PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

FIFTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT

FIRST SESSION

Thursday, 21 March 2013 (Extract from book 4)

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 ...... 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 McIntosh, Mr Morris, Mr Nardella, Mr O’Brien, Mr Pandazopoulos and Mr Walsh. Standing Orders Committee — The Speaker, Ms Allan, Ms Barker, Mr Brooks, Mrs Fyffe, Mr Hodgett, Mr McIntosh and Mrs Powell.

Joint committees

Accountability and Oversight Committee — (Assembly): Ms Kanis, Ms Richardson and Mr Wakeling. (Council): Mr O’Brien and Mr O’Donohue. Dispute Resolution Committee — (Assembly): Mr Clark, Ms Hennessy, Mr McIntosh, Mr Merlino, Dr Napthine 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, Ms Campbell, Mrs Fyffe, Ms Graley, Mr Wakeling 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, Mrs Victoria 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, Mrs 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

THURSDAY, 21 MARCH 2013 Employment: government achievements ...... 1060 Diversitat ...... 1060 BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE St Catherine’s Primary School: fundraising ...... 1061 Notices of motion: removal ...... 1053 City of Moorabbin Cricket Association: awards ..... 1061 Adjournment ...... 1054 Antipodes Festival ...... 1061 PETITIONS McKinnon Kindergarten: facilities ...... 1061 Schools: funding ...... 1053 Public transport: single-use tickets ...... 1061 Road safety: probationary licences ...... 1053 DISTINGUISHED VISITORS ...... 1061, 1085 ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS CRIMES AMENDMENT (INTEGRITY IN SPORTS) Victorian government report 2012 ...... 1053 BILL 2013 SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS Second reading ...... 1062, 1085, 1094, 1105 COMMITTEE Third reading ...... 1105 Annual review 2012 ...... 1053 RULINGS BY THE CHAIR RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMITTEE Members: points of order ...... 1085 Impact of food safety regulation on farms and QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE other businesses ...... 1053 Paramedics: member of Parliament access ... 1086, 1092 CHILDREN’S COURT OF VICTORIA Road safety: Easter weekend ...... 1087 Report 2011–12 ...... 1054 Ambulance Victoria: holiday staffing ...... 1088, 1089 South-East Asia: trade mission ...... 1089 DOCUMENTS ...... 1054 Ambulance Victoria: response times...... 1090 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Carbon tax: Latrobe Valley ...... 1090 Paramedics: enterprise bargaining ...... 1091 Membership ...... 1054 Schools: bullying ...... 1091 MEMBERS STATEMENTS Electricity: security of supply ...... 1093 Multicultural affairs: Premier’s gala dinner ...... 1054 SUSPENSION OF MEMBERS Viva Victoria ...... 1054 Member for Footscray ...... 1088 Nadrasca community farm: future ...... 1054 Member for Monbulk ...... 1089 Birralee Primary School: achievements ...... 1055 Bellarine Agricultural Show ...... 1055 SCHOOLS: FUNDING ...... 1103 Rodney electorate: Easter weekend ...... 1055 PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT AMENDMENT Road safety: government initiatives ...... 1056 (GROWTH AREAS AUTHORITY AND Pope Francis ...... 1056, 1057 MISCELLANEOUS) BILL 2013 Kabaddi: Brimbank tournament ...... 1056 Second reading ...... 1106 Kororoit electorate: rail infrastructure ...... 1056 Third reading ...... 1106 Road safety: initiatives ...... 1056 RAIL SAFETY NATIONAL LAW APPLICATION BILL All Souls Opportunity Shop ...... 1056 2013 and TRANSPORT LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (RAIL SAFETY LOCAL Marine Care Ricketts Point ...... 1056 OPERATIONS AND OTHER MATTERS) BILL 2013 Clean Up Australia Day: Sandringham Second reading ...... 1106 electorate ...... 1056 Third reading ...... 1106 Institute of Public Affairs ...... 1057 Numurkah: Show Us Ya Wheels ...... 1057 COMPANY TITLES (HOME UNITS) BILL 2013 Burramine Gift: 62nd anniversary ...... 1057 Second reading ...... 1106 Numurkah: fun run ...... 1057 Third reading ...... 1106 Heatherhill Village: family fun day ...... 1057 CARDINIA PLANNING SCHEME: AMENDMENT...... 1106 City of Frankston: school crossings ...... 1058 ADJOURNMENT Ventana Fiesta ...... 1058 Geelong High School: funding ...... 1106 International Women’s Day ...... 1058 Schools: Prahran electorate ...... 1107 Parkdale Yacht Club: state regatta ...... 1058 Schools: Albert Park electorate ...... 1107 Mordialloc by the Bay festival ...... 1058 Wallan-Kilmore bypass: route ...... 1108 Harmony Day ...... 1058 Rail: Melton Highway level crossing ...... 1109 Emergency services: Gippsland East electorate ...... 1059 Criminal bikie gangs: government action ...... 1109 Gippsland East electorate: community facilities ...... 1059 Public transport: myki top-up machines ...... 1109 Bushfires: fuel reduction ...... 1059 Sandringham electorate: coastal management ...... 1110 SunFest ...... 1059 Schools: restraint and seclusion practices ...... 1111 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds: upgrade ...... 1059 Hawthorn Secondary College site: future ...... 1111 Opposition: performance ...... 1059 Responses ...... 1112 Police and emergency services: Waurn Ponds facility ...... 1060 Cambodia Vision ...... 1060 Taxation: GST revenue ...... 1060

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE

Thursday, 21 March 2013 ASSEMBLY 1053

Thursday, 21 March 2013 issue. Other states do not restrict young drivers in this way and we believe it to be unfair. This law discourages future car-pooling and assigning designated driving. With more cars The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Smith) took the chair at on the road there is greater pollution, greater financial burdens 9.33 a.m. and read the prayer. on young people with petrol prices and greater congestion.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE By Mr MORRIS (Mornington) (98 signatures). Notices of motion: removal Tabled.

The SPEAKER — Order! Notices of motion 6 to Ordered that petition presented by honourable 16 will be removed from the notice paper unless member for Ballarat be considered next day on members wishing their notice to remain advise the motion of Mr HOWARD (Ballarat). Clerk in writing before 2.00 p.m today. Ordered that petition presented by honourable member for Oakleigh be considered next day on PETITIONS motion of Ms BARKER (Oakleigh). Following petitions presented to house: Ordered that petition presented by honourable Schools: funding member for Mornington be considered next day on motion of Mr MORRIS (Mornington). To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: Ordered that petition presented by honourable The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws member for Bendigo East be considered next day on to the attention of the house the Baillieu state government’s motion of Ms ALLAN(Bendigo East). decision to cut $555 million from Victorian schools. In particular, we note: ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS 1. funding for the VET and VCAL programs have been cut, meaning thousands of students are now missing out Victorian government report 2012 on opportunities;

2. the education maintenance allowance, the School Start Mrs POWELL (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs), by bonus and the conveyance allowance have either been leave, presented report. slashed or scrapped; Tabled. 3. The Premier’s broken promise to teachers means students will miss out on camps, excursions and other opportunities. SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly urges the Baillieu state government to guarantee no Annual review 2012 further cuts to education funding will be made in the upcoming 2013–14 Victorian budget. Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) presented report By Mr HOWARD (Ballarat East) (124 signatures), together with appendices. Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East) (226 signatures) and Tabled. Ms BARKER (Oakleigh) (113 signatures). Ordered to be printed. Road safety: probationary licences

To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: RURAL AND REGIONAL COMMITTEE This petition of Victorian residents requests that red Impact of food safety regulation on farms and probationary driver licence laws be changed to allow young other businesses people to carry more than one passenger of any age during the day. The restriction should only apply between the hours of 10.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. each night. This would provide a Mr WELLER (Rodney) presented report, together gradual introduction for young people to get used to having with appendices and transcripts of evidence. passengers in cars. It inconveniences businesses who take on apprentices that need to travel to work sites in groups. It is a Tabled. huge inconvenience for young people wishing to drive to holiday destinations. This law puts more young drivers on the Ordered that report and appendices be printed. roads, placing them at greater risk of injury. Our roads struggle during peak hour, and this law contributes to this

CHILDREN’S COURT OF VICTORIA

1054 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 21 March 2013

CHILDREN’S COURT OF VICTORIA MEMBERS STATEMENTS Report 2011–12 Multicultural affairs: Premier’s gala dinner

Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) presented report Mr KOTSIRAS (Minister for Multicultural Affairs by command of the Governor. and Citizenship) — I wish to pay tribute to the chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Tabled. Mr Chin Tan, and all the other commissioners for organising the Premier’s gala dinner which was held at DOCUMENTS Crown Casino last Saturday. It was a wonderful event that showcased our cultural diversity and brought so Tabled by Clerk: many groups together. There were about 1400 people at Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 — Drinking Water Quality in this event and a further 400 were on the waiting list. It Victoria Report 2011–12 was a time when people were able to get together, mix, learn from each other and continue to build on this Statutory Rules under the following Acts: strength, which is so much a part of Victoria. Architects Act 1991 — SR 33 I would like to thank members from both sides of the Business Licensing Authority Act 1998 — SR 31 chamber for their attendance. I encourage all members to attend the 200-plus events that will take place this Fisheries Act 1995 — SR 18 (in lieu of statutory rule previously tabled on 20 February 2013, together with an year throughout Victoria to show that we support explanation from the Government Printer) multiculturalism in this state.

Infringements Act 2006 — SR 30 Viva Victoria Subdivision Act 1988 — SR 32 Mr KOTSIRAS — I remind all members that the Transfer of Land Act 1958 — SR 32 Viva Victoria festival will be held this Sunday at Federation Square. This is another event that showcases Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 — Documents under s 15 in relation to Statutory Rules 30, 31. our cultural diversity to the wider community. Thousands of Victorians will be there enjoying the fact ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND that we live in one of the best states in Australia. INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Children are welcome. There will be dancing, music and food. I encourage members on both sides of the Membership house who are free on Sunday to attend Viva Victoria. I thank the Victorian Multicultural Commission once Mr McINTOSH (Minister for Corrections) — By again for its wonderful effort. leave, I move: Nadrasca community farm: future That Mrs Fyffe be appointed a member of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee. Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Warren North) — Yesterday I met Peter from Nadrasca community farm Motion agreed to. when he came in to visit the house. A motion was moved in the upper house seeking to save Nadrasca BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE farm. Unfortunately the Liberal Party did not support Adjournment that motion. However, Peter explained to me that he enjoys working at the farm because it provides him Mr McINTOSH (Minister for Corrections) — I with skills and the people who work there are able to move: sell their produce — vegetables and the like. He said he and many others were very sad that the Liberal Party That the house, at its rising, adjourns until Tuesday, had now decided to get rid of the land under the 16 April 2013. Nadrasca farm and that they would have to move and Motion agreed to. somehow find somewhere else. Recently I presented a petition to the house which contained many signatures. What concerns me above all else is the letter the member for Bayswater, who is

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

Thursday, 21 March 2013 ASSEMBLY 1055

now the Minister for Arts, put out before the last Bellarine Agricultural Show election. In that letter there was a very clear statement, a commitment from the Liberal Party, that: Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine) — The Bellarine Agricultural Show is an annual highlight on the Locally, the Liberals’ clear plan for, and commitment to, Bellarine Peninsula calendar. This year’s show was no families will: exception, and I was delighted to again be invited to … join the president and committee members and the mayor of the City of Greater Geelong and local preserve Healesville freeway reserve as open space. councillors at the official opening. Despite the very hot It is pretty obvious now that that is not happening, weather, there was again a good turnout. Members of because groups like the Nadrasca community farm are the Portarlington community are enthusiastic supporters being told to heave-ho out of there and that the land will of the show, and they were joined by people from now be sold. That is tragic for these young men and across the Bellarine Peninsula as well as tourists and women who are learning great skills at the Nadrasca visitors to the region. farm. It is tragic that they now have to be moved As always, there was a lot to enjoy and appreciate. The elsewhere and that the local Liberal Party members will best of our fine local produce and livestock were well not stand up for them. represented, and the traditional cakes, scones, jams, Birralee Primary School: achievements preserves and pickles were as impressive and popular as ever. The arts and crafts display was diverse and Ms WOOLDRIDGE (Minister for Mental exciting — the creative work of an increasing number Health) — I am pleased today to speak about the of talented local artists. The Aussie bush poetry added outstanding success achieved at Birralee Primary to the arts profile of this year’s show. There was a kids School in my electorate of Doncaster. Birralee Primary tent, and the show’s organisers had made sure there School, under the strong leadership and guidance of its would be lots of fun, hands-on activities to involve and principal, Ashley Ryan, and assistant principal, Janet interest them. This included a chance to try some Miller, has excelled in the latest grade 3 national carpentry, the sand sculpture display and workshop, and assessment program — literacy and numeracy the opportunity to interact with some of the animals (NAPLAN) results. such as the freshly shorn sheep.

Adopting a philosophy of traditional learning about five The gumboot toss and the competition for the best years ago has paid dividends for the students who decorated gumboot were a lot of fun too. The display of attend this school. This back-to-basics approach has vintage cars, motorbikes, trucks and farm machinery meant that a great emphasis has been placed on maths, was of great interest, in particular the massive reading and grammar. Literacy and numeracy are the chaffcutter which had a steam engine and needed seven school’s core focus. This way of teaching has lifted the men to operate it. This historic machine was built in school’s performance substantially, going from a Geelong in the 1920s, and it was great to see it back in NAPLAN average score of 407 in 2008 to 482 in 2012. action. Congratulations to the president, Graeme This makes Birralee Primary School one of the most Brown, secretary, Kerry Peacock, and all the committee improved and best performing schools, far exceeding members and volunteers on their hard work and the national average of 414. Most importantly, learning dedication in organising another highly successful at Birralee is fun. Having happy children who enjoy Bellarine Agricultural Show. learning is a key component in the school’s success, along with parental support and quality, committed Rodney electorate: Easter weekend teachers. Mr WELLER (Rodney) — I would like to extend I am also pleased to inform the house that Birralee an invitation to parliamentarians and the public to take a Primary School has recently commenced the trip to the Rodney electorate this Easter break and enjoy construction of a $3 million project to expand and all we have to offer. From long-running tennis upgrade its school buildings. I was pleased to be able to tournaments, local footy matches, a Koori arts and craft deliver this election commitment, which will further market and Easter egg hunts to harness racing and enhance the school with state-of-the art facilities and sensational autumn weather, we have loads to enjoy. provide increased capacity for future enrolments. Birralee’s school motto is ‘Achieving excellence together’, and I congratulate Ashley Ryan and his staff on living up to that motto.

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

1056 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 21 March 2013

Road safety: government initiatives the winners, the Punjab Warriors, and I thank the organisers for their kind hospitality. Mr WELLER — I also urge those travelling to take care on the roads during this busy time and to ensure Kororoit electorate: rail infrastructure that they adhere to the road rules and not put their families, friends and other road users at risk. Earlier this Ms KAIROUZ — Finally, I would like to take this month the coalition announced new measures to deter opportunity in the weeks leading up to the state budget and penalise people who risk the lives of others by not to call on the new Treasurer to finally deliver on years following the road rules. The new measures include of old promises made by his government to the people increasing the penalty for driving under the influence of of the Kororoit electorate. I call on him to build the illicit drugs and alcohol to $2816 and 20 penalty units, Caroline Springs railway station and commit funds for with a mandatory minimum licence cancellation period the underground grade separation — not the cheap, of 12 months. In addition, anyone with a blood alcohol tacky and ugly above-ground version — of the level over .1 will have their vehicle impounded for dangerous Main Road, St Albans, level crossing. These 30 days. two projects are a long way from the Treasurer’s leafy seat of Malvern. They simply cannot wait any longer. Drink driving accounts for 25 to 30 per cent of the deaths on our roads, and driving under the influence of Road safety: initiatives alcohol and drugs endangers the lives of drivers, passengers and other road users. It is never an accident Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — I applaud when you make dangerous choices. Mobile phones Victorian advocacy groups that are supporting road have been deemed the biggest distraction for road users, safety initiatives, including encouraging drivers and with more than 55 000 mobile phone infringements passengers to check for bike riders before opening car issued in 2011–12. The biggest offenders are 20 to 30- doors. I also commend the great work undertaken by year-olds. It is everybody’s responsibility to concentrate the member for Rodney in promoting road safety and be alert to what is happening on our roads. If we all initiatives. take care and be responsible for our actions, we can make our roads safer. All Souls Opportunity Shop Mr THOMPSON — I pay tribute to the members Pope Francis of the All Souls Opportunity Shop, Sandringham, Ms KAIROUZ (Kororoit) — On behalf of all the where for over 50 years funds have been distributed to Catholics and many Argentinean and South American- hundreds of worthy causes, including Bayside youth Australians in my electorate, I rise today to celebrate services, Moira Inc., the Sandringham Life Saving the recent election of His Holiness Pope Francis at the Club, local primary schools and hospitals, Vision recent Vatican conclave. A humble man, Pope Francis Australia, the Asthma Foundation, mental health is known in South America as a man of great charity organisations, Hanover welfare services and other and kindness. He led a simple life as a cardinal in groups. Argentina, shunning the traditional palatial abode of his office for an apartment in a middle-class suburb. He Marine Care Ricketts Point rode the bus with the poor and was known to invite Mr THOMPSON — I also pay tribute to Marine them into his home for meals. The church is facing Care Ricketts Point, which recently had its many challenges, both internal and external, but I have 10th anniversary. Its achievements include the creation no doubt that His Holiness will lead the church through of a well-qualified, active marine care group; the this difficult time, with a focus on global social justice, publication of local marine environmental books; the reaching out to the poor and re-engaging with Catholics establishment of some annual public events, including worldwide. sanctuary walks; and supporting the work of the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Kabaddi: Brimbank tournament Parks Victoria. Ms KAIROUZ — In March I was honoured to attend the Brimbank kabaddi tournament. Teams from Clean Up Australia Day: Sandringham all around Australia gathered to participate in this electorate annual event, which celebrates the traditional Mr THOMPSON — I pay tribute to the members subcontinental culture through the sport of kabaddi. A of the Sandringham community who recently great day was had by all in attendance. I congratulate

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

Thursday, 21 March 2013 ASSEMBLY 1057

contributed to the good work on Clean Up Australia Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Numurkah and Day in maintaining the local foreshore. District Historical Society, Karinya Nursing Home and Numurkah Secondary College. Running since 2002, Institute of Public Affairs Show Us Ya Wheels has been the community event of the year, contributing some $158 000 to the local Mr THOMPSON — I congratulate the Institute of community and attracting crowds up to 16 000 in a Public Affairs on its great work in supporting free township with a population of 4600. That is a speech, given that there have been recent attempts to phenomenal effort. encroach upon this liberty in Canberra. Burramine Gift: 62nd anniversary Pope Francis Mr McCURDY — Last weekend Yarrawonga saw Mr LANGUILLER (Derrimut) — I stand today to the running of the 62nd Burramine Gift carnival on congratulate Pope Francis on his recent election to the Saturday and the Splash ‘n’ Dash on Saturday and papacy. Pope Francis is a South American and a Jesuit. Sunday. Lavington sprinter Jarrod Lindner took out the I share both backgrounds and upbringings. I was gift, edging out AFL boundary umpire Adam Coote. heartened to see that his first homily as Pope focused on The women’s gift was won by Geelong’s Pamela protection of the environment, children, the elderly and Austin. The carnival attracts participants from around those in need. Pope Francis is a humble servant who the world and is popular as part of the pre-season forswears pomp and extravagance and has a deep training regime for AFL and Victorian Football League affinity for the downtrodden in society. He is umpires. committed to social justice, and this must be his top priority during his papacy. He is known as ‘papa Numurkah: fun run villero’, slum priest. Mr McCURDY — I was pleased to participate in I would like to join with Argentine President Cristina last Sunday’s fun run at Numurkah together with over Fernández de Kirchner in urging Pope Francis to 300 other participants, including children. The overall intervene in the ongoing Malvinas-Falkland Island winner in a time of 33 minutes has now completed a dispute and to call on Great Britain to resume hat-trick of wins for himself over the last three years. I negotiations. Human rights activists, Estela de Carlotto, was in awe of how a 10-kilometre runner could President of Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, overtake many 5-kilometre runners such as me. whose two children were abducted and killed during the St Joseph’s Primary School in Numurkah put on a military rule, has said: wonderful event, which was praised by the regular competitors in particular. There is no doubt that our He has never spoken of the problem of people who had disappeared under dictatorial rule, and 30 years have already small communities do as well if not better than larger passed since our return to democracy. towns. I say well done to St Joseph’s, to Paul Arnel and to Leanne Rawson. Argentine Pacifist and Nobel Prize winner, Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, has said: Heatherhill Village: family fun day

There were some bishops who were in collusion with the Mr SHAW (Frankston) — On Saturday, 23 March, military, but Bergoglio is not one of them. the Heatherhill Road traders will be holding a family I feel deeply optimistic about Pope Francis’s papacy fun day in conjunction with Melbourne Water and the and the role he could play in relation to the human Schaefer Group. The family fun day, which is being rights violations of the 1970s and 1980s in Argentina. I held between 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m., is an initiative wish Pope Francis fortitude in leading the Catholic to support the local traders as Melbourne Water Church in the fight for human rights and social justice. undertakes an upgrade of pipe work on Heatherhill Road throughout 2013 as part of a $73 million flood Numurkah: Show Us Ya Wheels proofing of Frankston. The works will close part of the street to traffic. Although there has been much concern Mr McCURDY (Murray Valley) — Numurkah’s about the works and the effect they will have on Show Us Ya Wheels recently distributed $8000 among businesses and employment along Heatherhill Road, an 13 local organisations, including the Numurkah, outcome has been reached, including the availability of Katunga, Waaia and Wunghnu fire brigades, the a rear car park, that is satisfactory to the businesses. I Katunga and Numurkah football and netball clubs, invite members and their families to join us at the Camp Quality, Numurkah’s men shed, Numurkah family fun day and enjoy the atmosphere while

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supporting the local traders of the Heatherhill Village Parkdale Yacht Club: state regatta shopping precinct. Ms WREFORD — On Saturday, 9 March, I joined City of Frankston: school crossings president Jim Kariotis and the team at Parkdale Yacht Club in hosting a state regatta. About 50 pacer and 125- Mr SHAW — I was delighted when the Minister class boats were in competition. There were about for Roads answered a call I made in an adjournment 500 people on the beach, and it was a fun family event matter, when I asked him to visit Frankston and set the with lots of mums, dads and kids joining in. Well done record straight regarding VicRoads funding for school to the organisers and the yacht club for everything they crossings in the area. Recent local newspaper reports do for the community. have spewed headlines stating that school crossings were being shut down. Of further concern was the fact Mordialloc by the Bay festival that the newspapers did this right at the beginning of the school year, which alarmed parents, school staff and Ms WREFORD — Last weekend I attended the students. These false and outrageous claims were made Mordialloc Food and Wine Festival, which is also by Frankston City Council and Lee Tarlamis, a Labor known as Mordialloc by the Bay. It is a fantastic annual member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region in the two-day event. Unfortunately, the event was badly Council. Mr Tarlamis was quoted in the Frankston affected by rain on Saturday. However, everyone made Times as saying: up for that on Sunday. The crowds were enormous, the food was fantastic, and it was a tremendous day. Well This is yet another funding cut by the government that affects done to the organisers. our schoolchildren, and it’s disgraceful these cuts will put their lives at risk. Harmony Day It appears that not once did Mr Tarlamis check any facts, and not once did the gullible council contact me Mr PERERA (Cranbourne) — Harmony Day on with regard to this matter. I thank the Minister for 21 March is a day of cultural respect for everyone who Roads for joining me and the member for Carrum in calls Australia, this wonderful country of ours, home. meeting with the mayor, a number of parents and Anna On this day, events that promote themes of Harding, a school crossing supervisor at Frankston multicultural harmony and social cohesion are held Heights Primary School. I also thank the minister for around Australia by the traditional owners of this land setting the record straight and providing an increase in and those who have come from many countries around funding for school crossings in Frankston. the world. By participating in Harmony Day activities, we can learn about and understand how all Australians Ventana Fiesta from diverse backgrounds equally belong to this nation and enrich it. Mr SHAW — Last Saturday I was joined for the seventh annual Ventana Fiesta — — The focus of Harmony Day is on building social cohesion through the promotion of respect, The SPEAKER — Order! The member’s time has participation and a sense of belonging. All Victorians expired. are encouraged to participate in an established event or to organise their own activities to mark the day. There International Women’s Day are many activities being held in the electorate of Cranbourne which proudly support our cultural Ms WREFORD (Mordialloc) — On Friday, community. They include the Lyrebird Community 8 March, I attended Mentone Grammar’s International Centre in Carrum Downs, which is offering, free face Women’s Day breakfast. I was met by a room full of painting, movies on diversity, and lots of fun activities girls and guest speaker Rachael Robertson. We enjoyed for all ages; and Belvedere Community Centre, her talk about her time as an Antarctic expedition Seaford, which is holding a free sausage sizzle and fun leader. International Women’s Day is important activities for all ages. My electorate is quite culturally because it helps girls — and boys for that matter — see diverse, with 50 per cent of residents having both what is possible and what others have achieved. It is parents born in Australia and 36.3 per cent of people interesting that Mentone Grammar, which used to be a having both parents born overseas. boys school and has now become co-ed, fully embraces events like International Women’s Day. Well done to the school for running a great event.

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Emergency services: Gippsland East electorate festival is well supported by the local community, businesses, local community groups and, of course, lots Mr BULL (Gippsland East) — This government of visitors. Each year the main stage hosts the battle of has a strong commitment to emergency services. In my school choirs, as well as local and national acts, with electorate of Gippsland East we have more police than Altiyan Childs being the headline act this year. In ever before, with the Bairnsdale station staffed to its full addition, each year there is the grand street parade, capacity for the first time in two decades. There has Sunbury Idol and Sunbury’s Got Talent. On Sunday been a continuing rollout of new firefighting equipment there is the motor show and car cruise, and a walk and and an increase in ambulance staff in the Gippsland run for fun event, which this year raised funds for cystic region. An examination of staffing levels in Gippsland fibrosis and the Leukaemia Foundation. since 12 April 2012 shows that full-time equivalent ambulance staff have gone from 204 to 251, with up to In the past this festival has been a non-political event 40 more graduates anticipated by the end of this year. with no political signage displayed, and over the years I Community officers have also increased from 95 to have taken this very seriously to ensure that we did not 156. breach that. Unfortunately this year it got very political. It is easy to lose the focus on what this event is really In line with this support of emergency services, I had about, and it also makes life very difficult for the great pleasure in attending the Johnsonville fire brigade organisers, putting them in a very difficult position as on Sunday to hand over the keys to a new emergency they find themselves the meat in the sandwich. Flyers support vehicle. Next Wednesday I will travel to were trashed because they did not pay homage to the Boisdale to hand over the keys to another fire fighting right political party. This is nonsense and an vehicle for the Boisdale Country Fire Authority (CFA), unwelcome distraction for the organising committee. and next month I will open the new joint Marlo CFA- There has been assistance given to this committee coastguard facility to continue this government’s strong previously with no strings attached, and it is a shame support of emergency services. that much of that has been lost this year.

Gippsland East electorate: community facilities I congratulate the organising committee on all its hard work, particularly people like Graham Hanley-Smith Mr BULL — This government’s proactive and Tash De Vito, her sister Tracy and the whole approach to healthy and active lifestyles is well known, family, who put in so much time and effort, amongst and in line with this it has been with great pleasure that many other people. Each year it gets bigger and bigger. I have recently made three significant funding Congratulations. announcements in my electorate. On Thursday I travelled to Omeo for the announcement of a $350 000 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds: upgrade upgrade to the Omeo Recreation Reserve pavilion. This was on the back of announcing a $120 000 upgrade of Mr KATOS (South Barwon) — I am delighted to the Coongulla Recreation Reserve and $150 000 for the announce the completion of the $5 million upgrade to Heyfield Tennis Club. Pioneer Road between the Princes Highway and Waurn Ponds Creek. The coalition government has delivered Bushfires: fuel reduction on another of its election commitments, catering for increased traffic between the Geelong Ring Road and Mr BULL — I would also like the house to note Grovedale and the Surf Coast. Traffic on this vital link that 197 000 hectares were treated last year in planned will now move safely and efficiently through a burns in the state, which is the largest area covered in continually growing shopping and sporting precinct. the past 21 years. Despite this massive increase, the intention remains to ramp up the program this year to The priority for this project was to address congestion cover around 250 000 hectares. at the intersection of the Princes Highway and improve access to and from the Waurn Ponds shopping centre. I SunFest am pleased to see that these issues have now been addressed, and I look forward to seeing improvements Ms DUNCAN (Macedon) — Last weekend in the traffic flow on Pioneer Road in due course. Sunbury again celebrated the annual SunFest, which is now in its 37th year. Held on the third weekend of Opposition: performance March each year, this festival goes from strength to strength and is a great family day, with something for Mr KATOS — Labor members should hang their everyone from the very young to senior citizens. This heads in shame over their performance in the house

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yesterday. In almost 6 hours only one opposition Under the leadership of chairman Check Ming Ly and member spoke on a bill. Labor members should be his hardworking management team, Cambodia Vision scrutinising legislation, prosecuting their case and wishes to extend its efforts further by performing at standing up for their electorates. Important legislation least 200 cataract surgeries plus 1000 medical and was debated yesterday, including the Planning and optometric services during their upcoming annual visit Environment Amendment (Growth Areas Authority to Cambodia. This month chairman Ly and secretary and Miscellaneous) Bill 2013, which amends the Thida Yang have been invited to Melbourne to meet Planning and Environment Act 1987. The bill will Victorian community leaders to highlight this good facilitate planning assistance for rural and regional cause and enlist the support of Victoria’s large councils, and yet not one regional Labor member spoke Cambodian community. on it. The members for Macedon, Ripon, Geelong, Bellarine, Lara, Ballarat East, Ballarat West, Bendigo Taxation: GST revenue West, Bendigo East and Melton put Labor first and Victoria second, as usual. Mr MORRIS (Mornington) — Last week the Gillard government released the updated GST Police and emergency services: Waurn Ponds allocations, which again proved to be bad news for facility Victorians. In the coming financial year this state will not only be $207 million worse off; it will also receive Mr KATOS — An artist’s impression of the only 90 cents for every dollar it pays in GST. I contrast proposed Waurn Ponds police and State Emergency this situation with almost 97 cents for New South Service complex was printed in Tuesday’s Geelong Wales, $1.05 for Queensland, $1.60 for Tasmania, Advertiser. The facility will see a uniformed police $1.22 for the Australian Capital Territory and $5.31 for presence south of the Barwon River for the first time in the Northern Territory. This decision follows hot on the decades. The proposal is presently going through heels of the federal government ripping more than planning approvals with the City of Greater Geelong, $368 million from our health funding, despite the and I wish the project a speedy passage through this belated backflip on this year’s payments. A fair process. distribution of the GST would see Victorians $1.2 billion better off. Despite the recommendations of Cambodia Vision the Brumby-Greiner-Carter review, federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has failed to act to repair this Mr LIM (Clayton) — I am privileged to rise to broken system. It is time his Labor mates in this state acknowledge the contributions of Cambodia Vision in supported their former leader and urged Mr Swan to its efforts to improve the welfare of rural Cambodians end this rip-off. through conducting dedicated overseas medical missions. Cambodia Vision commenced in 2006 with Employment: government achievements one aim — to assist people living in rural areas of Cambodia with no means to pay for eye tests or vision Mr MORRIS — On another matter, for months we correction that are necessary because of debilitating eye have heard members of the opposition continually diseases. The New South Wales-based organisation has running down this state, most recently with claims that made tremendous achievements in blindness prevention we are in recession. The most recent labour force and basic medical health care among the most figures prove just how false those claims are. Victoria’s disadvantaged Cambodian citizens. Funded solely unemployment rate is now at 5.5 per cent, precisely the through sponsorship and support from the community, same figure it was in November 2010, despite this not-for-profit group conducts annual missions in enormous challenges in the interim. Employment grew Cambodia, which has one of the highest rates of by 37 900 in the last month reported, the biggest preventable blindness in the world, flying in a team of increase in almost 30 years and more than half of all the Australian medical professionals and volunteers. jobs created in the nation. It is time Labor stopped knocking our economy and joined in the work of This year Cambodia Vision organised annual functions driving reform and building employment and prosperity in Brisbane and Sydney. More than 800 community for all Victorians. members and sponsors turned up at these functions, and almost $50 000 was raised from tables, raffle tickets Diversitat and donations in the presence of the Cambodia Vision ambassador, Paula Duncan, AM, a former actress. Mr TREZISE (Geelong) — I take this opportunity to congratulate Diversitat in Geelong on the organisation’s recent federal government award, being

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named Australia’s best example of settlement premiers in 7 of the 10, a remarkable achievement. I innovation. For the information of the house, Diversitat also congratulate the CMCA under-14 squad which grew out of Geelong’s original migrant resource centre won the Russell Allen Shield and the CMCA under-12 but now provides an extensive range of services to not squad which for the second year in a row won the Neil only migrant groups but also the wider Geelong Wright Shield. This was particularly significant as 2013 community. As part of its important work, Diversitat is its centenary year. I congratulate the City of delivers settlement services to newly arrived Moorabbin Cricket Association on its fantastic success. communities and individuals, including in recent times Sudanese, Liberian, Afghan and Karen migrants, to Antipodes Festival name but a few. Ms MILLER — On Saturday I was pleased to Specifically Diversitat received its federal award for its attend the Greek Antipodes Festival with locals. work in developing and operating its northern Bentleigh has a large and active Greek community. I community hub, located on the site of the former am always glad to join in to celebrate the richness and migrant hostels in North Geelong. The hub provides a diversity of the culture the Greek community brings to meeting place and training facility for Geelong-based Victoria. Despite inclement weather, the festival was migrants, and in doing so provides important pathways well attended and people of all ages enjoyed the in education and on to employment. In its various roles dynamic performances and cultural celebration. since the mid-1970s Diversitat has provided important services to our migrant groups, and over those decades McKinnon Kindergarten: facilities it has done so very effectively indeed. This award is just Ms MILLER — Last Thursday I was joined by the one citation recognising the important and effective mayor of Glen Eira City Council and local parents and work of Diversitat. children to officially open the newly extended facility at I therefore take these few minutes to congratulate the McKinnon Kindergarten. A $300 000 coalition CEO, Michael Martinez, and his entire team at government grant allowed for the addition of a new 33- Diversitat for not only this award but the ongoing place kindergarten room and a new bathroom, kitchen, service Diversitat provides to newly arrived people, our foyer and meeting room. city and the wider Geelong community. To all at Diversitat, a job well done. Statements interrupted.

St Catherine’s Primary School: fundraising DISTINGUISHED VISITORS

Ms MILLER (Bentleigh) — I was delighted to The SPEAKER — Order! I welcome to the gallery attend St Catherine’s Primary School’s fete recently. a parliamentary delegation from Afghanistan. We St Catherine’s is a small school community which is welcome members of the delegation to the Parliament able to make a big impact. The final profit is yet to be of Victoria. announced, but those I have spoken are delighted that this active community’s fundraising is set to exceed an MEMBERS STATEMENTS astonishing $12 000. I further congratulate St Catherine’s for its success in the Earn and Learn Statements resumed. competition. I trust the students will enjoy all of their Public transport: single-use tickets new school resources. Ms RICHARDSON (Northcote) — I think this City of Moorabbin Cricket Association: awards contribution will be very relevant to the delegation.

Ms MILLER — The City of Moorabbin Cricket As the Premier desperately tries to clear the decks of all Association (CMCA) was established in 1930 and now the bad decisions the former Premier made, no doubt on consists of 120 teams. I was pleased to catch up with its his desk is a pile of briefs marked ‘Minister for Public president, Phil Cox, and vice-president, Mark Rainey, Transport’s stuff-ups’. The brief would cover topics this weekend as a number of local teams competed in such as failing to order new trains, station skipping, various finals and hosted end-of-season award running nearly two out of three new peak hour services presentations. I would like to congratulate the CMCA the wrong way against the peak-hour rush, and ignoring under-12 squad which won the Josh Browne Plate and the independent Australian level crossing assessment the Keith Mitchell Shield. These under-12s have model list to fix level crossings in Brighton. competed in the last 10 grand finals and have been

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I want to take this opportunity to help the Premier pull organisations to continue the great work they do. This one brief out of the pile and urge him to put it at the top bill is not related to the majority of people but to the of the list of things that must be addressed. It has minority of people who want to use sport as some sort recently been revealed, thanks to documents obtained of tool either to corrupt or to make money illegally. I under FOI, that, contrary to claims made by the want to make sure that I get that on the record. Of Minister for Public Transport, the removal of single-use course we on this side of the house do not oppose the tickets makes it more technically difficult for the myki bill before the house. ticketing system to operate effectively. The system was designed from the start to include single-use tickets and Having said that, opposition members have some for various technical reasons relies on single-use tickets concerns, and I will address some of those concerns in being part of the overall ticketing profile. the course of my contribution. I will start by giving a brief description of the bill to the house. This bill inserts Moreover, we know that there is no technical problem new offences into the Crimes Act 1958 to respond to with single-use tickets because they have been used in match fixing and cheating at gambling. It introduces regional buses right around country Victoria. There is offences in relation to corrupting the betting outcomes not a single operator, stakeholder or, most importantly, of events or event contingencies. The amendments in commuter who believes that the removal of single-use the bill are targeted at addressing a set of match fixing, tickets was not one of the Minister for Public race fixing and cheating at gambling behaviours. Transport’s most monumental stuff-ups. There is a Clause 3 of the bill inserts new sections into the warehouse full of single-use tickets, and in order to give principal act to establish five new indictable offences. effect to the Liberal government’s inexplicable decision to scrap them Kamco will have to write new software New section 195B(2) alters the existing crime of for the entirety of the myki system, costing taxpayers obtaining a financial advantage by deception to include more. where it is connected with betting on an event or an event contingency. New section 195C provides that a Commuters, the Public Transport Users Association, person must not engage in conduct that corrupts a operators, tourists and the Labor opposition all agree betting outcome of an event. New section 195D(1) that short-term tickets should never have been removed provides that a person must not offer to engage in or from the Melbourne ticketing system, and they simply encourage other conduct that corrupts or would corrupt must be restored. an event. New section 195E(1) provides that a person must not encourage another person to conceal corrupt CRIMES AMENDMENT (INTEGRITY IN conduct from a relevant authority. New section 195F(1) SPORTS) BILL 2013 provides that a person must not use corrupt conduct information for betting purposes. Later in my Second reading contribution I will point to a problem that we see may exist in relation to that part of the bill. Debate resumed from 7 March; motion of Mr CLARK (Attorney-General). The penalty for the offences created by the bill is a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. The bill provides Mr EREN (Lara) — I wish I could say that I am definitions, including that of ‘conduct that corrupts or pleased to be speaking on the Crimes Amendment would corrupt a betting outcome of an event or an event (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. Unfortunately bills like contingency’. In that case there must be a connection this are sad to a certain degree, particularly when the between the conduct and the outcome of the betting and issues involve corruption in sport. As we all know, the conduct must be contrary to the standards of Victorians, and indeed Australians, love sport, and we integrity, which are to be determined on a case-by-case love our ability to not only participate in sport but also basis by the court. enjoy the many sporting events that take place week in, week out. The definition of ‘event’ is not limited to sport and may include any event that is lawful to bet on — for As you would know, Speaker, as the shadow Minister example, the Academy Awards and election outcomes. for Sport and Recreation I get around the state; indeed I It would be very hard to track how betting would occur get around interstate and nationally in viewing some of in relation to election outcomes. I have to put on record the sporting events that take place. Obviously I am very that I have never bet online in relation to any sports, the proud of what we have done not only as a nation but Academy Awards or election outcomes, so I do not also as a state in terms of how we have accommodated, know exactly how that would all work. I have done a nourished and to a certain degree funded sporting bit of research, and obviously as technology evolves

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new developments occur, such as spot betting where conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of you can bet almost instantaneously just prior to the an event or an event contingency means conduct that — event on just about anything, including sport or another (a) affects or, if engaged in, would or would be likely event such as the Academy Awards or an election to affect the outcome of any type of betting on the outcome. Betting can be almost instantaneous, and the event or event contingency; and technology that is available today may encourage some (b) is contrary to the standards of integrity that a people to break the law and behave in a manner which reasonable person would expect of persons in a is corrupt. position to affect the outcome of any type of betting on the event or event contingency. We need some very strong laws. All governments can do is make very strong laws and impose strong These definitions are essential to each of the new punishments for people who do the wrong thing. For offences, and there must be a connection between the example, right across Europe we see and hear reports conduct and the outcome of betting. This will preclude which highlight how certain sporting events have been conduct which might affect the outcome of betting on corrupted all the way from management level down to an event but which is not inappropriate from being the player level. Obviously that is very concerning. It is included among the offences. Such conduct includes, not just to do with sport, it is also to do with other areas for example, strategic and tactical decisions made where corruption occurs in relation to betting. The bill during an event, honest errors and breaches of the laws extends to contingencies connected to an event, for such as foul play. Whilst these might affect the betting example, the player who scores the first goal. The outcome, they would not generally be considered legislation is not retrospective. contrary to the standards of integrity applicable to those persons participating in the event. Whether conduct is I will now outline some of the clauses in the bill as contrary to the standards of integrity is a question of well, Speaker, with your indulgence, and I will outline fact to be determined in each specific case. them clause by clause. It is important to get this on the record so that there is a clear understanding of the The term ‘event contingency’ is also defined in new provisions in this important bill. section 195B(1). The term ‘encourage’ will include the meanings ‘incite, induce, persuade, urge, threaten or Clause 1 of the bill sets out the purpose of the bill, pressure’. This definition should be read in conjunction which is to amend the Crimes Act 1958 to insert with section 2A of the Crimes Act 1958, which defines offences in relation to corrupting the betting outcomes ‘incite’ as including ‘command, request, propose, of events or event contingencies on which it is lawful to advise, encourage or authorise’. ‘Engage in conduct’ place bets. Clause 2 of the bill states that the bill will means: commence on the day after the day on which it receives the Royal Assent. (a) do an act; or

Clause 3 of the bill inserts new division 2B, ‘Cheating (b) omit to do an act … at gambling’, in part 1 of the Crimes Act 1958. New ‘Event’ means: section 195B will define words and expressions used in the new division 2B. The term ‘bet’ will include: … an event (whether it takes place in Victoria or elsewhere) on which it is lawful to bet under a law of Victoria, another (a) place, accept or withdraw a bet; and state, a territory or the commonwealth.

(b) cause a bet to be placed, accepted or withdrawn. The definition of ‘event’ is not limited to sport. It includes any type of event upon which it is lawful to ‘Causing a financial disadvantage’ will include: place a bet and would include, for example, betting on (a) causing a financial disadvantage to another person; Academy Award winners. The bill defines ‘event and contingency’ as:

(b) inducing a third person to do something that results … a contingency connected to an event, being a contingency in another person suffering a financial on which it is lawful to bet under a law of Victoria, another disadvantage — state, a territory or the commonwealth.

whether the financial disadvantage is permanent or This term is intended to catch contingencies which temporary. occur in the course of or connected with an event on which betting occurs. Examples include betting on The term ‘conduct’ will mean ‘an act or omission to do which team scores first in a football match and which an act’. The bill continues to define ‘conduct’ as:

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bowler takes the most wickets in a cricket match. As betting outcome of the event or the event contingency, the explanatory memorandum states: and intending to obtain a financial advantage or cause a financial disadvantage in connection with any betting obtaining a financial advantage includes — on the event or the event contingency. The offence is (a) obtaining a financial advantage for oneself or another punishable by a maximum penalty of level 5 person; and imprisonment, which is a maximum of 10 years.

(b) inducing a third person to do something that results in New section 195D(1) creates an indictable offence obtaining a financial advantage for oneself or for another whereby a person must not offer to engage in, or person; and encourage another person to engage in, conduct that (c) retaining a financial advantage that one has — corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of an event or event contingency knowing that, or being reckless as whether the financial advantage is permanent or temporary. to whether, the conduct corrupts or would corrupt a Section 82 of the Crimes Act 1958 already provides betting outcome of the event or event contingency; and that it is an offence for a person by any deception to intending to obtain a financial advantage or cause a dishonestly obtain a financial advantage for him or financial disadvantage in connection with any betting herself or another. That offence carries a maximum on the event or the event contingency. penalty of 10 years imprisonment. New division 2B of The bill details the offences and the consequences of part 1 of the Crimes Act 1958, inserted by clause 3 of offending, and some very tough penalties will be the bill, will provide for a different though similar applied. It is incumbent upon governments to make formulation of the term ‘obtaining a financial sure there is adequate resourcing not only of the judicial advantage’ which is specific to cheating at gambling system but also in policing and when following through and is consistent with the definition of the term in the on some of these issues to make sure these crimes are equivalent New South Wales legislation. As these not committed. Every law we bring into this place must provisions arise out of a national approach to address be used to full effect to make sure that these crimes are cheating at gambling, it is therefore appropriate that the not committed. definitions be consistent. Sporting codes operate across internal Australian jurisdiction boundaries and I know it is tedious but it is appropriate to put these gambling within one state or territory occurs with things on the record to make sure that people out there respect to events in other states and territories. who read the things we say in this Parliament — I am not sure how many there are out there — learn from The bill establishes five new offences that target them and know not to commit some of these offences conduct that is intended to manipulate betting we are talking about today. It is important to make sure outcomes. Under new section 195B(2) in a proceeding we cover every single possibility of a loophole, so for an offence against division 2B an accused will be although the bill may seem repetitive in its wording, taken to have intended to obtain a financial advantage, members should rest assured that a lot of bigwigs have or cause a financial disadvantage, if, and only if, it is worked on this, if I can say that. I am sure that most of proved that the accused intended to obtain a financial the loopholes those people tend to look for have been advantage or cause a financial disadvantage in addressed in the bill before the house. It is good to see connection with betting on an event or event that the bill has the very strong support and is an contingency, or was aware that another person intended initiative of the federal government, and I congratulate to obtain a financial advantage or cause a financial the federal Minister for Sport, Senator Kate Lundy, on disadvantage in connection with betting on an event or the work she has done in getting all the states and event contingency as a result of the conduct that is the territories to have a common law that protects sport subject of the charge. from such corrupt behaviour.

New section 195B(3) states that in a proceeding for an New section 195F(2) states that in a prosecution of an offence against the new division it is not necessary to offence under new section 195F(1)(d) or (e) it is not prove that a financial advantage was actually obtained necessary to prove that the other person actually bet on or a financial disadvantage was actually caused. New the event or event contingency concerned. Clause 4 of section 195C creates an indictable offence whereby a the bill inserts new section 619 into the Crimes Act person must not engage in conduct that corrupts or 1958. The new section provides that the amendments would corrupt a betting outcome of an event or event made by the bill apply to offences alleged to have been contingency knowing that, or being reckless as to committed on or after the commencement date. This whether, the conduct corrupts or would corrupt a clarifies that there is no retrospective application of this

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legislation. Hopefully all those people who have should place a bet on it’. It is very important to ensure offended in the past will take advantage of the fact that that we close the loophole for such examples of there is no retrospectivity to this bill and will correct unintentional corruption. It is an embarrassing situation their ways and not offend in this manner. for not only the player and family involved but also the friend, who in the spirit of the moment has made a bad The explanatory memorandum further states in relation judgement call on what he or she should do with that to clause 4: information. We think it is important to put that on the record. New section 619(2) states that for the purpose of new section 619(1), if an offence is alleged to have been committed between two dates, being before and after the The Minister for Sport and Recreation is predominately commencement date, the offence is alleged to have been a good guy with good intentions, but some things are committed before the commencement date. lacking in relation to his portfolio. This is one bill in the minister’s portfolio that we just cannot afford to get In relation to clause 5 of the bill, the explanatory wrong; we have to make sure that we get it right. It memorandum states: would be great to receive some assurances and Clause 5 provides for the repeal of the bill on the first clarification in relation to the operation of new anniversary of its commencement. The repeal of the bill will section 195(F)(1). not affect the continuing operation of the amendments made by it (see section 15(1) of the Interpretation of Legislation Act This bill implements a key objective of the national 1984). policy on match fixing in sport. As I said earlier, sport As I indicated before, most sportspeople are not in any plays a huge role in many people’s lives. As the shadow way connected with corrupt conduct. Unfortunately, Minister for Sport and Recreation and shadow minister however, a minority tend to be that way inclined. This for volunteers, I know how important sport is for not bill ensures that the majority of people, the more than only the physical wellbeing of people who participate 99 per cent who actually enjoy watching their favourite in it but also the mental health of people who volunteer. sport, can do so knowing there is no corruption in it. They may not play sport, but they volunteer at canteens and do all of those things that are required of them as I said earlier that many people like to have a punt. good citizens of this great state. This bill affects not Many people also enjoy the tradition of playing two-up only the hands-on players and participants in sport but on Anzac Day. It is very much part of our culture to bet also all those people associated with sporting on sport, particularly on horseracing. There is a very organisations, particularly volunteers. good marriage between sport and gambling. People generally gamble with the best intentions; they expect it I am really pleased that the federal government, through to be a level playing field and free of corruption. Kate Lundy, the federal Minister for Sport, played a Everybody in this state, indeed in this country, is part in initiating the bill before the house. The national entitled to enjoy the little pleasures of life free from the policy was agreed to at a commonwealth and state level presence of corruption. It is reassuring to have by all sports ministers in June 2011. At that time it was measures in place that are designed to stamp out match decided that all Australian governments would agree to fixing and to have the minority of people who engage pursue, through their respective attorneys-general, a in corrupt activity prosecuted. consistent approach to criminal offences in relation to match fixing. The national policy on match fixing in However, we on this side of the house remain sport is a collaborative approach to a national issue. It is concerned. The government assures us that this bill is great to see Labor’s federal Minister for Sport, Kate not intended to criminalise red hot tips or instances Lundy, calling on other states to follow suit. where a parent or a friend bets on an outcome using information about game tactics they obtained from a The New South Wales government has already player. However, on a strict reading of new legislated for this, and match fixing legislation is section 195F(1), which is inserted by clause 3 of the currently before the South Australian Parliament. The bill, it remains unclear to us that this will not happen. A bill before us today is consistent with legislation in player might be very excited about the fact that they those states. have just been moved to a new position on the field. To a certain extent I am glad that this government has They might hit the phone to say, ‘Mum, I’ve just been finally decided to follow suit. Of course it has only moved to full forward for such and such a game’. Of taken it two years to do so! For such an important course mum is very happy about this and might national initiative, that is two years too long. We unintentionally transfer that message on to someone support this legislation, but the question must be asked: else, who says, ‘That’s good information; maybe we

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why has it taken the coalition government two years to Mr EREN — Further, the soft spot for sport that act? I also call on the Minister for Sport and Recreation, this government has is obviously very soft when it who has done so little for sports in Victoria to date, and comes to highlighting some of the inadequacies of this the Premier, to fight to get back the $46 million that government and pondering why it has taken so long for was cut from the sports portfolio through the this bill to come before this house, when commitments Community Support Fund, especially given the were given to the federal minister two years ago that we minister’s claims that the coalition government is would have this legislation in place. New South Wales committed to remaining vigilant, continually improving has implemented this legislation, South Australia is our integrity system and enhancing our reputation as now legislating in relation to this — and we are the best sporting state anywhere in the world. If this is supposed to be the sporting capital of the world. We are the case, I ask: why has two years passed since that not. agreement, when New South Wales adopted the bill last year and South Australia is in the process of doing it Mr O’Brien — We are. You are talking us down. this year? Mr EREN — No, you are bringing it down. We are supposed to be the sporting capital of the world, but we are not any more. We were the sporting capital The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member of the world in 2006, 2008 and 2010, but Labor was in for Lara will address his remarks through the Chair. government then. Unfortunately in 2012 we lost that Mr EREN — The minister is bringing it down. title, and that is a real shame. We are now second to the UK, and we want to get that title back. So far we are Mr O’Brien — Victoria is not the sporting capital still the sporting capital of the nation, but we do not of the world according to the Labor Party. appear to be so, because we are following New South Wales in relation to sporting legislation such as this. It Mr EREN — No, that is according to your is a damn shame that this government has been so slow inadequate government. I commend the bill before the out of the blocks, may I say, and that it has only house. It is far too late for this lazy government. brought this very important bill before the house today. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The There is no question about the lacklustre performance member’s time has expired. The Treasurer is being of this government in relation to some major sporting disorderly. events. We are now battling with other states and territories for major sporting events. I know how Mr ANGUS (Forest Hill) — I am very pleased to devastating it was for the athletics community in rise this morning to speak in support of the Crimes Victoria when we lost the Athletics Australia junior Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. But first I titles to Perth and the senior titles to New South Wales, want to comment on the contribution by the member but, when contacted, the minister’s office did not for Lara. It is regrettable that the shadow Minister for actually know about that and had to check on the Sport and Recreation is saying that Victoria, or athletics website to find out that we had lost the titles. Melbourne, is no longer the sporting capital of Australia, because it certainly is. There are a great Mr O’Brien interjected. number of major sporting events in Victoria that we cherish and strongly defend. There is no doubt at all Mr EREN — Government members get very that we are very passionate about our sport in Victoria, precious when I talk about some of these issues relating and long may that continue. to sport. They have glass jaws. I can see that the minister is squirming across the table and asking me to Clause 1 of the bill explains its purpose, which is to speak about the bill. If only he had been in the chamber amend the Crimes Act 1958 to insert new offences in for long enough, he would have known that 25 minutes relation to corrupting the betting outcomes of events or of my contribution has been on the bill and I am event contingencies on which it is lawful to place bets. now — — We well know that sport here in Victoria is a multibillion-dollar industry. We are the sporting capital The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! Twenty-five of Australia. It is a reputation that is very well earnt, minutes of being on the bill is not an excuse for not and one that we must defend very strongly. We have speaking on the bill. some wonderful facilities spread throughout the metropolitan and regional areas. We host outstanding Honourable members interjecting. events on a regular basis, and we put on major sporting

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events in an extremely professional and well-managed protected for the sake of all participants and people who fashion. take a betting interest in sports.

This piece of legislation goes to defending the integrity The offences in the bill strengthen the integrity of the of sport here in Victoria. Some of the outstanding sporting codes by targeting behaviours which are aimed events that we have include football, soccer and at fixing races and sporting contests with a view to horseracing. The government is very committed to obtaining advantage through betting. The legislation protecting our vital sporting industry, which provides so also addresses concerns identified by the Australian many jobs and so much enjoyment to and feeds the Crime Commission in its report released on 7 February passions of most Victorians. As I said, the legislation entitled Organised Crime and Drugs in Sport, which helps to provide certainty and transparency for the identifies risks to sport in Australia, particularly from thousands of fans, participants and employees involved organised crime enterprises seeking to gain influence as well as those who take an interest in professional and advantage from associations with sporting sports in Victoria. The legislation covers officials, identities, thereby leading to the corruption of the players, participants and anyone trying to manipulate integrity of sporting codes. the outcome of an event to gain an advantage through betting. The bill deals with match fixing, race fixing It is very important that we deal seriously with this and spot fixing. It is very important that these totally issue. There is no point at all in putting our heads in the illegal and inappropriate actions are dealt with very sand and saying, ‘It can’t happen here. It won’t strongly and that is what this bill, introduced by the happen’. We have got to be on the front foot, because coalition government, will indeed do. there is no doubt that organised crime in Victoria, Australia and everywhere else in the world is chasing The overall objective of the legislation is to create the big dollars and that whatever nefarious activity specific criminal offences that target persons who seek these criminals get up to, there is certainly no barrier to to fix a betting outcome to profit from such a fix or to it potentially happening in Victoria. It is essential that use inside information. The bill addresses national we get on the front foot and put in place some very commitments made by the government by resolution of significant penalties and deterrents for such totally the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General, which is inappropriate behaviour. now the Standing Council on Law and Justice, racing ministers agreements made in 2002 and, more recently, On that subject, I note that the penalties in the bill sporting ministers agreements. The bill also addresses include a maximum prison term of up to 10 years and integrity concerns identified by the Australian Crime fines of up to $50 000. It can be seen from those Commission in its recent report of 7 February and a penalties that the government is taking this issue previous report from 2011. seriously. The penalties will not be some sort of slap on the wrist with a wet lettuce. Rather, we are going to The bill also addresses one of the recommendations of deal with this in a very serious manner, because the racing integrity commissioner’s recent report into corrupting and influencing the outcomes of legitimate race fixing to enact race match-fixing legislation sporting events in this way is totally inappropriate consistent with that in other jurisdictions such as New behaviour that will not be tolerated by this government. South Wales and South Australia. It is very important that we keep up with what is going on in other I also note that a new Victoria Police sporting integrity jurisdictions to ensure that we protect our sporting intelligence unit has been established. This is a very industry in Victoria. important initiative providing more resources to assist in policing in this area. It is not going to be a matter of The bill addresses commitments made by the Victorian bringing in some legislation and then hoping for the government to introduce and enact this type of match- best. Rather we are bringing in legislation and then fixing legislation. The government previously beefing up the regulatory resources that are needed to committed to implement such legislation at the ensure that we can police the application of this piece of Standing Council on Law and Justice in November legislation and ensure that the broader community is 2011 and commitments were also made by state and protected from these inappropriate activities. territory racing ministers in May last year. As I also said, this legislation is similar to other jurisdictions such The bill enacts legislation consistent with the national as New South Wales and South Australia that have agreement on match fixing. It creates a range of already addressed match and race-fixing behaviours offences targeting behaviours that include engaging in that can totally undermine the integrity of the sporting conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting codes. It is very important that that integrity be outcome, facilitating conduct that corrupts or would

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corrupt a betting outcome, concealing conduct, Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr agreements or arrangements and the use of corrupt Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr conduct information for betting purposes. Here we have D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr legislation that puts in place very clear and concise Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr sections within the relevant acts to deal with these Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr issues head on. Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr For example, new section 195C, inserted by clause 3 of Foley, Mr Pallas, Mr Garrett, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr the bill, deals with engaging in conduct that corrupts or Graley, Ms Perera, Mr would corrupt a betting outcome of an event or an event Green, Ms Richardson, Ms contingency. The bill outlines in great detail what is Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr required for someone to have breached in that area. Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr New section 195D, also inserted by clause 3 of the bill, Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr deals with facilitating conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of an event or event Noes, 44 contingency. Again the bill describes what a person Angus, Mr Mulder, Mr must not do in order to avoid contravening that section Asher, Ms Napthine, Dr Baillieu, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr of the legislation. Similarly, new section 195E, inserted Battin, Mr Northe, Mr by clause 3 of the bill, deals with concealing conduct, Bauer, Mrs O’Brien, Mr agreement or arrangement. It says: Blackwood, Mr Powell, Mrs Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms (1) A person must not encourage another person to conceal Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr from a relevant authority conduct, or an agreement or Clark, Mr Shaw, Mr arrangement in respect of conduct, that corrupts or Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. would corrupt a betting outcome of an event or event Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr contingency — Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr That section goes on to deal with that matter in more Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr detail. New section 195F, also inserted by clause 3, Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Mrs Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr deals with the use of corrupt conduct information for Kotsiras, Mr Walsh, Mr betting purposes. McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr The new offences are very clearly articulated in the bill, McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr and it is essential that the community hear loud and Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms clear from the government in relation to this issue. As I Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms said before, it is particularly important that those Motion defeated. involved in organised crime understand that this government takes the integrity of its sporting codes The SPEAKER — Order! I remind members to be very seriously. This legislation sends a very clear aware of who is on their feet when they are moving message to them that they had better not interfere with around the chamber. In the last couple of days I have the great state of Victoria. noticed that people have been crossing between the Speaker and the person on their feet. Members should In conclusion, I congratulate the various ministers be careful and more aware. involved in this initiative. I am very pleased that the opposition is supporting the bill, and I commend the bill Mr BULL (Gippsland East) — It is with great to the house pleasure that I rise to speak on the Crimes Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. I note that when the Mr BROOKS (Bundoora) — I move: shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation, the member for Lara, made his initial contribution, he spoke about That the debate be now adjourned. how important this bill is and how important it is that House divided on Mr Brooks’s motion: these laws be introduced. It is certainly a shame that it would appear he may be the only contributor from the Ayes, 42 other side of the house on this topic. Allan, Ms Howard, Mr Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms In this chamber, just in the last sitting week, I spoke Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms about a number of aspiring young sportsmen and Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms sportswomen from East Gippsland and noted their Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms

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outstanding achievements. It is these youngsters and volunteers and fans who want to stamp out unethical their generation who need to grow up having behaviour in sport. confidence in our sporting world and in the tradition of playing sport hard but fair. Having been a fairly active This bill also applies to the racing industry. In January member of our local sports community as a junior footy this year Victoria’s racing integrity commissioner, Sal coach for 16 years — I have run Auskick and coached Perna, released his report on his own-motion inquiry junior cricket and other sports — — into race fixing. While Mr Perna found that there was no evidence of endemic or systemic race fixing in Mr Weller interjected. Victoria, he made 11 recommendations designed to improve and strengthen the integrity of racing. Given Mr BULL — Yes, I was lucky enough to coach that Mr Perna has worked in the racing industry for a several premierships. I thank the member for Rodney decade, members can certainly understand the for that interjection. importance of this move. The government has agreed in principle to the 11 recommendations in the report, and In my previous employment with the Australian Sports Mr Perna is presently going through a process of Commission I was involved in a program that working with the racing industry in relation to their introduced over 2000 young, primary school-aged implementation. One of the recommendations is that children to sports, so I am well aware of the importance the government expedite the introduction of what is of providing children with good role models and a good known as cheating-at-gambling legislation. The bill introduction to sport. When you see the keenness and delivers on that recommendation in full, and it is enthusiasm in the eyes of our young sportsmen and consistent with discussions held in a meeting of state sportswomen, their willingness to follow every and territory racing ministers in May last year. I am direction and the way in which they idolise their sure that this will become something that is widely sporting heroes, it is clear to see how easily they are adopted across all jurisdictions because it is good, influenced by the actions of their heroes. Unfortunately strong and positive legislation. the press that elite sport has received from time to time, whether it be about drug taking or match fixing or the This bill addresses the threat posed to the integrity of like, does not send the right message to our young and Australian sport by the possible fixing of matches, races aspiring junior athletes, not only in Victoria but right and other sporting events. As I said, we have seen a across Australia. These incidents also cause dismay number of incidents across the board not only in amongst seasoned sporting fans, and their Australia but also internationally that have caused anger disenchantment is clear to see within the wider sporting among fans and followers. These incidents attack the community. very foundation of fair competition and the great Australian ethos of doing your best at all times. The The rorting that has been so well documented over member for Rodney has regaled me with stories about recent years extends from rorting by individuals right his cricketing career. While limited in ability, he is the through to cases involving organised crime. Clearly this classic example of someone doing their best and giving cannot be tolerated, and it needs to be stamped out at all their best at all times. We teach our young sportspeople levels. It is for this reason that the integrity of sporting to do their best; that is what we try to instil in them. We events is maintained and that public confidence and the try to teach them to be gracious in victory and humble confidence of our younger generation is not in defeat. Altering the outcome of games or aspects of undermined. We must do everything to maintain the games is a direct attack on the morals and ethics we try confidence of fans and the broader community in sport to instil in our young sportspeople. itself, in the players and in other participants and followers. It is true that advances in technology in recent years have greatly increased the opportunities for having a The sporting community and sport itself are enormous bet. There are now many more options on the table for contributors to our economy not only in Victoria but the punting fraternity. We can have a bet almost 24/7 also throughout Australia. We need to guard its on any event operating anywhere in the world — even integrity at all costs. Sporting heroes and champions events on the other side of the world. Although far from should be role models for all people to admire, being what you would call a big punter myself, I enjoy untarnished by corruption or even the very suspicion of the occasional recreational bet with good friends of a malpractice. It is for these reasons that the Victorian weekend. It is good to know, and I am sure that all in government is committed to standing with the vast the punting fraternity would certainly agree, that you majority of Australian sportspeople, officials, are getting a fair run for your money. You want to know regardless of the event or the size of the wager

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that the event is being operated with the utmost having made somewhere between 20 and 30 A-grade integrity and that the outcomes will be genuine. centuries in country cricket. He also captained the country week team from Gippsland in competitions Sport provides entertainment, but I also note that the across Melbourne. Legend has it that his prowess was very rich calendar of sporting events we have in so sharp and so astute that one day, while fielding at Victoria is a key contributor to our state’s economy. It second slip, he even caught a swallow that was flying was disappointing to hear the shadow Minister for by, so fast were his reflexes. It could be said that his Sport and Recreation comment in his contribution that fast-twitch muscle fibres enabled that quick reaction he believed — and I note that the Minister for Sport and time, as opposed to slow-twitch fibres, which he might Recreation is at the table — that Melbourne has lost the have been judged to have when he was moving to the mantle of the sporting capital of the world. That is outfield where, I understand from reliable boundary something I vehemently reject. We have an enormous observers, he needed to be within grabbing distance of number of international events to be very proud of here the ball flying by to contribute to a successful outcome. in Victoria. If anything, over recent years we have confirmed our status as the sporting capital of the There are sporting legends around the state and around world. The long list of events that the sports minister the nation — people who younger people can look up has referred to on many occasions in this place supports to for their contribution in the arena of support. There is this notion. the example of Adam Gilchrist, who is one of Australia’s greatest-ever wicketkeeper-batsmen, who In addition the bill creates new offences in relation to walked when he did not have to, having been caught the use of corrupt conduct information for betting behind. The batsman knew what he had to do. It is that purposes. Penalties for offences under this bill are set at dynamic example that lasts for decades in the a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. I was pleased to understandings of younger Australians. hear the member for Forest Hill note in his contribution that a police sporting integrity intelligence unit will There is the immortalised example of John Landy in a oversee these matters and investigate any matters race around Olympic Park — a mile event — stopping arising that involve situations where individuals have to pick up a fallen Ron Clarke at one stage. If a runner questionable intent. The resources will certainly be in such a situation had had money on the event or were there to ensure that this legislation is well and truly backing themselves, they would not have stopped. It is enforced. those examples of sportsmanship at its highest and best that live on in the minds of generations of Australians. This bill sends a very clear message, and that message is that the fixing of sporting matches and other events Recently I was speaking with a number of boundary will not be tolerated in Victoria. It is a message that we line commentators in the Sandringham area who are need to trumpet to the wider community and instil in all keen observers of junior sport in the district. This was a members of our sporting communities in Victoria, from cross-section of boundary line coffee drinkers who the youngest of junior sportspeople right up to veterans were observing their children following an elite training participating in sport. We need to let people know that pathway in Australian Rules football. The unprompted Victorian sport and wagering on international sports in conversation related to concerns about the incidence of Victoria are conducted with the utmost integrity and betting on sport. A common concern was expressed honour, and that people can have extreme confidence in about the increasing incidence of television advertising sport in Victoria. I commend the bill to the house. promoting betting against a range of different contingencies, and it is perhaps in that context that the Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — I am pleased bill might be considered. to contribute to the debate on the Crimes Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. The purpose of the bill is I would also like to record the outstanding examples of to amend the Crimes Act 1958 to insert offences in sportsmanship by a number of people who I have relation to corrupting the betting outcomes of events or observed over the decades. Mike Bowden was a of event contingencies on which it is lawful to place premiership player in the Richmond 1969 team who bets. The bill will come into operation on the day after later coached in Robinvale and Mildura. His the day on which it receives royal assent. contribution on an ethical basis to Indigenous welfare is in large part unheralded, but it is of an outstanding I am very pleased to follow the member for Gippsland nature. It is where the same high values, ethics and East, who personified integrity in sport during his principles of the greatest styles of leadership are applied sporting career in country Victoria. It is noteworthy that both off the field and on the field that sport is he has been a great exponent of the art form of cricket, exemplified at its highest.

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In passing I note one story about Mike, who had been There are training circuits even within the Sandringham working with a Rotary club to help members of the electorate. There are around 113 steps opposite Royal Indigenous population in Mildura who were living on Avenue and Beach Road that have been the training the riverbank. There was an alcohol-free house, and on steps for Kokoda Track walkers and for Australian one occasion he was on duty at the house when one of Olympic gold medallists. I informally expressed to a the residents infringed the rules of the house. His job minister earlier this week my view that there might be was to say, ‘You cannot stay here tonight’. He faced a merit in naming those steps the Freeman-Flintoff-King moral dilemma, ‘Do I send him back to the riverbank walkway. Those athletes, along with others such as from where we brought him to try to redeem some Peter Norman, Ralph Doubell, Herb Elliott and John dignity for his life, or do I breach the rules of the Landy, reflect the highest and best of Australian sport. house?’. What he did on that occasion was to say to the There is also the outstanding example of Tommy Aboriginal fellow, ‘Come home and live with me’. The Hafey, who at the age of 82, in addition to doing Bowden family provided accommodation for a number 600 sit-ups and 200 push-ups a day, speaks to young of years. He later died of cancer, but every member of children about character, honesty and integrity in sport. the Bowden family from around Australia visited him He had that marvellous circumstance in the 1977 in his dying weeks. Mike’s wife, Judy, was the season when he took a team from the bottom of the palliative carer. It is that extrapolation of values from an ladder, the failing, struggling Collingwood Football outstanding Australian athlete, who had three sons that Club, into a grand final. Regrettably there was a draw in went on to play AFL football, that shows the level and the first game and Collingwood lost the rematch. That calibre of leadership that can be applied in sport. is a legendary story.

There is also the example of Blair Campbell, who Honourable members interjecting. played cricket and football for Victoria. He lived down Sale way. I think he also coached the Tasmanian state Mr THOMPSON — I am being drowned out by team. Again he was a person who exemplified the interjections in the chamber saying that it is a good highest values in the sporting arena. If you snicked the story. It is a good story to the extent that he was an ball and were caught behind and the umpire was not outstanding coach who reflected the highest levels of sure at that moment, you walked. It led to a level of integrity in the art form of sport. Tommy and Maureen understanding and integrity in country week cricket and Hafey are legends across the Australian sporting in sporting competitions across the state that you had landscape for their commitment to integrity and the benefit of the swings and roundabouts. I have honesty; they are role models. We need more role admired the courage of captains who have made those models like the member for Gippsland East with his 20 hard calls even when premierships have been on the to 30 centuries and his leadership in junior sport. The line, because it built goodwill and exemplified the Minister for Sport and Recreation is at the table, and he highest and best that was possible in the sporting arena. was a legend in the Mallee-Wimmera for his contribution to sport. We need that moral leadership, There have been many examples of sporting coaches, because while laws can do a certain amount, you cannot including Roy Boyd, after whom the Sandringham legislate morality; it has to come from within the hearts athletics track clubhouse has been named. For decades of the people. Such examples can inspire, lead and he coached Australian amateur athletes on an unpaid, provide a framework for others so that people are not voluntary basis. For a time he worked as an engineer drawn into networks of corruption or corrupt processes. with the former City of Waverley, and he did work for I support the bill before the house. the office of the Ombudsman. But his value framework was exemplified in the way he looked after junior Mr SHAW (Frankston) — I rise to speak on the Australian athletes — exemplifying the highest and the Crimes Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. The best and doing your very best. His ethical focus was raft of names of sporting legends from across the honoured in the naming of the pavilion at the country who have been mentioned is great. I must say Sandringham athletics track. In passing, Roy Boyd that I did not know the member for Gippsland East was helped coach Debbie Flintoff-King, who won the 400- among them, but now I know; that is fantastic. metre hurdles at Seoul in 1988 by 1-100th of a second against a Soviet athlete. Cathy Freeman was also the The importance of sport in Australia and Victoria from beneficiary of the culture of commitment to excellence a community perspective cannot be underestimated. in Australian sport, where training regimes were From a very young age we are encouraged as kids — undertaken to the highest value. this is especially true of my children and of me as well — into whatever sporting fields are available, whether they be summer or winter sports, Little

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Athletics, AFL, or in the case of my kids, soccer and finishes in Frankston, going up EastLink and back. I basketball. Basketball was not big when I was growing had that one down pat, but the last part I did not have up, but AFL definitely was, and swimming was as well. down pat — the 42-kilometre marathon run from Frankston to Melbourne. The winner does all that in Sport is important not only because it gives kids the under 8 hours. That is something people can look to and opportunity to learn teamwork, be around friends, aim say, ‘That is fantastic’. We have elderly people do it — towards and achieve something but also because it I think the oldest was around 70 years of age. I see a teaches things like leadership and time management, number of locals training in the area, swimming at the improves their physical and mental wellbeing and beach, getting their lycra on and riding their bikes. This entertains them. When I was younger bike riding used healthy achievement is something to aspire to. That is a to be quite big; we got on the bike and went to the park. terrific one. It is on this Sunday in Frankston. I see less of that now. The Big M marathon also used to start in Frankston and We are basically a nation of sport lovers. If we do not finish in Melbourne. Thousands of people would attend play a sport, we watch it. That shows in this state where that event and run to Melbourne. The fourth World we have the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, a Bowls championships were held in Frankston in 1980. I worldwide event; the Australian Open Tennis cannot see too much match fixing in bowls, but a Championships, one of the four grand slam events held couple of bets could go around — you never know. around the world; the Melbourne Cup and the Spring With all the benefits and highlights of sport — Racing Carnival; and of course one of the greatest including the champions who have played the game events for Victorians, the AFL Grand Final. This love and the kids who are getting involved in sport because of sport rises at times to a feverish, almost religious, sport is promoted as being healthy and active and pitch when we are following our team at sporting character building as well as enjoyable — it is sad and a events, and that happens at the junior level as well. bit of a blight that we see elements of criminal activity in sport. It is important that people in the sporting arena — not just celebrities like movie stars — are looked on as role I am not a gambler — I do not like it — but I do not models. I can understand why some sports stars say, ‘I want to take away from people their freedom to did not put my hand up to be a role model’, but at the gamble, if that is what they want to do. It is their choice same time that is what the public look to them for. In to gamble, and good luck to them, because they will Frankston we have had some terrific role models in the need it. For my part, I choose not to gamble; but we are sporting arena. Probably one of the greatest players of in a country in which we can make free choices. I do the game, a man of great integrity and an honest player, not think betting is a choice for me, but I understand it was Robert Harvey, who went to my old school with is for other people. my brother. He is a dual Brownlow medallist who played for St Kilda. That is someone who could be This bill addresses the issue of match fixing at sporting looked upon as a role model. events, whether they are races or games. The passing of this legislation sends the message that we in Victoria I mentioned the great events we have in Victoria, but will not tolerate match fixing, we will not tolerate even in Frankston we have the Ironman Asia-Pacific unfairness in betting and we will not allow corruption Championship Melbourne, which the Minister for Sport to enter sporting events. Not once in any of the sports I and Recreation will attend this weekend. I will was involved in, whether it was coaching, participating welcome him to Frankston early Sunday morning — — in a team or at an individual level, did I ever come across any of that sort of stuff; however, I remember Mr Battin interjected. one case that occurred during my time in an Mr SHAW — Unfortunately I will not be accountancy practice. Laurie Connell, a West competing in that event. The member for Carrum will Australian businessman, was sent to jail for five years also be there. What a race that is, and over 1600 people for rigging a race by paying a jockey to leave the will be attending. The Ironman event will bring what is country. I thought five years was a harsh penalty, but guesstimated to be around $10 million to Melbourne’s this legislation provides for penalties of five years for economy. What an event to showcase Frankston, those who facilitate or organise that sort of activity. beginning with a 3.8-kilometre swim that starts and I want to comment on something said by the member finishes in Frankston on what has been voted the best, for Sandringham during his contribution to the debate. cleanest and friendliest beach in Melbourne two years He said that you cannot necessarily legislate against all in a row. The 180-kilometre bike ride also starts and this stuff, because the issues are deeper. This bill will

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provide a deterrent, which is terrific, but there needs to the impact of sporting stars like Cameron White, who be that moral code within us that does not allow this comes from Gippsland — I think it was the member for stuff to happen. Be that as it may, people will still Gippsland who taught him how to play cricket. engage in these activities by flouting and breaking the Importantly, sportspeople are an inspiration for the law when it comes to sport and other such activities. younger generation coming through. This legislation is important for boosting the confidence fans have in sport. Match fixing and race fixing rocks I am well known as a person who wants to protect the people. It hurts some of the gamblers, because a lot of integrity of sport, and this bill sends a very clear the time they are sore losers and might think they have message that we in Victoria want to do just that. As a been dudded again. This legislation goes a long way sporting person I have been involved with a lot of towards preventing match and race fixing. sports, and still have a strong association with many of them. This morning at 7.00 a.m. I went to an AFL Sport will continue to be great in this country regardless SportsReady breakfast at the MCG, where I heard Alisa of Xbox and Wii and the types of games that are Camplin speak about her career as an aerial skier. She keeping kids indoors. Our catchline is: more people, gave an inspirational speech during which she talked more active, more often. With those words I commend about how she has got to where she is. I do not know the bill to the house. when she slept; she was either studying, eating, working or helping others. Importantly, she got to a The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I call the very high level, winning a gold medal at the 2002 Minister for Sport and Recreation. Does the member Winter Olympics, and a bronze medal at the 2006 for Narre Warren North wish to raise a point of order? Winter Olympics. Her passion for sport is to be commended. These are the types of people who inspire Mr Donnellan — I wish to move that the debate be the next generation to be involved in sport, but we all adjourned. have a role to play in protecting the integrity of sport.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! That is not a In the last couple of weeks the Australian Crime point of order. The government has the call. Commission (ACC) issued its report titled Organised Mr DELAHUNTY (Minister for Sport and Crime and Drugs in Sport, and the Australian Sports Recreation) — I rise to speak on this very important Anti-Doping Authority has been investigating the use bill, the Crimes Amendment (Integrity In Sports) Bill of drugs in sport. Ministers for sport have been briefed 2013. It has been interesting to listen to the debate this on a number of matters, including not only the use of morning. Although I have not been able to be in the drugs in sport, which is abhorrent and should be dealt chamber all the time, I want to commend the members with by the peak bodies in each sport, but also the use for Gippsland East and Forest Hill in particular not only of illicit drugs which are infiltrating our sporting codes on their great knowledge of sport but also for their and the activities of organised crime. As a government passion and their positive contribution to the debate on we are very concerned about these matters. this bill. This is what Parliament should be about, All these matters were discussed with the former because I think none of us has a mortgage on Premier at the time the ACC’s report was released. A knowledge. This is about being passionate, being sports integrity unit was established in Victoria Police committed and, more importantly, contributing to the because we in Victoria wanted to send a clear message wellbeing of sport and racing in Victoria. to those who seek to influence sport through organised I did not hear the shadow minister speak, but I have crime networks or illicit drugs — or whatever it may heard that he was continually talking down Victoria. be — that the police sports integrity unit will be looking The reality is that this is a very important bill which over their shoulders. mirrors legislation being implemented in all states This bill that we are introducing is very important. It across Australia. It is important that we send a clear will strengthen the integrity of sport and protect betting message that this bill provides very severe penalties for on sport and other events in Victoria. This is about those who seek to influence the outcomes of betting on betting. These changes will send a clear message to sport or other events in Victoria. people seeking to engage in conduct that corrupts I was absolutely delighted to hear the member for betting or undermines the integrity of sporting contests. Gippsland East, because he is a person who has a great This bill provides significant penalties for such conduct. knowledge of sport. He has been involved in an after- Mr Eren interjected. school program for children and has worked not only at the grassroots level but at a very high level. He knows

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Mr DELAHUNTY — You have had your chance. sport is a big part of our culture. It is an enormous part It was a waste of time. of our culture, and it is an enormous economic driver. There are not only sporting and economic benefits from Mr Eren interjected. sport but also enormous health benefits. In Victoria and right across Australia there is a growing problem with Mr DELAHUNTY — The reality is it was a waste obesity and type 2 diabetes. Sport can play a role in of time. getting people more active, and people who get The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member involved derive health benefits. for Lara will cease interjecting in that way. We have an enormous number of major events in Mr DELAHUNTY — People are asking questions Victoria, including the Australian Open Tennis such as, ‘Is this an acknowledgement that there is Championships, the Spring Racing Carnival, the corruption in betting on sport?’. I am not sure there is. Boxing Day cricket test and cycling events. The World We know there are some concerns. We have seen it Dance Sport Championships were held here last year. happen in places such as India and Pakistan, but this There are also the AFL finals. We have fantastic bill is designed to implement an offence regime to act facilities such as the MCG, Melbourne Park, Simonds as a clear deterrent to those who seek to undermine the Stadium and Etihad Stadium. We have fantastic, world- integrity of sporting contests. It introduces maximum recognised golf courses in the sand-belt and right across penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment as punishment Victoria. We have significant sporting events, which I for those who engage in corrupt conduct and undermine support through my portfolio, including the Men’s and the integrity of sporting and other events. Women’s Victorian Open, which was held at Thirteenth Beach. This was an unbelievably successful In my early days as Minister for Sport and Recreation I event, and it is important that we protect such events. met with the other sports ministers. At that stage, the federal Minister for Sport was Mark Arbib. We were The Australian Netball League finals were held here. concerned about what we were hearing about match Unfortunately the Melbourne Vixens did not quite get fixing. All state governments and the federal there, but I am sure they will do a better job this year. government were concerned about the integrity of We have supported Amy’s Gran Fondo on the Surf sport. I have a communiqué we put out in 2011. It Coast. We also put a fair bit of money into the grand states: final of the Women’s National Basketball League, which was held in Bendigo and won by the Bendigo … corruption in sport is an emerging and critical issue facing Spirit, which put out the fire of the Townsville girls. It Australian and international sport … the integrity of sport was a fantastic effort, and I want to congratulate those must be protected … ladies because that is the first time a regional women’s That is why this bill is being introduced today. The basketball team has won a grand final. We want to communiqué, beginning with the first paragraph, states: protect the integrity of sport.

This national policy on match fixing in sport represents a Mr Eren interjected. commitment by the commonwealth and state and territory governments to work together to address the issue of Mr DELAHUNTY — We are not talking down inappropriate and fraudulent sports betting and match-fixing sport, and we are not talking down the state. We are activities with the aim of protecting the integrity of sport. talking up the cultural, health and economic benefits of … being involved in sport. As I said, since we signed that agreement back in 2011, I have been working closely We, the sports ministers of Australia, acknowledge the with the Attorney-General’s office; the Minister for support of our partners in sport and industry. Together we will implement this policy which will deter match fixing, and deal Racing, who is very passionate about this area; and the with it should it arise, and in doing so we will preserve the Minister for Gaming Regulation. New South Wales is integrity of one of Australia’s greatest assets — our national the only state that has passed such legislation. I believe sporting heritage. the bill is in the South Australian Parliament, but other states are yet to bring it in. We are the second state to I will say it again — introduce this legislation. One knowledgeable person … one of Australia’s greatest assets — our national sporting asked, ‘Does this bill cover tanking or match fixing heritage. aimed at securing prize money or a league position?’. No, this legislation does not cover that. It targets people We know that many people around the world see seeking advantage through the manipulation of Melbourne, Victoria, as the sporting capital and that gambling. Individual sports have their own regulatory

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codes in place to respond to issues concerning McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr performance or behaviour that falls short. This bill is McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr about corruption that affects betting outcomes. Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms People who come here for the Australian Open Tennis Championships highlight the fact that we have the best Motion defeated. facilities of any grand slam. In many people’s eyes, Melbourne is the sporting capital of the world. London Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I rise to make a snuck in in front of us because it had the Olympic contribution on the Crimes Amendment (Integrity in Games last year, but I can assure members that we are Sports) Bill 2013. The purpose of the bill is to amend recognised as the sporting capital of the world by many. the Crimes Act 1958 to create offences in relation to We punch above our weight. This bill protects the corrupting the betting outcomes of events or event integrity of sport in Victoria and right across Australia. contingencies on which it is lawful to place bets. This is I commend the bill to the house. an important bill for Victoria, and it is important for sport in particular because it addresses commitments Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Warren North) — I made by the Victorian government to enact match- move: fixing legislation. The government committed to implementing such legislation at a Standing Council on That the debate be now adjourned. Law and Justice meeting held in November 2011. Commitments were also made by state and territory House divided on Mr Donnellan’s motion: racing ministers in May 2012. The bill enacts Ayes, 42 legislation similar to that enacted by New South Wales Allan, Ms Howard, Mr and South Australia to address match-fixing behaviours Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms that undermine the integrity of sports codes. Further, Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms these offences strengthen the integrity of sporting codes Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms by targeting behaviours which are aimed at fixing races Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms and sports contests with a view to obtaining advantage Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr from betting. Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr The legislation addresses concerns identified by the Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr Australian Crime Commission in a report released on Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr 7 February 2013 entitled Organised Crime and Drugs Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr in Sport. The report identified that there are risks to Foley, Mr Pallas, Mr sport in Australia from organised crime enterprises Garrett, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr seeking to gain influence or advantage from Graley, Ms Perera, Mr associations with sporting identities with a view to Green, Ms Richardson, Ms corrupting the integrity of sporting codes. The bill Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms enacts legislation consistent with the national Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr agreement on match fixing and creates a range of Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr offences targeting behaviours that engage in conduct that would corrupt the betting outcome, facilitates Noes, 44 conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting Angus, Mr Mulder, Mr Asher, Ms Napthine, Dr outcome and conceals conduct, agreements or Baillieu, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr arrangements, and the use of corrupt information for Battin, Mr Northe, Mr betting purposes. This is a Victorian government Bauer, Mrs O’Brien, Mr commitment, and we are delivering on that Blackwood, Mr Powell, Mrs commitment in this important area. We also need to Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr acknowledge the work of the Australian Crime Clark, Mr Shaw, Mr Commission, particularly its recent work on crime and Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. drugs in sport. It has certainly brought the integrity of Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr many issues into clear focus. Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr I turn now to the contribution from the member for Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Mrs Lara, the shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation. He Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr made some amazing claims about our sporting heritage Kotsiras, Mr Walsh, Mr and sporting industry. I note that nobody from Labor

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has backed him up in their speeches. His comments lovers. Many of us have a flutter from time to time. stand starkly alone, because it appears that none of his When you have a punt, you expect it to be fair and colleagues will get to their feet and support his views. reasonable and that absolutely no cheating is involved.

This bill is about corruption in sporting events and the Before I go into the bill in detail, I wish to express my images we are putting out not only to ourselves as disappointment that we did not hear from members of Australians and to our younger sportsmen but also to the opposition on this bill. I would have thought many the world. These events are very un-Australian; they are of those opposite would have constituents within their not in the spirit of good sportsmanship. I have heard electorates who also like to have a bit of a flutter and some amazing speeches from my colleagues, but I will who would want to ensure that we have good, sound make a slightly shorter contribution than usual because, legislation in place to protect them when they do so. alas, I have to admit that there is no sporting prowess in my body. That fact is more than compensated for by I also say at the outset that, as one of the representatives my colleagues in The Nationals who have laid out their on the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, I credentials for all to see. My best opportunity might be believe it is important that those who gamble do so to be the orange boy! responsibly. Some people in our community battle gambling problems; we need to do whatever we can to Honourable members interjecting. stamp out those problems and provide support and assistance to ensure that harm is minimised when it Mr CRISP — Yes, and being in the citrus industry comes to problem gambling. that was a very prominent promotion of our industry. I also want to commend the Minister for Sport and The bill addresses commitments made by the Victorian Recreation for his role in sport. He is active. He is out government to enact match-fixing legislation. I know there often and he is keeping — — we have talked a lot about sport today, but match fixing goes right across the board. It can affect any game or Honourable members interjecting. activity where there is a winner and a loser. If there is an opportunity to fix that result — — Mr CRISP — As my colleagues just indicated, the minister is promoting that people be more active, more An honourable member interjected. often Mr SOUTHWICK — My colleague mentions the This bill needs a strong response, and I am pleased to election — possibly in that regard as well. This see that an integrity unit will be established — the legislation ensures that the fixing of results is stamped Victoria Police sporting integrity intelligence unit — to out. There are severe penalties for those who seek to track this matter down, because there is no doubt that match fix, including a 10-year jail penalty. It is very organised crime will be attracted to gain from match important that organised crime, particularly in relation fixing of sporting events. We need not only a strong to drugs in sport, is stamped out and not tolerated in any legislative response but also to back it up with a strong way, shape or form. In many instances organised crime regulatory response and a strong team of people to is involved in match fixing. Sometimes an individual pursue it. The bill aims to protect the community, and it tries to fix a result. In many instances there have been links in well with our national law. deliberate attempts to fix a result for the financial benefit of an individual; there have been deliberate I could go through the clauses of the bill to show how attempts to benefit by picking the correct result. that is supported, but a lot of other members want to Thankfully the society in which we live has a lot of make contributions. Along with the government, I technology which provides us with the ability to trace strongly support this bill. It is a shame the opposition these activities and gather evidence to ensure that they members — or lazy Labor — could not get to their feet are minimised or, ideally, stamped out altogether. and back up their shadow minister and tell Victoria where they really stand on these issues. I wish the bill a This bill enacts legislation that is consistent with the speedy passage. national agreements on match fixing. It aims to outlaw four key types of conduct. They are engaging in Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) — It is my pleasure conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting to rise to speak on the Crimes Amendment (Integrity in outcome; facilitating conduct that corrupts or would Sports) Bill 2013. I note that we on this side of the corrupt a betting outcome; concealing such conduct, house are very active in making important reforms, agreements or arrangements — having an arrangement particularly in sport, which affects every Victorian and in place with somebody would certainly be part of that; indeed every Australian. We are all passionate sport

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and using corrupt information for betting purposes. An framework as well; it is about the harmonisation of example of the last mentioned offence would be if you laws across the states and federally. The minister led knew somebody was effectively not playing at their the way when the state ministers gathered to put this best or was injured and you provided that information legislation together and ensured that Victoria was well to somebody else who could benefit from it. represented and that Victoria was heard at the table.

The Collingwood player Heath Shaw was suspended We are very privileged. We have seen the Minister for for eight matches and fined $20 000 after being Education taking a strong stand for Victoria’s education embroiled in a scandal involving Collingwood captain needs and we have seen our sports minister stand up for Nick Maxwell. In this case Shaw and a friend bet $10 Victoria. That is the sort of government I am proud to each on Maxwell kicking the first goal in round 10 be part of — a great government that is leading the against Adelaide, with Shaw having prior knowledge way, working hard in legislation, delivering for all that his teammate was to start in the forward line. This Victorians and putting good, sound legislation before particular instance is not an example of organised crime the house. We are ensuring that Victoria continues to but is one from which an individual has benefited. We have pride of place as the national leader in sports and must ensure that such actions are not tolerated. is internationally recognised for its sporting activities. It is most important that we continue to ensure that we In 2008 the Department of Justice found that 16.4 per have not only a great reputation and a sound reputation cent of Victorian adults bet on horseracing and but one that is fair and reasonable and that we do not greyhound racing. In the past this area has had a have any form of this sort of illegal activity being reputation for race fixing and many examples of promoted in any way, shape or form in Victoria. I organised attempts to fix races. There have been commend the bill to the house. examples going back many years of different horses being entered in races. I cannot recall the names of Ms KAIROUZ (Kororoit) — I move: those horses at this particular time, but there were certainly instances of this occurring. That the debate be now adjourned. Mr Northe — On a point of order, Deputy Speaker, The racing integrity commissioner, Sal Perna, could you confirm whether, in accordance with completed a very extensive inquiry into race fixing, yesterday’s ruling and under standing order 154, a which looked at over 4355 races involving period of 15 minutes has elapsed since the last motion 42 919 starters. That inquiry found no evidence of to adjourn the debate? systemic race fixing in Victoria. That is a positive result, and we must ensure that continues to be the case. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I have just This legislation sends a very strong signal to all peak checked with the Clerk. A period of 15 minutes has bodies, whether they be racing bodies, the AFL, the elapsed. National Rugby League or the National Basketball League, that match or race fixing will not be tolerated. House divided on Ms Kairouz’s motion:

Members have heard me talk on many occasions about Ayes, 42 Caulfield Racecourse, in my electorate. A number of Allan, Ms Howard, Mr people attend that racecourse to place bets and have Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms some fun; they come to the lovely suburb of Caulfield Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms to enjoy racing. Caulfield Racecourse is a great course Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms that provides lots of entertainment in addition to racing. Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr People who attend those events absolutely and Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr categorically want to know that their dollar each way Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr gives them a fair and reasonable chance of getting a D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr result without that result being manipulated in any way, Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr shape or form. Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr I commend the Minister for Sport and Recreation. I Foley, Mr Pallas, Mr know he is a very active minister; he is about being Garrett, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr more active, more often, as his catchcry states, in Graley, Ms Perera, Mr Green, Ms Richardson, Ms getting more people to participate in all sports. It is Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr important to note when we are talking about legislation Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms like this that it affects not only our state but the national Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr

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Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr important that we put legislation in place to deter and Noes, 44 stop those types of activities. Angus, Mr Mulder, Mr In recent times there has been a hell of a lot of publicity Asher, Ms Napthine, Dr Baillieu, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr around match fixing and drugs in sport and the recent Battin, Mr Northe, Mr Australian Crime Commission (ACC) report has Bauer, Mrs O’Brien, Mr elicited a lot of discussion. Whilst much of that was Blackwood, Mr Powell, Mrs around drugs in sport, we know there is also an element Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms of organised crime in sport and that is very important. Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr Clark, Mr Shaw, Mr The ACC report contained an overview not only of the Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. involvement of organised crime in sport but also the use Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr of drugs by sports participants. The ACC investigation Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr looked at four key issues, two of those centred on the Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr involvement of organised criminal identities and groups Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Mrs in the generation and distribution of drugs in sport and a Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr third focused on the current threat to the integrity of Kotsiras, Mr Walsh, Mr professional sport in Australia. McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr On the role of organised crime, the Australian Crime McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Commission’s report says, in its key findings, that: Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms Organised criminal identities and groups are active in the Motion defeated. trafficking of PIEDs that are being used by elite athletes in Australia. Organised crime groups are taking advantage of the Mr NORTHE (Morwell) — It gives me great current legislative and regulatory situation whereby persons and entities who supply certain substances to athletes which pleasure to rise this afternoon to speak on the Crimes are prohibited under the WADA c ode do not commit a crime Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. This bill in Australian jurisdictions. comes on top of the legislation around major sporting events that we debated last sitting week. Sport and In part what we are doing today is addressing that recreation are absolutely critical to Victoria across a anomaly. As we know, sport is a wonderful community number of sectors, and it is important that we protect activity, particularly in regional areas where it is the integrity of sport and recreation. The bill inserts crucial; it is very much the hub of our communities, new offences in the Crimes Act 1958 in relation to particularly the smaller communities where the whole corrupting the betting outcomes of events or event community comes together through winter and summer contingencies on which it is lawful to place bets and for sports. Sport is not important just from the health aspect other purposes. of being fit and active — or as the Minister for Sport and Recreation says quite regularly, ‘Getting more We on this side of the house are looking forward to people more active, more often’ — it is also about the continued debate on this bill. So far, we have only had aspirations and dreams of participants. It is about the shadow minister step up to the plate and make a establishing friendships and the volunteerism that contribution for the opposition. It is very interesting to occurs in sporting and recreation clubs right across see that the opposition does not want to participate in Australia, particularly, as I said earlier, in regional the debate on such important legislation, and this Victoria. It is therefore absolutely critical that we includes the former Minister for Sport and Recreation, protect the integrity of our sporting and recreational who is in the house. One would have thought that he in pursuits. particular would have liked to make a contribution to this debate. The team aspect is very important in all We know that the majority of people who participate, sport and recreation activities, but it appears that the whether it is the member for Rodney playing in the opposition has left the shadow minister to fly solo and back pocket in the reserves for the Lockington effectively be knocked out in the first round. Bamawm United Football Club or the member for Essendon, who is in the house, who played at a high Match fixing or race fixing is not something that we level with the Essendon and Carlton AFL clubs, are want to see in Victoria or across Australia and it should great people. People have different abilities, but it is not be tolerated. Basically it is cheating, and it is the important to protect the integrity — — lowest form of behaviour one can participate in. Unfortunately there have been a number of examples of Mr Weller interjected. these activities in Australia and abroad, and it is

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Mr NORTHE — The member for Rodney has just the development of criminal provisions to deter and said that he thinks he is a better player than the member deal with match fixing. It is another report in which the for Essendon, but I will let them debate that later on. racing industry, which is very important to the state, has The point I am making is that the vast majority of made a recommendation. This government has adopted sportspeople and administrators are great people who that recommendation through the legislation before us are involved in sporting pursuits for the right reasons, today, so this is another example of how we are and that is important for us to understand. listening.

Our government is a strong supporter of the national This bill is consistent with relevant New South Wales policy on match fixing in sport, which is supported by legislation and, as I understand it, legislation before the all jurisdictions. Our Minister for Sport and Recreation South Australian Parliament. There are new offences played an integral part in advancing that policy, which created through the Crimes Act 1958, and they deal was agreed to by all Australian governments on 10 June with those who seek to manipulate the outcome of 2011. The foreword to the policy says, in part: sporting events for betting purposes. In terms of creating new offences, significant penalties apply, The national policy on match fixing in sport represents a including a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. That commitment by the commonwealth and state and territory governments to work together to address the issue of is a severe penalty; it is significant. It sends a very inappropriate and fraudulent sports betting and match-fixing strong message to those who might consider breaching activities with the aim of protecting the integrity of sport. the integrity of our great sports and our great recreational pursuits. That is consistent with obtaining I think that sums the issue up pretty well. It is great to financial advantage by deception and obtaining see our Minister for Sport and Recreation very much at property by deception under the Crimes Act 1958. It is the forefront in instigating those relationships with the the same as what is provided in interstate legislation, as jurisdictions in all states and territories. The bill is all I said. encompassing in that it includes racing. The second- reading speech refers to the report by Victorian racing In closing, this is a very important bill. It is extremely integrity commissioner, Sal Perna, titled Report on disappointing to see that the opposition does not want Own Motion Inquiry into Race Fixing. That report, to participate in this debate. The bill gives some which was released on 23 January this year, put protection to our sport and recreational pursuits across forward 11 recommendations to improve and Victoria. We are a leader in this area, and I congratulate strengthen racing integrity. Another of the challenges the Minister for Sport and Recreation, along with the for all sports, including racing, is the ever-evolving other ministers associated with this bill, on leading the technology around betting. Recommendation 7 of the way and bringing the bill forward to the Parliament. I report is that the government expedite ‘cheating at commend the bill to the house. gambling’ legislation. Again the government has listened and is introducing that measure. The report Mr WAKELING (Ferntree Gully) — I was going contains a preamble around match fixing and cheating to afford the opposition an opportunity to speak, but at gambling, and the government is very pleased to act clearly its members have no interest in important on that recommendation. legislation in this state. I am happy to take up the opposition’s call and speak on this very important bill. There was another report undertaken by the racing From the outset I commend the Attorney-General, who industry, and that was the 2011 review of sports betting through the course of this Parliament has shown that he regulation. That was undertaken by Des Gleeson, who has been a very hardworking minister and has brought is well known across racing circles as a former into this house significant legislation that has become chairman of stewards. A review was done of certain law. Again we are considering important legislation. aspects of the racing industry, and the report deals with a number of different values, including strengthening The Crimes Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013 public confidence in the integrity of sport, protecting is clearly a very important bill that needs to be debated. the integrity of betting that takes place on sport, This is something that we need in this state because protecting betting consumers and also providing Victoria is the home of sport in this great nation. One sporting bodies with a fair share of revenue from thing that casts a pall across all sport activity is the betting that takes place on their sport. Those were four incidence of cheating in organised sport. One need only key elements of the report. refer to the issues that have beset various sporting codes throughout the country of late regarding drug use. I do Recommendation 11 was that the Department of Justice not wish to enter into that debate, but it demonstrates liaise with Sport and Recreation Victoria in relation to

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the significance of the place of sport in the life of the is not interested in Victoria, you need only see what has nation. been happening in this place today. Like all of us on this side of the house, I wish this bill a speedy passage I am very pleased to see that with this important through this house. integrity in sports bill the Attorney-General has taken the initiative and sought to implement important Mr HERBERT (Eltham) — We can see that the changes to ensure that we retain integrity in sport, and I debate has really petered out into silliness, so I move: commend him on it. I would also like to commend other ministers, including the now Premier in his That the debate be now adjourned. capacity as Minister for Racing, as well as the Minister The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Morris) — Order! for Sport and Recreation, who all of us, particularly I believe the member for Eltham made a contribution to those on this side of the house, know has been a very the debate before he moved that the debate be hardworking minister and one who has been very active adjourned. in ensuring that sport and recreation at all levels, from top competition all the way down to grassroots Mr Madden — Acting Speaker, I draw your participation, are at the forefront of the government’s attention to the state of the house. mind. I am very pleased that this government has taken the initiative to fund various projects across the state to Quorum formed. ensure greater activity in grassroots sport. Mr WATT (Burwood) — I take great delight in This bill is clearly based on work done, firstly, by rising to speak on the Crimes Amendment (Integrity in Victoria’s racing integrity commissioner, Sal Perna, Sports) Bill 2013. It was great to see at least one other who on 23 January released his report on his own- member of the opposition making a contribution. I am motion inquiry into race fixing. The commissioner not so sure whether he backed up the lead speaker in his found no evidence of systemic race fixing in Victoria. contribution, but it is interesting to note that at least one That is a good thing because we need integrity in sport, other member of the opposition is willing to get up and particularly in racing. However, the commissioner make a contribution on this bill. The lead speaker was made a lot of recommendations to improve and not the only member of the opposition to make a strengthen racing integrity so that the racing industry is contribution, but it is interesting that nobody on the equipped to address new and emerging challenges. I am opposition side in any of their contributions supported very pleased to see that recommendations made by the the lead speaker in what he said about sport in Victoria commissioner have been addressed by the Attorney- and this particular bill. I find it interesting that the lead General in this bill. speaker for the opposition would stand and denigrate sport in Victoria. I note that every other member since Recommendation 7 is that the government expedite the has either gotten up and disagreed with him or made no introduction of cheating and gambling legislation as a comment or reference to the lead speaker in any way. major priority. We are very pleased to see that that work has been undertaken and that it is dealt with in I have spoken a number of times in this house about my this bill. I am also very pleased to see that the bill circumstances, where I have come from and how I have delivers on recommendations from the 2011 review of progressed through my life. sports betting regulation that was undertaken by Des Gleeson, who many would know is a former chairman Mr Battin interjected. of stewards at Racing Victoria. He has been a Mr WATT — No, it is not quite 400 sisters — only longstanding employee of Racing Victoria, and I thank 10. I mentioned education yesterday, and I talked about him on behalf of the Parliament for the work he has how it helped me progress through life and become the undertaken. person I am. The other thing that played an important I would like to finish now to allow colleagues on this part in my formative life was sport. Organised sport, side of the house to continue to speak in this important with the help of education, led me down the path to debate. Victorians are disappointed that those opposite where I am now. For me those two things, sport and are choosing to play games and to act like children in education, are a way in which governments can help this house, whereas we on this side of the house young people to progress in life. We need to make sure understand that significant work needs to be done. We that when young people look at professional sport and have done a lot of work so far, and more is to be done. sport in general, they can have faith in what they are If ever you wanted a clear indication of a government seeing in terms of the integrity of that sport. that is getting on with the job and a lazy opposition that

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In my electorate we have a number of great sporting We have the Eastern Lions Soccer Club, and Normy clubs, such as Chadstone Football Club, which has a Willcocks, the president of that club, is a great advocate disability team called the Synners, which is fantastic. for the club and for sport. We have the Riversdale All the players in both the Saturday and Sunday teams Soccer Club and the Ashburton Junior Soccer Club. A play sport with integrity. They go out, put in an effort former member for my electorate is a great supporter of and do their best to make sure that they come away the Ashburton soccer club, including the women’s club. with a good result at the end of the day. His daughters have come through that soccer club.

We also have the Emmaus St Leo’s Animals Club. We We have the Box Hill United Soccer Club. The W- are currently working with local government to league holds games at the grounds at Box Hill, and improve that club’s facilities. That is something that the Melbourne Victory Women’s Football Club teams opposition, when it was in government, completely come down to play. If you pop down to those grounds, ignored over 11 years. We have committed to helping you will see a big sign I have put up, that promotes the the club improve its facilities. government’s support for soccer, particularly women’s soccer, which is a great thing. St Mary’s Salesian Amateur Football Club is another club in my electorate. It has been working on a We have the Camberwell Lacrosse Club, which has its development program over recent years, and last year registration day this Saturday. Members may be that program brought Sam Autio down from the interested if they are heading down there. Northern Territory. Indigenous players from the Northern Territory are coming down to play with the Mr Battin interjected. St Mary’s Salesian football club. Sam is now with the Box Hill Hawks. He is progressing. We are able to do Mr WATT — I will not be registering, but my great things with sport to help people progress in life. eldest son has proclaimed an interest in lacrosse. One of This integrity in sports bill makes sure that the general his teachers, Christian Williams, was the captain of public, spectators of sport and those who participate in Australia’s lacrosse team. My son will be going down sport can have faith in organised sport. this weekend to give it a go.

Also in my electorate are the Ashburton United Junior In my electorate we also have Ashburton Willows Football Club’s Ashy Redbacks, a great team. We also Cricket Club, Glen Iris Cricket Club and Burwood have the Camberwell Sharks Junior Football Club and Uniting Canterbury Cricket Club team, or the Bulls, the Harlequin Rugby Club. I have watched the Quins which plays at Lynden Park. We have the Ashburton play a few games. Conway Taylor is the president of Young Cricketers down at Markham Reserve. There is that club, and the way he runs that club is fantastic. also the Ashwood Sports Club, which has cricket, netball and football teams. We also have Wyclif Cricket We have the Waverley Basketball Association down at Club. Cricket is big in my electorate. Batesford Reserve. That is a great organisation, with a number of clubs getting to play. Not long ago I spoke to We also have the Waverley Hockey Club. It is fantastic Derek Welsh, who is the president of Waverley District to see the work that club is doing and to see the Netball Association, which has some 2500 girls playing integrity that all of these clubs have. I commend the bill every Saturday. That is another great organisation, and to the house. it is great to see that organisation, which serves not only Mr MADDEN (Essendon) — I move: the Burwood electorate, but also a number of other electorates in and around Burwood, helping females That the debate be now adjourned. participate in sport so that we have more people more active, more often. House divided on Mr Madden’s motion:

Just a couple of weeks ago I was at the 50th anniversary Ayes, 42 of Northwood Falcons Softball Club, and that was a Allan, Ms Howard, Mr fantastic night for the girls. The history of the club is Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms that Waverley North Softball Club merged with Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms Ashwood Softball Club a number of years ago. It is Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms great to see that all of these sporting clubs in my Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr electorate have integrity, and this bill will go a long Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr way towards showing what can be done and what we D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr need to do with organised sport. Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr

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Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr I wonder whether, in their refusal to speak on the bill, Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms members of the opposition have something to hide Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr Foley, Mr Pallas, Mr when it comes to integrity in sport. When the coalition Garrett, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr government talks about making a difference, we talk Graley, Ms Perera, Mr about making our communities better places — making Green, Ms Richardson, Ms them safer and more viable. As I said, integrity in sport Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr is a pillar of our communities, and making sure our Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr communities function well is paramount. I am Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr flabbergasted that members opposite sit in silence or play games and are not prepared to speak on this very Noes, 44 important bill. Angus, Mr Mulder, Mr Asher, Ms Napthine, Dr The member for Lara, who is the shadow Minister for Baillieu, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr Battin, Mr Northe, Mr Sport and Recreation, made a contribution. I do not Bauer, Mrs O’Brien, Mr know why opposition members want to talk Victoria Blackwood, Mr Powell, Mrs down all the time. It does not matter whether it is sport, Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms drugs, crime or the jobs that we are creating, this Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr government is doing its best to make sure this state is a Clark, Mr Shaw, Mr Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. better place. The member for Lara continues to talk Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr down Victoria. I wonder if there will ever come a time Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr when opposition members will contribute to debate and Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr support us in some of the important bills that we are Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Mrs trying to get through the house. I hope they do. Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr Kotsiras, Mr Walsh, Mr The Minister for Sport and Recreation made a very McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr good contribution. I think he said that we are the McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr sporting capital of the world, certainly in terms of AFL. McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr What can I say about racing? Our Premier, as the Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms Minister for Racing, understands that code exceptionally well, and again that is an important part Motion defeated. of our communities. What happens on the big playing fields in Melbourne filters down to our communities, so Mr McCURDY (Murray Valley) — I am delighted we have to make sure we have integrity in all levels of to rise to speak on the Crimes Amendment (Integrity in sport. I can give members an example. In the Murray Sports) Bill 2013. Like others who have made a Valley electorate we have many strong football leagues, contribution today, I am very disappointed with the and the Ovens and Murray football league is one of refusal of opposition members to speak on the bill. One them. The Yarrawonga Pigeons recruited Brendan could argue that they have taken their bat and ball and Fevola last year, and he played exceptional games gone home, which is quite disappointing. I see it as a throughout the year for Yarrawonga. He was a role privilege to be able to speak in this chamber about model for our communities, and people came in their issues that improve our communities, and I do not droves to see him. I am talking about games where understand why opposition members would refuse to there would normally have been 2000 to 3000 people; speak on a bill on integrity in sport — or integrity in Brendan Fevola attracted a large crowd. I watched this anything else for that matter. man after the games in the way he interacted with the The bill aims to stop cheating in gambling, and that is a crowds, including the kids. You could see the role that fundamental issue. Sport is one of the pillars of our this man could play — and he has certainly changed small communities, certainly in regional Victoria, but it over the years — and the contribution he has made to is the same in metropolitan Victoria. Our communities our communities is outstanding. That is how our rely on sport. What happens in professional football or children and our communities see sport — that is, cricket flows down to our communities, and what through the idols and role models. happens on the AFL field starts to happen in junior The Wangaratta Rovers football club did the same with sport in Cobram, Numurkah or in our smaller Barry Hall. Barry Hall will not be with the club this communities throughout the Murray Valley and in year, but I know Brendan Fevola will be. Our other places. communities are richer because of the contribution

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these people make to sport and to the communities, not outcome. It is important that we cut them off at the just in the sporting arena. pass, so to speak, and that we get onto that early. The bill fulfils commitments made by the government to I want to touch on some of the benefits of sport, enact match-fixing legislation. The government including the health benefits it brings — being more previously committed to implement legislation at the active, more often. We hear that catchcry quite Standing Council on Law and Justice in November regularly from the Minister for Sport and Recreation. 2011, and that commitment was also made by state and Sport brings our communities together at every level. It territory racing ministers in May 2012. I have so much is so important. It has health benefits, it instils values in to get through. our children and the younger generation, and it builds communities. Furthermore, evidence suggests that Mr Northe interjected. those who get involved in sport have far fewer social problems going forward, and that is a great thing. The Mr McCURDY — I assume an extension of time is integrity we rely on in our communities fundamentally out of order, so I will be brief. begins with some of these issues. It is important that we keep this integrity in our communities and certainly in The legislation targets those engaging in corrupt the Murray Valley and other electorates. conduct, whether they be sporting officials, players, participants or people directly trying to bribe or coerce In the few moments I have left, as a member of the others into manipulating the outcome of sporting Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation it is events. There will be penalties in the form of fines up to important that I mention that the foundation recognises $50 000. That sends a clear message that we are serious that 0.7 per cent of Victorians have a gambling about the integrity of sport, the values sport brings to problem. The foundation is working hard to make sure our community and the importance of sport and its that there are programs, gambler helplines and other integrity in underpinning our community. opportunities for people to seek out help regarding their gambling issues. I also point out that that figure means With that, I am disappointed that opposition members 99.3 per cent of the Victorian population is not deemed have chosen to stay silent on the bill. This is a great to have a gambling problem. opportunity for members of the opposition to make a contribution and to really make a difference to Victoria. Gambling in sport is a great pastime and social activity The opportunity is here and now, but they are not which many people engage in. One of the target groups taking it. I am baffled as to why they are not taking it. I the foundation has recognised is young men between am proud to take this opportunity to talk Victoria up. the ages of 20 and 25 or 26 because the applications With that, I commend the bill to the house. that are available on iPhones and everything now mean you can have a punt at any time of the day or night. Ms McLEISH (Seymour) — I rise to make a Where you used to have to roll into a TAB, for contribution to the debate on the Crimes Amendment example, to have a punt, now you can do it on your (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. Like many other phone at any time of the day. One of the concerns is speakers on this side, I am extremely disappointed that the contribution from those opposite has been minimal, that some of these people — young men with good jobs — do not have commitments such as car payments to say the least, with only one lead speaker. I have or house payments at the moment so they get into these constantly heard from the opposition and also from habits. That is a group of people we need to keep an eye members on this side of the house that Melbourne is the on over the next decade. sporting capital of the world. Whilst that has continued to be said, I would have liked it if those opposite had I turn back to integrity in sport. Gambling in sport can taken this to the next level by debating the bill. be a healthy pastime. Plenty of people get a lot of pleasure out of it. It is absolutely paramount that we The bill is important to us as a society but also as ensure that integrity in this area is maintained. individuals, because it cuts through to the value of integrity that so many of us hold quite personally. The Mr Northe interjected. bill creates specific criminal offences that target persons who seek to fix a betting outcome and to profit from Mr McCURDY — I am running out of time such a fix or to use inside information. We have laws because some other speakers want to make around insider trading; it is sort of along the same lines. contributions. In terms of the overall objectives of the The legislation is primarily to address threats to the bill, it will create specific criminal offences that target integrity of sport. The key to this is our integrity. I people who seek to match fix and profit from a betting believe sport is a key to life, and being involved in sport

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from a young age to an older age helps people keep The Australian Crime Commission very recently put mentally and physically active. That is a terrific thing, out a report looking at the use of drugs and the but with that we need great role models to encourage involvement of organised crime in sport. That report people to participate in sport, we need to develop strong has heightened awareness, which is good. I want to grassroots programs and we need to set a standard focus on the fact that when integrity in sport is within society that we are all active so we can reap the compromised the honest punter — and I will admit that benefits of that. I am an honest punter — is defrauded. People make a bet with particular knowledge and the expectation that It also goes to the key values of honesty and integrity, there is a level playing field. When there is not a level which I would like to think also make up a pillar of our playing field, punters feel quite ripped off and think, society. My family and many organisations and ‘Hang on, I had a bet on that’. It undermines the companies I have worked for have integrity as one of confidence of fans. There are an enormous number of their core values, whether it be integrity in dealing with sports fans out there. As I have said, I believe sport is a customer, in business-to-business relationships, in one of the keys to life. dealing with people internally within that organisation or company or even within a political party. We are I think in particular of cycling. Members may note that starting to see integrity in sport challenged, so the need I am wearing my maillot jaune badge, which is a for this type of legislation has never been more yellow jersey cycling badge. I was privileged to go to prominent. the Victorian Cycling Hall of Fame dinner last week. What has happened in cycling on the international stage We really need to protect the integrity of sport. We are with the Tour de France — with the level of drug taking talking about the possibility of fixing matches, races or and collusion that has been revealed — has really other sporting events. What we do in sport as a nation undermined people’s confidence in the sport. People and as Victorians is very valuable. For some time we talk about whether they can trust any cyclist. It ripples have seen match fixing and other incidents in other out and affects the integrity of all levels of a sport. It is countries and thought, ‘Gosh, that would not happen in not just about the elite level, because it goes down from Australia’. We are lucky; we are much more protected there. than the subcontinent or South America, for example. However, things have changed, and we are not as Whether we like it or not, and whether athletes like it or protected as we were. A number of different types of not, they often become role models. It is very changes have occurred. We have had technological disappointing for younger people — our children, our advances. The criminal element has also changed. youth or even somebody as young as me — to find out Criminals continue to look for new markets and new that someone they admire has been undertaking actions opportunities. More and more people who are overseas that are illegal. I continue to play club sport when I can who run different scams are moving to Australia to see find the time, and I know there are plenty of instances how they can exploit us. We have seen a lot of it with in sport when an umpiring decision might be poor. It identity fraud and the way corruption has moved into goes both ways, and everyone says it is a matter of sport. swings and roundabouts. However, if there is a blatant example where a ball has been hit out and it has The way we place a bet has also changed. The starting happened at a critical time people will often say, ‘No, price bookmakers of old have been illegal for quite that was off me. I was the last person to touch that’, and some time. Legitimate bookmakers and the TAB have in the sports that I play that means that it is the expanded considerably. More agencies out there are opposition’s ball. There is a lot of a fair’s fair attitude able to take bets and are licensed to do so. Betting is taken in grassroots sport. However, people look at their much more available. You can now place a bet using role models and see that at other levels of sport fair is your phone, personal computer at home or your iPad. It not fair. Unethical behaviour really needs to be stamped is much easier now to place a bet. It is very important out. that the integrity of the system be protected. If I think about when I first started going to the races, I remember One instance that sticks strongly in my mind involved that you were not able to have a telephone on course. racing. I am trying to remember whether it was in the Now I do not know how I would survive on track 1970s or 1980s, but in any case it was quite some time without being able to text my extended family and ago. A horse was substituted so that a different horse friends, who are all strong racegoers, about where they ran the race — a ring-in was used. I know which horse are at any particular point and whether anyone has a it was, but I am choosing not to mention the name. At winner. the time it was an absolute scandal that a different horse could be substituted to run a race because the horse had

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a better chance of winning and people were likely to Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms profit from that. At the time it was considered to be an Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms outrage. Ultimately the perpetrators were caught, and Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr substantial penalties were imposed. More recently we Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr had the inquiry into race fixing. It found there was no Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr evidence of systemic race fixing in Victoria. However, D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr that report made 11 recommendations to improve and Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr strengthen the integrity of racing. It is important that Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr those recommendations be taken on board, and I know Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr that the current chief steward, Terry Bailey, will be Foley, Mr Pallas, Mr working to implement those. Garrett, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr Graley, Ms Perera, Mr The legislation before the house today is modelled quite Green, Ms Richardson, Ms closely on legislation that has been put forward in New Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr South Wales and also legislation that is currently before Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms the South Australian Parliament. It is important to Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr recognise that the close alignment between the jurisdictions means that Australia is sending a message Noes, 44 about sport and how we feel our integrity is threatened. Angus, Mr Mulder, Mr We have had incidents at high levels of cricketers being Asher, Ms Napthine, Dr found to have provided information that they should not Baillieu, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr have. These are the kinds of things that people find Battin, Mr Northe, Mr Bauer, Mrs O’Brien, Mr quite scandalous, because at the core of my values and Blackwood, Mr Powell, Mrs the values of many other people in my electorate and Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms the wider community are the key pillars of honesty and Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr integrity. This is an important bill, and I am extremely Clark, Mr Shaw, Mr disappointed that only members on this side of the Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. house are contributing to much of the debate on the bill. Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr I know there are members on the opposition benches Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr who would like to speak on this bill. It is unfortunate Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr that in this instance they are being denied this Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Mrs opportunity. I commend the Attorney-General on Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr bringing this forward. Kotsiras, Mr Walsh, Mr McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr Debate interrupted. McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms DISTINGUISHED VISITORS Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms The SPEAKER — Order! I would like to Motion defeated. acknowledge the Honourable Phil Gude, a former minister in the Kennett government, who is in the Sitting suspended 12.59 p.m. until 2.03 p.m. gallery. It is great to see you here, Phil. Business interrupted pursuant to standing orders. CRIMES AMENDMENT (INTEGRITY IN SPORTS) BILL 2013 RULINGS BY THE CHAIR Second reading Members: points of order

Debate resumed. The SPEAKER — Order! Yesterday the member for Bendigo East raised the issue of a member’s right to Mr NARDELLA (Melton) — I move: raise a point of order in the house. I wish to make a ruling to clarify the matter for all members of the house. That the debate be now adjourned. Standing order 104 does provide the right for a member House divided on Mr Nardella’s motion: to raise a point of order or to speak on a point of order that has arisen. There are many precedents to be drawn Ayes, 42 on from previous rulings in this chamber — see Rulings Allan, Ms Howard, Mr from the Chair, pages 143, 144 and 148 — and the Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms practices adopted in other parliaments regarding the

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taking of points of order. For the information of I am therefore pleased to advise the house that in the members, I will outline those practices and precedents. 2012–13 coalition budget this government provided $72.6 million more for ambulance services than was The member raising a point of order must put it provided in the last budget by the Labor government. concisely and relevantly, and other members Indeed, Speaker, you will be aware that leading up to contributing to the point of order must be equally the 2010 election the coalition government introduced a concise; points of order must not be used to deliberately significant policy to halve the cost of ambulance disrupt the proceedings or to respond to debate; during subscriptions for all Victorians. The Leader of the question time a member must not use a point of order to Opposition may not think it is important to cut the cost repeat a question, debate an answer or seek clarification of ambulance subscriptions for the people of Victoria of the answer; a point of order must not contain and encourage more people to become ambulance statements nor be used to make a speech or personal subscribers to support the ambulance services, but the explanation or to raise an issue during debate; members people of Victoria and the families of Victoria think it must not use points of order to make imputations or is important. reflect on a member; a member must not continue to repeat a point of order that seeks a ruling from the Chair I am also pleased to advise the house that the coalition where the Chair has already ruled on the member’s government promised $151 million for 340 new original point of order; spurious and frivolous matters ambulance officers and 10 mobile intensive care cannot be raised; and the Chair is not obliged to hear ambulance units. These ambulance officers are being any argument at all on a point of order. rolled out across the state as we speak. Indeed $16 million was provided for rural ambulance stations The right of a member to interrupt proceedings and and services. New stations have been opened at Cowes, draw the attention of the Chair to a possible breach of Maffra, Wodonga, Mildura, Belgrave, Kinglake — — order is an essential part of our parliamentary practice. However, members should be careful not to abuse that Mr Noonan — On a point of order, Speaker, I refer right. Where I am aware that the rules outlined above to standing order 145, and for the assistance of the are being disregarded by a member when raising a Premier I seek to table the letters from those point of order, I will have no hesitation in immediately paramedics — — muting that member’s microphone and in the case of persistent abuse, suspending the member from the The SPEAKER — Order! It is not a point of order. chamber under standing order 124. The member should sit down.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Dr NAPTHINE — We acknowledge and appreciate the great work of ambulance officers across Paramedics: member of Parliament access the state of Victoria — —

Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My Mr Noonan — On the point of order, Speaker, I question is to the Premier. I refer the Premier to the fact simply did not hear your ruling on that. that the members for Bentleigh, Carrum, Mordialloc, The SPEAKER — Order! The ruling is that I do Mitcham, Prahran and Burwood have all refused to not uphold the member’s point of order. The member meet with local ambulance paramedics to discuss for Williamstown is trying to enter new evidence, if I deteriorating response times and unfilled shifts, and I could put it that way, into the debate. I am not prepared ask the Premier: is this refusal because those members to allow that to happen. of his government have been gagged or do they simply not care? Mr Noonan — Evidence?

Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the Leader of The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the member to the Opposition for his question about ambulance resume his seat. services and the work of ambulance officers in our state. I place on record the grateful appreciation of all Mr Andrews — On a point of order, Speaker, the Victorians for the excellent work of paramedics right member for Williamstown has sought leave to table a throughout the length and breadth of Victoria. document, and it is for the — — Paramedics do a terrific job 24 hours a day, seven days a week saving lives and delivering a high-quality, The SPEAKER — Order! I denied him that leave. professional service to the people of Victoria.

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Mr Andrews — But it is not a matter for you to done by highly skilled ambulance officers throughout deny him that. It is a matter for the government to deny the length and breadth of Victoria. That is why — — him leave. Honourable members interjecting. Honourable members interjecting. The SPEAKER — Order! If the member for Pascoe The SPEAKER — Order! Vale wants to keep behaving in that way, she can leave the chamber. Mr Andrews — What is this? Speaker, have I got the call or not? Dr NAPTHINE — As I was saying, we appreciate the great work of our ambulance officers. That is why Honourable members interjecting. we have put increased funding in the budget for ambulance services. We have opened new ambulance The SPEAKER — Order! If the Leader of the stations, we have provided for more ambulance officers Opposition would ask his people to be quiet — — because we acknowledge their important work and we Ms Allan — What about those people? will work constructively with Ambulance Victoria to continue to deliver high-quality ambulance services in The SPEAKER — The member for Bendigo East Victoria. can keep quiet too, please. Road safety: Easter weekend Mr Andrews — No, Speaker; it is not a matter of me asking anyone to be quiet. If I have the call, do I Mr ANGUS (Forest Hill) — My question is to the enjoy your protection to take a point of order? Premier. Can the Premier advise the house how important road safety is as we approach the Easter The SPEAKER — I have given a ruling on it. I ask holiday season when so many Victorians will be the Leader of the Opposition to sit down. travelling?

Mr Andrews — I have not yet had a chance to put Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the member my view to you, Speaker. How could you possibly have for Forest Hill for his question and his genuine concern ruled? I am not finished yet. about Victorians travelling on our roads. As we are all aware, next week we will be approaching the Easter The SPEAKER — You have. break, and we urge all Victorians to take extra care on our roads. Easter is a great time for families to get Mr Andrews — No, Speaker. With the greatest together and take a holiday, particularly in regional and respect, I have not finished the point of order I raised. rural Victoria. They could go to the Stawell Gift or the The SPEAKER — Order! I am sorry. I am not Rip Curl Classic or they could come to Melbourne and enjoy the delights of Melbourne, including a big round allowing the papers to be tabled. of AFL football. I remind people to take care on the Mr Andrews — That is not a matter for you, roads. I urge people to drive safely, to drive within the Speaker. speed limits and to recognise that there are many more vehicles on the roads during the Easter period. The SPEAKER — Order! Is leave granted? The coalition government recently launched a strong Leave refused. road safety strategy for the next 10 years. This strategy aims to further reduce the road toll through new Honourable members interjecting. measures involving enforcement, education and innovation. Some of the measures in that road strategy The SPEAKER — Leave is not granted. include the expanded use of alcohol interlocks for Mr Andrews interjected. convicted drink drivers; tougher penalties for those convicted of the combined offence of being under the The SPEAKER — Order! The Leader of the influence of both drugs and alcohol while driving; and a Opposition will sit down. major campaign, which I think is a very important campaign, to warn drivers of the very real dangers of Dr NAPTHINE — As I was saying, this even minor distractions whilst behind the wheel, government appreciates the great, professional work together with tougher mobile phone use penalties. These send a very strong message to all drivers,

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particularly younger drivers, about the need to Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, under concentrate at all times when on the road, particularly if sessional order 6, and an amendment made to it in this you are driving in country Victoria where you may not Parliament, questions have to be relevant — — be familiar with road conditions. The SPEAKER — Order! What is the member’s There is a new black spot program especially targeting point of order? areas where there have been collisions between vehicles and cyclists or vehicles and pedestrians, because we are Ms Allan — I am referring to sessional orders, concerned about the number of pedestrians and the Speaker, as the basis for my point of order. The Premier number of cyclists involved in crashes on our roads. I has been answering this question for some time now encourage Victorians to enjoy the Easter break with and has failed to be relevant to a simple yes or no their families but to take particular care on our roads. answer — —

I also remind Victorians of the annual Royal Children’s The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the Hospital Good Friday Appeal. The Royal Children’s member’s point of order. The answer was relevant to Hospital does a great job. It has very professional staff the question that was asked. and is a dedicated organisation. On Good Friday I urge Victorians to open their hearts, open their wallets and Ms Thomson interjected. support the Royal Children’s Hospital. Questions interrupted. Ambulance Victoria: holiday staffing SUSPENSION OF MEMBER Mr NOONAN (Williamstown) — My question is to the Premier. I refer the Premier to the shameful Member for Footscray ambulance response times under his government. On The SPEAKER — Order! The member for the Saturday of the recent long weekend the Sorrento Footscray can leave the chamber for an hour. ambulance station was unstaffed for 10 hours. Tragically during that time a man drowned at Rye. Honourable member for Footscray withdrew from Given that no-one wants to see a tragedy like that chamber. repeated, I ask: with the Easter weekend approaching will the Premier guarantee that no ambulance station QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE will go unstaffed at any of Victoria’s key holiday destinations — yes or no? Ambulance Victoria: holiday staffing

Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — Whenever someone Questions resumed. dies it is a terrible tragedy, and our sympathies go to the family and friends of that person. With respect to Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — As I was saying, we ambulance services, our ambulance officers are highly have very professional and highly skilled ambulance trained, highly dedicated and highly committed. We officers stationed across the length and breadth of the support our ambulance services; we support those front- state. Under our government there is more money line officers who do a terrific job 24/7 working to save available for ambulance services, there are more lives across Victoria. That is why we have increased the paramedics available for ambulance services, there is budget for ambulance services by nearly $73 million more equipment available for ambulance services — — since we came to office; that is what we have done. Mr Noonan — On a point of order, Speaker, once We have increased funding for ambulance services, again I refer to standing order 58, which requires that opened more ambulance stations, and provided an answers to questions be direct, factual and succinct. I additional 340 ambulance officers and 10 mobile believe the Premier is debating the question. The intensive care ambulance officers in this term of question very much related to the Easter period, and I government. That is what we are doing to boost think Victorians and paramedics deserve some answers. ambulance services. We have a professional management team operating within Ambulance The SPEAKER — Order! I do not believe the Victoria who are responsible for administering this Premier is debating the issue. I do not uphold the point record budget level of funding to ensure that ambulance of order. services are applied across Victoria. Dr NAPTHINE — We have provided a record level of resources for ambulances. As the professional

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manager of ambulance services, Ambulance Victoria Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and you would will ensure that there is adequate coverage across the understand — — state during Easter and at all times. The SPEAKER — Order! That is not a point of Honourable members interjecting. order.

Questions interrupted. South-East Asia: trade mission

SUSPENSION OF MEMBER Ms WREFORD (Mordialloc) — My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier advise the house what Member for Monbulk action the coalition government is taking to promote Victorian business, trade and industry in the South-East The SPEAKER — Order! The Deputy Leader of Asia region? the Opposition can leave the chamber for an hour under standing order 124. Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the member for Mordialloc for her question and for her interest in Honourable member for Monbulk withdrew from Victorian business and exports to South-East Asia. By chamber. 2020 Asia will account for 45 per cent of global gross domestic product and one-third of all trade. Rapid QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE growth in Asia and also in the Middle East provides enormous opportunities for Victoria and Victorian Ambulance Victoria: holiday staffing businesses. The former Premier and member for Hawthorn led the way for greater trade engagement Questions resumed. between Victoria and those rapidly growing economies. Mr Andrews — On a point of order, Speaker, I put These rapidly growing economies are also well placed it to you that if the Premier wants to yell across the geographically as our near neighbours. chamber that the Deputy Leader of the Opposition is a This government has led the largest ever trade missions disgrace, for you to them eject him for merely to China, India and the Middle East, with over defending himself — — 1400 businesses participating in them. So far we have The SPEAKER — Order! That is not a point of seen more than $3.4 billion in trade and investment order. I ask the Leader of the Opposition to resume his from those trade missions, which has generated over seat. I do not uphold the point of order. 3600 jobs here in Victoria. This is to the great credit of the former Premier and member for Hawthorn, who led Mr Andrews interjected. those trade missions and that great program. Victoria has the strongest presence of any state or territory in the The SPEAKER — Order! If the Leader of the Asian area, with new offices having been opened in Opposition keeps that up, he will be out along with his Beijing in September 2012 and Mumbai in October deputy leader. 2012 and with another new office to be opened in Chengdu, China, later this year. Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, we know that it is Thursday and that Thursdays are often Today I wish to announce that I will be leading a super interesting days in this place — — trade mission to South-East Asia in the middle of this year. This will include visits to the rapidly growing The SPEAKER — Order! What is the member’s markets of Indonesia, which has a population of about point of order? 250 million and is right on our doorstep, to Malaysia, which is a rapidly growing economy in South-East Ms Allan — If I can finish, Speaker, I will happily Asia, and to Singapore, which is a very established get there. economy. These are important markets for Victoria. The SPEAKER — Order! What is the member’s These are important opportunities for Victorian point of order? businesses to grow jobs and opportunities. I would have thought that there would be bipartisan support for this Ms Allan — My point of order is this, Speaker, sort of action to increase trade and investment and jobs perhaps if you considered both sides of the chamber, for Victoria. you may perhaps have seen the Premier provoke the

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Indeed this region is our largest market for services, The SPEAKER — Order! I do not believe the being worth over $2 billion, and our second-largest Premier was debating the issue. source of international students — and we know that international students are an important part of the Dr NAPTHINE — I am explaining to the house economy in this state. The trade mission will focus on that we support our ambulance officers, we support important opportunities in food and beverages with our Ambulance Victoria by providing additional resources, clean, green agricultural production, infrastructure, opening more stations, providing more paramedics on education, urban development, environmental the ground and providing more equipment for those management and sustainability, and of course ICT and paramedics so they can do their job. That is what we advanced manufacturing. These missions are about are doing. We are putting more money into our exports, they are about jobs and they are about growing ambulances, more resources, more staff, more the Victorian economy. That is what they are about, and equipment, and we are supporting our ambulance that is what they are delivering. officers, who are working hard on behalf of all Victorians. On this visit I also look forward to reopening Victoria’s Jakarta business office. This business office was closed Carbon tax: Latrobe Valley in 2002 by the former government. It was closed by Labor. Labor turned its back on export opportunities to Mr NORTHE (Morwell) — My question is the Indonesia. We are going to take people to those areas, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development. grow the markets, grow jobs and grow the economy. Can the minister update the house on action the coalition government is taking to support Latrobe Ambulance Victoria: response times Valley communities to manage the ongoing impacts of the Gillard federal Labor government’s carbon tax? Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East) — My question is to the Premier. I refer the Premier to the recent Mr RYAN (Minister for State Development) — I Ambulance Victoria annual report which shows that thank the member for Morwell for his very relevant one in every four ambulances fails to respond to an question. As we know, the pro tem Gillard emergency within 15 minutes. I also remind him of the commonwealth government’s carbon tax policies pose accident last month where five firefighters from a very significant challenges to industry right across Country Fire Authority truck which rolled while Victoria, particularly in the Latrobe Valley region. As fighting a fire in Dargo waited 2 hours for an we know, the ill-fated contracts-for-closure program ambulance, and I ask: what assurances has the caused enormous damage in the Latrobe Valley government sought from Ambulance Victoria that our community. It undermined investor confidence in the firefighters will not again be left waiting? region and was a significant setback for employment and for industry generally when it was announced. It Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the has now been abandoned, but a lot of the damage has honourable member for her question. Our ambulance been done. officers throughout Victoria do an absolutely outstanding job, and we on this side of the house fully On coming to office, as a coalition government we support our ambulance officers. We fully support were quick to recognise the risks posed to the Latrobe Ambulance Victoria. We recognise the professionalism, Valley by this ill-fated proposition. It ran in parallel the skill and the dedication of our ambulance officers, with the programs being offered by the former state and we have backed our front-line ambulance officers government, which was intending to close two of the by significantly increasing the budget for Ambulance units at Hazelwood; that in itself did a lot of damage. Victoria. There was another nearly $73 million in the Immediately on coming to government we committed last budget from the coalition government, which is to the development of the Latrobe Valley Industry and $73 million more than the Labor government provided. Employment Roadmap. This has involved extensive That is extra money, that is extra resources for our engagement with business, enterprise and communities ambulance services — — generally, including I might say the union movement, which has been very constructive in the development of Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, under the proposals with regard to the Latrobe Valley. standing order 58(1)(b), the Premier is debating the question, and we simply ask you to apply the standing As a government we have committed in total some orders equally to all sides of the Parliament and bring $35 million to assist the Gippsland economy to manage him back to answering the question. the many challenges that have been imposed on the region by the policies of the federal government and the

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former government here in Victoria. The centrepiece of Honourable members interjecting. this is the $15 million in the Latrobe Valley Industry and Infrastructure Fund. We have already allocated The SPEAKER — Order! The Leader of the $4.8 million of that fund to various programs, including Opposition has asked his question. $1.5 million towards growing the aerospace manufacturing facility at the Latrobe Valley airport, Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — The question related which has created 70 direct jobs. There is $490 000 to the value we place on our ambulance officers. Let me towards the electricity infrastructure upgrade at the reiterate that we do value ambulance officers in this Lion yoghurt facility, which has created another seven state. jobs in that location. Honourable members interjecting.

There is $280 000 to assist Hydro Australia, and I The SPEAKER — Order! The Premier should spoke yesterday about this great local company which ignore interjections; and I say to the Leader of the is doing a lot of work in the mining sector in Western Opposition, no more. Australia; $500 000 to the Australian Sustainable Hardwoods facility at the Heyfield timber mill, which Dr NAPTHINE — We value ambulance officers in has not only preserved 200 jobs but has enabled a lot this state. We recognise their professionalism, their skill more to be added; and $250 000 has gone to Sage and their dedication to the job they do. I understand that Technology for the development of its industry-leading there are enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) mobility permit-to-work system, and that has been a negotiations going on at the moment, and it is not my great initiative. intention to conduct EBA negotiations on the floor of the Parliament. I am advised that Ambulance In addition the government has made substantial Employees Australia is pursuing a 30 per cent pay infrastructure investments in the Latrobe region, claim, and I understand that Ambulance Victoria has including $22.7 million for the Warragul railway made an offer of 2.5 per cent plus productivity, so there station in the member for Narracan’s seat — a great are negotiations going on. I am advised that there are local member. We have provided over $6 million to meetings taking place. Those meetings have been assist Australian Paper undertake a $90 million project productive and are working towards a solution. I take to establish a de-inking, pulping plant at the Maryvale this opportunity to remind the house that the existing mill. This has preserved more than 900 jobs and has EBA, which was negotiated under the previous Labor added extra employment not only within the government, took 19 months to resolve. development of this new industry but also in the all- important construction phrase. Schools: bullying

This is all part of the fabric that underpins the fact that Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — My question in February some 3600 jobs were created in the Latrobe without notice is directed to the Minister for Education. region here in Victoria — just in February. We Could the minister advise the house as to what actions understand that these figures do wax and wane, but it is the coalition government is taking to stamp out bullying reflective of the effort which the coalition government and make schools safer and more supportive for all has mounted in this important region. The issue of jobs Victorian students? in the Latrobe Valley and right across all of the regions of Victoria is uppermost in the minds of this Mr DIXON (Minister for Education) — I thank the government, and this is but another example of where member for Sandringham for his question and for his we have taken proactive steps with a view to growing real concern for the welfare of students in Victorian our employment. schools. This government’s no. 1 priority in education is the wellbeing and safety of all students in our Paramedics: enterprise bargaining schools. That is why we have said that bullying of any sort, whether it be verbal or physical bullying or Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My cyberbullying, is totally unacceptable behaviour in our question is again to the Premier. I refer the Premier to schools, and we have committed more than his many claims today that he supports and values our $14.5 million to antibullying programs. ambulance paramedics, and I simply ask: can the Premier confirm that his government’s pay offer to Just last Friday, which was the National Day of Action ambulance paramedics will see them lose overtime and against Bullying and Violence, I launched our latest other entitlements and leave them just $1 a week better attack on bullying in schools, an antibullying campaign off? How is that valuing our paramedics? entitled Bully Stoppers. Make a Stand. Lend a Hand.

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On that day I joined with our many partners, including language and terms that young people actually the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the understand. Bullying has to stop, and we all have to Alannah and Madeline Foundation, Telstra, beyondblue take responsibility for making sure that it does. and a number of bullying experts including Professor Ken Rigby, Professor Sheryl Hemphill, Paramedics: member of Parliament access Robyn Trevyaud, Andrew Fuller and Susan McLean. Together we launched a new website and information Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My campaign for young people and adults as well as a question is again to the Premier. I refer the Premier to $1 million grant program for schools under which an incident this month in Mansfield where despite four schools can apply for up to $5000 to implement or add calls for an ambulance having been made, no to a program within their school and their school ambulance attended, leaving Victoria Police at the community. scene having to rush an unconscious man to hospital, and I ask: given that police are now transporting The website provides information and resources to patients to hospital, response times are blowing out, key parents, teachers and students. It is basically a bullying holiday spots are being left without ambulance awareness toolkit. It has learning modules, fact sheets coverage and our firefighters are being left to languish, and a whole range of information depending on the will the Premier sit down with our front-line ambulance audience that accesses that information. It is important paramedics and fix the crisis in our ambulance service? to note that students had an input into the content of the website. It is very important that we use language that Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I totally reject the students understand and will listen to in addressing proposition that there is a crisis in our ambulance these sorts of issues. service. I have a great deal of respect for the hard work and dedication of our ambulance officers, who are We have found out that bullying can be stopped within highly skilled, highly trained and committed to work to 10 seconds if immediate action is taken. That is why we save lives across this state. I am proud that the coalition want bystanders not to be passive but to intervene. That government has provided increased funding for is why the program is called Bully Stoppers. Make a ambulances. There is $73 million more in our latest Stand. Lend a Hand. They are the words that the budget than the last budget under the Labor students came up with. We held a competition among government. There is more money for ambulance Victorian school students to come up with a name for services and $151 million for 340 extra ambulance the campaign — not only the contents but the name. officers. There are more ambulance officers in our More than 1000 students entered that competition, and ambulance stations across the state. There are more four students were successful in coming up with what I ambulance officers, there is more equipment and there think is a very powerful message about bullying. I want are more resources for ambulances. At the same time, to congratulate all students who took part in not only we have opened new ambulance stations and opened the naming of the campaign but the input into it and refurbished ambulance stations. also the members of my department and all the experts who worked with us to build and launch this campaign. The government, while doing all of that, has halved the cost of ambulance subscriptions for Victorian families. As we all know, bullying can have an absolutely Victorian families, who used to pay under the Labor devastating effect on young people for the whole of government $150 a year for ambulance subscriptions, their lives, and in the most extreme circumstances are now paying only $75 a year. This is encouraging students take their own lives. We just find that more families to be subscribers so that families will not unacceptable. be hit with that big bill if they have to use an ambulance. It also makes the cost of living for our There are also a range of other measures we have families much more affordable. introduced to combat bullying in all its forms. I think the house is aware of the $10.5 million eSmart program We are delivering an increased budget for ambulance on which we are working with the Alannah and services and increased equipment for ambulance Madeline Foundation. I am pleased to tell the house services, and we are reducing the cost of ambulances that more than 1300 schools have now signed up to that for Victorian families. That is what we are doing, and campaign. That speaks volumes for our schools and for we will continue to provide the resources that the campaign. We also have a range of online Ambulance Victoria needs to deliver the ambulance conferences and forums available for students as well services that Victorians need. as extra welfare officers. We have entered into a whole range of partnerships to combat bullying, using

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Electricity: security of supply Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, we simply ask that you apply the standing orders fairly and Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) — My question is to pull the minister up for debating under standing the Minister for Energy and Resources. Can the order 58(1)(b). I ask you to do your job and bring the minister update the house on Victoria’s available minister back to order. capacity for its electricity system and say if there are any potential threats to that supply? The SPEAKER — Order! I uphold the point of order. I ask the minister not to reflect on members of Mr KOTSIRAS (Minister for Energy and the opposition. Resources) — I thank the member for Caulfield for his question and for his interest in Victoria’s energy supply Mr KOTSIRAS — This behaviour is unacceptable. and the security of it. A secure and reliable energy We must condemn this behaviour. Every Victorian supply is vital to our economy, to our lifestyle and to must condemn this behaviour. The Leader of the our wellbeing. This government is committed to Opposition should condemn this behaviour and ensuring that all Victorians have confidence in their not — — energy supply — that is, that the service will be provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There will Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, the be challenges — there will be emergencies and natural minister is clearly defying your ruling. We would not disasters — but Victorians deserve and need to have have to continue to take these points of order if you access to a secure and reliable energy supply. would apply the standing orders, as we request.

During Victoria’s high-peak period we need The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the point approximately 11 000 megawatts of electricity, but it of order. depends on the time and it depends on the weather and Mr KOTSIRAS — We on this side care for on the month. For example, tomorrow, Friday, we will Victorians, and we care for Victorian businesses. We need approximately 6200 megawatts of electricity. want businesses to do business in Victoria. Unlike the The member asked me whether there were any threats Labor Party, we will look after Victoria and Victoria’s to this power supply. On 31 January the Construction, interests. Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) gave Mr Andrews — On a point of order, Speaker — — notice of its intention that its members at the Loy Yang B power station would take industrial action. This The SPEAKER — Order! The minister has included a one-hour stop work, bans on working on concluded his answer. higher duties, a ban on working overtime and bans limiting the output of individual generators to Mr Andrews — I am raising a point of order, 400 megawatts. Unfortunately it goes further. Speaker. If I have the call, and given — —

This week the CFMEU decided to take a 24-hour The SPEAKER — Order! What is the member’s industrial strike. We will lose approximately 14 per point of order? cent of our electricity supply. This action is irresponsible; it is a slap in the face for Victorian Mr Andrews — I ask that you provide me with families. This is telling businesses not to invest in some advice, either now or at a later point, on whether Victoria. This is threatening the jobs of workers, whom it is your view — — this union claims to represent. We know that the CFMEU has a history of holding Victorians to ransom. The SPEAKER — Order! I am not here to offer The leadership does not support its members, and we advice to you or to any other member of this house. As know that the CFMEU is now spreading its industrial I have suggested to you previously, if you want advice thuggery from the building sites to the power sector. from me, come to my office and I will give you advice.

On 5 and 6 June last year there was an incident where Mr Andrews — You have got to be joking. water entered a mine. There was an individual who put The SPEAKER — Order! The minister has out a press release on the same day demanding that the concluded his answer. Question time has concluded. government ensure that there be ample electricity. That person has been silent. That person has not said a single word. That person is the member for Mill Park. Her mates in the — —

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CRIMES AMENDMENT (INTEGRITY IN very hard to be supportive because I found it a very SPORTS) BILL 2013 boring game to sit and watch. I used to stuff up when I was doing the scoring, and I would be told off Second reading repeatedly by my children. In fact I got into a great deal of trouble when two of my sons were playing cricket in Debate resumed. Bulleen. There is a ground there with multiple fields. I went rushing off to do the supermarket shopping after I Mrs FYFFE (Evelyn) — I am pleased to rise to dropped them off, and when I came back I sat in the car make a contribution to the debate on the Crimes watching what I thought was my youngest son’s team. Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. This He came to the car and said, ‘Did you see me? I caught legislation will align the principal act with laws recently the ball!’. I said, ‘I did’. He said, ‘You didn’t! You introduced in New South Wales and similar legislation were watching someone else!’. I had been watching the that is currently before the South Australian Parliament. wrong match because they all had the same white hats, Sport is an important part of the lives of us all, not only white shirts and white trousers. I failed at being a here in Victoria but in Australia and the rest of the cricket mum! world. It is very important for the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of people that they participate in I really enjoy Australian Rules Football and basketball sport, and it is vital that we have integrity in sport. because they bring together people from all walks of life. The children were in all the junior teams, and I All of my children have been deeply involved in sport would be there selling tickets at the gate. They stopped at various levels, and they have changed sports quite me from working in the canteen at Yarra Junction, frequently, as children tend to do as their attention because I insisted that the children say please and thank wanders. My three sons have had great, passionate links you. Some of the mums did not like that, so they put me to football teams, and they have idolised certain on the gate. Yarra Junction was a great football club. players. When they were in the under-9s, they asked All the volunteers were so dedicated. We would have their coach if they could have the same numbers as barbecues at the house of the coach or the manager. For their idols. They have gone to sleep holding their a period of time I was called the trainer; I would footballs. One of my sons would not even take off his bandage players and look after the minor injuries. I muddy football boots, and he would not take off his would even run out with a wet towel for the players. I jumper for about 10 days because he wanted to be like was the orange girl at one match when someone did not his hero. turn up. All that was so important — that my children When I was growing up in England with my brothers, had their idols and that they could dream about being their hero was the great Sir Stanley Matthews, who of like their idols. They were Essendon supporters. I guess course played another style of football — soccer. My we brainwashed them into that. brothers used to play in an old cow paddock that had Ms Green — On a point of order, Speaker, as much mud, ice and cow pats in it. When they could not get as I am loath to interrupt the member for Evelyn while enough friends to play with them, they would force me she is speaking about Essendon supporters, and even to play. They used to make me go in goal, and I hated though it is lovely to hear the stories she is telling us, that because they would deliberately kick the ball at me she is not talking about the bill before the house. I ask and hurt me. They also used to make me play cricket. you to have her return to the bill. We lived in a valley, which like many valleys in England had roads that went gently up and down. The The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the point wicket was always at the top of a rise, and they would of order. make me the wicketkeeper, so I had to run down the hill to fetch the ball. Although I complain about it now, Mrs FYFFE — It is important that I highlight how it was a great bonding experience for us all to play important sport is to every family; it bonds families sport, as it was for all my children. together. As I said, our children’s ages cover a wide range and sport drew them together, because it was Our children’s ages extend over a wide range, but sport something they felt they could contribute to equally. brought them all together. Our oldest son spent hours That is why it is so important that we maintain integrity teaching the younger boys how to mark a ball and how in our sport and that we do everything we can — — to do drop kicks. For 30 years I had bald patches in my garden where they played basketball and cricket. We Mr McIntosh interjected. even had the tennis at one stage. I must say that cricket was the sport that I liked least as a parent. I found it

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Mrs FYFFE — Exactly. Young people idolise their Mrs FYFFE — I am sorry the member for Yan stars, and if their stars do the wrong thing, it will cause Yean does not understand the importance of integrity in great problems. When one of my boys was eight, he fell sport on families, because I am passionate about it. It and rolled around on the ground at the end of the first solves so many problems. It brings you all together — quarter of a football match. Mums are not supposed to the travelling together to a game, the talking to each go onto the football ground, and I had to wait to get on. other and teaching the kids to be good sports when they I ran on, scooped him up and said, ‘What’s wrong?’. lose, to enjoy the wins and to get up and go out there He said, ‘Go away! I’m Dermott Brereton’. He was again the next weekend. I am proud to support the bill. faking a fall on the ground and rolling around as he had seen Dermott Brereton do. Mr KATOS (South Barwon) — I am very pleased to rise this afternoon to make a contribution to the Despite all the criticism that we individually may have debate in support of the Crimes Amendment (Integrity of players, umpires and so on, I grew up and my in Sports) Bill 2013. I have a number of sporting clubs children grew up completely relaxed that the players in my electorate, but I might just reflect on my four played to the best of their ability, that matches were not sons who are all starting to play either Auskick or fixed and that the right teams won. Even when children football — except the youngest one, who turns three lost a game, on the way home from a football, years on Sunday, so he is a bit little. My oldest boy Zac basketball or cricket game they would talk excitedly is now playing in his second year of the under-10s at about next week. If children cannot have faith that their the South Barwon football club. I was very pleased heroes are playing to the best of their ability, if they when he won the most aggressive trophy last year, cannot have faith that the winners of the matches have which is a somewhat unusual trophy for someone in the played fairly and if they start believing that matches are under-10s. The club has almost 40 junior teams, and it fixed, what are they going to aspire to? We need to is looking to ensure good management of young make sure that there is honesty and integrity across all players and to ensure they have idols to look up to. The sports. club places great importance on integrity in sport as do other clubs in my electorate, and the Torquay Football I have great sports clubs in my area. The Lilydale Club and the Grovedale football club are doing the Football Club is a very competitive club whose same thing. members play fairly and decently. Apart from that, until Reclink changed the club hosted Reclink football But it is not just about football; there are also tennis teams. Reclink teams are made up of people on the clubs in my electorate including the Highton Tennis edges of our society — people who have been in jail, Club and the Barwon Soccer Club. These clubs are homeless, have had drug problems or have suffered received funding to renovate their clubrooms as a result from alcoholism and so forth. Lilydale Football Club of our election commitments. I am looking forward to opened up its the rooms to those people. They had full attending the Modewarre Football Club with the run of the clubrooms and the changing rooms, and the minister on Tuesday to make an announcement about club assisted them. It helped to coach them, and funding. It is the club where Gary Ablett, Jr, and members of the club played with them. I am sure that it Nathan Ablett played their junior football. To use Gary was the ethical way in which the Lilydale Football Club Ablett, Jr, as an example, he is one of the players that handled this that encouraged many of those people to my oldest boy Zachary and my second boy Evan really aspire to better things in their lives. The club treated look up to. I am a bit disappointed that Gary is now them equally, and that was really important. playing for the Gold Coast Suns, but he is still a fabulous player. Can one imagine the shock and horror Other sports such as golf have not rated as much of a if a player of his standing were to somehow be involved mention today — I have great difficulty in in match fixing or be corrupted by a criminal understanding the attraction of that sport. It has avid organisation? Kids of my sons’ age would be shocked followers right across the world. We, here, can help to at seeing their idol torn down. I know Gary Ablett, Jr, set standards by introducing legislation like this. I has plenty of integrity and would never do anything of watch that game and sometimes I think, ‘How on earth that sort. did they get the ball into that little hole?’. Other times I think, ‘How on earth did they miss?’. We need to make The bill creates specific criminal offences to target sure we are confident that these people are trying their persons seeking to fix a betting outcome for profit from best to win fairly and ethically. such a fix or use of inside information. It addresses commitments made by the Victorian government to Ms Green interjected. enact match fixing legislation. As the Minister for Sport and Recreation said earlier, this was addressed at a

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meeting held to discuss match fixing by the various those sporting codes and regulators to deal with. The ministers, including the Minister for Racing, because bill targets conduct that seeks to manipulate a betting this is relevant to the racing portfolio as well. The bill outcome where money can be made or where organised enacts legislation that is similar to legislation that is crime can be involved. already in place in New South Wales, and I believe similar legislation will be introduced into the South While I am on this topic, the issue of tanking has come Australian Parliament. up in the AFL, and I will not mention the club because the member for Prahran is sitting next to me at the The bill addresses concerns that were brought up by the moment. The legislation targets those who are seeking Australian Crime Commission in its report on to gain advantage by manipulating gambling. All sports organised crime and drugs in sport, and introduces have their own codes of conduct, as the member for measures consistent with national agreements with Caulfield mentioned earlier in relation to the incident regard to match fixing. It creates offences that target with Heath Shaw, when a very small wager was placed certain behaviour including: engaging in conduct that on who would kick the first goal in a particular match. corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome; Obviously it did not affect the outcome of the match, facilitating conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a but the players obviously knew that Nick Maxwell betting outcome; concealing such conduct, agreements would be playing in the forward line. That was dealt or arrangements; and the use of corrupt information for with by the AFL in the appropriate way and, as I said, betting purposes. It is important the legislation be put in the behaviour did not affect the outcome of the match. place to protect integrity in sport. The bill strengthens integrity in sport and at other events in Victoria and will In relation to the racing industry, the Minister for send a clear message to those people who are seeking to Racing is on the record as saying that the race fixing engage in corrupt behaviour that undermines the legislation will be implemented as one of the key integrity of sport that it is simply not on. recommendations of the racing integrity commissioner. By the way, the report found there was no systemic race The legislation is consistent with Australian Crime fixing in Victoria. However, it did outline a series of Commission recommendations and also the recommendations to enhance the integrity of the recommendations of the racing integrity commissioner, processes across the three racing codes — that is, who conducted an investigation into race fixing. There harness, gallops and greyhounds. The commission did is a commitment from the state governments to make not find any illegal behaviour, but there were issues that sure that people have confidence in the industry when could perhaps in the future result in such behaviour, so they are betting on sport. They want to know that the it has made some recommendations. horse, the greyhound or the football team they back is performing to the best of its abilities. A media release of 5 March quotes the Minister for Racing, who is now also the Premier, as saying: Mr McIntosh interjected. The integrity of sport in racing in Victoria is held in high Mr KATOS — As the Minister for Crime regard and the coalition government is committed to ensuring that we remain vigilant, continually improve our integrity Prevention, who is at the table, says, ‘Everything on its system and enhance our reputation as the best sporting state merits’. anywhere in the world. The bill allows for a maximum penalty of up to That is what the bill is about — it is about remaining 10 years imprisonment for those who engage in corrupt vigilant. We have not identified major problems, but we conduct which undermines integrity in sport. It will do not want such problems to occur, so we are bringing apply to any sport or other event upon which it is legal this legislation in to ensure that Victoria remains ever to place a bet; it is very much about betting in sport. vigilant against these sorts of threats to the integrity of The bill targets those who are seeking to fix that betting sport. With that, I am more than happy to commend the outcome or facilitate such corrupt actions. There will bill to the house. also be fines of up to $50 000, which is a significant fine for this sort of behaviour. It is not the sort of Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) — I rise to support the behaviour we want to see. People need to have Crimes Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013, — confidence in integrity in sport. The legislation targets and what an important bill it is for sport across the state. corrupt conduct that seeks to manipulate a betting I note that some members opposite have raised points outcome. An example of such behaviour includes of order claiming we are going off track, but integrity in taking performance enhancing drugs that may have any sport is super important across the entire state. In been banned by sporting codes. That is a matter for all terms, at all levels of sport, it is very important. I

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note that the Minister for Crime Prevention — who is opportunity to defend themselves because they were also the Minister responsible for IBAC and was the not sure what they would be defending themselves Minister responsible for the establishment of an anti- against. That is a disgrace. corruption commission — is at the table. This side of the house holds in the highest esteem crime prevention I will talk about Essendon Football Club in relation to and ensuring integrity not only in government but also that point. People are now going to question Essendon. in all sporting organisations. Every time Essendon players run out onto the footy field this year, people will question what they have It is important that we talk about how the bill will affect done to get where they are now. If Essendon wins a local sports clubs. The level of integrity in sport affects game, everyone will turn around and say, ‘They are local players, their involvement in the game and cheats’; if Essendon loses a game, everyone will think it whether they want to stay involved in that game. If you tanked because it did not want to get too involved. The look at sports across the world, you see that any federal government has put out a perception that is sporting code where integrity is threatened reflects on pretty ordinary and unfair on Essendon Football Club. the entire community, because why would a young person want to get involved, or a parent encourage their Without knowing the full intricacies of what has child to get involved, in a sport when its integrity is happened in many clubs, I understand that training over questioned? That is one of the issues we must look at. the years has changed very much and the level of skill of the ruckmen has improved greatly since the 1980s. It The interesting thing about a lot of sports in Australia is is important that players have improved their skill and that they are team oriented. I note that the member for speed to get out there and play. Sometimes they do Essendon is sitting at the table. He is a former football things that might be said to push the mark but are not player, and he would understand the idea of team sport illegal. However, we should be cautious in terms of and how important it is. Being a Geelong supporter, I putting information about integrity in sport into the go back to 1989, when we had a superstar in Gary public domain. It should be kept inside until you get the Ablett — that is the only way to describe him — who evidence, because otherwise you will end up with the single-handedly nearly took Hawthorn apart in the issues we have in the AFL now. The AFL has a grand final. No matter how many times I watch that longstanding tradition as a respected code. video, Geelong cannot get over the line; it keeps falling 6 points short. It is proof of one thing: no matter how This brings me back to local clubs. I have many local good they are, one player does not make a great team. It football clubs in my electorate. There are seniors, is important that every player in a team maintain their reserves and also some highly successful junior clubs. integrity, and that is what the bill is about: ensuring that In junior footy we do not talk about success in terms of we do not have cheating in gambling. winning premierships but in terms of keeping kids involved in sport and in a team. When you visit these I refer to the fantastic contribution to the debate made clubs you find that their players have questions about by the member for South Barwon, in which he spoke integrity in their minds. Parents of players are saying, about Collingwood Football Club. There was an issue ‘Why should we push our kids in the direction of a code raised in relation to betting on football; one of the bets the integrity of which is questioned?’. That is why a bill that was made was in relation to somebody kicking the like this is so important to the local clubs that I support: first goal. I suppose it is a bit like insider trading, Berwick; Beaconsfield; Rythdale-Officer-Cardinia, the knowing that a player was down the forward line. As I Kangaroos; Pakenham; and up through Emerald. We all understand it, and without questioning Collingwood at know Yarra Junction is a fantastic club. Warburton and all, I am pretty confident that the result did not change Milgrove had to merge. We have such good because of the bet. I want to get that on the record. I am connections between clubs. One of my favourite clubs not accusing Collingwood of anything. However, one in the electorate has a coach who is a current police of the things that is super important is about the officer and a friend of mine. perception that has been put out there regarding who else has bet on a game. It raises questions throughout Its under-18s team did not have enough players in the entire sport. Gembrook. Warburton Football Club did not have enough players to play in its under-18s team, so it Recently the federal government released a report on merged with Millgrove Football Club. The two clubs sports. The timing of it may have been a bit of a decided to merge their under-18s teams two years ago. political ploy. The report named clubs but did not Although these two clubs were rivals, the most produce any information or evidence about the counts important thing for them and for their players was to that were put forward, thus denying sports clubs the

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ensure that local footballers had an opportunity to play supports the local community, including local in their local community. businesses through advertising, and the list goes on.

What does that mean to a club like Gembrook? For a Involvement in sport is also good for the prevention of town like Gembrook, the football club is the town. At mental illness. Anything we can get involved with to Gembrook some 400 or 500 people come down to a help prevent mental illness in our community is a game every Saturday to support the club and its players. positive step for our future, and that is why this bill is Those people bring along their families and friends, get very important. This bill keeps integrity at the top end around the club and have a fantastic opportunity to so that our lower end clubs and clubs that work in our socialise. Their kids have the opportunity to get communities can support people to get them up and involved in a community sport, which in itself is going and moving along. something those kids can develop in the future. We are developing future leaders within our communities at In my very short contribution today I have spoken these clubs. about our local clubs, their importance and the importance of integrity in sport. We need to ensure that A prime example is the coach we had at Gembrook, we do not make those slight slip-ups, such as the who has recently left and is now up at Bendigo Gold problems the Collingwood Football Club experienced working with Aussie Jones. That coach changed the with the Heath Shaw incident. These sorts of slip-ups culture of the Gembrook football club. He worked with create questions, which is the last thing we want to do. the president, who has been there for a few years, and This legislation is being put in place to ensure that we together they changed the culture of the club. Being a do not have such questions being raised and that we senior club, they focused on winning; winning is very have answers whenever they are raised. I commend the important in gaining supporters for a club. Their focus bill to the house. was on creating a winning culture, and in order to focus on doing that they had to focus on the integrity of the Mr MADDEN (Essendon) — I move: players to make sure that all of the players were That the debate be now adjourned. committed to ensuring that they were moving forward with the club. They also needed to ensure that they had House divided on Mr Madden’s motion: the community on board so they could get sponsors and advertisers. They changed the culture of drinking at the Ayes, 42 club and other aspects of the club so they could Allan, Ms Howard, Mr continue to be leaders in the community. Now they go Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms out into the community and do other work as well. I can Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms hear that we have a future sportsman just outside the Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms chamber, and many other youngsters are coming along Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr to our football clubs. Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr The Emerald Football Club is also in my electorate — D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr the Emerald Bombers. This club has also been Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr recognised by the AFL for changing its integrity within Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms the sport and club by changing its drinking culture. It is Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr not that long ago that we had a system within many of Foley, Mr Pallas, Mr our local sporting clubs where it was almost Garrett, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr Graley, Ms Perera, Mr fashionable and almost expected to go to training on Green, Ms Richardson, Ms Thursday night and have a few too many drinks before Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr finishing training and then going home; it is not that Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms long ago. Now you can go to Emerald Football Club Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr and on certain days they do not have any drinks — Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr there is no alcohol at the club. It is an amazing change Noes, 44 in a club which has now opened up the doors to the Angus, Mr Mulder, Mr entire community and their families. The club has gone Asher, Ms Napthine, Dr from having a couple of hundred people turn up to a Baillieu, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr match to having well and truly up near 1000 people at a Battin, Mr Northe, Mr Bauer, Mrs O’Brien, Mr home game. These people support the club and support Blackwood, Mr Powell, Mrs the other people involved with the club, and that in turn Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr

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Clark, Mr Shaw, Mr Club, Mackie Cricket Club, Omega Cricket Club, Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. McKinnon Cricket Club, Bentleigh Cricket Club, West Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr Bentleigh Cricket Club, St Kilda Football Club, Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr Ormond Amateur Football Club, Bentleigh Football Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr Club, Old Haileyburians Amateur Football Club, Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Mrs Ormond Junior Football Club, St Peter’s Junior Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr Football Club, St Paul’s Bentleigh Football Club, Kotsiras, Mr Walsh, Mr McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr St Paul’s McKinnon Junior Football Club, Southern McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr Football League, the Southern Metro Junior Football McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr League, Bentleigh Junior Football Club, Centenary Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Park Tennis Club, Kings Park Tennis Club, Coatesville Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms Tennis Club, Ormond Tennis Club, St Kevin’s Tennis Motion defeated. Club, Wattle Tennis Club, Victory Park Tennis Club, Moorabbin Indoor Tennis Centre, Bentleigh Recreation Ms MILLER (Bentleigh) — I am delighted to rise Tennis Club, Caulfield United Cobras Soccer Club, to speak on the Crimes Amendment (Integrity in Sport) East Bentleigh Soccer Club, Cougar Soccer Club, Bill 2013. For the record, members on this side of the Bentleigh Bowling Club and Coatesville Bowling Club. house include several former elite athletes who have been involved in numerous sports, and in the broad The Bentleigh electorate is also home to Glen Eira church we come from I think it is important to McKinnon Bowls Club, Moorabbin Bowling Club, acknowledge that. It is also important to acknowledge South Oakleigh Bowling Club, Ormond Jets Basketball that earlier on in the debate there was only one Club, Powerhouse Softball Club, South Oakleigh opposition member in the house who has a sporting Softball Club, Moorabbin Little Athletics Club, background. That says a bit about what the opposition Moorabbin Squash and Fitness Centre, McKinnon thinks about this bill. Basketball Association, AMF Bowling Centre, Bayside Bushwalking Club, Moorabbin Archery Club, This bill will create specific criminal offences and Victorian Masters Athletics, Maccabi Athletic Club, target persons who seek to fix a betting outcome to Ormond Glenhuntly Baseball Club, Bentleigh profit from such a fix or who use inside information. McKinnon Gymnastics, Oakleigh South Netball Club, The Bentleigh electorate has a sporting background. Ormond Angling Club, Glen Eira Moorabbin Softball Although I am not an elite athlete, I do have a sporting Association, Bentleigh McKinnon Southern KDK Judo, background — I participated in netball, athletics, Moorabbin Rams Rugby Club, Moorabbin Warriors cricket and football. I was always there to participate in Rugby League Club, Ormond Angling Club, Bentleigh whatever sport was going on; in fact in my secondary Lakers Basketball Club, McKinnon Cougars, college I had the privilege of being the sports captain in Moorabbin Magic Basketball Club, Moorabbin Tigers years 7, 8, 9 and 10, and I thoroughly enjoyed my sport. Basketball Club and St Kilda Basketball Club. I participated in individual and team sports, and I think you can learn many life skills through both of those. As I said, that is quite a list representing a variety of However, more important is the high-level integrity that sporting clubs. I may have missed some clubs or comes from participating in those sports. Sometimes organisations, but that gives a good indication of the you win, sometimes you lose, but you learn from the sporting fraternity in the Bentleigh electorate. It is not loss, and that prepares you for the next time, when you only a sporting electorate but also a very family- might be a winner. oriented one. Cricket finals are taking place in the area at the moment, and I am proud to say we have some Australia is a sporting country. We have a high level of very strong competitions. At every match I have been participation in tennis, swimming, lawn bowls, to, there were not only players but also friends and Australian Rules, soccer, cricket and hockey, just to families of players. It was marvellous to see so many name a few. In Victoria we are renowned for people out and about enjoying their sport. horseracing, AFL football, netball, Rugby League, Rugby Union, soccer, tennis and swimming. I also I am proud to say I have been chosen as the no. 1 ticket- participated in surf lifesaving and played tennis, also holder for St Paul’s Football Club. I am also the very good sports. honorary no. 1 ticket-holder for Bentleigh Bowling Club and the ambassador for the Southern Football In the Bentleigh electorate there are a number of League, which incorporates netball and football. Whilst sporting clubs. I will put them all on the record. There I am not an elite athlete, I certainly have a strong is Moorabbin Cricket Club, Bentleigh ANA Cricket passion for sport, and I appreciate — —

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An honourable member interjected. attraction of sport in the Bentleigh electorate, and people in neighbouring areas are also coming to Ms MILLER — Yes, I do have potential. It is GESAC. important that we participate in sport. In fact everybody participates in sport, whichever sport it may be, and no- I know all the girls, boys, men and women who one expects to receive any sort of enhancement of their participate in their respective sports love their sport and performance. People’s participation in sport is about look forward to it. My electorate is quite a remarkable playing their hardest, trying their best and making a area and we have lots of sporting facilities, although contribution to the team. People should not use some clubs in my electorate want more facilities, and substances that give them an advantage, which allows we will work with the Glen Eira City Council in regard people to bet on performances for personal gain. That is to that. I wish this bill a safe passage and I commend it not what sport is about. Recently there has been to the house. speculation in the media about sports such as horseracing, football and weightlifting which has not Mr NEWTON-BROWN (Prahran) — We are shown them in their best light. Nevertheless, everyone obsessed by sport in Australia, particularly in Victoria. who participates in those sports does so with the best We are so obsessed that we even created our own intentions, and that is what we want to have occur in the sport — Australian Rules football, and I think it was in future. a park not far from this place that Australian Rules football was born. I note that the member for Essendon As I said, the Bentleigh electorate is a very strong is in the house and he may correct me if I am wrong, sporting environment. Now that the cricket season is but I understand it was a game that lasted for three days almost over, the football season is beginning. There between boys from Scotch College and Melbourne have been pre-season football games recently. Grammar School — — Everybody is ready to go, and this weekend will see the first of many matches for the season. Last year the Mr Madden — I didn’t play in that one, but I could Bentleigh electorate had five football teams in grand have! finals, which is unheard of, and four of the five won. It was fantastic. Bentleigh United Cricket Club has had an Mr NEWTON-BROWN — The member for Essendon notes that he did not actually play in that outstanding season. It has won one of its finals, and there is another one this weekend, so I wish them good game. Creating our own game is, I suppose, an luck. In light of the bill, we do not want to watch games indication of our obsession with sport. There is actually knowing there is the potential that some teams may be another little-known sport that we created in Victoria using substances that give them an advantage and that called Trugo, which was created by railway workers, and I understand there are still a couple of Trugo rinks people will financially benefit from that. in Victoria. It is a game played with bits and pieces of This piece of legislation is important for sport. There railway hardware. I will not go into the details of that are a number of sporting clubs in my electorate, and all game now, but it is a fascinating — — of them will endeavour to abide by this legislation. The Mr McIntosh — No, do! integrity, honesty and commitment of people participating in sport is what is important. A number of Mr NEWTON-BROWN — If I have time, I will families travel around every weekend to play sport in come back to it. We are obsessed with sport; we love various places. There is also training on weeknights. I our sport. As far as AFL goes, it provides a great boost take my hat off to them because it is a big commitment to our economy. Each year the AFL boosts our to go to training on three nights and play a game on a economy by $1.64 billion and creates more than Saturday or Sunday — or even both. 4000 full-time equivalent jobs. It is a very significant There is a growing need for sporting facilities in my part of our economy as well as our society. electorate. A new sporting facility, the Glen Eira Sports The Australian Open Tennis Championships is another and Aquatic Centre (GESAC), has just opened in my big sporting event in Victoria, creating over 1000 full- electorate. It has five swimming pools, a gymnasium time equivalent jobs and injecting $164 million into our and basketball courts. Essentially there is something economy each year. This year over 680 000 fans went there for people all year round. At the end of last month to the Australian Open. We are sports mad. We have there were just over 10 000 members. This facility was just had the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in opened late last year by the Minister for Sport and Melbourne, with an estimated 300 000 people attending Recreation, with the member for Caulfield and me also that event. The Spring Racing Carnival is another big in attendance. GESAC is a good indication of the event for Melbourne, both in terms of participation as

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well as dollars. In 2011 over 690 000 people attended race. As a result of this, in November last year the the event with a gross economic benefit of Minister for Racing asked the state integrity $579 million. Racing is another big sporting industry, commissioner to investigate the allegation. The jockey delivering over 70 000 jobs in Victoria. later admitted his guilt and was disqualified for 10 months. This incident certainly did not instil We are also partial to a punt, and inevitably that confidence in people who love to have a punt that they combination of enthusiasm for sport and enthusiasm for are punting on horses and jockeys that are performing gambling has interconnected. While in the olden days to the best of their ability. you would have to go to the track, in more recent decades TABs have sprung up around the state and Similarly, cycling has been corrupted by cyclists use of fuelled an increase in gambling because it is more illegal drugs, particularly internationally. The betting accessible. In more recent times the use of internet odds can be improved if you know who has and who gambling, and particularly iPhones, has meant the has not been taking these performance-enhancing connection between gambling and sport has really drugs. In the AFL there have been players and officials taken off. It has created a whole lot of opportunities, but in the past who have bet on the outcomes of games in it has also created a whole lot of problems. which they were involved. For decades in cricket, mainly internationally, there have been cricketers and As I see it one of the real issues with gambling and umpires who have been corrupted by gambling sport is the human element when factoring in the odds. interests. It is clear that this is a problem that is not The odds are pretty much set for cards or pokies, and confined to just one sport. It is a problem that involves they are set slightly in favour of the house so the a degree of criminality which lessens the enjoyment possibility of corrupting these odds is extremely that sports lovers take in watching their heroes engage limited. But sport involves a human element, and an in sporting activity. individual performance can vary for a number of factors, whether it be sickness, injury, home-ground The fixing of matches and sporting events by people advantage or not performing to the best of your ability. who participate in them is an insidious activity that If an individual chooses not to perform to the best of undermines the confidence of fans, and also the broader their ability, it is a way of very easily and markedly community, that they are seeing players performing to skewing the outcome of a sporting event. Unfortunately the best of their ability. We hold these players up as there is evidence of this occurring. One would hope it heroes, champions and role models. We want to admire would not occur, but unfortunately there is a lot of them. We want them to remain untarnished and not be evidence that corruption has occurred both here and under suspicion of malpractice or guilt by association. overseas. That is why the Victorian government is committed to With this bill the coalition is taking decisive action to standing alongside the vast majority of Australians — ensure that the integrity of the sports we all love is sportsmen and sportswomen, officials, volunteers and maintained. We want to see great performances. We fans — to stamp out unethical behaviour in sports. On want to see people performing to the best of their 23 January, Victoria’s racing integrity commissioner, ability. Sports fans admire people who are better than Sal Perna, released a report into race fixing. He made them at kicking a ball, hitting a ball or running fast. 11 recommendations. Recommendation 7 is that the Paying to watch somebody tank is no fun at all. If I government expedite the introduction of cheating and wanted to see someone play tennis poorly, I would grab gambling legislation. a racket, go down to the local courts and have a hit myself. Similarly, if I wanted to see somebody miss a With this bill the government is acting decisively on the goal, I would go to the park and take a kick from recommendations of that report. It will also deliver on a 20 metres out. We want to go to sporting events to see recommendation from a 2011 review of sport betting people perform to the best of their ability. Quite apart conducted by Des Gleeson, the former chairman of from the criminal element of tanking at sporting events stewards at Racing Victoria. Recommendation 11 of for a community so obsessed with sport, it lessens our that report is that the Department of Justice liaise with community if we cannot go to sporting events knowing Sport and Recreation Victoria in relation to the that what we are seeing is the very best performance development of criminal provisions to deter and deal from the sportspeople we admire. with match fixing.

There was a recent high-profile case in the racing The bill addresses these two reports. It creates new industry where a jockey bet against himself. He put a offences under the Crimes Act to tackle anyone who is $10 000 bid on a rival horse to beat him in the same corruptly seeking to manipulate the outcome of a

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sporting event. There will be penalties that are Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. This is a consistent with penalties in the Crimes Act for people very important bill. As the member for Carrum I am who obtain financial advantage or property by proud to be standing in this place and contributing to deception. It will be considered a very serious crime to debate on this bill. I commend the Attorney-General on engage in match fixing in Victoria once this bill is bringing in this tough legislation which will ensure that passed into law. integrity is upheld right across our sports.

The bill sends a very clear message that the fixing of The bill will create specific criminal offences that target sporting matches and other events will not be tolerated persons who seek to fix a betting outcome to profit in Victoria. It is a key component of this government’s from such a fix or to use inside information. The commitment to a strong policy and legislative proposal addresses commitments made by the framework to protect the integrity of sports in Victoria government to enact match fixing legislation. It also for the benefit of our whole community. enacts legislation similar to that enacted by the South Australian and New South Wales governments to The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! Is the address match and race fixing behaviours. It addresses member for Dandenong raising a point of order? concerns identified by the Australian Crime Commission in its report of 7 February titled Organised Mr Pandazopoulos — No, I am moving that the Crime and Drugs in Sport, and creates a range of debate be adjourned. offences that target behaviours such as engaging in The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I have already conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting called the member for Carrum. outcome, facilitating conduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome, concealing conduct Mr Pandazopoulos — With respect, Deputy agreements and arrangements, and use of corrupt Speaker, you were looking straight to your right, information for betting purposes. Deputy Speaker. I stood up as the member — — I have very much enjoyed the contributions of my The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! I have already coalition colleagues on this bill. They shared a lot of called the member for Carrum. If you wish to stand on local experiences from their electorates. The coalition your feet for the next call, I will give you the call. government is committed to stamping out unethical behaviour in sport. Children, families and our Mr Pandazopoulos — No, it is not that I am — — communities love sport. Melbourne is our sporting capital. We look up to our sporting teams, clubs and The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member heroes. We need to make sure that the Victorian for Dandenong knows that the Chair makes the call as economy and the multibillion-dollar sporting industry they see it. I saw the member for Carrum stand. continue to uphold the highest standards possible.

Mr Pandazopoulos — With the greatest respect, Just in the last week we hosted the grand prix, which Deputy Speaker, you were not looking anywhere garnered amazing coverage right across the world. except to your right. From the table we heard you People came from all over Australia to enjoy the grand asking the Minister for Corrections whether he was prix. Not only are we the sporting capital but we are going to be the next speaker on the list, not having also the events capital of Australia, with the Melbourne looked over here. I understand that this side has not International Flower and Garden Show and the L’Oreal been talking, but we have the right of the call. It is a Melbourne Fashion Festival. We also have the AFL, swapped call. Whether we choose to take it up or not is Melbourne Cup, Spring Racing Carnival and Australian another story. We choose to take it up. Open Tennis Championships, to name just a few events. The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! With due respect to the member for Dandenong I asked the I have four young sons who as they have grown up minister if he was next because he was on the list. He have all played many different sports at a local said, ‘No, it is the member for Carrum’. So I looked community level. They love getting involved. It was over to the member for Prahran to finish. I was advised not too long ago that on a Sunday we had a member of that you had no more speakers. I have given the the under-9s, under-12s, under-14s and under-16s, each member for Carrum the call. playing community football. We would travel to all the different fields. It was fantastic to see just how many Mrs BAUER (Carrum) — It is certainly a great young players there are coming through in community pleasure to rise today to speak on the Crimes sport.

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Integrity in sport is so important. If integrity is called their skills by getting a good run on the field. It is into question at a high level, it can put off families and certainly something I love getting involved with. younger players. The community needs to have confidence that the state government is doing Last weekend I was involved with the local Bonbeach everything possible to ensure that we have very high Life Saving Club, and I participated in my first open- levels of integrity and ethical behaviour in all of our water swim. It was a great privilege and something that I have aspired to do for quite a while. sports. Mr McIntosh interjected. I am proud of our commitment as a coalition government to grassroots sports. It is interesting to look Mrs BAUER — No, I did not have a support team at all the different clubs in my electorate of Carrum. apart from my instructor. I must commend the local The City of Kingston has 250 registered sporting clubs lifesavers, who did a terrific job in keeping me on and the City of Frankston has 125. One great aspect of course and on the right track. Their boats were ready my role as the local member is visiting throughout the just in case they needed to pluck me out of the water, week and on weekends the many different groups that but that did not happen, and I managed to finish, which are engaging in a huge range of sports. Since we have was fantastic. People travelled from all over Melbourne been in government I have been delighted to support to participate in the Bonbeach Life Saving Club open- my local clubs. water swim.

At the local level, the government has contributed Getting back to the bill, this is essential legislation. As a $500 000 to the lifesaving club in Carrum. Lots of local government we need to be doing as much as we can to bowling clubs have received terrific support from us. I send a clear message to the community and to our peak delivered $33 000 to Chelsea Public Golf Club and sporting bodies that unethical behaviour at any level $45 000 to Chelsea Pony Club, which was of terrific will not be tolerated. We need to have integrity and assistance in helping rebuild the club after this honesty across all our sports. That will then filter February’s floods. The Chelsea Sportswomen’s Centre through to our local community sporting groups and the redevelopment is being coordinated by the City of children who may aspire to play footy or cricket or become an open-water swimming champion down the Kingston, and we have pledged $200 000 towards that track. It has been a great pleasure to speak on this bill, development. Just last week I announced a grant of and I wish it a speedy passage. $71 800 for Edithvale Aspendale Junior Football Club to upgrade its oval lighting. Seaford Life Saving Club Debate adjourned on motion of Mr TREZISE has also received support. The Seaford United Soccer (Geelong). Club received $70 000 for new floodlights. These are quite small projects in terms of the Victorian state Debate adjourned until later this day. budget, but they mean a great deal at a local level. I have been very proud as the member for Carrum to SCHOOLS: FUNDING deliver on all of these wonderful commitments. Debate resumed from 20 March; motion of Of a weekend I love nothing more than to go down to Mr DIXON (Minister for Education): our local clubs and look at the number of people in That this house notes the Victorian government’s school attendance. A lot of clubs have told me they are funding reform plan that: bursting at the seams. The lifesaving clubs have recently had registration days, and their numbers are (1) ensures that no student is worse off; certainly growing. The local football clubs completed (2) provides additional finding for disadvantaged students their registration days a few weeks ago and have started and greater choice for parents; and their training programs. They are saying the clubrooms are not big enough, which is a great problem to have. It (3) seeks to focus on improving outcomes for our students; shows that the children and young people in our community have been inspired by high-level sports and in contrast to the federal government’s lack of detail and certainty. that has given them confidence to get out and have a go and to spend some time on the field. We need to be And Mr MERLINO’s amendment: sending the message that it does not matter how good you are as a player, you can have a go at a local That after the word ‘certainty’ there be inserted the words community level at your local club. You can get out ‘and further notes that the Victorian government’s school funding reform plan: there and have a go. I am a strong advocate for equal time on the footy field and allowing kids to improve

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(4) does not reinstate the $555 million ripped out of think he miscounted about 390 sisters. I grew up in education nor the $290 million per year of devastating public housing and my parents did not have all that cuts to TAFE; much. Education was one of the things that helped me (5) does not pass on $100 million of national partnerships to progress in life. I thank and have great respect for the funding deliberately withheld from government schools; teachers I had on my way through school. I thank them and for the assistance they gave me which meant I was (6) provides approximately $1.2 billion less for Victorian eventually able to go to university. When we talk about schools compared to the national plan for school funding for education I think about my personal improvement’. circumstances and about what education did for me.

Mr WATT (Burwood) — I take great delight in In electorates like Burwood, where we have some areas being able to finish my contribution on the school of disadvantage — we have quite a high proportion of funding reform plan motion moved by the Minister for public housing in different areas — I saw the neglect by Education. It has been interesting to listen to the debate the former government over 11 long, dark miserable throughout this week and to hear those people on the years. When I think about kids who live in Alamein, other side, who have not wanted to debate anything at Ashwood or Chadstone and about their local schools I all. They took their bat and ball and went home after the am proud of the fact that we as a government have Crimes Amendment (Integrity in Sports) Bill 2013. committed to and are currently building a new They had no interest in it. They are probably already on Ashwood College. We are investing $10.5 million in the trains to run home from the rail safety and transport the college, which is something the previous bills. It is great to see this particular motion before the government would not do. It was something that the house. It was interesting to observe the attitude of those community had been calling for for a very long time. opposite when we reviewed the last two budgets and We had 11 long dark, miserable years under Labor, and noted that $1.22 billion was invested in education by it did nothing. this coalition government over those two budgets. It is interesting to listen to their tripe about reductions in Honourable members interjecting. education funding. It is just not true. Mr WATT — They did nothing today; I am not They have talked about TAFE funding. In the Labor sure any of them has got up to speak, apart from the government’s last budget, before the end of the 11 long, member for Eltham who got up and made a brief dark, miserable years of Labor neglect, $855 million contribution on another bill. I am proud of the work this was budgeted for the vocational education and training government is doing. I am proud of our record; I am (VET) sector. We are providing $1.244 billion in proud of the fact that we are acting. We are putting funding for the VET sector this year. I do not money into local schools such as Ashwood College, understand. Those on the other side yell and scream Ashburton Primary School and Wattle Park Primary about cuts to VET, but unfortunately for them, they School. I am proud of the fact that we have been able to cannot count. They cannot add, and they cannot open a brand-new facility at Hartwell Primary School. I subtract. Labor cannot manage money or major am proud of all the schools in my electorate, which projects. If you look at funding for the VET sector, include Solway Primary School in Glen Iris, Parkhill which, as I said, was $855 million under the former Primary School, Ashwood School and Roberts government in its last budget and then look at last McCubbin Primary School. I am proud of St Dominic’s year’s budget — which was a fantastic one produced by Primary School, St Scholastica’s Primary School, Our the previous Treasurer — you see there is Lady of Perpetual Succour School, St Benedict’s $1.244 billion in the budget. That would seem like an Primary School in Burwood, St Mary Magdalen’s increase in funding to me, but we will let those opposite Primary School in Chadstone, St Michael’s Primary live in dreamland while we get back to reality. School in Ashburton, Presbyterian Ladies College in Burwood, Emmaus College in Burwood, Salesian I mentioned yesterday, and I think I mentioned it earlier College in Chadstone, Mount Scopus Memorial today, my personal circumstances and how I believed I College and Kingswood College in Burwood. I am was able to progress in my life and achieve some of the proud of all of those schools and proud of our things I have been able to achieve. As members of government’s record. Parliament one of the greatest things we can do is to help those in our communities, especially the kids who The SPEAKER — Order! The time set down for find themselves in family situations where they may not consideration of items on the government business be as wealthy as others. Yesterday the member for program has expired, and I am required to interrupt Gembrook mentioned that I have 10 sisters — and I business.

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House divided on amendment: Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr Ayes, 42 Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Mrs Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr Allan, Ms Howard, Mr Kotsiras, Mr Walsh, Mr Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr Noes, 42 D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr Allan, Ms Howard, Mr Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms Foley, Mr Pallas, Mr Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr Garrett, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr Graley, Ms Perera, Mr Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr Green, Ms Richardson, Ms D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr Noes, 44 Foley, Mr Pallas, Mr Garrett, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr Angus, Mr Mulder, Mr Graley, Ms Perera, Mr Asher, Ms Napthine, Dr Green, Ms Richardson, Ms Baillieu, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr Battin, Mr Northe, Mr Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms Bauer, Mrs O’Brien, Mr Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr Blackwood, Mr Powell, Mrs Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr Motion agreed to. Clark, Mr Shaw, Mr Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr CRIMES AMENDMENT (INTEGRITY IN Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr SPORTS) BILL 2013 Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr Second reading Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Mrs Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr Debate resumed from earlier this day; motion of Kotsiras, Mr Walsh, Mr McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr Mr CLARK (Attorney-General). McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr Motion agreed to. Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms Read second time.

Amendment defeated. Third reading

House divided on motion: Motion agreed to.

Ayes, 44 Read third time. Angus, Mr Mulder, Mr Asher, Ms Napthine, Dr Baillieu, Mr Newton-Brown, Mr Battin, Mr Northe, Mr Bauer, Mrs O’Brien, Mr Blackwood, Mr Powell, Mrs Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr Clark, Mr Shaw, Mr Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT AMENDMENT (GROWTH AREAS AUTHORITY AND MISCELLANEOUS) BILL 2013

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PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT section 85(5)(c) of the Constitution Act 1975, the third AMENDMENT (GROWTH AREAS reading of the bill must be passed by an absolute AUTHORITY AND MISCELLANEOUS) majority. As I do not believe there is an absolute BILL 2013 majority of the members of the house present, I ask the Clerk to ring the bells. Second reading Bells rung. Debate resumed from 20 March; motion of Mr CLARK (Attorney-General). Members having assembled in chamber:

Motion agreed to. The SPEAKER — Order! The question is: That this bill be now read a third time. Read second time. As there are no voices for the noes, I ask honourable Third reading members to support the bill by standing in their places.

Motion agreed to. Required number of members having risen:

Read third time. Question agreed to by absolute majority.

RAIL SAFETY NATIONAL LAW Read third time. APPLICATION BILL 2013 and TRANSPORT LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (RAIL CARDINIA PLANNING SCHEME: SAFETY LOCAL OPERATIONS AND AMENDMENT OTHER MATTERS) BILL 2013 Debate resumed from 19 March; motion of Second reading Mr CLARK (Attorney-General):

Debate resumed from 20 March; motions of That under section 46AH of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Cardinia planning scheme amendment C176 be Mr MULDER (Minister for Public Transport). ratified. Motions agreed to. Motion agreed to.

Read second time. Business interrupted pursuant to sessional orders. Third reading ADJOURNMENT Motions agreed to. The SPEAKER — Order! The question is:

Read third time. That the house now adjourns. COMPANY TITLES (HOME UNITS) BILL Geelong High School: funding 2013 Mr TREZISE (Geelong) — In the adjournment Second reading debate this afternoon I raise an issue for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek from the minister once Debate resumed from 19 March; motion of again is for him to fund the master plan for Geelong Mr O’BRIEN (then Minister for Consumer High School, which would transform Geelong High Affairs). School into a state-of-the-art school for decades to come. I say ‘once again’ because I have raised this Motion agreed to. issue with the minister on numerous occasions, both in Read second time. and outside of this Parliament. For the information of the house, in 2010 the Brumby government, under the Third reading then Minister for Education, Bronwyn Pike, approved the master plan for Geelong High School. We did so The SPEAKER — Order! As the required after working with the school over a number of years. I statement of intention has been made under also have to say that, at the time, the Liberal Party and

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people like the now member for South Barwon the state. Finding large pieces of land for educational demanded that we do something. They had plenty to precincts is very difficult, and that is why it is so say when they were in opposition. They had plenty to important that the Prahran site be retained for that say when they were playing politics. Now, when they purpose. I am very proud that I have been able to can put their money where their mouths are, they sit deliver this for my local community with the assistance there absolutely mute. of the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, who made that commitment. In raising this issue, I acknowledge that it took the former government a number of years before it Another major initiative I am working on is the delivery approved the plan, although it was eventually approved. of a local secondary school in Prahran. Prahran is the In acknowledging that did take time, I also point out only electorate in the state that does not have its own that the Bracks and Brumby governments funded secondary school. I campaigned in the seat of Prahran Geelong Hospital to the tune of millions of dollars — in 2006 as well as in 2010. I have been out among the $3.4 million in 2004 for the construction of a gym and a community for many years. The lack of a secondary further $540 000 in 2006 for a year 7 learning centre. school in our area is an issue that people have talked to The Brumby and Bracks governments also spent me about for many years. At the 2010 election the millions of dollars on the schools that feed into Geelong coalition committed to a feasibility study for a High School, including Geelong East, Tate Street and secondary school in my area, and that is currently being Geelong South primary schools. Again that is in undertaken. I organised a local forum at South Yarra complete contrast to the actions of this government, Primary School at the end of last year, and that resulted which has spent absolutely nothing on primary schools in a couple of hundred people turning up. An outcome in my electorate of Geelong. The only thing members of that forum was that I organised a survey to feed into of this government do is turn up to projects undertaken the feasibility study. We had over 200 responses to that by the Brumby and Bracks governments, such as survey. schools, and cut ribbons on those projects funded by the Labor government. I commit to my local community that I will do all I can to achieve the reality of a secondary school in Prahran. Geelong High School is a great school which has The stars may all be lining up to achieve this, with served the community of Geelong excellently for more Swinburne moving out of the Prahran TAFE site and than 100 years. In recent years — and even in recent another TAFE provider looking at options for moving weeks — the school has done up the former Shenton into the site and indicating to me that it is open to the Church into a state-of-the-art arts facility under the idea of co-locating the school on the site. I urge the guidance and commitment of one of its performing arts Minister for Education and the Minister for Higher teachers, Doug Mann. I congratulate Doug and the Education and Skills to continue to liaise with me to see team, including Glenn Davey, the principal of Geelong that the goals that I want to achieve can become a High School, for the work they have done with the reality. school over a number of years. In conclusion I urge the Minister for Education to support Geelong High School Schools: Albert Park electorate and provide funding for the very important master plan that will see the school upgraded. Mr FOLEY (Albert Park) — The matter I wish to raise is for the attention of the Minister for Planning, or Schools: Prahran electorate more accurately Not the Minister for Planning and Transport, following his failed efforts to expand his Mr NEWTON-BROWN (Prahran) — My portfolio in the recent reshuffle. Unrequited ambition is adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for sometimes the price for disloyalty. Education. The action I seek is that the minister liaise with the Minister for Higher Education and Skills on The SPEAKER — Order! Is the member’s matter the future use of the Prahran TAFE site. The Minister for the Minister for Planning or the Minister for Public for Higher Education and Skills has already confirmed Transport? that this site will be reserved for educational purposes. This is a time of change in the TAFE sector, and he has Mr FOLEY — The Minister for Planning, as I already made a commitment that the site currently indicated. occupied by Swinburne will continue to be available for The SPEAKER — Order! You also said ‘transport’. educational purposes. This is a great win for my community in Prahran, which has a densely packed Mr FOLEY — I said, ‘The Minister for Planning’. population. We have probably the densest population in

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The SPEAKER — Order! We will look at Hansard Road. If they do not, either way families stand to lose, tomorrow. and I call on the minister to act urgently.

Mr FOLEY — The action I seek is that the minister Wallan-Kilmore bypass: route act on undertakings he gave both on radio and to communities in the inner south that the land promised Ms McLEISH (Seymour) — My matter is for the for a new primary school in Ferrars Street, South Minister for Planning. The action I seek is that the Melbourne, in the new Montague precinct of his minister ensure that the Department of Planning and increasingly uncertain Fishermans Bend urban renewal Community Development (DPCD) appropriately zone, is purchased from the University of Melbourne consider the significance of the Monument Hill area in and accompanied by funds in the forthcoming budget to undertaking the formal planning process that is going secure the site and build the promised school. forward for the Wallan-Kilmore bypass.

I raise this matter because this is what the minister said I will give a little bit of background. Kilmore’s traffic he would do. All I seek is that he and his government problems have existed for years. A history of Kilmore keep their word. This minister has made an art form of published in 1938 made reference to traffic congestion setting out what will happen in 10, 20 or 30 years time. in Sydney Street, the main street. Over time that has However, he is not so good at delivering on the been relieved at certain points, particularly with the immediate needs of communities. It is not just the establishment of the Hume Freeway and the Hume failure of his attempts in recent times to expand his Highway. However, now the Northern Highway is the portfolio that he needs to look at. He needs to consider main road going through the centre of Kilmore, and the the efforts and priorities of young children and families traffic congestion is at a point at which it cannot be in the inner south and make quality, accessible and ignored. The former government failed time and again local education a priority. to come up with a viable traffic solution. It had many solutions on the table, and all were met with a high In raising this matter, I point to the Minister for degree of community unrest. The coalition is Planning’s comments on the Jon Faine ABC radio committed to working to alleviate traffic congestion on program in November 2012, when he promised that the the main street so that the livability of the town government’s commitment of September 2012 to build improves and the town can attract investment and thrive a new school in South Melbourne would be delivered. once again. The minister did this not once, not twice, not thrice but four times. If it had not been so public, the minister VicRoads has completed the first phase, which is the might have got away with it, but he has been caught design phase, wherein it investigated five options. out. Advice from the University of Melbourne, Those investigations and associated formal studies have followed by advice from the now former Premier concluded with three options being referred to DPCD followed by advice from the current Minister for for the statutory planning phase. The Quinns Road Education has shown the Minister for Planning to be option, which would run near Monument Hill, remains wrong. This has left the Minister for Education in a one of those options. The formal studies undertaken by very difficult position of not having kept his promises VicRoads did not identify any formal classifications, to his backbenchers about schools. This is what will protections or recognitions of the significance of happen when you rip $550 million out of the education Monument Hill to the community. VicRoads undertook system. The minister has also failed to keep his promise social, environmental and heritage studies among to this community. Rather than the Minister for others. However, what I hear from the community is Education having been forced in recent weeks to that the area around Monument Hill and Monument commit to a process to deal with the future of the site, Hill itself are of extreme significance to the community what we are now facing is a continued shortage of of Kilmore. I have received many phone calls, emails public education as the population grows in these and representations from a number of people when I communities. have been on the street or at functions with regard to the importance and significance of Monument Hill. Port Melbourne Primary School, the current feeder school for this area, has provided projections that its I have heard that valuable plants including orchids are population will hit 1000 students by 2017. If it rolls its found there. I have also heard that King Billy was boundary in, the surrounding South Yarra, Albert Park, buried there a very long time ago, with spears crossed Middle Park and St Kilda Park schools will all have over his body as a symbol. That did not come from the their boundaries expanded to deal with the zoned out formal studies done by VicRoads, but I want to make areas of Southbank, South Melbourne and St Kilda sure that as the Department of Planning and

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Community Development undertakes the next stage it intersection, without a grade separation being high on really captures and understands the significance to the priority list and without action being taken, we are Kilmore of the Monument Hill area. going to see more commuters and more pedestrians in danger on the road and on foot. I call on the minister to Rail: Melton Highway level crossing take action to prioritise this matter and to put funds in place in the forthcoming budget for a grade separation Ms HUTCHINS (Keilor) — The matter I raise is on the Melton Highway at Watergardens station. for the attention of the Minister for Public Transport and it is in relation to the significant traffic and safety Criminal bikie gangs: government action issues at the Watergardens station railway crossing on the Melton Highway. The action I seek is for the Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I raise a matter for the government to fund a grade separation at that point as a attention of the Attorney-General, and the action I seek matter of priority. is for the minister to outline to the people of Mildura what measures are in place to control outlaw With the extension of the rail line to Sunbury, there are motorcycle gangs. Mildura has a rich motorcycle significant traffic problems on the Melton Highway. history, and for the purposes of my comments we need There is terrible congestion at the crossing, and many to separate motorcycling into a number of categories: as residents have complained to my office about the a farm tool, as a recreational pursuit and others. amount of time the boom gates are down and the Recreational motorcyclists are referred to as bikers significant time they have to wait at that intersection whereas outlaw motorcycle gang members are called when they are trying to get to and from work and to the bikies. I want to concentrate on the activities of outlaw local schools. Some residents have complained that motorcycle gangs and what Victorians and my they have sat at the intersection for up to 20 minutes, constituents expect from the government. Victoria has and that the traffic banks up well past Calder Park introduced tough laws in relation to this matter. I note Drive on the Melton Highway to the north of the that Queensland laws have recently been under station, and way past Kings Road and the Melton challenge, and I am sure the Attorney-General can Highway to the south. This is not only impacting on the include the result of this challenge to those laws in his traffic flow but on the productivity of our local response. businesses that are close to Watergardens station in Sydenham. Cars are now racing through red lights at The Rebels Motorcycle Club has established a chapter the crossing trying to beat the trains, and pedestrians in Mildura and allegedly has been linked by police to cross immediately after a train has pulled into the drug dealing, and in particular to the drug ice. I station or as the boom gates are going down. It is only a congratulate the police and the Mildura Rural City matter of time before a pedestrian is hit or a car crashes Council on their efforts to keep this outlaw motorcycle into a train at the intersection. gang under control, but we may well be left with a drug legacy in Mildura as a result of its alleged activity. Many constituents have raised the matter with my Rumour has it that there has been a change of chapter office via email, phone calls and by calling in. One of leadership and mystery surrounds the circumstances of my constituents is Nick Paschalidis who wrote about the change — there is some speculation in the his frustration and dissatisfaction: community that the change may even have been violent. There is considerable concern about the actions … regarding the unacceptable situation at the railway crossing at Watergardens station. Whilst I am unfamiliar with of outlaw motorcycle gangs in Victoria, and in the rail system as I am not a regular user … I have waited up particular in Mildura. I ask the Attorney-General to to 15 minutes to travel 500 metres at times due to the change outline the actions he is taking to deal with outlaw to the train line — motorcycle gangs. and the boom gates being congested. He continues: Public transport: myki top-up machines There is a great amount of frustration and anger in the community and I know I speak on behalf of many, many Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — The matter I raise is people — for the attention of the Minister for Public Transport, and the action I seek is for the minister to direct his and he does. The issue has been compounded by the department to issue a myki top-up machine to a rate of growth in our area. In fact, four precinct plans newsagency in Southern Road, Heidelberg Heights, in have been approved by the government that will deliver my electorate. an additional 30 000 to 40 000 residents beyond the rail line in the next 5 to 10 years. Without a fix for this

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Phyllis Brennan is a hardworking and respected local for raising these matters, and I commend her on her businesswoman and newsagency proprietor who I have ongoing fight with the bureaucracy to get this matter known for many years. She has raised some concerns, dealt with. I am raising it in the Parliament today and I will quote from an article in the Heidelberg because I know the Minister for Public Transport has Leader from earlier this year, which states: the capacity to cut through the red tape and ensure a myki top-up machine is issued to the newsagency. Public Transport Victoria refuses to issue a newsagency with a myki top-up machine, despite daily complaints from irate commuters. Sandringham electorate: coastal management

Heidelberg Heights newsagency owner Phyllis Brennan Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — The matter I applied to have the machines installed at the Southern Road raise is for the attention of the Minister for Environment outlet, near Waiora Road, last February — and Climate Change, and the action I seek is for the minister to meet with a number of community and I am talking about February 2012, which is over a stakeholder interest groups in relation to the ongoing year ago — management of the Sandringham electorate coastline. but is yet to gain approval. The Sandringham electorate has some of the best … coastal features of any of the surrounding electorates, ‘People are getting very irate’, Mrs Brennan said. with Port Phillip Bay forming part of the boundary of the electorate. From Portarlington to Portsea and Tony Morton, the president of the Public Transport around the bay there are a range of ongoing Users Association, has said that the government is management issues. There are also many friends groups always saying that people can top up anywhere whereas which have taken an interest in Port Phillip Bay, obviously they cannot. He has said that people need to whether it be conservation associations or organisations go to their local shop. that have sought to develop the foreshore for the interests of particular stakeholder activities and groups. The concern is that the local myki top-up machine in There are lifesaving clubs, boating clubs, sporting the area is in a local tobacconist shop, which is not of clubs, fishing clubs and walking clubs that make benefit to children who are unable to top up their myki different use of the coastline. More recently there has cards there. They should be able to go to the local been the advent of triathlon clubs, which make great newsagency, and it should be provided with a myki top- use of the coastal features of Port Phillip Bay and the up machine. The 3081 postcode, which includes roads in the precinct. Heidelberg Heights, has amongst the lowest per capita ownership of cars in Victoria and therefore people rely Along the Sandringham coastline there has been an quite significantly on public transport to get around. activity, which forms part of the natural cycle, known They should be able to go to a local retail outlet, such as as the littoral or shoreline movement of sand north and the newsagency, which also doubles as a tax agency. south according to the prevailing weather conditions. Storm activity, the full moon and king tides each have A number of elderly residents in my electorate much different impacts on the coast. prefer to get out their handbags and their wallets to do that topping up in the security of the local newsagency For many decades there have been concerns regarding rather than on public transport or at a train station the stability of cliffs in the Red Bluff region, the where there are not people around. They would rather proximity of Beach Road to the cliffs and seepage do it when they are going about their daily business at causing the collapse of some of the cliff face, which their local newsagency, where there are people they will only continue to a degree. In more recent years trust and who are well known to them. there have been attempts to shore up the coastline north of Red Bluff. Road aggregate was placed on the cliffs I call on the minister to look very closely at this matter. just north of Red Bluff, and that was reasonably For over a year Public Transport Victoria has been effective. Around 2005–06 there was debate about obfuscating and refusing to provide a myki top-up concreting the Sandringham foreshore, but recent machine. Local newsagency proprietors provide a interventions relating to the installation of groynes has community service. They run great businesses and thus led to the undercutting of the cliff face north of those proprietor wants to be able to provide myki top-up groynes. It is timely to review the effectiveness of these services to the local community of Heidelberg Heights actions and what steps could be taken into the future. in order to continue the community service she has provided for many years. I commend Phyllis Brennan

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Thursday, 21 March 2013 ASSEMBLY 1111

Schools: restraint and seclusion practices Hawthorn Secondary College site: future

Mr BROOKS (Bundoora) — I raise a matter for the Mr BAILLIEU (Hawthorn) — I raise a matter for attention of the Minister for Education, and the specific the Minister for Education. Specifically I ask the action I seek from the minister is for him to respond to minister to ensure that the proposed closure of my email to him of 7 December 2012 requesting a Hawthorn Secondary College and the opening of a new briefing on the Victorian Equal Opportunity and college on the same site is soundly based and that all Human Rights Commission’s report entitled Held appropriate assistance is made available in a timely way Back — the Experiences of Students with Disabilities in by the department in the consideration and Victorian Schools. The email was sent after a request I implementation of any such final recommendation. made to the Minister for Community Services for a briefing in relation to an aspect of that report that dealt For many years Hawthorn Secondary College has with the restraint and seclusion of disabled children in provided secondary education for up to 700 students Victorian schools. The substantial report, which was from a wide metropolitan catchment. The college presented to Parliament by the commission, is about the occupies a significant site in Hawthorn East opposite impact of our education system on students with Auburn South Primary School. It is unusual, being a disabilities. The report includes some multistorey campus. In recent years there has been 50 recommendations. significant investment in facilities, including a science centre, an applied design complex, specialised learning One of the most serious chapters in the report is the one spaces, a tiered lecture theatre and tertiary-quality that deals with the use of restraint and seclusion on student facilities including common rooms and dining children with disabilities in our school system. It areas, and the school has extensive sporting facilities highlights the fact that around 60 per cent of teachers in and grounds. the Victorian school system reported having to restrain a child at a school, and over half that group of teacher However, in recent years enrolments have fallen respondents said they felt inadequately trained to deal dramatically, and in response late last year the council with such situations. passed a number of motions including that the existing college should close at the end of 2013 and a new The body now known as Amaze — formerly known as college should be established and opened on the same Autism Victoria — indicated to the commission that it site from the start of the 2014 year. The council also receives innumerable calls from parents every year resolved to provide a recommendation to the minister regarding what they consider to be ‘unfair treatment of about the shape, nature and focus of the proposed new their child by the school when responding to behaviours school by the end of the first term of 2013. To do so it of concern’. The report highlights some examples of the established an advisory council under the leadership of use of restraint in schools that were reported by parents. the acting principal, the assistant acting principal and One example is of a child being taped to chairs and noted education consultant Howard Kelly. A lot of roped to get him out of trees. Some of the alleged work has been done with local primary schools and the incidents are quite shocking. local community. The community is passionate about this. There is a proposal afoot to provide that One of the key recommendations of the report is that recommendation to the minister. the Office of the Senior Practitioner be given oversight of these practices in the Victorian school system. The In short, this is a great opportunity to meet increasing office already has oversight of the adult disability local demand for public secondary education in the sector. The point was clearly made that the protection Boroondara, Yarra and Stonnington local government and oversight that is provided to adults with disabilities areas; to satisfy the increasing demand for continuing should also be provided to children in the school Mandarin and French immersion language education, system. which is a focus of the deliberations; to build a secondary centre of science, maths and technology, Because the minister has refused to respond in detail to which is another focus of the deliberations; to maximise the recommendations of that report, the action I seek the use of quality facilities in public education on a key from the minister is for him to organise — as I site; and to tap the energy and passion of local and understand is usual practice — a briefing from his specialist communities. department on how the government is responding to the recommendations contained in the report that has been With the right planning and support this proposal could tabled in Parliament by the Victorian Equal bring significant benefits to all, but it cannot happen — Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. zam, kapow! — overnight; it has to have the planning,

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the resources and the support. That needs to be pointing to. The department and I will offer all possible established, and I urge the minister to do that. The assistance on that matter. closure of Hawthorn Secondary College could quickly provide the opportunity to establish in Melbourne a The member for Geelong raised with me the provision new secondary college of wider metropolitan and of future funding for the master plan at Geelong High international significance. School. He pointed out that the previous government approved that plan. It sure did. It also did that with Responses 200 other schools around the state to keep communities quiet for a while. I have looked in every nook and Mr DIXON (Minister for Education) — The cranny around the department, but the previous member for Prahran raised with me an issue regarding government did not leave any money for the the Swinburne TAFE site and pointed out that there is a 200 schools that it approved master plans for. commitment by this government that it will be retained Obviously we have to prioritise matters within our for educational purposes. The member for Prahran has budgets and look at a whole range of needs in the been a great advocate for education in his electorate. provision of education infrastructure right across the We have had a number of studies on the future of state. I am well aware of the situation in Geelong. I education provision in that area, but off his own bat he have been out to that school. The school will be has organised forums and arranged questionnaires. He considered as part of our budget deliberations, which has been totally engaged with this issue for a long time. we are going through at the moment. I thank the He is a great advocate for a new government school and member for raising the issue at the time of those for education more broadly in his electorate. I will be deliberations. working and liaising with the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall, on this issue. We want The member for Bundoora asked me to follow up an the best possible outcome for education at all levels in email of 7 December. I will follow up on that, see the Prahran electorate. I commend the member on his where it is going and get back to him in due course. work and will continue to work with him on that. Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) — The member The member for Hawthorn raised with me an issue for Mildura raised with me a matter regarding measures regarding Hawthorn Secondary College. As the in place to control outlaw motorcycle gangs. I will not member pointed out, there have been a number of comment on the specifics he raised in regard to issues with that school for a number of years now. It is activities in Mildura or on matters that may be relevant a great credit to that school community that it has been to local policing activities in Mildura, but I can assure sitting down, taking stock of the realities of the school’s the member that the current government is determined situation and looking at possible future directions in to ensure that there is a strong and effective legal terms of serving not only the local electorate but also regime in place to support police and other law the broader needs of education on that side of enforcement agencies in their efforts to tackle criminal Melbourne or even further away. The school activity by motorcycle gangs or other serious and community has developed the plan the member organised criminal activity in this state outlined. It is a far-reaching plan that meets a number of needs we have in education in this state. A lot of work In his contribution the honourable member rightly drew has been done on that plan. We need to ensure that the a distinction between the activities of criminal new and exciting future has a sound basis. We and the motorcycle gangs on the one hand and the range of department have worked on that and have worked with legitimate users of motorcycles on the other, be they for Howard Kelly, who is supporting the school recreational, business or social activities. The measures community in looking at the possibilities. the government has put in place are directed at serious criminal activity, be it on the part of motorcycle gangs, It is very important that this major step be undertaken other similar gangs or other organised crime activity. properly because it is a great opportunity and a step that needs to be taken in the circumstances. It is a big step, I can inform the honourable member that this and it needs to be done correctly and on a sound basis. government has acted to bring to this Parliament, and We will continue to offer all possible assistance to the this Parliament has supported putting on the statute school community and work with it. I thank the book, legislation that will allow Victoria Police to apply member for Hawthorn for raising that matter. He has to the Supreme Court for an order that a criminal bikie often mentioned Hawthorn Secondary College to me, or other similar gang be made a declared organisation, and he is a great advocate for the future of that school and the court can do that whenever it is satisfied that the and the exciting future that the school community is organisation is engaged in serious criminal activity or

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that gang members are using the organisation for The members for Ivanhoe and Keilor both raised serious criminal activity and that the activities of that matters for the Minister for Public Transport. I will organisation pose a serious threat to public safety and ensure that those matters are addressed by the minister. order. That is a measure government members committed to take in opposition and that we have The member for Seymour raised a matter for the delivered on in government after 11 years of inaction Minister for Planning, as did the member for Albert by the previous government. Park. I will ensure that those matters are referred to the Minister for Planning. But we are not stopping there. We are also committed to bringing to this house anti-fortification legislation, The SPEAKER — Order! The house is now and we are proceeding to do that. We have also worked adjourned. with other jurisdictions and state and territory attorneys- general to garner and secure support for mutual House adjourned 4.49 p.m. until Tuesday, 16 April. recognition between states of legislative measures and declaration orders consequent upon legislation to tackle the activities of these organisations wherever they may occur in participating jurisdictions. We have also sought to persuade the commonwealth government to desist from some of the plans it has floated that might attempt to cut across the actions state and territory governments have taken and might threaten the validity of that legislation.

The honourable member asked in particular about a recent High Court of Australia case based on legislation which the Queensland government had enacted to tackle criminal bikie and similar organisations. I am pleased to confirm to the honourable member that the High Court rejected the challenge to that Queensland legislation. I can also say to the honourable member and to the house that the legislative measures the coalition committed to in opposition and has delivered in government were carefully put together and designed to circumvent issues of the sort that have arisen in South Australia and New South Wales in the past and to ensure that they do not arise here. We were very confident as to our legislation and the ruling out of the High Court challenge in relation to the use of criminal intelligence information under the Queensland legislation, gives strong support to the validity of the corresponding provisions in the Victorian legislation.

In short, I can assure the honourable member that on behalf of the government I have been acting to ensure that there is legislation and other measures in place to ensure cooperation between Victoria and other jurisdictions so that our police and other law enforcement agencies have a strong suite of measures at their disposal to take action against organised criminal activity, be it in Mildura or in any other part of this state.

Mr McINTOSH (Minister for Corrections) — The member for Sandringham raised a matter for the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. I will ensure that that matter is passed on to the minister.

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