PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FIFTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT
FIRST SESSION
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 (Extract from book 5)
Internet: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/downloadhansard
By authority of the Victorian Government Printer
The Governor The Honourable ALEX CHERNOV, AC, QC The Lieutenant-Governor The Honourable Justice MARILYN WARREN, AC The ministry (from 13 March 2013)
Premier, Minister for Regional Cities and Minister for Racing ...... The Hon. D. V. Napthine, MP
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Regional and Rural Development ...... The Hon. P. J. Ryan, MP
Treasurer ...... The Hon. M. A. O’Brien, MP
Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and Minister for Employment and Trade .. The Hon. Louise Asher, MP
Attorney-General, Minister for Finance and Minister for Industrial Relations ...... The Hon. R. W. Clark, MP
Minister for Health and Minister for Ageing ...... The Hon. D. M. Davis, MLC
Minister for Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs .... The Hon. H. F. Delahunty, MP
Minister for Education ...... The Hon. M. F. Dixon, MP
Minister for Planning ...... The Hon. M. J. Guy, MLC
Minister for Higher Education and Skills, and Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession ...... The Hon. P. R. Hall, MLC
Minister for Ports, Minister for Major Projects and Minister for Manufacturing ...... The Hon. D. J. Hodgett, MP
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, and Minister for Energy and Resources ...... The Hon. N. Kotsiras, MP
Minister for Housing, and Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development ...... The Hon. W. A. Lovell, MLC
Minister for Corrections, Minister for Gaming Regulation, Minister for Crime Prevention and Minister responsible for IBAC (resigned from ministry 16 April 2013) ...... The Hon. A. J. McIntosh, MP
Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Roads ...... The Hon. T. W. Mulder, MP
Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs ...... The Hon. E. J. Powell, MP
Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Technology and Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry ...... The Hon. G. K. Rich-Phillips, MLC
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and Minister for Youth Affairs ...... The Hon. R. Smith, MP
Minister for the Arts, Minister for Women’s Affairs and Minister for Consumer Affairs ...... The Hon. H. Victoria, MP
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, and Minister for Water ...... The Hon. P. L. Walsh, MP
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, and Minister for Bushfire Response ...... The Hon. K. A. Wells, MP
Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Disability Services and Reform ...... The Hon. M. L. N. Wooldridge, MP
Cabinet Secretary ...... Mr N. Wakeling, MP
Legislative Assembly committees
Privileges Committee — Ms Barker, Mr Clark, Ms Green, Mr Hodgett, Mr Morris, Mr Nardella, Mr O’Brien, Mr Pandazopoulos and Mr Walsh. Standing Orders Committee — The Speaker, Ms Allan, Ms Asher, Ms Barker, Mr Brooks, Mrs Fyffe, Mr Hodgett and Mrs Powell.
Joint committees
Accountability and Oversight Committee — (Assembly): Ms Kanis, Ms Richardson and Mr Wakeling. (Council): Mr O’Brien and Mr P. Davis. Dispute Resolution Committee — (Assembly): Ms Allan, Ms Asher, Mr Clark, Ms Hennessy, Mr Merlino, Mr O’Brien and Mr Walsh. (Council): Mr D. Davis, Mr Hall, Mr Lenders, Ms Lovell and Ms Pennicuik. Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee — (Assembly): Mr Battin and Mr McCurdy. (Council): Mr Leane, Mr Ramsay and Mr Scheffer. Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee — (Assembly): Mr Burgess, Mr Carroll, Mr Foley, Mrs Fyffe and Mr Shaw. (Council): Mrs Peulich. Education and Training Committee — (Assembly): Mr Crisp, Ms Miller and Mr Southwick. (Council): Mr Elasmar and Ms Tierney. Electoral Matters Committee — (Assembly): Ms Ryall. (Council): Mr Finn, Mrs Peulich, Mr Somyurek and Mr Tarlamis. Environment and Natural Resources Committee — (Assembly): Mr Bull, Ms Duncan, Mr Pandazopoulos and Ms Wreford. (Council): Mr Koch. Family and Community Development Committee — (Assembly): Ms Halfpenny, Mr McGuire and Mr Wakeling. (Council): Mrs Coote, Ms Crozier and Mr O’Brien. House Committee — (Assembly): The Speaker (ex officio), Ms Beattie, Mr Burgess, Ms Campbell, Mrs Fyffe, Ms Graley and Mr Weller. (Council): The President (ex officio), Mr Drum, Mr Eideh, Mr Finn, Ms Hartland, and Mr P. Davis. Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Committee — (Assembly): Ms Hennessy, Mr Newton-Brown and Mr Weller. (Council): Mr Koch and Mr Viney. Law Reform Committee — (Assembly): Mr Carbines, Ms Garrett, Mr Newton-Brown and Mr Northe. (Council): Mrs Petrovich. Outer Suburban/Interface Services and Development Committee — (Assembly): Ms Graley, Ms Hutchins and Ms McLeish. (Council): Mrs Kronberg and Mr Ondarchie. Public Accounts and Estimates Committee — (Assembly): Mr Angus, Ms Hennessey, Mr Morris and Mr Scott. (Council): Mr O’Brien, Mr Ondarchie and Mr Pakula. Road Safety Committee — (Assembly): Mr Languiller, Mr Perera, Mr Tilley and Mr Thompson. (Council): Mr Elsbury. Rural and Regional Committee — (Assembly): Mr Howard, Mr Katos, Mr Trezise and Mr Weller. (Council): Mr Drum. Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee — (Assembly): Mr Brooks, Ms Campbell, Mr Gidley, Mr Nardella, Dr Sykes and Mr Watt. (Council): Mr Dalla-Riva.
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: Mr P. Lochert
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FIFTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT — FIRST SESSION Speaker: The Hon. K. M. SMITH Deputy Speaker: Mrs C. A. FYFFE Acting Speakers: Ms Beattie, Mr Blackwood, Mr Burgess, Ms Campbell, Mr Eren, Mr Languiller, Mr Morris, Mr Nardella, Mr Northe, Mr Pandazopoulos, Dr Sykes, Mr Thompson, Mr Tilley and Mr Weller. Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and Premier: The Hon. D. V. NAPTHINE (from 6 March 2013) The Hon. E. N. BAILLIEU (to 6 March 2013) Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party: The Hon. LOUISE ASHER Leader of The Nationals and Deputy Premier: The Hon. P. J. RYAN Deputy Leader of The Nationals: The Hon. P. L. WALSH Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition: The Hon. D. M. ANDREWS Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition: The Hon. J. A. MERLINO
Member District Party Member District Party Allan, Ms Jacinta Marie Bendigo East ALP Languiller, Mr Telmo Ramon Derrimut ALP Andrews, Mr Daniel Michael Mulgrave ALP Lim, Mr Muy Hong Clayton ALP Angus, Mr Neil Andrew Warwick Forest Hill LP McCurdy, Mr Timothy Logan Murray Valley Nats Asher, Ms Louise Brighton LP McGuire, Mr Frank 6 Broadmeadows ALP Baillieu, Mr Edward Norman Hawthorn LP McIntosh, Mr Andrew John Kew LP Barker, Ms Ann Patricia Oakleigh ALP McLeish, Ms Lucinda Gaye Seymour LP Battin, Mr Bradley William Gembrook LP Madden, Mr Justin Mark Essendon ALP Bauer, Mrs Donna Jane Carrum LP Merlino, Mr James Anthony Monbulk ALP Beattie, Ms Elizabeth Jean Yuroke ALP Miller, Ms Elizabeth Eileen Bentleigh LP Blackwood, Mr Gary John Narracan LP Morris, Mr David Charles Mornington LP Brooks, Mr Colin William Bundoora ALP Mulder, Mr Terence Wynn Polwarth LP Brumby, Mr John Mansfield 1 Broadmeadows ALP Napthine, Dr Denis Vincent South-West Coast LP Bull, Mr Timothy Owen Gippsland East Nats Nardella, Mr Donato Antonio Melton ALP Burgess, Mr Neale Ronald Hastings LP Neville, Ms Lisa Mary Bellarine ALP Campbell, Ms Christine Mary Pascoe Vale ALP Newton-Brown, Mr Clement Arundel Prahran LP Carbines, Mr Anthony Richard Ivanhoe ALP Noonan, Mr Wade Mathew Williamstown ALP Carroll, Mr Benjamin Alan 2 Niddrie 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 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 7 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 Edwards, Ms Janice Maree Bendigo West ALP Ryall, Ms Deanne Sharon Mitcham LP Eren, Mr John Hamdi Lara ALP Ryan, Mr Peter Julian Gippsland South Nats Foley, Mr Martin Peter Albert Park ALP Scott, Mr Robin David Preston ALP Fyffe, Mrs Christine Ann Evelyn LP Shaw, Mr Geoffrey Page 8 Frankston Ind Garrett, Ms Jane Furneaux Brunswick ALP Smith, Mr Kenneth Maurice Bass LP Gidley, Mr Michael Xavier Charles Mount Waverley LP Smith, Mr Ryan Warrandyte LP Graley, Ms Judith Ann Narre Warren South ALP Southwick, Mr David James Caulfield LP Green, Ms Danielle Louise Yan Yean ALP Sykes, Dr William Everett Benalla Nats Halfpenny, Ms Bronwyn Thomastown ALP Thompson, Mr Murray Hamilton Ross Sandringham LP Helper, Mr Jochen Ripon ALP Thomson, Ms Marsha Rose Footscray ALP Hennessy, Ms Jill Altona ALP Tilley, Mr William John Benambra LP Herbert, Mr Steven Ralph Eltham ALP Trezise, Mr Ian Douglas Geelong ALP Hodgett, Mr David John Kilsyth LP Victoria, Ms Heidi Bayswater LP Holding, Mr Timothy James 3 Lyndhurst ALP Wakeling, Mr Nicholas Ferntree Gully LP Howard, Mr Geoffrey Kemp Ballarat East ALP Walsh, Mr Peter Lindsay Swan Hill Nats Hulls, Mr Rob Justin 4 Niddrie ALP Watt, Mr Graham Travis Burwood LP Hutchins, Ms Natalie Maree Sykes Keilor ALP Weller, Mr Paul Rodney Nats Kairouz, Ms Marlene Kororoit ALP Wells, Mr Kimberley Arthur Scoresby LP Kanis, Ms Jennifer 5 Melbourne ALP Wooldridge, Ms Mary Louise Newling Doncaster LP Katos, Mr Andrew South Barwon LP Wreford, Ms Lorraine Joan Mordialloc LP Knight, Ms Sharon Patricia Ballarat West ALP Wynne, Mr Richard William Richmond ALP Kotsiras, Mr Nicholas Bulleen LP Languiller, Mr Telmo Ramon Derrimut ALP
1 Resigned 21 December 2010 5 Elected 21 July 2012 2 Elected 24 March 2012 6 Elected 19 February 2011 3 Resigned 18 February 2013 7 Resigned 7 May 2012 4 Resigned 27 January 2012 8 LP until 6 March 2013
CONTENTS
TUESDAY, 16 APRIL 2013 PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE Membership ...... 1129 CONDOLENCES MEMBERS STATEMENTS Bruce Albert Edward Skeggs, OAM ...... 1117 Jessalyn Leong ...... 1134 Hon. John Don, MBE ...... 1117 Baroness Thatcher ...... 1134 Willam Francis Stephen, AM ...... 1117 Buses: Altona electorate ...... 1135 PERSONAL EXPLANATION Emergency services: tornado response ...... 1135 Member for Kew ...... 1117 Craigieburn Cricket Club: achievements ...... 1135 BOSTON: BOMBINGS...... 1117 Volunteers: bushfire recovery ...... 1135 MINISTRY ...... 1118 Volunteers: community service awards ...... 1136 Bruce Albert Edward Skeggs, OAM ...... 1136, 1140 ABSENCE OF MINISTER ...... 1118 Cambodian Buddhist New Year: celebration ...... 1136 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Highett Seniors: 50th anniversary ...... 1136 Hospitals: bed numbers ...... 1118 Parkdale Cricket Club: presentations...... 1136 Employment: eastern suburbs ...... 1119 Dingley Football Club: presentations ...... 1136 Austin Health and Northern Health: merger ...... 1119 Drug and alcohol abuse: government Regional Growth Fund: benefits ...... 1120 performance ...... 1136 Former Minister for Police and Emergency Graham McCallum ...... 1137 Services: conduct ...... 1121 Cyril Moyle ...... 1137 Rail: Ballarat train contract ...... 1121 Blackburn Football Club: no. 1 ticket-holder ...... 1137 South East Water: headquarters relocation ...... 1122 Relay for Life: Team Grumps ...... 1137 Sentencing: reform ...... 1123 Epping Football Club: flag unfurling ...... 1137 Occupational health and safety: Country Fire Alanah Chapman ...... 1137 Authority Fiskville facility ...... 1124 Ashburton United Soccer Club: community fun Aboriginal affairs: health initiatives ...... 1124 day ...... 1138 SENTENCING AMENDMENT (ABOLITION OF Ashburton Primary School: grand fair ...... 1138 SUSPENDED SENTENCES AND OTHER Australian Sikh Games: opening ceremony ...... 1138 MATTERS) BILL 2013 Box Hill Hospital: redevelopment ...... 1138 Introduction and first reading...... 1125 Glenroy West Primary School: student leaders ...... 1138 JUSTICE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2013 Country Fire Authority: Hopetoun West station ...... 1138 Introduction and first reading...... 1126 Country Fire Authority: Yaapeet station ...... 1138 BAIL AMENDMENT BILL 2013 Ouyen: recreational lake ...... 1139 Introduction and first reading...... 1126 Mildura Airport: redevelopment ...... 1139 ABORIGINAL LANDS AMENDMENT BILL 2013 La Trobe University: AgriBio centre ...... 1139 Introduction and first reading...... 1126 Kenneth Jubb ...... 1139 EDUCATION AND TRAINING REFORM Bright P–12 College: marngrook football match .... 1139 AMENDMENT (SCHOOL ATTENDANCE) Ambulance services: Bendigo region ...... 1139 BILL 2013 Israel Independence Day ...... 1140 Introduction and first reading...... 1126 Monash University: Ben-Gurion University of BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE the Negev partnership ...... 1140 Notices of motion: removal ...... 1126 University of the Third Age: Whittlesea ...... 1140 Program ...... 1129 GAMBLING REGULATION AMENDMENT BILL 2013 PETITIONS Second reading ...... 1141 Fire services: funding ...... 1127 ADOPTION AMENDMENT BILL 2013 Higher education: TAFE funding ...... 1127 Second reading ...... 1155, 1161 Thompsons Road: upgrade ...... 1127 NAMING AND SUSPENSION OF MEMBER Trams: route 1 ...... 1127 Member for Yan Yean ...... 1161 SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS ADJOURNMENT COMMITTEE Fishermans Bend: municipal governance ...... 1179 Alert Digest No. 5 ...... 1127 Mental health: women’s DOCUMENTS ...... 1128 facilities ...... 1180, 1181, 1182, 1183 RESIGNATION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Boronia Heights Primary School: funding ...... 1180 MEMBER Chandler Highway: bridge upgrade ...... 1181 Hon. M. P. Pakula ...... 1129 Department of Environment and Primary WATER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2012 Industries: jobs ...... 1182 Council’s amendments ...... 1129 Disability services: Essendon electorate constituent ...... 1184 ROYAL ASSENT ...... 1129 Tourism: motorcycle strategy ...... 1184 APPROPRIATION MESSAGES ...... 1129 Responses ...... 1185
CONDOLENCES
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 ASSEMBLY 1117
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 indicating my resignation from the Privileges Committee and the other committees of which I am a The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Smith) took the chair at member. Given the seriousness and gravity of my 2.04 p.m. and read the prayer. breach, I have also written to the Premier resigning as a minister in his government, an offer the Premier has CONDOLENCES accepted. Bruce Albert Edward Skeggs, OAM It is now incumbent upon me to formally and publicly apologise to this house and to all members for my lack Hon. John Don, MBE of discretion, and to the Premier and the government for the embarrassment it may have caused. Any Willam Francis Stephen, AM member who appears before the Privileges Committee is entitled to natural justice, which may have been The SPEAKER — Order! I advise the house of the prejudiced in this case by my indiscretion. While I may death of Bruce Albert Edward Skeggs, OAM, who was dispute the accuracy of the report or, indeed, what I a member of the Legislative Assembly for the electoral believed were off-the-record comments, that is district of Ivanhoe from 1973 to 1982 and a member of absolutely irrelevant. What is relevant is that I breached the Legislative Council for Templestowe Province from the sacred, fundamental confidence of the Privileges 1988 to 1996. Committee, and for that I offer my heartfelt apology to this house. I also advise the house of the death of the Honourable John Don, MBE, who was a member of the Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of Elsternwick from BOSTON: BOMBINGS 1945 to 1955, and of the death of Willam Francis Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) (By leave) — I wish to Stephen, AM, who was a member of the Legislative make a statement about the incident in Boston. I wish to Assembly for the electoral district of Ballarat South say a few words about the awful events in Boston that from 1964 to 1979. have occurred over the past few hours. It has been I ask honourable members to rise in their places as a reported that at least three people have been killed, one mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. of them a child. More than 100 people have been injured, some of them seriously, and potentially Honourable members stood in their places. maimed for life. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts and prayers are The SPEAKER — Order! I shall convey a message with the injured and their families. of sympathy from the house to the relatives of the late Bruce Albert Edward Skeggs, OAM, the Honourable Members may know that in 1985 Boston and John Don, MBE, and William Francis Stephen, AM. Melbourne formed a sister-city relationship. The Melbourne Boston Sister Cities Association is a vibrant PERSONAL EXPLANATION organisation that promotes cultural, sporting and business links. Both our cities are centres of Member for Kew high-quality education, culture and sport. It is just unspeakable for people watching and participating in a Mr McINTOSH (Kew) — I desire to make a wonderful annual event with a rich heritage such as the personal explanation. Recently an article appeared in a Boston Marathon to be attacked in such a treacherous newspaper concerning a current investigation by the and cowardly way. It is tragic that the great city of Privileges Committee. The article contained quotes Boston should suffer this atrocity during a sporting attributed to a coalition member of the Privileges celebration that dates back more than 100 years and on Committee. I admit that I am the unnamed coalition a day of such significance as Patriots Day. member of the Privileges Committee. Mr Speaker, I ask that you convey the thoughts of all The fact that I spoke to a journalist breached the members of this house to your counterpart in the confidence of the Privileges Committee, thereby Massachusetts legislature. I will also be writing jeopardising and bringing into question the fairness and personally to the Consul General of the United States, integrity of the committee’s private deliberations. That Mary Warlick. was unacceptable. My membership of the Privileges Committee is now untenable. Accordingly I advise the Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) (By house that I have today written to the Speaker leave) — I will add to the fine words of the Premier.
MINISTRY
1118 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 16 April 2013
There is little more deplorable than the wanton act of Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I am pleased to advise murder at the cold press of a button. Sadly, we saw that the house that while we have been in government, today in the streets of Boston, a city so much like our funding for health has increased each and every year. own. We saw that today as tragedy occurred during the Indeed under the last Labor budget the health allocation closing moments of an event that is supposed to was $12.3 billion and under our last budget the health measure the pinnacle of human physical achievement. allocation was $13.7 billion — an increase of 11.4 per With two explosions, that event instead became an cent. The Leader of the Opposition has asked about exhibition in humankind’s lowest urges. But we trust beds. Let me talk about beds. that in recovery and remembrance we will see something far greater, something far stronger. Let me talk about visiting the Box Hill Hospital recently. At Box Hill Hospital there has been a Boston is a city so central to the American story of $447.5 million investment in new health services. What freedom and liberty and democracy. Those values were we have done at Box Hill Hospital, through good today under assault, but those values will always management and good leadership by the Minister for prevail. We know very little detail. We know of no Health, is drive efficiencies in that build. We have been motive. We know not the condition of every victim, but able to use that money to drive efficiencies to actually at this time our thoughts and prayers are with them — deliver a whole extra floor to that hospital, and that will the men, women and children who were targeted in an deliver 200 new beds at Box Hill. act so alien to everything we consider good and fair and just. Recently I had the pleasure of being in Bendigo to announce the winning consortium for our significant MINISTRY commitment to a new regional hospital there — a new regional hospital for the people of Bendigo and the Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I formally advise the whole of the north-west. This is a project that in the house that the member for Kew has written to me lead-up to the 2010 election the coalition promised to submitting his resignation from cabinet. I have accepted spend $100 million more on than the Labor Party. the resignation and have given the appropriate advice to His Excellency the Governor. I have signed a new Honourable members interjecting. general order today assigning the former minister’s Dr NAPTHINE — We said we would build a portfolios to the Attorney-General, who will take bigger and a better hospital for Bendigo, and we have relevant questions this week. I further advise the house delivered. We are going to build at Bendigo — and the that the Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Leader of the Opposition keeps talking about Business has been appointed Leader of the House. beds — —
ABSENCE OF MINISTER Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, under standing order 58, the Premier is not being relevant to Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I advise the house that the very specific question that was asked. The Bendigo the Minister for the Arts will be absent from question Hospital is running late. We want to know where the time today due to a serious family illness. The Minister 800 beds are that he promised three years ago. for Mental Health will take questions that otherwise would be addressed to the Minister for the Arts. The SPEAKER — Order! I believe the answer that was being given was relevant to the question that was QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE asked.
Hospitals: bed numbers Dr NAPTHINE — The Bendigo Hospital is running on schedule, and it will deliver 180 extra Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My beds — more beds for Bendigo. And not just more question is to the Premier. Given that the Premier, his beds: it will deliver mental health beds, it will deliver predecessor and the Minister for Health have refused on mother-and-child beds and it will deliver a whole new some 10 separate occasions to detail to Parliament investment in Bendigo, with 770 jobs in construction. It where the so-called 800 extra hospital beds are located, will deliver extra beds and extra mental health beds, will the Premier commit to providing the exact location and it will deliver radiotherapy facilities and a cancer of these alleged extra hospital beds as part of the 2013– centre. It will deliver a helipad, it will deliver a 14 budget? conference centre and it will deliver a child-care centre. And that is just a part of what it will deliver, because we deliver on our promises — —
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 ASSEMBLY 1119
Mr Andrews — On a point of order, Speaker, the station and bus interchange to make sure it is clean and question was whether the Premier would deliver a list safe for the people who use it. of the beds he claims have been funded and are already open. That is the question he ought to answer — where But I am also pleased to advise the house that this are these beds? $66 million upgrade will trigger a massive redevelopment of Eastland shopping centre and the The SPEAKER — Order! That is not a point of Ringwood town centre. I advise the house that order. Queensland Investment Corporation, which was represented with us at the announcement yesterday, was Dr NAPTHINE — We are delivering on the Box able to say that because we are investing this Hill Hospital, and we are delivering on the largest $66 million in the new Ringwood station and bus regional health service and the largest regional hospital interchange — this renovation, this upgrade — it will in Australasia and possibly the Southern Hemisphere at be investing $500 million in increasing the area of Bendigo. We are delivering on the comprehensive Eastland. That will create 2000 jobs in construction and cancer centre. We are also delivering on the expansion 2000 ongoing jobs in retail — 4000 jobs from that at Geelong, the expansion at Ballarat, the expansion at massive investment. Frankston, the Monash Children’s and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, just to name a few. The And that is not all. In addition, the Maroondah City Echuca hospital is another. That is what we are Council is planning to deliver a new library, learning delivering on. We are delivering new hospitals and new and cultural centre as part of this major redevelopment; facilities — an over $4 billion investment in capital a redevelopment with a focus on the station and bus works in health under this government. interchange, the Ringwood town centre, the library, cultural and learning centre and Eastland shopping Employment: eastern suburbs centre. This is the sort of thing that this government is proud of, where we are able to use our investment in Ms RYALL (Mitcham) — My question is to the key local infrastructure and key transport interchanges Premier. Can the Premier advise the house of recent to lever and trigger significant investment in new jobs, government initiatives to facilitate private sector new opportunities and a new retail sector. investment in jobs for Victorians? This is a significant announcement for the whole of the Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the eastern suburbs. It builds on the recent opening of honourable member for Mitcham for her question. Costco in that area, with its 350 full-time and part-time Yesterday I was at Ringwood railway station with jobs. This is about genuinely investing in strategic Cr Nora Lamont, the mayor of the City of Maroondah, infrastructure, particularly strategic infrastructure in the Minister for Public Transport and the Minister for public transport, where we are delivering additional Environment and Climate Change, who is the member services in buses and trains, increased punctuality, for Warrandyte. We were there yesterday to announce increased safety on our transport system and improved the fulfilment of a commitment we gave in opposition. infrastructure in our public transport. By these strategic In the lead-up to the 2010 election the member for investments we are generating jobs and massive Warrandyte said that if we were elected to government, investment at Eastland and right across that Ringwood we would invest in improving the facilities at the area. This is going to be a transformational project for Ringwood station, improving the bus interchange and Ringwood and a great job generator. We are very proud making a real difference to that area, which had been that the coalition government is delivering it. neglected under 11 years of Labor government. We promised we would fix the problem. Austin Health and Northern Health: merger
I am pleased that yesterday we were able to announce a Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My $66 million investment to revitalise the Ringwood question without notice is again to the Premier. Will the station and bus interchange to make it more modern, Premier guarantee that patients will not be worse off, more efficient and safer for all those people who use it. waiting lists will not increase and there will be no The Ringwood station and bus exchange is used by reduction in staff or service levels as part of his over 12 000 people a day. It is a very busy bus government’s plan to merge two of Victoria’s major exchange and station, which is used by a whole range health services, being Austin Health and Northern of people in the eastern suburbs. What we are doing is Health? Will the Premier provide that guarantee? investing $66 million, as promised, to upgrade that
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
1120 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the Leader of glove with their federal mates at cutting health services the Opposition for his question. What I can say is that in this state. we are committed to increasing funding for health to make sure that we deliver the services people need. Regional Growth Fund: benefits
Mr Andrews interjected. Mr CRISP (Mildura) — My question is to the Deputy Premier, who is also the Minister for Regional Dr NAPTHINE — The Leader of the Opposition and Rural Development. Can the minister update the interjects, ‘What about outcomes?’. The outcomes house on how the coalition government is leveraging would be better delivered if his mates in Canberra did major investment in regional Victoria to boost local not take money out of the system, did not rip money out economies and create more jobs? of the system — $170 million this financial year, and on 1 July they are going to take another $368 million Mr RYAN (Minister for Regional and Rural out of our hospitals, away from our patient care. Development) — I thank the member for Mildura for his question. The coalition government’s $1 billion Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, under Regional Growth Fund is Victoria’s largest ever standing order 58, the Premier is debating the question. regional growth initiative. The fund leverages The question had nothing to do with federal funding coinvestment from the private sector and from all levels allocations. If he is too weak to tell the truth to this of government in very well-planned regional projects house, he should just sit down. which are intended to maximise the growth of jobs throughout the regions of Victoria. Across the regional The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the point part of the state the fund has so far invested a total of of order. more than $250 million in over 900 projects worth almost $900 million in total. This is the fund that the Dr NAPTHINE — I am very proud of our record in Labor Party would destroy if ever it became the health services, with record levels of funding in government again here in Victoria. infrastructure of $4 billion; a great new hospital at Box Hill; the biggest regional investment in health services As at April this year through the economic at Bendigo — and with respect to the northern corridor infrastructure program alone within the Regional I can advise the house that the Victorian government is Growth Fund over $93 million has been invested in responding to requests from the health services 43 strategic economic infrastructure projects, and these themselves. projects in turn have resulted in an enormous amount of growth throughout the regions of Victoria. In addition The health services themselves have asked the to the investments themselves, we are seeing the government to join with them in examining the best delivery of some 7500 direct and indirect jobs through way to manage population growth in that area and these various leverage projects. They are creating health services in the area. It is the hospital services that another 6000-odd jobs, and there will be others that will have asked us to have a look at this. The health services be retained. There will be a further 2000 jobs created in up there are already examining ways to expand the course of construction. services, particularly emergency and paediatric services, and the Victorian government — this Only recently I had the great pleasure of being in the government — funded $24.5 million in the 2011–12 company of the member for Mildura up at Carwarp, budget for a new emergency department at the which is in his electorate, to see the investment by Northern Hospital. Olam Australia in the almond hulling and processing facility which has been constructed at that location. In We are investing in infrastructure, giving more money total it is a $60 million investment. It will result in the and looking for ways to deliver better health services to direct creation of some 40 jobs. It will see the this area. We are about improving health services and processing of almond hulls to extract almond kernels improving access for people. We are about delivering and will provide packaging and warehousing for the record budgets to health services. The only dilemma — finished product. We will see the treatment of some the only problem we have — is that the federal Labor 160 000 tonnes of almond hulls per annum, producing government wants to take money out of our health about 40 000 tonnes of almond kernels. This is an services, take money from our hospitals and deny output worth about $200 million, and about 80 per cent people the opportunity to have their elective surgery. of this will be the subject of export. To this we as a That is what the federal government is on about, and government have contributed $1.2 million; $750 000 of members of the Labor opposition here are hand in which is from the Business Flood Recovery Fund and
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 ASSEMBLY 1121
another $467 000 is from the Regional Growth Fund. In Mr RYAN (Minister for State Development) — I addition the Rural City of Mildura has invested thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. $500 000 of the funding that it received from the Local Those opposite can throw it out, but they cannot cop it Government Infrastructure Fund, which in turn is back. They do not like it when they get a bit back. They sourced from the Regional Growth Fund. get a bit back, and they whinge about it. The fact is that the Crossing the Line report was tabled in this Through these respective sources of assistance we have Parliament, and the findings in the report were been able to add to the infrastructure related to delivery conclusive; they have never been denied. Admissions of electricity and water and also to assist in the transport were made by the person who was the subject of that network in the general area. The result is a great report, and that is the end of the matter. outcome for the horticultural industries throughout that region. Only recently the government announced via Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, the the member for Mildura a $300 000 investment under Deputy Premier is not being relevant to the question. the Regional Growth Fund in the Merbein-based export Page 19 of the Crossing the Line report states that they fruit deinfestation facility. This is going to save local had no jurisdiction over this — — producers about $460 000 a year, which is about $670 per container that goes out of the region. Honourable members interjecting.
These are but some of the examples of the way in Ms Allan — If I could make the point of which the Regional Growth Fund is investing order — — throughout the regions of Victoria. We are very pleased and proud to support these great enterprises. They show Honourable members interjecting. again that if the regions of the state of Victoria do well, The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the member for then the whole of the state of Victoria does well. Bendigo East to resume her seat. Through the use of the Regional Growth Fund we have been able to leverage these massive investments. The Ms Allan — Can I get a ruling? way in which people are investing across our state is something to which our coalition government is The SPEAKER — Order! The member had plenty absolutely committed. of opportunity to raise a point of order. She did not do so. The Deputy Premier has concluded his answer. I ask Former Minister for Police and Emergency the member for Bendigo East to resume her seat. Services: conduct Rail: Ballarat train contract Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My question is to the Deputy Premier. I refer the Deputy Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) — My question is to the Premier to the plot run from within his private Minister for Public Transport. Can the minister advise ministerial office to undermine the Chief Commissioner of the many benefits to Victorian regional jobs and train of Victoria Police and the Office of the Chief users of the recent announcement of new trains to be Commissioner of Victoria Police, and I simply ask the manufactured in Ballarat? Deputy Premier: is he confident that he can meet the test outlined by the resignation of the member for Kew Mr MULDER (Minister for Public Transport) — It today? has been a great week for public transport, with the Domain interchange delivered in 14 days — a Honourable members interjecting. $10 million project — and a $66 million investment made with the Premier out there at Ringwood. But the Mr McIntosh — Don’t point at me, you little grub. great announcement for the people of Ballarat and the workforce at Alstom Australia was of a $176 million Mr Merlino — On a point of order, Speaker, I take investment in eight new X’Trapolis trains to be fitted offence at those comments. I ask the member to out in Ballarat and delivered for the people of withdraw his comments. I may be little, but I am not a Melbourne to ride in comfort on the metropolitan grub — unlike the Deputy Premier. network. Of course, this order of eight new trains comes on top of the previous order of seven. The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the member for Kew to withdraw. While I was up at Alstom in Ballarat with the Premier we had an opportunity to inspect the workmanship on Mr McIntosh — I withdraw. those new trains. Four of them are currently in
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
1122 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 16 April 2013
operation on the metro line, one is in testing and two There was an alternative plan to this. That alternative are up there getting fitted out. The Premier would plan was rolled out prior to the last election by the acknowledge what a great job the tradesmen up there Labor government. It is called Going Places, and when are doing and how excited and how over the moon they you read through it — it is that government’s were at this great announcement of an investment in commitment to public transport — you see that not a Ballarat, an investment in Melbourne and an investment single metropolitan train was to be ordered by the in the rail network. It should not come as any surprise former government for the metropolitan network. Who to those on the other side. We are now producing the was it who said — — best punctuality figures in eight years on the metropolitan network. Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, we would appreciate your application of the standing orders by This is not a water-bottle-led recovery; this is money in pulling the minister up for debating the question, for maintenance, and it is money in trains. Not only that, attacking the former government and for not being there is also a $2 million investment in the new relevant to the question. We implore you to apply the high-capacity trains to enable Public Transport Victoria standing orders and ask the minister to cease debating to go forward with the planning for the procurement of this question. those new trains, to which we committed prior to the election. Forty new trains is what we said we would Ms Asher — On the point of order, Speaker, the deliver, and 40 new trains is what we will deliver. minister was asked a broad-ranging question in relation Those trains currently run on the Alamein, Belgrave, to transport, and he was giving a factual and succinct Hurstbridge, Lilydale, Glen Waverley and South explanation in response. He was not debating the Morang lines, and we are investigating at the moment matter; he was being factual and succinct. The point of whether it is possible to run that new rolling stock on order should be ruled out of order. other lines as well. Of course the new trains give us a great opportunity to run more services, and since Mr Merlino — On the point of order, Speaker, even coming to office we have added an additional given a broad-ranging question and a broad-ranging 1078 weekly services onto the metropolitan network. answer, the minister is still required to be within standing orders and not to debate the question. It is up An honourable member — How many? to you, Speaker, to rule on the issue of the standing orders and to rule that the minister should return to Mr MULDER — One thousand and seventy-eight answering the question in accordance with those onto the network. There will be a new timetable on standing orders. 28 April when we open Williams Landing station. Bus services will increase from 700 up to 2100; we are The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the point going to treble the number of buses that are operating in of order. I believe the minister was being relevant to the that area to serve the people of Point Cook. question that was asked. He was providing some detailed information with respect to that question in the The previous order, as I said, was for $222 million. Add answer he was giving. to that $176 million, and you can understand why we are starting to see the improvements across the broader Mr MULDER — The document quite clearly network. One hundred and thirty direct jobs are points out that there was no plan for growth on the impacted by the announcement the Premier made at metropolitan network. Who was it who said Labor was Ballarat — 130 direct jobs. And boy, were those thrown out of office because it failed to plan for employees up there excited! A newspaper article growth? It was the Leader of the Opposition. reports that electrical apprentice Carl MacKenzie said: South East Water: headquarters relocation … his training was now guaranteed. Mr SHAW (Frankston) — My question is to the ‘It’s good for me … Minister for Water. Can the minister update the house The article also states: on the plans made by South East Water to establish its head office in Frankston and say whether this move will Fellow apprentice Nicole Campbell said job security was affect the $2.5 million election commitment I made in important to her. 2010 on behalf of the coalition to desilt Kananook ‘I’m pretty rapt; I now get to finish my apprenticeship’, she Creek in my electorate of Frankston and re-establish said. moorings in it?
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 ASSEMBLY 1123
Mr WALSH (Minister for Water) — I thank the to the cafes and they will be going to the restaurants in member for Frankston for his question and for his the bottom of this particular new building and the interest in that project at Kananook Creek. As the redevelopment that South East Water is going to do as member said in his question, we did make a part of that project. commitment prior to the 2010 election of $2.5 million to desilt part of Kananook Creek and to re-establish South East Water, as I understand it, has already started moorings there, and that is a commitment that will be to relocate the sewage pump station that is adjacent to fulfilled. The build-up of silt through the natural Kananook Creek as part of this particular movement of sediments currently limits the use of redevelopment, so work is already starting on the Kananook Creek for boating in the lower part of that project. I also inform the house that I am having area, and at low tide some parts of the creek cannot discussions with South East Water as to how it may actually be used or navigated because of that build-up. manage the desilting project as part of the redevelopment there. That is a good outcome for the Before the election I went down and met with the community and a good outcome for the project, given Kananook Creek Association Inc., and I have been that South East Water will be doing its building in that back since then as a minister to meet with that particular place. association. I have met with representatives of the Frankston City Council around this particular issue, and I inform the member for Frankston that this project will I have also met with the member for Frankston a be proceeding. South East Water will be building its number of times on this issue. We want the Frankston new head office in Frankston. Seven hundred jobs will community to regain the benefit of boating in the lower be relocated to the central business district of Kananook Creek. Frankston, and that is a great outcome for Frankston. I look forward to going down there in the future and As the member indicated in his question, South East seeing how this project is progressing. Water is planning to relocate its head office to Frankston. The Minister for Planning recently approved Sentencing: reform that building development, which is adjacent to Kananook Creek. This is a very exciting project Mr MORRIS (Mornington) — My question is to for — — the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney-General update the house on the progress of the implementation of the Mr Merlino — On a point of order, Speaker, this is coalition government’s sentencing reforms? clearly a Dorothy Dixer, not a question without notice. The minister is reading from a document, and I ask him Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) — I thank the to table it. The member for Frankston remains a honourable member for his question. As the honourable member of the Liberal Party — — member will know, this government was elected with a commitment to ensure stronger and more effective Honourable members interjecting. sentencing that would better protect the community. Our commitments included the introduction of a The SPEAKER — Order! The member for statutory minimum sentence for offences of gross Monbulk has gone beyond raising a point of order. Has violence, the introduction of baseline sentences, the the member raised his point of order? abolition of home detention, putting real teeth back into community-based sentences and of course abolishing Mr Merlino — Yes, I have. suspended sentences. Those commitments to stronger and more effective sentences came alongside our other The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the point commitments to improve community safety, such as an of order. additional 1700 police officers and 940 protective Mr WALSH — As the member would know, any services officers. minister who comes into this house has possible Members will be aware that the government moved parliamentary questions about a range of issues, of quickly to implement its reform agenda upon coming to which this is one. As I was saying, South East Water is office. We abolished suspended sentences in the higher going to relocate its head office to Frankston. This will courts for a range of serious crimes for offences be a very exciting development for Frankston, committed after 1 May 2011, including the serious particularly for the Frankston CBD. There will be offences of murder, rape and other serious sexual and 700 jobs relocated to the central business district of violent offences and the significant offences of Frankston. Those people will be in Frankston and every day they will be buying their lunch, they will be going
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
1124 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 16 April 2013
aggravated burglary, arson, recklessly causing serious an offender should be released into the community, injury and commercial drug trafficking. under our reforms the court will say so openly and will sentence an offender to a community-based order with We have introduced new community correction orders community work and with other requirements. Under (CCOs) that allow magistrates and judges to impose this government the fiction of pretend jail sentences community-based sentences that will last for longer, will be over; under a coalition government jail will will impose greater community work requirements and mean jail. will allow a range of new conditions to be imposed to better protect the community, including curfews, no-go Occupational health and safety: Country Fire zones, non-association conditions, alcohol exclusion Authority Fiskville facility orders and judicial monitoring requirements. These new CCOs came into operation in January last year, and Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My they have proved to be very effective. Judges and question is to the Minister for Environment and Climate magistrates are increasingly taking advantage of the Change. I refer the minister to the claims of the former new sentencing options that are provided to them that minister for emergency services — that is, the current will help send a clear message to offenders that their Deputy Premier — that Fiskville ‘remains safe for actions have consequences while also better protecting workers, trainees and visitors’, and I ask: does the the community. We have also legislated to introduce a minister stand by the January 2013 Environment statutory minimum sentence for gross violence and to Protection Authority report on industrial and hazardous abolish home detention. waste at Fiskville? Who is correct: the minister’s agency or his colleague? I am pleased to be able to inform the house today that shortly I will be introducing legislation that will Mr R. SMITH (Minister for Environment and complete the abolition of suspended sentences for all Climate Change) — In January this year, following site offences in Victoria in two stages. In the first stage all inspections, the Environment Protection Authority remaining suspended sentences will be abolished in the (EPA) issued two clean-up notices to the Country Fire Supreme Court and the County Court, and in the Authority regarding contamination issues identified at second stage suspended sentences will be abolished for the Fiskville premises. These notices formalise the all offences in the Magistrates Court. The first stage requirement by the EPA for a rigorous assessment of will commence no later than 1 December this year, and contamination and waste issues from all past and the second stage will commence no later than present activities at the site, and in the meantime 1 September next year, for offences committed on or firefighters have switched to mains water to put out after those dates. training fires.
Members will recall the disrespect for the law that the The Victorian coalition government is taking issues of soft-on-crime approach of the previous government historic contamination very seriously, and we are created and that this government has had to deal with paving the way for a cleaner and safer Victoria in since it was elected to office. The Sentencing Advisory dealing with the mess left behind by the former Labor Council recommended the abolition of all suspended government. This week the Minister for Planning sentences under the previous government, but the released a document entitled Potentially Contaminated previous government failed to act on that Land Advisory Committee, which contains a report and recommendation and its half-hearted attempt to abolish the government’s response. What Victorians want is a suspended sentences for some crimes proved sensible balance between managing contaminated land completely ineffective. and facilitating the reuse of these sites by ensuring appropriate protections are put in place, and that is what Ms Duncan interjected. this government will deliver.
The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Aboriginal affairs: health initiatives Macedon! Ms MILLER (Bentleigh) — My question is to the Mr CLARK — That is the situation we had to deal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and I ask: can the with. Suspended sentences are a legal fiction. On paper minister advise the house how the coalition government an offender serves a prison sentence, when in reality is delivering record funding to improve the health and they walk straight out of court back into the community wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians? with no restrictions, no community service obligations and no reporting requirements. If a court considers that
SENTENCING AMENDMENT (ABOLITION OF SUSPENDED SENTENCES AND OTHER MATTERS) BILL 2013
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 ASSEMBLY 1125
Mrs POWELL (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) — against the VAAF targets. The report shows I thank the member for Bentleigh for her question and encouraging signs of improvement. Those signs are the for her continued interest in Aboriginal people in her continued growth in the number of children enrolled in electorate. The Victorian government is committed to three and four-year-old kindergarten, positive trends in closing the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage, and this participation in maternal and child health services, includes improving health outcomes for Aboriginal steady growth in the number of Aboriginal 20 to people. It also means increasing the life expectancy of 24-year-olds completing year 12 or equivalent and a Aboriginal people. The national life expectancy in the record proportion of those Aboriginal people now Closing the Gap figures show that Aboriginal women progressing to university. live 10 years less than non-Aboriginal women and that Aboriginal men live 12 years less than non-Aboriginal I also launched Karreeta Yirramboi, a tool kit to ensure men. This government recognises that a bipartisan, that the public service is an employer of choice for cross-government and generational commitment is Aboriginal people to enable them to become leaders needed to close the gap on Aboriginal health. and to be part of the decision-making process. I have also spoken to mayors and CEOs across Victorian The Premier earlier announced a number of record councils. Of the 40 000 employees in local government, investments in health, and I would like to congratulate only 70 are Aboriginal. There is room for improvement the Premier and Minister for Health for going to and I know the sector is keen to work with this Geelong last week and announcing a record government and the Municipal Association of Victoria $61.7 million investment to improve the health and and across the sector to do that. Despite that, there is wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians. This is the largest still work to be done, and I call on the commonwealth ever investment in Aboriginal health by a Victorian government to commit to its Closing the Gap government. The funding will support Koolin Balit, commitment. which is the government’s strategic directions for Aboriginal health 2012–22. This is part of a SENTENCING AMENDMENT (ABOLITION whole-of-government strategy and approach to OF SUSPENDED SENTENCES AND OTHER improving Aboriginal health. MATTERS) BILL 2013
Koolin Balit sets out clear directions for improving Introduction and first reading Aboriginal health in Victoria over the next decade. It includes funding to improve access to high-quality Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) — I move: services for Victorian Aboriginals; to improve the early detection, prevention and management of chronic That I have leave to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Criminal Procedure Act 2009, the Infringements Act 2006, diseases; and to strengthen partnerships to provide the Magistrates’ Court Act 1989, the Sentencing Act 1991, innovative and culturally responsive pathways to care. the Sentencing Amendment (Community Correction Reform) This is what Aboriginal communities have been asking Act 2011, the Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and for — that the services they go to are inclusive and Supervision) Act 2009, the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004, the Sheriff Act 2009, the Summary Offences Act 1966 culturally sensitive to their needs. and the Surveillance Devices Act 1999 and for other purposes. The government also recognises the positive impacts that education and meaningful employment have on the Ms HENNESSY (Altona) — I ask the health of Aboriginal people. It is for these reasons that Attorney-General for a brief explanation of the bill. the government has put in place a number of initiatives to make sure that Aboriginal Victorians can take their Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) — The principal place in employment right across Victoria. The new provisions of this bill provide for suspended sentences, Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework, or the VAAF including the total abolition of suspended sentences in as it is known, integrates action across all government two stages. The other provisions of the bill are largely and directs existing and future government investment technical and operational provisions relating mainly to into those areas that demonstrate positive benefits and the operation of the fines and community corrections measurable outcomes. orders and for other purposes.
Importantly this government is committed to Motion agreed to. transparency, and we will report our progress against the VAAF targets annually. In March this year I Read first time. released the first Victorian government Aboriginal affairs report that measures the government’s progress
JUSTICE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL 2013
1126 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 16 April 2013
JUSTICE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT ABORIGINAL LANDS AMENDMENT BILL 2013 BILL 2013
Introduction and first reading Introduction and first reading
Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) — I move: Mrs POWELL (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) introduced a bill for an act to amend the Aboriginal That I have leave to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Lands Act 1970 to make further provision for the Administration and Probate Act 1958, the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, the Electoral Act 2002, the Magistrates’ administration of the Framlingham Aboriginal Court Act 1989, the Sentencing Act 1991, the Coroners Act Trust and the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, to 2008 and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Act broaden the functions of those trusts and for other 1985 and for other purposes purposes.
Mr MERLINO (Monbulk) — I ask the Read first time. Attorney-General to give a brief explanation of the bill.
Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) — This bill makes EDUCATION AND TRAINING REFORM a range of technical and operational changes to various AMENDMENT (SCHOOL ATTENDANCE) legislation relating to the courts and other aspects of the BILL 2013 justice support portfolio. Most noticeably, it restores to courts the power to make as a condition of an Introduction and first reading adjournment order a requirement for a payment of Mr DIXON (Minister for Education) — I move: money to a charity or other community organisation or to the court fund for payment to such an organisation. That I have leave to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 in relation to Motion agreed to. compulsory enrolment and attendance at school and for other purposes. Read first time. Mr MERLINO (Monbulk) — I ask the minister to BAIL AMENDMENT BILL 2013 provide a brief explanation of the bill. Mr DIXON (Minister for Education) — The bill Introduction and first reading will enable the issuance of infringement notices as an Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) — I move: alternative to court proceedings for students who have had persistent non-attendance at school without a That I have leave to bring in a bill for an act to amend the Bail reasonable excuse. Act 1977 in relation to bail conditions and to make various other amendments relating to bail and for other purposes. Motion agreed to.
Mr MERLINO (Monbulk) — I ask the Read first time. Attorney-General to provide a brief explanation of the bill. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) — This bill gives Notices of motion: removal effect to the government’s election commitments relating to bail, including making breach-of-bail The SPEAKER — Order! Notices of motion nos 6 conditions an offence, imposing additional offences for to 15 will be removed from the notice paper unless reoffending and committing indictable offences while members wishing their notice to remain advise the on bail, providing for notice in relation to subsequent Clerk in writing before 6.00 p.m. today. bail applications and setting out in legislation a range of conditions that can be imposed in relation to bail.
Motion agreed to.
Read first time.
PETITIONS
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 ASSEMBLY 1127
PETITIONS 1. there is considerable traffic congestion on Thompsons Road between South Gippsland Highway and Western Following petitions presented to house: Port Highway; 2. the city of Casey is a fast-growing community, with Fire services: funding many families moving in and building their homes in new estates, adding to traffic congestion on Thompsons To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: Road;
The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws 3. Thompsons Road is an important east–west link for to the attention of the house the state government’s plan to cut local residents and businesses. $66 million from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Country Fire Authority. In particular, we note: The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly urge the Baillieu government to provide funding to 1. these cuts will reduce the capacity of the MFB and CFA upgrade Thompsons Road. to fight structure fires and wildfires, and to respond to road accident rescues; By Ms GRALEY (Narre Warren South) 2. firefighters, both career and volunteer, will be forced to (95 signatures). rely on second-hand equipment and personal protective clothing, with less access to training, ration packs, fuel Trams: route 1 and even electricity; To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: 3. this is on top of the delays to the CFA station upgrade program, leaving communities vulnerable. The petition of residents of Coburg and patrons of the East Coburg to South Melbourne Beach tram route 1 draws to the The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative attention of the house that on Sundays the trams do not begin Assembly urge the Baillieu state government to abandon its service from the regular Bell Street to Moreland Road section planned funding cuts and guarantee no further cuts will be of the route until 7.55 a.m. made. The petitioners therefore request that the Legislation By Mr NARDELLA (Melton) (292 signatures). Assembly of Victoria ask the Minister for Transport to change the timetable of the tram route 1 Sunday service to Higher education: TAFE funding begin at Bell Street from 7.30 a.m. or earlier. By Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) (169 signatures). To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:
This petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws Tabled. to the attention of the house the state government’s plans to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from TAFE funding. In Ordered that petition presented by honourable particular, we note: member for Pascoe Vale be considered next day on 1. the TAFE association has estimated up to 2000 jobs motion of Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale). could be lost as a result of these cuts; Ordered that petition presented by honourable 2. many courses will be dropped or scaled back and several member for Narre Warren South be considered TAFE campuses face the possibility of closure; next day on motion of Ms GRALEY (Narre Warren South). 3. with 49 000 full-time jobs already lost in this term of government, skills training has never been more important for Victorians. SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly urge the Baillieu state government to abandon the planned funding cuts and guarantee no further cuts will be Alert Digest No. 5 made. Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) presented Alert By Mr NARDELLA (Melton) (12 signatures). Digest No. 5 of 2013 on:
Thompsons Road: upgrade Adoption Amendment Bill 2013 Corrections Further Amendment Bill 2013 To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: Energy Legislation Amendment (Feed-in Tariffs The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria who and Other Matters) Bill 2013 use Thompsons Road draws to the attention of the house the Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013 traffic congestion and traffic delays that motorists experience, particularly between South Gippsland Highway and Western Integrity Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 Port Highway. In particular, we note: Parliamentary Committees Amendment Bill 2013
DOCUMENTS
1128 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Rail Safety National Law Application Bill 2013 Melbourne — C187, C194 Transport Legislation Amendment (Rail Safety Melton — C127 Local Operations and Other Matters) Bill 2013 Mitchell — C86 together with appendices. Monash — C108
Tabled. Moonee Valley — C109
Ordered to be printed. Moreland — C83 Murrindindi — C32 DOCUMENTS Port Phillip — C88, C93 Tabled by Clerk: Stonnington — C141 Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 — Order under s 17B Towong — C27 granting a licence over Camperdown Public Park Reserve Warrnambool — C70 Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984 — Notice under s 32(3)(a)(iii) in relation to Statutory Rule 29 (Gazette G12, Wellington — C76 21 March 2013) Whitehorse — C108, C140, C148, C150, C151 Municipal Association of Victoria — Report 2011–12 Wodonga — C82 Part 1, C104 Murray-Darling Basin Authority — Report 2011–12 Statutory Rules under the following Acts: National Environment Protection Council — Report 2011–12 County Court Act 1958 — SR 36 Planning and Environment Act 1987 — Notices of approval of amendments to the following Planning Schemes: Criminal Organisations Control Act 2012 — SR 34
Ararat — C28 Magistrates’ Court Act 1989 — SR 35
Banyule — C89 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 — SR 37
Baw Baw — C96 Subordinate Legislation Act 1994:
Bayside — C90 Part 1 Documents under s 15 in relation to Statutory Rules 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 Boroondara — C172 Documents under s 16B in relation to: Buloke — C26 Domestic Animals Act 1994 — Exemption for certain East Gippsland — C89, C113 guide dog organisations from the requirements of a domestic animal business Frankston — C86 Education and Training Reform Act 2006: Gannawarra — C32 Constitution of the Advance TAFE Order 2013 Glen Eira — C93 Constitution of the Bendigo TAFE Order 2013 Golden Plains — C58, C59 Constitution of the Box Hill Institute and the Greater Bendigo — C166 Part 2, C174 Centre for Adult Education Order 2013 Greater Shepparton — C158 Constitution of the Central Gippsland Institute of Hepburn — C55, C57 TAFE Order 2013
Hobsons Bay — C87 Constitution of the Chisholm Institute Order 2013
Kingston — C117, C130, C135 Constitution of the Gordon Institute of TAFE Order 2013 Knox — C101, C110, C111 Constitution of the Goulburn Ovens Institute of Latrobe — C65 TAFE Order 2013
Maribyrnong — C89 Constitution of the Holmesglen Institute Order 2013
RESIGNATION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER
Tuesday, 16 April 2013 ASSEMBLY 1129
Constitution of the Kangan Institute Order 2013 Justice Legislation Amendment (Cancellation of Constitution of the Northern Institute of TAFE Parole and Other Matters) Bill 2013 Order 2013 Major Sporting Events Amendment Bill 2013.
Constitution of the South West Institute of TAFE APPROPRIATION MESSAGES Order 2013
Constitution of the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE Message read recommending appropriation for Order 2013 Integrity Legislation Amendment Bill 2013.
Constitution of the William Angliss Institute of TAFE Order 2013 PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE Constitution of the Wodonga Institute of TAFE Membership Order 2013 Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 — Revocation of Codes of Practice Small Business) — By leave, I move:
Transport Integration Act 2010 — Public Transport That Mr McIntosh be discharged from attendance on the Performance Report 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2012 Privileges Committee and that Mr Hodgett be appointed in his place. Wildlife Act 1975 — Wildlife (Prohibition on Game Hunting) Notice Nos 1, 2, 3/2013. Motion agreed to.
RESIGNATION OF LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE COUNCIL MEMBER Program Hon. M. P. Pakula Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and The SPEAKER — Order! I have received the Small Business) — I move: following letter from the Governor: That, under standing order 94(2), the orders of the day, I write to advise that on Tuesday, 26 March 2013, I received a government business, relating to the following items be letter from Mr Martin Pakula, MLC, resigning his seat in the considered and completed by 4.00 p.m. on Thursday, 18 April Legislative Council. A copy of that letter is enclosed for your 2013: reference. Adoption Amendment Bill 2013 Upon my receipt of that letter, Mr Pakula’s seat in the Corrections Further Amendment Bill 2013 Legislative Council became vacant. I note that, in accordance with section 27A of the Constitution Act 1975, a joint sitting Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013 of the Council and Assembly is now required to fill this vacancy. Integrity Legislation Amendment Bill 2013
I have written to the President in like terms. Parliamentary Committees Amendment Bill 2013 WATER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2012 — amendments of the Legislative Council. BILL 2012 Obviously I wish to make a couple of observations in Council’s amendments relation to this government business program. Firstly, in my view — and of course the program was conveyed to Returned from Council with message relating to all members of this place earlier — this is not an amendments. onerous government business program; therefore I Ordered to be considered next day. think it will be easily accommodated within the business parameters of the week. My understanding ROYAL ASSENT also, from paying attention to the debate last time on this issue, is that some arrangements had been made Message read advising royal assent on 26 March to: between the government and the opposition to defer debate on the Adoption Amendment Bill 2013 for Education and Training Reform Amendment reasons relating to a national apology, or an apology in (Teacher Registration and Other Matters) Bill the national Parliament, and that by negotiation, the 2013
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
1130 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Adoption Amendment Bill is before the house this Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East) — If only I had week. 10 minutes instead of 5, Speaker! There is a lot of material there that the newly appointed Leader of the I also want to thank the member for Kew for his work House has provided. However, I will start on a genuine as Leader of the House and indeed for his many years note and acknowledge the work of the previous Leader of work as manager of opposition business previously. of the House, the member for Kew. I enjoyed our He performed a sterling job and was incredibly calm working relationship. I would not necessarily agree and reliable. I suspect I will not live up to his example with the characterisation of it as always being a calm but I shall nevertheless try very hard. I also wish to one, but it was certainly one in which we were able to indicate to the house that because of the member for negotiate quite reasonably. Aside from the odd points Kew’s personal explanation to this house I have not of difference I found it a very productive working been in a position to discuss with the manager of relationship, so I pay my respects to the job that was opposition business some of the items that would done by the member for Kew in that role, because it is normally be discussed by the two parties, or the not the easiest job to do. I acknowledge that. government and the opposition, and whilst there will be many occasions, I am sure, when we will not come to I wish the incoming Leader of the House all the very agreement, I have indicated to the manager of best in her role. I take up her offer of a cooperative opposition business that we will move on to debating in approach. I am drawing up the log of claims as I speak the first instance the Gambling Regulation Amendment for the items that we would like to have considered. Bill 2013. I understand that a number of other bills had The first item on that list, of course, is the request that been under discussion, and I will resume those has been formally put by our shadow minister to the discussions with her. Minister for Community Services for the Adoption Amendment Bill 2013 to go into the Because this is the first time I have ever — — consideration-in-detail stage, because there are a range of issues in this bill — and my colleague the member Ms Allan — Maiden voyage! for Yan Yean will go to those issues, no doubt — that Ms ASHER — I would not use that word to deserve significant elaboration in the house. There is describe me. Because I have not formally led debate on certainly room within the government business a government business program before, although I have program to accommodate a more lengthy and detailed participated on multiple occasions, I wish to indicate to debate on the Adoption Amendment Bill, so I hope the the manager of opposition business that I will try very very positive signal will come back from the hard to take a cooperative approach, because I think government under the leadership of the new Leader of that if this chamber can run properly it is of advantage the House that it will agree to that. It would be to everyone: to the government, to the opposition, to the unprecedented. We have never had a request from the Government Whip and the Opposition Whip. However, opposition to have a bill go into committee granted, so that requires goodwill on both sides and I again at this this would be an unprecedented move, and it would be early stage indicate to her that it is my intention to be as a very positive and welcome move if it were to happen. consultative as I possibly can be, although obviously in There are five items on the government business the end the government business program is the program and the amendments that are coming back government business program and needs to be put to from the upper house on the water legislation; however, the guillotine. we remain concerned. The second item is the I also wish to anticipate what the member for Bendigo second-reading speeches. The second item on my log of East is going to ask me. She will no doubt raise the claims is to restate the offer of the opposition to the issue of second-reading speeches and what time they government to accept our very reasonable amendment will be held. I can indicate to her that they will be held to the standing orders to allow second readings to be during the government business program in this incorporated into Hansard. It would allow the particular week when the work before the house is not maximum time to be made available throughout the onerous. Given the arrangements between the course of the week to scrutinise bills, and it would government and the opposition in relation to the allow The Nationals to scoot off at 4 o’clock on a Adoption Amendment Bill and the scheduling of debate Thursday afternoon, as they are so fond of doing. We on this bill, which is by agreement, I hope the know the Leader of the House is very fond of opposition will be able to support this very moderate accommodating her Nationals colleagues. We know business program. she is always keen to make sure The Nationals are well looked after, and so we want to assist her in that role and make sure that — —
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Mr Northe — Aren’t you going to regional expo? Ms ALLAN — Thank you, Speaker. I would just like to indicate our opposition — — Ms ALLAN — No, I am going to state conference; that is a whole other story. The SPEAKER — Order! The member’s time has expired. It would be great if that reform could take place. It would be a modest reform, but one that would make Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I rise to support the available to the house all the time needed for debate on government business program. We have a program with bills. It would mean the house could go into the some solid debating to do on the Adoption Amendment consideration-in-detail stage more often, it would mean Bill 2013, the Corrections Further Amendment Bill 2013, more people who wanted to speak would be able to do the Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013, the so and it would also mean members of The Nationals Integrity Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 and the could scoot out the door at 4 o’clock on a Thursday. Parliamentary Committees Amendment Bill 2013, as well as the upper house amendments to the Water Legislation However, this week is also another week in the Amendment Bill 2012. Some of these are matters that The Parliament when we have seen another government Nationals are very interested in. Valuable work has been head roll. It seems to me that every single week that we done by parliamentary committees. Also the water bill enter this place another government head rolls off the was well debated when it came through this house. The chopping block, whether it is the former Premier — — corrections and gambling bills are very close to all our hearts, and I am sure all of us have something to say on Dr Sykes — On a point of order, Acting Speaker, I the adoption bill from experience with either family or am not sure that the last couple of remarks made by the close friends. member for Bendigo East relate to the business of the house. However, the member for Bendigo East happened to raise the issue of who knocks off when. Last sitting The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Thompson) — week members of the opposition knocked off, I think, Order! I invite the member for Bendigo East to remain sometime on the Tuesday night. They abandoned focused on the motion before the house. speaking on the bills once they got past the lead Ms ALLAN — I am very focused, Acting Speaker, speaker. Much can be said about those who have a long on the government business program, because we way to travel home, but lazy Labor left the chamber. In would like to see the business of government actually fact the lazy layabouts went somewhere else and we done rather than watch a conga line of people lose their carried the debate, which was something we were jobs while the Deputy Premier keeps his. happy to do and were prepared to do. But this week we have the Melbourne International Comedy Festival The SPEAKER — Order! We are speaking about under way, so we will also see what competition can the business of the house at the present time. I ask the come from some of the debates in this chamber against member to confine her remarks to the business of the what is happening outside the chamber. house. I would like to thank the member for Kew for his Ms ALLAN — I am happy to confine my remarks. support and his tuition and guidance in the ways of the It is remarkable to see the sensitivity of the petals on house. I learnt much from him, I regard him as a friend The Nationals backbench. It is no surprise given the and I wish him all the best in the future. scandal that has gone on from the Deputy Premier’s office. To finish where we started, to the member for Bendigo East I say that the only members scooting from this Ms Asher — On a point of order, Speaker, this is a house on a Thursday afternoon before it has adjourned very narrow debate on government business. The are non-government members. I support the member for Bendigo East has been given a fair amount government business program. of latitude, but she has absolutely crossed the line by that last comment, and I would ask you to call her back Honourable members interjecting. to order. The SPEAKER — Order! If members of The The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the member for Nationals and the member for Bendigo East want to Bendigo East to come back to order and debate the yell at one another, they should go outside and yell and motion before the house. let us get on with the running of the house.
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Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — I rise to join the debate It is incumbent on the minister to do the right thing by on the government business program. I commend the these mothers who were treated so badly by successive new Leader of the House on her ascension to this very governments over many decades. I heard the Premier important role. As I have said in the past, I commend yesterday talking about the rights of the child. Many of her commitment and her knowledge. She is someone these women were children when this occurred. We who ought to be respected, being the longest serving owe it to them to take this bill into consideration in female MP ever in this state. I am really hopeful that detail. The opposition has cooperated with the her ascension to this role will see a new dawn in terms government. In the spirit of bipartisanship in the of the state of cooperation. I know the minister knows previous sitting week we pointed out to the government the ways and operation of this house very well indeed. how difficult it was for stakeholders who wanted to be To quote the remarks of the new Leader of the House, in this place to hear the debate because they needed to she said the program before the house this week is a be in Canberra for the commonwealth apology at the modest one, that it is quite a doable one in terms of the same time. I commend the government for moving the number of bills before the house and that the time of bill from that business program and agreeing to the sitting should ensure that there will be adequate time to opposition’s request. I ask sincerely that in this week, debate and address matters of importance before it, in when we have a modest program, this bill be taken into particular the Adoption Amendment Bill 2013. consideration in detail.
I have not made lightly my request that the house go Mr TILLEY (Benambra) — I wish to make a into consideration in detail on this bill — not at all. The contribution to the government business program request was made to the Leader of the House’s debate. I certainly listened intently to the previous predecessor, the member for Kew. As the manager of contributions. We have a significant amount of work on opposition business said, in almost two and a half years the business program. It is readily able to be done, but it there has been no time that the government has agreed is very important work that the coalition government to use the mechanism that exists in this house to take a has put on the business program. bill through the consideration-in-detail phase. It is rare that we pause in unanimity, and a day in October last Firstly, just speaking of the changing of the guard, it is year was one of those occasions, when an incredibly with sadness that I speak of the events that have taken solemn and heartfelt apology was made to women who place today. The member for Kew has made the had had their children ripped from their arms and who decisions that he has and has given a personal have suffered and still suffer many decades on — and explanation to this Parliament, and that is a many of those women are not even alive anymore to demonstration of the integrity, honesty and absolute tell their story. If there were ever a bill proposed by this guts and determination of a man I truly call my friend government that ought to go into consideration in and colleague. I have for many years enjoyed his detail, it is that bill. company and working with him.
The heartfelt apology from the previous Premier, the I would like to reflect on some things that I have said. member for Hawthorn, I know was very well received. We are all expendable; however, in saying that, I It was sincere and heartfelt, as were also the words of acknowledge that for the member for Brighton, who is the Leader of the Opposition and other members on this the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and now the side of the house and the government side of the house. Leader of the House, there are big shoes to fill. I I would urge the Minister for Community Services, certainly look forward to working with the member for who has brought this bill before the house, and the new Brighton. She will perform an excellent job — not Leader of the House to agree that this is a bill on which taking anything away from my friend and colleague the the house should go into consideration in detail. It is not member for Kew. There was disappointment last a frequent occurrence that the Scrutiny of Acts and week — and we are talking about goodwill and Regulations Committee produces a minority report, but providing opportunities for all members of this place to on this bill three members — the member for Pascoe make a strong contribution — when we saw speaking Vale, who is the deputy chair, the member for lists collapse. Members of the coalition government Bundoora and the member for Melton — have raised were certainly there to stand up and truly represent their serious concerns on behalf of stakeholders who were electorates and the state of Victoria. Victoria deserves present for the apology, and they have deep concerns better and expects better. It was disappointing. I am about what they perceive to be the flaws in this hoping and expecting that with goodwill the legislation. relationships can work.
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Labor members are our political adversaries. They are Unfortunately, Speaker, you do not get the opportunity certainly not our enemies, but they are our political to contribute to debate on bills, but with you and the adversaries. Whatever their DNA or commie Minister for Community Services as exceptions, I backgrounds, we would like to be able to stand at the would suggest that many people in this house want to table and have a good, strong, robust negotiation so that go into consideration in detail on the adoption bill. we can see the smooth working of this place and deliver Without that guarantee from the government we are good government for the whole of Victoria. In saying unable to support the government business program. that, I acknowledge it is a watch-and-see situation. We will see what happens as the week progresses, as the The refusal of the request of the opposition is a refusal Leader of the House beds in and gives me good, strong to mothers. It is a refusal to the mothers who sat in this direction so that we can see a strong performance and chamber — — so I can work with all my parliamentary colleagues to see that they make good, strong contributions during The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the member to get back to the business program. this sitting and into the future.
Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) — I join with the Ms CAMPBELL — The government business member for Bendigo East in opposing the government program deals with the adoption bill, and my concern business program. It is clear why I oppose the and that of the opposition is that without appropriate government business program: the government has time and appropriate mechanisms to scrutinise this failed to agree to go into consideration in detail on the particular piece of legislation the Parliament will be Adoption Amendment Bill 2013. Each and every one handcuffed, just as many of the mothers who lost their of us, I would suggest, was absolutely behind children were handcuffed. improving resources, support and practice for mothers The SPEAKER — Order! If the member does not whose children were taken from them decades ago, but get back to debating the motion before the house, I will when members look at the detail of the adoption bill sit her down. they must cringe. Every member of this house should be cringing at the content of that adoption bill. We have Ms CAMPBELL — The government business been inundated with emails and pleas. I presume program contains the Adoption Amendment Bill 2013, members have received phone calls at their electorate the Corrections Further Amendment Bill 2013, the offices from people who have had their children stolen. Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013, the They have asked us, ‘Why is this Parliament debating Integrity Legislation Amendment Bill 2013, the such an appalling piece of legislation?’. Parliamentary Committees Amendment Bill 2013 and the Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2012. If There are many questions that I want to ask the minister members wish to look at the Alert Digest I have just on their behalf. I want to ask the minister why she has tabled, they will see that, with the exception of the put in a veto on mothers contacting their children and adoption bill, those pieces of legislation are, I would why she has put in the penalties. Why are mothers suggest, ones that this house could deal with in a very experiencing — — short period of time. If the government agreed to go The SPEAKER — Order! I advise the member for into consideration in detail of the adoption bill, clearing Pascoe Vale that this is not a time to debate the those pieces of legislation in a very short period of time legislation; this is a time in which we are talking about would allow us to be united on the government the government business program for the week. There business program. However, that has not occurred, and therefore the opposition to a man and a woman will be will be plenty of opportunity as the week goes on for the member to debate the bill. standing with those who were refused anything on the adoption bill. Ms CAMPBELL — I would be delighted to talk about the government business program, and the The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the member to resume her seat. government business program covers the adoption bill. The reason the opposition is opposing the government House divided on motion: business program is that the government has refused to go into consideration in detail on the adoption bill. That Ayes, 42 is the very reason why, along with many in the Angus, Mr Morris, Mr opposition, I am opposing the government business Asher, Ms Mulder, Mr program. Baillieu, Mr Napthine, Dr Battin, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr
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Bauer, Mrs Northe, Mr Consul General for Timor-Leste, Rae Kingsbury, and Blackwood, Mr O’Brien, Mr Jessalyn’s kindergarten teacher, Denise Rundle. The Bull, Mr Powell, Mrs Burgess, Mr Ryall, Ms principal of her high school, Judy Crowe, a great Clark, Mr Ryan, Mr educator of women, provided compelling insights into Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. this young girl’s early development and bright future, Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr which was so cruelly cut short. The eulogies delivered Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr by her school friends and her two brothers were deeply Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr moving and spoke of the profound loss and grief which Hodgett, Mr Wakeling, Mr those close to Jessalyn felt and will continue to carry in Katos, Mr Walsh, Mr the years ahead. Kotsiras, Mr Watt, Mr McCurdy, Mr Weller, Mr In the natural order of life we never expect to bury our McIntosh, Mr Wells, Mr McLeish, Ms Wooldridge, Ms children. The loss of this child to her parents and Miller, Ms Wreford, Ms siblings is unimaginable. How can we provide comfort to this family? I know that the tight-knit East Timorese Noes, 41 community will continue to reach out, wrap this family Allan, Ms Howard, Mr in a loving embrace and support them, as indeed I do Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms and as so many service providers, such as the health Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms centre and others, will also do. To the Leong family I Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms extend my deepest sympathies. Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr Baroness Thatcher Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr Small Business) — I wish to pay tribute to the great Edwards, Ms Noonan, Mr Margaret Thatcher, who died last week aged 87. She Eren, Mr Pallas, Mr was, of course, Prime Minister of Great Britain from Foley, Mr Pandazopoulos, Mr 1979 to 1990. In my first speech to this Parliament in Garrett, Ms Perera, Mr Graley, Ms Richardson, Ms 1992 I in fact quoted her. The quote I used is a very Green, Ms Scott, Mr famous one: Halfpenny, Ms Thomson, Ms Helper, Mr Trezise, Mr No-one would remember the good Samaritan if he’d only had Hennessy, Ms Wynne, Mr good intentions; he had money as well. Herbert, Mr In 1992 I made the point that if a government wants to Motion agreed to. fund an equitable social program, then that government needs to ensure that it has a firm economic base. I MEMBERS STATEMENTS thought nothing encapsulated that quote better than the circumstances we faced in 1992 when we were elected. Jessalyn Leong I commend so much of the work that she did. I pay tribute to her extraordinary achievements, both Mr WYNNE (Richmond) — Two weeks ago I domestic and international, as a Prime Minister who spoke at the funeral of Jessalyn Leong, a 14-year-old had the guts to take on a whole range of people. school girl who was killed by an out-of-control truck on Church Street, Richmond. She had been walking home I was at university when Margaret Thatcher first on a footpath from her school, Melbourne Girls became Prime Minister. I was a 23-year-old young College, on the Thursday before the Easter break. woman, and I had just joined the Liberal Party. I have Jessalyn lived in the public housing towers in to say, whilst Margaret Thatcher was no feminist and Richmond. She was the youngest child of a Timorese said feminism played no role in her success — and it ethnic Chinese family, who, like so many of those from probably did not — she taught a generation of women their country, came to this state and to Richmond to interested in politics that absolutely anything was build a life for themselves. Jessalyn is survived by her possible. She was an outstanding prime minister and a parents and two older brothers. stunning role model, and we will all miss her greatly. Her funeral was attended by many of her school friends and a large number of Timorese community members. Other contributors to the service included the Honorary
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Buses: Altona electorate The tornado hit at around 7.50 p.m., and within the hour, ambulance, SES, Country Fire Authority, police Ms HENNESSY (Altona) — I may be bringing the and local government staff had all responded tone down a little bit after the last contribution, but I magnificently, securing homes, cleaning roads, rise today to talk about the cuts to and abolition of the removing debris and assisting the affected towns and 413 and the 416 bus services in my electorate. communities in so many ways. Relief centres were Members would be aware that in the west there has established quickly, and people worked tirelessly to been unprecedented population growth. We have been offer support, comfort and advice to those requiring waiting and waiting for additional bus services, and assistance. The state government acted promptly at the these were promised to come with the opening of the direction of the Premier to provide immediate relief Williams Landing railway station, a station developed assistance grants of up to $1200 per household and by the Labor government and one that is indeed re-establishment grants of up to $30 000. welcomed by the local community. Along with the provision of some additional bus services to Williams Craigieburn Cricket Club: achievements Landing railway station, services on a number of significant bus routes have been cut. Services to the Ms BEATTIE (Yuroke) — I rise today to growing suburbs of Laverton, Truganina, Point Cook, congratulate the Craigieburn Cricket Club on winning Hoppers Crossing and Werribee have been cut. Those the first 11 premiership flag for the first time. The side cuts mean that as of next week it will be impossible for made club history, winning the first flag in 37 years. many people to take a single bus across the area, Craigieburn played against Haig Fawkner Cricket Club affecting especially those people who need a single bus and won by just 16 runs, with captain Michael Bury to get to work or to the train station. This will leave scoring 110 runs to be the highest scorer of the match. many completely stranded. This success means the Craigieburn side will now be promoted to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association The cuts will also mean that more cars will be forced on north Al grade next season. Every player in the to the road. In particular, Point Cook Road is a deeply Craigieburn side is a home-grown boy living in congested one which parents travel on because they Craigieburn or Roxburgh Park. The president of the need to drive their kids to school — parents such as club, Gerard Laffan, along with other committee Elaine Davies of Point Cook, who told my office last members, has been incredibly supportive of the club. week that she had bought her home because of its proximity to the 413 bus stop; however, that service has I congratulate captain Michael Bury, coach Sean now been cut. Warren and Glen Baker, Daniel English, Chris Laffan, Darren Portou, Domenic Micallef, Scott Robinson, Emergency services: tornado response Brodie Warren, Matthew Maxfield and David Garvin, who all performed so well during this game and Mr WELLS (Minister for Police and Emergency throughout the entire season. Special congratulations to Services) — I would like to pay tribute to the many Daniel English, who was named club champion. I also remarkable volunteers and staff of emergency services take this opportunity to congratulate the club’s second and local government authorities who worked so 11 side, which also won the premiership flag for its incredibly hard in recent natural disaster events across division, and to wish the Craigieburn Cricket Club the the state. An event of special mention was the tornado best of luck for the next cricket season. I am sure in that that hit north-eastern Victoria on Thursday, 21 March. time a new Shane Warne or Sachin Tendulkar will This was an extraordinary event, and the intense come forward from the Craigieburn Cricket Club and damage it caused to a number of Victorian do Craigieburn proud. communities had to be seen to be believed. I toured the devastated areas the next day — Friday, 22 March — Volunteers: bushfire recovery with members of the State Emergency Service (SES) and the hardworking member for Murray Valley and Mr BULL (Gippsland East) — Following the spoke to many affected residents and businesses. It was contribution of the Minister for Police and Emergency literally like a scene from the movie Twister or the Services, I too would like to make some comments all-too-often-seen TV news pictures of mass destruction about those who have assisted with natural disasters in resulting from tornadoes in North America, with homes my electorate. I would like to bring to the attention of torn apart, trees uprooted, roofs blown off and caravans the house the continuing great work done by many overturned. volunteer organisations in the fire-affected communities of my electorate, including Seaton, Heyfield and Glenmaggie. Members of many volunteer organisations
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have contributed a number of hours assisting local him and sought his advocacy and support in the property holders. On a recent trip to Heyfield I had the electorate. I pass on my condolences to the Skeggs pleasure of catching up with members of the Idlers family, and I was pleased to attend the celebration of 4WD Club of Victoria, which had many members his life in Ivanhoe East recently with a number of working in the area. I also had the pleasure of meeting a colleagues from this place and to hear from a close number of Apex members from several clubs who colleague of his, Victor Perton, a former member for spent last weekend fencing at the home of Richard and Doncaster, who spoke at the funeral. His was a life well Di Dennis at Seaton. These are two fantastic examples lived, with never a day wasted in the service of family, of the many volunteer organisations whose members the local community and the state of Victoria. gave countless hours. Cambodian Buddhist New Year: celebration Volunteers: community service awards Ms WREFORD (Mordialloc) — Last Saturday I Mr BULL — I would also like to recognise a group spoke at the Cambodian Buddhist New Year of volunteers in my electorate who have recently celebration at the Clarke Road, Springvale South, received awards for their dedicated service to the temple in my electorate. Over 1000 people attended the community. At the Johnsonville fire brigade Trevor event, which included colourful costumes, dances and Cues received a 50-year service award while 30-year food. I congratulate the temple organisers on the event service awards went to Martin Stewart, David Luckock, and wish them well for the year of the snake. Stuart McMillan and Max Young. Rod Baylis received the Country Fire Authority national medal. At the Highett Seniors: 50th anniversary Lindenow Lioness Club life memberships for dedicated service were awarded to Barbara Bulmer, Betty Ms WREFORD — On another matter, I addressed Alexander and Joan Freshwater. Among Victorian Red the Highett Seniors 50th anniversary celebrations last Cross members, Elsie MacFarlane of Lake Tyers Beach Wednesday. Fifty years is quite an achievement. A was awarded a 10-year long service medal, while highlight of the day was the tapestry that Lynnette Jeanette Fanning of Paynesville and Anita Margetts Hunter designed and stitched for the event. The seniors were awarded Red Cross service awards. It is this type are a fantastic group. I congratulate them on 50 years of of volunteer contribution that is the backbone of many keeping each other active and involved. rural communities, and I congratulate all recipients. Parkdale Cricket Club: presentations Bruce Albert Edward Skeggs, OAM Ms WREFORD — On Friday, 22 March, I Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — I rise to acknowledge attended the Parkdale Cricket Club presentation night. the life and community service of Bruce Albert Edward Though the club had mixed results from the seniors Skeggs, OAM, who was born on 11 October 1932 and down to the pirates, there was much to be gained from died on 21 March 2013. Bruce Skeggs was the member the year and plenty of fun along the way. for Ivanhoe from 1973, the year I was born, to 1982, Congratulations to all the players, coaches and helpers the member for the former Templestowe Province on the way they run a very vibrant club. between 1988 and 1996 and a mayor of the former city of Heidelberg, which covered the same area. Bruce Dingley Football Club: presentations Skeggs was also known for his work as a trotting Ms WREFORD — Last Thursday I handed out commentator between 1948 and 1982. He holds a jumpers at the Dingley Football Club jumper world record, having called some 34 000 trotting races. presentation night. Several new players received their He was a journalist at the Argus newspaper and the jumpers. After a solid year in 2012, the senior team is founding editor of TV Week. I grew up locally, and I young and developing and hoping to go deep into the remember Mr Skeggs as Heidelberg mayor, as the finals under coach Shane Morwood, captain Lee upper house member and in his later parliamentary Wonnacott and president Leigh Menzel. We discussed career as the member for the former Templestowe their VicHealth Active Club Grant. They also had a Province. We shared roles as members for Ivanhoe, as family day recently. journalists and as local government representatives in the Heidelberg-Banyule area. Drug and alcohol abuse: government performance In my role as the member for Ivanhoe I can say to the house and to the Skeggs family that Mr Skeggs is Mr BROOKS (Bundoora) — One of the impacts of fondly remembered and recalled by all those who met the Napthine government’s savage $550 million cuts to
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the education system has been the loss of Victoria’s village, and it was great to hear from Cyril about his only drug education officers in the education system. wonderful life and to see how revered he is.
Back in 1996, following the recommendation of the Blackburn Football Club: no. 1 ticket-holder Premier’s Drug Advisory Council, 18 dedicated drug education officer positions were established within the Ms RYALL — My appreciation goes to the education department to help prevent drug abuse issues Blackburn Football Club for being awarded its no. 1 amongst school-aged children. Two of these officers ticket-holder for the 2013 season. My father played for were based in each of the nine former education regions the club and my family has had close affiliations with and worked across the government, Catholic and the club for many years. It is a wonderful club with a independent school sectors. They have played an great culture and great leadership. I look forward to invaluable role in preventing many young people from supporting both the seniors and juniors this season. misusing drugs, and I cannot think of a more critical role within our education system when it comes to Relay for Life: Team Grumps keeping our kids from harm than these drug education Ms RYALL — My gratitude goes to the Relay for officers. Life team. Team Grumps in Diamond Valley relayed Shamefully, the Napthine government has axed these very hard on 23 March. I congratulate Michelle Lemin positions, all 18 of them, as of January this year. Of for her tireless work and all of the relay and support course the only people who would applaud the team for their commitment and work in raising funds government’s axing of drug education officers in our for cancer research throughout the year and at the relay. schools would be the state’s low-life drug dealers. This Team Grumps is named after my father, who is a is a disgraceful decision that will lead to higher rates of cancer survivor. The team relays for those we know drug use amongst our younger people and as a result who have lost their lives, those who have survived and cause suffering and illness long into the future. It is also those who continue to battle with cancer. I thank all of a stupid financial decision, as the cost of employing those involved. these drug education officers should be seen as a relatively small investment in preventing much larger Epping Football Club: flag unfurling costs in our health and criminal justice systems. Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — I rise today to say how So in the lead-up to the state budget next month I call much I enjoyed the unfurling of the flag at the Epping on the Premier to reverse his reckless cuts to this area Football Club on Saturday. I want to congratulate last and ensure that the 18 drug education officer positions year’s president, Julianne Long, who unfurled the flag; are reinstated in our education system. The Premier Rod Watkins, the new president; and the committee, should come clean. Does he support drug education and which put on a great lunch for the Epping supporters. prevention in our schools or not? Sadly, the step up to division 1 against the Bundoora Bulls proved to be a step too far. But I am sure that the Graham McCallum Pingers will get on the board this season.
Ms RYALL (Mitcham) — My congratulations go to Alanah Chapman Graham McCallum on being awarded the Victoria Award for his outstanding service to Mitcham Cricket Ms GREEN — I also want to congratulate a Club. Graham is one of our unsung heroes who works fabulous young woman, Alanah Chapman, who at 14 tirelessly for the club and is relied on by so many for has been through a great deal. I had the privilege the game to run smoothly. His commitment in yesterday of launching her book, Under the Persimmon undertaking so many areas of off-field responsibility Tree, at the Collingwood Children’s Farm. This over his years of service to the club is to be wonderful book will be a great resource for children commended. recovering from trauma and natural disasters. It tells the story of Alanah’s harrowing survival and that of her Cyril Moyle family after losing their home in the Black Saturday fires at Strathewen. I had the privilege some months Ms RYALL — I would like to extend my after the fires of also launching Alanah’s and her friend congratulations to Cyril Moyle on the celebration of his Duncan Peat’s photographic exhibition called Nature 100th birthday. We enjoyed a wonderful celebration Heals. with family and friends at the Forest Hill retirement Alanah is a fabulous young leader who has been through a lot but is doing a wonderful job in telling her
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story and helping young people to see that one can get connection from the emergency department; specialist over the disaster. She has led in a wonderful way. cardiology facilities as well as expanded diagnostics; Thank you, Alanah. It is a privilege to know you and to inpatient and day beds for cancer and renal patients; as have launched your book. well as two floors of public car parking.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member’s time has expired. member’s time has expired.
Ashburton United Soccer Club: community fun Glenroy West Primary School: student leaders day Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) — Congratulations Mr WATT (Burwood) — On Sunday, 7 April I to Glenroy West Primary School student leaders who, competed with members of the local community in on 27 March, received their badges. Congratulations to what has become an annual event, the Ashburton the student leadership team — Aisha Kayikci, United Soccer Club Community Fun Day at Markham Benjamin Bilotta and Ishita Kale; and the student Reserve, where we played in a friendly game of soccer representative council — Georgia Hurley, Riley against a Victorian police team. It is events such as McConnell, Ercan Ozcan, Reuben Silevira, Savia these that bring trust and respect into communities such Dawood, Jasmine Kuzu, Marcus Bonnaci and Vaibhav as Ashburton. I thank members of the Ashburton soccer Mehra. Congratulations also to house and club and those of the Ashburton Community Residents vice-captains — for Chapman, Georgia Hurley, Association for their efforts in staging the event. For Jasmine Langenberg and Philippe Calinisan; for those who are interested, the Ashburton team had a Clovelly, David Mann, Isabella Condello and Camryn win — 4:3. Beattie; for William, Courtney Robertson, Sylvia Dess and Riley McConnell; and for York, Stephanie Hood, Ashburton Primary School: grand fair Jason G and Nathan Bilotta.
Mr WATT — On Sunday, 24 March, I had the Congratulations to the monitors: Aisha, Duru, Isabella, privilege of opening the Ashburton Primary School Ishita, Monica, Sylvia, Talisha, Tanaya, Bennyam, Grand Fair. I thank the principal, Natalie Nelson, and Jacob, David, Tammy, Darren, Hinckley, Jacob, Kyi the whole school community for the honour of having Sin, Michael, Hulya, Lilas, Ben, Joshua, Benjamin, been invited and for the great work that goes into Georgia, Jasmine, Osama, Alexander, Ashleigh, Ozan, putting on such a well-run event. It was a pleasure to be Tenzin, Courtney, Stephanie, Anahitta, Jaiden, Jashan, able to help out on the sausage sizzle stand. Jayant, Katelyn, Ardalan, Chang, Halid, Vaeluaga, James, Parneet, Tianna and Verna. Also to their Australian Sikh Games: opening ceremony fabulous teacher, Belinda Mann, for organising it.
Mr WATT — On 29 March I had the privilege of Country Fire Authority: Hopetoun West attending the Australian Sikh Games opening ceremony station at the Monash University sports complex in Clayton. I would like to personally thank Professor Surindar Mr CRISP (Mildura) — Last Sunday I had the Cheema, as well as the organising committee, for such pleasure of opening the new Country Fire Authority a successful event. (CFA) Hopetoun West fire station. The new station on a new site provides protection to the local community, Box Hill Hospital: redevelopment with a membership of 60. Thanks to Captain John Webster for his warm welcome and tour of this Mr WATT — On 22 March I had the pleasure of splendid facility. accompanying the Premier; the Minister for Health, the Honourable David Davis; and the member for Forest Country Fire Authority: Yaapeet station Hill on a topping-out ceremony at the new Box Hill Hospital redevelopment. The $447.5 million project Mr CRISP — Later in the afternoon that day I includes an increase of more than 200 beds; a larger opened the Yaapeet fire station and handed over the and more efficient emergency department supported by keys to its new ultralight tanker. The tanker had a 20 short-stay beds; a dedicated women’s health precinct co-contribution of $17 000, which was raised with the linked to children’s services; an integrated surgical assistance of the 50 members of the brigade. It was a department with 11 new operating theatres and a marvellous effort, coordinated by Captain Troy Fisher. surgical admissions area with 20 day surgical beds; a new 18-bed intensive care unit with a direct lift
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I also pay tribute to the efforts of volunteers in making 2005, of its $50 million heads of agreement with and keeping our communities safe and secure. The La Trobe University in 2007 or of its ultimate funding CFA volunteers across most of my electorate are the approval by the then Premier, former Treasurer, John first line of defence in a fire emergency. The Brumby. No, this Premier, who crows like a peacock, commitment they make to be trained, ready and was content to claim credit for the hard work of other available is one of the great things about country politicians and members of previous governments. This Victoria. is a world-class agribusiness centre that will be a godsend for Victoria’s agricultural industry. Ouyen: recreational lake The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The Mr CRISP — On another matter, over 130 people member’s time has expired. attended a public meeting in Ouyen called by the Walpeup lake committee to report on a change of Kenneth Jubb direction. The Walpeup lake proposal is to be abandoned in favour of an assessment of proposals Dr SYKES (Benalla) — On 28 March I attended a closer to Ouyen. I have walked one of these sites — the memorial service for Emeritus Professor Kenneth Jubb, old Ouyen water storages, which were made redundant who died on 27 February. Professor Jubb and Professor with the pipeline. The site has the potential to be Blood, who attended the service, were the men who got transformed into a lake. The Mallee Catchment the Melbourne Veterinary School up and going again in Management Authority (CMA) is supportive, and the 1960s, and both made magnificent contributions to further investigation of the site is under way. Well done veterinary education globally. In his 20s, Professor to Jenny Collins, Peter Kelly and Darren Raeck of the Jubb co-authored Jubb and Kennedy’s Pathology of CMA and GWM Water, and well done to the lake Domestic Animals. It is still the definitive veterinary committee, particularly Simon Gregg and Dean pathology text. Five decades on he contributed to its Monroe for their leadership. latest edition. Professor Jubb was extremely economical with his words, and in his texts of hundreds of Mildura Airport: redevelopment thousands of words not a word was wasted.
Mr CRISP — On the night of 8 April I attended the I and my fellow graduates from Melbourne Veterinary changeover of the Mildura Airport and watched the School are indebted to Professor Jubb and Professor commissioning of the new arrivals hall, departure Blood not just for their technical expertise but also for lounge and cafe. Well done to those who worked all the high standard they set as citizens. night to achieve this milestone in Mildura’s history. Bright P–12 College: marngrook football match La Trobe University: AgriBio centre Dr SYKES — On 22 March I participated in a Mr HERBERT (Eltham) — I rise to congratulate marngrook footy game at the Bright P–12 College La Trobe University on the opening of the AgriBio involving staff, students, local community members centre last week and to acknowledge Labor’s and young Aboriginal men from Wadeye, a severely inspiration and investment in this $288 million project. disadvantaged community in the Northern Territory. The project was opened by the Premier of Victoria, The game, organised by Justin Crawley, his wife, Dr Napthine, and needless to say he was short in Rebecca, and Ryan Kent, is part of a program that acknowledging that this was a Labor-funded, brings young lads down from Wadeye to do schooling Labor-initiated and Labor-developed program. It was at Bright P–12 and to generally broaden their horizons. sad that he could not even bring himself to Similarly, Bright P–12 students go to Wadeye to acknowledge the Labor members in the audience — not experience and learn about Aboriginal culture. The even the local member, the member for Bundoora, who game was played in good spirit, with players dressed has been supportive of the project and has worked hard only in a lap-lap and ceremonial paint. The game and for the project’s development and completion. the program are a great example of practical reconciliation. Well done to Justin, Bec, Ryan and the Even worse, the Premier could not acknowledge that whole Bright community. this great project, which will attract leading researchers from across the world as part of a 400-strong scientific Ambulance services: Bendigo region community, was a vision of former premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby. He did not have the decency Ms EDWARDS (Bendigo West) — After over two to tell the story of Labor’s $6 million seed funding in years in office and two budgets, the Liberal-Nationals
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government can ill afford to continue the blame game and it is my hope to one day give him a firsthand when it comes to adequately funding the Bendigo and experience with a visit to Israel. region ambulance service. This government has only itself to blame for the growing crisis in the Bendigo and I want to congratulate the Zionist Council of Victoria regional Victorian ambulance services. What can no and the Zionist Federation of Australia for curating the longer be denied or ignored is the complete failure of exhibit and for their strong advocacy for Israel and its this government to protect the people of Bendigo and people. Chag sameach and kol hakavod. region, who depend on a reliable and well-resourced ambulance service. Sadly this has led to a loss of life. Monash University: Ben-Gurion University of My condolences go to the family and friends of the the Negev partnership Heathcote gentleman who recently lost his life from Mr SOUTHWICK — Last week I had the privilege cardiac arrest while waiting for an ambulance. to represent the federal Minister for Tertiary Education, This crisis was again highlighted last week, when I was Skills, Science and Research at an event that marked contacted by a constituent whose 90-year-old mother the partnership between Ben-Gurion University of the fell at a nursing home in Bendigo where she resides. An Negev and Monash University. This was done on the ambulance was called. The nursing home was told it eve of Israel’s 65th birthday and was a great example of would be 1 hour away; 3 hours later an ambulance the friendship between Victoria and Israel. This arrived. The 90-year-old woman had been lying on the partnership has been driven by the respective university floor for 3 hours. This caused considerable anxiety to leaders, Ed Byrne from Monash and Rivka Carmi from the patient, her family and the nursing home staff. Ben-Gurion. I congratulate the vision of these two leaders and look forward to seeing this partnership These incidents highlight how critical the shortage of develop. ambulance resources in Bendigo and the surrounding region is becoming. Lives are being lost, more are University of the Third Age: Whittlesea being put at risk and whole communities are being left without ambulance coverage. The evidence is growing. Ms HALFPENNY (Thomastown) — I wish to I call on the Minister for Health to fund additional commend the Whittlesea University of the Third Age ambulance resources in Bendigo and region in this (U3A) on the publication of its social history book year’s May budget and to not let this crisis escalate to a Now, Then and In Between — 2002–2012, which point where more lives are lost. commemorates its 10th anniversary in 2012. I attended the launch on Sunday and heard many great stories Israel Independence Day about the fabulous people who make up the Whittlesea U3A. I would like to congratulate the president, Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) — It was my Mr Felice, and all committee members for this great pleasure to play host at a very special exhibit in initiative and also the members who gave up their own Queen’s Hall celebrating the 65th anniversary of time to prepare the book. The preparation was Israel’s Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut. Today is performed by Ms Kwiatkowski, Ms Loring and the 65th anniversary of Yom Ha’atzmaut — 65 years Mr Newbegin. I also congratulate all others who since a Jewish homeland was established in the contributed to the book. ancestral home of the Jewish people. In little over six decades the people of Israel have made an outstanding Bruce Albert Edward Skeggs, OAM contribution to the world as leaders in science, environmental research and finance. On a per capita Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — I wish to place basis, Israel is a world leader in venture capital and is on record my condolences on the passing of Bruce an entrepreneurs paradise with a business spirit. Skeggs, the member for Ivanhoe between 1973 and 1982 and the member for Templestowe Province The exhibit in Queens Hall celebrates these and other between 1988 and 1996. In the words of his son Phil topics, including innovation and environment, Skeggs, Bruce was a larger than life character in every Jerusalem, humanitarian aid, Israeli Arabs, Jewish way. He was a high-profile, hardworking local MP. He refugees, the West Bank, evolution, desalinated water was the voice of harness racing, and as a councillor and and peaceful coexistence. A quick stroll around Queens mayor of Heidelberg he was well respected and well Hall demonstrates these facets and how Israel has been regarded. at the forefront of innovation and new ideas. I had the opportunity to take the Premier on a tour of this exhibit, Some of the groups and individuals he was involved with include: the world harness racing body; the Liberal
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Party; the Austin Hospital, which he was on the board to run pooled jackpots across jurisdictions — that is, the of; migrant groups; conservation groups; veterans bill allows for that request to be made of the minister. organisations; the hotel industry, through his role on the parliamentary liquor licensing committee; community The bill also clarifies that a person who is listed on the radio station Inner FM, on which he presented the show roll of manufacturers, suppliers and testers does not Personalities on Parade; the masonic lodge; the Order commit an offence merely by selling gaming machines of St John; the Cranbourne Trotting Club, where he was in accordance with the bulk rate published in a price list president; anti-Communist groups; Rotary; and or by otherwise acting in accordance with the act. This St George’s Anglican Church, which he wrote the clarification has arisen at the request of the industry, history of. and again it is a matter that has arisen since changes were made to the legislation last year. This clarification I convey my condolences to surviving family members, meets the request made by the Victorian Commission his son Phil, referred to earlier, Julie and Margaret, and for Gambling and Liquor Regulation, but importantly I I pay tribute to his supportive wife, Evelyn, who was a am advised that no incidents have arisen in the time marvellous lady. He was shaped by many other since these licences were awarded last year. This experiences in his life. clarification will ensure that no unintentional tripping occurs, whereby a manufacturer, supplier or tester The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The inadvertently breaches a law simply by undertaking member’s time has expired. As there are no more certain functions that are permissible under the law. members on their feet, the time for members statements This is an important change that will make the relevant has now ended. legislation clearer. GAMBLING REGULATION AMENDMENT The bill also repeals the requirement that a person must BILL 2013 not remove gaming tokens, including cash, from a gaming machine in an approved venue unless the Second reading person is the approved gaming venue’s gaming operator or a venue operator or is a licensed gaming Debate resumed from 20 March; motion of industry employee. The bill further provides for the Mr McINTOSH (former Minister for Gaming Treasurer to exempt certain amounts of money from Regulation). being taxed with respect to fixed odds betting. The bill removes the requirement that a person cannot be Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park) — I rise to make a registered as a registered player by the wagering and contribution on behalf of the opposition to the debate betting licensee before the player’s identity has been on the Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013. verified, making it consistent with the requirements The bill serves a number of purposes and deals almost under the commonwealth Anti Money Laundering and exclusively with a number of technical matters that Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006, so this is a have arisen since changes were made to relevant harmonisation clause. The bill clarifies that a betting legislation in 2012, and especially since the awarding of voucher can be used to bet on the Trackside product. the wagering and betting licence in August and of the The Trackside product is a simulated event. This keno licence also in 2012. However, it also deals with clarifies that a betting voucher for a winning bet rolled some other matters, which I will comment on as my over to another bet can also be rolled over to the contribution continues. Trackside product and therefore clarifies the utility of I begin with the amendments that go to the matter of the betting voucher. keno licensing and which allow the keno licensee to The bill removes the requirement to undertake develop linked jackpot arrangements with keno responsible service of gaming training for those persons operators across the border. The keno operator in New who do not as a part of their ordinary duties interact South Wales is also the keno operator in Victoria, and with players of gaming machines, which includes the industry requested that the linking be allowed to cleaners, technicians and tradespersons. Following occur. Tabcorp is the keno licensee. There are around changes made to legislation last year, many people in five keno products, but Keno Classic is the only the industry were concerned that the requirements for product that has a jackpot component and therefore can training people who worked within the gaming floor be pooled. Tabcorp also holds the keno licences in New area would potentially include people like cleaners or South Wales and Queensland, and the bill allows for technicians who may just come in on a contracted the licensee in the first instance to apply to the minister arrangement to fix things but really have no association whatsoever with people who are on the gaming floor.
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The industry insisted that this clarification be made, and Currently under the new licence conditions — this goes the bill does that. There are other technical and minor to another point within the bill — players are unable to amendments that also remove obsolete references. open an account until their identity has been verified. That is a continuation of a practice that has existed. The new wagering and betting licence held by Tabcorp Someone who wishes to have an account for betting was awarded on 16 October, and the keno licence was purposes must first prove their identity before they can awarded on 15 April 2012. The Gambling Legislation actually utilise the account. That is a new licence Amendment (Transition) Act 2012 that was introduced condition. However, this is inconsistent with the into the house and passed was to assist in the transition commonwealth’s anti-money laundering legislation and to new licensing arrangements which had commenced rules that are made under that legislation. That under the previous government. That legislation legislation allows a player to open an account and to imposed a new requirement on any person working in have 90 days from the opening of that account within the gaming machine area to undertake appropriate which their identity needs to be verified. This training. Those changes were made to ensure, of course, inconsistency has raised concern within the industry, that persons no longer required to hold a gaming which fears that as this inconsistency plays out people industry employees licence were still required to may choose to open accounts in other states, away from undertake responsible service of gaming training. Victoria, because it will be far easier to open accounts allowing for identity to be checked within 90 days of The amendment I referred to just 2 minutes ago goes to the account being opened. Tabcorp has expressed the heart of some of the concerns that have been raised concern that the inconsistency is unfair and that players since to ensure that it does not catch those it was not may choose to go interstate to open accounts. intended to catch in terms of people being in and around the gaming floor, such as cleaners, technicians That is essentially a summary of what the bill does. The and the like. The amendment pertaining to the role of relevant stakeholders seem to be generally very manufacturers, suppliers and testers, as I said, results supportive, and some of them have raised some of these from a concern raised by the regulator, but, again, no concerns and welcomed the changes made by this bill. incidents have been recorded. It is a pre-emptive The Australian Hotels Association is generally change which has been welcomed by the industry. supportive, particularly in relation to the matter regarding responsible service of gaming training The Gambling Regulation Amendment Regulations relating to the exclusion of those who are incidental, if 2012 amended the Gambling Regulation Regulations you like, to the gaming floor and interaction with 2005 — that is a bit of a mouthful — and provided that people who undertake gaming activities. Tabcorp and only employees who carried out duties that can affect the Community Clubs Association of Victoria are gaming integrity are required to hold a gaming industry generally supportive and have not raised any concerns employees licence. You can see that some of these with the opposition. amendments are consequential to each other. The amendment removes several prescribed duties for I will say, though, that what concerns me is that there which a licence is required, including the paying out of have been many changes made to legislation that was prizes, the provision of tokens to players, the redeeming only introduced not a year ago. There has been a bit of of tokens for players and the storage of tokens. sloppiness, if you like, and a lack of attention to detail in the legislation that was passed last year, which is The exemption from incurring a tax liability in Victoria important for us to reflect on. It is important that we try and another jurisdiction existed for the previous to get these things right in the first instance. I accept wagering and betting licence; however, Tabcorp ceased that sometimes things can go astray and the odd the conduct of fixed-odds betting across jurisdictions in amendment in a relatively new bill needs to be brought 2007, so the new licensee, being Tabcorp, is now to the house, but the changes and the number of wishing to resume this conduct — that is, fixed-odds amendments that are presented here are quite numerous betting. Tabcorp is considering resuming this and reflect poorly on the initial consideration of this bill arrangement with the Australian Capital Territory by the government last year and by the previous (ACT) and in this first instance has requested the minister. Certainly the new minister has had to pick up amendment allowing it to seek from the Treasurer the on this, but the new minister is now the old minister, so exemption from the other tax liability. That is, in effect, we are awaiting an opportunity — hopefully in the to disallow the potential for double taxation to occur, so summing-up process — for the current minister, the where a tax liability is incurred in one state it will not Attorney-General, who on my understanding has now necessarily have to be paid in the other state — or assumed responsibility for gaming and therefore for this jurisdiction, in the case of the ACT being a territory. bill, to deal with some of these concerns I have raised.
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In any case, there is also within this bill something I Support Fund and all benefiting many communities in have left to the side momentarily only because it merits many specific ways. further consideration. I hope the Attorney-General, who has carriage of this bill, does sum up to break the Frankly, we now have lack of transparency. We do not drought of the previous two ministers for gaming by know how much of the Community Support Fund is addressing some of the questions I will now raise on being spent or where and what benefits are being behalf of the opposition. The bill takes the opportunity derived by communities. I refer to the last budget of to extend the current arrangement by a further four May 2012, and we have only to reflect on the years. The current arrangement has existed since 2004, community development output in budget paper 3 to and it allows for $45 million of gaming machine see that funding for community development was taxation to be reserved for payment to the Community reduced from $51.1 million in one financial year down Support Fund to fund Victoria’s drug and alcohol to $32.2 million between 2011–12 and 2012–13. The strategy. It is a good thing, and it continues to be a ‘Investing in communities’ line item in budget paper 3 commitment under this government — it was made also shows reduced funding from $261.8 million to initially by the previous government — through the $249.1 million. That was again revised downwards to mechanism of this bill. $222 million budgeted for 2012–13. It was explained in the budget papers as I wish to raise some serious concerns as to exactly how the Community Support Fund is being expended. We … a result of reductions in funding from the Community Support Fund. know that for a number of years the Community Support Fund continuously received annual revenue You have to go very far to find explanations of how the from electronic gaming machines of between Community Support Fund money is spent, but when $90 million and $100 million. The previous you get there, you get scant information. That is my government had the Community Support Fund under criticism, and it is the criticism of the opposition. the purview of the then Minister for Community Development and then the Minister for Victorian It is important to reflect on the coalition government’s Communities in the later iteration of the Department of record in spending the Community Support Fund when Planning and Community Development. Under the it was previously in government. It easily found current arrangements of this government, that fund has $1.5 million from the fund to fund a consortium for a been moved to the Department of Treasury and yacht which ended up sinking off the coast of San Finance, and the opposition’s concerns are not just Diego. That happened under the previous coalition about that but go to the heart of how the Community government, and it was how the Community Support Support Fund is spent. At the moment there is a lack of Fund was maladministered. There was a lot of secrecy transparency about where and how it is spent. about how the fund was spent, where it was spent and who had benefited. It may suit the form of this Under the previous government, the Community government to spend money in such a way that presents Support Fund was expended in a variety of ways not no benefit to the community, but it needs to tell us just across some broad spectrums — which were about it. I am not suggesting that this government will articulated and are currently articulated on the repeat the mistakes of the past, but the proof of the Committee Support Fund website — but in the detail of pudding will be in the eating. We need clarity and it. The grants programs and the initiatives were all very specificity as to how the Community Support Fund, clearly articulated and identified, right down to the which is the people’s money and money that is funding recipients in the myriad initiatives and designed to be given back to the community through programs that targeted community infrastructure and worthwhile and clearly articulated policy and the community initiatives for community development programs — — that targeted disadvantaged communities, in particular the community building initiative that was in place for a Mr Kotsiras interjected. number of years in regional and rural communities. They were isolated, small communities that were Ms D’AMBROSIO — It absolutely did happen struggling to survive. The community transport under us. Our programs were there to be tested, and I initiative was also highly regarded by local remind the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and communities that had a lack of transport options, and Citizenship, who is at the table, about how the money not just public transport options. We had many other was spent. initiatives, including the Victorian community support Mr Kotsiras interjected. grants, volunteer grants and the like, all with a very clear place, all deriving funds from the Community
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Ms D’AMBROSIO — I am very grateful to the to break the drought and for a change to actually sum minister for prompting me to go to the next section, up the debate on a bill. I would welcome the minister because he will remember that in 2010 alone the doing that, and I would congratulate him for doing so community hub in Hastings received $729 000 from the and also for answering some of the following questions. Victorian community support grants that were funded The first is: how is the Community Support Fund from the Community Support Fund. There is nothing money being spent from year to year? The second is: illusory about that and nothing that was not transparent what are the specific funding programs that account for about it. In 2010 the Inverloch Community Hub alone every one of the dollars that is in the Community received more than $1 million, and the Yarraville Support Fund? Other questions are: where is that Community Front and Centre received $1.77 million. money being spent, which communities are benefiting The Yarriambiack Shire Council received $290 000 as and what if any unallocated funds remain within the part of some money that came in through its Community Support Fund? These are very important community building initiative. The community told us questions which go to the openness and transparency of what it needed to help fund some of the initiatives that government, and we need answers to them. The came out of that grassroots, ground-up consultation in opposition and the community need answers. the community. There was $1.26 million that went to the St Albans library project, targeting communities I wish to reflect on an important matter which has that suffered social disadvantage. The Living Libraries arisen in just the last few days — that is, how gaming program granted $31.5 million to more than inspectors and liquor licensing inspectors have been 120 projects funded out of the Community Support managed. We know that when the two entities were Fund. merged into the new regulator the government indicated that the gaming and licensing inspectors It is all very well to have a Community Support Fund. would become multiskilled and assume each other’s Frankly, it is a big bucket of money and members on functions in such a way that greater efficiencies would this side welcome the fact that the government has be created. Unfortunately in just the past few days a decided to continue with the allocation of $45 million number of inspectors have been ripped out of regional to the addressing of problem gambling, as was started Victoria, where they did a fantastic job. They worked by the Labor government. What we are concerned collectively and shoulder to shoulder with local police, about is how the rest of the money is spent. There is health service providers and people in local government very little information available about the specific to tackle alcohol-related problems and family violence programs and initiatives to which the Community problems in their local communities. People who were Support Fund money is being aligned. In fact, as I members of and understood the local community have mentioned earlier in my contribution, there has actually been ripped out of those communities, and their work is been a reduction in some of those programs and some now centralised here in Melbourne. I ask: has the of the outputs of departments. That is a sad reflection government done that to save funds by cutting back on on this government because its members say that they the total number of inspectors? I ask also: how many support the community and that they want to share the inspections does the minister intend will be undertaken benefits that come out of the Community Support Fund. in the next financial year? These are questions to which I certainly await a response. I fear that we might actually be going back to where members of this government sat a number of years ago, The minister may choose not to share that information when there was very little credibility about or integrity until the budget is handed down, but some of the in the way that the money was spent. When you shine a questions I have asked can be answered right now, light on funding or have transparency of funding and before the bill is put to the vote. I ask the minister to how it is spent, the truth comes out. When there is a explain whether what has been done is in effect a cut to lack of light, information or transparency, people can jobs in regional Victoria and whether it undermines the only imagine what may be happening. I ask whether the fantastic work that has been done by inspectors in government is siphoning off the money to other towns and communities in regional Victoria where they projects that are not in line with what has been the know their communities and the types of initiatives that custom and practice in managing the Community need to be applied in their communities, the responses Support Fund in the past. If that is the case, members of that need to be made to tackle alcohol abuse and the the government should tell us, but they have not done problems that can be generated from that. We need so. government to be honest and up-front. I hope the minister will be just that in summing up and in Those are just some of the comments I wish to make answering some of the questions that have been put by about the Community Support Fund. I ask the minister the opposition.
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I refer to the previous government’s record of bill makes a number of other minor and technical achievements in gaming. I am ranging a little bit wide amendments in relation to that. because the bill ranges considerably. The government created a number of problems through legislation that it The coalition government has undertaken a range of introduced last year, so the multiple amendments made initiatives to reform the gaming industry and to ensure by the bill range across a span of areas to do with that issues around problem gambling are better gaming, the Community Support Fund, gaming addressed. The bill is just one of many that the inspections and the like. In the short time I have left, I government has introduced into the Parliament. The wish to reflect on the previous government’s cornerstone or feature of the initiatives has been the achievements in gaming. establishment of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF), for which the coalition Members of that government undertook significant government has put forward $150 million over four reforms of the gaming industry in Victoria. Many of years. I will reflect briefly on the functions of the those changes were due to commence and did VRGF, which was set up on 1 July 2012. It is an commence in August last year. Some of those independent statutory authority and the very first of its achievements went to gaming machine entitlements, kind in Australia. Victoria, indeed this government, is with the opening up of access to gaming machine leading the way in gaming reform. The foundation is entitlements to the broader community or sector. There set up to do a number of different things to ensure that were other achievements, including the monitoring of services are provided to assist people who have issues gaming machines operating at approved gaming venues with problem gambling as well as members of their to be undertaken by a single independent licensee for families and their friends, and to make sure that 15 years and a reduction of maximum bet limits from supports are in place for them. $10 to $5 for all gaming machines from January 2010. We also increased the penalties for allowing minors to Community education and awareness are certainly key gamble and mandated responsible gambling codes of features, and there are some advertising initiatives conduct for gaming venues, requiring venue operators under way at the moment in this regard. Many to have a self-exclusion program approved by the members of the house and indeed the public would Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation. have seen some of those advertisements on television in recent times, particularly in regional Victoria. Another initiative of the previous government, which Importantly, the foundation is also undertaking a lot of was introduced from 1 July last year, was the banning research into best practice and treatment with respect to of ATMs from gaming venues. We introduced problem gambling and prevention, and is making sure withdrawal limits for ATMs and EFTPOS and so on. I we have good communication in relation to that. There could go on but time does not permit me to do so. The are a number of members of Parliament who form part opposition will not oppose the bill. However, I ask the of the board. Both sides of the chamber are represented minister in summing up to answer the questions that on it. The member for Caulfield, the member for have been raised before the bill is put to the vote. Geelong — who was here in the chamber a minute ago — and the good member for Murray Valley are on Mr NORTHE (Morwell) — It gives me pleasure to it. The model is based on that of the VicHealth board, rise this afternoon to speak on the Gambling Regulation and thus far the feedback we have had has been very Amendment Bill 2013, which makes a number of strong with respect to the foundation. As I said, it is amendments to the principal act, the Gambling certainly leading the way in terms of gambling reform Regulation Act 2003. It has a number of features. The and support for problem gamblers across Australia. main amendments include allowing the keno licensee to develop linked jackpots and to enter into arrangements If you have a look at the funding per se, Deputy with keno operators in other jurisdictions. The Speaker, you will see that the coalition government is amendments include a range of minor changes to the providing 41 per cent more in dollar terms than Labor requirements that apply to a wagering and betting did to address problem gambling. Another of the licensee, into which I will go in more detail shortly. It is coalition’s initiatives has been the introduction of a ban important to note that both those licences commenced on ATMs in gaming venues, which the member for operation on 16 August last year. As the member for Mill Park referred to. That is very important. Further to Mill Park referred to in part in her contribution, the bill that, in the technological world that we live in people also extends by four years the current arrangement come up with different devices whereby you might be whereby $45 million of gaming machine taxation is able to access cash in these venues without having to reserved for payment to the Community Support Fund interact with staff, so we have also put a ban on such to help fund Victoria’s drug and alcohol strategy. The devices. Importantly, if you have a look at some of the
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1146 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 16 April 2013 research, you see that around 91 per cent of problem undertake responsible service of gaming training. The gamblers stated that they accessed cash within the example I have been given is where a person with a role gaming venues when they were having a gambling such as a cleaner or handyman might be working in session. The figures and statistics provided through that those venues and it does not make sense that they evaluation are quite alarming. These measures go part would have to undertake that training. From the of the way towards addressing some of the issues perspective of venues, that is a reduction in red tape, around problem gambling. which is very important.
We have also mentioned the fact that voluntary We are making sure that we have some consistency precommitment will be introduced no later than with other areas of the act and also in relation to the 2015–16. As I say, there are a number of technical and Liquor Control Reform Act 1998. I will not go into too practical amendments in this bill. On 16 August last much detail on those. As the second-reading speech year a new 12-year wagering and betting licence outlines, the bill inserts a provision to ensure that a commenced operation under Tabcorp. A number of person does not commit an offence merely by selling elements and amendments in this bill relate to that, and gaming machines in accordance with a bulk rate I want to quickly refer to those changes which we are published in a price list or by otherwise acting in proposing today. accordance with the legislation. That is ‘on the roll’, if you like. One of the things we are trying to do is provide some consistency in the requirements for verification of We are also going to extend arrangements to 30 June registered players by the wagering and betting licensee. 2017 with respect to making sure that we have moneys There are some differences between our legislation and allocated, or quarantined, for drug and alcohol services. the commonwealth Anti-Money Laundering and That is rolling on from what happened under the Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 so we are trying previous government. It is very important that we have to provide some synergies through the amendments we that money available going forward. The Community are proposing today to ensure that instead of having two Support Fund has served communities well. It has different systems in operation we have one streamlined certainly served my community well. The part of system around player identification. That is important. gaming revenue that is quarantined for drug and alcohol services is very important. We have a number of great We are also changing the requirements around funds organisations in my electorate which do great work in being remitted to registered players by wagering betting drug and alcohol services and youth support services. licensees on request. The period will change from one As an example, Chris May and her team in Morwell do working day to one business day. That change will a wonderful job. clarify the requirement in respect of these operations, which run seven days a week. We are also allowing Previously under the act the Treasurer had the power to wagering and betting licensees to accept bets and pay grant an exemption from tax on fixed-odds-approved winnings on approved simulated racing events by betting competitions in other jurisdictions. We are now betting voucher. Currently, while players can recoup reintroducing that power. Effectively it would be a tax the value of a betting voucher for all other betting on a tax if, for example, the entity was undertaking this options, they cannot do so for Trackside, which deals form of betting in the Australian Capital Territory. It with simulated racing events and is quite popular in a would be taxed there and taxed here, so those lot of pubs and clubs. Currently you are not able to get a provisions are for the Treasurer. In closing, I commend betting voucher for that in lieu of a payment. That will the bill to the house. change under these amendments, which will make sure that betting options are consistent. Mr PANDAZOPOULOS (Dandenong) — It is a pleasure to speak on the Gambling Regulation We are also ensuring that persons who remove cash Amendment Bill 2013. Of course we are not opposing from gaming machines are not required to hold a it. This is a simple bill — a pretty boring bill really, to gaming industry employee’s licence to undertake that be honest about it — containing a whole lot of normal duty, and further, clarifying that only persons who sorts of amendments that happen every now and then as interact directly with patrons in the gaming machine interpretations are made about the previous act or just area of a venue are required to undertake responsible necessary changes in the machinery of government and service of gaming training. That makes sense to me. in enforcing the act as previously written that might Particularly where there are no system or integrity need further clarification. The bill also makes a number issues there is no point, in reality, in having staff or of amendments that further strengthen the new contractors hold a gaming industry employee licence or gambling environment which Labor introduced, which
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ended the duopoly and in effect cut out the middle man. tourism, youth, culture, seniors, and drug and alcohol The bill really is made up of a number of consequential services. It can also be spent on multicultural amendments. communities, as the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, who is at the table, would know. It is interesting that we are debating this gambling bill when we are in the third year of government and we We saw that we had to move the fund. It is of concern have a third minister for gaming. I hope eventually to that under the new machinery of government changes see some new form of strategy as we move into next the CSF sits back in Treasury. A deliberate strategy that year, which will be an election year, regarding what this we had when we were in government was to take government’s vision is for gaming and gambling. In gaming out of Treasury so that there would be no effect the government has been implementing a number confusion about the dependency on revenue, and the of Labor initiatives. There is a lot of rhetoric thrown resources of the Community Support Fund would not around when you are not in government. When we be swallowed up by things that should be funded by were in government the coalition criticised us for all the Treasury as compared to things funded by the fund. money we were collecting, for our addiction to While the opposition welcomes a commitment to gambling revenue and for our closeness to the gambling funding for drug and alcohol services, it is of concern to industry. Yet what does the coalition do when it comes me as a former gaming minister who has followed these into government? It has no real plan of its own. It is things through that Treasury still has a lot of business as usual, implementing Labor initiatives. To influence — even stronger under this government — differentiate itself it has mixed things around a little bit and that we run the risk again of funding things from in policy areas, but in effect it is the same sort of stuff. the fund that government should be funding out of its normal programs. It should not be siphoning money out The reality is that a number of these provisions are of the Community Support Fund for day-to-day logical consequential amendments to strengthen the government initiatives. The Community Support Fund system, but the key test is always about where the was specifically focused, and an area I would like to see industry is going. The government is a beneficiary of a this government focus on is transparency of the spend. number of the reforms that we made. It is a beneficiary in the area of responsible gambling. Earlier we heard When the fund was with the former Department of the member for Morwell talking about the Victorian Victorian Communities — I mean, we took gaming out Responsible Gambling Foundation, the establishment of Treasury and put it into the Department of Justice of which is a good initiative. That is just another and the revenue side into Victorian Communities — we variation of Labor’s policy. The foundation is an had a contestable approach that was not focused just on important group that we hope will focus on the correct revenue drivers. Victorian Communities mapped where and effective spend of the responsible gambling the expenditure was occurring on the basis that the strategy and also on an evidence-based system of areas with the highest concentration of gaming were possible future gambling reforms, which would reduce supplying the highest amount of revenue into the and ameliorate the impact of problem gambling. Community Support Fund, and therefore we needed to be conscious of being proactive to ensure that funds The industry is evolving. I had seven and a half years of were being returned to those same communities. That this as gaming minister, and I am pleased that we required a proactive approach of working with local reformed it so much that the effect that gaming is government and community organisations in those having on individuals is not daily on the front pages of areas on possible projects and activities that could be the newspapers. Clearly gaming has an effect on funded by the Community Support Fund that would individuals, but clearly also it is a choice that people help ameliorate the impact of gambling in those make about what they do with their money. The reality communities. of why the media are not talking about it so much is that we have demystified so much of gaming that One of the areas that I am sure the new Victorian gaming revenue has not grown as fast as it has in other Responsible Gambling Foundation is focusing on is years. That creates issues for the budget and for the what the drivers of problem gambling are. Often we Community Support Fund (CSF), which I guess is one find that the same sorts of people who have a problem of the reasons the government has decided to retain it with undertaking an amount of gambling that they for four years, as is provided in one of the clauses here, cannot afford also happen to have a number of issues as part of funding for the government’s drug and for which they need support. One of the things we hear alcohol strategy, which is one of the areas defined in the about often is people being socially isolated, so being at existing act where Community Support Fund money risk, and people saying that there are not many other can be spent. It can also be spent on the arts, sport, things to do in their own local community. A lot of the
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resources that the Department of Victorian to this government being elected, and since the end of Communities was using with the Community Support the wasted years under Labor, we in coalition have Fund involved working at that localised level around given a great deal of attention to gambling regulation. projects that provided alternatives for people so they We have been actively fighting problem gambling and could engage and participate more actively in the making sure that the industry’s regulation works community. These might involve them engaging with properly and retains its integrity. I am personally community organisations where they were not involved passionate about these topics, and I have spoken about before, rather than running the risk of social isolation them on many occasions in this house. We have made and being driven to the nature of a venue with great strides in some areas. We have established the welcoming staff — a warm place where you can get a Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, and it is cup of coffee and where there are people around you the first of its kind in this country. The establishment of and you feel you are engaging when really you are on that authority shows the importance that we place on your own. That local involvement is something that I responsible gambling and on getting it right for the think is in real danger of being lost. community. We have provided record funding for responsible gambling. That includes benefits in my own We need that transparency around this because it helps electorate, with local programs receiving a us to confirm that revenue is going back roughly in $10 314 boost through the primary care partnerships. proportion to where it has been earnt. At the end of the We have removed ATMs from gaming venues, and that day the Community Support Fund represents only a is important for all electorates. With 17 venues and small part of total gaming revenue, and if that fund is 944 machines in the Kingston local government area, going to be raided for day-to-day projects and if money my electorate is no exception. It also happens to have from the fund is not returned in rough proportion to the the 16th-highest electronic gaming machine spend per areas that have the highest concentration of gaming adult in the state. machines, then what is the purpose of having a Community Support Fund? Without transparency, we We have moved to introduce voluntary cannot map that. Unfortunately I have not seen any precommitments by the year 2015–16. We have evidence that we can map that in the last two years of introduced a range of responsible gaming programs. this government. I think this will become an area that is We have banned moneyless gaming machines and contestable during the next election campaign. I would irresponsible earphone technology. We have like to see this government and the new gaming commenced new licences for keno, monitoring and minister refocus and review where they want to take wagering and betting. We have also combined gambling policy and also, importantly, consider where gambling and liquor control under one regulator, which they believe that spend should be. I do not know even will prevent a lot of doubling up. whether the money that multicultural communities were getting out of grants has continued on for the In August 2012 venue operators entered a whole new grants program of the Minister for Multicultural Affairs world in which they took control over their gaming and Citizenship. I have not been able to find that out operations as the Tatts and Tabcorp duopoly ended. either, but I would be disappointed if they were not There has been a great amount of reform — and very getting some money out of the Community Support successful reform at that. Mind you, there was plenty Fund for some of those important projects, because needed after the 11 wasted years under Labor. The groups that are at risk of being involved in heavier member for Dandenong, who was the previous speaker, gambling are immigrant groups, older women and was going on about what a great job Labor did in this people in isolated rural communities, and also young space when it was in government; however, one thing I people, who are at risk of being involved in some form will say is that we have not lost millions by stuffing up of betting, particularly sports betting. gaming machine entitlements as Labor did. Labor and money are definitely a bad combination. After that It is good to have these sorts of bills before the house. reform this bill is the next step in several of the Whilst this is a boring bill, it allows us to really focus successful reforms. on the core social issues that arise when we talk about gaming. It is a pleasure to speak on the bill and focus on In August last year Tabcorp commenced a new the concerns I am sure we all have about the impact of Victorian licence to conduct wagering, approved problem gambling and where resources should go to betting competitions like sports betting, and simulated ameliorate that. racing like the Trackside system. This bill corrects minor inconsistencies between the Gambling Ms WREFORD (Mordialloc) — I rise in support of Regulation Act 2003 and the licence. Tabcorp can use the Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013. Prior betting vouchers on all its offerings aside from the
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simulated racing. This inconsistency does not make a There is a lot of common sense in this bill, and there lot of sense to anyone, so we are removing the has been a lot of common sense in our vast gambling prohibition to make things consistent. Simulated racing reforms to date. means that you could have a race between Black Knight, Gala Supreme and all the other horses, trainers In summary, we have given great focus to gambling and jockeys immortalised in the Epsom housing estate regulation, and it is important to many people that we on the old Mordialloc racecourse. Horseracing was a focus on that. We are actively fighting problem very big part of Mordialloc’s early years, and there was gambling and making sure that industry regulation a racecourse in Mentone as well. Phar Lap even spent works properly. This is definitely something I am time at Braeside Park. Today’s greats occasionally take passionate about, and I have spoken on previous bills in a dip in the bay at Parkdale. this space. Amongst other things, we have established the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, which The commonwealth’s Anti-Money Laundering and is the first one to be set up anywhere in the country. It Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 requires really shows the responsibility that we place on licensees to undertake procedures to identify and verify ourselves and where we think gaming and gambling punters. While these provisions exist in the business reforms should take place. It is important for our rules, this bill makes that clear in the legislation. We are community that we get this right. We provided record also fixing a tax double grab. If Tabcorp manages funding for the promotion of responsible gambling. As fixed-odds betting on behalf of someone in another I said, I know some of that money has been spent in my state, it has to apply tax in both jurisdictions, making own electorate. We have removed ATMs from gaming the Victorian provider more expensive. That in turn venues, and that is a big thing. You do not want people removes a benefit to the Victorian racing industry. Our to keep on getting more cash out because it is easily changes allow the Treasurer to grant exceptions where accessible, so those ATMs have been removed. We appropriate. We are making sure that Victoria does not have moved to introduce voluntary precommitment by lose out should keno games link jackpots across 2015–16, and we have also introduced a range of jurisdictions, just as they do for public lotteries. They responsible gaming programs. will be monitored by the minister and the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation. These reforms were needed after the 11 wasted years under Labor. This bill is the next step in that reform. It This bill also clarifies a conflict in the act. also corrects minor discrepancies between the Manufacturers, suppliers and testers cannot confer a Gambling Regulation Act 2003 and the Tabcorp benefit to venue operators. They may, however, provide licences on things like betting vouchers, identifying a bulk purchase price for gaming machines. This bill punters, interstate fixed-odds betting, keno linked clears that up. It is important that gaming staff who jackpots, bulk purchasing, staff training and drug and interact with patrons are trained on responsible alcohol service funding. There is an awful lot of gambling; however, it is impractical for all staff who common sense in this bill, and I commend it to the might occasionally appear on a gaming floor, like house. cleaners and technicians, to have that training. We are clearing that up as well. Mr MADDEN (Essendon) — I rise to speak on the Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013. In doing In 2004 the Bracks government set up a system so I want to quote from one of the members of the whereby $45 million was taken from taxes that would government, who when in opposition on 11 June 2008 usually go to the Community Support Fund and was said: put instead into consolidated revenue. That money was quarantined to be spent on drug and alcohol services. … gambling taxes are one of the most regressive forms of taxation … The system began in 2004, ran for five years and was extended for a further four years. We are extending it On 23 May 2007 he said: for another four years. We are also deleting obsolete references to minor gaming permits for bingo. The bill How can the government claim to care about problem also contains a range of technical amendments to allow gambling when its tax take from gambling is increasing, when we know that it is problem gamblers who contribute a some of these anomalies to be addressed. disproportionate share of revenue to gambling? This bill covers a great many small but very important These quotes are taken, in actual fact, from the former reforms. Most are designed to control and limit problem Minister for Gaming, the new Treasurer. I suspect that gambling and to keep Victoria a step ahead of gambling Minister O’Brien will need to overcome the differences methods that are likely to arrive in the near future. between the concerns he had then and how he
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pragmatically deals with many of these issues now. If as entertainment for young people, which at the end of he is going to reconcile his own personal views or those the day are in some ways not dissimilar to the gambling which he expressed at that time with his role now, then or gaming forms that are introduced by these he is going to have to think very long and hard about marketplaces. These have been adapted for phones so how you actually take your share of revenue from that you can undertake the same sort of game but gambling or gaming and ensure that you still maintain gamble rather than just play for some points. It is this the books as Treasurer. I look forward to seeing how he sort of subversive promotion that takes place through does that, but I suspect he will continue to have to work the new technologies which I think will be a major through what many governments have to do — that is, concern for governments of all persuasions. That is why make sure that they deliver for all of Victoria, all the harmonisation is very important and why it is important people they are governing for, rather than just trying to for state and national governments to have very strong take the moral high ground and attract attention to controls in this area. themselves, as no doubt Minister O’Brien did when he was in opposition. One of the areas that currently concerns me is spot betting — the rapid spot betting that takes place There is nothing necessarily radical about the changes particularly on sports — and the fact that it is promoted that this bill makes. What we are seeing is some heavily at times such as Sunday afternoons or Friday harmonisation, some cross-jurisdictional administration nights when families are watching television. The way arrangements that relate to keno jackpots and a number that is done is particularly subversive, especially insofar of other issues that, to a large extent, are administrative. as it relates to young people interacting with hand-held They are basically to be expected as you continue to devices such as iPads. They are interested in sport and finetune existing legislation, particularly on the back of in competing, and they find themselves confronted with decisions that have been made in relation to licences in promotions or ads about odds related to sporting events recent years, around Club Keno in particular. and the ability to spot bet quite rapidly. In a sense it is a matter of how exotic this is. The suggestion is, ‘Why No doubt there will be some very significant policy, not get in and place your bet now?’. I suspect that can regulation and administration challenges when it comes lure young people — and not only young people — to gambling and gaming in the not-too-distant future. into sports betting and spot betting, and before you What we are seeing is internet technologies and the know it that activity links to associated issues. globalisation of some of these markets putting enormous pressure on regional governments or I have mentioned compulsive behaviours in this place jurisdictions — as we are here in Victoria, in a sense — before. People who suffer from the likes of depressive in relation to the regulation of gambling or gaming. It illnesses or compulsive disorders suddenly find means that you might regulate as much as you can but themselves looking for a distraction from some of those somebody can pick up an iPad and gamble to their things, and before they know it they are heavily heart’s content on websites based in other locations involved in gaming or gambling to the point where it around the world. hurts them to face the reality of the impact of what they have done and also to go back and confront the other Mr Scott — They can do it on their phone. issues they have to confront, which the compulsive disorders have in a sense been a distraction from. Mr MADDEN — That is right — they can do it on their phone. Not only can they do it on their phone, they Therefore I think there are some very significant can be prompted to do it on their phone from places all challenges not only for the new Treasurer, who has to around the world, like Macau — — reconcile his philosophical point of view on taking taxation revenue from gaming or gambling, but also in Mr Scott interjected. relation to the very significant issues we have to face in Mr MADDEN — Yes, or the Ukraine. If you travel relation to the subversive promotion of gambling and to some of these places and somehow they get hold of gaming. It is interesting that the governments of some your phone number, before you know it you are being other countries I have been to in recent years do not let prompted from places around the world to gamble in young children onto racetracks or anywhere near their marketplace. That is a major concern when many betting shops and that gambling and gaming in those young people rely so heavily on the likes of hand-held countries are not promoted on television and not made devices and iPhone technology that it becomes part and to look sexy, luxurious or glamorous. In a sense these parcel of their experience in life. It is also interesting jurisdictions are going down the path we find ourselves that those technologies themselves have inbuilt games now going down with respect to the likes of tobacco and there is some public discussion around alcohol. I
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sense that before too long we will be having greater severity of problem gambling within our communities. in-depth discussions around how gambling is promoted The foundation has been funded with a record publicly and to what extent we find it acceptable $150 million over four years to undertake this very socially for gambling to be promoted in the way it important role in our communities. This demonstrates currently is, particularly when it can already be this government’s clear commitment to achieving subversively promoted in the forms I have already positive outcomes and positive objectives in this area. mentioned. We have also removed automatic teller machines from There is a lot of work to be done, and I look forward to Victorian gaming venues, as we have heard from seeing the Community Support Fund (CSF) money previous speakers, and banned the irresponsible use of invested in some of these areas — in some of the technology in gaming rooms. This includes gamblers research areas around this as well as in some of the using earphones while using gaming machines. This associated alcohol, drug and gambling relief measures has been a practice whereby people using earphones that are needed. I am also very concerned that the CSF while gaming have tended to lose themselves in the money does not seem to be dealt with as transparently moment and lose concentration, clearly to their own as it needs to be. I have seen this happen before. Money detriment at times. The removal of that practice has from funds such as this ends up easily in consolidated certainly been welcomed. revenue. The money is then not used in the manner in which it needs to be used, and before you know it, it has From August 2012 the Victorian gaming industry just become an extension of the operating revenue of transitioned from a duopoly gaming operator system to government. That was never the point of the a new structure in which venue operators gained more Community Support Fund; it was always there for control over their specific gaming operations. The reinvestment in communities through sport, through the government worked very closely with industry on arts — and no doubt the minister across the chamber, implementing the transition to the new gaming industry the Minister for Sport and Recreation, would rely structure as well as the successful establishment of the heavily on it in his sports portfolio, as I did. combined gambling and liquor regulator.
I look forward to seeing that money invested wisely, The main purpose of the bill is to resolve operational and I look forward to seeing the fund reported issues that have arisen with the commencement of the transparently so that we can have continued confidence new licences and the changes to the industry structure that where moneys are raised through the Community itself. While on gaming it must be mentioned that this Support Fund they are not used for pork-barrelling or government continues to lament the lost income from for investing in marginal seats but are used in the way the mismanaged sale of the gaming machine they should be — to make sure that the social issues entitlements that the Auditor-General found were sold associated with gambling and gaming are overcome in for $3 billion less than they were worth. That is the long term. absolutely mind-boggling. It has had a massive negative impact on Victoria’s bottom line and the Mr BULL (Gippsland East) — It is a pleasure to health of our finances. It has impacted greatly on roads, rise to make a contribution to the debate on the hospitals, schools and other very important Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013, following infrastructure where that money could have been the comments of the member for Essendon concerning utilised. his belief that it is only a matter of time before we look at the way we promote gambling in the community. I For a short moment I wish to make some comments on certainly acknowledge and agree with those sentiments. and revisit the establishment of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, which will help In the lead-up to the last election the coalition released reduce gambling harm. This is clearly a key initiative what could only be described as a very comprehensive which this government strongly supports and plan to restore integrity, probity and responsibility to welcomes. The $150 million commitment is the largest gambling regulation in this great state of Victoria. It is in Australian history ever to be contributed to tackling in line with that commitment that since the election this problem gambling. That is the level of the investment government has introduced quite a number of very we are looking at here. It is also a 41 per cent increase significant reforms in this area. As the member for on what was committed by the previous government — Mordialloc stated earlier, these include the creation of a massively significant increase on its contribution. The the independent Victorian Responsible Gambling foundation focuses on early intervention and treatment Foundation. This foundation fosters responsible programs in this area. gambling practices and works towards reducing the
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I am sure that in their travels around their electorates all jurisdictions. It also changes the requirement for funds members on both sides of the house would have seen to be remitted to registered players of the wagering and the impacts of gambling on some sectors of our betting licensee on request from one working day to community. That is why this commitment is clearly one business day. This clarifies the requirements that welcomed by the government and is a very significant recognise the fact that these businesses are now investment. seven-day-a-week operations. This change is obviously needed to reflect business days. The banning of ATMs was put in place to limit access to cash and therefore limit gambling-related harm that Another change this bill makes is to allow the wagering has resulted from very easy access to cash in gaming and betting licensee to accept bets and pay winnings on venues. I am sure that at times this has proved approved simulated racing events by betting vouchers. inconvenient for people who in going about their It notes that restrictions on betting vouchers do not day-to-day business used to extract money from these apply to other types of betting conducted under the venues for other non-gambling-related matters and wagering and betting licence. This refers to what some requirements. But overall, when you take into members may be familiar with — the Trackside consideration the other side of the ledger, this is clearly arrangement that we often see in some of our pubs and a move that was for the public good. Not having that clubs. Races are simulated and you can have a bet on money at arm’s length and readily available allows what are basically cartoon trots, greyhound races and patrons to take a break in play which would allow them horseraces. I am advised by my colleague and upper to perhaps make a better-informed decision on whether house member Mr Drum that he enjoys a bit of a go on or not they wish to proceed. The move has been the Trackside occasionally and that this is a positive supported by strong research and evidence which move and an amendment that will certainly be proved that this is a positive step. This is a reform that welcomed. The bill also makes technical changes to has clearly had a direct benefit on the Victorian public. resolve obsolete references to the operation of minor gaming permits in relation to the conduct of bingo, and I want to make a couple of quick comments. We have ensures that persons who remove cash from gaming heard the Community Support Fund mentioned by machines are not required to hold a gaming industry speakers on both sides of the house in the debate so far. employees licence to undertake this duty. Personally over my relatively short time in the Parliament, nearing two and a half years, I have been One other aspect I wish to mention is that the bill able to make several announcements of significant creates a legislative structure to permit keno licensees funding from the Community Support Fund to the to develop and enter into a linked jackpot arrangement, benefit of my community. The contribution from this which is something that has been sought by the fund to what are very positive and strong community operators. That will also affect keno operators in other outcomes certainly needs to be recognised, and hence I jurisdictions. In summary, the bill further strengthens mention it. Clearly they are very positive and strong the legislative framework and resolves various outcomes that are very much welcomed by our local operational issues that have arisen with the communities. commencement of the new gambling industry structure. It is a positive move. It updates the legislation in line I would also like to talk about some specific aspects of with improved technology and it cuts red tape. I have the bill. We have mentioned the significant investment great pleasure in commending the bill to the house. that has been made by this government in tackling problem gambling. The bill will extend for four more Mr EREN (Lara) — I, too, would like to make a years the existing arrangement that is currently in place contribution to debate on the Gambling Regulation whereby each year $45 million of gambling taxes that Amendment Bill 2013. The bill seeks to make several would otherwise be transferred to the Community amendments to the Gambling Regulation Act 2003. Support Fund is retained in the consolidated fund to The main purpose of the bill is to resolve operational fund drug and alcohol treatment services. That is a very issues that have arisen with the commencement of the important move. new licences and industry structure.
The bill also provides consistency between state The legislation before the house strengthens not only government requirements for the verification of players the integrity and protection of those people who tend to registered by the wagering and betting licensee. It falls enjoy some of their time gambling but also some of the into line with the commonwealth Anti-Money industry itself in terms of making it more transparent. Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act This is among the pieces of legislation that have been 2006, so there is some consistency across the two introduced to the house. It is almost identical to some of
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the legislation that the opposition introduced when it from the fact that more money is needed for sport and was in government. It is good to see that the recreation. As I have indicated on many occasions — government is taking on some of the issues that we and the Minister for Sport and Recreation is in the started. house now — that $45 million would otherwise have been accessed by the former Department of Planning The bill makes further amendments. They include and Community Development through the CSF for allowing the keno licensee to develop linked jackpot sport and recreation, and that is obviously not going to arrangements for keno games with keno operators in be the case now. It would be good if the minister could other jurisdictions; clarifying that a person listed on the get some of that money back through the discussions he roll of manufacturers, suppliers and testers does not has with the Treasurer and Premier by highlighting how commit an offence merely by selling gaming machines important that $45 million is to the sporting and in accordance with a bulk rate published in a price list recreation facilities that are needed right across the or by otherwise acting in accordance with the act, and state. repealing the requirement that a person must not remove gaming tokens, including cash, from a gaming The funding of sport and recreation is obviously one of machine in an approved venue unless the person is the those issues that resonates in the community. It approved gaming venue’s gaming operator, a venue certainly resonates that there are a lot of people who operator or a licensed gaming industry employee. make use of sportsgrounds and recreation areas, and they would like to see more investment in those Further, the amendments include providing for the facilities. I am not saying $45 million should not be Treasurer to exempt certain amounts of money from going to drug and alcohol strategies — of course it being taxed with respect to fixed-odds betting and should — but the government should also allocate what removing the requirement that a person cannot be has been taken out of the portfolio to make sure that registered as a registered player by the wagering and sporting organisations do not miss out on vital funding. betting licensee before the player’s identity has been verified, making it consistent with requirements under I would also like to put on the record some of the great the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism initiatives we had with reforming the gaming industry Financing Act 2006. Further, they include clarifying when we were in government. People would know that that a betting voucher can be used to bet on the Labor undertook significant reforms of the gambling Trackside product and removing the requirement to industry in Victoria, and many of those changes undertake responsible service of gaming training for commenced in August 2012. Gaming venues have persons who do not as a part of their ordinary duties 10-year gaming machine entitlements; keno will be interact with players of gaming machines, including operated by a single licensee, Tabcorp, for a period of cleaners, technicians and tradespersons. There are some 10 years; wagering and betting will be operated by a technical and minor amendments and a removal of single licensee, Tabcorp, for a period of 12 years; and obsolete references that go along with this bill. the list goes on.
Along with my shadow portfolios of sport and We provided some $132 million when we were in recreation and volunteers, I have taken on racing in the government to take action with problem gambling interim while the previous shadow minister, a member initiatives, including reducing maximum bet limits from the other place, is contesting the seat of from $10 to $5 for all gaming machines from January Lyndhurst. As I have said on many occasions, sport, 2010, increasing the penalties for allowing minors to recreation, gaming and racing particularly are important gamble, mandating responsible gambling codes of parts of our culture and lifestyle. We tend to enjoy that conduct for gaming venues, requiring venue operators lifestyle, and any legislation before the house that to have a self-exclusion program approved by the strengthens that lifestyle and makes it even more Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor transparent, such as this, is obviously good. Regulation, giving local councils more planning powers in relation to the placement of gaming machines, a One thing I would particularly like to mention in media and community education campaign highlighting relation to the bill is the extension by four years of the the risks associated with problem gambling, banning current arrangement of $45 million of gaming machine ATMs from gaming venues commencing 1 July 2012 revenue being reserved for payment to the Community and introducing withdrawal limits from ATMs and Support Fund (CSF). This money is used to fund EFTPOS machines. The list of the initiatives we took Victoria’s drug and alcohol strategy. It is good to see when we were in government goes on, and it is good to some moneys going towards that, but at the same time see that the current government is continuing some of it is important that the government does not detract
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that good work. Having said all that, I wish the bill Each individual can make their own choice about before the house a speedy passage. whether to make a precommitment at a venue.
Mr KATOS (South Barwon) — I am pleased to rise The member for Lara spoke about Labor’s policies, this afternoon to make a contribution to the debate on efforts and achievements, if you like, in the gambling the Gambling Regulation Amendment Bill 2013. I will portfolio, particularly with poker machines. However, touch on some of the coalition’s policy around gaming he omitted to mention the $3 billion lost through the and responsible gambling. In July last year the coalition poker machine licence auctions. The previous government established the independent Victorian government could not sell a licence to print money; that Responsible Gambling Foundation, which was a real is effectively where it was at. The licences were valued step forward in trying to reduce harm from problem at $4 billion; they got just under $1 billion from those gambling. It was the first of its kind in Australia, and I poker machine licences. It was a completely botched am proud that this government has gone down that process, and $3 billion in the budget would have been path. excellent.
The foundation has been backed up with a four-year Mr Delahunty — A lot of sportsgrounds; a lot of commitment of $150 million, which is the largest such hospitals. commitment in Australia, as I am sure you know, Acting Speaker Northe, given your role as Mr KATOS — As the Minister for Sport and Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business. That Recreation points out, that could have been spent on represents an increase of 41 per cent on the funding many sportsgrounds, community facilities and even from the Labor government with regard to tackling assets such as police stations and hospitals. They could problem gambling. The foundation seeks to reduce the all have been built with that money. As I said, they prevalence and severity of problem gambling, could not even sell a licence to print money. particularly through intervention and treatment programs and also education. It is good to see that we On the details of this bill, as I said earlier, it extends for are tackling it at the root, rather than at the end, by four years the $45 million per year of gambling taxes trying through education to prevent people from going that would normally go into the Community Support Fund. It will be put into the Consolidated Fund for drug down the path of problem gambling, which is a great step forward. and alcohol treatment services, and it is important to continue that. If you have the responsible gambling One of the other things the coalition government has foundation and VicHealth, you need to have the money done is ban cash withdrawals from ATMs at gaming to back them up so that you can have those treatment facilities. I must admit that it is a bit frustrating for services for alcohol and drugs. those who are not gambling. I often go to the local hotel, which has gaming, and I see patrons who are not The bill also provides consistency between the state and gambling and are a bit frustrated when they want to commonwealth with regard to the verification of a make a withdrawal to buy dinner or a drink. However, player registering for wagering. Basically, at the moment there is a 100-point ID requirement as with the despite the bit of inconvenience of having to get a voucher from the attendant, it is a great step forward in opening of a bank account. In the past TAB betting tackling problem gambling. accounts and those sorts of things were used to launder money, so the 100-point ID requirement was Of all problem gamblers surveyed, 91.1 per cent said introduced. However, at the moment if you want to they have accessed cash at least once during a gambling open a gaming account, you have to have those session, and more than half of those problem gamblers 100 points of ID immediately. This change brings us said they have accessed cash more than twice during a into line with the commonwealth legislation that gambling session at a gaming venue, so it is absolutely provides for a 90-day period, so that if you were to critical that access to cash be halted. Now you have to open an account, you would have 90 days to provide go through a process to get it; you cannot just go to an those 100 points of ID. Importantly, until you provide ATM and keep taking money out. That is a great step that ID, you cannot withdraw money from the account, forward. which I think is sensible. If that were not in place, you would have a 90-day period where someone could do The government is also committed to implementing whatever they liked and push money in and out of precommitment, and that is to be done no later than accounts. Under this amendment you can put money 2015–16. It is a great thing that we should be doing, into an account, but you cannot take it out until you and it will be on a voluntary basis, which is sensible. have provided that ID, which I think is very sensible.
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The bill also makes amendments around the definitions ADOPTION AMENDMENT BILL 2013 of ‘working day’ and ‘business day’. At the moment, when it comes to funds being remitted to registered Second reading players, it may be a working day, but many gaming organisations have a 24/7 operation, and on a Saturday Debate resumed from 6 March; motion of or Sunday it would be difficult to transfer money via Ms WOOLDRIDGE (Minister for Community banks. Therefore a substitution has been made of Services). ‘working day’ with ‘business day’, which effectively is Opposition amendments circulated by Monday to Friday. This bill also allows for the use of Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) under standing orders. betting vouchers. As the member for Gippsland East said earlier with regard to the TAB Trackside game, Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — I lead the opposition’s which is a pertinent example, you get a voucher and at contribution on the Adoption Amendment Bill 2013, present you have to go and cash that voucher. However, which is currently before the house, and I thank the under this legislation, to continue to place a bet you clerks for circulating the amendments. At the outset I could simply use that voucher, which effectively would note that the Minister for Community Services is at the be a form of credit. That is quite sensible. There are table, and I thank her for being here for my contribution also changes around ensuring that people who remove to the debate. No doubt the minister may not be exactly cash from gaming machines would not be required to happy that I did not provide her with amendments prior hold a gaming industry employee’s licence in order to to going into the second-reading debate. However, I undertake this activity. That is quite sensible, and I note that we are deeply disappointed, as the opposition believe that has been done in consultation with made a request in good faith — which is how we have industry. acted at every step of the way — to go into a consideration-in-detail stage on this bill. The bill also clarifies that only people who interact directly with patrons in gaming machine areas of a Since the bipartisan apology in October last year we venue are required to undertake responsible service of have absolutely wanted to work hand in glove with the gaming training. For example, a cleaner going about government to assist in righting the wrongs. That their cleaning tasks obviously would not need to process of the journey was begun last October when undertake this course. That is sensible because it would this house solemnly paused, united in saying that we be silly to require every employee that worked in a sincerely apologised for generations and decades of licensed venue to undertake such training, especially if wrongs that were done in the adoptions in this state. We they clearly had no regular contact with gamblers. The made a sincere request of the government for the first bill ensures that a person listed on the roll of time in two and a half years, when we pleaded with it to manufacturers, suppliers and testers is not in breach of a go into consideration in detail on this bill because it is section of the act that makes it an offence to either so important to the mothers and fathers who were the directly or indirectly confer benefit on a venue operator. subject of that apology last October and so that we For example, there might be a poker machine could raise the concerns, primarily of the mothers, that manufacturer that has a promotional offer that if a had been raised with the opposition and certainly with venue purchased 10 poker machines, it would receive a the government but had fallen on deaf ears. I wish we free one. did not have to propose amendments to this bill. I wish it could have been a collaborative process across both A key purpose of this bill is to allow a structure that sides of the house that would continue the fantastic will allow jackpots to be linked. It is like Tattslotto, spirit of bipartisanship genuinely expressed by both where the main pool is linked across states. I believe the sides of the house last October. proposal is to have Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria all linked into one jackpot. This is a sensible Similarly, we heard the federal Parliament express its thing to do, and this bill facilitates that. I am very sorrow and genuine regret for what occurred over those pleased that this legislation has come before the house. many decades. The apology at that time was for The coalition government has been active with regard mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who were to gaming and problem gambling, and I am more than separated by the policy of adoption. The focus of the happy to commend this bill to the house. apology was on the mothers who were denied their legal and human rights and on adopted people who Debate adjourned on motion of Mr DELAHUNTY were denied their natural families. The issue of fathers (Minister for Sport and Recreation). and grandparents can be complicated, but in some cases Debate adjourned until later this day. they actively supported the adoption or were not
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supportive of the mother. In many cases fathers and House prior to the last sitting week, when this bill was grandparents were also hurt by the separation, either scheduled to be debated, in the week beginning because their wishes were not respected or they were 19 March, that the opposition felt the second-reading excluded from decision making. debate needed to be deferred for another week primarily because, in the first instance, that debate In some cases the apology was to all people affected by would coincide with the apology in the national adoption, including intercountry adoptees and those Parliament. That would have resulted in an invidious mothers who came from interstate or overseas to have choice for mothers to have to make as to whether to be their children. Adoption in this period of time was not present at the apology in Canberra or to be here for this used in the best interests of the mother, father or child. debate. The legal, health and welfare systems that were administered, regulated and/or funded by the state The opposition was really pleased that the government facilitated this separation of children from their parents. acceded to that request. We also hoped, given that there At its worst, there are examples of publicly funded were another three non-sitting weeks, that the institutions where mothers were denied their legal government, and in particular the minister, would rights and suffered abuse of human rights. In many accede to the many requests from the well-known instances the child appears to have been removed stakeholders in this important issue — groups like despite the intentions or protestations of the mother or Origins, the Association of Relinquishing Mothers, father and by disregarding the cooling-off periods Independent Regional Mothers and Vanish, as well as required under legislation. For many mothers the other groups like Berry Street that had previously been process of adoption, whether forced or under social involved with adoptions and have also expressed pressure, has left them emotionally scarred and lacking concerns about this bill. Sadly, that has not occurred. in self-esteem. No matter what the circumstances of the We were really hoping the minister would meet with separation, almost every mother feels guilt or shame members of those groups, actually listen and respond to that will not recede with the passing of the years, their concerns and make some changes. recognised in many as post-traumatic stress syndrome. An honourable member interjected. In the light of this pain that still continues following the apology, these mothers felt they had great hope about Ms GREEN — You have had your chance to what the next steps would be, that the next steps could introduce the bill; now it is time for the opposition to lead to genuine reparation and genuine cooperation. express some facts in this Parliament on behalf of the That is what anyone should expect if someone is mothers with whom the minister has refused to meet. genuinely sorry for a wrong. Sadly, that is not what we The minister has not met with members of any those have seen, and I am nonplussed and deeply disturbed that the minister has publicly prided herself on groups since the apology was made in October last numerous occasions, both in opposition and in year. The members of those groups are absolutely government, as being available to meet with anyone horrified. I have not met anyone and no-one has written who had concerns about matters within her portfolio. to me, phoned my office or contacted any of my colleagues to say that they are supportive of contact I was very pleased that representatives of the statements that apply to only one party. Contact opposition, including myself, a member for Northern statements have never been used in this state, but the Metropolitan Region in the other place, Jenny Mikakos, bill introduces them with criminal sanctions and a the member for Pascoe Vale and two opposition staffers penalty of $8400 attached to them. had a briefing with the department, facilitated by the minister’s chief of staff, Ben Harris, and assisted by the I would like to read a letter that I received from a minister’s adviser, Anna Schulze. Following the mother who is deeply disturbed about the introduction briefing it was quite clear to the opposition that there of contact statements, vetoes and fines. The letter is were going to be problems, given some of what is addressed to the Minister for Community Services and states: contained in this bill. When I heard the words of apology from Mr Baillieu to those Given the concerns that have been raised with the who had their children forcibly removed from them just for opposition and the concerns that were raised and sent in being unwed, I sobbed and sobbed; at last acknowledgement writing to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations for all the long years of hard work I and many other mothers Committee, the opposition was at pains not to play had endured, to finally hear the words that validated all that politics with this in any way, shape or form. That is we had professed happened to us. why we respectfully advised the then Leader of the
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The apology continued and then I heard the wonderful words fundamentally flawed. Mothers we are talking about that I so longed for. I was promised that at last I would know, who were the subject of that adoption regime are now after 51 years, my own son’s created name. between 50 and 90 years old. Their children were born Mothers came from everywhere afterwards, hugging me with from the 1950s to the 1980s, so they are now between joy, for they all knew how much I wanted to know my son. 30 and 60 years old. It beggars belief that members of These mothers had all met their children, and they knew my the Liberal Party, who have always professed to hold pain. the principle that the state should not interfere and look My son has always refused to have anything to do with me over people’s shoulders, do not trust adults — we are for he truly believes I gave him away without a care. The talking about adults — to regulate their contact between injustice of this has eaten at my very soul for years. My son one another. was taken from me against my will when everyone involved knew that I did not want him adopted. But they took him anyway. The bill has a very good component which members on this side and the stakeholders acknowledge. It is that for At last I could write and let him know I did care. Then you, the first time — and it was included in the apology — Minister, slapped on a veto to prevent me from writing to my mothers will be able to receive identifying information son if he does not wish me to do so. If I did I could face a fine, a sum of, I believe, $8000. about their children. Everyone commends that, but only yesterday I had another mother say to me, ‘Danielle, The Victorian government did not enact the same unjust veto it’s like being given sixpence and then being asked for for our children. five pence back’. That is how mothers feel. They have I am 70 years old; I was just 19 years old when my baby was had the elation of thinking that for the first time they born. When will the punishment and injustice for loving might be able to know information about their children. someone and having a baby whilst unmarried end for me? The same mother said, ‘I’m actually one of the lucky Now, ironically and with unbelievable abject insensitivity and ones. I’ve actually met my daughter’. heartlessness, you send me a letter saying that counselling is going to be available for me. I just can’t believe what I have Members might have heard Lynette Meehan on the just read. Does this government have any empathy? radio this morning when she said, ‘I am one of the lucky ones in that I met my daughter last year’. What a On one hand you say, ‘You can finally know your son’; then on the other hand you say, ‘Only if he wants you to’. Then generous woman to say that. When she was asked how you say you can have counselling, whilst it is your long she had waited, she said that she had waited government that is causing more trauma for me. 41 years — but she considers that she is lucky. There are plenty of mothers like June Smith and others across Have any of you ever suffered post-traumatic stress? Do you have any idea what you are doing to people’s mental state? the state who still fear that now they may never be able Do you give a damn? I just cannot stop crying at the injustice, to explain the truth to their children. the blatant disregard and the cruelty that is still being meted out to us mothers. I am at a loss to understand your total lack I heard the Premier’s response to Jo Fraser from the of empathy. Association of Relinquishing Mothers, who also spoke In the late 1990s I received a letter from Mr Napthine, which I on 774 radio yesterday. She asked the Premier, in a still have, wherein he told me that my son’s adoption was very measured and restrained way, why there is the legal because I had signed the documents. Due to his need for the contact statements, vetoes and fines. The dismissive attitude towards mothers at that time, we suffered Premier responded that he and the minister considered another 15 years trying to get acknowledgement for the past that the bill is about the rights of the child. On the face abuse we suffered. Cold words were uttered in the chamber when mothers saw Mr Napthine there. of it we should all be protecting the rights of the child, but the reality is that at the time of the adoption many There is nothing in this world as cruel as a mother losing her of those mothers were children themselves. It really is baby. But to have her baby stolen is pain beyond measure. Is like what faced Solomon, is it not? How does one anyone there who cares? decide? Do you cut the child in half? Welcome to the Liberal Party; they are still abusing mothers. The reality is that both the mothers who were children Shame on you. and the children who are now adults — they are grown The letter is from June Smith from Alexandra. June has people between 30 and 60 years old — have a right to included a quote from Desmond Tutu: know their origins. When one is talking about the rights of a child, there is a hierarchy. There is a right to know For people to heal, the truth must be revealed. one’s origins. Every one of us who knows our origins, who knows and has been raised in a family we have June’s story explains why the contact statement and been born into, who understands where we got our veto regime that is proposed by this bill is eyes, our hair colour, the way we walk, the way we
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laugh and whether we might have a bung knee, a crook I know the government will use its numbers, and I back or any other inherited genetic disposition — we would urge the member for Frankston, who is now take all of these, the good, the bad and the different, for sitting as an Independent, to take this opportunity to do granted. These people do not know these things. the right thing. The member for Frankston is on the public record as saying that he is very pro-family, and I There is a hierarchy in the rights of a child. There is the respect his views. One of the best things he could do to right of a child to know and there is the right of a parent support families would be to exercise his vote and vote to be able to explain to their child the circumstances with the opposition to ensure that mothers across and what occurred in those adoptions — a right to say Victoria are not subject to these cruel and heartless that often they had no choice at all. The third right is contact statements and vetoes which will expose them that of the child to not know, which is also really to a possible fine of up to $8400. It is a fine of important, even in a practical sense. It may be that a 60 penalty units, which will go up each year — no child has said, ‘Well, I’ve been told that my mother did doubt the Treasurer will announce an increase in not want me, so I’m going to ask the Secretary of the penalties in the next budget — so the fine will be more Department of Human Services to have a contact than $8400. statement and a veto. I don’t want to know that person who gave me away’, but even in a practical sense, in These women, most of whom would be on age matters of life and death, one might need to know. One pensions or limited fixed incomes and who may never could find suddenly that one had a hereditary illness have had a career or earnt a lot of money due to their and needed to know the background. trauma over this, may well be subject to this cruel fine. I commend the women on the Mornington Peninsula Ms Wooldridge interjected. who have been in contact with the member for Frankston. I heard a beautiful interview by Elizabeth Ms GREEN — It could be urgent. Will the Edwards from Origins, with Glenn Ridge on 3MP, and bureaucratic wheels turn quickly enough? The minister I urge the member for Frankston to listen to that. is trying to respond across the table. If the minister wanted to talk back, answer questions and respond, she I would also like to read from an email written by Faye had the opportunity to do that — — Nyssen to all of us in this place:
The SPEAKER — Order! I advise the member to I am deeply concerned about the contact statement that is just ignore interjections across the table. attached to the change to adoption legislation that is about to be debated this week. Ms GREEN — I will reiterate what I said during I have my list of reasons attached for you to print and take debate on the government business program today: that with you. I do have ongoing contact with my daughter, who I the opposition would have loved to be able to ask lost in 1969. So the legislation does not apply personally to questions of the minister in this debate, as would me in a practical sense. stakeholders. There were requests from stakeholders — However, I have spent most of my life living with shame and from Origins and many other groups — to the Scrutiny guilt and the pain of loss as have thousands of women like of Acts and Regulations Committee for public hearings, me. After the apology last year and the findings of the Senate and the government used its numbers on that committee inquiry, I found that the oppression of my past was lifting to deny those requests. I am proud of the opposition from my shoulders. With the inclusion of this contact statement, I once again feel like I am a second-class citizen, I members of SARC — the member for Pascoe Vale, the feel this statement says you can’t be trusted as we suspect you member for Melton and the member for Bundoora — of being a bad person. who had the courage to issue a minority report on behalf of those stakeholders, who had and still have Although now, I do have support as I did not in the past, I feel this is a huge insult to us long-suffering mothers who would unanswered questions. They wanted their questions be the last of all to want to cause our now adult children any answered in public hearings because the minister had harm. refused to sit down and meet with them to discuss what this is all about. The opposition would have liked to I have also been contacted by adults who were adopted have a consideration-in-detail stage in this house so that out, who are the children we are discussing now. Even we could have asked questions. No doubt the though these contact vetoes will not apply to them and government will use its numbers to ride roughshod over never have — since 1984 they have been able to the concerns of these mothers, undoing the goodwill contact their mothers — not one of these adult children that was exercised across this chamber in apologising to has contacted me and said that they supported the them. introduction of contact statements, vetoes and fines. In
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particular, Michael O’Meara, a Kinglake resident and member of the minister, who is also the Minister for constituent of mine, wrote the following to me: Mental Health, to describe these women in those terms. If the minister did not know about it before now, she Thank you for your valuable time today, and I am pleased should be prepared to do something about it. I could with the hearing afforded to me. never have someone working on my staff who held that I just need to — attitude about these women.
reiterate — Ms Wooldridge — On a point of order, Speaker, I do not believe this is relevant to the bill we are that I as an adopted person have no issues whatsoever that the biological mother and father of the child lost to forced debating, and I think it is inappropriate. I am very adoption/abduction be granted the identifying information happy for the member to raise that directly with me, but that we, the adopted, were afforded in the 1984 act. I think she should return to the bill.
Secondly, I see no need for vetos (contact statements) and the The SPEAKER — Order! I have some concern proposal as drafted is discriminatory and does not comply whatsoever with recommendation 15 of the Senate report. about the raising of this issue as far as ministerial staff Other legislation deals with any matters arising including are concerned. I have some concerns about that, so I stalking. ask the member to get back to what is in the bill.
He goes on, explaining some other concerns in relation Ms GREEN — I will return in a minute. No-one to overseas adoptions that I will come back to. knows where this contact statement proposal has come from, in a one-sided way. The stakeholders said if it Vanish, an organisation that is primarily known to was a contact statement regime that regulated contact represent adopted children — it does have mothers in from both parties, it would not have been so bad, but to its ranks but it has been identified primarily as punish these mothers again is fundamentally wrong. If representing those who have been adopted — has also the only reason behind this is the attitude of someone expressed deep concerns about this; they do not support unknown or unnamed, I say that no-one has called for it. this, it is immoral and it should be struck out from this bill. The opposition will not support it. The community If we had been able to go into consideration in detail on does not support it. The bill is so badly drafted that it this bill we could have addressed this matter. I know all even seems to apply to all mothers. There is no date in the mothers and the adult children who have been the bill. It seems the bill may even apply to mothers adopted want answers as to where the evidence is that whose children were adopted last week. This does not the mothers, who are now elderly women, pose any right the wrongs. It does not continue with the spirit of physical or psychological threat to the adopted children. bipartisanship and the heartfelt sentiments in the Many people have said, ‘The truth shall set you free’, apology. and that is how these mothers felt after the sincere apology was made in this house. So they do not The minister needs to go back to the drawing board. understand why the truth cannot continue. They do not We will not be silent on this, and I urge the member for understand why these cruel contact statements, these Frankston to vote with the opposition on its cruel vetoes and these cruel $8400 fines are being amendments. introduced at this point in time. Ms McLEISH (Seymour) — I rise tonight as lead I have given out bouquets in the past to ministerial and speaker to speak in support of the Adoption departmental staff for their briefings to the opposition, Amendment Bill 2013 introduced by the Minister for and certainly in relation to the apology I paid tribute to Community Services. I note the comments that have Anna Schulze for her work and for her briefing to the been made by opposition members and the opposition. Had the minister been prepared to listen and amendments circulated, but if they had wanted serious to take this bill to the consideration-in-detail stage to attention to be given to those amendments they would consider the amendments I have proposed in this have given substantial notice rather than putting them chamber to remove these cruel contact statements, on the table 10 seconds before they rose to speak. vetoes and fines, I would never have mentioned this. But I have to say that I witnessed the most appalling Ms Green interjected. words from a political staffer that I have ever heard. In that briefing Anna Schulze described these mothers as The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Yan ‘crazy mothers’, not once but on three occasions — Yean has had her go — 30 minutes. It is enough. ‘crazy mothers’. What an insult it was for a staff
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Ms McLEISH — As we know, the subject of the We have heard a number of comments from the bill that we are debating tonight is extremely sensitive opposition lead speaker, the member for Yan Yean, to and emotional for many. There are myriad people out which I will draw the attention of the house. I refer to there with different experiences, thoughts and beliefs on the claims made regarding the failure of the Minister this, and the bill that has been put forward is very much for Community Services to consult. The member for about providing a balance and making it work for Yan Yean claimed the minister did not consult, so let us everybody involved, and I mean the parents who were check the facts. In August last year the minister met forced or chose to give up a child, but also the children with stakeholders about the apology and subsequent who are now well and truly adults. Among other things action. She has had more than 20 conversations with this bill makes amendments in two particular areas that groups and individuals regarding the amendments. I will talk about: allowing the natural parents to access identifying information about their adopted adult child; Ms Green — On a point of order, Speaker, I do not and at the same time allowing those adopted individuals want to interrupt the flow of the contribution by the to veto or regulate the amount of contact that they have. member for Seymour, but my point of order is that I I want to draw the chamber’s attention to what has need to correct her. I did not say there had not been happened nationally and the reforms that are consultation. continuing, of which some elements are under way in other states, and put them in the context of that national The SPEAKER — Order! That is not a point of order. framework.
At the time of the apology in October last year, which I Ms Green — I just want to clarify it; it was spoke on, the government did a number of things in misleading. addition to saying it would introduce the bill. There The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the member for were four practical measures to help to better respond Yan Yean to take her seat. to the needs of those who have been affected by an adoption. One thing we did was remove the fees and Ms Campbell — On a new point of order, Speaker. provide free access to the personal and family information through FIND — Family Information The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Pascoe Networks and Discovery — for the people who are Vale is wasting the other member’s time. I would hate affected by past adoptions. That has operated from that to think that might happen to her. What is the point of time, so it has been operating now for nearly six order? months. We also promised that we would enhance support for specialised counselling and support, not just Ms Campbell — Speaker, I do not appreciate being in the bigger city regions but in rural areas as well. Last threatened by you. week some more details were announced around this The SPEAKER — Order! What is the point of initiative. We have provided half a million dollars in order? I did not threaten the member in any way, shape support of this initiative over two years — that is or form. $500 000 in support of counselling for people who have been impacted. Ms Campbell — My point of order, Speaker, is that the member is not to mislead the house, and what she is The government also committed to support the claiming is not what the member for Yan Yean said. development of an integrated birth certificate, again in the context of the national reforms that are taking place. The SPEAKER — Order! That is not a point of This work is progressing through COAG — the order; that is a point of debate. Council of Australian Governments — and we are continuing to support that. Ms McLEISH — I will continue, and I will mention that the — — Finally — the reason we are here today — we undertook to amend the principal legislation, the Ms Green — Speaker, if you will allow me to make Adoption Act 1984, to allow birth parents to receive my point, I will let the member for Seymour continue. identifying information about their adopted children, but also to introduce the contact statements, which will The SPEAKER — Order! That would be very nice allow the adopted person to regulate the contact as they of the member for Yan Yean, as the member for wish. Seymour did — she allowed the member for Yan Yean to speak for 30 minutes without interruption.
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Ms Green — I am trying to assist the member for Noes, 39 Seymour. Allan, Ms Howard, Mr Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms The SPEAKER — The member is not assisting her Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms at all. Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms Ms Green — I am. She is misleading the house, Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr because I did not say — — Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr D’Ambrosio, Ms Merlino, Mr The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the member for Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr Yan Yean to take her seat. Edwards, Ms Noonan, Mr Eren, Mr Pallas, Mr Ms Green interjected. Foley, Mr Pandazopoulos, Mr Garrett, Ms Perera, Mr The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Yan Graley, Ms Richardson, Ms Green, Ms Scott, Mr Yean! Halfpenny, Ms Thomson, Ms Helper, Mr Trezise, Mr Ms Green interjected. Hennessy, Ms Wynne, Mr Herbert, Mr Debate interrupted. Motion agreed to.
NAMING AND SUSPENSION OF MEMBER The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Yan Yean will be suspended for the remainder of the day. Member for Yan Yean Honourable member for Yan Yean withdrew from The SPEAKER — Order! I name the member for chamber. Yan Yean, and I ask the minister in charge of the house to take the appropriate action. Sitting suspended 6.34 pm until 8.02 pm. Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and ADOPTION AMENDMENT BILL 2013 Small Business) — I move:
That the member for Yan Yean be suspended from the Second reading service of the house during the remainder of the day’s sitting. Debate resumed. House divided on motion: Ms McLEISH (Seymour) — I wish to draw the Ayes, 43 house’s attention to the Senate inquiry, which was Angus, Mr Mulder, Mr reported in 2012. The Senate Community Affairs Asher, Ms Napthine, Dr References Committee conducted an inquiry into the Baillieu, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr commonwealth contribution to former forced adoption Battin, Mr Northe, Mr policies and practices. The legislation we are Bauer, Mrs O’Brien, Mr Blackwood, Mr Powell, Mrs introducing here allows for adopted people to regulate Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms contact, should they wish. I remind the house of the Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr specific wording of recommendation 15 of the Senate Clark, Mr Smith, Mr R. inquiry, that: Crisp, Mr Southwick, Mr Delahunty, Mr Sykes, Dr all adult parties to an adoption be permitted identifying Dixon, Mr Thompson, Mr information; Fyffe, Mrs Tilley, Mr Gidley, Mr Victoria, Mrs all parties have an ability to regulate contact, but that there be Hodgett, Mr Wakeling, Mr an upper limit on how long restrictions on contact can be in Katos, Mr Walsh, Mr place without renewal … Kotsiras, Mr Watt, Mr McCurdy, Mr Weller, Mr The legislation we are putting forward represents a McIntosh, Mr Wells, Mr McLeish, Ms Wooldridge, Ms balance. It is a compromise, a middle road between Miller, Ms Wreford, Ms both sides of the debate. On the one hand there is that Morris, Mr group of people we have heard from and understand who want complete, open access. However, their view needs to be balanced with that of those who claim they
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want no contact whatsoever. We have found the middle house that we have not got it unless this legislation is ground here, and this bill is very similar to what has amended, unless this house supports the amendments been adopted elsewhere. In fact the governments of put forward in the name of the member for Yan Yean South Australia and the Northern Territory have been but screamed for by mothers whose children were even tougher on this. They have moved to a policy of stolen. These are the amendments that their children no contact, of no details being released, even names, if also want. that is what the adopted person wants. The member for Yan Yean earlier said that the contact statement idea we We did not produce these amendments from thin air; are introducing is fundamentally flawed, yet the Senate we came up with them because we listened, which is committee supported that idea. I am wondering whether more than you can say for the Minister for Community two members of that Senate committee, Senator Moore Services. She interjected when the member for Yan from Queensland and Senator Brown from Tasmania, Yean was speaking, saying, ‘I consulted’. Yes, she did were fundamentally flawed in their judgement, because consult. She consulted before the apology, and among they made an enormous number of inquiries into what the recommendations put to her prior to the apology is very much an emotionally charged issue. was that the nine principles of the Canadian apology were the only terms upon which mothers would accept As I said at the outset, there are myriad situations and our apology — and they have not been implemented in opinions. I find it quite difficult to understand why this legislation. The minister has blown up her own opposition members are behaving as they are and apology by failing to implement what was put to her by making the claims they are making. They were in mothers. power for some 11 years and had opportunities to bring some of these matters to our attention if they had Mothers and fathers are in this horrible position because wished to. They did not take the opportunity to have the this particular piece of legislation was not the subject of Parliament apologise for forced adoptions, they did not consultation with the major stakeholders. It was not the change the regime which prevented mothers from subject of consultation with Origins Victoria, with the accessing information, they did not remove the fees for Independent Regional Mothers, with the Association of accessing family information and they did nothing to Relinquishing Mothers (ARMS) or with Vanish. provide specialist counselling. Many members of the Yesterday we all got correspondence from Berry Street. opposition in the Parliament today were senior The adoption agencies themselves have not been members of the Bracks and Brumby governments and consulted on this legislation. could have shown their full support in this matter. In 1997, I think it was, Jeff Kennett uttered the words Prior to going to the minister’s office for the briefing I, ‘forced adoption’ in relation to Aboriginal people. along with the member for Yan Yean and Jenny Mikakos, a member for the Northern Metropolitan Those words were not raised again in this chamber until 2012. Those opposite have remained silent on this for a Region in the other place, received briefings from a very long time. No doubt it is an extremely emotional range of organisations, mums and adoptive parents. The and sensitive issue, and the legislation we have put natural mums included both those whose children were forward looks for that middle ground between the two stolen for adoption and relinquishing mothers. I will parties, who want respectively open access or no read from notes I took at the time — my access. I commend the bill to the house. contemporaneous notes. They said to us, ‘It’s discriminatory’ to only apply these contact statements, Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) — Natural mothers vetoes and penalties to mothers — and they are not just welcomed the Victorian apology for past forced any penalties; they are criminal penalties. ‘We are still adoption practices; they welcomed the bipartisanship. being treated as second-class citizens’, they told us. The Senate report was welcomed because it was ‘We are not worthy to see our child’s face 40–50 years bipartisan. The amendments that have been put up by on’. A contact statement is put in place for five years. the opposition today should be welcomed and ‘Look at us’, they said. ‘Look at our age. Many of us supported in a bipartisan approach. The opposition has could literally die in those five years’. They said, ‘Our done everything humanly possible to make sure that the children are adults. They’re in their 40s and 50s’ — and advance in personal affirmation of natural mothers by some of them are in their 60s. this Victorian Parliament would be reinforced in this legislation, but I am ashamed to say that it is not. Many As an aside — this was not said to us in terms as strong of us have watched My Fair Lady and are familiar with as the statements I have just outlined — these contact the expression, ‘By Jove, she’s got it!’. A number of the statements, vetoes and criminal penalties could also be mums whose children were stolen for adoption thought put in place for situations in the open adoption era. Back, however, to what the mums and organisations that with that apology we had got it. I am telling this
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had to say. ‘What do they think we will do with our all parties — children or to our children?’ they asked. ‘The bond is all parties — still there. The umbilical cord was cut, but the spiritual connection can never be cut’. They also told us that have an ability to regulate contact, but that there be an many reunions had not got off to a good start at the upper limit on how long restrictions on contact can be in beginning but that they were adults and so were their place without renewal; and children, so the reunions could improve, working all jurisdictions provide an information and mediation together, as they understood those familial bonds. service to assist parties to adoption who are seeking information and contact. ARMS representatives, who are relinquishing mothers — they were not the mothers whose children There is not a phrase, not a word, about criminalising were stolen; they actually relinquished their children — women. told us over and over again, ‘We are mothers. We respect our children. We would never do anything to I just do not have enough time; I wish I had another hurt them’. Then they summed up, saying, ‘Perhaps it’s hour to tell this house how bad it is. Go to the Scrutiny the fear of the unknown. Perhaps the department is of Acts and Regulations Committee reports. Do the fearful of the unknown’. One of them turned around jurisdictions that have vetoes and contact statements and said to me, ‘We are still being treated like naughty have it one-sided? Do they have criminal penalties to girls’. After the subsequent briefing at the minister’s the level that we have? No. Do the other jurisdictions, office, I apologised to them. I said to them, ‘I corrected in 2013, say that they are now going back to having you when you were trying to brief us. I told you, “The open adoptions and the same provisions as pre-1984 minister would not be still treating you like naughty adoptions? No. In fact if you look at the interstate girls. Something has gone wrong. We’ll do what we jurisdictions, you will see that the Australian Capital can to fix it”‘. This was only to find that when we went Territory does not make it a criminal offence; New again to the minister’s office — and again I have my South Wales does not criminalise it; Queensland has contemporaneous notes — and the questions were old legislation, pre-1991; and in Western Australia it is asked, ‘Why do we have this legislation that is so not a criminal offence. wrong? Why didn’t you consult?’, the answer we Mrs FYFFE (Evelyn) — I am pleased to speak on received was, ‘Because Victoria wanted to be the first the Adoption Amendment Bill 2013. Adoptions were state to bring in this legislation’. There is nothing carried out willingly and unwillingly and were a wrong with that, but — — commonplace practice in Victoria and much of the Ms Wooldridge interjected. Western world in the 20th century. This Parliament has formally apologised to those affected by such practices, Ms CAMPBELL — This is after the apology. If the and this bill is in response to that apology. The reforms minister wants to engage in a conversation, I suggest are consistent with the Senate Community Affairs she allow the house to go into the References Committee recommendations in its report consideration-in-detail stage. The minister’s office said, titled Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced ‘We have done this because of the Senate inquiry and Adoption Policies and Practices and consistent with its recommendation’. The member for Seymour tried to those in every other state. trot out that nonsense. The Senate recommendation does not talk about criminal penalties for mothers, and Members opposite have criticised what they perceive as it does not talk about vetoes. a lack of consultation by the minister and her department. I think we need to check some facts. The Ms Wooldridge — Yes it does. minister met with stakeholders on the apology and subsequent action in August. There were more than Ms CAMPBELL — I will read the Senate 20 conversations with groups and individuals regarding recommendation to the minister, in case she has not got the amendments; many email exchanges; several it with her. It says: meetings with ministers, office staff and department staff; and discussions within the government and within The committee recommends that the Community and Disability Services Ministers Conference agree on, and the coalition. This built on the scores of submissions to implement in their jurisdictions, new principles to govern the Senate inquiry, and the Senate inquiry put out a post-adoption information and contact for pre-reform era 300-page report. This legislation is consistent with that adoptions, and that these principles include that: of every other state, and it really is the height of all adult parties to an adoption be permitted identifying hypocrisy for Labor Party members to stand here and information; lecture this government on what it should or should not
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do with this legislation. I remind the house that Labor honour their statement that they do not want contact. was in government for 11 years. They are quite happy if a message is passed on, ‘I’m happy, I’ve had a good life, but I don’t want to meet Ms Campbell — On a point of order, Speaker, you’. every member in every debate has to be factual and cannot mislead the house. I ask you to draw the Honourable members interjecting. member’s attention to the facts interstate. Mrs FYFFE — They have asked me to say that The SPEAKER — Order! I am sorry, but that is not clearly, and I am saying that for them because I have a point of order; that is a point of debate. If the member sympathy for them because they are now, as has been for Pascoe Vale thinks that the member for Evelyn is said, in their late 30s through to their 50s or 60s, and wrong, one of her party’s members will have a chance they do not want to know. to debate that later. I do not uphold the point of order. There is a lot of sadness with this. There is sadness, Mrs FYFFE — I remind the house that Labor was there is anger and there is guilt with this issue, as there in government for 11 years, and during that time it did is with the women who did not carry on with their absolutely nothing for people affected by adoption, yet pregnancies and who had terminations — terminations its members have the gall to stand there and criticise which in those days were frightfully carried out, which our legislation. The Labor Party was in power for were not legal as they are now and which were horrible. 4000 days. Over that time the Labor government never Women were pushed into having a termination because asked the Parliament to apologise for forced adoptions; the shame of having a child outside of marriage was the Labor government never changed the regime which considered so great. prevented mothers from accessing information; the Labor government maintained, did not remove, fees to It was normal for that time, and it is very difficult for us access family information; and the Labor government to understand in this time. In my first job when I left did nothing about providing specialist counselling. school I was trained as a nursery nurse. It was in a home for children under the age of five in need of care We know that the Labor government was asked to do and protection. Many of them had come from broken each of these things yet did nothing. Many of those families, many had come from single mums who had opposite were senior figures in the Bracks and Brumby tried desperately hard, to keep those children. But of governments, including a number of former ministers course there were no supporting pensions, there were for community services with direct responsibility. not any child endowments, and you were treated like a Labor members did not lift a finger when they had the pariah. If you worked, it was difficult getting people to chance but are happy now to throw criticism from the look after your child safely for you, you could not opposition benches. afford to pay anyone and you were reliant on family. The mothers really were treated like pariahs. My heart Let me remind the house who has taken action — the goes out to those who were forced or, because of coalition government. It is this government, formed by circumstances — their social stature or the fact they had the Liberal-Nationals coalition, that has introduced no money because they had been deserted by their reform. Commentators agree that this legislation is an family and by the father of their child — were left in improvement on the previous act. We should not lose the position where they felt they had no support; they sight of the improvements that the majority agree on. felt that no-one cared.
I note that several passionate advocates have taken Today it is very different; there is so much support on issue with one part of the bill and firmly believe that we offer for single mothers and of course single fathers. should not have contact statements. I do not doubt their But we have to think of those adopted people who do passion and commitment. However, there is another not want to have any contact. I believe they are in the point of view. A few — and I will say it is a few — very small minority. I think the majority of people want passionate people have come to see me and asked me to to know where they have come from and want to know speak on their behalf in this house when this bill came their history, whether it is for an ongoing relationship or forward, and I will do that. These are adoptees who whether it is just to say, ‘Hello. This is my mum, this is have had good lives, fulfilling lives. They do not want my dad, these are my genetics’ — and then move on. It their natural mothers, fathers or grandparents to have is difficult for us to say, but we have to represent the contact with them. They are concerned about being whole community, and we cannot lose sight of these identified and their identity being passed on to other other people. people. They are concerned that not everyone will
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I come back to the bill. I realise that my own personal The legislation comes after a pledge from government story is probably not of much interest to other people, during the recent apology by Parliament for poor past but I am trying to put my perspective on how we have adoption practices. It also comes on the heels of the to look at both sides of this. This bill makes 2012 Senate inquiry into the commonwealth amendments to the Adoption Act 1984. The contribution to former forced adoption policies and amendments in the bill will deliver on the apology practices and its recommendation 15, which is that ‘all made by this Parliament to the parents of those who are adult parties to an adoption be permitted identifying called forcibly adopted children, and parents whose information’. The bill also follows Labor’s landmark biological children were adopted out before 1984 will 1984 legislation and reforms, which gave adult adopted now have the ability to make contact with their child. persons the right to find identifying information about Adopted children will also have the option of protecting their adult parents. It was great landmark reform that their privacy via a contact statement. we are all very proud of.
As I have said before, this is consistent with the I will not spend a lot of time in the debate, and I will legislation in every other state. The formal apology on not go over much of the ground covered by other 25 October last year was very moving, and there were speakers, except to say that I understand how important some very moving contributions made by both sides of the bill is to the many parents whose children were the house. I really felt that it was a bipartisan way of adopted and who desperately want to make contact. It is moving forward with this. I am sorry that it has an extremely emotional issue, and there are many developed into such a tense emotional issue. There are strong beliefs involved. There is a huge amount of strong feelings with this matter, and they are very empathy from everybody in this chamber, particularly genuine feelings, but I hope the debate will continue in on this side, for those parents’ needs and desires to a more measured way than we have seen along the way. access information about their adopted children. It is an extremely important issue to many people, and everybody is entitled to their opinion and entitled to There has been a fair bit said about the consultation express it. That is what we are here for. It is a process for this. Whilst the Minister for Community democracy. We are not to be howled down when we Services, who is at the table, does say that she are representing our constituents in this house. consulted, many groups that have aired their views say otherwise. We are talking about groups that since the I have reservations about the information being legislation was first presented to the Parliament have supplied. I have concerns. It may work beautifully — I had strong opposition to some of the clauses but simply do not know — but I have some reservations. I have have not had an opportunity to put their views to the expressed those reservations to the minister, and I have minister. That is disappointing, given the emotional expressed them to other people. It is probably because aspect and the many years that these people have been of the people who have been to see me that my advocating for changes to the laws. It is a pity and a reservations have been emphasised. However, I shame in terms of the process. commend the bill to the house. I commend the work the minister has done. I especially commend the work that Many of these groups object to the use of contact her staff have done, because they have spent hours statements and the criminal penalties associated with working on this in consultation and in listening. This them. I agree with them 100 per cent on this issue, and I has involved not just the minister and her staff and the come at it from a personal perspective. As friends people who have approached them directly, but also the know, I was adopted, and I was adopted in a more wider group of people they have spoken to. casual way than many in this state. My mother died when I was a year old, and after my father’s second Mr HERBERT (Eltham) — It is a pleasure to speak marriage fell apart when I was a young kid of eight or in the debate on the Adoption Amendment Bill 2013. I nine, he could not raise me. After going to my do not oppose the bill, although I certainly support the grandparents for a year or so, I was adopted by my aunt amendments to remove the clauses relating to contact and uncle. It was not a legalistic thing. They sat down statements and the draconian financial and criminal and talked about what was best for me. My father sanctions that are attached to them in this legislation. simply could not do it — he had to look after his Essentially the bill enables parents whose children were mother — and I was adopted by my aunt and uncle. A adopted to access identifying information about their bit of paper was signed. I do not think it was registered adult adoptee children. That is a good thing, and we anywhere; it was probably not even legal. Nevertheless, fully support it. it was a good arrangement that was undertaken for the betterment of the child — me in that case. It worked well during my life. I saw my father at different
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times — he would come to my birthday — and my aunt parliamentary privilege. Then there was an incredible and uncle raised me well, and that is how it should be. rant at the Speaker, for which she was justly named for the third time in this Parliament. I would like to assure Many parents whose children were adopted, whether the Acting Speaker — — through coercion or because they were young people who did not have many choices at the time, would Mr Wynne — On a point of order, Acting Speaker, dearly like to have a relationship with their children. It this is an important debate and a debate that raises seems to me that what is wrong with these contact emotions. We understand that. However, it is entirely statements and the penalties is that it is such a jackboot inappropriate for the member on her feet to be passing approach to what is basically a personal issue. It is a comment upon the contribution of another member, heavy-handed Big Brother government interfering in because the member was clearly not at that meeting. people’s lives. I am appalled that those opposite, who The member for Yan Yean stands by her statements. I often talk about the freedom and rights of the simply invite you, Acting Speaker, to ask the member individual, could so simply and heavy-handedly jump to return to the bill. across that and say, ‘Government is going to impose this massive sanction on people’. Mr Dixon — On the point of order, Acting Speaker, part of any debate is to refer to previous speakers and Let us have a look at it. Parents who want to make their contributions. That is part of debate, and that is contact with their children will get the identifying what the member is doing — not referring to the information and pick up the phone, send an email or meeting but referring to what one of the previous write a letter. If the child does not want to talk to them, speakers brought up in their contribution to the debate. I they do not have to. It should be a conversation think it is quite in order. between only those people — the mother, father and child, who is no longer a child but a mature adult. It The ACTING SPEAKER (Dr Sykes) — Order! I should be a simple conversation, but there seems to be a do not uphold the point of order. We will continue on view that the parents will harass the person. Of course the bill, treating each other with due respect. that is not true. There are all sorts of sanctions already in our laws, ranging from intervention orders to Mrs BAUER — I would just like to reassure you, Acting Speaker, that I will treat this chamber with restraining orders, that can stop that sort of thing from happening. This bill interferes in what should be a much more respect during my contribution. I am also proper, decent conversation between the birth parents pleased to hear that the opposition will be voting with and the adopted person. I think the state does not have a the government to support this bill, as indicated by the role to put criminal sanctions on that, and this whole former speaker. convoluted, overly bureaucratic process of contact The purpose of this bill is to amend the Adoption Act statements is absolute nonsense. That is why we are 1984 to enable identifying information to be sent to an proposing amendments to the bill to get rid of them, adopted person’s natural parents without getting initial and that is why I support it. consent from the adult adopted person, for the adult adopted person to make contact statements regarding Mrs BAUER (Carrum) — It is a pleasure to speak in the debate on the Adoption Amendment Bill 2013, their wishes for contact from their natural parents to and I am proud to be part of a government that is facilitate this contact if they wish and to enable a introducing reform. I believe this reform balances Victorian birth certificate to be given to a child adopted providing information to birth parents with providing in a Hague Convention country so that their birth is registered in Victoria. Natural parents will now be able the adopted child with the right to refuse that contact. I recognise that this bill is traumatic and difficult, as it to access information about their son or daughter. I always is when we speak about adoption. I place on the believe that allowing birth parents the right to receive record my gratitude to the wonderful families that have this information about adopted sons and daughters been involved in adopting children over many decades without needing their permission first is a great step, and it certainly brings Victoria in line with other in Victoria. Australian jurisdictions. Before I begin I would like to briefly make reference to the member for Yan Yean’s contribution to this debate. Prior to 1984 adoptions in Victoria were closed. This Her speech was marked by a range of inaccuracies, and meant that no information could be accessed by either party, and from 1950 to 1975 at least 19 000 babies there was then an appalling attack on a government staff member, who the member for Yan Yean chose to were given up for adoption. I was proud to be standing name, making accusations under the protection of here in Parliament in October last year when the
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apology for forced adoptions was made by the then over the next two years and include the development Premier, the member for Hawthorn. That was an and delivery of a training package for counsellors to important milestone for the children who were taken or better deal with issues, the management of a panel of relinquished for adoption, many against the will of their qualified counsellors and the development of a website mothers and fathers. It was an emotional day, and it is to assist counsellors with support. A specialist one that I will never forget. I was very proud as the counsellor will deliver counselling, provide a secondary member for Carrum to make a contribution on behalf of consultation service for other counsellors and facilitate the people in my electorate, and I also commend the support groups for the adoption community. Minister for Community Services for her involvement in that day and the forced adoption apology. I am also pleased that our government has removed fees for people seeking access to personal information This practice of forced adoptions continued until the through the Family Information Networks and 1980s, and we are talking about adults who have not Discovery — FIND — service. We have heard in the had a chance to meet their natural parents. I cannot contributions of many speakers from the other side of imagine never having the opportunity to meet my the house that they have concerns about contact maternal or paternal family and grandparents. From statements and that adopted persons can regulate that 1984 the law changed and adopted persons were given contact. Adopted persons will have the ability to refuse full access to identifying information about their this contact; however, birth parents will be given parents. However, this did not extend to birth parents identifying information and parents will still be able to having the same information, and that is what this bill is receive this information about their children. This was a about: we are giving birth parents the ability to know specific recommendation of the Senate Community the name of their baby. Many adopted adults wonder Affairs References Committee, and contact statements about their natural parents and are forever wondering, operate in all other states and territories, so this is with unanswered questions raised year after year on consistent with other jurisdictions. many significant anniversaries — birthdays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. This bill will go a long way in As I mentioned at the start, I am very proud to be part facilitating contact between adopted adults and their of a government that is introducing this reform. This natural parents. has not happened before. We have criticism coming through, but the former government did not take any The historic apology made last year provided comfort steps to do this; we certainly are taking steps, and it is to those who were never granted the right to know their about providing a balance so that mothers, fathers and natural parents. In my electorate of Carrum I have the birth parents can receive information, but if they have privilege of knowing a constituent, Velda Hogan, concerns with that, adopted children still have the right whose personal story was told at last year’s apology. I to refuse contact. With those comments, I would like to believe it was part of the member for Yan Yean’s commend the minister once again and commend the contribution, and I also touched on it back in October. bill to the house. Velda mentioned that she was raised in a Good Shepherd institution. After becoming pregnant she gave Mr McGUIRE (Broadmeadows) — I rise to make a birth to her daughter, who was removed from her. It is contribution on the Adoption Amendment Bill 2013, moving to hear Velda’s story, to see her strength and to because I am concerned about how the hope and know that she had her baby daughter taken from her but goodwill generated by the apology for past forced then became united with her only a couple of years ago. adoptions have so quickly evaporated. Before Only recently, several weeks ago, Velda told me that addressing the causes and proposing remedies, it is being involved in that historic apology was one of the worth recapping what happened in this place on highlights of her year. She was absolutely tickled pink 25 October last year. to meet with the then Premier while she was here visiting on that day. I will refer to my contribution, which attempted to capture the importance and emotion of that occasion. I commend the former Premier and also the Minister My speech began: for Community Services for their work in this area. The wail was a primal scream that rose from beyond the Only recently the minister also announced that the chamber. The release of raw emotion cut to the bone; it was government will be allocating $500 000 in funding to as powerful and moving as the elegant speeches this house enhance services for people affected by these past had just witnessed from leaders and members from all sides adoption practices. This will include an increase in of politics. support for counselling services to not only metropolitan areas but also rural areas. This will occur
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I went on to say that the apology for past forced That is what we are talking about here. How do we get adoptions: the balance right so people can resolve these issues and not be shadowed right to the end of their lives by these … defined the best of the parliamentary system in bearing concerns? The statement continues: witness, delivering acknowledgement, easing a burden of history and restoring a measure of grace. Rather than continuing on this path of hope, Minister Wooldridge has damaged this goodwill by failing to consult This is the issue I want to address; this is about a at all with any stakeholders prior to, or since, introducing the measure of grace. The apology was such a success that current adoption bill that is before the Parliament. those who wanted to participate could not be contained in Parliament House and the audience spilt across the I am quoting here from the statement put out by these road. To capture the symbolism and emotion of the day key groups, and I note that the minister formerly at the I refer to what happened at the ceremony at the table has intervened and contested this issue, but let us Windsor Hotel: move beyond that. It is not about the blame game; let us get a result. I want that on the record. This is the … a toddler chomping on a purple dummy brought home the response from key stakeholders. According to the full weight of innocence lost. stakeholders: Her blond ponytail bounced around the room as she ran alternately into the embrace of her mother and father, This bill has a number of worrying aspects that undermine the laughing and playing, blissfully innocent to the enormity of apology. the occasion. Today we also witnessed tears as each speech officially recognised how laws and hearts had been broken. That is a sad result because I do not think it was ever intended. It proposes to introduce contact vetoes on This was a day to savour, and I would like the natural parents contacting their adult children, backed Parliament to get back to that tone we were able to up by criminal sanctions, including fines of more than strike and to address the issues of how we get the $8000. These penalties are extremely hurtful, one sided contention out of this piece of legislation and how we and completely against the spirit of the apology. This is put back a measure of grace. How have such hope and the critical point here. How did we get to this situation, goodwill fallen so quickly into contention? and is this really a common-sense, practical response Stakeholders the Association of Relinquishing Mothers that is necessary? The statement goes on to say: (Victoria) Inc., Independent Regional Mothers, Adoption Origins Victoria Inc. and Vanish have The recent Senate inquiry recommended that the ability to regulate contact should be given to all parties, not just released a joint statement that addresses key concerns. adopted persons, but the inquiry never once advocated It is headed ‘Premier must remove contact vetoes and criminal sanctions. The parties to this statement have never criminal sanctions from mothers and fathers in adoption supported contact statements and believe that this bill’. I will go to this in detail because it sums up the recommendation was highly flawed. key points that need to be addressed. The statement Other states are abandoning contact statements and vetoes says: and are starting to allow siblings and other relatives to access identifying information. The state apology for past adoption practices was a special occasion for parents and adopted persons who were badly This bill turns back the clock by bringing in contact affected by past adoption practices, practices which caused statements enforced by criminal law in a state where no such trauma and pain. Half a century since the Adoption Act 1958 rules have been necessary in the past. legalised these practices, this trauma and sense of loss is still being felt by parents and their children. That is the critical proposition, and I still think we as a Parliament should work in good faith to try to resolve This is a critical point; people carry this like a shadow. this matter. Again I refer to the statement from these It stays with them. That is the issue we have to address. leading advocacy groups, where they say: How do we come up with a better way of resolving these matters? The statement goes on to say: We sincerely call on Premier Denis Napthine to direct Minister Wooldridge and to remove contact statements and This apology went some way to help with the healing criminal penalties from the bill as these are deeply hurtful and process. completely unnecessary.
The coalition government’s pledge to legislate to right some The affected parents are now in their 60s and 70s and their of these wrongs was met with great hope, support and adult children in their 30s and 40s — they are not young goodwill. For many mothers and fathers, the opportunity to be children. able to finally receive identifying information about their children is long overdue, a desire that many mothers and That point is critical. fathers haven’t lived to see.
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We believe that as adults, parties to past adoptions should be captured the realities in a practical common-sense way. trusted to regulate contact between each other. With those words I sum up by endorsing his view, and I That is fair enough; that is fair and reasonable. commend the amendments to the house.
Indeed natural parents have been coping with contact from Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I rise to make a their adopted children since the passing of the Adoption Act contribution to debate on the Adoption Amendment 1984, so it seems bizarre that the coalition government should Bill 2013. The purposes of the bill as defined in consider that adult adopted persons would be unable to cope clause 1 are: with contact from their natural parents. (a) to remove the requirement for obtaining an adult Again, that is the common-sense, practical, fair-minded adopted person’s consent before giving identifying thing to do. information to the adopted person’s natural parent; and
We simply don’t need further laws that apply only to ageing (b) to provide for adult adopted persons to make contact natural mothers and fathers. Existing laws which cover all statements about their wishes for contact with their community members provide adequate sanctions against natural parents; and unwanted contact and harassment. (c) to enable a birth certificate to be issued for a child This is again a fair and reasonable point — that the law adopted in a Convention country, whose adoption is is already there if contact is not wanted. recognised under …
In addition, this bill is so flawed that the new contact a section of the act. The bill introduces the use of statements and criminal penalties appear to apply to all contact statements by adopted people to regulate or natural parents including those from the post-1984 system of refuse contact as they may wish. There is some history open and transparent adoptions. that needs to be put on record, and I will go through That needs to be fixed. The statement from major some of that history. The Victorian Parliament has stakeholders concludes: apologised for past adoption practices, and as members we were all here at a very emotional moment for In the spirit of the apology and in bipartisanship, as Victoria when we apologised for those practices. stakeholders representing adopted persons and their parents we support the government in its plans to give mothers and Those practices, as so many members have said, fathers the rights to identifying information but implore them to amend the bill to give true weight to these very rights and continued through the 1950s to 1975, during which not undo the good work of the Victorian parliamentary time about 19 000 Victorian children were adopted. apology. Prior to 1984 the adoptions were closed. The law changed in 1984 to provide for a more open and Those issues and those statements from the key people transparent process. The 1984 changes allowed adopted involved in this debate really sum up the proposition. persons to access information identifying their natural Labor is raising these concerns about a number of parents. The same rights did not extend to the birth clauses, proposing amendments and inviting the parents. government to adopt these changes in consideration in detail. This is the way we can remedy this whole The bill will allow natural parents to access identifying situation. information about their children. A contact statement will be a framework around whether or not contact can I also draw the attention of the house to the minority be made. The statement can be revised every five years, report from the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations and those changes will come into effect on 1 July 2013. Committee that provided some practical advice for the Overseas adoptions are also covered by the bill. As I government, which is worth noting, particularly will talk about later, one hears a lot about overseas concerning the issue of penalties. The apology in adoptions, but as we went through the information the Parliament in October followed a Senate inquiry that figures turned out to be a lot less than I would have found that tens of thousands of babies were forcibly thought. The Hague Convention is the key to taken from their mothers between the 1950s and 1970s. recognition of adoption, but it does not allow access to Most of the mothers were young and unmarried. Let us a Victorian birth certificate; that has been changed. not compound the grief that they have suffered. Let us listen to their reasonable requests and afford them a We all know how difficult the adoption issue is. We all measure of grace. know someone who has been affected, and we have all seen the pain that they have gone through. It is pain that I commend the member for Eltham and other speakers in many cases we cannot feel or understand, but it on the Labor side, but particularly the member for extends to many, and even my family has an adopted Eltham, who provided a very personal response that
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relative, so that is something we have watched and the Sunraysia region we have 27 nationalities and the understood as people have sought information about core of our community would certainly have been in their past. place during that 1950 to 1975 period when we had the influx of post-World War II migration to Mildura. For those seeking information now, Victoria has some relevant authorities in the Family Information Networks An interesting part of this is how many adoptions now and Discovery — FIND — in Melbourne, Connections take place in Victoria. The number is small. On the in Windsor, Catholic Care in Footscray and Anglicare information I have, 64 took place in 2011–12. Of those, Victoria in Yarraville. I come from a country electorate, 36 adoptions were intercountry adoptions, with 23 and for many in the country it is a difficult task to be under the Hague convention and 13 under the able to make those connections, but I have faith in those non-Hague convention. The non-Hague convention is bodies that I am sure reach out to the country and to important because that is how we work with the rest of country people. the world. I think we have all read of and seen enough information about some of the issues that arise with In relation to identifying information and the issue of overseas adoptions. what can be released, a copy of the adoption order and copies of other records at the time of the adoption may Another question that is in a lot of people’s minds and also be released — for example, a copy of the was raised by the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations prescribed form that the natural parents signed at the Committee (SARC) relates to some of the provisions time of the adoption — so that information will now be about natural parents, who should not be treated available. unfavourably. Members of SARC and others were concerned that the provisions strike a balance between It also crosses the minds of a lot of people that there the rights of natural parents and adoptive parents within may be a small number of people who do not know that a unique relationship. The bill is an attempt to find a they were adopted and who even now, when someone balance in a difficult situation. The members of SARC inquires about them, are contacted by the relevant were also concerned about providing identifying authority to advise them that an application has been information about adopted persons without arbitrarily made for their identifying information. That contact is interfering with their privacy. made sensitively, and relevant authorities will provide or direct a person to a counselling service. There are Another great issue of balance in the time we live in is some structures there, and that is important. the right to privacy. The bill gives natural parents the right to be provided with identifying information about We have also had a Senate inquiry held by the adopted persons without the consent of the adopted Community Affairs References Committee into the person, which was previously prohibited. commonwealth’s contribution to the former forced adoption policies and practices. The committee’s To wind up, I refer to a little bit of information about recommendation 15, as I understand it, is that all adult birth certificates which is also relevant. Children who parties to an adoption should be permitted identifying have been adopted since 1998 can apply for a birth information and all parties should have the ability to certificate, but for children adopted from Hague regulate contact, but that there should be an upper limit convention countries between 1998 and 30 June 2013, a on how long restrictions on contact can be in place parent or child will have to contact the relevant without renewal; we have chosen a period of five years authority to make an application as well as provide for that particular restriction on contact information. All proof of identity. This is a hangover from the old other states and territories have contact statements or system under which people had to apply to the courts. vetoes in place. The Northern Territory and South That has been streamlined. Australia go a little further to allow adoptees to veto the release of information. What other states are doing is On the matter of how a child’s details will be registered important, and in this case we are aligning our law as with the registry of births, deaths and marriages, from best we can to be consistent with those other states. 1 July 2013 the details of children adopted from a Hague convention country and whose adoption was We also have to consider cultural sensitivities. We live finalised in their country of birth will be sent to the in a multicultural state, and we have to take that into registry of births, deaths and marriages. I acknowledge account. Where the exchange of information is that the numbers are small but that matter is very accompanied by counselling, individuals from different important. cultures who require specific assistance have to be managed on an individual basis. That is important. In
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Finally, we have to learn from history, and there is This really goes to the essence of why we on this side much we can do. I think we all recognise that there is a so strongly object to the notion of contact statements. In lot of pain out there. The government is doing what it the eyes of the public the bill indicates a presumption can to manage that pain within the tight constraints that that adopted children are children. They are not apply to everybody. With that, I wish the bill a speedy children; they are mature adults. To say to those mature passage. adults and to their parents, ‘You do not have the capacity or the maturity to negotiate a relationship or to Mr WYNNE (Richmond) — I rise to make a at least commence reaching out towards that contribution to the debate on the Adoption Amendment relationship and see where that relationship may or may Bill 2013. In doing so, I follow the really fine not go’, is frankly a fallacy. The great tragedy of the contributions made by my colleagues. They include that contact statements provided for by clause 6 is that they of the member for Yan Yean, who has had carriage of will doubly victimise parents who for a whole range of this bill and has been a passionate advocate on these reasons have had their children adopted out. I do not matters. Similarly the member for Pascoe Vale has in a wish to explore what those many reasons are. There very reasoned but also deeply passionate way outlined would be myriad reasons that children were adopted what we on this side consider to be some key out, but what is really clear to me, what is really clear deficiencies of the bill. My dear friend and colleague from this debate and what is clear when you talk to the member for Eltham spoke of his personal people in organisations such as Vanish, is the circumstances, which he does rarely. Tonight he wished extraordinary pain and emptiness of the parents. It is to speak about those matters publicly. He indicated palpable. You have to sit with them for only a very what his personal circumstances were and his acute short time before you realise that the emotional torment understanding of these issues. I refer also to my that these people have experienced is truly shocking. colleague the member for Broadmeadows, whom I now follow. It is just wrong-headed for this Parliament to put in place a further impediment, to doubly victimise these I too come to this debate with some personal people, to say to them that in some way their most basic knowledge of these matters, which are close to my needs, their most basic aspirations to be able to reach family. Indeed a member of my family has two adopted out and seek a mature adult relationship with their child children. I draw upon that experience to provide my can be vetoed, and what is worse, that they can be insight into how adopted families are seeking to address fined, that it is in effect a criminal matter. What an some of the questions that have arisen. One of my extraordinary thing! Why would the Parliament say to sisters — I have seven sisters, a significant number — these people, ‘We want to block you’? Why would it has two adult children. She adopted the children when say in relation to what for many women — because it is they were very young. Frankly, no child could have women of course who are affected in so many of these asked for a more loving or nurturing family circumstances — is a deep yearning, a deep maternal environment than the one those two children enjoyed urge, that we reject this, that it is not appropriate, that and continue to enjoy. there is some notion that the parents are going to go off and harass these children? That is just not the case. We From the very outset, from the very time that they were are not talking about children, we are not talking able to understand these matters, my sister made it minors, we are talking about mature adults and of absolutely clear to those children that they were course their parents, who are now 60, 70, 80 years of adopted and indeed that they had natural family, that age — — they had parents. The maturity with which she and her husband were able to articulate those issues to her Ms Campbell — Some 90. children was an enormous step forward in the children’s understanding not only of their new life but Mr WYNNE — Some 90, as my colleague the also that they had another life. Her elder child, her son, member for Pascoe Vale says — who have suffered, made contact and a start was made towards some who have been tormented, who have carried this reconciliation with the natural parents. That did not burden, sometimes privately and secretly, for 40 or prove to have any longevity, but nonetheless that 50 years. What a shocking burden to have to carry! But opportunity was made available and her elder child what do we seek to do? We say, ‘No, we do not want to took up that opportunity because he sought to do so. relieve you of this burden, we do not want to open up Her daughter has chosen at this stage not to do so, but this opportunity for you, finally’ — because many of at some time in the future she also may well seek to these parents are now in their later years, and indeed explore that avenue of making contact with her other tragically some of these mothers have died. We say, family. ‘No, we are going to put another hurdle in your way,
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1172 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 16 April 2013 and we are going to fine you, because we do not believe that Bruce never talked about this period of his life, not that you have the capacity or the maturity to engage in even to his wife Evelyn, who is a wonderful lady. It an adult relationship with your own child, with your was only when Philip started compiling the family tree own flesh and blood’. What does that say? What does after he retired that ever so slowly little parts of his that say about this Parliament? father’s story trickled out. In many ways that is the life journey context of many people in Australia today. I say to the minister, who is not here now, that she brought this amendment in. She has done a good job; The bill before the house amends the Adoption Act she did a good job with the apology. We thought that 1984 to, firstly, remove the requirement for obtaining was terrific. It was bipartisan and the federal apology an adult adopted person’s consent before giving was a beautiful day. But she did not consult any of identifying information to the adopted person’s natural those key interest groups around this contact statement parents; secondly, provide for adult adopted persons to amendment, and we oppose it. We absolutely oppose it, make contact statements about their wishes for contact we fundamentally oppose it, because we believe that with their natural parents; and thirdly, to enable a birth surely the final deep and, some would say, primal urge certificate to be issued for a child adopted in a of these women to reach out, to try to seek a convention country, whose adoption is recognised reconciliation, to lift that burden from their shoulders under section 69D of the act. The provision outlining ought to be made available to them without the purpose in clause 1(a) represents an advance in the impediment. We oppose it. law in Victoria as it will remove the requirement for obtaining an adult adopted person’s consent before Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — The giving identifying information to the adopted person’s legislation in Victoria today extends the legal rights of natural parents. This is an important reform that is parents beyond what those have been in this state. The taking place in this chamber today. area of adoption is a complex one which reflects changing social mores and attitudes. Early adoption A number of years ago I had the opportunity — and I legislation in Australia, in the 1890s, was heralded at have put this on the parliamentary record on a number the time as providing a framework for a child whose of occasions — to speak in relation to the right of parents were not able to support them at that time to be children who were conceived by AID (artificial brought up as their own child by parents who were not insemination by donor) or who were adopted to obtain the natural parents. Later on legislation was passed in identifying information regarding their parents. During Victoria that was heralded as significant social reform. that process it was possible to chart the legislative There are people whose faces appear in portraits at the history of adoption legislation and it was possible to front of the chamber who heralded those reforms at the chart the development of the practices of doctors in time, but in reality those particular acts represented Melbourne regarding the retention of birth records some sort of statutory fraud in the sense that they through fertility procedures and the differing denied a person true knowledge and true understanding perspectives. At one point there was a medical or of their maternal and paternal heritage. scientific perspective, but it ignored the social perspective and the needs of children who were In my 90-second statement today I spoke on a former conceived through the AID process. member of this place, Bruce Skeggs, who represented Ivanhoe between 1973 and 1982 and was a member for In the last few hundred years of English and European Templestowe Province between 1988 and 1996. The literature there have been a number of examples of closing words of the 90-second statement were: ‘He great writers describing the circumstances of people was shaped by many other experiences in his life’. This who later in life have met or come across their debate gives me the opportunity to point out the biological children or their natural parents, narratives poignancy of human circumstance in a different way, which have evoked what those experiences meant to because in mid-June 1944, at the age of 11, Bruce, who the people concerned. Earlier speakers in the chamber was the son of a single parent, was left alone when his have provided fulsome descriptions of those particular mother fell suddenly ill with a rare kidney disorder and matters. was driven to hospital by a friend. It was the last time Bruce saw his mother alive. He waited at home by I would like in a more clinical way to place on record a himself for three days until finally the lady who took couple of aspects of what the legislation will do. his mother to hospital returned to tell him that she had Adoptions which took place in Victoria prior to 1984 died. He later spent a number of years in a boys home, were closed, which meant that no parties to adoption the Walkerville boys home near Adelaide. His son were permitted to access information about the others. Philip at his father’s eulogy a week or two ago noted The law was changed in 1984 to allow adopted persons
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full access to identifying information about their that when he used to wander along to Trades Hall on a parents; however, it did not extend any additional rights Thursday night he would witness people winning or to birth parents. losing a debate on their feet through the strength of their argument. Currently birth parents require the explicit permission of the adopted person or evidence of their death to I would have to say that of all the contributions I have access identifying information. In practice this means heard you could not hear a more persuasive that decades after an adoption took place, forced or contribution than that of the member for Richmond. I otherwise, some mothers and fathers still do not know am only sorry that there were not more people in the the name of their son or daughter. This bill will change chamber to listen to his contribution about his sister and that to allow natural parents to access identifying indeed his sister’s adopted children. For me, when the information about their adopted adult sons and member was making his contribution it was like time daughters, with or without the permission of the stopped. It was, without a doubt, the best contribution I adopted person. have heard from the member for Richmond in this chamber since I have been here, and he ought to be A number of contributions have been made in the house very proud of his contribution. I do not mean to which have related to the contact form and the contact diminish in any way the contributions made by the veto. It is interesting to note that in the commonwealth other members in this chamber I have listened to over system of law, in jurisdictions that reflect the the course of a couple of hours of this debate — I look Westminster tradition, advances are made in law that at the members for Broadmeadows and Pascoe Vale advance causes. There are a number of examples in over my shoulder. Canada, in the United States and in other states of Australia where a landmark or a beachhead has been This is the sort of issue that prompts a great degree of reached in legislative reform. It will be interesting to emotion, and it ought to. We were all sitting in this note the development of this law into the future in terms chamber back on 25 October last year. It was a very of how this legislature deals with the at times memorable day, not just in this chamber but across the competing rights of individuals. It is an arena of great parliamentary precinct. In my view it was a day of deep feeling on the part of those whose lives have been emotion and I think careful tenderness in terms of the directly impacted by these circumstances. Again, as I way people made their contributions. I give credit to the noted earlier on, the social history of this state is Minister for Community Services; the then Premier, the summarised in the speeches that were made in this member for Hawthorn; the Deputy Premier; the Leader chamber in the 1920s, in the 1960s, in the 1980s and at of the Opposition; the Leader of the Greens; and other the present time. members, including again the members for Yan Yean and Pascoe Vale, who spoke on that day. It was an In concluding my contribution to the debate I note that extraordinary day. It was the sort of day that will stay this bill will advance the rights of birth parents, the with us for many years, long after we have left this natural parents, to access information concerning — place. Days like that do not come around very often.
Ms Campbell interjected. As profound and moving as those speeches and apologies were back on 25 October, I still recall with The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Weller) — Order! clarity, as if it were yesterday, the raw emotion from the The member for Pascoe Vale will come to order. She many women who joined us in the public gallery. It has had her turn. was their grief-filled sobs that clearly drew on the years Mr THOMPSON — It will advance their rights to and years of pain, regret and loss. In the midst of all of access information concerning the names of their that I thought the state government, through the children. It will be interesting to see the development of minister, made a very clear announcement about where law in this area into the future, noting comparative this would indeed progress. I think many of the people advances in other states, and I note the circumstance of who were present here in Parliament House understood Perth in particular. very clearly what that would then evolve into, and I think that ultimately there was an expectation around Mr NOONAN (Williamstown) — I just want to this bill that has not been met. start my contribution by saying that I think there have been some extraordinary contributions to this debate, I would have to say that I made a contribution on that particularly from those people who have been day and I felt that I needed to. I have not been personally affected and touched. My father is an personally affected by this. I do not have my own story old-time union person, and indeed he used to say to me to tell, but I felt an obligation. Having sat in this
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chamber, I felt that I needed to act, hence I have come various pieces of correspondence that have come to this debate on this bill with a view to fulfilling my through to me from organisations and individuals. I do obligations in that regard. not intend to read all of them into Hansard, because other people have, but I will just mention the email and There is so much history — indeed decades of letter from Vanish and the contribution of the history — in relation to this. In her second-reading Association of Relinquishing Mothers. An organisation speech the Minister for Community Services outlined that is close to my heart is Berry Street Victoria. My why we are indeed having this debate in this chamber. wife worked there for more than a decade. People from In fact it goes right back to 1984, when there was a that organisation have written to me, and I do not think division in relation to people’s rights. Under the Cain that is any small matter. Berry Street Victoria is an old Labor government the law was changed to allow organisation, and its intervention in debates like this is adopted persons full access to identifying information rare, careful and deliberate. The staff of that about their parents, but of course that did not resolve organisation, in making a statement, realise that when the issue for mothers and fathers in relation to their they insert themselves into the public debate about this children. That is indeed what we are now debating, there is a weight to their contribution. They have made 30 years on from those last amendments back in 1984. it very clear that they do not support this proposal that We are debating it with a view to correcting those past has been made by the government around contact wrongs. statements and vetoes. That should not be underestimated. This bill should make the necessary changes to allow mothers and fathers to access identifying information I also want to thank individuals, including some who about their adopted adult sons and daughters. These are have been mentioned: June Smith, Faye Nyssen and the actions that many have waited decades to be Alison Wright. We have all received their emails, delivered. We should not underestimate that: decades. which are very touching. Very raw emotions come This is not a matter of months or years, this is decades; through in their words. It is impossible not to be moved this is people’s lifetimes; this is defining for many by the contributions in those emails. I have got to say people. We as a Parliament have an opportunity — I very clearly to each of those organisations and would say an obligation — to do the right thing. individuals that Labor has heard you. I am as open-minded as anyone; I was waiting for the emails to What I would say is that this should be a momentous come through on the other side of the equation. I was occasion for the Parliament. This is the opportunity for waiting for the arguments to come through to me as to us to collectively right the wrongs of the past. We now why the government’s insertions in this bill were the have the very distressing and unnecessary arrangement right thing to do, but nothing came. I looked and I of these contact statements and veto powers being watched for days. Nothing at all came. I just cannot inserted in this bill. It is really quite impossible to come understand what the government relies upon to to terms with this, and I think the member for reinforce its staunch stance in relation to these contact Richmond covered that in very good detail in his statements and vetoes, because nothing has come to me. contribution. You would have to ask: has enough On the contrary I have received an avalanche of distress not been caused already? Why as a Parliament correspondence from the other side consisting of very would we now place obstacles in the way of these persuasive, strong and emotive views expressed by mothers and fathers? Have they not waited long people personally affected. enough? What is the point of doing this? Does anyone on the government benches realise that what is The member for Yan Yean has moved an amendment proposed in this bill could involve criminal sanctions? to this bill to remove those clauses associated with Of course we understand what, from the government’s contact statements and the related criminal sanctions. I point of view, the contact statement is supposed to do. say that is the right thing to do. As others have said, Those opposite would argue that it is supposed to unless these contact statements are removed from this regulate the contact and that it is a necessary power. We bill, any goodwill that was generated by this would say it is an unnecessary obstacle. Parliament’s apology will be completely negated. If members truly believe in equality, they should support According to the bill the introduction of a contact the amendment proposed by the member for Yan Yean. statement would allow adopted persons to regulate This bill should demonstrate what is possible when this contact if desired, backed up by criminal law and a fine Parliament, made up of members from all walks of life, in the vicinity of $8400. It is absolutely outrageous. It is has the collective courage to correct a wrong. Instead really hard to come to terms with it. Like most we simply run the risk of causing greater trauma to members in this place, I have taken the time to read the people who have lived their lives with emptiness and
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suffering. Let me repeat the word ‘equality’ one more life, after due consideration, they may in fact change time. their mind. Ultimately legislators cannot determine how people should react to these very personal issues. Mr WAKELING (Ferntree Gully) — It certainly Ultimately these are decisions for the individuals gives me great pleasure to rise to contribute to this very affected. We have facilitated the opportunity for parents important debate on the Adoption Amendment Bill to find out details of these children, and I think that is a 2013. I start by placing on the record my very important step, but ultimately we cannot regulate congratulations to the Minister for Community Services how children who are directly affected should act, how for her diligent and hard work on this very important they should think or what they should believe. issue — one that is very emotional and personal. Members on both sides of the house have placed their What we have done is apply the system which is being personal stories on the record, and that should be noted. applied throughout the nation. As has already been We all have our own personal stories of having been highlighted, various other states and territories have affected or having had family members or close friends similar provisions — New South Wales, Queensland, who have been directly affected by this. I can certainly the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, recall that being the case for my own family and Tasmania and South Australia. In some of those friends. I understand that this is a very emotive issue jurisdictions these provisions have been implemented and a very personal one for people who have been for many years and in some more recently; some were affected. implemented under coalition governments and, importantly, some were implemented under Labor What the minister has done through this bill is strike a governments. The provision regarding the contact balance to try to accommodate, firstly, the needs of statements is consistent with the findings of the Senate mothers who want that important information about Community Affairs References Committee inquiry into their children. That information is now being made former forced adoption policies and practices. available to them; they will have the ability to access Recommendation 15 of the committee’s report is that: identifying information about their adopted adult sons and daughters with or without the permission of the all adult parties to an adoption be permitted identifying adopted person. That is a very important outcome, and information… one that I know that mothers who are in this position That is what we have provided. It goes on to are clearly supportive of. recommend that:
I understand the provision of the contact veto is an all parties have an ability to regulate contact, but that there be emotive issue. I understand that for mothers it is a very an upper limit on how long restrictions on contact can be in challenging issue, but I equally understand that a child place without renewal … who is now an adult will have his or her own views What we have done is consistent with what has been about their adoption. Let us not forget that there are done in other states. currently adopted children who are unaware they are adopted. There are people currently in their 30s, 40s I must place on the record that the minister and the and 50s living with a family who are unaware of the government were very clear about their intentions on fact that they were adopted. I can tell of a story of this issue. In October 2012 the Minister for Community someone close to me who is in that position. We just Services, along with the then Premier, issued a press need to make sure that we strike a balance. As release under the heading ‘Parliament apologises for legislators we have that obligation. We do not always past adoption practices’. It says, in part: keep everyone happy — that is the nature of Parliament — but we have to strike a balance. We have The government also announced a number of measures to provided the child, who is obviously now an adult, with better respond to the needs of those affected by past adoption the capacity to veto a contact. I do not think it is practices. These include: reasonable, if a person does not wish to be contacted by an amendment to the Adoption Act 1984 which will a birth parent, that we as legislators force that person allow birth parents to receive identifying information against their wishes to engage in contact. about their adopted adult sons and daughters.
Ultimately whether they make contact with a birth That is what this bill does. More importantly, it goes on parent is a personal decision for an individual to to say: contemplate and determine. Let us not forget that on In line with other Australian jurisdictions, this will be first knowledge of their birth parents a person may be accompanied by the introduction of a contact statement which loath to have that contact, but at a later point in their will allow adopted persons to regulate contact if desired …
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If I may, I think the Minister for Community Services as has been touched on by the member for was very clear, open and transparent on this issue. She Williamstown, in terms of the words that were uttered made it very clear to the Victorian community, as part and the greatly principled positions that were put of the bipartisan apology, that the government would be forward relating to the provision of greater access to seeking to introduce legislation which would provide information, greater rights and empowerment for birth access to details for birth parents. The minister made it mothers. very clear that, similar to legislation in other states, the relevant legislation, which is before the house now, It is one thing to talk about that in this Parliament. I would be accompanied by the introduction of a contact reflect on the fact that that day gave me a reason, as a statement. new member elected in 2010 who sat here listening to those contributions, to wonder why the Parliament had I do not understand why the member for Yan Yean in not dealt with these issues previously, why had past her contribution led this house to believe that those governments not dealt with these issues. It certainly led opposite were unaware that this was going to occur, me to search my conscience in relation to what we on when in fact upwards of six months earlier the minister this side of the house had been doing when we had had in a publicly available press release — and I assume the our hands on the levers and therefore the opportunity to shadow minister had done her research on this issue — provide access and information to people and why we had made the government’s intentions very clear. She had not been successful in doing so. stood in this house and said that this government was being secretive, that this government was being What I think you come to as part of discussion of such underhanded and that this government was preparing matters is that if the government of the day is prepared legislation in the middle of the night and was going to to lead on these matters, ultimately partisan issues fall introduce a contact statement of which nobody was away and it becomes about what can be done to support aware. I can only ask the member for Yan Yean to the government of the day in the actions it wants to clarify whether she actually read the minister’s press undertake. I think it was disappointing that the member release on 25 October. for Ferntree Gully indicated that it was fine for the Labor Party to put forward amendments and to have a As you would appreciate, Acting Speaker, the different view. He seems to have the mistaken view that opposition is free to support or oppose government our view is somehow the view solely of the Labor legislation. The opposition is free to amend or seek to Party. The Labor Party represents many Victorians — amend government legislation, as is its wont and as is we represent all Victorians in fact — and a number of its right in this house. No-one questions that and no-one the views and positions we have put are not purely challenges the opposition on that. But opposition those of the Labor Party. Those views are also the members cannot come into this place and say that this views of many organisations that represent Victorians government has secretly developed a bill that and that have not only advocated those views to the introduces that provision when the minister stated state Labor opposition but have also conducted publicly clear six months ago that that was her position. advocacy — that have advocated to the government — With that, I wish this bill a speedy passage through the that has fallen on deaf ears. I speak particularly of house. Vanish but also of others such as Berry Street. These are not organisations that put their names to views on Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — I am pleased to make legislation without giving great consideration to that in a contribution to debate on the Adoption Amendment advance. They feel they have been ignored by the Bill 2013 and in particular to add my support for the government in relation to these matters and how they amendments to the bill put forward by the member for should be addressed. Yan Yean. If I could pick up on a couple of comments made by the previous speaker, the member for Ferntree I will touch on some of the comments Vanish has made Gully, I can understand that the Parliament can perhaps in its media statement. It states: not make everyone in Victoria happy; however, I think it is incumbent on the Parliament to make sure, Vanish … a community organisation representing all sides of the adoption community, has called on the Baillieu — particularly in relation to such sensitive issues as adoption practices, that we do not raise the hopes of I suspect now Napthine — individuals who have suffered and have had such personal difficulties to deal with in their lives. You government to rethink its proposed Adoption Amendment cannot raise the hopes of such people if you are not Bill 2013 which was introduced into the state Parliament … prepared to deliver. I think that is one of the critical issues that sets apart what happened in this Parliament,
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Vanish is concerned in particular — and I quote again I refer to what becomes disappointing about this as from its media release dated 7 March — that: someone who is a member of the Law Reform Committee, a committee of the Parliament which has Adopted people from the closed adoption system up to the issued a unanimous report about matters relating to mid-1980s are now aged almost 30 through to over 60 years. We say that as adults they should be able to confront any donor conceived individuals and their rights, and how contact in a mature and sensible way. If they want to be we deal with contact vetoes and contact statements in contacted in a certain way or don’t want contact at all they that context. What is particularly critical about how we should be able to explain that to the mother, father or sibling deal with those donor-conceived offspring and their who is contacting them. desire to reconnect with family members is that we are These are the issues around contact vetoes and contact careful not to raise the hopes and dreams of people who statements which the government referred to in its draft have suffered so much damage and loss, and that we bill but which government members did not talk about only promise what we think we can deliver and work in detail when we met in this Parliament to hear about with them carefully and closely. That work continues. the changes the government proposed to measures I refer to the work we have done on the Law Reform around adoption. It is one thing to have a different Committee in relation to donor-conceived view, as the government may, about what the Labor individuals — and many people would be aware of opposition is putting forward in its amendments; it that — to give a unanimous report on how we provide would be another thing if government members did not access to information, because we have a view that it is cloak their positions with partisan points about what a fundamental human right of people in society to know Labor Party members think but addressed the issues who they are and where they came from, and that raised by Vanish, Berry Street, Jo Fraser, Faye Nyssen people, particularly children, have a right to that and many other people in the community who have information. Our view on how we then deal with that been damaged by and who have suffered as a result of issue with this adoption bill is very similar, particularly adoption practices in this state, They applauded and in relation to not, through fines and contact vetoes in welcomed the actions of the government in this place this particular context around adoption, seeking to some months ago and are now feeling betrayed by the somehow criminalise individuals who have suffered so detail. This thing comes down to the detail rather than much and who seek only information that should really the deeds the government has spoken about previously. be a human right — information that they were uplifted I can speak generally in relation to personal enough to believe that this government would be circumstances concerning adoption. Members of my providing to them and that this Parliament would be family have had the opportunity through circumstances delivering to them. of illness and sickness to benefit from the joys of Anyone who was here on the day on which that was adoption, and those people — cousins of mine — were announced could only have felt that that was something then able, when sadly their adoptive parents passed that gave great relief, and great sorrow, to many of us, away, to find and reconnect with their birth parents and and that we were making some progress. I do not mind found they have brothers and sisters and a mother and that our protestations might fall on deaf ears, but I father they perhaps did not realise existed or were alive. encourage the government to reconsider the The joys people are able to experience in relation to amendments, in light of not what the Labor Party puts those matters are experienced not just by the adopted forward but what the Parliament is putting forward. I individuals but also by their families. In terms of people encourage it to reconsider the adoption amendments in who have undergone coercion or experiences that relation to the views of Vanish, the views of Berry people I know have had — family members who have Street and the views of individual mothers and their given up their children and have had the opportunity at advocates on this issue. The opposition will support the a later time to reconnect with them — these things are government if it is prepared to do that. We have very hard to understand. I think people need to praise provided many opportunities to resolve these matters the government’s moves and be filled with hope. Even away from this chamber. I commend the amendments if you have not experienced such things personally but to the Parliament. feel that you have been touched by them through your own life and that the government is on the right track, Mr McCURDY (Murray Valley) — I rise to make a you feel almost a sense of relief about how these brief contribution to the Adoption Amendment Bill matters have been approached and some 2013, as have my colleagues earlier this evening. I disappointment that perhaps previous governments had certainly take on board that this is a very sensitive area not chosen to pursue them despite the work of some in our communities and that there are many arguments individual members who pressed ahead on these issues. on both sides of this debate. The minister has tried to
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create that balance that we heard about from the about them, they are contacted by a relevant authority member for Ferntree Gully — having a balance through to advise them that an application has been made for this whole debate. I would prefer to keep my comments their identifying information. This contact is made rather away from the emotion and focus more on the sensitively, and the relevant authorities will provide or facts of the bill so we can get a clear understanding of direct that person to a counselling service as this what the bill has to offer. process transpires.
As we know, adoptions which took place in Victoria The current practice is that the exchange of information prior to 1984 were closed, which meant that no parties is accompanied by mandatory counselling, and that will to the adoptions were permitted to access information continue, and if there are individuals from different about the others. The law was changed, as we know, in cultures who require specific assistance, that will be 1984 to allow adopted persons full access to managed on an individual basis. information about their parents. However, it did not extend any additional rights to birth parents. Currently In Victoria the number of adoptions is now quite small. birth parents require the explicit permission of the In 2011–12 there were a total of 64 adoptions in adopted person, or evidence of their death, to access Victoria; although still significant, that number has identifying information. In practice this means that dropped since then, I understand. some mothers and fathers, decades after an adoption took place — whether that adoption was forced or The provisions do not treat natural parents otherwise — still do not know the name of their son or unfavourably because they are parents. Rather, the daughter. provisions strike an appropriate balance between the rights of natural parents and adopted persons within that This bill will change that. It will allow natural parents unique relationship. Within that dynamic it is to access identifying information about their adopted appropriate to prioritise an adopted person’s desire for adult sons and daughters with or without the permission contact, or otherwise, with their natural parents, as such of the adopted person. In conjunction with this, the bill contact may be relevant to their core identity. That is also introduces a contact statement, which members what this bill is all about. have heard about from my colleagues on both sides of the floor, which will give adopted persons the ability to The law currently provides that after receiving their regulate contact should they wish. It will enable an original birth certificate and adoption and court records, adopted person to regulate or refuse to allow another adopted persons are free to make contact with their party to the adoption to make contact with them, but it natural parents. It would not be appropriate that we will not prevent the release of identifying information extend the new contact statement regime to now to birth parents. These changes will take effect as of prevent adopted persons from contacting their natural 1 July this year. parents.
Both of these changes were recommendations — again, With that said, natural parents will still be able to enter this has been well documented in the house tonight — ‘non-contact’ registrations on the adoption information of the Senate Community Affairs References register in order to record their wish not to be contacted, Committee in its report titled Commonwealth if that is the way they prefer. Although it will not Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and prevent contact, their wish will certainly be Practices, which states that: communicated to and discussed with the adopted persons who are seeking to make contact. All adult parties to an adoption be permitted identifying information … This bill gives natural parents a right to be provided with identifying information about their adopted but also, and just as importantly, that: children, without the consent of the adopted children. This was previously prohibited. As I mentioned, this is All parties have an ability to regulate contact, but that there be an upper limit on how long restrictions on contact can be in a brief contribution. I understand it is a very emotive place without renewal … issue. I understand the passion that surrounds this debate, but still I commend the bill to the house. This is part of that balance that I spoke about earlier and others have spoken about in the house. Ms DUNCAN (Macedon) — I rise to speak on the bill. I will give credit to this legislation which, as I I am also well aware that it is likely that there is still a understand it, for the first time acknowledges mothers small number of people who do not know that they who had previously not been given access to were adopted. Even now, as soon as someone inquires identifying information about their adopted child and
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now gives them access to that information. That applies children stolen from them — I have no doubt that to adoptions that go back some years, where previously existing legislation and normal common sense and that information was not available to the mothers. I human behaviour can cover such behaviours as might acknowledge that this is a significant change and one arise. We have stalking laws and intervention orders, that has slowly been introduced with amendments to and all of these laws would apply in these normal legislation over some years. human relationships that apply every single day of our lives. We object to the specific criminality that is being We now understand, in a way that we either did not imposed by this legislation, which gives with one hand understand previously or chose to ignore previously, and completely removes with the other. We oppose that the very important bond that exists between a mother aspect of this legislation. and child, regardless of where that child has been raised or by whom, and regardless of what life experiences the The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The time mother has gone on to have or how many other children appointed by sessional orders for me to interrupt she may have had in the meantime. That bond is never business has now arrived. The member will have the ending, and for many adopted children and for many call when the matter is next before the Chair. parents who have had children taken from them or who have willingly given them up for adoption, it is the bind Business interrupted under sessional orders. that ties — and that bind really never dies. We understand that a lot better now. This legislation does ADJOURNMENT that, which is a good thing. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The question is: However — and this is why we have introduced the That the house now adjourns. amendments, and it is what we object to about this legislation — on the one hand the government says to Fishermans Bend: municipal governance the mother, ‘You now can have identifying information about your child’, whether or not that child wants her to Mr FOLEY (Albert Park) — The matter I raise this have that information. Mothers can now have that evening is for the attention of the Minister for Local information, but on the other hand the government has Government. The action I seek is that she rule out any introduced a right of veto for the child that allows them forced change of municipal boundaries between the city to make a statement about what sort of contact they of Port Phillip and the city of Melbourne associated want to have with the mother. with the Minister for Planning’s unplanned free-for-all urban renewal project for the Fishermans Bend capital In addition, even if you could live with a contact city precinct and his cooked-up smash-and-grab raid to statement, which I assume is just a desire to say, ‘I change local government boundaries to favour his don’t really want to have contact with this person’, the Liberal Party mate the Lord Mayor of the City of criminal charges and penalty units that apply if a Melbourne. The Minister for Local Government needs mother overrides that statement are what we object to in to take this action to put a stop to the contrived plan this legislation. This legislation continues the between these Liberal Party mates, which is about assumption that these mothers were somehow guilty of sharing the spoils of a badly planned development something, that they were not and are still not to be rather than about building communities. Fortunately the trusted and that they will somehow damage their Lord Mayor let the cat out of the bag a bit early, and the children. We know that these mothers were often community is now awake, but the matter will not go treated like criminals at the time they got pregnant and away until the Minister for Local Government acts as I gave birth, and at that time this view allowed the state request. to feel justified in allowing illegal adoptions to take place. This bill continues that legacy — that there is I make this request noting that in 2012 the Minister for something criminal or potentially criminal about the Planning made himself the planning authority for the actions of these mothers. areas of what he now calls the Fishermans Bend precinct by extending the capital city planning powers These ‘crazy mothers’, as has been expressed by some to that area. The minister appointed Places Victoria and government advisers, as I understand it, are clearly so its then head, former Melbourne city councillor and crazy, according to this legislation, that they need Liberal Party mate Peter Clarke, as the chair to deliver special criminal legislation to modify their behaviour. the project, only to see him fall foul of a regulatory This view is inherent in this legislation, and it is why investigation over allegations of improper corporate the opposition rejects it. If there are crazy mothers out behaviour elsewhere. The minister invited development there — and who could blame them if they have had applications for the 220 hectares before there were any
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appropriate planning controls, precinct controls, design government. There is no doubt that women can feel guidelines, transport plans, education and services vulnerable in mixed-gender areas, where there are plans, social infrastructure investments or even typically more males than females, particularly where processes of governance to consider these. In fact the there is an inability to lock rooms, to protect belongings minister let loose a developer-led frenzied free-for-all in or to have much privacy. this area, a process that set the area on the path of repeating the history of the mistakes of soulless As the minister noted in her press release of Docklands, but this time it is more farce than tragedy. 28 September 2012, funding under this program is available for various improvements and modifications, Whilst the minister might see these necessary including the following: interventions by the state as some kind of evil by-product of Soviet central planning, these measures women-only corridors and bedroom clusters; were also being called for by those well-known women-only spaces, including lounges and quiet rooms; Bolsheviks the Property Council of Australia. The result of all of this is that we are in a position of the lounges and family rooms that are equipped to meet the needs of children; minister’s self-declared fetish for height being above all else and of the looming crisis in investment being likely women-only outdoor spaces, including courtyards and to drive his decisions on the applications that are gardens; and currently queuing up before him. As the neighbouring modifications that improve safety for women, such as communities to the Fishermans Bend precinct see their lockable bedroom and bathroom doors. schools fill up, their trams pass them full, their aged-care services and community facilities jammed I am pleased that the subject of mental health issues in and their roads crammed by the nearby $1.6 billion the community is one that the coalition government Webb Dock development, they will no doubt look to takes very seriously. This is reflected in the way the local government to deliver them from this Liberal coalition government has responded to the needs of Party-delivered mess, but even here the minister and his mental health patients and the commitment shown Liberal Party mates have their evil plan. Hence the through improving the services and facilities that are importance for The Nationals Minister for Local available. I welcome the consideration of the minister Government now providing this Parliament with the of the funding request made by Eastern Health for the cast-iron undertaking I seek in this regard. Peter James Centre in my electorate, and I look forward to hearing of the outcome of this important application. Mental health: women’s facilities Boronia Heights Primary School: funding Mr ANGUS (Forest Hill) — I raise a matter for the attention of the Minister for Mental Health. The action I Mr MERLINO (Monbulk) — I raise a matter for seek is that the minister favourably consider the the Minister for Education with regard to Boronia application by Eastern Health for funding pursuant to Heights Primary School in my electorate. The action I the capital grants funding for mental health services seek is that the state government provide a funding initially announced by the coalition government in the commitment in the upcoming 2013–14 budget for a 2011–12 state budget. This allocation of $4 million major capital upgrade at the school. This issue has a over four years in capital funding is available for long history in the community, in the Department of modification works to improve conditions for women Education and Early Childhood Development and in in mental health care. The minister also announced last Parliament. I previously raised this issue as an month that as part of this program a further round of adjournment matter in June 2011, but nothing funding for grants of up to $500 000 for community meaningful, concrete or positive has occurred in the mental health services was open for applications. intervening time. The minister responded at the time:
In my electorate of Forest Hill, in the suburb of … the planning process is on hold at this stage … Soon we will communicate to schools what the new process will be so Burwood East, I have the Peter James Centre, which is that they have some indication of how things will move part of the Eastern Health network. This important local forward. health facility provides vital services to the broader community, including women suffering from mental There has been no moving forward in the almost two health issues. The safety of women in inpatient mental years since I raised this adjournment matter. There have health care has for some time been a concern for people been numerous letters from the school community, with a mental illness, their carers and their families, as there have been visits by Edward O’Donohue, a well as for the community, health services and the member for Eastern Victoria Region in the other place,
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and Doug Harnetty from the infrastructure division of specifically available for women-only outdoor spaces, the department, and there have been representations including courtyards and gardens, and modifications from the eastern metropolitan division of the that improve the safety of women. department. In February of this year, Minister Wooldridge was in To recap, the department under the Brumby Labor Geelong, where she announced an additional $500 000 government in 2010 gave the green light for Boronia to Barwon Health so that the emergency department of Heights Primary School to prepare a design for Geelong Hospital can better deal with drug and modernisation. The school completed the vitally alcohol-affected patients. On that same day, the important pedagogical plan to inform the building minister and I toured the Swanston Centre, which is design and support the capital upgrade. This was both Geelong Hospital’s main acute psychiatric admissions well received by the school community and well unit. The Swanston Centre is a 32-bed unit that offers deserved. After years of campaigning, the school was short-term treatment for people who are having a severe on its way, or so we thought. The brakes were applied episode of mental illness. The Swanston Centre is an as soon as there was a change of government. The impressive facility, but there is always more that can be school council president, Christine Ruff, quite rightly done to improve any facility. pointed out: Barwon Health has applied for funding to improve the … our concerns are not new and we are one of five schools safety of women in the Swanston Centre. It has applied previously targeted for upgrade in EMR, not one of hundreds. for a nurse call bell system to be installed in every room This is a true statement, and it contradicts a statement and ensuite to ensure ease of access for patients in the made by the minister when I previously raised this in adult inpatient service. It has also applied for funding to Parliament. There were two significant school projects provide a women-only courtyard so that it meets the in Boronia. One was the continuing provision of criteria that was set out by former Premier Baillieu. secondary school education and the Boronia K–12 Women can feel vulnerable in mixed-gender areas, project, of which the former Labor government funded where there may be an inability to lock rooms or stage 1 and the current government has funded stage 2. protect belongings or where there may be limited privacy, so this funding will go towards improving the The second critical project was the Boronia Heights safety, security and comfort of women in the Swanston Primary School major capital upgrade. This is a great Centre inpatient facilities. school led superbly by principal Mark Flack and school council president Christine Ruff. The teachers, parents The safety of women in inpatient mental health care has and, most importantly, the students deserve better than been a persistent concern of people with a mental having the brakes applied, which has been happening illness, their carers and families, communities, health since November 2010 with no indication from this services and government. The coalition government government as to when the school will receive this wants to ensure that services for mental health patients urgently required capital upgrade. I urge the minister to are sensitive to women’s needs and importantly that ensure that this project is funded in this year’s budget. women feel safe during inpatient care. I hope Barwon Health is successful in its grant application to improve Mental health: women’s facilities the safety and comfort of inpatient care for women at the Swanston Centre. Mr KATOS (South Barwon) — I rise this evening on the adjournment debate to request that the Minister Chandler Highway: bridge upgrade for Mental Health consider a favourable response to the application by Barwon Health for a grant as part of the Ms RICHARDSON (Northcote) — The matter I $1 million in funding made available in the raise is for the Minister for Roads, and it concerns the 2012–13 budget for works to improve facilities for Chandler Highway bridge and the minister’s refusal to women who are mental health inpatients. act on plans that were drawn up by the former government. This issue is of considerable concern to The coalition government made an election my constituents, not just motorists but cyclists and commitment to address the safety concerns of women pedestrians as well. It is also an issue of considerable in inpatient mental health care. The 2011–12 state concern to constituents of the member for Kew, budget allocated $4 million over four years in capital because half the bridge goes into his electorate, and the funding for modification works to improve conditions, highway then proceeds right across Melbourne. I know but a media release of former Premier Baillieu of this because in the RACV Redspot survey that is Friday, 28 September, indicated that funding is
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released year-in and year-out, over the last six years the and instances of mental health issues are certainly bridge has appeared consistently at no. 2 on the list. increasing in regional Victoria. Mental health illness affects not just the patient but also has a significant Every single day the Chandler Highway bridge effect on the patient’s carers, their families and the contributes to congestion on the Eastern Freeway and broader community’s health services. still there has not been a peep out of the member for Kew or in fact the member for Doncaster on the Northeast Health Wangaratta is an amazing facility that concerns that people in the eastern corridor have about continues to impress me with its resilience and ability the bridge. Today in this house I am again calling on to service a wide community that relies heavily on this the minister to fix the Chandler Highway bridge as a hospital and its amazing capabilities. The CEO, matter of urgency. In just over a month I have collected Margaret Bennett, will stop at nothing to offer the very 4000 signatures from residents in my electorate who are best care provided by all her staff. As Wangaratta’s calling for the bridge to be fixed and for the minister to largest employer, it is imperative that this business can act. I know the Liberal minister has to be dragged manage the heavy workload delivered on a daily basis. kicking and screaming to act upon any small infrastructure project, or even any large infrastructure The coalition government has identified mental health project, unless of course it is in his own electorate or in care for women as an area that requires greater focus. the member for Brighton’s electorate. However, having Ensuring the safety of these women is an area the said that I am hopeful that he will finally listen to the government is fully committed to and at every concerns of my constituents and the concerns of those opportunity will assist where possible. Mixed-gender right across Melbourne who are calling on him to act on areas, particularly in the mental health sphere, can this significant congestion point. create unnecessary challenges. Typically there are more males than females within this environment and women I know that it pains the minister to take up work that can feel quite vulnerable in those circumstances. was actually completed by the Labor government, and I Sometimes the issue can be as simple as not being able know that fixing this bridge has not had any champions to lock their rooms, or it could be that sharing a lounge on the other side of the house among government area with male mental health patients creates a more members. Liberal members are consistently silent on demanding scenario for patients, staff and family this issue, and now that they are in government the carers. It is paramount that we try, wherever possible, to silence is deafening. However, the budget is provide better infrastructure to allow women to receive approaching. It is just weeks away, and of course it is a the treatment they require, without the added issues that significant opportunity for the minister to act on this come with mixed-gender facilities. infrastructure project, because its time has come. While he is at it, the minister could have a look at fixing the As regional Victoria develops, we need to keep pace cycling trail that runs under the Chandler Highway with our infrastructure to ensure that our communities bridge, but perhaps I am going a little bit too far in are well equipped for all the challenges that lie in front asking for that given that funding was cut for cyclists of us. Our children require facilities, our elderly also and their safety concerns. have special needs, as does everyone in between. I ask the Minister for Mental Health, who has supported the Our city is like most cities around the world in that it Murray Valley electorate well, and continues to do so, has a river running through it, but unlike other cities to ensure that all Victorians are given equal around the world we have very few crossing points and opportunities. I again ask her to support Northeast one significant crossing point narrows down to just one Health Wangaratta. We service an ever-increasing lane. It is no wonder that this bridge is causing community both in population and geographically. I ask considerable concern right across Melbourne. I call on the minister to consider Northeast Health Wangaratta as the minister to take immediate action to fix the we try to improve safety for women in mental health Chandler Highway bridge. services, so that we can continue to care for our community in a manner that is as safe and secure as Mental health: women’s facilities possible.
Mr McCURDY (Murray Valley) — I raise a matter Department of Environment and Primary for the attention of the Minister for Mental Health, and Industries: jobs the action I seek is her assistance for Northeast Health Wangaratta in relation to mental health services, Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East) — I raise a matter for particularly for women. Mental health continues to be a the attention of the Minister for Agriculture and Food major issue in most communities throughout Victoria Security, who is also the Minister for Water, regarding
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the announcement last week by the Napthine Liberal further job losses inflicted on the public service when government about merging the departments of he announced the merger of these departments last sustainability and environment and primary industries. week. Regional Victorians know that you cannot trust a The action I seek from the minister is for him to Liberal-Nationals government to protect and support provide an assurance that as a result of this merger jobs their jobs and services. Indeed the Premier was a will not be lost across the two departments — — member of the former Kennett government. We all know about the way Jeff Kennett sacked teachers and Mr R. Smith interjected. nurses, and closed country schools, rail lines and hospitals. The Premier has learnt from the master about Ms ALLAN — He is the same minister. He is the how to axe country jobs. We want to make sure that minister for both. He is your boss! does not happen again.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! No discussion The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The across the table. member’s time has expired. Ms ALLAN — He is the senior minister in the new Mental health: women’s facilities Department of Environment and Primary Industries. The information and assurances I am seeking as a result Mrs BAUER (Carrum) — I raise a matter for the of the merger announcement by the Liberal-Nationals attention of the Minister for Mental Health. The action I government last week is that no job losses will occur seek is for the minister to consider additional funding arising from the establishment of the new department. I for Peninsula Health to improve facilities for women in ask the minister for assurances that there will be no job mental health inpatient care. I am delighted to see that losses in the former departments of sustainability and the minister is in the house to hear my adjournment environment and primary industries when the merger matter. Peninsula Health services the electorates of takes place. In particular I seek his assurance that there Carrum and Frankston and areas of the Mornington will be no job losses at catchment management Peninsula. Its mental health service treats patients with authorities (CMAs) and specifically at the North major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, Central Catchment Management Authority, which psychosis, bipolar disorder, major depression, severe serves communities in my electorate and stretches from anxiety disorders and severe personality disorders. Its Kyneton through to Kerang and Echuca. priority is to help patients work towards recovery.
The CMAs do very good work, and I am sure that you, There has been an increased use of Peninsula Health Deputy Speaker, would be familiar with their work. clinical and community mental health services. We They have become vehicles for people concerned about know that more people are presenting to our emergency the environment, sustainability, land management and departments with mental illness. I am proud that the primary production, across the whole spectrum of Victorian coalition government spends more than people who are interested in the management and $31 million each year on clinical mental health services sustainability of land, to come together to enhance the in the Frankston and peninsula region. quality of the land. The North Central Catchment Management Authority is based in Huntly and has a The safety of women in mental health inpatient care has well-earnt reputation for the cooperation of its staff in long been a concern. Women can often feel vulnerable working with landowners in the area. It works across a and intimidated in mixed-gender areas, where there are range of areas such as flood mitigation, land typically more males than females, or where there is an rehabilitation and biodiversity projects. However, inability to lock rooms or protect belongings. Peninsula concerns have been raised with me that an outcome of Health has investigated welcome improvements in the the merger of environment and water with primary delivery of women’s mental health. Peninsula Health industries is that jobs will be lost, and in particular that has applied to develop in its adult inpatient unit a jobs will be lost from the North Central Catchment female-only comfort room along the female corridor as Management Authority. well as undertaking to redesign the existing outdoor courtyard garden area to create a female healing space. We know that this government has form when it comes to job losses in the public service in regional Victoria. Peninsula Health has applied to redesign the current We have already seen 200 front-line jobs lost in the garden area in its aged persons unit to develop a female former Department of Primary Industries. We have healing space. The Victorian coalition government is seen 100 jobs go from the Bendigo office of the committed to ensuring that women receiving inpatient education department. The Premier could not rule out mental health care feel safe. To address these concerns
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the 2011–12 state budget allocated $4 million over four minister to look at this very carefully and review the years in capital funding for modification works to situation. I look forward to a potentially positive improve conditions for women in mental health care. response to this matter. Works include women-only corridors and bedrooms; women-only spaces including lounges and quiet rooms; Tourism: motorcycle strategy lounges and family rooms equipped for children; women-only outdoor spaces; and safety improvements Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — The matter I including lockable bedrooms and bathrooms. I look raise is for the attention of the Minister for Tourism and forward to the Minister for Mental Health’s response as Major Events, and the action that I seek is a report on to the steps she will take to improve the safety, security the progress of the motorcycle tourism strategy. By way and comfort of women receiving mental health of background, the strategy was an election inpatient care on the peninsula within the Carrum and commitment of the coalition made on 22 November Frankston electorates and at Peninsula Health. 2010. It was outlined in a press release by the now Minister for Public Transport under the heading Disability services: Essendon electorate ‘Coalition’s new approach for motorcyclists’ that there constituent would be a number of important initiatives in Victoria. They included the development of a motorcycle Mr MADDEN (Essendon) — The issue I raise tourism strategy and a commitment that, as a result of tonight is for the attention of the Minister for working with industry and motorcycle user groups, Community Services. I ask that she personally review a Victoria’s all-party parliamentary Road Safety matter relating to a specific request by a gentleman for Committee would be given a reference to conduct an access to public disability care and support. The inquiry into safety for motorcyclists, including an minister’s office should be aware of the gentleman, examination of Labor’s motorcycle safety levy. whose name is Mr Benoit Gruter. I have had communication with his partner, Christine Tripp, who The report of that inquiry by the committee has been has explained to me that Mr Gruter was left a total presented to Parliament. During the course of the paraplegic after medical complications during surgery inquiry the committee heard evidence about an uplift in and now resides at the Victorian Spinal Cord Service at the volume of sales of powered two-wheelers as the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre. He is a very opposed to other vehicles. The committee heard intelligent and astute man and is very capable of going evidence in Geelong, Ballarat, Traralgon, Bairnsdale, back into employment. Unfortunately, because of his Shepparton, Wangaratta and Wodonga and at a number circumstance, the only way he would be able to move of hearings in Melbourne. It took evidence on the sport from the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre to his of motorcycling, the recreation of motorcycling and place of residence would be by having access to public commuter use of motorcycles. During the course of the disability care. inquiry the committee also took evidence that there are some great motorcycle precincts, including Phillip I have written to the minister in relation to this matter. I Island, the Great Ocean Road, the Black Spur, Arthurs have had a response from the minister’s chief of staff, Seat, the Dandenongs, the Alpine Way and even Beach Ben Harris, and I thank the minister and her chief of Road. There are some well-regarded motorcycling staff for his response. The response was that, while he routes in Gembrook as well. has been deemed successful in his application for the support, Mr Gruter is now on a waiting list for the Australian Bureau of Statistics research shows that over appropriate resources to be allocated through the the five years to January 2011 motorcycle registrations disability support package, so basically he is in a queue. grew at an annual rate that was 8 per cent faster than that of any other vehicle type. A study by the Transport My request tonight is that the minister personally Accident Commission’s Motorcycle Tracker research review Mr Gruter’s circumstances, because the sooner project found that motorcyclists use their bikes more for he can get home the less drag there will be on the Royal recreational on-road riding than for any other purpose, Talbot Rehabilitation Centre. He wants to work and is so there is an opportunity to leverage and grow capable of working. That will not only be great for him, motorcycle tourism. his family and his partner, but will free up a spot in the rehabilitation centre for others who may need long-term It is in this context that I seek a response from the assistance. Obviously he will have to go through a minister as to what progress has been made for the transition process and it will not be easy, but with the fulfilment of the election commitment regarding a state budget looming and hopefully additional resources motorcycle tourism strategy, as a number of other being applied to disability support packages, I ask the promises have been fulfilled. The committee’s report
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on its early inquiry included some other important niche across the state include increasing marketing recommendations. Safety for recreational motorcyclists activities that specifically target motorcycle riders; is a very important focus of the government, but the encouraging regional tourism boards to engage with specific matter before the house this evening relates to motorcycle groups and events; providing more safety the development of tourism options for motorcyclists. information for riders, particularly relating to high-volume motorcycle touring routes; and better Responses leveraging major events such as the MotoGP and world superbikes, as well as smaller local events and group Ms ASHER (Minister for Tourism and Major rides. Events) — The member for Sandringham has spoken about an election commitment made by this Again, I commend the member for Sandringham for his government on 22 November 2010 to undertake an interest and his work on his committee in this area, and inquiry into safety for motorcyclists and to develop a I am delighted to be able to respond to him by releasing motorcycle tourism strategy. The member spoke at our strategy tonight. length about the very important inquiry report prepared by the Road Safety Committee, which is ably led by the Mr MULDER (Minister for Roads) — The member member for Sandringham. The report was tabled in for Northcote has raised an issue with me in relation to December last year. The member also touched on the the upgrade of the Chandler Highway bridge, which tourism strategy that was part of the same election was constructed in 1891. The member rightly pointed commitment. out that it has been on the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria’s Redspot list for the past six years, four of I commend the member for Sandringham for not only those of course under the Labor government. his interest in road safety and the work he has done as chair of the Road Safety Committee but also his interest The member is concerned that no work has been carried in motorcycle tourism, because there are some out on the bridge and is asking for a commitment to significant opportunities for Victoria as a result of that. undertake work to improve traffic flow at that location. I might also add that it has been a pleasure to work with The member indicated to me that she has put together the Minister for Roads on this initiative. I am delighted, 4000 signatures in relation to the problem. I do not in response to the request of the member for think that those 4000 signatures were gathered when Sandringham, to be able to release today the coalition she was a member of the government. Nevertheless, as government’s motorcycle tourism strategy 2013–16. a member of the opposition she has pulled together The strategy is the first of its kind for Victoria and aims 4000 signatures. At the same time the member to grow a largely untapped niche market while indicated that there have been no really large underpinning the overall priority of rider safety, with infrastructure projects funded and that I have to which the member for Sandringham is so familiar. basically be dragged kicking and screaming to make Victoria has some of the most spectacular coastal and any announcement in relation to large infrastructure inland touring road routes and also hosts the nation’s projects. There were a number of claims the member two biggest motorcycle events, at Phillip Island — made and a number of issues she raised. indeed, in the Speaker’s electorate. In relation to large infrastructure projects I understand The strategy will primarily target the intrastate market that last week funding was announced for projects at in order to boost visitation to regional Victoria and Ringwood station, $66 million; the Domain tram build Victoria’s brand as a premier destination for interchange, $10 million; and new trains for recreational motorcyclists. The strategy also focuses on metropolitan Melbourne, $176 million. That is not so growing interstate visitor numbers as a valuable bad for a week’s work in terms of announcing spending secondary market, particularly in relation to major on major infrastructure projects. events such as the MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship, both referred to earlier by me as the The member also indicated that cycling funding had events hosted at Phillip Island. been cut. I would like to point out to the member for Northcote that in 2012–13 the following funding was There are three key areas of the strategy: marketing, allocated: approximately $10 million for major bicycle product and industry development, and motorcyclist projects, such as the continued extension of the safety and events. Obviously at this hour I do not want Federation Trail from Millers Road, $4.7 million; to go through the entire strategy in response to the improving the off-road bicycle path at Gardiners Creek, request by the member for Sandringham, but some of $1.7 million; and the Melbourne bike share program, the actions which will augment the motorcycle tourism $2.1 million. There was $5 million in 2012–13 for
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cycling-related infrastructure as part of the regional rail the announcements last week of $66 million, link project; $6 million as part of the construction of the $10 million and $176 million for three projects. Jim Stynes Bridge, and $3 million to extend and Thirdly, in relation to the Chandler Highway bridge complete bicycle facilities as part of Peninsula Link. planning, I pulled out information that had been tucked in the bottom of the former roads minister’s drawer to In 2012–13, $9 million is being spent on 10 separate look at it in terms of its implications for the east–west bicycle initiatives in Melbourne and regional link. If the opposition would get behind the east–west Victoria — I will not go through all of those — and link and do something about that road project, these $3.2 million will be provided to improve bicycle smaller complementary projects would come into play. infrastructure in central activity areas, including bicycle lanes along Chapel Street between Box Hill and Ms WOOLDRIDGE (Minister for Mental Ringwood and in Frankston. Health) — It is a pleasure to speak in tonight’s adjournment debate in relation to a number of very The recently released Victorian cycling strategy important issues. I will address, first of all, the issue of included an announcement that $18 million would be the safety of women in inpatient mental health units. provided to complete the missing link in the Darebin This is an issue across the board. It is a longstanding Creek shared use path between Heidelberg Road and issue. Historically many of the inpatient wards were the Main Yarra Trail. I will save the member for mixed wards, and there has been some very good work Northcote the embarrassment of adding that up, but I done by the Victorian Women and Mental Health can assure her that a massive amount of money has Network and other mental health advocacy groups on been invested in bicycle infrastructure in Victoria. issues in relation to women’s safety. As a result the coalition government made a commitment in the last In relation to the Chandler Highway bridge election campaign to fund a gender safety initiative, and improvement proposal, a number of options have been I was very pleased that in the 2011–12 Victorian budget developed by VicRoads. Option one is a new two-lane $4 million was allocated for modification works to bridge east of the existing bridge, on the Ivanhoe side. improve conditions for women in mental health Option two is a new four-lane bridge east of the inpatient units. This is the most significant investment existing bridge, on the Ivanhoe side. Option three is a in the upgrading of inpatient units for gender sensitivity new two-lane bridge west of the existing bridge, on the and for women’s safety, and it is something I am very city side. Option four is a new four-lane bridge west of proud this government has supported. What is very the existing bridge, on the city side. That information clear from the advocacy this evening is that members may have been shoved into a dark drawer somewhere support this initiative as well and are advocating for during the years of the Labor government, but we have their local inpatient units in relation to it. I would just plucked it back out and are currently investigating those like to run through that. options in relation to the project. The member for Forest Hill advocated for additional However, as the member would understand, this is just funding for the Peter James Centre. This is a very one location that is a pinch point for the people of the important facility which has put forward some eastern suburbs, and there are a number of them. You initiatives, including developing a family and carers could go through and release these small pinch points in room, which would improve facilities for women and the network but the real problem occurs when drivers their families by creating a dedicated comfortable space get onto the Eastern Freeway and make their way down for patients to connect with their families, and also a towards Hoddle Street and hit that bottleneck at the end female sensory room, which would improve conditions of Hoddle Street. The best way to deal with these sorts for women with dementia by creating a dedicated safe of complementary projects would be to get support therapeutic space. I appreciate the advocacy of the from the member for Northcote and indeed the member for Forest Hill. This is a very important issue, opposition for the east–west link, because the east–west particularly at the Peter James Centre, which has aged link is what would provide the absolute greatest benefit. mental health patients. The centre does great work, and If we built the east–west link and then we delivered I know that the member for Forest Hill is a supporter of these complementary projects, the people in the eastern that work and an important supporter of women’s suburbs would get the best possible outcome. safety initiatives, and particularly these two initiatives All I can say to the member for Northcote is, firstly, that have been put forward. I am very happy to take his that funding is being spent on bicycles. I will not add it advocacy on board and consider that very seriously. up, because it would be embarrassing. Secondly, in The member for South Barwon advocated in relation to terms of announcing infrastructure spending, I point to the Swanston Centre. It was great to be able to visit the
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centre recently with the member for South Barwon, important service. I know the member for Carrum is who has a particular interest in mental health and health very committed to the health and mental health services in general. As he mentioned in his adjournment matter, provided in her electorate and to the community we were able to visit the centre together just recently broadly. The applications from Peninsula Health relate following some funding for alcohol and other drugs to both the aged acute and adult inpatient units. As the initiatives in emergency departments. He has a member mentioned, the health service is looking to longstanding interest in these issues, which we have redesign a current garden area to develop a female discussed many times. healing space and to develop a female-only comfort room along the female corridor in the adult acute unit. Barwon Health is advocating for the installation for a nurse call-bell push-button system in every bedroom to These are important initiatives for women in the ensure ease of access and to improve safety for women Carrum electorate and the area covered by Peninsula who are in the inpatient units. It is also looking to Health more broadly, and there has been important develop a new outdoor area, including landscaping and advocacy from the local member to support the creating a new doorway, once again dedicating that initiatives that have been put forward. Peninsula Health space for women. These are issues the member and I has been working very hard in relation to these discussed together and with the staff when we were initiatives. It was successful in the first round of down there in relation to the environment that exists funding, but I am very happy to take very seriously its there and the work that is being done. Once again, great applications and the advocacy from the member for work is being done down at Barwon Health, and there Carrum in relation to those applications. has been excellent advocacy from the member for South Barwon in relation to the safety of women in In the first round, when there was around $1 million, inpatient units. Once again I will take his advocacy on we funded 10 initiatives. There is approximately board. $1 million available once again. I think there is a lot of support for this funding from this house and members The member for Murray Valley has been a who have advocated in relation to it, and I think the longstanding advocate for mental health services in the community more broadly wants to make sure that when north-east. A number of initiatives have been women with mental illness are seeking support they do undertaken. I congratulate the member because he not find that their admission to an inpatient unit creates advocated in this house for Northeast Health to receive an environment where they feel insecure and unsafe some funding in the first round of these and where issues occur. They need to be able to focus gender-sensitive grants. Northeast Health was on their health and wellbeing, getting well, accessing successful at that time, and the member’s advocacy was treatment and dealing with the mental health challenges also very successful. Since then I have spent time with that they face. him at Northeast Health, visiting local services. We are very pleased that the coalition government has This is a very important initiative from the coalition facilitated a merger of the mental health services in the government, and there has been some great advocacy north-east to make sure that people with a mental from local members. illness, their families and their carers get access to the best possible support in a coordinated way in the The member for Essendon raised an issue in relation to north-east of Victoria. Once again the member is Mr Benoit Gruter, a gentleman who is currently advocating for women in his community to be able to residing at the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre and safely access mental health facilities. who needs support from the disability support register. I thank the member for his advocacy in relation to this The application of Northeast Health looks to improve issue. He is going to provide me with further privacy in bedrooms through the installation of external information on the specific case, because unfortunately window furnishings in the high-dependency unit, which I am not in a position in the chamber to respond will improve the sense of security and privacy for immediately to an issue that has just been raised. inpatients, particularly women. This is an important However, I want to comment generally in relation to initiative. There has been great advocacy by the local the issue. member and a good proposal by the mental health service, which I will take very seriously. It is a particular challenge for people with a disability, their families and carers to access the support they The fourth matter in relation to the mental health need. As we know, we have a rationed system. There is gender-sensitive grants was raised by the member for a certain amount of funding and there are many more Carrum. Peninsula Health provides an exceptionally people who need access to support than that funding is
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able to provide. I am pleased that in the last budget the The member for Bendigo East raised a matter for the government provided an additional $38 million in Minister for Agriculture and Food Security regarding funding for disability support packages, but the demand departmental changes. continues to grow. This is a really good example of why we need the national disability insurance scheme I will pass those matters on to the respective ministers. (NDIS), which is happening across the board and for which Victoria has been at the forefront of its advocacy. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The house We will move from a situation that is rationed to a now stands adjourned until tomorrow. situation where people like Mr Gruter who need House adjourned 10.48 p.m. support have an entitlement to it, if they are able to access the scheme. I am very pleased that Victoria will be part of the launch of the NDIS on 1 July this year. We will be contributing more than $300 million over the course of the three-year trial in the Barwon region for people with a disability to test the NDIS and what has been put in place.
In relation to Mr Gruter, I am happy to have a look at his individual case. We have a process which was established under the former government and which continues to this day where a panel looks at these cases. We have many of these cases, and the panel has the expertise to compare them case by case. Because we have more demand than there is funding available, the panel identifies who gets to access that funding when it is available. It is done in a thoughtful way by people who have the expertise. We recognise that there are individuals who have been assessed as being on the disability support register and who need that support to whom the funding is not yet available. This sounds like the situation Mr Gruter is in, and it is one that I will have a look at.
In that context, as I said, we have a panel that regularly assesses the situation as funding becomes available for everyone who is on that disability support register. I reaffirm what that shift will mean for people as we move, hopefully, to a system where people can access the support through something like a national disability insurance scheme. It will make a very significant difference for individuals such as Mr Gruter and the many others who are currently seeking support in the disability area.
Mr R. SMITH (Minister for Environment and Climate Change) — The member for Albert Park raised a matter for the Minister for Local Government regarding forced boundary changes between the city of Melbourne and the city of Port Phillip.
The member for Monbulk raised a matter for the Minister for Education regarding Boronia Heights Primary School.