowledge that there have been the events that have led to me standing here today. I improvements made during these times of prosperity; was born in Traralgon 40 years ago and have lived in however, many argue there is still much to be achieved. the Latrobe Valley for all but six months of my life. I I aspire to work with all levels of government, am part of the third generation of my family to have community groups, local businesses and individuals to lived in Traralgon, along with my siblings, Jim and achieve their goals for our region. Sandra, and their families. My father, Peter, has passed on but my mother, Betty, still lives in Traralgon. My The Morwell electorate is a wonderful place. It is a wife Jennifer’s parents and three brothers and their relatively quiet part of the world; yet it is only 2 hours families also reside in this wonderful region. from the bright lights of Melbourne, less than 2 hours from the ski slopes, an hour away from the Ninety Mile I believe my best qualification for my new role here is Beach and very close to the beautiful Gippsland Lakes. my passion for the area I live in. Being born and raised All this is not to say there is not much to offer within in Gippsland has meant my most wonderful and the Morwell electorate. We have it all and more — cherished memories were created in the region I call beautiful walks in Morwell National Park; fishing or GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

110 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 camping along our many rivers, creeks or lakes; and I will be doing all I can to ensure that a fair share of shopping; having a bite to eat or a coffee at one of our this money is spent in the Latrobe Valley. And great is renowned eateries; and visiting the Latrobe Regional the need for that to be so — Latrobe Valley parents Gallery, the brown coal museum in Yallourn or were alarmed by a recent Australian Education Union PowerWorks in Morwell. Water enthusiasts are well report that suggested their children were being taught in catered for with the uniquely warm water of substandard schools. The survey revealed that Morwell Hazelwood Pondage providing a great base for boating, is the 11th worst electorate when it comes to school swimming and waterskiing. We have a variety of golf facilities, with work needing to be done to attract courses and tennis and bowling clubs and access to teachers to the area and improve inadequate Latrobe Regional Airport. But most of all we have infrastructure. passionate and loyal people, with many dedicated community groups working to better our region. Water is another key issue of concern in our region, as it is across the state. Many people are worried by the The Morwell electorate is also, I believe, unique in eastern region recycling proposal, and while we many ways. On the one hand we have major industry in understand all options need to be considered, the the three local power stations and Australian Paper’s majority of my constituents do not want to see Maryvale mill. On the other hand we have world-class Melbourne’s recycled water being sent into the Latrobe primary producers in the Yinnar and Toongabbie Valley in exchange for more of our potable water. districts. In between we have many small and medium-sized businesses along with a number of The future of brown coal power generation in the attractions with untapped tourism potential. We are also Latrobe Valley has also been the subject of much fortunate to be home to a great educational facility in discussion. This industry is an integral part of our the Monash University campus at Churchill and a region, and we must continue to support local research talented and enthusiastic student population. and development in clean coal technology that will both improve our domestic emissions profile and make us a The major towns in the electorate include Morwell, world leader in this area. Recent news that International Traralgon and Churchill, whilst surrounding towns Power Australia will spend $289 million retro-fitting include Boolarra, Toongabbie and Yallourn North. The low-emission technology at Hazelwood power station population in the major centres like Traralgon continues is very welcome, as is news the state government will to grow, but there are some concerns for townships provide $50 million towards a $750 million clean coal such as Yallourn North, where local business has seen power station to be built by HRL Ltd. These are less custom over recent years and school enrolments precisely the kinds of projects needed to guarantee have reduced as the local population has declined. Victoria’s future energy supply and prosperity.

It is the tendency of governments and the bureaucracy Domestic demand for electricity is growing, and I to base decisions about resource allocation on believe we now need to consider the possibility of a population trends. However, I believe we need to be new coal-fired plant. Renewable energy projects and very careful when making such decisions concerning gas-fired plants have their place; however, we will soon smaller regional townships. It makes sense to retain a need to decide how to supply Victoria’s future energy basic level of services in towns like Yallourn North, needs. With its abundant coal supplies and highly because people’s decisions to move to an area are skilled local labour, I believe the Latrobe Valley is usually predicated on access to quality local schools, ideally suited for the construction of a new, clean-coal, police and other services. Once we strip small towns of base-load plant. such assets, further population decline is inevitable. Another large employer in our electorate is Australian Providing better health and aged care services, giving Paper, based at Maryvale. Maryvale mill can produce our kids every chance to succeed at school and helping more than 500 000 tonnes of paper every year, our small business community create jobs are all issues qualifying it as the largest pulp and paper-making that should be above party politics, and it is my complex in Australia. As a major exporter of products, intention to work with the community to allow our this business is a crucial player in Victoria’s future, and region to achieve its full potential. I plan to work hard I look forward as local member to doing all I can to in this term to gain funding for school upgrades in the support it. I will also seek to support the many small to Latrobe Valley. The government has done some work medium-sized businesses that continue to grow and in this area, but much more remains to be done. I prosper in our region and will champion reforms to welcome the government’s pledge to spend $1.9 billion encourage further growth in this vital sector. on the upgrade of 500 primary and secondary schools, GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 111

Despite the presence of major industry in the Latrobe lost within the Morwell electorate. Areas such as Valley, unemployment in some of our townships Cowwarr and Toongabbie were very hard hit from the remains at an unacceptably high level. There need to be Coopers Creek bushfire, which police believe was further incentives for business and industry to settle in deliberately lit. Even as I speak fires are threatening our region. If we can work with training facilities such Walhalla, which, while not in my electorate, is an icon as TAFE and with business to ensure that people are of the Latrobe Valley. In addition to destroying homes, being equipped with the skills actually required by fences and assets, the Coopers Creek blaze led to the industry, we will ensure that more people have the death of 48-year-old Donald Dosser of Longford in the opportunity to find gainful employment locally. As a most tragic loss of all. father of three I want to see my children grow up in a region where jobs are plentiful, and if we play it smart I take this opportunity to commend the Country Fire this can be achieved. But again, we have some work to Authority and its volunteers, plus all other departmental do. staff, paid firefighters and individuals who have teamed together and attempted to minimise the destruction Located next to the Latrobe Regional Airport is the wrought by these fires. It is in these most difficult times Latrobe Regional Hospital. Unfortunately this facility that communities rally together. The commitment from has been in the local media in recent times for the all involved has been nothing short of amazing. I will wrong reasons, as it has struggled to deal with the continue to work to obtain support for those affected by burden of caring for those with a mental illness in our bushfires until they have the opportunity to get back on community. The crisis in mental health services their feet. It is my hope that those responsible for this impacts upon the whole community. A lack of beds, terrible destruction and devastation are caught and allied health professionals and support services means made to face the full force of the law. The hearts of not only that patients suffer but that families, health some may be broken but not the spirit of the Latrobe care workers, police and the wider community also Valley community. suffer. I acknowledge that the state government has some plans to improve the current situation; however, I In closing, let me thank The Nationals for the cannot stress enough that the need is urgent, particularly tremendous opportunity to represent the Morwell in rural and regional Victoria. electorate. Since being elected I have had a wonderful response from my colleagues, and I fully intend to be The government’s appointment of a Minister for an integral part of what is already a great team. A Mental Health is a positive step, and I will assist the special thankyou to my campaign committee and the minister where possible to improve the situation in my many volunteers, family members and friends who electorate. I believe the government’s first project helped out during my campaign. I am most grateful to should be to ensure that young Victorians with mental the constituents of the Morwell electorate who have health problems are able to seek treatment in a instilled their faith in me by electing me to this specialised publicly funded mental health service that is esteemed position. Credit for my election must also be focused on meeting their unique needs. attributed to my proud parents, Peter and Betty, my wife Jennifer and children, Tim, Matthew and Thomas, Waiting lists for community health services are also who are sitting over here; my siblings, Jim and Sandra, very much a concern in the Latrobe Valley, but I again all other family and extended family, those welcome the government’s commitment of $21 million schoolteachers that I mentioned previously, my to redevelop Latrobe Community Health Service in employers and employees, football coaches and Morwell. Over the next four years I look forward to managers and friends and acquaintances in general. I working with the Minister for Health to advance this shall do my utmost to achieve the best outcome for and other projects. those who reside in the Morwell electorate over the next four years and am greatly looking forward to the This brings me to the wonderful work of volunteers and challenges that lie ahead. carers in the community. The Morwell electorate is home to many who voluntarily care for loved ones with Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak very little respite. I would like nothing more than to see today, and I wish you all and your families a very safe improved government support for carers and expanded and merry Christmas and New Year. opportunities for respite care in the Morwell electorate, and I will do what I can to assist in this regard. Mrs MADDIGAN (Essendon) — I should point out that this is not my inaugural speech, just in case some Like other parts of the state, the Latrobe Valley has members are under that misapprehension. suffered greatly in the recent fires, with many homes GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

112 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006

I would like to thank the Governor very much for his think they should take up and also very willing to speech yesterday, which outlines a program of reform support you in what you might be doing as well. I must for the 56th Parliament, and I am pleased to have the say that sometimes when I have heard other members opportunity to respond today. In doing so I would like talk about incidents they have had in their electorates, it to congratulate the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker on makes me very glad that I represent the people of their election, and I know they will do a terrific job in Essendon because they are extremely nice people. the next four years. My electorate is ageing, which in a way is quite good. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of A lot of my residents think I am really young because I my former ALP colleagues who did not continue after am about 50 years younger than they are, so it does the 55th Parliament. To Sherryl Garbutt, Mary make you appear to be young in your electorate! One of Delahunty, Mary Gillett, Brendan Jenkins, Dale the areas of concern for my residents is health services. Wilson, Ian Maxfield, Peter Lockwood, Heather Some of the improvements we have made over the last McTaggart, Rosie Buchanan and Ann Eckstein — I few years have been of great benefit to the residents, wish them all well for the future. and some of the proposals we put in the budget earlier this year and our election commitments will be very May I also say how pleased I am to be returned by the well received by my residents. The establishment of the good people of Essendon for the fourth time and, as I women’s mental health service at the Royal Melbourne am sure the member for Bass would say if he were Hospital is something that is badly needed in the west here, to join my pinko commie union mates for another and will be a great service for my residents. four years! The upgrade of the Sunshine hospital is also of great Mr K. Smith — I am here. benefit to the area, although probably most of my residents would attend Royal Melbourne Hospital. Over Dr Napthine interjected. the years the increases in the number of emergency Mrs MADDIGAN — One of the hospital beds, the helicopter landing base there and the chardonnay-swilling members — I thank the member other services have really improved the area of health for South-West Coast, because I left that bit out. May I services for them. also congratulate the Liberal Party candidate for When I was elected in 1996 and the Labor Party was in Essendon, Conrad D’Souza, and the Greens candidate, opposition I had a continual stream of people coming Bob Muntz, for their professional attitude during the through my door complaining about waiting lists, campaign. complaining about dirty hospitals and complaining As other members have said, the support of your about the lack of nurses. I am glad to say that that has family, friends, the state electoral campaign committee, just about died away totally. I think that shows the electorate officers and most particularly the very significant investment that this government has made in generous residents of Essendon has enabled me to be health over that period of time. here again. I have to say that Essendon is a great place The continuing improvement of the Doutta Galla to represent. Even the Liberal voters are nice in Community Health Service is also very much Essendon — even though there are fewer of them now appreciated by my residents. Preventive health services than there used to be. I often say to people that are the best way to try to prevent people from having Essendon is like a country town. It has a very low more serious illnesses and spending longer terms in mobility rate and people like to live there all their lives. hospitals. The old Essendon hospital, which we all I guess one of the difficulties for some of our younger recall was closed by the previous Liberal government, residents is that increasing house prices in Essendon — has now been partly taken over by the Doutta Galla and Essendon is now a very expensive place to buy a Community Health Service, and it is establishing health house — are making it difficult for them to stay in the services particularly for older residents in the area. area they would wish, but I have noticed that for many young people their second house is back in Essendon In addition, the new service that was opened two where they were born. That gives a really strong sense months ago at Niddrie provides extra dental chairs and of community. other health services, and as part of the election campaign, funding has been allocated to redeveloping The levels of volunteers and the great interest in the the site at Kensington, which means that we will have community make the job of a member very easy, an excellent community health service right through the because people are always very willing to contribute, always very willing to raise issues for you that they GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 113 area of Essendon and indeed right through the City of Honourable members interjecting. Moonee Valley. Mrs MADDIGAN — Tolls on EastLink seem to be There have been significant funding investments in the a bit of a delicate matter with the opposition. I am not Essendon area by this government, and they have quite sure why that would be. If the member for changed the face of Essendon. Two are very obvious to South-West Coast would like to talk to residents about people who come to the area. The first is the the Tullamarine Freeway and their views, I am sure redevelopment of the Melbourne showgrounds. It they would be more than happy to discuss them with would be fair to say that the showgrounds were in him. If he can find his way to Essendon, he would be financial trouble for many years and had sought welcome. As shadow Minister for Racing he might like funding from state governments for some time. It was to come to the Moonee Valley Racing Club — — not until we were elected in 1999 that the state government — and I particularly thank the Premier and Dr Napthine interjected. the Treasurer for their support in this project — provided funding of over $100 million to allow the The SPEAKER — Order! The member for showgrounds to be redeveloped and set up to generate South-West Coast! income to keep them going successfully in the future. Mrs MADDIGAN — I am sure the residents of That project was completed within the time constraints Essendon would be interested to know about the set down — two years. member’s view that the Cox Plate should be removed Those who may have attended the show this year would from the Moonee Valley racecourse, because that is have seen what an extraordinary change there has been. certainly not the view of the Moonee Valley Racing The redevelopment of the historic buildings and the Club, nor is it the view of the residents of Essendon. It new areas give the whole face of the showgrounds a was not the view of the former opposition spokesperson different look. My constituents who reside around the for racing, so it will be interesting to see how the showgrounds in Ascot Vale are glad that they can opposition policy develops in the future. I am sure my finally see into the showgrounds. There is no longer a residents will be most interested in discussing this with huge fence, which was there for years and years and the member for South-West Coast, if he would like to closed off the showgrounds from the rest of the come down there one day. community. A significant school project in Essendon is the The further development of the showgrounds site development of the Victorian Space Science Education means it will be integrated as part of the Union Road Centre at Strathmore Secondary College. This is a shopping centre and become more of the community of centre for the whole of the state which schools from all Ascot Vale, while at the same time retaining that over Victoria, and possibly Australia, will be able to special showgrounds character. The showgrounds have attend. The centre is set up to enable students to study a warm place in people’s hearts. People often tell me some of those areas that are now becoming more stories about when they went to the show or how they important, especially in terms of providing extra job have loved going to the show over the years. If opportunities for young people in the future. members here did not go to the show this year, I One of the interesting stories about the Victorian Space recommend they go next year and have a look at it. Science Education Centre, which was officially opened The other significant investment for which many last year, is that it was significant in supporting the first people sought funding is the Calder–Tullamarine team from Australia to go to the International Space interchange, which has been a high accident spot for Olympics in Russia. Russia has been running space many years. That has been funded mainly through tolls Olympics for many years and teams from all over the that were put on the Tullamarine Freeway and were world compete. Scouts Australia supported the team strongly fought against by local residents. In some ways that went from Australia for the first time and won the that is about the only thing that came out of that. What space Olympics. It is the first team outside of Russia to really annoyed residents in the western area about those win in 14 years. It is a great effort for an Australian tolls was the fact that the Tullamarine Freeway was not team to win that in its first year, so I would like to a new road. Residents had been using it for years and congratulate those young students, who are mainly the introduction of tolls meant that you could not drive from Victoria but also from other states, who the same way to work as you used to without paying a participated in the event. toll. That is very different to the tolls on EastLink, However, there is more for us to do, as other members which is a new road altogether. have said. Essendon is a dormitory suburb and as such GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

114 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 suffers from severe traffic problems in terms of people changes to the water quality. There was a great sigh of wishing to drive through it to get to the city. In some relief from the residents of Essendon when many ways Essendon is lucky because, being an older suburb, people, not only the Labor Party, pointed out the real it has an excellent public transport system. But it is concerns about the proposal that was put by the Liberal having problems, as I raised in the adjournment debate opposition during the election campaign. last night, with people further out seeking to park in residential streets in Essendon to catch the Many people choose to live in Essendon because of its Broadmeadows line train to the city. A number of great schools; we have terrific non-government and measures in the transport plan released last year by the government schools. Essendon is one of three or four former Minister for Transport will have a significant electorates that have more children attending impact on helping to alleviate some of those problems. non-government schools than government schools. Already extra train services have been introduced as That is because of the large Catholic network in our well as improvement in some of the bus services. There area. will be later improvements in train services. Those will be quite significant in helping to overcome those Essendon is a great place to live. I look forward to problems. working with the residents of the electorate to further their interests and to working with my colleagues in the Planning is another issue. It is always nice to have the Labor Party and with the Premier to implement the Minister for Planning living in your electorate. I look program of reform outlined by the Governor yesterday. forward to working with the Honourable Justin Madden I look forward to a very fruitful four years. in the other place to ensure that any planning issues in the city of Moonee Valley are overcome. Mrs VICTORIA (Bayswater) — Speaker, I begin by congratulating you on your election to this important Because Essendon is basically a residential suburb with position and acknowledge the work of the former many historic homes, there is always conflict between member for Bayswater, Peter Lockwood. maintaining that historic character and development. Melbourne 2030 provides a good answer for Moonee It is the greatest honour to stand before you and my Valley, because it concentrates on major activity parliamentary colleagues as the member for Bayswater centres like Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds and North today. It is the realisation of a 12-year dream. The Essendon. By working sensibly with the council we can journey towards working with and for the community ensure that those residential areas are protected while actually started many years ago. During my school density is improved in those activity centres. That work years one of my favourite parts of each week was has started and I expect it to continue. Puckle Street is community service. I worked for some time for what probably one of the most famous streets in the western was then known as the Spastic Society of Victoria. The suburbs and at the moment it reflects the prosperity of personal satisfaction I gained when any of my charges the area — it is booming. If you are looking to do a bit achieved even the smallest success was beyond words. of Christmas shopping, that is probably the place to go. And so when I left high school I sought to continue this Essendon is, being an older suburb, also blessed with type of volunteer work. I joined the Make-a-Wish many parks. My electorate is bounded by the Moonee Foundation — an international organisation for children Ponds Creek and the Maribyrnong River, and the work with life-threatening illnesses — and was quickly done on both those waterways over the last few years elected Melbourne president and then gained a position has significantly improved the look of them and also on the Australian board specialising in public relations improved the quality of the water. My residents are and development. When my term was over and our extremely pleased now that the ridiculous idea of constitution demanded I retire I was approached to be building an Arundel dam has been put to death — I part of the board of the National Council of Women of hope forever — because such a dam would have Australia — a position I retired from this year — which dramatic effects on the lower part of the Maribyrnong has taught me so very much. I was surrounded by River and the area I represent. women from all types of backgrounds, from parliamentarians to homemakers and lawyers, but with In fact, because of the drought, over the years the one common goal: we all wanted a brighter future for Maribyrnong River has had some problems with the women and children around the globe. North Pacific seastar, which has started creeping up the river because of the salt water, and if there were a dam Whether it was a project to build a school in India post at Arundel there would probably be North Pacific tsunami, providing a grinding mill in Sudan or funding seastars all the way up to Avondale Heights because of a well and educating villagers on how to grow crops GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 115 and be self-sustaining in New Guinea, we worked as residential, commercial and industrial zones. In fact it one team to achieve greater good. I could very well was due to one of our first businessmen that the area have continued along this path, but in the back of my was named. The local public school adopted the name mind was a seed which had been planted when I was of well-known bookmaker and publisher James John very young. As a child and then young woman my Miller’s estate, Bayswater House. Strong post World wonderful father, Karl, instilled high standards in War II growth in the suburbs bordering our beautiful me — everything from working hard to get ahead to Dandenongs was underpinned in Bayswater by giving freely of my time to community groups that decisions by companies such as Dunlop Rubber and could benefit from my skills and standing up for what I British Nylon Spinners to build manufacturing plants in believe in. My mother, Jan, who was tragically taken the area. away from us through a car accident 18 years ago, was also amazing and a selfless giver. She believed that As the global work climate changes it is increasingly unconditional love and a good education were the most enticing for companies like these to move their important things she could provide. Now, as a mother, I operations offshore in search of increased revenue. Our believe she was right. job is to make it more enticing to stay. All businesses, regardless of size, spend a great deal of their resources Our current schools have much to be proud of, and on regulatory compliance. We need to make it easier there are over 20 in the district of Bayswater. One in for them. Through legislation we need to help provide a particular is worthy of note here. To understand why I secure and viable future for them and our children. dare to single out just one school it is important to understand the Bayswater area. It dates right back to the I believe it is also important in an area such as 1860s, when Bayswater, then known as Scoresby, was Bayswater to get the mix right. As businesses become a German settlement. In fact the first school was run as more secure, they employ more people. Employees part of the Lutheran congregation. Now Bayswater move closer to work, so high-density housing can South Primary School has embraced the traditional become a concern. In our area we have several such settlers, their descendants and their culture. For the past issues, not the least of which is retaining open space in 25 years it has pioneered a language immersion Kingloch Parade, Wantirna. In an area affectionately program which sees students become fully bilingual by known as the Triangle, residents have been fighting year 6. Its learning method enables a firm grasp of inappropriate development for over five years. It is another language. illogical to rob them, their children, their grandchildren and future generations of the small plot of land As we all know, the earlier a language is introduced, the earmarked for Office of Housing residences. easier it is for young minds to grasp the concept and vocabulary. It becomes second nature. But the I am by no means opposed to low-cost housing. What extraordinary outcome of this program is that it also the local residents and I are seeking for our develops the children’s minds in a way which helps neighbourhood is consultation about the appropriate them excel at other non-language disciplines. placement and distribution of such housing. Once this Bayswater South Primary School’s bilingual German piece of land is gone, it will be gone for ever. There program is world renowned and serves as an important will be nowhere for over 1000 residents to recreate resource for both Australian and European educators. without crossing major roads. Children should be encouraged to play outside, but it is difficult to do so as In light of this one of my duties to my constituents is to backyards get smaller and public reserves disappear. establish why this program will close by the end of 2007. It troubles me greatly that 300 children per year It is vital for the health of future generations that will be denied the opportunity of fluent speech in a everyone has room to run and play. We are seeing an second language, which is a major benefit to them as increased incidence of type 2 diabetes as our children they enter the commercial world. As my mother so become more obese, and taking away such land can rightly pointed out, it is our responsibility to encourage only help accelerate the statistics. Commonsense must learning, not stifle it. It is also incumbent upon us as prevail. lawmakers to ensure that jobs are there when these children eventually leave school. There are so many other issues to address over time, including the health and facilities of Dandenong Creek, The Bayswater electoral district, encompassing suburbs so passionately looked after by the First Friends of such as Bayswater, Wantirna, Ringwood, Heathmont, Dandenong Creek, the need for road upgrades and the Boronia, Knoxfield and Vermont, is an eclectic area addition of pedestrian crossings to ensure the safety of that has developed a harmonious balance between elderly residents and children alike. My commitment to GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

116 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 the people of the Bayswater district is that I will gladly fiscal responsibility. The Labor Party election platform be their voice within these walls. indicates that the ALP and the Bracks government want to show national leadership in this area. We are looking I thank all those who gave me this opportunity to serve for a new round of economic reform with an emphasis the electorate of Bayswater. My gratitude goes to them on skills development and continued infrastructure all. My gratitude also goes out to those who had enough development. We also want to increase productivity, faith in my capabilities to vote for me. I am truly which has stalled so much over the past decade. Of humbled by this honour and commit to working course this means providing for job creation and a diligently to bring about positive change in our area. flexible, skilled work force while continuing to cut taxes, which we have already done in the first two days May I also take the time to thank my parents, my sister, of the 56th Parliament. Ann, my husband, Jeff, and beautiful daughter, Charlotte. To them I say, ‘Thank you for your support The further challenge we face is to build on and further and understanding’. The campaign leading to this role develop the excellent record we have had over the last was long and tiring and would not have been possible seven years in service delivery, including in our without the generous help offered by many. I thank the schools. We promised to provide — and the Premier shadow ministers and our parliamentary leader, who talked about it today — $2.3 billion in additional capital gave so much of their precious time, and the funding for our schools. We want to modernise and administrative arm of the Victorian Liberal Party, rebuild all the schools in Victoria which need it, and we including the patient and wise Simon Morgan. To have already done 400-plus. Hospitals are also included Charles and Bernice Hogarth, Andrew and Matthew in that service delivery provision, but there is more to Conway, Jack and Bev Bailey, Sandra Reynolds, my be done. We have already done work on rebuilding and entire campaign team and the 100-plus people who modernising over 50 hospitals, but we will do more. believed in me enough to do the hard work with me, Similarly, we have already rebuilt over 100 police thank you all. stations. The other area which is very important to the Bracks Labor government is public transport and roads, Mr STENSHOLT (Burwood) — I would like to and we have a $10 billion-plus program to deliver in join the address-in-reply to the Governor’s speech and public transport and to enhance our road network. The congratulate you, Speaker, on your appointment. I am overriding aim of the Bracks government is to make sure you will be able to keep firm control in the house Victoria a better and more democratic and inclusive in a spirit of both kindness and friendliness and, on place to live, work, invest and raise a family. occasion, with a great deal of sternness. I also congratulate the Premier, Steve Bracks, and the Labor I would like particularly to thank the electors of team for their wonderful victory and their third term in Burwood, who put their faith in me for a third term. I office. I agree with what the Governor said, because said to the local press that our victory in Burwood was 25 November was, to the day, the 150th anniversary of a victory for the community, because I place great store the Victorian Parliament and marked the beginning of a in standing up for the Burwood community and new era in our democracy, with fixed-term elections standing up for Burwood families, and in return the and the reform of the upper house. community has placed its trust in me. I pledge to continue to work hard to make our community an even As the Governor mentioned, we now face a range of better place to live. new challenges, including the challenge to our democracy, which in Australia is based on federalism. There is much more to be done in all parts of the It is the responsibility of all of us here in this house to Burwood electorate, whether it be in the key areas of preserve, enhance and develop it without throwing the education, health, community safety, community baby out with the bathwater, as I think the Prime development and transport and roads or whether it is in Minister is looking to do. We face challenges at the all sorts of other areas, such as neighbourhood houses, moment with regard to the lack of water in our state, the neighbourhood renewal or supporting local residents in twin impacts of drought and bushfires and the possible meeting their day-to-day needs in housing. We even follow-on impacts on our economy. In this house we help local residents with council issues. Many residents have to face these challenges and govern wisely for our come through our door, and our door is always open to people. That is allied to the much wider challenge that help them. the world faces in terms of climate change. For example, in our area we will continue to stand up In the 56th Parliament we also face the continued for local families in Surrey Hills and Box Hill South. challenge inherent in good economic management and That will mean, as part of the program, funding new GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 117 buildings at Box Hill High School, which will get replace the old wooden temporary facilities, as an $5.29 million. example of what will be done in all the schools throughout Victoria that need it. An honourable member interjected. The government will spend $47 million in the transport Mr STENSHOLT — We are actually doing a area on the 700 red orbital SmartBus. It already comes marvellous job at Box Hill High School: the from Mordialloc up to Box Hill and then it will go redevelopment is going to be excellent. further out to Altona. Fares are being reduced on the NightRider bus on the Melbourne to Knox city route. The government is also looking to fund new buildings There are extra trains on that line over weekends and at Surrey Hills Primary School, where they are working extra tram services on Friday and Saturday nights. I on a new design for the replacement of old portables. should also mention that at the Burwood railway There will be funding for a new junior school and station, which serves part of Hartwell, the northern end related buildings at Roberts McCubbin Primary School of the Trent Street car park will be resurfaced and new in Box Hill South. The Bracks government has electric gates will be installed for the pedestrian dedicated itself over the next eight years to rebuild and crossing. I will also continue to provide support for the modernise all the schools in Victoria that need it. Burwood traders and the Burwood village, which is In the area of health, $38.2 million has been allocated to between Glen Iris and Camberwell. stage 1 of the rebuilding of the Box Hill Hospital. I am The government will be standing up and supporting the very privileged to be a member of the community people in Glen Iris and Ashburton. There is a consultation group there, working with local residents marvellous development at the Glen Iris Primary and local people interested in this area to make sure that School. It has taken nearly 140 years for this to come the rebuilt hospital is a fine hospital, delivering services about. We will see magnificent public institutions in for more than 700 000 people in the eastern suburbs. Glen Iris Road, at the Glen Iris Primary School and The government is looking to rebuild the Box Hill next door with the Glen Iris-Hartwell Uniting Church, police station at a cost of $16.5 million. The which will provide a preschool as well as a hall which government will eliminate the Middleborough Road can be used by the school, a before and after-school railway crossing at a cost of $54 million and upgrade area there, as well as a couple of music rooms which various intersections in the local area, particularly along will be able to be used by the schoolchildren. That Canterbury Road, at Canterbury and Elgar roads and culmination of dreams of many, many years will come Canterbury and Middleborough roads. to fruition in the next couple of years.

The government is also paying attention to mental There will be extended hours for the train service on the health. Work has already commenced and is a long way Glen Waverley line. There will also be continuing towards finalisation on a $7.5 million child and support for the neighbourhood centres in Ashburton as adolescent mental health centre at Box Hill. well as $60 000 for a new green at the Burwood Bowls Club. New traffic lights will be installed in Ashburton The government will also be standing up for local at the corner of Warner Avenue and High Street. This families in Bennettswood and Burwood. I have already has been a high priority for a number of years. The mentioned the Roberts McCubbin Primary School. residents have advocated it and the Bracks government There will be more places at the Box Hill TAFE for will deliver it. those kids coming out of our schools who are looking to enhance their skills. The government is providing Keeping in mind the need to keep fit, the Gardiner’s $4.5 million for extra training for nursing and allied Creek bike trail will be built in Markham Reserve, to health workers at the Box Hill TAFE. Frankly, the make sure that a link can be provided to the major bike government is standing up for local people in these trails in that particular area. Some work is being done areas, including for Wattle Park Primary School, which on the crossing at Warrigal Road to ensure there is a will get replacement classrooms over Christmas and the final link in that particular bike track which goes up New Year, in time for the 2007 school year. further along Gardiner’s Creek and ultimately right into town. The government will also continue to provide The Bracks government is also standing up for people support for that marvellous group of business people, in Camberwell and Hartwell. On the Thursday before the Ashburton traders. I also commend them for their the election the Premier came out to one of the great support for the Edge Community Fund, our local schools in Victoria, the Hartwell Primary School, where charity in Ashburton, Ashwood and Chadstone. he said that a new junior school will be built there to GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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The government will be working with the Boroondara volunteers as part of the celebrations of the council towards achieving a new kindergarten at the 150th anniversary of the Victorian Parliament. Craig Centre in Ashburton. Over the next eight years it will look at having schools like Ashburton Primary Finally, I wish again to thank my family, my wife and School and other schools in my electorate among those children and our extended family. Their support means to be upgraded and modernised, along with all schools that I can in turn support and stand up for the Burwood in Victoria that need it. community. Once again, it is an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Burwood in this Parliament as In Chadstone and Ashwood the government will be part of the Bracks government. working with the Ashwood College in building a $1 million-plus performing arts centre and a Mr TILLEY (Benambra) — Speaker, let me soccer-in-schools centre. The government will also congratulate you on your appointment. extend the children’s centre in Burton Street, Chadstone. In the health area there are plans for a new It is a real honour and privilege to stand here today as children’s wing at the Monash Medical Centre and a the 11th member for Benambra. The support I have new community health centre in Oakleigh. As well as received from the people of the Upper Murray and these, the neighbourhood renewal program continues. border region is humbling. It was particularly rewarding as the culmination of a 14-month campaign In the area of transport the government is looking to that was pretty difficult and at times acrimonious. I extend the hours of operation of the 767 and the 623 want to take this opportunity to express my deepest buses as well as providing additional lanes on the gratitude to all those who placed their trust in me. That Monash Freeway and improving the Warrigal Road trust will not go unrewarded. interchange, which is a rather large and extensive project. The electorate of Benambra is a unique area geographically. It is the gateway to our great state on The government is not forgetting housing. Public the Hume Highway and is bound to the north and the housing is very important. The government will provide east by the Murray River and the Great Dividing Range $25 million for new public housing in Ashwood as well respectively. It contains a diverse range of as $500 000 in funding for the Electra Avenue communities, from the inhabitants of the major multipurpose venue for a range of organisations there. population centre, the city of Wodonga, through to the many thriving smaller towns and the farming sector. I want to thank the many people who worked on the Burwood campaign, including Fiona, Pat and Christian In 1852 the township now known as Wodonga was first from my office and the many volunteers from our local surveyed and gazetted and named Belvoir, although branches and the local community. We had some some of the locals disparagingly like to call it ‘Struggle innovative forms of campaigning this year. I thank all Town’. The first police station was opened in 1854, the people in our local branches, particularly those in some small farms were made available in 1856, the Glen Iris, Burwood, Ashwood, Waverley East and telegraph office opened in 1858 and the courthouse and Canterbury and those who stood in the street and were customs house in 1859. The railway line from photographed, as well as the community members who Melbourne opened in 1873 and was linked to the New participated in the production of our local DVD, talking South Wales system at Albury in 1883. about what positive things are happening and will happen in our local neighbourhood. After decades spent in the shadow of Albury, Wodonga is now emerging as an equal contributor to what has As a grassroots local member of Parliament I am very since become one of the major inland growth centres in fortunate to interact with many people in our local Australia. Its geographic location between Australia’s community. I guess by being associated with over two main cities has placed it in a unique position as a 50 organisations — from community banks, to major commercial centre and distribution hub for the neighbourhood houses, to sports groups, and to traders entire region. However, the rail line divides the city of associations and service organisations — one quickly Wodonga, and I look forward to the completion of its learns to listen and also to contribute in the community. relocation by this government in this term. It is a major I thank all those in the community for their ongoing project that was initially budgeted for and funded by the advice and support. Our future is built on the hard work last Liberal government, and we in Benambra are still and commitment within our community. I was waiting. delighted this year to hand out over 2000 certificates to Similar to the situation in Wodonga, Benambra’s smaller towns are continuing to carve a niche for GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 119 themselves in our regional economy. The old goldfield who has served it well for the last 14 years, and who in towns of Beechworth, Chiltern and Yackandandah, turn followed Lou Lieberman, who many may also with their rich history and charming atmosphere, are remember was the predecessor to Sophie Mirabella, the widely recognised as being amongst some of the prime current federal member for Indi. These two great past tourist destinations in this state. The Beechworth jail, members represented all their constituents, no matter built in 1860, accommodated both male and female where they came from or who they voted for, and the prisoners until its closure in 1910, reopening in 1927 government should remember this principle, even for males only. The jail is significant to our national though it does not hold the seat of Benambra. As long heritage. With a history rich in our past, the jail is as I am the member the government will not neglect renowned for accommodating the likes of Ned Kelly; this great electorate. his mother, Ellen; Steve Hart and Joe Byrne. Ned Kelly’s final trial began in the neighbouring courthouse In light of that, may I take this opportunity to before being transferred to Melbourne in 1880. All of respectfully remind the current government of the us in this place today are the custodians of our history election promises it made to the people of Benambra, and traditions, and as such we have a responsibility to particularly in relation to the relocation of the railway ensure they are not lost for future generations. To allow line from Wodonga’s central business district (CBD). this piece of our heritage to be lost to development is This project is of vital significance to Wodonga, and I something which would cause great regret and sorrow. intend to see that it is delivered as pledged.

Corryong remains a focal point for the communities of To my constituents I make a pledge of my own: I will the upper Murray, and Tallangatta, the town that was continue to fight to ensure that our region is not ignored forcibly moved to allow for the construction of the and forgotten by any government. Hume Weir, has enormous potential as a mecca for water sports and adventure tourism enthusiasts which It is also vital to the interests of Benambra that all three has yet to be realised. tiers of government work in harmony. The best outcomes are reached when a community at its different The farmers of the Murray, Kiewa and Mitta valleys are levels of representation cooperate to present a united the custodians of some of the best grazing country in cause. I want to incorporate an inclusive approach as Australia. It is a sobering fact, however, that even those our best chance to achieve favourable outcomes for our fortunate enough to farm such productive land are community. presently suffering as much as anyone from the devastating effects of the drought. I want Benambra’s Before coming to this place I served as a member of farmers to know that I am all too aware of this and the Victoria Police for 11 years, and I saw first hand the other challenges they face and that I will be their strong best and worst in people. Whilst acknowledging that advocate in this place. some functions of human behaviour are beyond legislative remedy, I believe that a great deal more can All the natural blessings of topography and location be done to benefit the lives of individuals and families. amount to nothing without people. It is the people of There has been some progress over the years in respect Benambra, both its pioneers and the people who live of personal safety on our roads and in our workplaces, there today, who inspire me above all else. It is the but unfortunately this has not been repeated in our entrepreneurialism of our business leaders, the spirit of homes. Domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse our community workers and volunteers, the tenacity of are challenges that need to be addressed. We can no our farmers and the promise of our children that drives longer just talk about the physical and psychological me the most. Whilst I am discussing the admirable damage caused by social dysfunction and the real qualities of my constituents, I want to take a moment to problems that arise out of those problems like the abuse pay tribute to the gutsy and selfless firefighters at all of children in repartnered relationships. levels who, even as I speak here today, are putting their lives at risk to benefit us. They deserve our support and This may be distasteful to some, but it is a reality that gratitude. we need to face. These children who have so often become the innocent victims of abusive behaviour need The seat of Benambra was created in 1877, and is one our protection. At the moment I am sorry to say they of the oldest in Victoria. As one would imagine, it has are simply not getting it. The pathetic sentences being been served over such a long period by some unique given out to the thugs who murder innocent kids are a individuals, each of whom has helped shape the sad indictment on the present state of our justice community into its current form. I follow Tony system, and that must be remedied. Sometimes there is Plowman, the former Liberal member for the electorate, no alternative but to be tough on criminals in order to GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

120 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 protect the most vulnerable. I believe that protection is In closing, I wish everybody here a very merry our constant duty. Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. I look forward to the next sitting in February. The state government must also stop playing the role of social engineer with our rural communities. We have Mr LUPTON (Prahran) — It gives me great our own challenges to confront without the added pleasure to make a contribution to the address-in-reply difficulty of having the criminal and socially challenged to the Governor’s speech at the opening of the families that are a problem in Melbourne dumped on 56th Parliament of Victoria. Firstly I would like to our doorstep. We fight to get our fair share of social express my thanks to the people of Prahran for placing infrastructure in health and education, which does not their confidence and trust in me for another term in the even keep pace with our own local needs. We cannot Victorian Parliament. solve the problems of metropolitan Melbourne. Prahran is a wonderful, diverse, vibrant area of the I make this plea to the current government and future inner city of Melbourne. It is an enormous privilege and governments: please do not change the fabric of our honour to represent my local community, where I have rural communities by deliberately transferring the less spent most of my life. Over the next four years in than desirable elements of society to our regions. It may Parliament I look forward to building upon the be out of sight for you, but it is real and in our faces. achievements of the Bracks government, in particular in We live in a society of fragmented families. As the areas of health, education, community safety and a law-makers we have a significant role in determining sustainable environment. The Bracks government’s how the social dynamic will affect our future record over the last four years, in these areas in communities. We must exercise that duty with real particular, is one of which we can be very proud. Of care. course, as is always the case with things like health and education, there is more work to be done. But in I am mindful that about 96 per cent of working people Prahran great progress has been made in the area of in my electorate are employed by small business and health in particular, with the Alfred hospital and the that these enterprises are the backbone of rural development of the Alfred Centre for elective surgery. communities. We need to encourage innovation by small business, not stifle it. At the hospital itself we now have 200 more nurses on staff than were employed when we came to I would like to thank local Liberal Party branch government. That has meant an enormous improvement members and supporters who gave of themselves in the quality of health care for local people. In fact the because they hold dear the values of the Liberal Party. Minister for Health announced today that in relation to They gave of themselves, taking time away from their increased numbers of doctors and nurses the Victorian families, and worked because they are true believers figures are the best of any state or territory in Australia. who know that the interests of individual Victorians We now have over 1500 more doctors and over and their families are best served by the Liberal Party. 7500 more nurses employed in our health system than we did when the government came to office. The Finally, I would like to thank my family. I thank my improvement in health care at important public mother and father for their love and support and for hospitals like the Alfred in Prahran due to those sorts of providing me with sufficient tools in life to be an increases and the reinvestment in our health system effective contributor to the community. I thank my means that Victorians are getting the health care they mother-in-law and father-in-law for their support and need when they need it far more than they were when love in accepting me as their own son, something that we came to office. means so much to me. Most important, I thank them for allowing me to marry their daughter. Much has been There have also been great improvements at the Alfred said by politicians of late about the importance of to the intensive care unit, the emergency department families, and this cannot be overstated. To my wife, and psychiatric services. The health minister announced Ruth — my strength, my friend, my harshest critic and today a $2.1 million upgrade to digital computerised the mother of our three amazing daughters, Isabella, tomography and X-ray services at the emergency Inez and Charlotte — I love you so dearly. Speaking in department, which will greatly improve the ability of family talk, I love you all the way to the stars, below medical staff to very quickly diagnose trauma injuries the sea and up to the stars again. arriving at the emergency department, when time is of the essence. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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I am also very pleased to have been able to make a successful assault reduction strategy program into the contribution to the development of the Alfred Centre future. for elective surgery at the Alfred hospital as chair of the community participation panel for that centre over the As a result of our increases in police numbers and last four years. The new centre will open in February resources we have had reductions in the crime rate of 2007 and will be an enormous boost to our ability to over 22 per cent. The focus on crime prevention and the provide elective surgery procedures for the local ability of police to target offences that are causing community as well as the wider Victorian community. concern in the community have been important Importantly it will separate emergency department initiatives that will continue and increase during this cases from elective cases, so there will no longer be term. delays and cancellations in elective surgery because of the arrival of emergency cases at the emergency As I have said, a lot has been achieved in a number of department. areas, but of course there is always more to be done, in education in particular. The government committed We have also provided greater funding and support for during the election campaign to modernise or rebuild the Inner South Community Health Service, which runs every public primary and secondary school in Victoria. terribly important programs in our local community and In particular, the three state primary schools in my has managed to provide a great boost to local dental electorate, as well as a couple that are very close to the services. In the absence of federal government funding boundary of my electorate, will be beneficiaries of that for dental services we have had to fill the breach, and program. That will continue to increase opportunities doing that has provided a very important boost to local for all our young people to make sure that they get the services for the Inner South Community Health best start in life. Service. A couple of other issues in education that I am In education we have continued to support our local interested in are science and maths teaching. I am very state primary schools, in particular with big increases in pleased to see that the government has made it a policy teacher numbers, lower class sizes and a greater and financial commitment to increase science and concentration on numeracy and literacy programs, as maths education opportunities in Victoria to make sure well as the employment of school welfare officers and that we continue to teach our young people the science improvements to schoolyards and the maintenance of and maths skills that are going to be terribly important buildings. Of course that is going to improve and as we move forward in the 21st century. increase under the commitments made during the election campaign by the Bracks government. Of course education starts very early in life, and improving access to kindergarten programs is We have also made sure that we have seen something that the government is committed to doing. improvements in funding for needy independent That will involve raising the subsidies for low-income schools, basing our funding on equity and the ability of families with children attending kindergarten and those independent schools to provide the very important providing kindergarten programs in long-day care services they provide. I am very pleased to have been centres, which will mean that kindergarten programs able to make a contribution in that regard, particularly will be available to many more young people in our in relation to the Catholic primary schools and the community. Also our commitment to building new Jewish schools in my electorate. children’s centres to further improve access to child care and educational programs for young people will be Community safety, of course, is another of the Bracks an important boost in this area, and I look forward to government’s priorities, and the increases in police those new centres serving our local community as well. numbers and resources have been very welcome in my area. Over the last four years I have had the opportunity In health, of course, we will continue to build on the to chair the inner city entertainment precinct task force achievements of the past and continue to improve set up by the police minister. That task force has played services and reduce waiting times for people who need a very important role in developing policies and medical attention. programs for crime prevention and crime reduction, particularly around the inner city areas. One of the I mentioned earlier in my remarks the new radiology successful strategies that has been developed through suite which the health minister announced today at the that program is the assault reduction strategy. I was Alfred hospital, and that will provide a great boost to very pleased to see the government commit during the the emergency department. We have also announced election campaign to increasing and extending that that the new government will bring in mental health GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

122 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 treatment teams in the emergency departments of our We need to make sure that we are in a position to create major public hospitals. As the key public hospital in the new jobs and new markets and that we have the skills Prahran district, the Alfred will of course benefit from base we require for the new economy. that program. Addressing mental health — making sure we address mental health issues — is a vital community Government, business and academia need to work concern and a vital concern of this government. It is a together on these issues. As Parliamentary Secretary for concern that we take very seriously, not only in terms Industry and Innovation I am very keen to foster those of boosting finances but also in making sure that the relationships and ensure that we develop the policies services are delivered in the most effective way. that we need to make sure we are able to work together for the future prosperity of Victoria — in particular, by Another health issue that the government is committed driving the national reform agenda that the Premier has to is dealing with the growing problem of type 2 championed and the national innovation agenda, of diabetes, and I look forward to making a contribution to which the Treasurer and Minister for Innovation is a the debate on that issue. great supporter. Our science, our technology and our medical research are all very important parts of Apart from education, health and community safety, the innovation, and the Alfred medical research and major challenges that the community is having to face education precinct (AMREP), located at the Alfred up to and deal with are climate change and water. I am hospital site in Prahran, is a very important part of that, very pleased that the government has decided to with organisations like the Burnet Institute, the Baker establish an Office of Climate Change and to appoint Heart Research Institute and the National Trauma the Deputy Premier as the first minister for climate Research Institute. We will also be locating the change. I know we will be bringing a climate change International Diabetes Institute at the AMREP site. bill into this Parliament and that it will be the first of its kind in Australia. We are determined to make sure that They are all very important parts of making sure that we reduce greenhouse emissions, and we have set a we position Victoria for the new technology and new reduction target of 60 per cent by 2050, as well as economy ahead. Innovation is something that we need targets to achieve 20 per cent renewable and to ensure all businesses and governments make a low-emission energy generation by 2020 and reduce contribution to. All businesses across Victoria need to household emissions by 10 per cent by 2010. We will innovate and to be productive, and we need to create continue to lead the development of a state-based the new skills and new jobs that will be necessary to emissions trading scheme, and we will also continue to drive our prosperity in the future. invest in solar and wind power to ensure that Victoria is a leader in renewable energy. We will implement the I look forward to being part of the third Bracks Our Water Our Future policy, which is based on government over the next four years and to making sure conservation, on recycling and on making sure that we that we continue to govern for all Victoria, continue to have the right water quality for use where and when we address disadvantage, continue to deal with the need it. important challenges facing our environment — of climate change and water — and increase the prosperity I am particularly interested in the government’s of all Victorians. pursuing the eastern treatment plant upgrade to class A standard and in its pursuing the business case for the Mr WELLER (Rodney) — Speaker, I would like to eastern water recycling proposal, which will free up the take this opportunity to congratulate you on your equivalent of a quarter of Melbourne’s drinking water election as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. May I from industry use. We also have important work to do also congratulate your party on its success at the recent in the areas of industry and innovation. I was honoured election. to be asked by the Premier to take on the responsibilities of Parliamentary Secretary for Industry I am extremely honoured to stand here today as the new and Innovation in this government. representative in the Victorian Parliament of the people of the Rodney electorate. I consider it a great privilege Of course our success in achieving our policy aims in and an enormous responsibility, and I will not let my improving education, health and community safety is constituents down. I look forward to building on the built on the sound financial management that the outstanding service given by my immediate Bracks government is renowned for. Holding our AAA predecessor, Noel Maughan, who served the Rodney credit rating, continuing with our minimum electorate with distinction in the Victorian Parliament $100 million operating surplus and investing in from 1989. world-class infrastructure are all part of that program. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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During his almost 18 years as the member for Rodney, Vic Stock, a company owned by the Victorian Farmers Noel worked tirelessly for the community and earned Federation that deals with livestock, a director of the the utmost respect of MPs from all political Victorian Farmers Federation property trust and a persuasions. Many referred to Noel Maughan as the director of the National Farmers Federation property ‘gentleman of the Parliament’, and I think we can all trust. My family has a long tradition of leadership in learn a valuable lesson from the example he set. Noel agribusiness and business and I am determined to treated everyone he met with kindness, with fairness continue that with a strong emphasis and commitment and, above all, with respect. I would like to sincerely to the communities of the Rodney electorate. thank Noel and his wife, Dorothy, for their support and assistance throughout my campaign to represent the Continued viability of agriculture and agribusiness, Rodney electorate and wish them all the very best for first-class regional services, profitable local businesses, their future together. and improved education and quality health care are fundamental rights of all people living in regional My decision to stand for election to the Victorian Victoria, and I intend to ensure my constituents receive Parliament was based on a simple principle: I love the them. Rodney district, and I want to make it a place that my children will return to. I would like to thank the electors of Rodney for placing their trust and faith in me to represent their views and I feel very privileged to have lived my whole life in the interests in the Victorian Parliament. It is an honour and Rodney electorate. It is a wonderful part of the world an obligation which I do not take lightly. and has given me and my family many special moments, memories and fantastic opportunities. The Rodney electorate is already one of the best electorates in Victoria, and I intend to make it better. I was raised on a dairy farm just outside the wonderful The Rodney district covers an area of 7808 square township of Lockington, where I lived my life with my kilometres, has a population of around 49 000 people, parents, Gordon and Joy, my brother, Shane, and my and includes the major centres of Echuca, Kyabram, two sisters, Clare and Gaye. My education started at Cohuna, Rochester, Heathcote, Rushworth, Nathalia Lockington Consolidated School and continued on at and Barmah. They are just the major ones. the Rochester High School, where I completed form 5 before becoming a dairy farm apprentice. The electorate’s prosperity is based primarily on agriculture, with the industry accounting for 25 per cent I was raised in an environment of social responsibility of all jobs in the district. The main industry is dairying, and willingness. My father was active in agropolitics as followed by beef, cattle, sheep, cropping, viticulture a regional counsellor for the Victorian Farmers and horticulture. The main employers associated with Federation and was a member of many water the agricultural industries are processing plants committees. My mother is a past president of the including Greenhams, Bonlac, Nestlé, Simplot, Country Women’s Association and a former councillor Cedenco and Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Ltd, and mayor of the Rochester shire. which is the biggest user of the container port of Melbourne. Like my parents, I have always been active in the local community, and I continue to participate in and support The tourism industry is also of vital importance to the the likes of the Country Fire Authority, sporting clubs Rodney electorate, particularly in Echuca, with the and service clubs in my electorate. historic wharf area; in Rushworth, which was an important goldmining area; and in Kyabram, with the On a broader scale, I was president of the Victorian Kyabram Fauna Park. In Echuca alone the tourism Farmers Federation from 2002 to 2005 and, up until my sector employs 1500 people and contributes around election last month, was a member of the board of $220 million per annum to the economy. The historic directors of Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Ltd. port of Echuca receives more than 75 000 visitors a year. Between 2002 and 2005 I was chairman of the National Farmers Federation water task force and chairman of The Rodney electorate is normally a thriving the Victorian state planning group for FarmBis. Over agricultural and agribusiness region generating millions the years I have also been vice-president of the of dollars for the Victorian economy. Unfortunately, Victorian Farmers Federation and senior vice-president with 10 years of low rainfall and water storages at a of its dairy group, the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria. record low level, we are now experiencing the worst I have been chairman of the Victorian Farmers drought on record. Federation land management committee, chairman of GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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The Goulburn, Murray and Campaspe irrigation cause some businesses to close and will lead to a systems are vital for the future of my electorate. This decline in the towns in the irrigation areas. season Goulburn irrigators, who would normally receive 100 per cent of their water entitlement, are Aside from tackling the critical issues of drought and receiving only 24 per cent. Campaspe irrigators are on water there are many other important matters I will be zero allocation. The cost of water, at $1000 a megalitre, working to address during my time as the member for combined with the cost of fodder for animals, is Rodney. Heading that long list will be the Echuca-Moama causing great hardship for our farmers. bridge. We desperately need a new river crossing at Echuca, and we need it now. In 1973 the then member for Of course there are also the flow-on effects of the Rodney, Eddie Hann, told the Victorian Parliament during drought right across the community, but particularly to his inaugural speech that he was hopeful the Echuca our small businesses, which are being severely affected. bridge issue would be resolved in the near future and that a Some are making decisions to retrench staff because new bridge would be built to provide a better link between their incomes have been drastically reduced. Echuca and Moama. In 1989, when the new member for Rodney, Noel Maughan, made his inaugural speech in this While we acknowledge the support this government has place, he too referred to the bridge issue, saying that he given to some, the people of Rodney want the hoped it would not be too long before a new bridge across government to do more. They do not want to pay for the Murray River was opened. water not delivered. They want the trade of water out of the district stopped until there has been an This issue has existed in my community for more than environmental and social impact study. They want full 30 years, and I am absolutely determined to see that it compensation for individuals and communities if water ends. Like the large majority of the community of is diverted to the environment, and the reintroduction of Rodney, I strongly support the western option, and I the $20 000 cash grants for farmers. believe the Yorta Yorta’s decision to refuse consent must be examined. It will be my objective to ensure the Importantly, during times of drought as we are lodgment of a new application for a bridge in the west, presently experiencing, the government should be and if the decision is not favourable, to appeal it to the investing in roads, bridges, irrigation and power Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. infrastructure to ensure money continues to flow in country communities. By supporting our farmers and Among the other issues I plan to pursue in the weeks financing infrastructure, the economic activity and months ahead are the extension of natural gas to generated will flow on to the small business Nathalia, Rushworth, Heathcote, Elmore, Lockington, community. Cohuna and Leitchville; an upgrade of power supplies at Rushworth, Colbinabbin and Corop; and a new On the contentious issue of pipelines, the people of secondary school at Nathalia, new primary schools in Rodney are vigorously opposed to the purchase of Echuca West and Echuca South, a major upgrade to water for urban use from distressed farmers. We Colbinabbin Primary School and funding for the new strongly believe that urban users should only be Kyabram P–12 school. permitted to secure water from rural systems if they first invest in water infrastructure that will generate I will also be working to secure funding to complete equivalent water savings. This way urban authorities stages 2 and 3 of the Echuca regional health can secure the water they require, irrigators do not have redevelopment and to increase dialysis capability at the their entitlements reduced, and the environment Echuca hospital. I want to see funding for the Kyabram benefits from better water infrastructure. hospital aged care facility and community health building as well as for a major redevelopment of health The government’s current proposal to purchase water facilities in Rushworth, a new 16-bed nursing home at on the open market from distressed farmers when they Cohuna and an upgrade of facilities at the McIvor are on their knees after 10 years of drought, 10 of the Health and Community Services nursing home in driest years on record, is unconscionable. It is Heathcote. inappropriate, particularly in the current circumstances, for the government to go into the market to purchase On law and order, I will work to ensure that our police water for urban use, and consequently inflate the price, stations are adequately resourced with staff and that we when many farmers are on a knife edge and fighting for secure new police stations at Rochester and at Barmah their very survival. Reducing the amount of water for on the River Murray. agriculture will lead to a loss of jobs in the food processing, transport and service industries. It will GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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Finally, I want to ensure that the Barmah-Millewa State I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of Forest and the Gunbower State Forest are retained for those MPs who are no longer with us, either through cattle grazing, timber harvesting and tourism operations retirement or defeat. I wish them and their families well and are not locked up into national parks where they into the future with whatever endeavours they pursue. will be neglected. Congratulations go also to the members of the new ministry for their commissions and to other office There is so much that I want to achieve in Rodney, and bearers in the Parliament on their appointments. Finally I cannot wait to get started. I am extremely grateful for in the thank you list, I would like to acknowledge the this opportunity and very aware that I would not be in very hard and tireless work of my staff, Myles, this place without the support of many others. I would Lambros and Mark. Also a big cheery thank you to my like to thank a number of people who were instrumental lovely wife, Tawny, and new baby, Kirsten, for their in my success. Firstly, I thank the dedicated branch assistance. Kirsten is unable to do terribly much members of The Nationals in Rodney who supported envelope-stuffing, but she was there in spirit if not me at preselection back in May this year. I thank also providing a lot of practical assistance! the members of my campaign committee, who worked tirelessly to ensure that I did become the member for Ms Allan interjected. Rodney. I also thank the band of wonderful volunteers who staffed the pre-poll centre, our campaign office, Dr HARKNESS — That’s right: she will be ready and 38 polling booths on election day. Their selfless for campaigns into the future, I hope. contribution played a vital role in my success on 25 November, and I am forever grateful to them. In my inaugural speech I started by asking whether there was a role for government in the 21st century: I am particularly grateful to the Leader of The It might be argued that in contemporary times there is not. It Nationals for his guidance and strong support, provided is nevertheless my contention that now particularly is the time even while fighting his own election campaign. I would that our society requires active leadership from government. like to congratulate him on his individual success at the election and that of the entire Nationals team, which In 2006 more than ever the issues and challenges facing continues to grow in both strength and unity under his us require strong and active leadership. This will be talented leadership. provided over the next four years, just as it has been over the past seven years. I give a heartfelt thank you to my parents, Gordon and Joy, and to my wife, Chrissy, and our children, Cassie, Government continues to have a very significant role to Jess, Jarrod and Aaron. They have all been of play in providing everybody with opportunity, free and tremendous support to me throughout this process and equal access to a decent education, reliable and have each made sacrifices in their own lives to help me responsive health care, the ability to walk the streets at achieve this goal. I could not have done it without them, night without fear, or simply a roof over their heads. It and I am deeply grateful. has certainly been an honour over the past four years to stand up for Frankston, and I look forward to working Finally, may I extend my congratulations to all new with the Frankston community over the next four years members here today and wish them luck as they set to ensure that it continues to be a great place to live, about working to represent and serve the best interests work and raise a family. of their constituents. I look forward to serving the people of Victoria, and particularly the Rodney district, The Bracks government went to the polls on in this place, and I will do so with honesty, passion and 25 November with a very clear and responsible plan to integrity. further improve infrastructure and services throughout this state. We will continue to improve our health Dr HARKNESS (Frankston) — I would like to add system by rebuilding hospitals and health services and my congratulations to you, Deputy Speaker, on your employing even more doctors and nurses. We will appointment as the Deputy Speaker of this Parliament, maintain education as our top priority, ensuring we a role I know you will fulfil very well. Congratulations continue to rebuild every school throughout the state, go too to the member for Rodney; I welcome him to the improve our skills throughout the community and Legislative Assembly here in Victoria. I congratulate all employ more teachers in our schools. the new members of this chamber, particularly the members for Bundoora, Footscray, Lara, Narre Warren This government has also set out action plans to tackle South, Northcote, Preston and Tarneit. some of the key challenges facing us, most particularly climate change and water issues. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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I would like to turn my attention to two key projects community has certainly strongly supported the process within the Frankston electorate which I have been of establishing a working group to bring together working solidly on for the past term and which will be experts and local representatives to investigate the facts, coming to fruition in this term. The first is the proposed determine what people want from the site and consider Frankston Regional Aquatic Health and Wellness a wide range of future management challenges for the Centre — and hopefully when it is opened it will have a land. The then Minister for Water, who was also the catchier title than that. This is a key initiative that I have Minister for the Environment, announced during the been strongly and actively pursuing over the past few election campaign that the reservoir site would be years, and I am certainly looking forward to seeing this wholly retained in public hands and committed very innovative facility commence construction before $1.6 million for the establishment of visitor facilities too long. This aquatic centre will be funded by all levels and a management plan for the new Frankston of government, including a substantial investment by Reservoir site. the Bracks government that will involve one of the legacies of the FINA world swimming championships There is widespread support for the Bracks government early next year. retaining the site in public ownership and maintaining it as a park for the people of Victoria, particularly the One of the Olympic-sized swimming pools used in the people of Frankston and surrounds. I am very keen to championships will be making its way to Frankston and see that money expended soon so that we can get this to this particular facility for many generations to enjoy, wonderful site opened up for people of all ages and along with a substantial capital investment from the abilities to enjoy. Many residents are thrilled that Bracks government. Located at the Monash Frankston might finally have a public park with perhaps University’s peninsula campus, this facility will bring a network of walking paths and bike paths so that they great benefits to the Frankston community by can enjoy the beauty of one of the most pristine encouraging more people to pursue healthy and active locations on the peninsula. I am looking forward to the lifestyles throughout Frankston and the surrounds. opportunities that this piece of parkland will present to Plans for this $30 million facility, which will serve the Frankston community into the future. 150 000 residents, include swimming facilities, a gymnasium and sports courts; and a clinic providing These two projects are very important. As the Governor services such as physiotherapy, sports medicine, stress noted in his address yesterday, obesity is an management and relaxation massage will also be ever-increasing problem amongst our communities, so available. The centre will certainly be a major boost for facilities such as the Frankston Regional Aquatic the region, providing much more than just sport and Health and Wellness Centre and the Frankston aquatic facilities. It will indeed offer a holistic approach Reservoir parkland are going to provide wonderful to health and wellbeing. opportunities for Frankston families to engage in an active lifestyle. A second project which is very exciting involves the Frankston Reservoir site. This is a 98-hectare site We have heard many people talk about the importance located within Frankston which has provided an open of education. There is no doubt whatsoever that it is our air water storage for Frankston for over 80 years. The no. 1 priority, and our Victorian schools plan commits reservoir was replaced earlier this year with a covered us to a complete overhaul of government schools. tank to ensure a higher quality of water supply for Every Victorian government school will be rebuilt or Frankston’s families, which has prompted the need to modernised within 10 years under our plan as part of consider options for the 98-hectare site. Located the biggest ever school building program — in fact it is between Overport Road and Moorooduc Highway in the biggest program of its type since the post World Frankston South, it is a high regional conservation War II baby boom. In particular Labor will be replacing significant site containing areas of damp heathland, or upgrading schools that were built in the 1950s, many grassy woodland and gully woodland, all of which are of which are in Frankston as well, and building new regionally rare or endangered. schools in our growing suburbs and areas.

Over the last few years I have been facilitating public Over the past seven years we have built or modernised consultation and discussion about the future of this one quarter of the state’s 1600 schools, and the particular site through surveys and meetings. I have third-term Bracks government will be spending an extra also had an overwhelming response from Frankston $1.9 billion on education capital to complete another residents, illustrated by a public meeting early this year 500 schools, with the rest to be rebuilt or modernised attended by 270 people who contributed their ideas and by 2016. With funding of $448 million already their views about the future of this site. The Frankston committed in the current financial year, this election GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 127 pledge takes the funding committed for education hospital were rebuilt as part of the first stage of the capital to $2.3 billion. We have worked hard to rebuild redevelopment, which was completed in 2002. our school system, but we know there is much more to do. Education is certainly very firmly at the top of our Recently, as I noted at the outset, I had the privilege of agenda. In Frankston, the Karingal Park Secondary experiencing the new maternity services at the College will be the first school to be completely Frankston Hospital first hand through the birth of upgraded. Kirsten. I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the chief executive of Peninsula Health, Some other projects include the very innovative ultranet Dr Sherene Devanesen, and all of her staff, particularly initiative for every local school, which will allow those in the maternity ward at the Frankston Hospital. parents to keep track of their children’s progress. New technical wings or equipment will be provided at every We are rolling out a large number of things in government secondary school, and $30 million will be education and in health. Some of these include provided for needy non-government schools to replace upgrading the ambulance stations at Frankston and facilities and improve student outcomes. All primary Hastings; establishing a new peak-period unit to school children from prep to grade 2 will be offered support the Frankston ambulance station; $2 million to free fruit on Friday as part of a $129 million Labor plan plan for new children’s hospital facilities at Monash to continue the fight against obesity and diabetes. The Medical Centre; extra operating theatres and upgrades next step in the fight against diabetes will also give to the intensive care unit at Frankston Hospital; and Victorian families the tools they need to change their $456 000 to Peninsula Health over the next four years lifestyles and avoid this disease, including a new to extend mental health coverage in its emergency Quit-style support and health promotion program. departments. Indeed obesity and diabetes have replaced smoking as the major health challenges facing our community. The Throughout the election campaign we made several $11 million which has now been committed to roll out other commitments as well in the areas of public the free-fruit Fridays is going to be very welcomed by transport and roads: $15 million to address the schools throughout the state, particularly those in congestion issues at the intersection of the Frankston Frankston. Freeway and Cranbourne Road; committing to an environmental effects statement for a future Frankston More patients are going to be treated more quickly in bypass; and improvements to the intersection of state-of-the-art facilities under a massive $1.4 billion Baxter-Tooradin and Fultons roads in Baxter. plan to upgrade hospitals right across Melbourne and create two dedicated elective surgery centres. The More generally in the area of the community we have government will provide a massive boost to emergency committed $2 million to completely rebuild the departments, upgrade community health centres and Frankston pier — a much-needed job — and $500 000 improve the Metropolitan Ambulance Service. We will to provide Frankston with a multicultural centre. In continue to invest in the health services that matter to Frankston we have representatives from 34 different Victorian families. We have done a lot to turn around countries speaking 30 different languages. This the health system and to get waiting lists to an multicultural centre is well on its way to becoming a eight-year low, but we know there is a lot more to do. reality. This plan includes providing $15 million to perform Also $35 000 will be provided for improved entry and 16 000 additional operations through the opening of exit points for Frankston State Emergency Service two dedicated elective surgery centres at St Vincent’s vehicles from their premises in Kananook; and $5000 is and at the repatriation hospital site at Heidelberg and committed for a much-needed airconditioner for the through expanding capacity in our hospitals. Orwil Street Community House, something that the The Bracks government has committed to local people there are very pleased about. The Frankston projects. Very importantly for me, it has committed to community will also receive a share of an additional an additional $45 million upgrade of the Frankston 350 sworn police officers. Hospital to assist in further reducing waiting lists for I reaffirm my strong belief in the role and importance of elective surgery and to enhance critical care services for government. In times of great and varied challenges the region. The Frankston Hospital, being the major people are looking for leadership. Government is not an hospital on the Mornington Peninsula, services many impediment but a crucial force in building and realising residents of the peninsula and beyond. This is the the full potential of a robust economy, a just society and second stage of the redevelopment of the Frankston an environment in which biodiversity is assured. I will Hospital. The maternity and paediatric facilities at the GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

128 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 continue to stand up for Frankston by delivering on my As is the case with many of my parliamentary commitments and providing strong advocacy and colleagues I chose to become more involved in my representation for all members of the Frankston local community. Following the council amalgamations community. in 1994 I stood for the first local government elections in 1997. I was elected to the Shire of Yarra Ranges in In conclusion, as there will not be any felicitations in March 1997 and re-elected in 2000 and 2003, and I was the Parliament this year, I extend my best wishes to all fortunate enough to be elected mayor on three separate members of Parliament on both sides of the chamber occasions. Having the opportunity to serve the people for a happy and merry festive season and all the best for of the Shire of Yarra Ranges as a local councillor and 2007 as we all tackle those important challenges. I take as mayor was an enormous honour, and along the way I this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work learnt many important lessons and skills. I am grateful throughout the course of this year, as in previous years, for the experience gained working with and on behalf of all of the parliamentary staff throughout the of residents, businesses, community groups and parliamentary precinct. organisations.

Mr HODGETT (Kilsyth) — I thank the whip and My time on council was extremely rewarding, and I the member for Benambra for reordering proceedings take this opportunity to thank the Shire of Yarra Ranges to allow my family to arrive in time for my speech. chief executive officers I worked with — Eric Howard and, now, Rob Hauser — all the directors who served I am honoured as the member for Kilsyth to rise to give over those nine years and especially the hardworking, my inaugural speech to the house. I commence by dedicated and committed staff. I also thank my former congratulating you, Deputy Speaker, and the Speaker, councillor colleagues who have worked hard to on your election to high office. establish Yarra Ranges as a leading council in Victorian As the new member for Kilsyth I want to acknowledge local government. the previous longstanding member for Mooroolbark, I have witnessed the benefits that can be delivered to Lorraine Elliott, a member in the previous Liberal local communities when state and federal governments government who represented the Mooroolbark work in partnership with local governments, and I will electorate between 1992 and 2002 and worked strive for strong relationships in all of my dealings with tirelessly to promote the interests of the local the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the City of Maroondah, community. I also acknowledge Dympna Beard, who which are in my electorate of Kilsyth. represented the electorate of Kilsyth between 2002 and 2006. I wish Dympna and her family all the best for the Kilsyth, the electorate, is in a unique situation: it lies future. close to the outer urban fringe of Melbourne where it enjoys all the benefits of an urban locality, but it is also Much of my life to date has been about serving the the gateway to Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges, the public. My career, my time in local government and scenic Yarra Valley and beyond. many of the groups and organisations I have been involved with have been about giving back to the Kilsyth is a residential electorate with extensive community. The experience I have gained over parklands, sporting facilities, shopping strips and 23 years of working for the Australian government has businesses. It is an area of small business. given me an understanding of the machinery of government. I have also been fortunate to have had Kilsyth has no huge shopping centres but rather the input into policy development and have been small, strip-shopping centres that many of us like for responsible for the delivery of government policy. their personal, friendly service and village-like atmosphere. It is an area of manufacturing and of Over those 23 years I have been fortunate to have commuter workers who take public transport or use the worked in many positions in the Australian public roads to get to and from work. service, most recently as the District Registrar, Victoria, of the Migration Review Tribunal and the Refugee Whilst I was doorknocking I found the demand for Review Tribunal. I have enjoyed my career to date and better public transport at the forefront of people’s have gained much from the people I have had the minds, and this issue was continually raised with me privilege of working with. I would particularly like to during the 18 months that I was a candidate. A pay tribute to the migration and refugee review significant portion of my electorate consists of people tribunals registrar, John Lynch. I have learnt much from who came to Australia from England, Ireland and John’s wisdom and experience. Scotland, hoping for a better life for themselves and GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 129 their families. My late father was one such person who What do I stand for? Bessie Anderson Stanley is the migrated from Ireland. These people have special author of a quote often incorrectly attributed to Ralph qualities, a determined independence, intense loyalty Waldo Emerson: and a firm adherence to family and social values. The commitment to family values is evident among the To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation churches and community groups in the local areas. of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world I could spend much time extolling the virtues of the a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a district of Kilsyth. However, we are confronted with redeemed social condition … to know even one life has many significant local issues. Land use and breathed easier because you have lived — this is the meaning development, issues around community safety and a of success. lack of resourcing for our local police are of very real That is what I stand for: being involved in my concern to the community; as is access to reliable, community, contributing and giving something back to clean, safe public transport — an issue I touched on a the people and the area in which I live; working hard, minute ago. earning respect, looking for the best in others and giving the best of myself, and leaving the place better What do people aspire to? That includes not only my than I found it. This is what drives me. constituents in Kilsyth but the people of Victoria. It is clear that parents want access to education for their For me finding a place where I could make a difference children. After all, every child deserves to have the best was in joining the Liberal Party. I joined the Liberal educational opportunities possible. Parents want Party because I believe in and connect with its values. I schools with outstanding, well-supported teachers, believe in the ideals of individual freedom, free well-maintained classrooms and facilities that help enterprise and personal responsibility. I believe in hard stimulate learning. People want affordable and work; I believe in reward for effort; I believe in available health care. I have a great hospital in my enterprise, diversity and democracy. Above all, I electorate, the Maroondah Hospital, but people want believe in making the most of opportunity and hospitals to be sufficiently resourced so that waiting potential. I joined the Liberal Party because it is a times are reasonable and older residents do not have to responsible party and the party for all Australians, not wait for excessive periods for important quality-of-life just some. procedures. There are many things I want to achieve as the member People want safer communities. Many people in my for Kilsyth. As I stated earlier, community safety is an electorate do not feel safe in their streets or homes. issue of vital importance in Kilsyth. We have problems They want to see a police presence on the streets, in Kilsyth, as people everywhere have problems, which around shopping centres, railway stations and often manifest themselves in the family situation entertainment precincts. People want to feel confident through domestic violence, children being placed at of their own personal safety and that of their children or risk, homelessness and youth suicide. I bring to this older relatives in the area in which they live. Parliament an understanding of these sensitive issues and a commitment to all members of my community to In my electorate people want efficient and reliable assist people from all walks of life. public transport. We must raise the standards expected of public transport. People expect our trains and buses The bigger state issues of health, education, water, the to be clean, safe and on time. We want a public environment, roads, public transport and community transport system that will get us to and from work, and safety are all very important, but I do not believe one home in time to see our families at night. In the district can be an effective representative for Kilsyth without of Kilsyth so many people are dependent on public being a strong voice on social issues. I feel that the transport to get to work, schools and to cross the taxpayer has a responsibility, through the government, electorate to get to their homes. to support those people, and I will work with local community groups, organisations and church-based People want high-quality government services and they organisations to deliver the services required by the expect state taxes, fees and charges to be kept as low as community. These are some of the areas on which I possible. Government must practise discipline when it want to focus as the member for Kilsyth. I am also comes to the management of spending, delivering value committed to being a good and able spokesperson in for money in the taxes Victorians pay to ensure funding this house for the people of my electorate and to makes its way to frontline services. represent the decisions of this Parliament adequately to them. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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It is to my family that I finally turn. I am the person I getting to know other members better and taking part in am through the influence of my family. My father, the deliberations of this great Parliament. Thank you. Derek, was born in Ireland and migrated to Australia in 1952. He worked on the Snowy Mountains scheme. He Mr CRUTCHFIELD (South Barwon) — Deputy had a strong work ethic and valued the principle of Speaker, I offer my congratulations to you and to the reward for effort. He married my mother, Betty, in Speaker on your appointments. 1961 and together they had three children. We have a strong family and I am proud of the achievements of I take this opportunity to reconfirm my commitment not my brothers Mick and Greg and their spouses and only to the Labor Party, of course, but also to the families who have always been a tremendous support residents of South Barwon. Most members who have for me. I extend this to my parents-in-law, brothers and been returned have acknowledged the contributions sisters-in-law and I am truly blessed to have such a they have made to their communities, but it is the family and would not be here without them. reverse for me, because the residents of South Barwon have afforded me the privilege of representing them. It is the family that gives us the strength and confidence Certainly I am privileged to be the only Labor member to aim high and strive for excellence. It is family that to be elected to the seat of South Barwon — and to encourages the best in you and provides guidance along have been re-elected, at the recent state election. It is a the journey. To my wonderful wife, Christina: I am privilege, and I continually remind myself of that. particularly grateful for the love, support, help, encouragement, advice, care and friendship that you I get significant reminders of that from a former Liberal have given me, especially during the past 18 months. I Party member for South Barwon, Harley Dickinson. am thankful to our seven children, Ebonee, Amber, Many members in this place probably still get phone Ryan, Jaydan, Tayla, Breeanna and Baylin, and to all calls from him: I get repeated phone calls and visits. my friends for the support they have given me during Harley has instilled in me his philosophy about not those 18 months, and for the obvious pride they feel taking anything for granted. I thank Harley for his now I am here. continued presence, although hopefully it will not be quite so frequent next year. I am indebted to the members of my party who first chose me as their candidate and put their faith in me. I I would like to thank my campaign team. Mike thank my campaign team, branch members and Atkinson is the president of the Torquay branch. He supporters for their tremendous work and dedication. I spent considerable time assisting me. As a campaign am particularly indebted to the people on my electorate team we were small in number but big in work ethic. committee including electorate chair, Steve Hobson, Ron Arthur is the president of the Belmont branch. His and my campaign manager, Fran Henderson. I thank wife, Lesley, spent about one and a half weeks of her my good friend James Martin for his tips and advice own time in my office assisting with the onerous along the way. Thank you to the hardworking, responsibilities we have during a campaign. Tony professional people at the secretariat led by Russell White took three weeks of his annual leave to manage Hannan, Julian Sheezel and Darren Disney. I thank my campaign, and it is no coincidence that things Tony Smith, the federal member for Casey, and a improved when Tony came into my office. For a person former member of this place, the Honourable Phil to take three weeks of annual leave to work unpaid in Honeywood, for their advice, support and guidance an office needs my thanks, and in particular I sincerely during the campaign. thank his wife, Kerry. Roger Lawrey is another person who took time off work, and I thank him for his loyalty. I thank the people and communities of Kilsyth for I have known Roger since I was at Warrnambool High giving me the opportunity to represent them. It is a School back in 1979. I also thank the significant responsibility I take extremely seriously. I feel number of volunteers and party members who privileged to have been elected by the voters in Kilsyth volunteered on the day and previously. I record my to be their member. I promise to justify their faith in thanks to my staff, Denise, Denise and Linda. Only me. people in this place would understand what onerous and sometimes very unpleasant responsibilities the staff In closing, I would like to thank members on both sides have, and I think we all thank our staff. of this house for the warm welcome they have given both to me and to the other new members. I also thank I thank my wife and family, my mum, Lesley, and my the officers of the Parliament for the courtesy they have father, Paul, and my brothers, Philip and Peter, and their extended to me over the past few weeks. Deputy families. This is a particularly significant time for us as Speaker, I look forward to my term in this house, a family. I want to acknowledge my brother, David. It GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 131 was recently the fourth anniversary of his death and so I history is history, and the residents will judge us on say, ‘Cheerio, I know you are there’. what we are going to do, not necessarily on what we have done. Along with other members, my energies To Michael King, who was the Liberal candidate for have turned to major commitments that the third-term South Barwon — — Bracks government has made to the rather disparate communities in South Barwon. Whether it be Mount Mr Mulder — A decent man! Duneed, Barwon Heads, Jan Juc, Bellbrae or Ceres, it is Mr CRUTCHFIELD — I acknowledge the a quite eclectic mix of communities, both rural and member for Polwarth, and I support his use of that urban. adjective. He is a decent man. I have been in his spot I want to touch on a couple of projects in an extensive before. I spoke to Michael at length on the Sunday after list. I do not want to name every one but I refer to a the election. When you put yourself in the public few, whether it be the continuing rollout of natural gas spotlight, as we all do, and you lose — and I lost and the upgrade of the commercial area in Barwon in 1999 — you understand how he feels. I am certain he Heads, the building of the first stage of a secondary will pop up somewhere else. He can make a school in Torquay or the increase in the new year in contribution wherever he pops up in the future, and I police numbers in Torquay. I look forward to the wish him the best. Perhaps he will learn that he should opening of the Torquay police station, which they tell not take advice from the local federal member, but I me will be in February, although the date has not been will leave that alone as much as I can. set.

I thank Elaine Carbines, who is unfortunately now a The 25-metre pool at Leisure Link in Belmont, where I former member for Geelong Province in the other swim, will be replaced. The new mayor of the City of place. She spent seven years in that place. Sometimes Greater Geelong is Cr Bruce Harwood. As I mentioned politics is very unfair, and she is another example of earlier, he is the member for my old ward, Kardinia, that. She is too good not to be in politics. Unfortunately which covers Belmont. I am keen to work with the City there are examples on both sides of the house where of Greater Geelong to start that project some time in the very good people have lost their seats. It is not always middle of next year. It involves a 50-metre indoor pool, because of those individuals; other more strategic issues one of the pools from the 12th FINA World can be the cause. There will be much reflection and Championships that has been donated to Geelong. That analysis about what happened in Geelong Province. will ensure there is a 50-metre indoor facility south of I send my congratulations on their election to new the river in my electorate of South Barwon. That members for Western Victoria Region, Gayle Tierney aquatic facility will house three pools, I think, in the and Jaala Pulford in another place. I look forward to Waurn Ponds-Grovedale growth area in my electorate. working closely with them. My understanding is that As the Minister for Skills, Education Services and Gayle will open her office in Geelong in the new year. Employment, who is at the table, will be well aware, Well done to my lower house colleagues, including the there will be a continued upgrade of government member for Geelong, Ian Trezise; the member for Lara, schools. Oberon High School has been very patient in John Eren; and Lisa Neville, who is now the Minister waiting for its turn for an upgrade, which is coming for Mental Health, Minister for Aged Care and Minister next year. I certainly look forward to working with for Children, and who is also the member for Bellarine. Ralph Shaw, the principal. Having a minister from Geelong is long overdue, and the appointment has been very well received. Now we In the expansion of health and aged care facilities, have a triumvirate of ministerial representatives from $20 million will be provided for the aged care facility Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong. It is long overdue, very on Torquay Road in Grovedale. Work has commenced, welcome and has been very well accepted by the with power being put on last week. The Geelong community. hospital will have an upgrade, and I know all local members will be working closely with Sue Stratigos I want to hit home to the local members the message of and Claire Higgins and the board in finalising the support. Our collective lobbying and advocacy has master planning for the next stage. given the Labor Party a much-needed result in the Geelong region. We have set the bar high, as indeed we There will be an expansion of recreation and sporting must, but we must continue to raise that bar as well. facilities, which are near and dear to my heart. The residents of Geelong and South Barwon in Examples of that are Corio Bay and Barwon rowing particular will demand that. As all members know, clubs. The government has given $50 000 for an urgent CONTROL OF WEAPONS AMENDMENT (PENALTIES) BILL

132 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 upgrade of the Barwon Rowing Club facility, and the CONTROL OF WEAPONS AMENDMENT secretary said that no state government of any colour (PENALTIES) BILL has ever contributed financially to those rowing clubs that are community-based, not school-based, clubs. It is Second reading a reminder to all members that rowing is a very worthwhile recreation and/or sport. Mr CAMERON (Minister for Police and Emergency Services) — Deputy Speaker, may I join The securing of a sustainable water supply for the with other honourable members in wishing you well on Geelong region is another priority. An aquifer in my your election as Deputy Speaker of this great house. electorate is being investigated for entering. The upgrade of the Barwon River park from Geelong to I move: Barwon Heads is something that I am keen to pursue. I That this bill be now read a second time. know a number of recreational and environmental groups are keen to have a bike trail cum walking trail The bill amends the Control of Weapons Act 1990 to cum running trail — whatever trail you like, within enhance community safety by increasing penalties for reason — from Geelong to Barwon Heads. offences under sections 5(1) and 6(1) of the act. These amendments represent the first tranche of the Finally, before I finish I will touch briefly on the last government’s proposed amendments to the control of and very public project, the Geelong ring-road. Stage 3 weapons regime. is ahead of time at this stage, and we are looking at the end of 2009 for the completion of that stage and the The Control of Weapons Act 1990 regulates access to commencement in 2008 of stage 4, the flyover on the non-firearms weapons in order to protect the Princes Highway, which I know all the G21 councils community. Under the act, non-firearms weapons are are now very supportive of. I know that as a group they divided into three classifications — prohibited will be keen to lobby the federal government to match weapons, controlled weapons and dangerous articles. the state government’s $62.5 million for that flyover. I think they will be keen to speak to the local federal The bill amends section 5(1) of the act to increase the member about the endorsement that the electorate has penalty for possessing, carrying, using, displaying or given the state government’s particular options on both advertising for sale, selling, purchasing, causing to be stages 3 and 4 and to change his mind. imported or manufacturing a prohibited weapon without an exemption under section 8B or an approval under The Surf Coast Shire and the Minister for Mental section 8C of the act. The bill increases the penalty from Health, the member for Bellarine, are very keen to 120 penalty units or six months imprisonment to finalise the Surf Coast link. That planning is almost 240 penalty units or two years imprisonment. finished. The draft Mount Duneed structure plan is on exhibition. It involves the link to the Surf Coast The bill also amends section 6(1) of the act to increase Highway. Again, the government has made a 100 per the penalty for possessing, carrying or using a cent commitment to building that Surf Coast link, controlled weapon without lawful excuse. The bill which I know the Surf Coast Shire in particular will increases the penalty from 60 penalty units or six keep me honest on. months imprisonment to 120 penalty units or 12 months imprisonment. Can I finish by wishing a merry Christmas and a safe new year, as many people have, not only to all in this The bill also provides for the automatic repeal of the house and the other place, but also importantly, as amending act on 1 July 2008. This is in accordance many have mentioned, to the long-suffering staff who with the recommendation of the Scrutiny of Acts and keep this place ticking over. Let’s all come back safe. Regulations Committee that all amending acts contain an automatic repeal provision. The repeal of this act Debate adjourned on motion of Mr BURGESS does not affect in any way the operation of the (Hastings). amendments made by this act.

Debate adjourned until later this day. I commend the bill to the house.

Debate adjourned on motion of Mr CLARK (Box Hill).

Debate adjourned until Wednesday, 3 January 2007. INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 133

INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION Clause 5 provides that in preparing an act or statutory AMENDMENT BILL rule for reprinting or other publication, Chief Parliamentary Counsel may authorise an alteration to be Second reading made to text or other matter forming part of the act or statutory rule, in order to give effect to any of the style Mr HULLS (Attorney-General) — I move: changes set out in schedule 1 of the bill.

That this bill be now read a second time. Clause 6 inserts the new schedule 1 containing stylistic The Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 makes changes. For example, it provides that in writing words provision for the construction, operation and the such as ‘subsection’ a hyphen will no longer be used. shortening of language used in acts of Parliament and The purpose of these style changes is to make Victorian subordinate instruments. legislation consistent with the way other Australian The bill has been recommended by Chief Parliamentary jurisdictions draft their acts and statutory rules. These Counsel in order to provide for the updating of acts and changes are also in keeping with a protocol on drafting statutory rules to bring them into conformity with national uniform legislation being developed by the current drafting styles. It also provides for clarification Parliamentary Counsel’s Committee. This committee is and authorisation of some procedural matters relating to a national committee representing all drafting offices in legislative drafting and reprinting conventions. Australia and New Zealand. The Standing Committee of Attorneys-General has also recently considered the While the amendments proposed in this bill may appear matter of promoting greater consistency in drafting to be of a minor, technical nature, it is important for the legislation arising from model legislative schemes. sake of clarity and certainty in the interpretation of legislation that such stylistic conventions and Clause 7 provides that the act is to be repealed on the procedures be enshrined in the act. This bill also first anniversary of the first day on which all of its reflects a policy commitment by this government provisions are in operation, which is the day on which it during the recent Victorian elections to reform receives royal assent. legislation by ensuring that all laws are modernised and In keeping with this proposal, Chief Parliamentary written in clear English. Counsel has indicated that in future all amending acts Clauses 1 and 2 are standard provisions dealing with will be repealed in this manner, one year after all of the purpose and commencement of the bill. their provisions commence. The period of one year is considered sufficient time for an amending bill to Clause 3 clarifies a process in legislative drafting. remain on the current statute books before being Under current practice, the introduction print of a bill to repealed, having served its amending purpose. the Parliament is entitled an ‘act’. Technically, a bill is not an act until it receives royal assent. Chief This proposal, which has been recommended by the Parliamentary Counsel has advised that until a bill Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee, will save receives royal assent, the word ‘Bill’ should be used in the time and expense of having to specifically repeal the title, rather than the word ‘Act’. With the passage of amending acts in statute law revision bills. this bill, this practice will now be adopted. I commend the bill to the house. The bill therefore provides that the Clerk of the Debate adjourned on motion of Mr CLARK (Box Parliaments will substitute the word ‘Act’ for the word Hill). ‘Bill’ in the title of a bill after it has received passage through both houses of the Parliament and before it is Debate adjourned until Wednesday, 3 January presented to the Governor for assent. This alteration 2007. will not be taken as an amendment of a bill; rather, it more accurately reflects the legislative process.

Clause 4 provides that in reprinting an act the government printer may omit the date of assent. This practice will avoid any confusion between the date of assent and the date of the reprint. PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AMENDMENT BILL

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PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS AMENDMENT These amendments will provide an explicit statutory BILL foundation for these cooperative arrangements to operate and assist to avoid any technical legal Second reading challenges in cases conducted under them.

Mr HULLS (Attorney-General) — I move: I commend the bill to the house.

That this bill be now read a second time. Debate adjourned on motion of Mr CLARK (Box Hill). Under longstanding cooperative arrangements, the Victorian Director of Public Prosecutions and Debate adjourned until Wednesday, 3 January commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions have 2007. been able to prosecute offences against the laws of the other jurisdiction. This power is typically used to Sitting suspended 6.28 p.m. until 8.01 p.m. prosecute drug offences involving both commonwealth (e.g., importation) and Victorian (e.g., trafficking) GOVERNOR’S SPEECH offences. It is a practical arrangement, which has worked effectively. It avoids the need for two Address-in-reply prosecutions to be run by two separate prosecution agencies in relation to the one case for their own Debate resumed from earlier this day; motion of jurisdiction’s offences. Mr PALLAS (Minister for Roads and Ports) for adoption of address-in-reply. To facilitate those arrangements, the Public Prosecutions Act 1994 (Vic) enables the Mr BURGESS (Hastings) — I would like to start commonwealth DPP and his or her staff to be appointed by congratulating you, Speaker, on your recent as Victorian Crown prosecutors so that they can appointment. prosecute Victorian offences. Conversely, the Victorian DPP and Crown prosecutors are authorised under the It is a great pleasure to speak in the debate on the commonwealth’s Director of Public Prosecutions Act address-in-reply, and it is an even greater pleasure to 1983 to prosecute commonwealth offences. However, have been elected the member for Hastings. I would unlike the commonwealth act, the Victorian act does like to record my sincere thanks to the people of the not contain an explicit basis on which the Victorian Hastings electorate for placing their trust in me. I would DPP and Crown prosecutors can receive and exercise also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge my this commonwealth authority. The bill will remedy that predecessor, Rosalyn Buchanan, for the hard work she gap. performed on behalf of the Hastings electorate.

On occasions, the Victorian DPP or Crown prosecutors Hastings is a mixed rural and urban fringe electorate may be authorised to prosecute another state or located approximately 42 kilometres south-east of territories offences. Such authorities may be given Melbourne. It is roughly 600 square kilometres in area. where, for example, there may be a perceived conflict BlueScope Steel and Inghams Enterprises are the two of interest in the other jurisdiction prosecuting one of its largest employers in the electorate. own staff. There is currently no explicit basis in the The features of Hastings include the Langwarrin Flora Public Prosecutions Act 1994 on which the Victorian and Fauna Reserve, Boggy Creek and the Royal DPP or Crown prosecutors receive such an authority or Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. The HMAS Cerberus exercise powers under it. The bill will make explicit naval base, Watson and Kings creeks and Devilbend their ability to do so. Reservoir are also wonderful assets of the area. It also There is also a possibility of such a conflict-of-interest encompasses such well-known localities as Balnarring, situation arising in Victoria. Currently, there is no French Island, Crib Point, Somerville, Langwarrin, explicit means under the Public Prosecution Act 1994 Devon Meadows and the coastal villages. But Hastings of authorising another jurisdiction’s DPP or staff (other is much more than its geography; it is very much about than the commonwealth) to prosecute a Victorian the people who have chosen to make this magnificent offence in this situation. The bill will provide that area their home. Their needs are the needs of country another jurisdiction’s DPP or his or her staff may be people, manual workers, young families, business appointed a Crown prosecutor to enable them to initiate owners and retirees. and conduct the prosecution of Victorian offences. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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The electorate and people of Hastings draw together all Mirabella of Mirabella’s seafood, former proprietor of the different threads of my life. My loving parents, Ron Hastings’ oldest business. To the many others who and Audrey Burgess, raised me, my six sisters and gave their time and energy unselfishly, my sincere brother in the small country town of Tocumwal, where gratitude. they owned and ran the Tocumwal Hotel. This was where the locals gathered after a hard day of work to The community expects and deserves someone who relax, discuss their troubles and socialise. It taught me a will work with them in the streets as well as for them in lot about life. Being brought up in a small country town Parliament, and someone who will roll up their sleeves and in a very large family, I quickly developed a strong and work side by side with their people, get their hands sense of community. I learnt that the family unit and a dirty and experience first hand their challenges. There is close community are two of the most important no greater advocate for people than someone who building blocks of happiness. These country values shares their pain. have never left me, and I see them throughout the Hastings electorate. It is my intention to continue to work side by side with the people of Hastings so that we can together make our My first job was also in Tocumwal. I was the town community a better and safer place for our children to postie by day and the telephone exchange operator by grow up in, our families to live in, our people to work night. As the overnight operator it was my in and our elderly to retire in. responsibility to ensure that the communication channels within the town and between the town and the The journey to this house has for many been long, with rest of the world remained open. I was also required to significant challenges and sacrifices along the way. coordinate the essential services whenever there was an Some of these sacrifices are made by choice, and others emergency — fire, flood or car accident. This role are unexpected and deeply regretted consequences of highlighted to me the critical nature of the community’s what it takes to represent your community. interdependence. It also taught me the vulnerability of Representing my community will always be something the elderly to isolation. The experiences gained through of which I am extremely proud. However, it is of these times instilled in me a passion for my community paramount importance that we bear in mind that the that renews itself every time I speak to somebody in the true measurement of whether or not this journey was electorate of Hastings. worthwhile or justified lies not in the successful arrival With its steelworks and port, Hastings is a working but in the level of good achieved whilst here. The good town full of working people. In my early jobs as that each member wants to achieve has as many conveyor belt operator in a flour mill, tractor driver on a iterations as there are members, and it is both a cause potato farm and hay carter I learnt what it means to and a consequence of our healthy democracy. work hard and long. Having worked for Inghams One of the ‘goods’ that I am truly passionate about is Enterprises — the second-largest employer in the improving the circumstances of families and, electorate — for five years, I developed a strong consequently, of the children of those families. The understanding of the challenges that face small and family is a pillar of our society. The systemic breaking large businesses and the people who rely on them for down of family is a breaking down of our community. their livelihoods. However, without question my It is often said that the health of a community can be favourite job has been as father of Kate, Emma and measured by how it treats its children, but how many of Justen — and just as I said that, Kate and Emma its children must be treated well to make a society a walked into the gallery. healthy one? In my electorate, as is the case across large There are many people without whom I would not be areas of our great state, there is a significant issue with standing here today. I record my sincere thanks to my what has been described as youth lawlessness. two daughters, Kate and Emma, and their wonderful A typical example of such a problem is the situation mother, Shona, for their limitless love, understanding that became a regular occurrence at the BP service and patience; the federal member for Flinders and station in Langwarrin. Until it was forced to cease Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the opening 24 hours a day, it was common to find up to Environment and Heritage, Greg Hunt; Robert 200 youths on the Langwarrin BP site in the early hours Breeschoten; Margaret Davis; Chris Watt; Peter of the morning. A typical night would produce theft, Baulch; Rosemary Seeger; Frank and Angelo intimidation and assault. On one occasion there was a Lamattina; Jill Fletcher; Deborah and John Marton; Bill stabbing. Police resources are stretched across my and Kathy Kettle; Vicki and Rod Bradshaw; Julie electorate so tightly that having officers able just to Owens; Don and Hilda Hodgins; and of course Mr Tim GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

136 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 attend was a challenge in itself. Now that this service the parents who are most in need to attend for those station shuts at night these young people have simply upgrades. Therefore, while we must continue to provide moved to another venue. as many opportunities as possible to existing parents to improve their parenting skills, we must ensure that Langwarrin is not alone in experiencing these these crucial skills are provided to the parents of problems. This same situation is repeated in most tomorrow. How do we get to the parents of tomorrow? communities across the state to a larger or lesser extent. The parents of tomorrow are in our schools today. Why does this happen? The link between dysfunctional families and wayward youths is unquestionable. One There are few skills taught in schools that are more view is that our children need to have more to do and important to the future of our community than the skills more to occupy themselves with. However, the that will, when the time comes, enable our children to majority of these issues occur in the early hours of the raise healthy and productive members of our morning, and the participants are commonly aged community. I am committed to working with my between 10 and 14. I doubt that many would believe colleagues to answer these questions, to identify the the problem is that a 10-year-old needs more to do at causes of the problems we see developing within our 2.00 a.m. families and to provide Victorians with the policies that will help address these issues. I believe the true problem is masked. Our lawless youths are simply the symptom of a problem within our In leaving this topic I think it is worth reflecting upon community, not the problem itself. Our community the readiness with which we now rightly use suffers from the symptoms and continually acts to environment effects statements to consider the impact address those while ignoring the true illness. The of our actions, including legislative action, upon the disease is in the homes of the youths we see running environment, yet we fail to impose the same level of amok. The level of dysfunction in the homes of an area scrutiny on the possible impact of our laws and actions dictates the severity of the symptoms experienced by on our families and children. that community. If we continue to treat only the symptoms, it will be like putting a bandaid on a serious The lead for my actions as a member of this house will infection — the problem may be hidden, but the come from my community. The Hastings community damage will continue. has clearly identified the following important local issues. In the area of roads, they are fixing the Stony So what is the disease that infects the homes of an Point and Frankston-Flinders roads intersection, fixing increasing number of our youths? What is it about these the Baxter-Tooradin and Fultons roads intersection, and homes that makes them different from those with completing the duplication of the Western Port youths who do not become involved, in an ongoing Highway. In health they are providing doctors for sense, in serious antisocial behaviour? The point that Baxter, Tooradin, Cannons Creek, Warneet and Blind must be made here, of course, is that these problems Bight and additional doctors for Hastings, and exist in a fairly low number of homes, but even a small providing additional aged care facilities in Hastings. In number is too many. What solutions are there to this education they are the completion of years 11 and 12 at growing problem? What is available for our community the Somerville Secondary College, and an upgrade to to do? the Elisabeth Murdoch College in Langwarrin.

While parenting education programs are a very In employment they are the completion of the Hastings worthwhile tool, they currently have an inherent submarine project, and the implementation of the Stony limitation. Parents who have the desire and motivation Point–Phillip Island car ferry. In security and the to attend such a course are less likely to be in need of it. environment they are the provision of 24-hour police Parents who are interested enough to attend are at least stations at Somerville and Langwarrin, with additional interested in their children’s development and lives. officers and resources, the attainment of the full The parents less likely to attend parenting skills contingent of officers at the Hastings police station, no education are conversely, therefore, more likely to be bitumen plant for Crib Point, no freight train corridor the ones with the most to gain from it. Further, this through Pearcedale, Devon Meadows and Clyde, the means that the children with the most to gain from their protection of Boggy Creek, Watson Creek and Kings parents receiving that training are unfortunately the Creek, the provision of natural gas for townships least likely to receive that benefit. including Tooradin, Blind Bight, Warneet, Cannons Creek, Devon Meadows and Cranbourne South, the Our children need us to provide skills to the parents closure of the Gunnamatta outfall by 2015, and the within our community — and yes, it is difficult to get retention of all of Devilbend Reservoir. GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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On the other hand there are things that greatly concern make a difference to the quality of people’s lives, my community. The port of Hastings plan is one of whether it be health, education, or community safety those issues. If the planning and implementation of this services. There is a raft of different programs and project are conducted sensibly and are sensitive to the projects. They are things that really define state politics needs and desires of the local community, it has the and that this government has made its clear priority potential to deliver great benefits both locally and with additional investment and much hard work. Our statewide in terms of jobs and other opportunities. community has not been left behind; it has been given the support, the assistance, the funding and the If, however, the planning is conducted with insufficient resources that are critical to building a better future for community input or if it proceeds without the families in our local area. acceptance of the locals, the port of Hastings expansion could do more harm to the local people and the Tonight I want to talk a little bit about some of the environment than it can do good for the state. The commitments the government has made in relation to planning process to date has been flawed, with my local area that will directly benefit families in community consultation being patchy at best, and it has Mulgrave. I want to also reflect on some of the broader left many locals feeling as though the process has been commitments we made in the area of health — an area secretive and the community has been intentionally in which I was very privileged to play a role for the last kept in the dark. I take this opportunity to strongly urge four years as Parliamentary Secretary for Health. I then the Port of Hastings Corporation to revisit its want to touch upon our commitments to and the new community consultation process. responsibilities I have in gaming, in particular problem gambling, and in consumer affairs and assisting the In conclusion then, the question is: what does Premier on multicultural affairs. representing my community mean to me? It is about giving the people of the Hastings electorate back their Before the election we committed to continue investing voice, it is about fulfilling the promise of what is in those services and supports that are critically possible, and it is about recognising the critical role that important to local families. I will run through a list of families play in our society and putting in place the some of the commitments and promises that are strategies needed to support that role. But more than critically important and relevant to my local anything else, I want to help make the Hastings community. As part of our health policy we committed electorate and Victoria a better place for Kate and to upgrade the Dandenong Hospital emergency Emma and all Victorian children to grow up in and department, which is one of the state’s busiest grow old in. emergency departments. That extends the work that we have undertaken at that hospital — a large and The SPEAKER — Order! I call the member for significant hospital in my local community. Mulgrave — sorry, the Minister for Gaming! On from that — and I will return to mental health in a Mr ANDREWS (Minister for Gaming) — Speaker, moment — we committed to completely rebuild the I am more than happy to be addressed as the member mental health wards at Dandenong Hospital. Again, for Mulgrave. I congratulate you on your elevation to that is very important. In fact, as part of that program high office. Along with all members of this place I am we will almost double the number of beds in the mental certain you will discharge your duties very well indeed. health wards of Dandenong Hospital. Congratulations to you, Speaker. We also committed to fund the stage 1 redevelopment I am very pleased to join the address-in-reply debate of facilities at the Wellington Secondary College in this evening. Firstly, I want to thank the people of Mulgrave. I was very pleased and proud to work to Mulgrave, my local community, which is a proud local secure that additional funding. Earlier this year we community and one that has benefited under the seven secured around $100 000 in planning funding, and the years of this government. I want to thank the families in school, together with the school council and the broader my local area for again placing their trust in me to community, worked very hard on that planning work. It represent them and their interests in this place, and now was significant and secured a commitment to fund and in a slightly higher role in government. construct stage 1 of the redevelopment of the school. It is among the fine government and non-government Over the last four years our government and I, as the schools in my local community, and that was certainly local member for Mulgrave, have focused on the welcomed and supported by local families. services that matter, the services that are critically important to local families in my area and that really GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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I refer to other commitments we have made that are remained focused on those important matters and put directly relevant to my local community. We forward a very clear alternative of sound economic committed to triplicate Ferntree Gully Road between management and investing the proceeds of economic Jells Road and Stud Road. This is an important measure growth in the services that matter, the services that and complements the funding and work that has been define state politics — or at least they should — and the undertaken on widening Ferntree Gully Road between services that make a practical and tangible difference to Cootamundra Drive and Jells Road, which was funded the lives of so many people in my local community and in last year’s budget. Work is almost, if not already, in local communities right across Victoria. complete on that important project. I mentioned that I want to touch upon some of the work A commitment to funding was also provided to begin that I have done in the health portfolio over the last four planning for new children’s services at the Monash years. That was a very challenging and extremely Medical Centre. That comes on top of the very recently rewarding time. I note that the Minister for Mental opened, brand-new emergency department at the Health is at the table. I want to congratulate her on her Monash Medical Centre, which is similar to that at elevation to that significant role. I was pleased to play a Dandenong Hospital. It is one of the state’s busiest. role in mental health matters and also primary care. Access to health services is critically important and first-class facilities to provide those health services in, I also want to touch upon the government’s which match the quality of our staff, is very important commitments in terms of mental health. I, along with as we go forward. Just prior to the beginning of the all members on this side of the house, know that the election campaign the Minister for Health opened that new Minister for Mental Health will implement those new emergency department. with great passion and vigour. That is very important because, as we know, one in five Victorians suffer a In terms of community health — and I will return to mental illness, or will at some time in their life suffer a that in a moment as well — the MonashLink mental illness. Mental illness touches all of us. Over the Community Health Service, which very admirably and last seven years the government has increased recurrent competently provides primary care in our local funding for mental health by 73 per cent. Put another community throughout the city of Monash, received a way, that is a $472 million increase in terms of our commitment to funding to upgrade two of its sites. That contribution to the national action plan on mental health will be of great benefit as we continue to support signed off by the Council of Australian Governments. community health — that vibrant, very important sector Our recurrent commitment, which is already funded, is that is working closely and effectively with government $329.5 million. That is a 73 per cent increase in terms to take action on chronic illness. It is increasingly an of our support in this important part of our health important part of our health agenda as we move system. forward. Of note are commitments to expand our very successful A lot of planning work went into the MonashLink model of care — the prevention and recovery care upgrade. We funded the stage 1 redevelopment, or the centres, or PARCs as they are known — with funding inclusion of MonashLink in the Monash City Council’s to open another 80 beds across seven sites. That Clayton Community Centre, with around $8 million in particular home-style model of care, usually a 10-bed total in this year’s budget, and to get a commitment for service model, where clients can go after they have two further upgrades of two further campuses is very spent some time in an acute ward to build on the gains significant. For all who worked on the project, they have made in hospital — or alternatively they can particularly the members for Mount Waverley, step up into those beds instead of being admitted to an Burwood, Oakleigh, myself and others, it is very inpatient ward — was singled out for praise in a Senate gratifying to see the government commit to investing a committee report last year. It is a wonderful model of substantial amount of money to bring the new care. There is real leadership and real reform, which is campuses forward. providing new and different and better models of care. The model of care is supported by clients and families, The list goes on and includes abolishing zone 3; the broader community and our dedicated medical and rebuilding our schools, particularly tech wings at each psychiatric work force. That is a wonderful step government secondary college; and our broader plan forward in an area that is very important. for revitalising school capital. The government has made a whole range of other commitments and I mentioned the Dandenong Hospital rebuild. I was promises. It is no mistake that the Victorian community pleased to travel with the Minister for Health to has continued to support a government that has announce that out in my local community. That is a GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 139 very worthy project which is needed and has been Victorian community over the term of our government. needed for some time. It is a very substantial financial More must be done; whilst we have achieved a lot, commitment to double the number of mental health there is more to be done in this important area. The beds there. government is committed through this record funding to continue to take action on these important issues. One further mental health matter that I will mention is the veterans mental health wing at the Heidelberg Mr K. Smith interjected. repatriation hospital site. I am sure honourable members from both sides of the house have been The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Bass is written to by veterans groups — RSL clubs and others, out of his seat. particularly the Vietnam Veterans Association of Victoria — about the inadequacy of the inpatient Mr ANDREWS — At the risk of running out of the facilities there. Our government has proudly committed time I need to talk about a whole range of other $10 million to rebuild that particularly important important matters, I simply point out to the member for facility, which not only caters for those who have Bass that we are fast approaching a situation in this served our state and our country but also other state where in terms of investing and taking action on emergency service personnel. That is a particularly problem gambling this government will in one year important commitment and one that I am proud of, as I spend almost as much as, if not more than, the previous know is every member on this side of the house. I am government invested on problem gambling in seven sure we are joined in a bipartisan way by those opposite years. in terms of that important project. Mr K. Smith interjected.

The list goes on and on in mental health and Mr ANDREWS — We are fast approaching the community health. I mentioned MonashLink and a situation where we will invest more in a year than the whole range of other funding. Community health is a previous government invested in seven years! It is easy very important part of our plan for the future in terms of to talk about problem gambling; what is more important day hospitals. I heard the member for Macedon and a good deal more difficult is to invest and take speaking about an important project, a day hospital in action to address these issues. That is our record over Sunbury, that we have committed to fund as well. the last seven years, and we will continue it through the Primary care and community health are a very most comprehensive problem-gambling strategy in important part of our vision for the way the health Australian history. system needs to work in terms of empowering people In terms of consumer affairs, this government has a and giving people the tools and practical support they proud record of standing up for the rights of vulnerable need to take control of their illness, rather than illness consumers. It is important that we continue to do controlling them. These are simple things but very that — and our position on ‘lemon laws’ is supported important in terms of empowering people and building by the Victorian community — as well as move on in a better future. relation to implementing the work of the consumer I will turn to the area of gaming and then to the credit review, taking action to better protect the rights portfolios of consumer affairs and multicultural affairs. of those who live in caravan parks and rooming houses, In October this year the government released the most and vigilantly standing up for those in our community comprehensive plan to take action on problem who do not have a lot of market power. We will try to gambling in Australian history. It is a $132.3 million make the market work better for them and to be a plan that will see us boost problem-gambling treatment passionate advocate on behalf of Victorian consumers. services and important research into the causes of We have a strong plan for the future there, and I look problem gambling — research that will help us to forward to working hard to implement it. understand these issues better and to inform the policy I am sure the member for Bulleen will be very pleased development process. This record funding will also see to join me, in a bipartisan way, in my excitement at us expand and continue our very effective social becoming the Minister assisting the Premier on marketing campaign. Multicultural Affairs. I proudly represent a very This $132.3 million plan, very appropriately entitled multicultural, very culturally diverse community: Taking Action on Problem Gambling, will help us to almost half the people living in my electorate were born continue to achieve very important results. We have overseas. I am delighted to be given the chance to play halved the incidence of problem gambling in the a role and work hard to support our cultural diversity, tolerance and harmony. In a practical sense I will be GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

140 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 supporting those many thousands of Victorians who pride that people who live on the Mornington volunteer their time to work hard to celebrate their Peninsula — and particularly those who have lived culture and history and share it with all of us, thus there for a while — have in the area. It is a pride which valuing what is a great economic and social asset which I quickly came to share and which has made me a makes Victoria such an interesting and dynamic place passionate advocate for the community that I now have to live. the pleasure of serving in this place.

One of the election commitments we made when we The other constant in my adult life has been small came to office involved about $750 000 a year in grants business. It was small business that brought me to the to support the work of our multicultural groups; that has Mornington Peninsula, and it is small business that to a increased to about $3 million now, and we committed large extent has guided the course of my life over the in the recent election campaign to increase that to last 26 years. $4 million per year. We are very proud of that, and we think that it will work very well in terms of assisting the As all good traders know — and I think as all good good work that so many different multicultural members of Parliament know — it is of vital communities do in supporting our very rich, culturally importance to be involved in your local community. diverse community. I look forward to the challenges Early on in my time on the peninsula I joined a number ahead, and I am very grateful, pleased and proud to of local groups, including the Mornington Chamber of have been returned to this place as the member for Commerce. Not long after that the chamber developed Mulgrave and to now play a role in three very a fairly strong difference of opinion with the then important portfolio areas. Again, congratulations to Mornington council as to what the future shape of the you, Speaker, and all honourable members. Mornington township should be. It was a difference that threatened to escalate and poison what had been Mr MORRIS (Mornington) — Speaker, may I take previously a pretty good relationship between those two this opportunity to congratulate you on your election to bodies over the years. In a bid to understand the your high office and to wish you well in discharging council’s view of things I started sitting in the gallery your duties over the next four years. right through council meetings, and of course rather than simply taking note of what happened in terms of I feel greatly honoured to stand in this place today as the planning issues, I started to get interested in all the the member for Mornington — honoured to be a other bits and pieces that were going on as well. member of this house, of course, but particularly so to Fortunately our differences were resolved pretty be representing the seat of Mornington. The electorate quickly, but not before I was well and truly bitten by lies on the eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay and the local government bug, and before long I had been comprises three distinct townships, Mount Eliza, elected to the Mornington council. Mornington and Mount Martha. It also contains a good slice of the district and village of Moorooduc. Despite My local government service, which was in the substantial population growth in recent years, owing to pre-amalgamation days, was certainly one of the high the foresight and planning of successive councils, the points of my public life to date. To serve as mayor, or area retains its charm. shire president as it was in Mornington in those days, was a great privilege, as was the opportunity to serve on Unfortunately the Melbourne 2030 activity centre public bodies such as the Peninsula Regional Library provisions now threaten. This is a critical time for the Service and the Westernport Regional Planning Mornington Peninsula. We are in serious danger of Committee, to advise the Minister for the Arts on becoming simply a southern extension of metropolitan library funding or to be nominated by my peers to Melbourne, a scenario emphatically rejected by the negotiate the merger of the Shire of Mornington with peninsula community. That is certainly a debate we the shires of Hastings and Flinders. must have, but perhaps it is more appropriate to leave it to another day. As I speak, much of the seat remains But undoubtedly the most rewarding part of local rural land, home to cool-climate viticulture, extensive government was the opportunity it gave me to engage grazing, fine food and, of course, the racing industry. directly with so many people who make our community We are on the metropolitan fringe. The Mornington great — the traders who give their time, and often their Peninsula Shire is an interface council, with all the money, to make local festivals happen; the Rotary clubs challenges that go with that particular designation. and the Lions clubs, which contribute so much in so many ways; the volunteers who support the Meals on I have spent most of my adult life on the peninsula. Wheels services — and without the volunteers they From almost my first day I was aware of the fierce local simply could not happen; and many, many more. Such GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 141 people are an integral part of the active and vital most of all from my wife, Linda, who worked at full community that is the Mornington electorate, as they stretch for every day of what was a 22-month are of so many other communities across Victoria. campaign. I simply would not be here without her love and support. In the past few days — and unfortunately now, weeks — there has been no better example of service to I thank the house for the courtesy with which I have the community than the efforts of the Country Fire been heard this evening, and I look forward with great Authority volunteers, a number of them from the enthusiasm to the years ahead. Mornington electorate, who have left their homes and their jobs to battle the menace of the fires which have Ms NEVILLE (Minister for Mental Health) — It is laid waste to vast areas of our state. These brave men a pleasure to have an opportunity to participate in the and women deserve our recognition and our thanks for response to the Governor’s speech. I would like to offer their tremendous commitment to the public good. I am my congratulations to you, Speaker, on your sure the thoughts of all of us are with them in their appointment. I also want to pay tribute to the volunteer duties. firefighters, many of whom come from the Bellarine country fire authorities, and to the many communities I come into this Parliament as a proud member of the that have been dealing with bushfires over the last few Liberal Party, a party I joined in November 1975 at the weeks. It is an extremely dangerous and stressful time age of 19. Over the years I have been an active member for many Victorians, and my thoughts and prayers are and have had the opportunity to contribute in many with them tonight. ways. I am a Liberal because I believe in individual freedom, in individual responsibility and in a society It was just under four years ago that I made my first committed to freedom of thought and freedom of contribution to this house. At that time I reflected on the speech, freedom of worship, freedom of association and sense of privilege and responsibility that had been free enterprise. I believe in a community that values conferred on me by the people of Bellarine. initiative, enterprise and individual achievement over compulsion and conformity — a place where people On 25 November this year the people of Bellarine again are able to buy a home, raise and educate their children placed their trust in me, and I am determined to again in the way they choose, and create the life to which they honour that trust. I thank them not only for their support aspire. on 25 November but also for their ongoing support during the last four years. It has been an absolute I would not have the privilege of standing in this place privilege to be their local community representative, as this evening had I not had tremendous support from it has been to be the representative of the Australian many people. I firstly want to recognise the support I Labor Party in the seat of Bellarine. have received from the former member for Mornington, the Honourable Robin Cooper. Robin has been a friend Politics for me is about service, because it is through for almost 20 years, a great mentor and a great service that we can make a difference in people’s lives. supporter. I also particularly want to thank Diana and Over the last four years I have learnt so much — about Erich Goetz, Terry Leech, Alan Underwood, Frank and myself and about the value of government and its Trish Winter, Arthur Ranken and David Chapman. ability to change people’s lives. I have learnt so much Their efforts have been way beyond the call of duty, as about the importance of a Labor government, and I have those of Darren Disney, Julian Sheezel and all in have learnt so much about the issues and concerns that their team. I would also be remiss if I did not mention touch people’s lives on a day-to-day basis. another good mate — the Honourable Bruce Billson, People have shared extraordinary things with me over Minister for Veterans Affairs and the member for the last four years — the sad, the funny and the many Dunkley in the commonwealth Parliament. Bruce and I challenging issues that confront so many of them on a have shared many political adventures since we first day-to-day basis. I hope that over the last four years I crossed swords on a regional library committee in 1987. have been able to assist them and to relieve them of I am also particularly fortunate to have enjoyed great some of their burdens. support from my family for my political endeavours There have been many achievements in the seat of over what is now an extended period. That support has Bellarine, and I know that over the last four years I come from my parents, Bob and Dorothy Morris, from have taken as many opportunities as I can to highlight my sister, Robyn Tredinnick, and her husband, David, some of those achievements. I want to touch on a few and lately their children, Caitlin and Andrew, and from of those achievements again tonight. They are some of my newer family, Simon, Tim and Carolyn Wilson, but the things that people took into account when on GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

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25 November they went to vote for who they wanted to For the first time the people of Whittington have seen a continue to represent them. government that has invested money in their community and allowed them to talk about what they We have seen massive upgrades in schools in Bellarine, need in terms of services and jobs. These are tangible from the rebuilding of Wallington Primary School and projects that are making a real difference to people’s Leopold Primary School to the $8.3 million rebuild of lives. the Newcomb Secondary College, of which I am extremely proud. It is for this reason I am extremely honoured to have the opportunity not only to represent the communities of There has been extensive investment in the health Bellarine but also to take on the role as Victoria’s first system, with the rebuilding of the MacKellar Centre for Minister for Mental Health as well as the roles of the aged — a centre that previously was to be privatised Minister for Children and Minister for Aged Care. As by the former government — the rebuilding and the Minister for Gaming pointed out, mental illness upgrade of the Andrew Love Cancer Centre and the directly affects about one in five people in their lifetime upgrade of dental services across the Bellarine but touches many more of us through our families, Peninsula. children, carers and the community generally. The challenge for governments is to ensure we are We have seen the upgrade of boat ramps right across continually improving services to meet the needs of the North Bellarine. For those who do not know, those who are living with a mental illness and the Bellarine has one of the highest boat ownership rates in families who support them. the whole of the state of Victoria. We have also seen the extension of natural gas through the North Victoria is acknowledged as having one of the best Bellarine. These touch on just some of the mental health systems in Australia, but we know — and achievements we have made in the seat of Bellarine I know — that there is much more to be done. We over the last four years. made substantial commitments prior to the election. We committed $472 million over five years to implement During the last four years I have also had the the national mental health action plan. During the opportunity to address some of the systemic issues that election we committed a further $129 million to have contributed to many stresses for families in my implement significant reforms, and I will touch briefly communities. Although they are often hidden, there are on these, that will see the provision of more acute and a couple of communities in the electorate of Bellarine community mental health beds. We are focused very that struggle. These communities take great pride in the much on ensuring that we are able to provide better areas in which they live, but they are aware of some emergency responses through mental health teams very systemic issues including unemployment, high within our emergency departments across Victoria. We drug use, mental health, community safety and a lack of are focused on ensuring the better integration of our engagement with schools and with other services in primary and acute services. We are also focused on their areas. I have been proud to work with those improving access to mental health services and communities and the government in delivering further treatment for people living in regional and rural investment in their areas through community renewal Victoria. and community facilitators, particularly in Whittington and Portarlington. We are focused on expanding early intervention services for children and young people, thus reducing When during the election campaign the government mental health rates as they grow into adulthood. talked about what matters to families, fundamentally it Similarly in the area of early childhood services the was talking about what matters to all Victorian families. government has outlined a program of significant We have supported and encouraged community investment. The experts tell us that early childhood participation through our Fairer Victoria policies. This experiences have an enormous impact on the future life has nurtured communities by ensuring that the most opportunities of each child. Our goal is to ensure a vulnerable members in our society are active players in more integrated system of early year services that are determining their own future. Through our investments child focused, more accessible and more adaptable to in community renewal and in the community the changing needs of today’s families. I am looking facilitation program we will ultimately ensure that our forward to implementing the government’s communities are healthier, stronger, more resilient and commitment to better supporting people with a mental more cohesive. A just society can only be achieved illness, ensuring Victorian children get the best possible when we make it our no. 1 priority to meet the needs of start in life and providing better services and support those who are most vulnerable. that acknowledge the value of senior Victorians. 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Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 143

I am also looking forward to the challenge of but also the development of the aquaculture industry in continuing to work closely with the communities of Portarlington. We are also working with the Bellarine in implementing our local election Queenscliff community on the redevelopment of the commitments. Some of those commitments are very sports clubs. significant and are ones that local communities have been working with me very closely on over the last four Obviously there are a number of people whom I would years. One key priority is the building of a Bellarine like to thank for their support for my re-election to this aquatic centre. That has been the aspiration of the local Parliament. I acknowledge and thank all those people Bellarine community for over 20 years, and it is one who volunteered many hours during the pre-polling that I am pleased to say this government has committed period and on election day, particularly those who $2.5 million towards building. We will start to see the ended up with significant illnesses as a result of progress of that in the middle of 2007. standing out in the cold.

We have committed to substantial bus fare reductions I thank my campaign committee, especially Denise for Bellarine Peninsula residents as well. For historical Sparks and Mark Donahue, who took on the role of reasons Bellarine residents have paid hefty bus fare campaign manager and did a fantastic job. I rates, and I know from the feedback I received during acknowledge the ALP head office: I have been a proud the election that this is a welcome initiative. member of the Labor Party for almost 20 years now, and I thank it for its support. We have also made a commitment to assist in the reopening of the beach area at the Dell. For those who There are so many of my parliamentary colleagues to know Bellarine and the Clifton Springs area, the one thank, but I particularly acknowledge Ian Trezise, the major beach access has been down at the historical member for Geelong, and Elaine Carbines, a former Dell. This area has been closed for about five years, and member for Geelong Province in the other place, who during that time local people have not had access to a did a fantastic job representing the communities of beach area. The money we are committing there will Geelong. It is with sadness that we say goodbye to see a new breakwater, an upgraded beach and new Elaine. I also acknowledge Michael Crutchfield, whose groynes, and it will ensure that families and children in friendship and support I value. Michael is a fantastic that community can enjoy a beautiful north-facing bay local member and deserved to be re-elected to the seat area. of South Barwon. I acknowledge the support and advice of John Eren, and it is great to see him now in We have committed to rebuild and upgrade the historic the lower house representing Lara. I thank Joanne Queenscliff pier. We have also committed ongoing Duncan, the member Macedon, next to whom I sat for recurrent additional funding for the Marine Discovery four years. She taught me absolutely nothing, but she is Centre. Now in a new building, the centre is more a great friend! widely used and visited by Victorian children than the museum. I acknowledge Richard Marles, whose advice and support I greatly appreciate, for our shared We have also committed to rebuilding the Point responsibility for our son, Sam. I acknowledge my Lonsdale Primary School, which is a leading school parents, who on election night were celebrating their along the Bellarine Peninsula in terms of its curricula. 45th wedding anniversary. I do not think they imagined That has been welcomed by the school community. We doing that, but I thank them for their continuing support have also made substantial commitments to Barwon and love. Health, and we have also committed to planning for the future redevelopment of additional theatres and I acknowledge my electorate office staff, Cameron and additional mental health acute beds. Sue. As all members here know, our electorate office staff are absolutely invaluable. They are our voice out I am also keen to continue working closely with the into the community and I thank Cameron and Sue for local community on a number of key projects including being such a clear and loud voice in my community. I Lake Connewarre, which is a key environmental asset thank Hamish Park, who took holidays during the within the Bellarine community and one that the campaign to come down and make sure our campaign community of Leopold has particular pride in. We have remained on track. I am not sure we would have done it been working closely on a Lake Connewarre values without him. project. I am also very keen to continue to work with the community of Portarlington on a safe harbour I thank my son, Sam, who one night during the project which will support not only recreational boating campaign said to me — as members know it can be a GOVERNOR’S SPEECH

144 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 relatively stressful time and one is not a good judge of health facilities in Narracan are world best practice. I how things are going — ‘Mum, whatever happens, we also want to provide for future generations. With six have each other’, which reminds you that the most children of my own I have seen first hand the important thing is family. I thank Sam for his patience importance of education. I have been involved with and support. Without him none of it would be school parent committees and junior sporting clubs. I worthwhile. am determined to ensure that the parents of Narracan and their children have the choice and quality of Finally I thank the people of Bellarine, who have again education they deserve. I am determined to ensure that placed their trust in me. I am committed to continuing no child with special needs is able to slip through the to be a strong representative of their interests. cracks because of this government’s failure to provide the appropriate support for these special young people Mr BLACKWOOD (Narracan) — I congratulate and their parents. you, Speaker, on your elevation to the role of Speaker for the term of this Parliament. A previous Labor government decision to abandon technical school education has left businesses I stand here today as a fourth generation Gippslander, floundering with a lack of trade-trained people to fill proud of my state and my nation, of which we are all a the growing demand for these skills right across the part. My electorate of Narracan is a beautiful piece of state. This decision has also had a major impact on the Victoria all the way from the Baw Baws in the north to lives of many young people in my electorate, young the rolling Strzeleckis in the south and from the men and women left high and dry because they had no gateway to Gippsland in the west to our coalfields in interest in pursuing tertiary education. They desperately the east. wanted a job, but there was no formal training I thank the residents of Narracan for my election to this available. Sadly, many of these young people house. It is indeed a privilege to follow former Liberal succumbed to alienation and despair as depression took members Balfour, Delzoppo and Andrighetto and to control of their lives. continue their determination to advance the interests, It is my wish that this Parliament takes a bipartisan wellbeing and prosperity of the people of Victoria. Like approach to fix this situation, to broaden the work these former members, who set a very high benchmark, choices available to all young men and women, to help I commit myself to the task ahead in recognition of the them maintain their self-esteem and stay connected faith the electorate and the community have placed in with their communities and society. It is offensive to my candidacy. me that in the recent election campaign this government I have been active in Narracan all my life. I have been a came out and admitted it had failed the education member of the hospital board for nine years, and the community of Victoria by promising to fix the last health and wellbeing of the generations of families in seven years of inaction. With the seven years of budget Narracan is of prime importance to me. The West surplus and with abundant income from its GST Gippsland Healthcare Group manages the West receipts, the Bracks government should have been Gippsland hospital. Currently this hospital is continually investing in the education of Victorian experiencing unprecedented demand in its emergency children. Education is this government’s responsibility. department. However, the Bracks government has Each time I get the opportunity I will call it to account consistently underfunded the hospital to the tune of and remind it of the promises it made to fix the $1.5 million annually. A further failing of this Victorian education system. government is its lack of investment in the Cooinda As a timber family for five generations we have nursing home — the frail-aged wing of the hospital — survived on the natural resources of the forest and which is now facing the prospect of not meeting the placed crucial importance on caring for the regeneration new guidelines and standards being implemented in of this precious resource. In fact, families like mine 2011. I am about focusing the government’s attention have done more for the protection of the forest than on these health care issues for Narracan families. The protesters who, in East Gippsland today, continue to population in Narracan is growing, and we need a deprive honest, hardworking timber families of their government that plans for this growth and invests in right to work and earn an income. health accordingly. The Bracks government has reduced the availability of I recognise the remarkable contribution generations of forest to industry across the state and in my electorate migrants have made to Gippsland, and I want to by a huge 50 per cent. It has closed public land and provide for them as they grow older and ensure that our denied access. It has shut the cattle out of the high ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 145 country, and poorly managed this land so it is now a everybody in Narracan to the very best of my ability. I weed-infested fire hazard. In fact, we now have am determined to make a difference to the lives of volunteers, timber workers and communities risking those less fortunate, to those with special needs and their lives fighting fires. There is no doubt these fires their carers, to those suffering depression and other are more severe because of the drought, but there is no mental health problems and to the aged, especially the escaping the fact that poor land management decisions frail aged. I will use my experience in small business, are also contributing to the devastation. In my opinion sport, education, health and local government as a all of this has been for purely ideological reasons. catalyst for my contribution to policy development to advance the wellbeing and prosperity of all As long as I stand here country people will have a communities in Narracan. voice. I will work to influence policy so that it reflects the importance of the country to the city. City people I wish to acknowledge the former member for need to understand that the beautiful timber furniture Narracan, Ian Maxfield. I congratulate Ian and his that takes pride of place in their homes, the milk they family for their commitment to the people of Narracan take from their fridge and the daily paper they read are over the last seven years. Deputy Speaker, I thank you the fruits of hardworking, country families. From now for this opportunity today. I thank the Leader of the on country Victoria is not going to take a back seat. Liberal Party for his leadership and vision. I thank my This includes ensuring that Gippsland water is secured family and close friends for their unconditional support. for Gippsland farmers and residents. As part of the In particular I thank my wife, and my good friend and Baillieu team I am not interested in political point adviser, Sally Cray, and I thank very much the federal scoring over the challenges we face regarding water member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent, and his shortages. We will work with this government and the family. I thank most sincerely the people of Narracan Australian government to ensure practical, for giving me the privilege of being their member in cost-effective solutions. this Victorian Parliament. Thank you all.

In 1999 when this government took office it had no Debate adjourned on motion of Ms GREEN (Yan debt, a substantial surplus and an ever-increasing Yean). productivity growth rate. Today Victoria is losing its competitive edge, its ability to be innovative, its export Debate adjourned until later this day. prominence and its leading productivity position. This government has created barriers to success; it has Remaining business postponed on motion of created an environment where excelling is not made Mr ANDREWS (Minister for Gaming). easy. Yet despite all this there are businesses in Narracan that continue to be resourceful and resilient. ADJOURNMENT Despite the antibusiness attitude of this government, Narracan businesses are achieving. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The question is: The people of Narracan delivered a message in November that said, ‘We have been missing out for That the house do now adjourn. seven years and enough is enough’. It is time to put Victoria back on the map, to ensure we create an Rail: V/Line retail promotions environment where innovative businesses choose Victoria, where hard work and business excellence are Mr MULDER (Polwarth) — I call on the Minister seen as tools for success and not discouraged in favour for Public Transport to direct V/Line to promote of mediocrity. We had it in Victoria from 1992 to 1999 shopping in rural Victoria and to stop promoting the and we will have it again. Direct Factory Outlets complex at Southern Cross station to the detriment of retailers in country Victoria. I We need to assist business to tap into the growing want to bring to the attention of the house the markets of China and India. Working closely with the disgraceful way in which Labor’s worst performing Australian government is essential if Victoria is to get government agency, V/Line Passenger, is milking its share of the wealth that can be created from the Victoria’s country retailers dry. growing world demand for our goods and services. V/Line has been caught out actively promoting the new I stand here today as the member for Narracan. My Southern Cross station Direct Factory Outlets complex commitment is to the people I represent and to the on the V/Line Internet site. Labor’s V/Line is running a responsibility of this position. I pledge to represent competition between 11 December and 5 January, ADJOURNMENT

146 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 offering four $500 shopping vouchers for country Oak Park Tennis Club and Hadfield Netball shoppers to abandon their local retailers. This is a Club: funding blatant attempt to encourage country shoppers to spend their money in Melbourne and not in regional cities and Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) — I congratulate towns. On its web site, V/Line is even encouraging you, Deputy Speaker, on your appointment to that travellers to ‘spend the day in the city finishing off that important position. all-important Christmas shopping’ and ‘shop ‘til you drop’. Tonight I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs. The action I When West Coast Railway ran the Melbourne to Colac seek is that the minister seriously examine the funding and Warrnambool passenger trains, every year it applications by two important sports clubs in my brought to south-west Victoria thousands of passengers electorate, the Oak Park Tennis Club and the Hadfield on package tours and they spent money at local Netball Club. Upon examination of these funding attractions and shops. With the exception of a applications he might like to visit these clubs and see Sovereign Hill promotion and the occasional race day for himself the value of sport and recreation funding to promotions, V/Line fails to encourage Melburnians to the clubs. visit rural Victoria’s retailers through package tours. First, if it is successful, the Oak Park Tennis Club plans, Mr Lawrie Miller of the Geelong Chamber of in conjunction with the Moreland City Council, to Commerce says that each year already $300 million in resurface four tennis courts at the John Pascoe Fawkner retail expenditure leaks out of Geelong, largely to Reserve in Oak Park, three of those with artificial grass Melbourne. Ms Tennille McLauchlan of Commerce and one with a hard surface. The Oak Park Tennis Club Ballarat says that Ballarat’s retail leakage is now above is a vibrant, healthy association which boasts $100 million a year. With retailing being a bigger 276 current members making up 24 senior and employer than manufacturing in Geelong, we need to 11 junior teams. Currently its members make good use ensure that rural Victoria does not suffer further on top of the nine courts, seven of which have floodlighting of the horrendous drought and bushfires and has every for maximum benefit. There is a large clubhouse for the opportunity to increase investment and employment in use of members, families and supporters. It has a great rural retailing. committee of management whose members are vitally active in ensuring that this inclusive club provides not It is an absolute disgrace when you open up the V/Line only sport and recreation but also a good community web site and read these types of comments: ‘You know spirit. the feeling. You have just spent the day in the city, finishing off that all-important Christmas shopping. The The grant will not only assist the club to reduce its last thing you want to do is struggle your way up that maintenance bill but also to avoid the necessity to water 10-storey car park with all those bags and parcels in the current en-tout-cas courts. Should the funding be tow and then face the long drive home through traffic granted, it will allow the Oak Park Tennis Club jams. V/Line offers you a much better way to track coaching team to establish an elite sportspersons tennis down all the latest and greatest labels’. training base. When I visited the club they were also keen to enable wheelchair tennis, which is a terrific This is a country rail service directing people in rural initiative. I have no hesitation in commending this and regional Victoria to abandon shopping in their own funding application to the minister. home towns, abandon shopping in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour, Ararat and Warrnambool and take The second club I would like him to visit on his trip to their money directly to Melbourne — and they are the Pascoe Vale electorate is the Hadfield Netball Club. being offered $500 bribes to do so. It is an absolute I had the joy of going to that particular club the day disgrace to use taxpayers money to leach retail after the election. A very vibrant president, Donna spending out of rural and regional Victoria. This has to Gleisner, and one of the junior leaders, Kira Sinclair, stop. The Minister for Public Transport must act. This showed me around. I had the pleasure of presenting to garbage has to go off V/Line’s site and the government Amy Darmanin the under-11s good sports award. The has to support rural and regional retailers. club is a vibrant adjunct to the Hadfield sports precinct, which has a great football and tennis club. As one vitally interested in women’s sport, I think it is essential that the 120 members have this facility. ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 147

Water: irrigators Yesterday the Premier said that he would govern for all Victorians. I urge him and his government to listen to Mrs POWELL (Shepparton) — I wish to raise a the people in rural and regional Victoria and to ease the matter with the Minister for Water, Environment and burden on these country families. Climate Change regarding the issue of irrigators paying for water that they will not receive. The action I seek is Multicultural affairs: grants for the government to compensate rural water authorities, such as Goulburn-Murray Water in my Mr LANGUILLER (Derrimut) — I direct to the electorate, so that irrigators do not have to pay for attention of the Minister assisting the Premier on irrigation water they do not receive. Before the election Multicultural Affairs the issue of funding for a number I wrote to the Premier advising him that people in my of culturally and linguistically diverse communities in electorate were paying for 100 per cent of their water my electorate. I ask the minister to take action to ensure right, when in fact on the Goulburn system they will funding for groups in my electorate whose members receive only 24 per cent of their water right. I received have applied to the Victorian Multicultural Commission from the Premier’s office a response saying that this is for festivals and events funding. an issue or matter for the incoming government. The Bracks government has now been returned and it now I am very honoured to have been given the must act. responsibility of Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for Multicultural Affairs. The Bracks government has a The government must alleviate the unfair burden on track record second to none when it comes to irrigators who are already struggling with the drought supporting multicultural communities and promoting and historically high water prices. Currently in the diversity. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest Goulburn system temporary water is selling for $950 a economic, social and cultural assets. Our reputation as megalitre. The predictions are that temporary water will Australia’s most multicultural and harmonious state has reach $1000 a megalitre by Christmas. The fruit come about from sound leadership and also the hard growers will have to pay these exorbitant prices to keep work of multicultural groups. That is why we need to their trees alive. Some are intending to put their trees to continue supporting their activities and recognise their sleep, as it is called, which means that they will not get valuable contribution. any income this year or next year. Many dairy farmers have already sold their cows or parked them in other I am quite proud to name the groups and to further regions. Others who are still milking are obviously just elaborate on the matter. I am quite happy to name, making ends meet or incurring a loss. amongst others, the Melbourne Murugan Cultural Centre for its Indian new year celebrations, and the The government has continued to ignore requests by Greek Cypriot Parent and Youth Club for its The Nationals to pay for the water not received by 17th annual Greek festival — Χρόνια Πολλά [season’s irrigators. Instead the government announced a greetings] as they say in Greek — as well as other $5000 rebate for irrigators who receive less than 50 per organisations that have applied to the Victorian cent of their allocation. After this announcement was Multicultural Commission for funding to assist them made I received many phone calls from irate irrigators with events to celebrate and promote diversity. who said that this will help hobby farmers or those who Therefore I ask the Minister assisting the Premier on have sold their water and received a very good return Multicultural Affairs to take action to ensure funding but will still be eligible to receive the rebate. It will for groups in my electorate to assist them with their mean very little to other irrigators who pay $50 000 to festivals and events. $100 000 for their water. I would like to put on record a number of important With the government’s huge budget surplus, thanks to points. The first point is that Australia was a sales tax, gambling money and increased fines, fees and multicultural community long before the arrival of charges, and the $1.6 billion in dividends it has received Europeans. It is well established that the indigenous over the past seven years from water authorities as well communities of this land were in fact multiracial, as the $60 million a year environmental tax, the multilingual and multi-ethnic amongst themselves. government could relieve the burden on irrigators by Today we can register the existence of some paying for the water that irrigators will not receive. No 250 languages purely and simply from indigenous other business would expect to pay or would indeed communities. That establishes that this is a pay for a product that it does not receive. The money multicultural country. That is why I take offence, and I that the irrigators save could be spent in their own local challenge the shadow Minister for Multicultural community so that local businesses also benefit. Affairs. A question ought to be asked of the Leader of ADJOURNMENT

148 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 the Opposition as to whether he endorses the comments The installation of an additional detector loop at Parkwood made by Mr Finn, a member for Western Metropolitan Place will only be considered if this trial is successful in assisting residents of the retirement village. Region in another place. As I understand it, Mr Finn in his inaugural speech today attacked multicultural affairs They are advised to call Mr Arthur Drepas, team leader, and the very nature of our community. traffic inner, at VicRoads for further information.

I come back to the important point that we must all Many residents tried to call this gentleman, and he work to build up harmony and diversity — — refused to return their calls. On 6 December one of the residents called Mr Drepas who answered the phone The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The and advised the resident that the survey showed that no member’s time has expired. additional detector loop was needed. How convenient that he decided to tell the residents after the state Fitzsimons Lane–Parkwood Place, election. They did not have the courage to contact the Templestowe: safety residents before the election to advise them that no Mr KOTSIRAS (Bulleen) — I raise a matter for the money was coming. attention of the minister for transport relating to the I call upon the new minister to provide the funding for intersection of Fitzsimons Lane and Parkwood Place in this intersection. I also invite the minister to visit Templestowe. Did the minister at the table, the Minister Bulleen, if she knows where Bulleen is. I am happy to for Gaming, get that? It is for the minister for transport drive her to Bulleen to show her the state of this and relates to the intersection of Fitzsimons Lane and intersection. It is very difficult for the minister to Parkwood Place in Templestowe. solve — —

Mr Andrews interjected. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I think the Mr KOTSIRAS — Residents have contacted me on member needs to raise the matter with the Minister for many occasions regarding this dangerous intersection. Roads and Ports, not the Minister for Public Transport. Despite having raised the matter three times with the Mr KOTSIRAS — I therefore ask the Minister for former Minister for Transport, nothing has happened. Roads and Ports to provide funding to ensure that the The former minister sat on his hands and did nothing detector loop is — — for the last seven years. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The I ask the minister to provide funding for the installation member’s time has expired. of an additional detector loop at the intersection of Parkwood Place and Fitzsimons Lane. The residents Multicultural affairs: grants have had enough of this government’s inaction and rhetoric. Even VicRoads acknowledged that there is a Ms MORAND (Mount Waverley) — I, too, problem with vehicles trying to exit Parkwood Place. In congratulate you on your appointment, Deputy a letter dated 27 June 2005 VicRoads writes: Speaker. Perhaps the member for Bulleen just wants to get the Minister for Public Transport in his car for a VicRoads acknowledges that, due to flow of traffic on Fitzsimons Lane, it is difficult to exit Parkwood Place, in drive out to his electorate. particular, during the evening peak period … VicRoads will: I also want to raise a matter for the Minister assisting … the Premier on Multicultural Affairs that concerns Investigate the feasibility of installing detector loop on funding for multicultural groups in my electorate of Parkwood Place to activate the nearby pedestrian signals on Mount Waverley. I seek the necessary action to enable Fitzsimons Lane whereby a traffic gap is created, enabling these important multicultural organisations to celebrate traffic to safely exit Parkwood Place. their events and festivals coming up in the new year. Twelve months later and after further calls to VicRoads In the first week of the election campaign I was very the residents received a letter dated 2 May 2006. In this proud to be able to host the Premier when he visited letter VicRoads said: Mount Waverley to launch Labor’s multicultural As you have been advised, VicRoads and Manningham policy. This important event was held in the community council will trial the use of detector loops at the Templestowe centre in Mount Waverley and was attended by many Retirement Village to activate the … pedestrian signals on multicultural community leaders. I am proud to Fitzsimons Lane. represent an electorate where over one-third of its … residents were born overseas, based on the 2001 census. ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 149

I am sure the recent census will show that the number is Hospital informed me that that there had been a now much higher than that. The suburbs of Mount meeting between all the maternity staff and Peninsula Waverley and Glen Waverley are very much enriched Health regarding the review. In that meeting Peninsula by this diversity of cultures, particularly the growing Health admitted the review had taken place, but staff and significant proportion of Chinese residents and also were told that they would not be told the result of the people born in India and Sri Lanka. review before the election because the issue was too emotive. All the hospital staff who work in maternity The Bracks government has already significantly services and the community are suspicious that increased funding to support ethnic and multicultural maternity services at the hospital will be downgraded. community organisations through the Victorian In particular the outcome of the review seems to be that Multicultural Commission grants program and has there will be no more birthing at the hospital. increased the funding from $750 000 in 1999 to $3 million from 2006. This funding will be increased Over many years the local community has contributed further to $4 million a year. to the maternity ward at the hospital. It is a wonderful place and a very popular place for women to give birth. There are two groups among the many that have In fact they come from quite a large area — not just the applied for grants to which I draw the minister’s immediate area — to do so, because it has a country attention. They are the Kala Kruthi Indian classical hospital feel about it. If it is expected to be a music school for their concert in 2007 and the complicated birth, mothers go to Frankston Hospital. I Waverley Chinese Senior Citizens Club for their new had a son and daughter born at each of the hospitals, year celebrations. I have greatly enjoyed the working and the service has been wonderful. The problem with relationship I have had with Frank Chau and other Frankston Hospital is that it is so far away from the members of that club over the last four years. It is the Mornington Peninsula — in fact, it is 45 or 50 minutes largest Chinese senior citizens club in Victoria, and it away from some areas of the peninsula. That is not only does a fantastic job in organising lots of different events a problem in emergency situations, but in terms of the for its members. I congratulate the groups on their inconvenience of visits and what have you. volunteer work for their community. As a further complication, two of the hospital’s four I am proud of this government’s commitment to obstetricians left last summer. The hospital has been supporting the social, economic and cultural benefits of making do without them with some bandaid solutions. multiculturalism. As the member for Derrimut outlined The last two obstetricians have given notice that they earlier in his contribution, we do believe that a strong will leave in February. Staff and the community are society is built on mutual respect, tolerance and very worried about the future of maternity services at understanding. Rosebud Hospital. I ask the minister to come clean and let us know what is happening. I seek the minister’s assurance that support will be provided to these very important local multicultural Multicultural affairs: grants organisations. Mr LUPTON (Prahran) — I raise a matter for the Rosebud Hospital: obstetric services attention of the Minister assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs. The action I seek is that the Mr DIXON (Nepean) — I wish to raise a matter for minister provide funding for multicultural groups in my the Minister for Health regarding Rosebud Hospital. I electorate for the purpose of putting on multicultural am again asking the minister to release the review that festivals and events, which are very important to the has been held into maternity services at that hospital. local community in Prahran.

In the last sitting week before the election I raised this The Prahran electorate is an extremely diverse as a matter of urgency with the Minister for Health, multicultural area. I regularly attend citizenship asking her to tell me and the community why the ceremonies in my electorate, and I know that on maternity services had been reviewed and what the average 30 different countries are represented at those outcome of the review was, because that review had ceremonies. People come from all over the world to been completed and Peninsula Health was aware of the live not only in Victoria but, in particular, in the outcome of the review. I heard nothing from the Prahran area. It is a very culturally diverse area, and minister leading up to the election. that is one of its great strengths. It is very important that Consequently, during the election campaign two of the groups in the area are able to put on important cultural staff who work in maternity services at Rosebud festivals and events, and this is not only for the groups ADJOURNMENT

150 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 themselves. It is also important to make sure the entire The government also belatedly committed to the community is involved in cultural festivities and events redevelopment of Box Hill Hospital. The hospital’s from all around the world. redevelopment plans were scrapped by the government in 2002, and this delay has resulted in it having some of I want to refer to a couple of local organisations in the worst waiting lists and waiting times of any hospital particular. The first is the Victorian division of the in Melbourne. This year the government finally National Council of Jewish Women Australia, which announced that the redevelopment would proceed, and does a lot of great work with elderly citizens, provided $38.1 million for the first stage. However, no particularly in Prahran. Among the events it wants to time lines or funds have yet been committed for the run in the area are festivals and events for what are remainder of the redevelopment, estimated to cost called golden age clubs — senior citizens clubs for upwards of $600 million. Russian Jewish migrants. I take a great deal of interest in this organisation; in fact, I addressed one of its Labor also promised it would provide $16.5 million for meetings on Monday evening to celebrate the festival a new Box Hill police station, but again no time frame of Chanukah. I urge the minister to support its was specified. application for funding. Now we find that across the state Labor has made far Another organisation based in my electorate — in this more election promises than it has money in the budget case on Chapel Street — is the Federation of Indian to deliver. On 30 October Labor’s accountants Deloitte Associations of Victoria. It wants to stage a reunion of Australia certified that the total value of Labor’s Indian volunteers for the Commonwealth Games, election capital commitments were within the which was held earlier this year in Melbourne. That is unallocated capital budget in the May state budget, another event I urge the minister to support by granting which totalled $2.2 billion. However, Labor’s capital approval for its funding application. commitments ended up totalling some $3.277 billion — well in excess of even the $2.5 billion of unallocated A number of other organisations in the electorate have capital shown in the pre-election budget update. also sought funding, and I urge the minister to support their applications too. Ms D’Ambrosio — On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, I believe the member is reading his Australian Labor Party: election promises adjournment matter strictly from his notes.

Mr CLARK (Box Hill) — I congratulate you, The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! Is the Deputy Speaker, and the Speaker on your election to member reading or referring to notes? high office. Mr CLARK — I am referring to notes, Deputy I raise with the Premier the various election promises Speaker. Labor also made a commitment to deliver on made by the Labor Party to the Box Hill electorate and its election promises without an additional dollar of I ask the Premier to specify publicly when each of these debt. But today’s budget update shows that Labor has promises will be delivered and what the level of failed to honour that commitment. Last night the funding will be. Treasurer repeated the claim he made during the election campaign that the overcommitment was not a The Liberal Party promised early in the election problem because he was going to spread his capital campaign to provide $5 million towards the long works spending over a number of years and it takes an overdue redevelopment of Box Hill High School and average of three years to construct capital works. $2 million for the first stage of the much-needed However, this confirms — as voters have come to upgrade for Surrey Hills Primary School. The expect — that there will be long delays in the delivery government then rushed to catch up by promising that of many of Labor’s election promises. Unless that delay both these schools would be modernised, and the Labor is very long indeed, Labor will still be forced to go into candidate was even reported in the local press as saying additional debt to fund those promises. there would be money for Box Hill High School in the next state budget. Finally, the Treasurer has to fund not only his election promises but all the other capital needs within the The Liberal Party also set the agenda in relation to budget which Labor did not include in its election fixing roads, with commitments to upgrading four policy costings. Residents of Box Hill know the trouble important local intersections. Unfortunately only the that is caused when Labor fails to deliver its projects on commitment to the Elgar and Canterbury roads intersection was matched by Labor. ADJOURNMENT

Wednesday, 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY 151 time, with the grade separation of Middleborough to respond to the matters raised by the members for Road — — Derrimut, Mount Waverley and Prahran.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The Mr ANDREWS (Minister assisting the Premier on member’s time has expired. Multicultural Affairs) — I am very pleased to respond to the important matters raised by the honourable Special Olympics Victoria: funding members mentioned. Can I firstly congratulate the member for Derrimut on his elevation to the position of Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park) — My matter is for Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier for the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs. I Multicultural Affairs. I know he has a great interest in request the minister to fund Special Olympics Victoria, these matters, and I look forward to working with him. which is hosting its summer games in the city of Whittlesea on 31 March and 1 April next year. Mr Kotsiras interjected.

Special Olympics Victoria grew out of the Special Mr ANDREWS — I assure the member for Bulleen Olympics, which were first established in America in that I very much look forward to working with the 1968. The aim of that event was to provide organised member for Derrimut. I also thank the member for sporting and physical activities for children and adults Mount Waverley, and I congratulate her on her with intellectual disabilities. The organisation soon appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for Health, an grew to become a worldwide one, and we are very area which I know from personal experience she will thankful that we have Special Olympics here in find very rewarding. Victoria to serve our communities. The member for Prahran also raised an important I was proud to have had the opportunity to witness matter in relation to the funding of culturally diverse some of the Special Olympics Victoria sportspeople at communities in his local area, and I congratulate him their winter bocce championships, which were held on his elevation to the position of Parliamentary earlier this year at the Casa D’Abruzzo in Epping. Secretary for Industry and Innovation and his Special Olympics Victoria has never received any re-election to this place. financial assistance whatsoever from the government for its very worthwhile sporting activities. Special As I said in an earlier contribution this evening, this Olympics Victoria relies totally on volunteers, many of government has a proud record of supporting cultural whom are the parents of the athletes. diversity. We regard multiculturalism as one of our greatest strengths, and an important part of that involves The logistics of organising the special and at times very continuing to invest in those culturally diverse groups challenging and complex needs of these athletes is a within our community, many of whom are volunteers great load for the volunteers, especially when they are and do such a great job in supporting the cultural required to travel long distances either within Victoria diversity that is at the centre of our way of life. It is or interstate — and at times these trips require what makes our local communities right across the overnight stays. Nevertheless the volunteers and the state, both in the metropolitan area and in rural and athletes undertake these activities with great enthusiasm regional areas, such vibrant, interesting and particularly and great commitment. dynamic places to live, work and raise a family.

The challenge remains, however, for Special Olympics To that end, when the government came to office in Victoria to encourage more of these special people into 1999 around $750 000 a year was allocated to support well-organised sporting activities, and I think our the great work of our multicultural groups across the government should help with that. Therefore it would state. Some 900 groups were funded with that $750 000 be very fitting and appropriate for the minister to offer a year. Over the last seven years we have boosted the support for the holding of the summer games in the city support for multicultural communities to $3.1 million, of Whittlesea next year so that all Victorians, regardless which funds around 1600 community groups a year. As of their ability, can derive a benefit from good, sound part of the recent election campaign we committed to policies which encourage healthier living and exercise. increasing that to $4 million annually. That is further Go for your life, Special Olympians Victoria! evidence of this government’s clear and practical support for our multiculturalism. It is about supporting Responses those in our community who promote diversity, promote tolerance, promote harmony, invest back into The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I call the their own ethnic groups and work so hard to share their Minister assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs ADJOURNMENT

152 ASSEMBLY Wednesday, 20 December 2006 own cultural diversity and their own heritage with the to a local intersection. If I am not wrong, it is the broader Victorian community. We are all enhanced by intersection of Parkwood Place and Fitzsimons Lane, that. which is an important matter in his community.

I am pleased to inform the member for Derrimut that The member for Nepean raised a matter for the 24 organisations in his electorate will receive funding, Minister for Health in relation to maternity services at and that includes support for the 17th annual Greek the Rosebud Hospital. cultural festival and the Indian new year celebrations. The member for Mill Park raised a matter for the The member for Mount Waverley will also be pleased Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs in to learn, I am sure, that 10 groups in her electorate will relation to supporting Special Olympics Victoria. receive funding, including the Waverley Chinese Senior Citizens Club and the Kala Kruthi Indian dance And the member for Box Hill raised a matter for the school. Premier in relation to the government’s comprehensive policies and plans to support families living in Box Hill. We will also fund 18 organisations in the electorate of the member for Prahran, including the National Council I will raise each of those matters with the ministers as of Jewish Women for their performance and the listed for their action and attention. Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria for its particular event. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New I am pleased to say that I have signed off on those Year. grants on advice from the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Those comprehensive grants, as part of The house is now adjourned. our most recent round of funding — the second House adjourned 9.43 p.m. until Tuesday, round — under the festivals and events category for 13 February 2007. 2006–07, total some $769 500 for 605 different groups across Melbourne and our rural and regional communities. This is further evidence of this government’s commitment to supporting cultural diversity and supporting the important work of our multicultural groups.

Again, we have a proud record of investment in this area, and we will continue to support the important work that so many multicultural communities do in promoting tolerance and harmony and in making our state such an interesting, diverse and tolerant place to live, work and raise a family.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The minister, to respond to the matters raised by other members.

Mr ANDREWS — The member for Polwarth raised a matter for the Minister for Public Transport in relation to V/Line.

The member for Pascoe Vale raised a matter for the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs in relation to funding for local groups.

The member for Shepparton raised a matter for the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change in relation to access to water in her local community.

The member for Bulleen raised a matter for the attention of the Minister for Roads and Ports in relation MEMBERS INDEX

19 and 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY i

MEMBERS INDEX BARKER, Ms (Oakleigh) (See also DEPUTY SPEAKER, The)

Election of Deputy Speaker, 3 ALLAN, Ms (Bendigo East) (Minister for Skills, Education Services and Employment and Minister for Women’s Affairs) BATCHELOR, Mr (Thomastown) (Minister for Victorian Adjournment Communities and Minister for Energy and Resources) Responses, 52 Business of the house Proclamations, 32 ANDREWS, Mr (Mulgrave) (Minister for Gaming, Minister for Sessional orders, 29 Consumer Affairs and Minister assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs) Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee

Adjournment Membership, 29 Responses, 151 BEATTIE, Ms (Yuroke) Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 137 Members statements

Questions without notice Neil Treyvaud, 56 Gaming: public lotteries licence, 92 BLACKWOOD, Mr (Narracan)

ASHER, Ms (Brighton) Governor’s speech

Bills Address-in-reply, 144 State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill, 39 BRACKS, Mr (Williamstown) (Premier, Minister for Multicultural Matter of public importance Affairs and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs)

Water: management, 61 Bills Members statements Statute Law Repeals Bill, 12

South East Water: dams policy, 55 Election of Speaker, 3 Questions without notice Ministry, 4 Water: Gippsland recycling proposal, 9 Questions without notice Bushfires: response, 6 BAILLIEU, Mr (Hawthorn) (Leader of the Opposition) Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board: chief officer, 89 Election of Speaker, 3 Planning: local government, 93 Police: Caulfield assault, 11 Matter of public importance Schools: government policy, 89 Water: management, 74 Water Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong supply, 8 Points of order, 6 state supply, 5 Questions without notice Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board: chief officer, 89 BROOKS, Mr (Bundoora) Planning: local government, 93 Water Governor’s speech Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong supply, 8 Address-in-reply, 103 state supply, 5

Shadow ministry, 4 MEMBERS INDEX ii ASSEMBLY 19 and 20 December 2006

BRUMBY, Mr (Broadmeadows) (Treasurer, Minister for Regional CRISP, Mr (Mildura) and Rural Development and Minister for Innovation) Governor’s speech Bills Address-in-reply, 26 State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill, 13, 44 CRUTCHFIELD, Mr (South Barwon) Questions without notice Economy: rural and regional Victoria, 11 Governor’s speech Government: financial management, 95 Address-in-reply, 130

Members statements BURGESS, Mr (Hastings) Greater Geelong and Surf Coast: mayors, 60 Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 134 D’AMBROSIO, Ms (Mill Park)

Adjournment CAMERON, Mr (Bendigo West) (Minister for Police and Special Olympics Victoria: funding, 151 Emergency Services and Minister for Corrections) Points of order, 150 Bills Control of Weapons Amendment (Penalties) Bill, 13, 132 DELAHUNTY, Mr (Lowan) Business of the house Adjournment, 54 Business of the house Proclamations, 32 Petitions Sessional orders, 31 California Gully Primary School: access road, 53 Members statements Questions without notice Water: tank rebates, 55 Bushfires: emergency services, 9 Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee Membership, 29 CAMPBELL, Ms (Pascoe Vale)

Adjournment DEPUTY SPEAKER, The (Ms Barker ) Melbourne Water: Edgars Creek rehabilitation, 51 Oak Park Tennis Club and Hadfield Netball Club: funding, 146 Rulings, 34, 150

CARLI, Mr (Brunswick) DIXON, Mr (Nepean)

Matter of public importance Adjournment Water: management, 79 Rosebud Hospital: obstetric services, 149

Matter of public importance CLARK, Mr (Box Hill) Water: management, 77

Adjournment Australian Labor Party: election promises, 150 DONNELLAN, Mr (Narre Warren North)

Petitions Bills Falun Gong: human rights, 53 State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill, 38

Questions without notice Government: financial management, 94 MEMBERS INDEX

19 and 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY iii

DUNCAN, Ms (Macedon) Questions without notice Hospitals: funding, 92 Adjournment Sunbury: day hospital, 47 HERBERT, Mr (Eltham) Election of Speaker, 2 Matter of public importance Matter of public importance Water: management, 64 Water: management, 72 Members statements Members statements Eltham electorate: community service awards, 61 Macedon electorate: election result, 59 Questions without notice Bushfires: Thomson Dam, 8 FYFFE, Mrs (Evelyn)

Members statements HODGETT, Mr (Kilsyth) Family violence: anger management support group, 58 Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 128 GRALEY, Ms (Narre Warren South)

Governor’s speech HOWARD, Mr (Ballarat East) Address-in-reply, 98 Questions without notice Water: Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong supply, 90 GREEN, Ms (Yan Yean)

Adjournment HUDSON, Mr (Bentleigh) Bushfires: emergency services, 49 Members statements Matter of public importance McKinnon Secondary College: achievements, 58 Water: management, 76

Questions without notice HULLS, Mr (Niddrie) (Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Bushfires: emergency services, 9 Relations and Minister for Racing)

Bills HARDMAN, Mr (Seymour) Interpretation of Legislation Amendment Bill, 12, 133 Matter of public importance Public Prosecutions Amendment Bill, 13, 134 Senate Elections Amendment Bill, 12, 88 Water: management, 69 Questions without notice Questions without notice Industrial relations: WorkChoices, 93 Bushfires: response, 6

INGRAM, Mr (Gippsland East) HARKNESS, Dr (Frankston) Members statements Election of Deputy Speaker, 3 Bushfires: Gippsland East electorate, 57 Governor’s speech

Address-in-reply, 125 JASPER, Mr (Murray Valley) Members statements Members statements Frankston electorate: election result, 58 Water: tank rebates, 59 Mary Yeaxlee, 58 MEMBERS INDEX iv ASSEMBLY 19 and 20 December 2006

KOTSIRAS, Mr (Bulleen) MADDIGAN, Mrs (Essendon)

Adjournment Adjournment Fitzsimons Lane–Parkwood Place, Templestowe: safety, 148 Rail: Broadmeadows line, 46

Governor’s speech LANGDON, Mr (Ivanhoe) Address-in-reply, 111

Election of Deputy Speaker, 3 Members statements Parliament: 150th anniversary, 55

LANGUILLER, Mr (Derrimut) Petitions Parliament: responsible government, 53 Adjournment Multicultural affairs: grants, 147 MORAND, Ms (Mount Waverley) Bills State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Adjournment Bill, 42 Multicultural affairs: grants, 148

Members statements LINDELL, Ms (Carrum) (See also SPEAKER, The) Legislative Assembly: former members, 56 Election of Speaker, 2 Mount Waverley electorate: election result, 57 Questions without notice Bushfires: government assistance, 10 LUPTON, Mr (Prahran)

Adjournment MORRIS, Mr (Mornington) Multicultural affairs: grants, 149 Planning: Stonington Mansion, 48 Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 140 Bills State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill, 40 MULDER, Mr (Polwarth) Governor’s speech Adjournment Address-in-reply, 120 Rail: V/Line retail promotions, 145 Members statements Petitions Alfred Centre: project completion, 55 Mornington Peninsula Freeway: extension, 54

Points of order, 5 McINTOSH, Mr (Kew)

Adjournment MUNT, Ms (Mordialloc) Police: memorandum of understanding, 49 Bills Business of the house State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Proclamations, 32 Bill, 43 Sessional orders, 30 Election of Speaker, 2 Points of order, 11, 91 Members statements Questions without notice Mordialloc electorate: election result, 57 Police: Caulfield assault, 10 Tom James, 57 Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee Membership, 29 MEMBERS INDEX

19 and 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY v

NAPTHINE, Dr (South-West Coast) POWELL, Mrs (Shepparton)

Adjournment Adjournment Planning: Glenelg development, 48 Water: irrigators, 147

Matter of public importance Petitions Water: management, 70 Rail: Melbourne–Shepparton line, 54

Members statements Brauer College: science wing, 56 RICHARDSON, Ms (Northcote)

Governor’s speech NEVILLE, Ms (Bellarine) (Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Address-in-reply, 20 Children and Minister for Aged Care) Questions without notice Governor’s speech Schools: government policy, 89 Address-in-reply, 141

RYAN, Mr (Gippsland South) (Leader of The Nationals) NORTHE, Mr (Morwell) Election of Speaker, 3 Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 109 Points of order, 90

Questions without notice O’BRIEN, Mr (Malvern) Local government: funding, 94 Roads: funding, 90 Governor’s speech Water: interstate trading, 7 Address-in-reply, 24 The Nationals: portfolio responsibilities, 5 Members statements Planning: Stonington Mansion, 60 SCOTT, Mr (Preston) Questions without notice Gaming: public lotteries licence, 92 Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 82

PALLAS, Mr (Tarneit) (Minister for Roads and Ports) Questions without notice Industrial relations: WorkChoices, 93 Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 17 SHARDEY, Mrs (Caulfield) Questions without notice Roads: funding, 90 Members statements Police: Caulfield assault, 59

PERERA, Mr (Cranbourne) SMITH, Mr K. (Bass) Members statements Cranbourne electorate: community kitchens, 60 Adjournment Port of Hastings: development, 46

PIKE, Ms (Melbourne) (Minister for Health) Bills State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Questions without notice Bill, 41 Bushfires: government assistance, 10 Hospitals: funding, 92 MEMBERS INDEX vi ASSEMBLY 19 and 20 December 2006

Matter of public importance THOMSON, Ms (Footscray) Water: management, 81 Governor’s speech Points of order, 51 Address-in-reply, 107

SMITH, Mr R. (Warrandyte) THWAITES, Mr (Albert Park) (Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change) Governor’s speech Bills Address-in-reply, 105 Murray-Darling Basin Amendment Bill, 12, 96 Water Amendment (Critical Water Infrastructure Projects) Bill, 12, SPEAKER, The (Hon. Jenny Lindell) 95

Absence of minister, 89 Questions without notice Bushfires: Thomson Dam, 8 Business of the house Water Photographing of proceedings, 53 Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong supply, 90 Commission to swear members, 4 Gippsland recycling proposal, 9 interstate trading, 7 Condolences

Donald Neville Saltmarsh, 53 TILLEY, Mr (Benambra) Distinguished visitor, 7 Governor’s speech Election of Speaker, 2 Address-in-reply, 118

Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 17 TREZISE, Mr (Geelong)

Presentation of Speaker to Governor, 3 Questions without notice Economy: rural and regional Victoria, 11 Rulings, 5, 6, 51, 90, 91

VICTORIA, Mrs (Bayswater) STENSHOLT, Mr (Burwood) Governor’s speech Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 114 Address-in-reply, 116

Points of order, 34 WAKELING, Mr (Ferntree Gully)

Governor’s speech SYKES, Dr (Benalla) Address-in-reply, 100 Bills State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) WALSH, Mr (Swan Hill) Bill, 35 Adjournment

THOMPSON, Mr (Sandringham) Sheep: pens, 47 Matter of public importance Bills Water: management, 67 State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill, 43

Members statements Water: restrictions, 57 MEMBERS INDEX

19 and 20 December 2006 ASSEMBLY vii

WELLER, Mr (Rodney)

Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 122

WELLS, Mr (Scoresby)

Adjournment EastLink: construction, 50

Bills State Taxation Legislation Amendment (Housing Affordability) Bill, 32

Points of order, 34

WOOLDRIDGE, Ms (Doncaster)

Governor’s speech Address-in-reply, 85

WYNNE, Mr (Richmond) (Minister for Housing and Minister for Local Government)

Questions without notice Local government: funding, 94