FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches February to June 2020
Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business Shadow Assistant Minister for Autism Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council
Suite 101, 19 Lacy Street, Braybrook Vic 3019 Telephone (03) 9317 5900 • Fax (03) 9317 5911 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com
Authorised and printed by Bernie Finn MP, Suite 101, 19 Lacy Street, Braybrook. This material was funded from the Parliament Electorate Office & Communications Budget. FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches February to June 2020
CONTENTS
Inquiry into the Impact of Animal Rights National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment Activism on Victorian Agriculture...... 3 Bill 2020...... 15 West Gate Tunnel...... 3 West Gate Tunnel...... 16 Bulla bypass...... 3 Werribee freeway noise...... 16 West Gate Tunnel...... 3 Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption West Gate Tunnel...... 4 Commission...... 16 West Gate Tunnel secret discussions...... 4 Wyndham City Council...... 19 West Gate Tunnel...... 4 Adjournment (Business of the House)...... 19 West Gate Tunnel ...... 4 Local Government (Whittlesea City Council) Bill 2020...... 19 Toxic soil protections...... 4 Local Government (Whittlesea City West Gate Tunnel...... 5 Council) Bill 2020...... 20 Jasvinder Sidhu...... 5 Bulla tip stench...... 20 Environment and Planning Committee...... 5 Riddell Road, Sunbury, pedestrian crossing...... 20 Truganina CFA construction...... 8 Toxic soil dumping...... 20 St Albans Leisure Centre...... 8 State Taxation Acts Amendment (Relief Werribee freeway noise...... 9 Measures) Bill 2020...... 20 West Gate Tunnel...... 9 Bulla tip asbestos inquiry...... 21 Sunshine-based medical research...... 9 Member conduct...... 21 West Gate Tunnel...... 9 West Gate Tunnel...... 21 West Gate Tunnel...... 9 Sunbury Road toxic soil application...... 22 Casey planning...... 12 West Gate Tunnel...... 22 Laverton roadworks impact...... 12 Western Metropolitan Region police Women’s Health West...... 12 resources...... 24 Casey planning...... 12 Adjournment (Business of the House)...... 24 Beattys Road, Plumpton...... 12 Toxic soil health implications...... 24 Local Government Bill 2019...... 13 President...... 24 Road Safety And Other Legislation Justice Legislation Miscellaneous Amendment Bill 2019...... 13 Amendments Bill 2019...... 25 Werribee Open Range Zoo...... 14 Cardinal George Pell...... 26 Toxic soil dumping locations...... 14 West Gate Tunnel...... 15
Suite 101, 19 Lacy Street, Braybrook Vic 3019 • Telephone (03) 9317 5900 • Fax (03) 9317 5911 Email [email protected] • Web www.berniefinn.com
IN 2 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Economy & Infrastruc- COUNCIL | Members statements bypass for decades. Will you be the ture Committee, 05 February 2020 05 February 2020 minister who actually builds this long- overdue piece of infrastructure?
COUNCIL | Adjournment Inquiry into the West Gate Tunnel 05 February 2020 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Impact of Animal — There are two things the Andrews government absolutely excels in: its Rights Activism corrupt activities are only shaded West Gate Tunnel by its incompetence. The West Gate Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Tunnel debacle brings both together — I wish to raise a matter this evening on Victorian beautifully. The stench of dodginess for the attention of the Premier, and it has hung over this project since day concerns his comments in the media Agriculture one. Questions surrounding the role of recent days where he has said that Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I of the Treasurer, a shareholder in the issue of contaminated soil and rise to support the minority report that Transurban, in awarding the contract the dumping of contaminated soil has been put forward, and in doing so of the tunnel project were only added from the West Gate Tunnel Project may I commend Patrick O’Brien and to prior to Christmas, when we will soon be resolved. Now, I cannot his team on putting together a program discovered that discussions on the tell you, President, of the horror that which was quite impressive. current project were being held with people in the western suburbs have I think it is safe to say the Economy Transurban before the 2014 election. felt at the prospect that this toxic and Infrastructure Committee is one At the very time then opposition soil will be dumped at Ravenhall or of the busiest committees that the leader Daniel Andrews was touting indeed will be dumped at Bulla, as has Parliament has ever seen or is ever his $550 million shovel-ready western been previously suggested. It is truly likely to see in 100 years. They worked distributor, he was in discussions with horrendous to think that governments exceedingly hard to put together a Transurban about this multibillion- automatically regard the west of program that had us meeting night dollar monstrosity Victorians now have Melbourne as the dumping ground for and day. I am surprised that we did not to deal with. What sort of shysterism is all manner of unfortunate substances. actually get a call to meet on Christmas this? Now, we already have the situation morning. Nonetheless, I thank Patrick The West Gate Tunnel Project where we have a tip that is being for his work. now faces a dodgy future—entirely expanded by the government, which I support the minority report largely appropriate, given that everything will be probably the biggest tip in the because there was a fair section of about it so far has also been incredibly Southern Hemisphere. Already the tip this report that did not actually fit the dodgy. Even by Labor’s standards that is there now is creating no end of terms of reference that we were given. the West Gate Tunnel Project is a trouble for local residents. The current I sat during a large portion of the monumental stuff-up. Once again the tip is most unwanted; the expansion hearings thinking to myself, ‘Why are people of Melbourne’s west suffer, but is definitely unwanted. I know that we listening to this?’, because it was not ultimately every Victorian will pay for right through Caroline Springs, Deer actually in the terms of reference. That years to come for this stuff-up. The Park, right down through to Werribee confused me a little bit, but I did go Andrews government continues the there is a huge amount of opposition into this with an open mind because long tradition of Labor governments to the expansion of this tip. The there were views being expressed that in this state: one great stuff-up after prospect of having toxic soil dumped I had not been exposed to before, and I another. at that tip or in the surrounds of that was certainly very interested in hearing tip has absolutely outraged the local what people had to say. COUNCIL | Constituency questions residents, and I cannot blame them But at the end of the day I came to 05 February 2020 one little bit, because we are not just the view that I had to get up in the going to have this soil dumped in our house today and issue a warning to midst if this plan goes ahead but of farmers in the agricultural industry course it will be on our roads. We will throughout this nation, and that is Bulla bypass have dust flying left, right and centre that their livelihoods and the industry Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) during the summer months, and it are on the line because the animal — My constituency question is to the will be something that is just totally activists are organised and they are Minister for Roads. Minister, with each unacceptable to my constituents and, I coming to get you. And if you think you passing day the Bulla bypass becomes have to say, totally unacceptable to me are safe, you have got another think ever more necessary. As employment as a local member. coming because these people will at Melbourne international airport Unfortunately at the moment I am pursue you. They are fanatics, they are continues to grow, so does the the only member in the west who is extremists and they will stop at nothing traffic on Sunbury and Bulla roads. speaking up about this, but I call on to rip down the agricultural industry, As the population of Sunbury and all the other members of Parliament, the farmers of Australia, and that is many towns in the Macedon Ranges whether they be Labor or Independent, something that I for one do not want continues to grow, so does the traffic to also take a stand against this toxic to see. on Sunbury and Bulla roads. When soil being dumped in the west. I ask the multiple developments planned specifically for a guarantee from the for Sunbury open, the resulting Premier that the west of Melbourne population explosion in the town will will not be used as a dumping ground increase traffic on Sunbury and Bulla for this toxic soil, which is being roads to intolerable levels. Minister, dug up from the West Gate Tunnel. my constituents in Sunbury, Bulla A guarantee from the Premier is and surrounds have needed the Bulla something that we would expect, we
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 3 would hope for and we really want as ready’ western distributor publicly be exposed to it. I ask the minister to soon as possible. while at the same time being in secret collate that information and not just to discussions with Transurban over what provide it to me but to make it public COUNCIL | Questions without notice we now know as the West Gate Tunnel? before any decision is made so that 06 February 2020 people know exactly what to expect if COUNCIL | Adjournment we get a whole heap of contaminated 06 February 2020 soil in our backyards.
West Gate Tunnel COUNCIL | Questions without notice Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) 18 February 2020 — My question is to the Leader of the West Gate Tunnel Government, representing the Minister Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) for Energy, Environment and Climate — The adjournment matter that I Change. Minister, news media has have this evening is for the Minister West Gate Tunnel been reporting the state government for Energy, Environment and Climate Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — was warned as far back as 2017 that Change. As I have expressed on a My question without notice is to the contaminated soil could become number of occasions this week, there Minister for Health. Contaminated soil a major problem for the West Gate is deep concern throughout the on the site of the West Gate Tunnel Tunnel works. Minister, the Victorian western suburbs about the prospect is believed to contain a number of public has a right to know. I therefore of contaminated soil from the West carcinogens and asbestos. Will the ask exactly what sites are under Gate Tunnel Project being dumped in minister inform the house of any consideration for dumping toxic spoil Melbourne’s west. This is something advice she has received from her from the West Gate Tunnel Project and that does concern us. To put it quite department on the health impacts of along which routes this dangerous, bluntly, we have had a gutful of being this soil inhaled as dust by humans? toxic contaminated soil and dust is the dumping ground of Melbourne. intended to be transported. We have a huge rubbish tip out there, Supplementary question and one that is actually going to be Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Supplementary question expanded significantly. We have — Thank you, Minister. It seems the the prospect of another one down Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I only responsibility the minister has is in Werribee, and we have just had wish the minister all the very best in to buy the next shout in Bali. Minister, enough of putting up with all of this— getting an answer from any of those the Andrews Labor government colleagues. Minister, isn’t it a fact that Ms Crozier interjected. is preparing to dump millions of Labor and Transurban’s sweetheart Mr FINN: Well indeed, just as they tonnes of toxic soil in Wyndham. West Gate Tunnel deal is too risky tried to dump the youth justice jail Is the minister prepared to provide to proceed with and the project is in down in Werribee South, in fact, as Ms extra facilities and resources to that complete chaos as a result of the very Crozier reminds me. We all remember community to deal with the impact of contamination of which you were what happened there. the exposure to contaminants of locals warned in 2017? My concern particularly is about and the health effects on thousands what will happen if the contaminated of Wyndham residents—men, women COUNCIL | Constituency questions soil is dumped in Melbourne’s west. and children—inhaling carcinogens 06 February 2020 What I am very keen to know—and or asbestos, or both, as dust from the I know my constituents are very government’s big dump? keen to know—is exactly where the government intends to dump this soil, COUNCIL | Constituency questions West Gate but also what sort of contaminants 18 February 2020 are in the soil and what impact these contaminants will have on people’s Tunnel secret health if they are exposed to them. There are a good many residential Toxic soil discussions areas around, for example, Ravenhall, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) around Caroline Springs, right down protections — My constituency question is to the through Werribee, and that is an Premier. The history of the West Gate area that is expanding, is growing at Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Tunnel is, at best, chequered. My a rapid rate, to say nothing of Deer — My constituency question is to the constituents looked on in amazement Park and surrounding areas there, and Minister for Energy, Environment and as the government’s $500 million they are absolutely horrified at the Climate Change. Minister, the Andrews ‘shovel-ready’ western distributor prospect that contaminated soil may Labor government is preparing to became Transurban’s multibillion- be dumped near them. I can assure dump millions of tonnes of toxic soil in dollar project that we know today. you, as a resident of Bulla, that I am the City of Wyndham. Many thousands Many of my constituents are totally horrified that that soil may be dumped of people in that municipality are perplexed as to why they are already somewhere near me, because Bulla is deeply concerned about the impact paying higher tolls to pay for a tunnel another area that has been mentioned. of this toxic soil on their health and that they may never go anywhere near. on the environment. We should keep Mr Davis interjected. in mind this toxic soil will be dumped They are astonished that they will be Mr FINN: It is on the hit list, it would paying these higher tolls for longer near the Werribee River, allowing appear, Mr Davis. I am very keen to toxins to seep into that river and to pay for a project that now looks find out where the dumping will take in doubt. Revelations late last year ultimately nearby waterways. Minister, place and the impact that the dumping what extra resources will you provide have merely added to the questions will have—the dumping of the soil surrounding this project. Premier, how the Environment Protection Authority that is, President, I should point Victoria to ensure it is capable of can you justify touting the ‘shovel- out—on the health of those who may
IN 4 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE responding to all complaints related The reason I raise this matter this ever there were a minister who should to the toxic soil and providing evening is because this chap, who I not be on the front bench, who should necessary protection for the Wyndham understand has been involved in some not be in cabinet, it is Lily D’Ambrosio, community? pretty heavy branch stacking work because she has stuffed up everything out in the west, has allegedly been she has touched, and that includes COUNCIL | Members statements involved in what can only be described very much the environment portfolio. I 18 February 2020 as severe religious vilification. think it is very, very sad indeed. Apparently, according to newspaper Ms Shing interjected. reports, this Mr Sidhu: Mr FINN: We know why she is there; … told a meeting of Punjabi- we all know why she is there. She is West Gate Tunnel speaking Indians he was trying to the right gender and she is the right Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) recruit to the party that Turkish and faction, and that is the only reason that — Even by Labor’s appallingly low Lebanese Muslims were sponging she is there, because she has certainly off taxpayers. standards the Andrews government’s got no ability. plan to dump millions of tonnes of ‘They have all arrived by boats I want to commend the author of toxic soil near homes in Wyndham and as soon as they arrive they are Dr Cumming’s speech. I think it was is truly despicable. In particular the given pension, Centrelink, and also a very well constructed speech. It rewarded with houses and medical betrayal of his constituents by the services immediately … covered a lot of areas, but I have to member for Werribee on this matter is say that I was somewhat disappointed Now, my understanding is that there beneath contempt. Mr Pallas should that Dr Cumming continued a pattern was a physically violent altercation at continue to follow his usual practice which she has well established now, this particular meeting, which was a and stay well away from Werribee. and that pattern is one of ignoring a direct result— Toxic soil will not be the biggest threat number of very serious environmental to his health if he does otherwise. Ms Symes interjected. issues in the west of Melbourne. Dr The Minister for Health’s disgraceful Mr FINN: You were there, were Cumming may well laugh at this, but performance during question time you? Were you there? You would be I can assure her that the people of today confirms what locals already about the only Labor MP that was Werribee, the people of Wyndham, know—that the Andrews government not there if you were not. There was the people of Ravenhall and Caroline could not give a stuff about the people a physical altercation there, and that Springs and Deer Park are not of Wyndham. This is simply a fact of was a direct result of the comments laughing, and neither are the people of life. The Premier does not care about that he was making about the Muslim Brooklyn laughing. them. Their local member does not community. I am sure members will I refer specifically to the big issue care about them. Indeed this whole agree on both sides of the house that that of course is causing outrage in stinking government does not care this is not something that we welcome the Wyndham community as we about them. Enough is enough. The in Victoria. We have got pretty much a speak, and one that will impact on the time has come for Labor to earn its bipartisan view on welcoming people quality of air for people in Wyndham keep. The people of Werribee have from various parts of the world to and surrounds—and of course that is supported the ALP for generations. Australia. For somebody to conduct the plan by the government to dump They are now wondering why. In themselves in this way with a view millions of tonnes of toxic soil near return they are dumped upon by a to political advancement I think is schools, near homes, near playgrounds government that does not deserve that absolutely disgraceful. I am asking the in Wyndham. That is something that support in any way. The good people minister to investigate this particular I am surprised about, I have to say, of Wyndham have had a gutful of this incident to see if we do have a case of that Dr Cumming has not only failed outrageous treatment by Labor. Who in religious vilification and to provide for to mention in this motion but indeed this house can blame them? me a report on what exactly happened failed to mention at all in this house. and what he intends to do about it. As a result of the member for Werribee, COUNCIL | Adjournment the Treasurer of the state, sticking his 18 February 2020 COUNCIL | Reference hand up and saying, ‘We’ll take your 19 February 2020 toxic soil’, it seems the government have decided that that is exactly what they will do, that is exactly the Jasvinder Sidhu action they will take—they will dump Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Environment these millions of tonnes of toxic soil, wish to raise a matter this afternoon carcinogens, asbestos. It is just an for the attention of the Minister for And Planning appalling situation. Multicultural Affairs. There has been in I have to say the many people who recent times, as reported widely in the Committee have contacted me, particularly media, an incident in the Wyndham Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) since I put out a phone call on area involving a chap called Jasvinder — Before commenting on the Friday night alerting people to what Sidhu. My understanding is that this comments by Dr Cumming I just want the government had in mind, have chap works for a Labor minister and to commend Mr Melhem. I did not expressed total outrage as to the has been involved in some very— realise that he had such a tremendous government’s plan, and not just Ms Symes interjected. sense of humour. To be congratulating outrage. They have expressed to me Mr FINN: Well, that is my Minister D’Ambrosio on anything that they feel totally and absolutely understanding. Who does he work would have to be one of the greatest betrayed, because many of these for? He is a Labor staffer of some sort. jokes we have ever heard in our lives. It people have been Labor voters all their My understanding is in fact he claims is obvious that the Melbourne comedy lives. Werribee is a traditional Labor that he is very close to the Premier. festival is not far away, and Mr Melhem area, as they like to say. In fact Labor He claims he has a direct link to the is clearly perfecting his act. He has like to think that they own Werribee. Premier, and that is a concern in itself. done a good job here today, because if In fact they like to think that they own
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 5 the west and, as a result, they can do the people of Wyndham are way, way The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr whatever they like to the people in the down the bottom somewhere. Elasmar): Order! west and the people in the west will I have to say to you that the many, Mr FINN: I was a bit worried she just roll up and vote for them again many people I have spoken to over the was getting too close there, Acting next time. last week are infuriated over what the President, and that is not something Well, as we know, that did not government is proposing. In the last that I would encourage. The other issue quite happen at the last election as a sitting week of this place I did invite that Dr Cumming has been completely result of Mr Pallas’s involvement in other members in the west, including silent on is the issue of the Ravenhall attempting to get the youth detention Dr Cumming, including Mr Melhem, tip. Now, I have spoken about this on centre. I notice that Minister Mikakos to join me in opposing this big dump numerous occasions. If you are talking is in the chamber at the moment—she by the government. None—not even about air pollution, I would have will know all about that. As a result of one—have contacted me with a desire thought the first place you would go Mr Pallas’s involvement in that youth to fight this plan. It is just incredible, would be to talk about what the people training centre debacle, he is now extraordinary, that members of in Deer Park, the people in Caroline down to a margin of around about 4 Parliament, supposedly representing Springs, the people in Taylors Hill and per cent. It is one that obviously he the western suburbs of Melbourne, all that area right through there have thinks he can ride through, because will not stand up for the people of the been putting up with for years as a he stuck his hand up and said, ‘Well, west of Melbourne on this issue or, it result of the Ravenhall tip—the fact we’ll take your waste. We will take all seems, on a number of others. That, I that these people cannot open their that waste from the West Gate Tunnel think, is a disgrace. It is a disgrace, and windows on a warm night because of Project and we’ll dump it in Wyndham those members who are sitting idly by the stench, because of the smell that Vale’, as I said, near houses, near and not involving themselves in this they are subjected to from this tip. It schools. issue and not wanting to know about astounds me that this would not have That soil contains some pretty vile it should be ashamed of themselves. been mentioned in Dr Cumming’s stuff, some pretty dreadful stuff, I They should go into the hall of moving of this motion, because this am told, and it is something that is a mirrors and have a good hard look is a major issue, not just for the west, direct and immediate threat—or if it at themselves, because their attitude I might say, but for all of Melbourne, is dumped, it will be—to the health of leaves much to be desired. And let me because this tip, as planned by the people in Wyndham. And it is not just tell you, it is not lost on the people in government, is to be expanded, and the people in Wyndham Vale but the Wyndham. They will remember who this will be the main dumping ground people along the route that the trucks stood by them at this particular time for all rubbish in Melbourne—all will take to dump this soil, because and they will remember those who Melbourne’s rubbish. what we are going to see is that this soil turned their backs and walked away. Ravenhall is going to be the dumping obviously will become dust, this dust They will remember those who did not ground for Melbourne, and that is will come off the trucks and people will want to know, those who said, ‘You can something that is going to impact a be breathing in this stuff. have your toxic soil; we’re not going to lot of people, because that rubbish is I asked the Minister for Health—as help you’. That is something you can be going to be coming from everywhere. if I would expect to get an answer absolutely sure of; that is something Those trucks carrying Melbourne’s from the Minister for Health on this— you can take to the bank. The people rubbish to Ravenhall will be travelling because this of course is a health of Wyndham will well remember that. and trundling through streets in the matter. Why would the Minister for It is I think just beyond understanding eastern suburbs, the northern suburbs, Health be even mildly interested in that members of Parliament would the southern suburbs, all coming to a health matter? Why would she be not stand up for their community; it is Ravenhall. This is something that does even mildly interested in answering beyond understanding. affect every Melburnian and I think a question on a health matter? Why As I said, I have been approached really needs to be addressed. I think it would she care? Why would she care by many, many hundreds over the is most unfortunate that Dr Cumming about the health of the people of last week or so who have expressed has ignored it in this particular motion. Wyndham? That is not something that their anger over this. It is a very As I said before, I have raised this she is even mildly concerned about, multicultural community in the west, issue in the house now on a number of and she displayed that in question particularly in Wyndham. I have been occasions. I have spoken at a number time yesterday when I asked her approached by many of the leaders of of very large public meetings, and I about the impact of this toxic dust that multicultural groups in the west who am talking about thousands of people people in Wyndham and surrounds have expressed their concern, because attending these public meetings. I have will be inhaling if the government believe it or not it is not just Anglo spoken to councillors; I have spoken goes ahead with its plan. The minister Celts who are affected by this stuff; to colleagues in both the houses and batted it off. ‘No, look, silly Lily can it is people of Chinese heritage, it is indeed both parties. Indeed I will give answer that one,’ she said. She did not people of Indian heritage, it is people Mr Melhem a pat on the back as at want to know. Then I went on to ask of a whole range of heritages who will least he shows up, occasionally, to one if she will provide extra resources to be breathing this stuff, whose health or two of the public meetings, so I say protect the people in Wyndham from will be affected, and that is something good on him for that. the health threat that this toxic soil will that we all should remember—that But it is a great pity that nonetheless pose, and again she did not want to every man, woman and child is under the government is showing that it does know about it and refused to answer. threat from this stuff, and these people not give a stuff about the people of We know where she is coming from, we over here, and Dr Cumming I include, the western suburbs. It cares not for know where Tim Pallas is coming from, are not interested. She has put up this the people of the western suburbs, we know where the Premier is coming motion today, but she does not want because it thinks it owns the western from, and the people of Wyndham are to know about the Wyndham solution. suburbs and the people of the western a very, very distant last as far as they She can come up and stand in front suburbs do not matter. They do not are concerned. On the list of priorities of me as much as she likes. That is not matter, because these people are just going to impact me; that is not going to going to rock up and they are going worry me, I can assure you.
IN 6 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE to re-elect their Labor members. here without a worry in the world. This it is the only place you can actually fit Well, let me tell you: that time is fast is just a delightful spot’. But then this everybody in—on the quality of the coming to an end because people have stench from the tip has destroyed the air in the inner west, in Brooklyn and had a gutful of this. When you get to lives of many, many people who live surrounds, with the trucks and so forth. the stage where you are nauseous in there, and it does not matter whether The people in those areas have been your own home because of the smell this motion is moved by Dr Cumming, suffering for quite some years. I note of the tip in Ravenhall, when that moved by the government or indeed that Dr Cumming did mention Francis happens, well then that is something moved by the opposition, this is a Street and did mention Yarraville, and that is intolerable. That affects how matter that should be included in this that is a very good thing—I am glad people live on a day-to-day basis. On debate because we cannot turn our that she did mention that—but she did a day-to-day basis that is how it affects back on the plight of people in the not mention Brooklyn, which has an people. It is something that should be western suburbs, as many in this house issue that has been going on for a long addressed, and I am just absolutely like to do. I regret that that is the case, time. The quality of the air in Brooklyn gobsmacked that Dr Cumming did but it is the case and it is something is something that has been a major not even mention it in putting up this that I certainly will not allow to issue for a very long time, and I think motion today and indeed has not gone happen. that any representative of the western into bat for her constituents in the west We are talking about a government suburbs who speaks on this subject of Melbourne on this particular issue, planning to extend the Ravenhall tip and does not mention the suffering because this is going to impact many, to make it one of the biggest tips, one of the people of Brooklyn is not doing many people—well, it already impacts of the biggest landfills, in the Southern their job, and that I think is very many, many thousands of people but Hemisphere—indeed one of the unfortunate indeed. it is going to impact many, many more biggest in the world. This thing is going One of the issues that Dr Cumming thousands—as the west continues to to be so big that you will be able to see made brief reference to was the issue grow. it from the moon. This thing will be just of diesel. Now, as we find out more Dr Cumming interjected. huge, and it is something that people about diesel I must make, I suppose, Mr FINN: Hello, cocky! Now, Mr in the western suburbs should not have some sort of interest declaration here Acting President, you might like to to put up with. They should not have to because I have recently been driving get the cockatoo in the corner to calm put up with it just because they live in a car that is a diesel car. I have never down because she is carrying on like a Melbourne’s west. had a diesel car before, but I am now two-bob watch just at the minute. But I tell you what: one of the things that driving a diesel car. We are finding out I— this motion might include, and indeed more and more every day about the Mr Meddick: On a point of order, any inquiry might include, would be dangers of diesel in the air and the fact Acting President, despite the fact that the waste-to-energy proposal that that it is more than likely carcinogenic Mr Finn clearly feels very passionately has been put forward by Mr O’Brien, and that it does pose a major threat to about what is going on in the western the Leader of the Parliamentary people’s health. And it is something suburbs, one could be forgiven for Liberal Party. That is a proposal that that we should all be very concerned thinking that he is arguing against a is very, very worthwhile because it is about. I know Mr Davis, the Leader government motion here. I believe that something that gets waste, which we of the Opposition in this place, is Dr Cumming has covered all of this have an enormous amount of, and someone who has taken a great deal in the motion itself, and I would like turns it into energy, which we do not of interest in this particular matter. Mr Finn to return to speaking to the have a lot of, and that seems to me It is something that has piqued his motion itself rather than admonishing to be a win-win situation either way. curiosity, and it is a great pity that he the government and personally So that is something that I think is a has not spoken on this at some length admonishing Dr Cumming. matter that should be examined by any at some stage, because he is a fount of Mr FINN: On the point of order, committee that is inquiring into air wisdom when it comes to the dangers Acting President, I am a little bit pollution, because clearly the removal of diesel and diesel engines in creating confused by Mr Meddick’s point of of waste and conversion of waste into an atmosphere which is dangerous for order, because he says that the matters energy is something that is certainly people to breathe. That is something that I am raising are covered in the going to benefit my constituents in that I think we should, at any inquiry, motion and then he is asking me to and around the Ravenhall area and most certainly look at. That is a very come back to the motion, so I am not in Caroline Springs, Deer Park and far-reaching thing because there are sure exactly what the point of order is. surrounds. And I have to say Mr many vehicles in Australia, and it It is just a tad confusing. O’Brien’s plan has caused a great deal seems to me that increasingly vehicles that are driven by mums and dads are The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr of excitement in that part of the world because they for the first time have now using diesel. We are not talking Elasmar): Thank you, Mr Finn. I know about semitrailers. We are talking there were some interjections from Dr seen a positive answer to the problem that they face. There has been a lot of about SUVs. We are talking about cars Cumming, but I ask you to come back which indeed are very, very common to the motion. umming and ahing over the years, but here is a positive plan that will end in the suburbs, and the fact that they Mr FINN: I am happy to continue their misery, and that is something are now diesel is obviously going to to speak on the motion. The situation that they are very happy and very, increase the danger of diesel in the in Ravenhall is one that is appalling. I very excited about. I certainly look air. The fact that we are breathing that invite Mr Meddick to visit Ravenhall, forward to the election of the O’Brien is something that I am concerned to visit Caroline Springs and some government to ensure that happens. about and something that any inquiry, of those areas around there on a day Bring it on—a very good thing indeed. I would hope, would respond to as a when that stench is absolutely putrid. Another issue that it surprised me matter of urgency. It is nauseating. I have experienced it I am very pleased that the motion myself and it is just appalling. Caroline that Dr Cumming did not mention is the issue in Brooklyn. I have spoken, today, put forward by the good doctor, Springs, for example, is a very, very has put forward that we would look nice place. You drive through Caroline again, at a number of public meetings in Brooklyn—usually outdoors because at practical, real-time, cost-effective Springs and you say, ‘God, I could live mitigation strategies. I think that
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 7 is a very, very good thing indeed, measures that this motion speaks of. COUNCIL | Adjournment because around environmental issues I certainly would welcome that very 19 February 2020 in this day and age there is a lot of much because the coalition has for hyperbole—or ‘hyperbowl’, as Julia many, many years been a very, very Gillard once said. There is a lot of strong supporter of the environment. It hyperbole, there is a lot of nonsense, has been a very, very strong supporter St Albans Leisure there is a lot of hysteria about it. We of conservation. It has been a very, have people in Canberra saying, very strong supporter of clean air. Centre ‘We’re all going to die’, ‘The end is nigh’, Anybody who heads bush, goes out Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) and, ‘We’ve only got a few years left to the country, knows the delight of — I wish to raise a matter this evening before the’—well, I am not sure what waking up and filling your lungs with for the attention of the Minister for happens. that pure air that people in the country Tourism, Sport and Major Events, and We have had the UN telling us now enjoy. Wouldn’t it be nice if everybody I wish to bring to his attention a tale for about the last 40 years that the end could enjoy that quality of air? of two cities, as it were. It has recently is nigh. They keep crossing off the year Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all wake been brought to my attention that the and adding another few years, and up in the morning, bounce out of bed Parramatta Leisure Centre—of course maybe if we all live long enough, we and smell that magnificent air instead in the state of New South Wales—has will see them get it right. But the fact of of some of the crap, quite frankly, that been granted by the New South Wales the matter is there is a lot of nonsense people are expected to breathe in this government and the Parramatta spoken about environmental issues, so day and age? It is very sad indeed. City Council a refurb to the tune of it is very good to see that this motion The opposition will not oppose this some $77 million. That obviously is does talk about practical measures to motion. In fact I think it is probably pretty impressive for the people of mitigate the foul air in many of our long overdue. I am hoping, as I say, Parramatta. But the same cannot be particularly inner suburbs. Although, that we will get the practical measures said for the people St Albans here as I say, when you consider what is that the motion speaks of, that we will in Melbourne. Western Sydney is probably going to happen in Wyndham be able to get some recommendations obviously doing a hell of a lot better very soon, it will be the outer suburbs from the committee that we can put than western Melbourne in this regard as well. Already Ravenhall and into effect almost—no, not almost— because, as I have raised on a number surrounds are impacted in a very absolutely immediately. I am hopeful of occasions in this house, the St severe manner. That is something that that we can get cracking on this, and Albans Leisure Centre needs to be we should do something about as a I am very hopeful that the house will bulldozed and needs to be rebuilt— matter of urgency. indeed back this motion today. desperately needs to be rebuilt. We I have to say, I did hear Dr Cumming have had no joy from this government make a suggestion which I thought COUNCIL | Constituency questions at all. One has to ask why that is the was very good and one that I have 19 February 2020 case. subscribed to for a very long time. My If I were a cynic, I might think that view, very strongly, is that the greatest because Parramatta is in a marginal enemy of air pollution is trees. We need seat, that is why they got the $77 to plant more and more trees, and I do Truganina CFA million, and the fact that St Albans is that. I am going to have to buy a new in a safe Labor seat and has a member house soon with a bigger yard because who is pretty close to useless is why I do love planting trees. My front yard construction Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — they get no support at all. It is so and my backyard are just about full wrong. The people of St Albans and of trees now, so I might have to get My constituency question today is to the Minister for Police and Emergency surrounds need that leisure centre as a bigger place to plant those trees. I much as anybody else. They need the think that is something that we really Services. Truganina is a fast-growing community of well over 20 000 within ability to exercise. We know that there should be promoting furiously. Was it are some major health problems in Bob Hawke many years ago who said the City of Wyndham. Despite the fact that the Truganina CFA was promised the west, particularly with diabetes, he was going to plant a billion trees by and a new leisure centre—I think it might have been 1990, the same time a new station some three years ago, it is astonishing that the government they are calling it a healthcare hub as kids were going to be out of poverty or something similar to that—is or something? That was a promise that has yet to acquire the land necessary to actually build this new station. This something that would be of huge unfortunately was not fulfilled, but it is benefit to many thousands of people something that indeed we should look particularly confuses locals, as the minister previously promised the new in the western suburbs of Melbourne. at. It is something we should look at I hope Mr Jennings is listening to this because trees are the natural enemy of station would be up and running by June last year, coming up on 12 months because this is something that he pollution; that is the fact of the matter. should take up as well with his cabinet All this talk about the dangers of CO2 ago. Putting aside the government’s disdain for Wyndham and its residents, colleagues. is largely a nonsense because we know What I am asking is for the minister that without CO2 all the trees die. the time for action is well past. Minister, when will the—to quote your to go to the Treasurer and to get the And if all the trees die, we have got no money in the coming budget for oxygen because they are the ones that words—‘permanent, modern’ station be opened in Truganina? the leisure centre in St Albans. My provide the oxygen. understanding is they are looking for As I say, there is a lot of hyperbole, around about $60 million, which is there is a lot of nonsense spoken a saving of $17 million on what has about in the environmental space. been received in Parramatta, and I It is something that maybe with the cannot begin to tell the house what an development of a committee inquiry improvement it would be to the lives of we can get to tintacks with, maybe so many people in the western suburbs we can actually get those practical of Melbourne. I ask the minister to
IN 8 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE do everything he can to deliver this soil is alleged to have carcinogens and has decided to keep his work based in new leisure centre for St Albans, and asbestos, and that is not something Sunshine. Ongoing cuts to the health hopefully we will see this budget with that they want to see next to their budget are now threatening this world- the dollars that the people St Albans so homes. That is not something that leading research into migraines and desperately need. they want to have their families, diseases such as Parkinson’s. Will the their children, exposed to, and I can minister ensure $4 million is provided COUNCIL | Constituency questions certainly fully understand that. But in this budget to ensure Professor 20 February 2020 what they really need to know is: what Wijeratne and his team are able to exactly is going on? That is what I continue his work that is potentially am asking the Premier to do now: to life changing for many millions of tell us exactly what is going on. If the people? Werribee freeway Premier does not know what is going on, if the Premier has no idea what is COUNCIL | Members statements happening, let him tell us. But if he has 03 March 2020 noise a plan, if he has something in place in Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) his mind to dump this foul soil near — My constituency question is to people—or even away from people— the Minister for Roads. Last week I it would be good to know; it really visited Alesia Court in Werribee after West Gate Tunnel would be good to know. It may allow Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — a constituent complained to me about some people in the Wyndham area in noise levels from the nearby freeway. There is anger growing in Melbourne’s particular to sleep more peacefully at west. Wherever I have gone over the Houses in that court and surrounding night as a result of an assurance from streets are very close to the freeway, past couple of weeks, the question has the Premier that may or may not be been the same: ‘Why is this mongrel and I can now believe the horrendous forthcoming. noise suffered by residents. This government dumping its toxic soil The concerns today have also been noise will worsen when the Duncans on us?’—and let me assure the expressed by people in Bulla, and Road interchange is completed. My house, I cleaned that up significantly. certainly as a resident of Bulla I am constituent explained to me that he Despite voting Labor constantly for not all that thrilled at the prospect sleeps with earplugs and his partner generations, locals in the west are that toxic soil will be dumped there, takes sleeping tablets in an attempt to bewildered by their treatment at the because clearly it has to go somewhere. sleep at night. They keep the television hands of the Andrews government. If it is not going to go in Wyndham on at dinnertime to drown out the ‘What have we ever done to them?’, Vale, it may well end up in Bulla. Or traffic noise. Needless to say, leaving they ask me. Particular anger is indeed has the Premier got somewhere windows or doors open to allow a cool directed at the member for Werribee, else in the west that he has in mind? breeze is strictly a no-no. This is an after he apparently volunteered All we need to know is exactly what appalling situation that needs urgent Wyndham as an ideal spot for toxic the Premier has planned. I do not attention and action. As a part of the soil alleged to contain carcinogens think it is too much to ask. I do not Duncans Road works a sound barrier and asbestos—the man must have a think it is too much to expect. We in should be constructed between the political death wish. the west have become very used to not freeway and houses. Will the minister Sadly, it is not just the people of expecting much from this government, commit to providing this desperately Wyndham feeling the pressure. Every but I do not think it is too much to needed infrastructure? day for the past week I have been expect—it is not too much to ask for— contacted by constituents living near some certainty on this issue to make Ravenhall tip and in Bulla expressing COUNCIL | Adjournment our plans for what is to come. I ask 20 February 2020 concern that their area will be dumped the Premier to come clean, to tell the upon by Daniel Andrews. This is an truth and to reassure, or otherwise, the appalling situation. On behalf of people of the west about the toxic soil the people of Melbourne’s west, my West Gate Tunnel that will be dumped somewhere. message to Labor is this: we have had a gutful. We are not—we are not—your Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) COUNCIL | Constituency questions dumping ground. Leave our schools, — I wish to raise a matter this evening 03 March 2020 our homes and our river alone. for the attention of the Premier. As I am sure the Premier would be aware, there is a great deal of concern in the COUNCIL | Motions western suburbs and particularly the Sunshine-based 04 March 2020 Wyndham region as to what is going to happen, if anything, with regard to the dumping of toxic soil in that area. Last medical research week it seemed that the local member, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) West Gate Tunnel Mr Pallas, had stuck his hand up and — My constituency question is to the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I volunteered Werribee as a site for Minister for Health. Minister, Western move: this toxic soil. Today, after a meeting Health has a real gem in its midst. That this house opposes any last night where he was booed and Professor Tissa Wijeratne is a world- decision by the Andrews Labor heckled, it seems that he has backed recognised expert— government, or its agencies, to off somewhat from that position, and A member interjected. dump toxic soil from the West Gate there is a great deal of confusion now Mr FINN: yes, he is a Sri Lankan Tunnel Project into the Wyndham about exactly what is going on. indeed—on the workings of the human Vale rail stabling yard as it is situated close to houses, local community As you can imagine, the people of brain. Despite constant attempts to infrastructure and the Werribee Wyndham in particular—Wyndham poach him by hospitals in Melbourne, River. Vale especially—are horrified at what interstate and internationally, we can may be coming their way. The toxic give thanks that Professor Wijeratne
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 9 It is hard to believe that it was three in the crowd who were of the view past three sitting weeks I have given years ago that thousands of people that the toxic soil should be dumped a raft of questions; I have asked a raft gathered in the centre of Werribee to in Williamstown. Now, that is not of questions of the Premier, of the protest against another decision by the something that I endorse. My view Minister for Health and of the minister Andrews government to dump a youth is that I do not want the toxic soil for the environment—and what have detention centre—a high-security dumped anywhere in the west. It is I got back from all three? Absolutely youth detention centre—in Werribee very, very easy for governments when nothing. In fact the health minister South, but gather they did three years nasty things happen to just dump on stood in this chamber two weeks ago ago. They gathered, they fought and the west, as they have done forever it and publicly washed her hands. She indeed they won. The government seems. said, ‘Not my problem. Any health finally backed away. History is about Mrs McArthur: Outside the tram issues, you go and talk to Lily’. Well, to repeat itself in my view. Last night tracks. if you are going to go and talk to Lily, a couple of thousand people gathered Mr FINN: Well, you know, it is even you might as well go and talk to a tree. on what was not the warmest of March beyond the tram tracks, Mrs McArthur. It is just a total waste of time. But the nights, it has to be said, to protest If we have got a mess, if we have got health minister was not interested in about the government’s potential something nasty, give it to the western the health of the people of Werribee plans. We say ‘potential’ because the suburbs. You know Toxic Tim would and not interested in the health of government is not telling us anything. have his hand up; he would say, ‘Over the people of Wyndham, and that is This government that is great on here, over here!’. He would say, ‘Put it something that will not be forgotten, consultation, this government that is over here; we’ll have it’. And let me tell I can assure you, by the people in great on discussion, they are not— you: he can have it all right, because Werribee, Wyndham, Point Cook and Mr Ondarchie: Transparency. after the debacle surrounding the so forth in the time ahead. Mr FINN: Transparency indeed, Mr youth detention centre three years What we have seen over recent Ondarchie. This government, they are ago of course, at the following election weeks is a huge slap in the face to not telling us anything. So we might Werribee went from a safe Labor seat local people. To people who live in actually find out today a little bit more to a marginal Labor seat. Now, I was Wyndham it is a huge slap in the face about what the government’s plans are, of the view until this morning that Mr from a government that has clearly lost because if the government opposes Pallas may be giving it away. He might the plot, a government that is under this motion, we can be pretty sure that be pulling the pin at the next election. so much pressure over the ridiculous Wyndham Vale is the site that it has But I hear from journalists— West Gate Tunnel debacle that they chosen to dump its toxic soil. It is quite Mrs McArthur: Voluntarily? have produced for themselves that they extraordinary. But last night was a very, Mr FINN: He is volunteering all cannot actually think straight. They very good turnout and a very, very sorts of things at the minute. But he are prepared to dump soil, toxic soil, angry turnout, it has to be said. They apparently indicated to the press gang that is alleged to contain carcinogens referred to their local member in terms at the back door this morning that he and asbestos. They are prepared to that I could not use in this Parliament. is going to continue. I can only say that do that 70 metres from residential Mr Ondarchie: Who is he? as a Liberal in the western suburbs housing—from homes, from schools, Mr FINN: They referred to him, that is the best news that I have had from playgrounds and of course from in some of the nicer terms, as Toxic for very long time, because it is my the Werribee River. That is something Tim—Tim Pallas, the member for view that with Mr Pallas as the Labor in particular I want to emphasise Werribee. Mr Pallas apparently—and candidate, Mr Pallas as the Labor today, because the Werribee River this absolutely astonishes me— member for Werribee, the Liberal Party has over recent years been cleaned up volunteered his electorate to be a spot has an excellent chance of winning significantly. where the soil could be dumped. Now, Werribee at the next election. Because I was down at the Werribee Open as I said last night when I addressed the people of Werribee, let me tell Range Zoo last week, speaking to the the rally, if I had done that to my you, have had a gutful of their local director there about the plans they electorate, I would be too ashamed to member, who does not care about have for their future. He gave me a tour, show my face ever again. Can anybody them and shows them continual although it was not strictly necessary possibly imagine what would possess contempt, and their anger is palpable. because my son would actually live a member of Parliament to volunteer It was on the streets of Werribee last at Werribee Open Range Zoo if they their own electorate to have toxic soil night. There were many, many posters would let him. We do spend a lot of dumped near homes, near schools and there that I can quote, but there were time at the Werribee Open Range Zoo, near a major waterway? some that I most certainly cannot— so I was very familiar with it. But he Mr Ondarchie: He mustn’t live there. Mr Ondarchie: Were they chanting? did point out as we went over the river that the platypus is back in the river Mr FINN: Well, it is interesting you Mr FINN: Well, they were, Mr and the river is going to be a major say that, Mr Ondarchie. It is interesting Ondarchie, chanting, ‘Dump Pallas, part of the ongoing development of you say that because of course Mr not soil’. That was one of the chants the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Now Pallas does not live in Werribee. He that fired up. I thought that was quite a what would the seeping of toxic soil, does not live in Werribee, he does not good one actually. There were people or toxins in that soil, do to the river? do a lot of work in Werribee and in fact there last night who, as I say, were What would it do to the river? This is he does not give a stuff about Werribee, extremely angry and they wanted the question that I want answers to as he has proved— answers. And I tell you what: they are from the environment minister; but Mrs McArthur: Where does he live? not alone, because I want answers the environment minister, she does Mr FINN: He lives in Williamstown, too. I stand in this Parliament today not want to know. She does not want to a very nice spot down in Williamstown, representing those people, demanding answer questions. As I say, on she goes, and there may have been a few that the Premier, that the Minister for as always, with eyes closed, fingers in references made to that in the crowd Health and Silly Lily, the Minister for her ears. She does not want to see; she last night. In fact I think I saw a couple Energy, Environment and Climate does not want to hear. That is what we of very large posters indicating that Change, give answers to the questions have come to expect from her, which is there were at least a couple of people that I have already asked. For the very sad indeed.
IN 10 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE The entire West Gate Tunnel Project ground for this soil—do not know Mr FINN: Ms Stitt and Mr Melhem has been exceedingly dodgy from day whether they are going to wake up one and Ms Vaghela—they all should have one. As chairman of the Economy and morning and find out even more trucks been there. Dr Cumming should have Infrastructure Committee in the last are arriving with their toxic payload to been there. In fact if Dr Cumming had Parliament I oversaw inquiries into the dump on people’s back doors. been there, the Parliament would have West Gate Tunnel Project, and I can It is just the most astonishing thing risen earlier—but the rally might still say to this house that we had senior that I have seen for quite some time: be going. That is something that is members of the bureaucracy and a government which is totally out of possibly not a good thing. Nonetheless, certainly a senior leader of Transurban control, a government that has totally I have asked in previous contributions lie to our committee. If I had known lost perspective. It really should on this issue for a unity ticket from at that time what I know now, I would not have happened, because the members of Parliament who represent have had them charged with contempt government was warned back in 2017, the western suburbs. We should all of Parliament, because they did in fact three years ago. The government was band together on this to protect our lie to the Parliament. Now, what we warned three years ago that this soil constituents, to protect our people. I have seen as a result—and I do not was contaminated. Now, what have see Mr Melhem over there is laughing want to go over the history of the West they done for three years? They have at the mere suggestion that we should Gate Tunnel because it will take quite sat on their hands; they have done protect our constituents, that we some considerable time—is a project nothing. They are really good at that. should protect the people who elected where the government has been led They have sat there and all of a sudden us. Mr Melhem, the number one by the nose by Transurban purely for this issue has blown up. Work on the ticketholder, the number one spot on the benefit of Transurban. Transurban tunnel stopped. We had a situation the ALP ticket he holds—there he is think they have died and gone to where one of the contractors wanted to laughing about protecting the people. heaven. They think that this is just the rip up the contract. Could you imagine Mr Ondarchie interjected. most marvellous thing that will keep anybody wanting to rip up a contract Mr FINN: Of course he will blame the money rolling in for many decades in Victoria? I wonder where the Transurban. The Labor Party can do to come. And indeed Victorians, precedent might have been set for that. no wrong, even though they are a my constituents, are already paying Mr Ondarchie interjected. mob of shysters—but that is just the higher tolls to pay for a tunnel which is Mr FINN: Indeed, Mr way it goes. I invite those members, already off the tracks— Ondarchie—$1.3 billion later, Daniel all of the members who represent Ms Terpstra: Really? Andrews ripped up the east–west link the western suburbs, to join me in Mr FINN: Yes, really. We have had contract, and now we have a situation defending the people of the west, to Transurban already admit that this where on the West Gate Tunnel the join me in defending and trying to thing is going to be blown out. Clearly same thing is being attempted. The protect the health of women, of men it will be blown out in cost. And whole thing, the whole West Gate and of children who are going to be the signs are still up, ‘The tunnel is Tunnel Project, is a money-making threatened by this outrageous and coming in 2022’. Well, not according to exercise by Transurban, aided and appalling dump. Dan’s dump, they Transurban; it will not come in 2022 abetted by the government. I was are calling it, and it is not a cheery because they have made it very, very astounded just before Christmas when prospect at all. clear that there is very little chance I found out—indeed, we all found Ms Terpstra interjected. indeed that it will be finished on time. out—that at the time, prior to the 2014 Mr FINN: I am not exactly sure what I would highly suspect as a result of election, the then opposition leader, Ms Terpstra said there. what is going on at the minute the Mr Andrews, was out telling us that Ms Terpstra interjected. budget will be blown out as well. he had a western distributor project Mr FINN: Well, it is easy from the But of all the shysterism, of all the that was $500 million or $550 million east, isn’t it? You can bet your bottom shonkiness surrounding this project, worth. It was shovel-ready, he said. dollar that what is happening in surely the worst aspect of it is what is Mr Ondarchie interjected. Wyndham Vale right now, what is happening to the people of Wyndham Mr FINN: Well, we know what was happening in Wyndham or what the at the moment, because they do not on the shovel, and we will get to that government is proposing for Wyndham know exactly what they are in store at another time. It was shovel-ready, Vale or Ravenhall or Bulla or Bacchus for— but at the same time that he was telling Marsh would never happen in the Mr Ondarchie: Again. the electorate that, he was in secret eastern suburbs. Do you know why? Mr FINN: Again indeed, Mr discussions with Transurban about That is where the marginals are, and Ondarchie. what they are building now. that is all this government cares about. It is not just, I have to say, the people Mr Ondarchie interjected. The only thing this government cares of Werribee, the people of Wyndham; Mr FINN: Already, Mr Ondarchie. about is its re-election, and to hell with it is the people who live around the They are already blaming Transurban. the people who have voted Labor for tip at Ravenhall, people in Caroline Last night at the rally Joanne Ryan, generations, all these people who have Springs, for example, people in Taylors the federal member for Lalor, got gone out religiously—and I do mean Hill, people in Deer Park. up and did exactly that: she blamed religiously in many cases—and voted Mrs McArthur interjected. Transurban. Labor for decades and decades. These Mr FINN: We could get to Bacchus I have to say to you it was a great are the people who will suffer. Yes, they Marsh a little bit later on. In fact disappointment to me to be the only will—my word they will. These are the I might leave that one for you, state MP at that rally last night. I people who will suffer as a result of Mrs McArthur. People around the mean, if members were serious about the government’s actions, and they are Ravenhall tip, they do not know if they representing the best interests of their saying to me, ‘What have we done to are going to have millions of tonnes of constituents, they would have been deserve this?’. Well, they voted Labor. toxic soil dumped on their back door there. That is what they have done to deserve any tick of the clock. People in Bulla— Ms Stitt interjected. it. I have said to them, ‘If you want to that is another area that has been be treated with respect, the only way mentioned as a possible dumping that you are going to get that, the only
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 11 way you are going to be treated as a an hour’s duration only one customer Health West had the finances, the human being by this government, is managed to find their way through the sort of funding, that is necessary to to make your seat marginal, because surrounding roadworks. As this was ensure that they are able to serve if Daniel Andrews can take you for at lunchtime it amply illustrated the the need in the west of Melbourne. granted, he will’, and we can see that owner’s complaint that the roadworks There is a significant need for their just at the minute. are killing her business. She explained services in the west of Melbourne. In I say to the house that this motion to me that this was her new normal. I fact they are flat chat just keeping up is an extremely important motion. To understand the owner of the cafe has with the number of incidents that do the people who attended last night, corresponded with you on this matter occur. What I am doing this evening I say thank you. To the people who but no solution has yet been found. is asking the minister to ensure that have contacted me over recent weeks, Minister, what action will you take to Women’s Health West is provided with as late as just a minute or so before I ensure this previously healthy small increased funding for specialist family rose to my feet, I thank you for taking business is not forced to close by these violence services. That is something a stand in support of your families and roadworks? that was recommended by the Royal your communities. I say to the Premier, Commission into Family Violence. It is who is not big on this but is somebody COUNCIL | Adjournment something that is very, very important, who says he cares about people and 04 March 2020 and I ask the minister to take the says he cares about listening and appropriate action to provide that consultation, transparency and all of funding. those things that are part of the talking points that the Labor Party has: for Women’s Health COUNCIL | Questions without notice God’s sake, stop this! Please stop this. 05 March 2020 Stop dumping on the west. Enough is West enough. We have had to put up with Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) this for years. This has to stop. I urge — I wish to raise a matter this evening the house to support this motion. for the attention of the Minister for Casey planning Health, and it concerns a meeting Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) COUNCIL | Questions without notice I had with Dr Robyn Gregory, the — My question is to the Minister 04 March 2020 CEO of Women’s Health West, which for Roads. Minister, yesterday you is of course a very important health admitted you had met with Megan organisation in the western suburbs Schutz, lawyer for disgraced developer of Melbourne. We were, amongst John Woodman, and you admitted that Casey planning other things, discussing the case of this occurred when you were Minister Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Hannah Clarke, the woman who was for Agriculture. Minister, what matters — My question is to the Minister for murdered so violently along with were discussed, and did they involve Roads. Damaging evidence at IBAC her three children in Brisbane some rezoning of green wedge farmland? yesterday showed that Daniel Andrews weeks ago. I am sure that everybody Supplementary question and his Treasurer, Tim Pallas, had would have been as distressed by this a special and potentially corrupt particular instance as I was. I do not Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) relationship with disgraced developer think that I can recall a thing that has — I can assure the minister I am John Woodman. According to the affected me so deeply. I raised this not seeking a commentary; I am testimony of Megan Schutz she, and with Dr Gregory because we were in just wanting a straight answer to a I quote, ‘met with Pulford; I can’t fact discussing the issue of domestic question. In your dealings with Megan remember her first name’. Minister, violence and funding for domestic Schutz, Minister, was the rezoning of when did you meet with Megan violence. Dr Gregory informed me industrial land in Casey discussed at Schutz, and what was discussed? that, whilst the incident with Hannah all? Clarke and her children in Brisbane Supplementary question was horrendous, quite often almost as COUNCIL | Constituency questions Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) many horrendous incidents occur here 05 March 2020 — Minister, have you met Megan in Melbourne. She said we never hear Schutz at all in your capacity as roads about them, but you would be amazed minister? at some of the dreadful things that happen to partners and those involved Beattys Road, as victims of domestic violence. I COUNCIL | Constituency questions readily accept that not all victims of 04 March 2020 domestic violence are women, but the Plumpton overwhelming majority are. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) I have to say—and I have said this — My constituency question is again Laverton often before—that I do not understand to the Minister for Roads. Minister, how anybody can indulge in this sort of Beattys Road in Plumpton is a disgrace. disgraceful, despicable behaviour. Any It is a dirt road that is full of potholes roadworks man who hits a woman, as far as I am and in many cases only fit for four- concerned, is not a man. It is as simple wheel drives; anything less than impact as that. But the fact of the matter is that that risks major damage to vehicles. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) there are men who do hit their wives, As suburbia moves rapidly towards — My constituency question is to the their girlfriends, their partners. They do this road it is time it was shown very Minister for Transport Infrastructure. hurt their children. It is just absolutely necessary action. Minister, when will Minister, late last year I visited appalling. Beattys Road be brought up to the Adams Cafe on Dohertys Road in What Dr Gregory was coming to see standard expected of a metropolitan Laverton. During my visit of around me about was to ensure that Women’s road?
IN 12 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE that the decisions that we make, the will remember it only too well. It told COUNCIL | Committee legislation that we pass, lessens the the world that if you drink and drive 05 March 2020 chances that more people will suffer in you are a bloody idiot. Now, the fact of that way. That has to be at the forefront the matter is that that campaign began of our thought processes. some, probably, 40 years ago and it is I know that for me, my daughters as true today as it was back then. But Local now are growing. Well, one of them it had an impact on the way people has grown. She is now 21, with her thought, it had an impact on the way Government Bill 22nd birthday next week. She is going people lived and it had an impact on out. She is enjoying herself, she is the culture. having a good time and that is great. It was very, very soon, I suppose, 2019 But I must admit I do not rest until after that that we started to see a Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) she is home. I do not rest until I know change in attitudes. We started to see — Very briefly, I want to congratulate that she is safely through the door, people realising the stupidity of their obviously the newly elected leader of and quite often safely in bed. That is ways and that to get behind the wheel the crossbench, because let me tell when I can rest. Now that I have two of a car having had a dozen beers or you that Catherine Cumming over the teenage daughters—the twins, the two or three bottles of prosecco or last two days of debate on this bill has 14-year-olds—they too are going out something like that—although they done more to promote single-member and socialising and making their way would not have had prosecco back wards and to downplay proportional in the world. They are getting lifts then, I would not have thought—but representation than anything that I with people, they are getting around, nonetheless, having— could ever put up. So, to her, well done. they are playing sport and they are Ms Patten: Passion Pop. going to parties. They are doing all Mr FINN: Passion Pop—I will take COUNCIL | Second reading the things that 14-year-olds do. That your word for it, Ms Patten. Let us 05 March 2020 I am very, very happy with, but again not go there. But having had a wide I do not rest until such time as they range of alcoholic beverages, they are safely through the door every all of a sudden realised as a result day. Perhaps that is something that of this campaign that that is not the Road Safety And might be regarded as being a little thing to do, and those jokes that I overprotective, but certainly in my mentioned earlier—they stopped. Other Legislation instance I just cannot help it. If you Anybody who actually owned up, love your kids, that is what you do, I anybody who admitted that they Amendment Bill suppose. That is just the way it is. did that sort of thing, that they got The one thing that I have a particular behind the wheel of a car having had 2019 loathing of is drink driving. I have a skinful, would be excluded from known people and known of people normal social contact, almost, because Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I who have been victims of drink they would be regarded as indeed rise to speak also on the Road Safety drivers—people who have felt no bloody idiots, as the advertisements and Other Legislation Amendment Bill problem with getting behind the so correctly pointed out. So there we 2019. Now, as has been outlined by wheel of a car having consumed God had an instance of a government body, a number of speakers here tonight— alone knows how much alcohol. I can yes, spending a huge sum of money and particularly eloquently by Mrs honestly say that it is something that I to promote a campaign which was McArthur and Mr Ondarchie—the have never done. I am not saying that if exceedingly effective. impact of losing someone in road I wiggle my head furiously my halo will trauma never really goes away, the I just wonder if the TAC might slip and strangle me—not at all—but need a reboot, because they have pain never really goes away. I have I do say that that is something that I known in my life a number of people not had, I do not think, the same sort have never done, because I absolutely of effective campaigns that we have who have been touched by the tragedy detest it. of road trauma. Indeed, some 50 years seen previously. It may well be that I well remember the Transport the TAC does need a reboot to see ago this year I lost a little cousin who Accident Commission (TAC), way was three. She ran out—in Noorat, in them get back in the game again, as back in probably the 1980s, began a it were, because we have not just a fact, down in the Western District—on campaign that changed the way people New Year’s Day. She ran across the drink-driving problem now; we also do things in this state. Back in the have something that possibly is worse, road in Noorat and was collected by a 1970s, people used to laugh—‘I can’t truck. I often think of that truck driver. and that is a drug-driving problem. We remember getting home last night; talk about marijuana, and that can put It was not his fault, but the impact that the car drove itself’. People would go it had on him I would suggest would people into a certain state, there is no to the pub, get legless and drive home. doubt about that, but there are certain be almost as bad as the impact on her How most of them actually survived, parents and the rest of us in the family. drugs that can impact people in a way I do not know. Some dreadful crashes that gives them hallucinations and has That is something that perhaps is not occurred because the drivers were given enough consideration—the a wide variety of effects on their mental blind drunk. They literally could not state. Now, for people to get behind the impact on those who are involved, see where they were going. How the who may blame themselves, who may wheel of a car in that circumstance—to hell they got home, I do not know. And say that is dangerous would be the carry guilt for indeed the rest of their this was regarded as a bit of a joke. It lives as a result of these incidents. So understatement of the year. That is was regarded as something that you just insanity; that is something that we I can relate very well to those who are would tell your mates about and you suffering the pain of having lost a child have to crack down on completely. I would laugh about. Then along came know the police have done as much as or a member of the family—or a close the TAC, and they started a campaign, friend; that can be just as difficult. they can and are continuing to do as and at the time it was a bit of a shock. I much as they can, but I sincerely hope It is a dreadful thing, and we must am sure many of you, if not all of you, do everything in this place to ensure that the efforts are doubled, tripled,
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 13 quadrupled if possible to stamp out killed and they are far more likely to a parlous situation financially at the both drink and drug driving in Victoria cause carnage. It has been compared minute— in 2020. to drink driving—to be driving when Mr Davis interjected. Of course, the most effective way you are particularly tired. How ironic Mr FINN: Cutting $4 billion, I of improving safety on our roads is it that this Parliament is sitting here understand. But I think this could is putting police cars out there— after 11.30 pm tonight debating this not be seen as expenditure; I think something as easy as that—because bill knowing in a few hours time, or this would be seen as an investment you will have noticed, and I am sure in a couple of hours time or in a half in the future of the state. It would be every member will relate to this, that an hour’s time we are all going to get seen as an investment in tourism and if you are driving along and you see in our cars, having worked 16 hours particularly in the western suburbs. a police car, what is the first thing today, or whatever it might have been. Mr Davis interjected. We are all going to get in our cars dog you do? Look at your speedo is what Mr FINN: Yes, in education too. That you do. You look at your speedo, and tired, and we are going to drive home. Where is the irony there? More to the is going to be a very big part, Mr Davis, you see how fast you are going—and of the future plans of the Werribee occasionally I have been known to go point, where is the common sense there? Open Range Zoo. They will be involved over the speed limit just a little—and in bringing lots of schoolchildren you immediately go back to what you Mr Ondarchie interjected. in, showing them a whole range and should be doing. That is the practical Mr FINN: Yes, common sense is not size of things that they would not implication of having police cars on the very common, especially around here have otherwise realised about animal roads—you behave yourself and you sometimes. So it is a bit sad. We are husbandry and that sort of thing. So stick to the speed limit. If everybody discussing this bill, and we are going I ask the minister to give favourable were to do that all the time, the road to do exactly the opposite to what we consideration, particularly with the trauma that we speak of largely would should be doing in this regard very, budget coming up, to Mr Holland’s not exist, because there is so much very soon. I support Mr O’Donohue’s request for some millions to expand, human error involved in the—I do amendments. The hoons need to be to extend and to improve the Werribee not know what you would call them— cracked down on. There are no two Open Range Zoo and make it an even accidents or just crashes. ways about that at all, and I certainly more special place, particularly for The other thing of course is the look forward to that happening very those of us in the west but indeed for state of our roads. The condition of soon and look forward to further all Melburnians and I think indeed for our roads leaves a lot to be desired speakers on this bill as the evening and all Victorians. in the outer suburbs in places like possibly the morning progress. Sunbury and in places like Werribee COUNCIL | Constituency questions and Mickleham Road, as Mr Ondarchie COUNCIL | Adjournment 17 March 2020 said. I represented that area until 05 March 2020 relatively recently and know it pretty well. There are places like Sunbury Road, for example, and Plumpton Toxic soil Road and Derrimut Road. These are Werribee Open major arterials now that are nothing much more than goat tracks. Speaking dumping of goat tracks, K Road in Werribee is an Range Zoo absolute disgrace. This is an area where Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I locations wish to raise a matter this morning tens of thousands of people come Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) to go to Werribee Park, to Werribee for the attention of the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate — My constituency question is to the Mansion, to the open-range zoo, to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. rose garden, to the equestrian centre Change. Let me tell you that it takes something pretty special to get me Minister, I am hoping you will be and to the golf club—a whole range of able to assist me on this matter. A activities there. I remember going with to my feet in this house at 5 past 2 in the morning, but this is a particularly number of your colleagues cannot or Mr Rich-Phillips last year to K Road, will not answer my questions. Some and we went there for the specific special place that I am speaking about that morning, and that is the have pointed the finger at you as the purpose of inspecting the surface. It one responsible for answering the was abysmal; it was shocking. It is just Werribee Open Range Zoo, which I have visited on many occasions. questions that I have asked. Many in staggering that such a road can be in the western suburbs have expressed such appalling condition. I well recall I visited it again last week and met with the director, Glen Holland, who their very real concern about the in years gone by that you would know dumping of toxic soil from the West when you had crossed the border into is a man of considerable experience and even more considerable vision, I Gate Tunnel Project that has already New South Wales, because the roads taken place at Ravenhall and Bulla. deteriorate immediately. You would would suggest, given what he told me last week when I visited. He laid out This is on top of the obvious outrage of not have to look at the sign saying Wyndham residents about what may ‘Welcome to New South Wales’. You the future of the Werribee Open Range Zoo for me in very, very graphic terms well happen there. Minister, where would know because of the roads. Now exactly has any toxic soil from the West it is the other way around. When you and, I have to say, very, very exciting terms. He sold me on what the future Gate Tunnel Project been dumped in are coming from New South Wales into Melbourne’s west? Victoria, you know when you cross the of the Werribee Open Range Zoo will border because the roads immediately be very, very quickly. As Big Kev would deteriorate in quality. That is a fact. say, I was excited. It was something very, very special—from cafes and The other big issue is fatigue. We bigger exhibitions to a whole range of are constantly told that people driving great things that he has in mind. The whilst they are tired are far more likely problem, of course, is that it will cost to crash, they are far more likely to be money. Given that the state is in, well,
IN 14 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Members statements the western suburbs. Now, I do not supply or indeed lack of it quite often, 17 March 2020 know whether that is just coincidence. particularly in the summer months. I do not know whether that is by design We have, I would suggest, a or what it might be. But it just seems particularly cold winter coming up, to me to be a little odd that when the although cold winters are nothing new West Gate Tunnel decision is made to cut the power, the to Melbourne. I think we have got used Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — western suburbs are the ones who cop to them over the last few years. But President, may I wish a very happy St it in the neck yet again. we must remember that it is not just Patrick’s Day to you, all the members Of course, this unreliability and business that feels the pain of these and staff. We in Melbourne’s west may skyrocketing of prices has been caused electricity prices; it is also those who well need the luck of the Irish if we are by a campaign of religious zealotry can least afford to heat their homes— to survive the Andrews government based on climate change against the unemployed, and particularly dumping toxic soil near our homes coal—the evil coal, the thing that has pensioners, many of whom, as I have and schools and in our communities. kept us warm, kept us cool and kept mentioned in this house before, go to Since the first sitting day of this year our lights on for many a long year. Well, bed at lunchtime because it is the only I have attempted to find out exactly all of a sudden it is evil, and of course way that they can keep warm. They what the government has in mind that is nonsense, because we know that cannot afford to turn the heater on. with regard to the dumping of toxic coal is one of the most reliable forms of They certainly cannot afford to buy soil for the West Gate Tunnel Project power imaginable, particularly here in wood for a fire. They spend most of in the western suburbs. To this point I Victoria, where it can keep us going, if their lives over the winter months in have received absolutely nothing that we are desirous of doing so, for about bed just to keep warm—just to keep goes anywhere near an answer. Every another 300 years. I probably will not alive. Now, if the Andrews government day I hear of more reports from my be here then, but that is something are proud of that, well, they will be constituents alleging the dumping of that I think everybody should take into proud of anything. I find that an toxic soil from Wyndham to Ravenhall consideration. appalling reflection on us as a civilised to Bulla. As if we do not have enough We heard Dr Kieu talk about what society. I think that it is appalling that to worry about with the coronavirus, climate change is doing to our weather. we treat those vulnerable members the Andrews government is planning I do not know where he was last of our community in this way, that we to dump carcinogens and asbestos on month—I do not know where he was in allow them to be treated like second- us. Why won’t this government answer February—but I tell you what, a bloke class citizens—that is tragic. questions? What has this government would have been flat out getting into Poor people are suffering as a result got to hide? The people of the west a pair of shorts in this February just of these power policies, and I thought demand answers. They demand the gone, because it was one of the coldest that the Labor Party cared about Andrews government comes clean. and one of the wettest Februaries that the people who are not at, as Daniel Premier, tell us the truth. I assure I can ever remember. Unfortunately Andrews always talks about, the big the house I will not give up until the that weather had started by about end of town—or was that Bill Shorten? Premier and his government tell us the middle of January. Certainly we It might have been Bill Shorten; it what we need to know. Melbourne’s had some warm days—very warm might have been the other way around. west deserves answers and we deserve days in fact—before Christmas, but But whoever talks about the big end of those answers now. once Christmas hit, that was about it. town, I thought that was horrendous, So all this talk about unprecedented that was appalling. But it seems that COUNCIL | Second reading heat is just absolute nonsense— not only are this government appalled 17 March 2020 absolute nonsense. There was nothing by the big end of town; they are also unprecedented about the summer appalled by the bottom end of town that we have just had except the rain as well, because both ends of town, in and the cold in February. That is the fact, are suffering as a result of these National only precedent that was set there. For power policies. people to suggest otherwise means It is pure ideology, as Mr Rich- Electricity that they were actually on holiday Phillips said—it is pure ideology. There somewhere else and not in Victoria is no sense in what the government over the last couple of months, and is doing. They rabbit on about (Victoria) that is again a little bit sad. renewables, but if we were entirely It leads one to ask the question: what reliant on renewables in this state, we Amendment Bill did Victorians use before candles? would never have any electricity. Can And of course the answer is electricity, I suggest to members, particularly 2020 which is again a sad reflection on a members opposite but members on Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) government which has let things go this side as well, that they might like to — It is hard to believe that it is only to hell in a handcart. It is little wonder tune in to watch Paul Murray Live on five years ago that Victoria had the that our economy is shifting towards Sky News, because he quite often tells cheapest, most reliable power in recession at a rapid rate and little us— Australia. What has happened? I wonder that businesses and industry Mr Ondarchie: Are you on that? will tell you what has happened: the are feeling the pain of electricity prices Mr FINN: Well, I am not on that, but Andrews government happened. that are just outrageous and that are it may be coming soon. I will keep you That is what happened. Victoria is just through the roof. It is little wonder informed. Mr Murray, the host, often now, of course, the blackout capital that jobs are being lost. It is little refers to the percentage of electricity of Australia, and that is in itself wonder that businesses are travelling supplied by coal in Victoria and other something that we have all suffered interstate and overseas now to get states, and generally speaking the from to varying degrees over recent away from the Andrews government’s percentage of electricity provided years. Interestingly enough, when the treatment of them via our power by coal in Victoria is around about blackouts hit, they invariably hit first the mid to high 80s. So we have got
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 15 a situation where if we relied on why he would even have her in the of people throughout the west of renewables we would barely have ministry, much less have her in this Melbourne who would be even more any electricity at all, and that is the very, very important portfolio. So if grateful than me. simple fact of the matter. These people Daniel Andrews wants to do Victoria a opposite can beat their ideological huge favour, he will ditch her. COUNCIL | Constituency questions drum and push their ideological views Mr Ondarchie interjected. 18 March 2020 on these sorts of things, but the reality Mr FINN: I am not even sure is the reality, and the reality is that the lights are on, Mr Ondarchie, their policies are hurting people. Their sometimes with her. But if the Premier policies are hurting people now, and wants to do us all a great favour, he Werribee freeway they are hurting the people who can will appoint a new minister for energy, least afford to be hurt. because the current one has got noise That is, I think, a dreadful reflection nothing going for her at all. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) on a government and a Labor Party — My constituency question is which was once very proud of looking COUNCIL | Adjournment directed to the Minister for Transport after the workers, very proud of looking 17 March 2020 Infrastructure. I previously addressed after those who could least afford to this question to the Minister for Roads, look after themselves, but now does but I was informed I was barking not give a stuff. They have thrown up the wrong tree. I am hoping I am themselves in with the ideological left, West Gate Tunnel barking up the right one now. Recently and they have completely forsaken Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) I visited Alesia Court in Werribee after what they once stood for, and that — I wish to raise a matter this evening a constituent complained to me about was a party who actually cared. Now for the attention of the Minister for noise levels from the nearby freeway. it is all about ideology and all about Transport Infrastructure. Having Houses in that court and surrounding promoting themselves as some sort of raised this matter with the Premier, streets are very close to the freeway, world leaders on the ideological left. with the Minister for Health and with and I can now believe the horrendous That again is very sad for Victorians the Minister for Energy, Environment noise suffered by residents. The and, as I said, particularly for those and Climate Change, it is apparent noise will worsen when the Duncans pensioners who will suffer again in a that I should have raised this with the Road interchange is completed. My very big way and in a very significant Minister for Transport Infrastructure— constituent explained to me that he way. They will suffer. It does not although I have to say, it is very, very sleeps with earplugs and that his matter whether they are in the eastern difficult to know exactly what she is partner takes sleeping tablets in an suburbs in Toorak, whether they are responsible for and what she is not attempt to sleep at night. They keep in Broadmeadows, whether they are responsible for. Whether that is just the television on at dinner time to in Gippsland, whether they are in a coincidence or whether it is very drown out the traffic noise. Needless western Victoria or whether they are deliberate, I am not sure, but I have to say, leaving windows or doors open in northern Victoria. These people discovered, having tracked down a to allow a cool breeze in is strictly a will suffer because they cannot afford number of her colleagues, that she no-no. This is an appalling situation to pay their electricity bill and they appears to be responsible for the issue that needs urgent attention and action. cannot afford to pay their gas bill. That that I am raising again tonight. That of As a part of the Duncans Road works is a sad reality of life in Victoria in 2020 course concerns the dumping of toxic a sound barrier should be constructed and has been over the last few years. soil in the western suburbs. between the freeway and the houses. I will just finish by making an I have been deeply disturbed over Will the minister commit to providing observation, and that is if the Premier recent weeks by the number of calls this desperately needed infrastructure? of this state, Daniel Andrews, was that I have had from people who serious about providing a good, have claimed that toxic soil has been reliable and cheap electricity supply to COUNCIL | Motions dumped at Ravenhall. I have been the people of this state he would not 18 March 2020 told that toxic soil has been dumped have Lily D’Ambrosio as the minister, in Bulla, and I am told that toxic soil because Silly Lily has not got a clue. is being prepared to be dumped, She has no idea. I do not think I have if it has not already been dumped, ever seen a minister who is as clueless Independent in Wyndham. It is just quite an as Lily D’Ambrosio, and it does not extraordinary situation. Now, I do not matter what portfolio— Broad-Based know why the government has taken The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms this long to do something about this. Patten): Mr Finn, could you please They were warned about the toxic soil Anti-Corruption refer to the minister by her proper title. three years ago. But here we are in 2020 Mr FINN: I am sorry. Did I refer to and we are playing a guessing game as Commission her as— to what the government is going to do Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms and where the government will dump — I rise to speak on the motion Patten): I would ask you to refer to this toxic soil. moved so eloquently by Mr Quilty Minister D’Ambrosio as Minister What I am asking the minister to do earlier today, and I cannot help but D’Ambrosio. tonight is to tell me and indeed tell be struck constantly by the public Mr FINN: I will endeavour not to the community if any toxic soil has perception of those of us in public refer to the minister as ‘Silly Lily’ again, been dumped in the western suburbs office in this country. I think that is because that would be outrageous. of Melbourne, and if so where. That probably not just an Australian thing; I will just finish by saying that, really, is what I am after. I would be greatly I think it is probably around the world, apart from a factional link that the appreciative if the minister could where good folk—good, hardworking Premier has with Minister D’Ambrosio, inform me of that, but I am sure there taxpayers—are out there with the view I cannot think of another reason will be thousands and thousands that we are all thieves and crooks.
IN 16 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE That is a very sad state of affairs, but is nobody that can dispute that. That is on the Australian Labor Party. It is that is their view and they cannot be simply a fact. That is what they did, and something that Victorians have looked dissuaded from that. They think that they fought it every inch of the way. at, have watched from afar and have we are all on the take. They think we Even when the police got involved, been absolutely stunned by, I have to are all shaking somebody down— when Victoria Police got involved, say, and I am not at all surprised that unless they think we are all shaking they refused to cooperate with Victoria they have been. It is a pretty crook— everybody down in fact. I have to say Police. They refused to cooperate with literally—set-up when we have that that a quick look at my bank account the investigators who had been given sort of thing going on. would reassure them that I am not the responsibility of uncovering this We then move to a couple of doing that very quickly. shysterism of the Victorian Labor blokes who were charged with the But unfortunately it has to be said Party. They refused to have anything responsibility of— that the record of this government to do with the police. They refused to Ms Symes: On a point of order, over the last five and a bit years backs speak to the police. They refused to Deputy President, as much as I am that up. It just feeds that perception, involve themselves in providing justice trying to block out Mr Finn’s words, because the Andrews government in this particular instance. I mean, if he is not remotely referring to the is a corrupt government. There is no you are not prepared to speak to the motion that Mr Quilty has put before other way of putting it: the Andrews police, I would suggest to you very the house. It is actually disrespectful government is a corrupt government. strongly that you have probably got to Mr Quilty, frankly. Can he please be That is simply stating a fact. We do not something to hide. And the Labor Party brought back to the motion? have to go very far to establish why it in this state has got plenty to hide. It Mr FINN: On the point of order, is a corrupt government. We do not ripped off the taxpayers to get elected. Deputy President, the fact of the have to establish too much at all to It then spent millions and millions matter is that the motion clearly refers prove that this government has done and millions of dollars going to the to perceptions of corruption. The things which are shady to say the very Supreme Court and then to the High corruption perceptions index (CPI) least—and that is understating things Court in Canberra to cover that up and talks about a score of 85 in 2012, down enormously. to protect itself from the glare of the to 77 in 2019, so that is exactly what I We remember of course the red public gaze, and that is an indisputable am talking about. If anybody had been shirts rorts scandal of 2014. Even fact. listening to my contribution to this before it was elected this government Is it any wonder that people think we point, they would be well aware that is was up to dirty tricks. This government are all crooks? Is it any wonder when exactly what I have said. I used those was ripping off the Victorian taxpayer they see the government of Victoria, words—‘corruption perception’. That to get itself elected. We remember the Labor government of Victoria, is exactly what I have spoken about, that, and we know that was set up involved in this sort of shysterism, Deputy President. by the Labor Party in opposition—a that people’s perception is built to the The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Whilst we deliberate ploy to take money out of extent that it has been? It gives me are enjoying a broad-ranging debate the pockets of Victorians and to fund absolutely no joy, I have to say, to hear on this particular motion, I would draw their campaign. It was, I have to say, people speak of the Premier in the way Mr Finn back to the actual substance of breathtaking in its audacity, and it was they do, because there has been a fair the motion. only a matter of time before they were bit of water go under the bridge since Mr FINN: I can fully understand why found out. And of course they were November 2018, and the perception Ms Symes is very, very tetchy about found out by the Ombudsman. of the Premier by the great majority the facts being raised in this house. They were not happy that they were of people, I have to say, has changed I can fully understand that; I would found out by the Ombudsman, so significantly since November 2018. be too. If I was a member of a corrupt they took it to the High Court. First What they are calling him now, well, I government, I would be tetchy too. I they took it to the Supreme Court here certainly could not say in this house, would not want these sorts of things in Victoria, and then they took it to and I have no intention of doing so, raised in the Parliament. I would the High Court. Taking things to the Deputy President, I am sure you will be not want them raised. I am not the Supreme Court and then to the High pleased to hear— Ombudsman— Court—that is not a cheap exercise. Mr Ondarchie interjected. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Order! Mr That would have cost the Victorian Mr FINN: Even with Mr Ondarchie Finn! taxpayer millions and millions of offering his fulsome support, I still will Mr FINN: I am not the Ombudsman. dollars even if they had got a cheap not do that. But the fact of the matter is deal from some of their Labor lawyer She does not have to take me to the that this government is regarded by the High Court. mates—and we will discuss that great majority of Victorians as crooked, perhaps tomorrow. Even if they had as corrupt— The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Mr Finn! I just ask you to not be deliberately got a cheap deal from Slater and Mr Ondarchie: Dodgy. Gordon or Maurice Blackburn, even provocative, please. Mr FINN: Well, ‘dodgy’ is very mild Mr FINN: Deputy President, I then they would have been putting up compared to what people are calling a fair whack of Victorians’ money to am wounded. I am offended that the Andrews government as we speak. you would think that I would be take this matter to court so they would If Mick Gatto or if Tony Mokbel—I not have to be exposed as the crooks deliberately provocative in any way. will not say Gatto; I will say Tony But I have just been stating the facts that they are. Mokbel—had treated the police with That is the bottom line, and that with regard to this motion. The the contempt with which the Victorian corruption perceptions index is a is the simple fact of the matter. That government has treated Victoria is a matter of public record: this reflection of what people think of us Police, that would be fully and totally and those who hold public office, and I government went to the highest court expected, but we are talking about in this land as part of the cover-up am just pointing out why people think the Premier and the government of the way they do. to stop the people of Victoria finding Victoria, and that is disgraceful. That out what it had done prior to the 2014 is a permanent stain on the Andrews We had another couple of election. It is as simple as that—there government and a permanent stain blokes who were charged with the
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 17 responsibility of leading one house of he was discussing with Transurban investigated by IBAC. I tell you what: this Parliament: a bloke called Telmo the project that they have got now. So some of your mates over there just Languiller, who was the Speaker of the here he was saying one thing to the might end up in the big house. Make a other place, and another chap called electorate, and at the same time he was note. You might chortle, but you might Donnie Nardella, who was the Deputy behind closed doors doing deals with be laughing on the other side of the Speaker of the other place. Those two Transurban. Oh, hang on— bars by the time we are finished. individuals— Ms Terpstra: On a point of order, Of course the other aspect of the Mr Ondarchie interjected. Deputy President, Mr Finn discussing West Gate Tunnel and the rather dodgy Mr FINN: Look, I think there was a all of those wideranging construction involvement of the government in caravan involved. There was a caravan projects does not seem to be relevant all this is the role that the Treasurer involved, as I recall. I am not sure it to the motion. of this state played. Of course he was a Jayco—that is down in your Mr FINN: On the point of order, sat around the cabinet table as the electorate, I believe, Mrs McArthur. Deputy President, if Ms Terpstra government agreed to this project. I think actually Telmo was down in would be kind enough to give me just They agreed to give Transurban the your electorate as well, one of your a couple more minutes, I will be happy contract. There was Tim Pallas, the constituents at one stage. But you to explain how that fits into corruption Treasurer, sitting at the cabinet table know, people saw that— in Victoria, the CPI and the increased with the Premier. There he was. He Mrs McArthur interjected. perception of corruption as a result of did not actually mention that he had Mr FINN: Well, he did get around this government. Transurban shares. He actually owned a bit, yes, but the money followed. Ms Terpstra: On the point of shares in Transurban. If you have a Wherever he went the money followed. order, Deputy President, looking Treasurer of this state contributing to The people saw that, and they said, at the motion, it is particularly making decisions on one of the biggest ‘If this is what the Speaker and the about government agencies and infrastructure projects in the state’s Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of organisations and complaints that history and he has got shares in the Victoria are capable of, what are the have been received as opposed to company that they are giving it to—if rest of them doing?’. And that just fed construction projects where there is that is not corruption, I am not exactly the perception that we are all crooks. nothing on the public record in terms sure what is. That fed it further. It is not rocket of complaints about those construction Is it any wonder that people have science to understand. projects. the view and have the perception that Mr Ondarchie interjected. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: The they do that we are all crooks? That is, motion is about government agencies I know, far from the truth, because the Mr FINN: Well, it could be dogs in majority of elected members of this cars—we might get to that in a minute. and police corruption. Could you just very quickly make your point, if it is Parliament, indeed of any parliament, But it is not at all surprising that this are good, hardworking people who corruption perceptions index has relevant to it, and then return to the motion, please. enter the Parliament for the right gone through the roof when people reasons—the overwhelming majority. see the parliamentary leaders—the Mr FINN: I draw your attention to (1) (c) of the motion, which refers to: It is a few bad apples who give us Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of all a very, very bad name indeed. the Parliament, leading members research by Chartered Accountants Again, that is very sad and something of the ALP—behaving in such an Australia and New Zealand states that I personally would love to see that Australian governments— appalling and corrupt manner. It changed. I have had hopes over the is not at all surprising that people Australian governments— years as governments have come and would be appalled and of the view display widespread complacency governments have gone that a real that corruption is rife among elected about corruption … effort would be made to change that officials. That goes to the very heart of public perception. Unfortunately I am Speaking of the corruption what I am talking about, and that of still waiting, but I have not given up perceptions index, there is another course is that the Premier was saying yet; I am still very hopeful. issue that I think very recently has fed one thing in public and in the back I commend Mr Quilty for bringing that perception index, and that is this room he was dealing with his mates this motion to the house. I think it is government’s handling of the West from Transurban. And that has been an important motion. I think this is Gate Tunnel. Way back in 2014, at the going on ever since. I was chairman a matter that needs to be discussed same time as the ALP was ripping off of the Economy and Infrastructure publicly, because if you get this sort the taxpayer to fund its campaign with Committee in the last Parliament, of thing and you tuck it in the corner the red shorts—red shirts rorts affair— and we were lied to by Transurban and you turn off the lights, it will grow. Ms Terpstra: Red shorts? and we were lied to by officers of Corruption grows in the darkness. Mr FINN: Well, you might have been this government with regard to this Where people cannot see, that is where wearing red shorts. I tell you what: if project. When you have vast sums of you will find corruption, and we really Ms Terpstra was in red shorts, I am money changing hands, when you need to ensure that the sort of thing glad I was somewhere else. have contracts being signed, when you that I have discussed here today is I just remember, back in 2014, that have deals being done and when you exposed. I think if this motion by Mr at the same time as the government have lies being told to a parliamentary Quilty goes some way to doing that, was involved in the red shirts fiasco committee, if that is not corruption, then that will be a very, very good the Premier, Mr Andrews, was telling I do not know what is. That is a clear thing. everybody about this great plan he had case of corruption, and I have no Mr Quilty talked about Victoria for a western distributor. It was about doubt—there is no doubt in my Police’s potential for corruption, $500 million, and he said it was shovel mind—that at some stage this project and I think it is safe to say that police ready. This was before 2014. He said and the role that the government and command in Victoria over the last 20 this to the electorate in the lead-up Transurban played in this project will years has left a fair bit to be desired. to the election. At the same time as be investigated by IBAC. I have no There was a time when we were all he was saying that to the electorate, doubt about that at all. It will happen; exceedingly proud of— at some stage this project will be
IN 18 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE A member: Mick Miller. She negotiated a flexible working a whole range of powers that have Mr FINN: Mick Miller, indeed. arrangement in December 2018 and been presented to the executive and A member: Kel Glare. was due to start in February 2019. But that are being used by the executive Mr FINN: Kel Glare, absolutely, and when she was due to start, the council as we speak. Without the scrutiny of Neil Comrie—some of the great chief began to pursue her for termination for the Parliament, well, then anything commissioners who we could actually inappropriate use of council emails, is possible. That really is a deeply say were on top of their jobs and were stating 151 personal emails over a concerning matter to me, and I think it leading from the front. They were good two-year period was too much and a is a concerning matter to anybody who coppers, and they were great chief breach of policy. She was then sacked stops and thinks about it for any period commissioners. And then along came in May 2019. Now, I have to say that of time at all. I believe that we need to the politicisation of the police force, 151 personal emails over two years come back at a set time. and we have seen some very, very I do not find excessive, nor do I find I have to say to you: I do not trust strange things happen from that point it reasonable that she be sacked for the government. It is as simple as that. on. That in itself is a corruption of the those. In fact I think I smell a set-up. It I trust you, President, most certainly, force. Do not start me on Christine was further explained to me that at the but I do not trust the government; I Nixon or indeed Simon Overland, Wyndham council there is a culture certainly do not trust the Premier. I because we will be here all night. It will of bullying and sexual harassment urge the house to support Mr Davis’s be later than 3 o’clock, I can assure you. of staff. Now, this is something that amendment to return at the set date in obviously is deeply, deeply concerning May. A member interjected. and something that must be addressed Mr FINN: He’s gone! Take that man as a matter of urgency. out and give him a hanky. COUNCIL | Committee So what I am asking the Minister for 19 March 2020 I urge the house to support this Local Government to do is to institute motion of Mr Quilty. I will leave it a ministerial inquiry into the culture there, but I really believe that we must of Wyndham council. We are on the expose corruption. I can understand Ws. I am very keen that the minister Local why Minister Symes is very pleased—I ascertain for himself the difficulties would suggest relieved—that I am that some staff, and indeed some coming to an end, because she is very councillors I understand, have had Government happy for her government’s record over the journey of recent years. I to go unnoticed, to not have the ask the minister to establish that as (Whittlesea City light shine upon it. She is very, very a matter of urgency. I do not think happy for that to occur. She wants that anybody should be forced to Council) Bill people to forget the corruption that put up with this particular form of her government has been involved harassment, and I do not think that 2020 in over the past five years, so I can anybody should be sacked, particularly Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — understand why she is relieved that I coming back from maternity leave, Minister, from reading the monitor’s am going to come to a conclusion in for having sent allegedly 151 personal report and listening to Mr Ondarchie’s my contribution in just a minute. But emails over a two-year period. The contribution to the second-reading I can assure Minister Symes, as I can whole thing stinks to high heaven, and debate it seems to me that a major assure this house and as I can assure I ask the minister to investigate. you, Deputy President, that the people contributing factor to the dismissal of of Victoria are the ultimate judges. this council is extreme dysfunction as a They will not forget, and come the first COUNCIL | Business of the house result of internal political party faction 19 March 2020 opportunity they will slap down this fighting. That may well involve people corrupt, filthy government. who are not on that council. It may well involve members of this Parliament. COUNCIL | Adjournment Adjournment It may well involve ministers of the 18 March 2020 Crown. As somebody who comes from Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I an area that is—well, let me say it is rise to support the amendment moved not exactly unknown for Labor Party by Mr Davis. I am deeply concerned. faction fighting to occur in western Wyndham City As members would know, I have been suburbs councils. I am really keen to in this Parliament for a long time, know, taking it all into consideration, and I have never seen what we have what we have heard and what we have Council seen over the last 24 hours in this read over the last couple of days—and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Parliament. I understand there have it really has only been a couple of — I raise a matter this evening for the been some extraordinary scenes and days—I am very keen for you to tell attention of the Minister for Local extraordinary moves in the other place me, to tell the house and to tell Victoria Government. It comes as a result of a this morning, and that is something that dysfunction due to faction fighting meeting that I had in my office recently that deeply concerns me. is now a precedent for the dismissal of with a constituent, a very emotional My concern is that the Premier a council. meeting and one that I have to say I may well be feeling that he can do was very distressed as a result of. It was without the Parliament—that he is with a young woman who had started in a far better position than any of working at Wyndham City Council in us to run the show. That concerns 2010–11. She has requested that I not me enormously. The fact that we are use her name in the house and I am in a state of emergency, to my way very happy to accede to that request. of thinking, means the role of the Her situation involves maternity Parliament is more important now leave. She was due to return to work. than it has ever been, because we have
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 19 COUNCIL | Adjournment COUNCIL | Adjournment precinct were able to get across that 19 March 2020 19 March 2020 busy Riddell Road without being knocked senseless, or worse. So I ask the minister to provide those resources for that crossing with lights. I am sure Local Riddell Road, the community in Sunbury would be forever grateful and delighted. They Government Sunbury, may in fact invite the minister down for a feed and a beer. (Whittlesea City pedestrian COUNCIL | Constituency questions Council) Bill crossing 23 April 2020 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) 2020 — I raise a matter for the attention of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — the Minister for Roads this evening. Toxic soil Minister, I must ask, given everything It concerns perhaps not as expensive that we have heard and everything an item as some have requested this dumping that we have read and given the evening but a very important one nonetheless. That is Riddell Road in Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) dysfunction of the factions, groupings, — My constituency question is to the gangs—call them what you will—the Sunbury, which is a very busy road— an extremely busy road in fact—and Minister for Transport Infrastructure. interaction inevitably seems to come During the course of this current back to one political party. Does this what we are requiring is a pedestrian crossing outside Clarke Oval. crisis a number of communities bill set a precedent for the dismissal of in Melbourne’s west have grown For those who know that area, future councils? Does this bill set the increasingly concerned that the Clarke Oval is the home of the Sunbury precedent of factional dysfunction as a Andrews government is dumping football club and the cricket club as reason for the dismissal of councils in dangerous toxic soil from the West well as the bowling club. It is a very future? Gate Tunnel project in their areas large social centre in Sunbury where while we are all being locked down. many thousands of people in fact over COUNCIL | Constituency questions Many in the vicinity of the Ravenhall a period of time will gather—perhaps 19 March 2020 stinking hole in the ground that I have not at the minute, but over a period often referred to in the past have been of time will gather—to have convivial worried about this dumping for some beverages, to celebrate birthdays, time. Now I have been approached weddings, anniversaries and that Bulla tip stench by constituents in Bulla who are manner of things as well as, of course, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) convinced that this material is being to go to the footy. We have had some — My constituency question is to the dumped there. Minister, has dangerous severe near misses—I am talking about Minister for Energy, Environment toxic soil from the West Gate Tunnel really near misses—when people have and Climate Change, and I ask this project been dumped in Ravenhall, tried to get across the road. Particularly question on behalf of the people of Bulla or anywhere else in Melbourne’s they may have spent the afternoon at Bulla and those thousands of motorists west? the football and may not be seeing as who use Sunbury Road near Bulla straight as they might otherwise, and daily. Recent activity at the Bulla they have been very close to coming to COUNCIL | Second reading tip has seen a growing mountain of grief. 23 April 2020 rubbish overlooking the surrounding area. At the same time as this trash What I am asking the minister to mountain has grown, a stench has do is to provide the resources, the emanated from the tip that can be funds, necessary to put in a pedestrian State Taxation smelt kilometres away. The stench is crossing with lights for that particular quite overwhelming and has made area. It would save lives. I have those in the area feel physically ill. absolutely no doubt with the way Acts Amendment Given the history of the tip, locals are things stand at the moment somebody deeply concerned about what the new will be killed before too long if this (Relief Measures) trash mountain and dreadful stench change is not made. Sunbury is very might mean. Minister, what is going on much a growing area, and it is about to Bill 2020 at the Bulla tip? grow substantially more—over the next 10 years we anticipate that Sunbury Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I will double in size, so we are looking was first elected to this Parliament in at somewhere around 60 000 to 70 000 1992, as the youngest member in fact people. It will be a major population of the Kennett government. I came centre, and obviously the bowling club, into the other place and Victoria was the football club, the Clarke Oval and financially stuffed. It was a basket case, the cricket club will be the centre of it was a national joke. Over the years much activity for many people who that followed we worked extremely will be moving to Sunbury over the hard. The members of the Kennett next few years, as well as those who government, both the frontbench and have already been there for quite some the backbench, worked extremely time. So obviously the pedestrian hard to get Victoria back on its feet, crossing with lights would be very and we did that. We were remarkably helpful and would be very important successful, in fact, in getting Victoria to ensuring that people using that
IN 20 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE back into solvency and getting Victoria grandchildren, and that is something confirm or otherwise the presence of back onto its feet. that I am not pleased about at all. asbestos at the Bulla tip site? I cannot believe that I am standing One of the litmus tests, I suppose, here tonight debating a piece of of whether one has been a success in COUNCIL | Members statements legislation that is going to send us back life is to have left this place better than 16 June 2020 to where we were—worse than where one found it. You cannot tell me that we were—in 1992. The big difference putting Victoria into debt for $24.5 of course is that John Cain and Joan billion is doing that. You cannot tell Kirner did not mean to do that. They me that putting Victoria into the sort Member conduct were just incompetent. They had of debt that the government is talking Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — no idea what they were doing. They about is making Victoria a better place On the night of the 2014 state election stuffed up big time. This government and will indeed make Victoria a better I made a prediction. Looking at the is actually deliberately putting Victoria place when we all leave it—when we new Labor government I said, ‘Give into enormous debt—debt that we will all leave this Parliament or indeed all this mob long enough and they’ll be paying off literally for generations leave this life. make the Cain-Kirner years look like to come. Can you believe that any We have a situation which is truly the good old days’. Well, I am not one government would do that? Well, diabolical. It appals me in every way to say I told you so, but tell you so I this government does. The Andrews imaginable. As I say, to have gone certainly did. I thought the Andrews government is going to do that. through it once is bad enough, but government spent the last year more I heard the Treasurer on radio last to be here at the beginning of when than tripling the state debt, digging week when he said that we need a we are going through it again is truly holes it cannot pay for, dumping toxic more interventionist policy from horrifying. Let me tell you—let me tell soil in residential areas and mortgaging government in the economy. So I members of the government—that Victoria’s future to communist China. thought to myself, ‘Here we go’. We generations to come will curse your But no, they were busy—very, very have known that the Premier of this names for what you are doing to them. busy indeed. While small businesses state is a hardline socialist; we have They will curse you and they will hit the wall and 140 000 Victorians lost known that for a very, very long time. curse your government for what you their jobs, the Andrews government But here is his Treasurer actually are doing to them, to their children was busy setting up a sting on the parroting what the Premier has been and quite possibly even to their Premier’s factional opponents. What telling him all this time: ‘Get the grandchildren. followed was a hit that would do the government to run the economy. Get I ask, I beg, the government to Corleone family proud. The question the government to spend up big’. reconsider its policies. It must accept asked by Victorians now is: if this is Big spending, big taxing—that is that the only way to true long-lasting how the Labor Party treats its own, what this government is and that is recovery is through the private sector, how can we expect to be treated? Even what this government will continue to through business. Without a strong the federal ALP has declared Victorian be. That is not a good thing for Victoria. business sector we do not have a Labor dysfunctional and totally unable It is not a good thing for Victorians. strong state, we do not have strong to control its own affairs. Victorians When this pandemic is over, it will not employment. The only sustainable indeed are entitled to ask: if Labor be government that will return Victoria economic growth is through the cannot govern itself, how can it govern to a wealthy position. It will not be private sector, through business. If the the state? The Andrews government the government that returns Victoria government cannot accept that, then is incompetent. The Andrews to leading the way; it will be business, the government has already set its path government is corrupt. It is enough to predominantly small business, and if for total and absolute failure. drive Victorians onto the beers. the government ignores that fact, then we are all going to suffer as a result. It is COUNCIL | Constituency questions COUNCIL | Adjournment business that creates jobs. It is business 16 June 2020 16 June 2020 that creates wealth. It is business that will make Victoria great again, if I can use that term. Any government that thinks it can Bulla tip asbestos West Gate Tunnel do better than business, needs look Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — no further than the Soviet Union. inquiry My adjournment matter this evening is That did not work too well for them, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) addressed to the Minister for Transport and I can only suggest it will not work — My constituency question is to the Infrastructure. It concerns a matter too well for us either. So when I hear Minister for Energy, Environment that is of grave concern to thousands of the Treasurer talking about more and Climate Change, and further people across the western suburbs of interventionist economic policies, it to my previous question about the Melbourne, in particular people living is truly chilling, because that spells Bulla tip—a question which, by the in and around Wyndham, people living disaster for Victoria. Even before this way, has not as yet been answered—I around the Ravenhall tip and people pandemic hit we knew they had stuffed now raise a matter that has locals in Bulla and in Sunbury. It concerns the budget. To put it bluntly, they had totally bamboozled. It has long been of course a matter that I have raised stuffed the budget. Now it is almost as known that the site of the Bulla tip in this Parliament on a number of if they are saying, ‘Well, we’ve stuffed in Sunbury Road is riddled with occasions before, and that is the issue it anyway, we might as well do it asbestos. It therefore came as quite a of the dumping of toxic soil in the west properly’. Well, they are certainly doing surprise when a recent report by the from the West Gate Tunnel Project. I it properly—$24.5 billion properly. As I Environment Protection Authority have to say to the minister that I have say, that will take generations to repay Victoria found no presence of asbestos raised this with her and with other and will be a drag on my children, my at all. Minister, will you conduct an ministers on a number of occasions by grandchildren and probably my great- inquiry into this report of the EPA and way of constituency questions and so forth. I have yet to receive a sufficient
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 21 answer, and none of my constituents, toxic soil from the West Gate Tunnel The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr as I understand it, have received— Project. This site is close to homes and Bourman): The point of order is Ms Crozier interjected. schools and is on a road that is used by upheld. Mr Finn, can you give an Mr FINN: Well, they might be too thousands of motorists every day. The unreserved and uncommented busy stacking, Ms Crozier. They may impact on the health of people living withdrawal? well be. Maybe her day will come as in Sunbury and Bulla of the dumping Mr FINN: I will even go down on the well. Rarely does a day go by when of soil containing carcinogens is not knee if you like. I withdraw. my constituents do not contact me being considered at all in this push Ms Shing interjected. with more rumours, more stories of to destroy the edge of what is a green Mr FINN: I withdraw because the toxic soil being dumped around these wedge. This is not the place for millions last thing I would want to do is upset three areas. People in Caroline Springs of tonnes of poisonous, PFAS-infected Ms Shing, because God knows she and Deer Park, for example, are very, soil. I am sure those building homes needs every bit of help she can get. But very concerned and have been for a nearby—just down the road, in fact, in the contempt for the western suburbs long time about what is going on at new housing estates—would readily that Ms Shing has shown is a bloody Ravenhall. They are terribly concerned agree. Minister, will you hold the disgrace. health of locals as a priority and veto now, dreadfully concerned now, about Ms Shing: On a point of order, the fact that this toxic soil has been this or any other application to dump toxic soil in the Sunbury or Bulla areas? Acting President, we have heard the and probably is still being dumped word ‘misogyny’ bandied around in just across the road from their homes. this chamber a little bit today, and In Bulla I can tell the house about two COUNCIL | Production of documents for the third time Mr Finn has made experiences that I have had recently 17 June 2020 a comment which is disparaging and where I almost came to grief when a offensive and carries on from the dirty great piece of sludge came off conduct of his earlier two remarks. I the back of a truck on its way to being would seek that he refrain from any dumped. I did not know whether it was West Gate Tunnel further remarks of this nature, which I toxic. I did not know what it was. In fact Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — find offensive and unparliamentary. I barely saw it before getting out of the Well, I have to say that Dr Cumming’s The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr way to avoid hitting the thing. This was contribution was significantly more Bourman): Thank you, Ms Shing. Mr in the middle of Bulla hill. If anybody interesting than the one that preceded Finn, can you just withdraw without knows what Bulla hill is like, if you take hers. That is a sad reflection indeed on any commentary, without any add- the wrong turn there you are down the the contribution of Ms Shing. Some ons, without any anything. bottom of a ravine, and if you are down have very unkindly suggested she is a Mr FINN: What is she upset about the bottom of a ravine the Tobins come sanctimonious windbag, but I would and get you and it is all over. now? I did not say anything. What is not do that. I would not do that, but I she upset about? I mean, can you say Now, what I was also very concerned would suggest to her very, very strongly anything? Making a reference to a about on another occasion was the that the only reason that her political member is offensive now, is it? hail of gravel that came across my masters allow her to run loose in here windscreen from a truck that I was is to fill in a hole when they need one, The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr following down Sunbury Road. Again and they have just done it again. Now, Bourman): Mr Finn, could you just this soil may well have been the toxic one of the first comments that was withdraw. soil that we are talking about. Now, if made by Ms Shing— Mr FINN: We might as well go out this is all happening— Ms Shing: On a point of order, Acting in the street and close the Parliament A member interjected. President, I have considered what Mr altogether. We might as well do that. Finn has said, and I thought about not What a joke! What this member has Mr FINN: I was worried more about done— my lungs than the windscreen, I can pressing this point of order. Mr Finn tell you that now. But what I am really has in fact referred to me in a way The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr concerned about is to know what the which, despite some clever verbiage Bourman): Mr Finn, I am on my feet. hell is going on with this toxic soil. I and an attempt at trickery, is in fact Mr Finn, I need you just to withdraw, understand the minister is the only one seeking to cast unfair aspersions which and we can move on. who can tell me, and I would really be are entirely unparliamentary and Mr FINN: I am happy to withdraw pleased if she would. deeply offensive. I would seek that he whatever you want me to withdraw. I withdraw that gratuity. have no idea what it is, but I am happy The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr to do it. It is just the most ridiculous COUNCIL | Constituency questions bloody thing I have heard in years. 17 June 2020 Bourman): Thank you, Ms Shing. I uphold the point of order. Mr Finn, can But anyway, that is the way this you just withdraw the comment? government operates. The contempt— Mr FINN: I am happy to withdraw, The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Sunbury Road Acting President. I am not sure Bourman): Mr Finn, just back to the whether Ms Shing is upset by being motion. toxic soil called a windbag or sanctimonious, Mr FINN: The contempt Ms Shing but anyway we will move on. One of showed for the western suburbs during the things that Ms Shing began her her contribution today was despicable, application contribution with this afternoon was was disgraceful. All we want from Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) referring— this motion, all my constituents want — My constituency question is to Ms Shing: On a point of order, Acting from this motion, is some answers. the Minister for Planning, and I refer President, Mr Finn was asked by you to I have been asking questions of the the minister to the application of withdraw his comment, and he did so Premier, of the Minister for Transport the Hi-Quality Group to expand the before going on to qualify. I would ask Infrastructure, of the Minister for existing eco-hub on Sunbury Road for an unreserved withdrawal from Mr Health, of the Minister for Energy, between Bulla and Sunbury to accept Finn. Environment and Climate Change—of
IN 22 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE various ministers—for months and Mr FINN: I did not suggest it; I said The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr months and months. We want to know it. Bourman): All right. Mr Finn, I need what is going on with this PFAS stuff. Ms Shing: Oh, sorry, Mr Finn has you to start to just get on with the We want to know what is going on with now just said on the record that I motion. I may not be able to throw this contaminated soil that they are need a psychiatrist. I take extreme people out— committed to dumping in the west of offence to the fact that you would Mr FINN: I am endeavouring to do Melbourne. This mob over here are seek to stigmatise that particular that, Acting President. giving the middle finger to the people issue. I take extreme offence to this The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr of the west— unparliamentary conduct and the Bourman): Mr Finn, I am still talking. Ms Shing: On a point of order, fact that it has been a pattern from Mr I may not be able to throw people Acting President, I have just seen Mr Finn this afternoon. I would seek that out, but I know someone who can do Finn make an obscene gesture in my action be taken to address Mr Finn’s that, so can we just move on with the direction when he referred to the behaviour and conduct, because I find motion itself. Speaking of that— comments he made. I would seek it utterly offensive and completely Mr FINN: G’day, Shaun. How are that you examine the video footage unparliamentary. I seek an absolute you? I am delighted to speak on this of this particular contribution and and unconditional withdrawal from motion, because I am here to defend Mr Finn’s gesture and that a ruling be Mr Finn in relation to the comment the people of the west. I know that made in this regard. This is absolutely that he has just made on top of the there are many members of this inappropriate, particularly in light withdrawals that you, Acting President, house who do not give a stuff about of the earlier discussions and the have sought and obtained in various the western suburbs. Members on exchanges we have had with you, qualified and later unqualified ways. the opposite side of this house have Acting President, about Mr Finn’s The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr shown time and time and time again course of conduct this afternoon Bourman): Thank you, Ms Shing, I do that, despite the fact that the people following my contribution and the actually uphold it. Mr Finn, I need you of the west vote for them at every references he has made to and about to withdraw, without commentary or election, they have total contempt for me. additions. the western suburbs—the people in The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Mr FINN: I withdraw, I withdraw, I Wyndham, the people in Ravenhall, Bourman): Thank you, Ms Shing. I am withdraw. And let me say— the people in Bulla. These are the ones going to refer this to the President. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr who are suffering as a result of the Mr FINN: Well, look, I am not sure Bourman): And please, let us— policies of this government. All this why Ms Shing is in here, because she Mr FINN: I will continue to fight for motion is seeking to do is to get some seems to take offence at anything and the people of the west despite what information that these people want everything that anybody ever says. It is anybody here— and these people need. That is all that just extraordinary— The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr it is asking for. You would think that we Mr Ondarchie: Except the Labor Bourman): Mr Finn! were trying to rewrite history. Certainly right. members opposite are trying to rewrite Mr FINN: I am pointing that way, history. There are no two ways about Mr FINN: Indeed, Mr Ondarchie, despite what anybody— except the Labor right and what they that at all. But I am standing here The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr saying that I have been trying for say. She seems to be happy to cop Bourman): Mr Finn, take your seat. that. Perhaps 60 Minutes will give months and months and months to get Also, I need you to just get on with the answers. This motion will, hopefully, me an hour on Sunday night on the motion and stop getting personal. tribulations of Ms Shing. Well, God provide those answers. help us! The fact of the matter is that Mr FINN: Well, that was what I was Now, if the Labor Party want to Ms Shing and her government have trying to do, and I have been trying to continue to treat the people of the west given the middle finger to the people of do it now for about 8 minutes. And if with total contempt, that is up to them, the western suburbs—and the finger, what’s-her-name over there lets me do and we will be pointing that out to the by the way, was pointed over there. Not it, I will. I did not mention her name, people of the west at the appropriate everything is about you, Ms Shing. That and that should be enough. time. But as far as I am concerned, will come as a huge surprise to you, but Ms Shing: On a point of order, Acting when you are talking about toxic soil that is the truth. President, again, this is about the fifth that is 200 times more carcinogenic Ms Shing: On a point of order, Acting or sixth time that I have gotten to my than is safe; when you are talking President, again, there have been feet— about that material being dumped in multiple rulings from the President Mr Finn interjected. residential areas, near houses, near in relation to pointing. Again, please Ms Shing: I beg your pardon, Mr schools; when you are talking about stop pointing at me, Mr Finn, whether Finn? This, Acting President, is now the people of the west being put in it is with your middle finger or with to the point where this pattern of physical danger by this material, then two raised index fingers. I am finding behaviour is entirely unacceptable. we need some answers. Members it really offensive, and I think that Mr Finn has targeted me through opposite can carry on like two-bob you can make a contribution without repeated comments, personalisation, watches as much as they like, but the involving me personally in the things ‘what’s-her-name over there’ and a fact of the matter is that is not going that you have got to say. flippant gesture, following on from to give us the answers that the people Mr FINN: I think you need a a raised middle finger and repeated of the west demand. This motion will psychiatrist— pointing. That is something that I think hopefully do that, and I urge the house to support it. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr constitutes entirely inappropriate, Bourman): Mr Finn! vicious and personalised behaviour of a type which I think falls into the Ms Shing: On a point of order, Acting category of misogyny, and again President, Mr Finn has just suggested I would like this addressed and that I need a psychiatrist. escalated to the relevant formal levels for decision-making.
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 23 COUNCIL | Adjournment COUNCIL | Business of the house situation at the moment, I would pretty 17 June 2020 18 June 2020 much want to do the same thing. But the fact of the matter is that we have a responsibility as members of Parliament at a time of crisis to be here Western Adjournment in the Parliament. We have got a health Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) crisis, we have got an economic crisis Metropolitan — Listening to Neil Mitchell on the and the government has an integrity radio this morning reminded me crisis. Region police of just how much the community So if we are not here in this holds us in contempt in this place Parliament representing our and indeed in the other place. The constituents, we are not doing our resources fact that the government has put this job. And for the government to be Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I motion forward after just a two-week running away from the Parliament at wish to raise a matter this evening for sitting period, what they are doing is, a time like this is something that is the attention of the Minister for Police at a time of an integrity crisis in the intolerable and will continue the level and Emergency Services. In doing so, government—the government is in of contempt that the electorate has for I express my very deep sadness at the an integrity crisis—attempting to run their elected members of Parliament passing of Solomone Taufeulungaki, away from this Parliament. They are and in particular for the Andrews a 15-year-old, in Brimbank last night. attempting to run away from scrutiny. government. It was a tragic case, and I would like They are attempting to run away from to offer my most sincere condolences responsibility for the appalling crisis COUNCIL | Constituency questions to his family, to his friends and to his that the government find themselves 18 June 2020 immediate community. An incident in. What in fact we will have, if the like this is something that nobody ever Parliament does not sit, is this state wants to see. One would hope that being run by eight people—eight something positive will come out of it, people. That is it. That just flies in the Toxic soil health although at this point you would have face— to wonder what could. I would like to Ms Crozier interjected. implications offer my condolences to his mum and Mr FINN: No, she is not. That is true. his dad and to his nine siblings and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) I am glad Ms Crozier pointed that out. — My constituency question extended family. The Leader of the Government is not I do not wish to comment on the is to the Minister for Transport even included in the gang of eight, Infrastructure. I am hoping the case itself because of course charges which must rankle her a bit. We know have been laid this afternoon and it minister is aware that thousands that Ms Shing will never be included in of people across Melbourne’s west would be something most improper if the gang of eight. That is a ridiculous I were to comment on that—that is a are deeply concerned about the suggestion. health implications of the Andrews matter for the courts—but what it does The very real situation is that tell us is that gang violence is still alive government’s plan to dump poisonous democracy in this state is being toxic soil in their area. Whether it and well in Melbourne’s west. Now, I stomped upon by a government that have been talking about this now for be Wyndham, Ravenhall, Bulla or has total contempt for the electorate. elsewhere, my constituents are worried I think about six years—six, maybe That is what is happening. We should seven years. I have seen some dreadful about the dumping of millions of be here, as members of Parliament, tonnes of soil heavily contaminated cases of gang violence, and I have seen having our say, representing our some truly despicable acts as a result with carcinogenic PFAS from the West constituents—and I will give you an Gate Tunnel Project. I have previously of this gang violence. I suspect that example. When the Parliament is not it may have fallen off the radar just a asked the health minister about this, sitting here, when the Parliament has but she quickly handballed it to her tad, and I think it is about time it went not been sitting here for these months, back on the radar. What I am asking ministerial colleague responsible the government has been preparing for transport infrastructure—she did the minister to do tonight is to ensure to dump toxic soil throughout the that the police, in the western suburbs not want to know. I therefore ask western suburbs, and I have not had a the minister if she can guarantee my in particular, are fully equipped— chance to come in here and speak for that they have the resources and the constituents that their concerns are my constituents. I want that chance. unfounded and that there is no threat manpower and the ability to fight this That is my job, and this government is scourge on our streets. to their health, particularly from denying us, as members of Parliament, cancer, posed by her toxic soil. It is something that is a threat to the opportunity to represent our every young person. I mean, I have got constituents. Now, that to me stinks. teenage daughters and I have got an COUNCIL | Election That stinks every bit as much as the 18 June 2020 older daughter as well and a teenage crisis that the government currently son, and I do not want to see them finds itself in, the scandal it currently caught up in something like this. I do finds itself in. not want to see anybody caught up in I can understand why members of President anything like this. So I ask the minister the government do not want to come as a matter of priority to provide the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — into the Parliament. I can understand President, I rise to congratulate you resources necessary for the local police why they do not want to come in in the west of Melbourne to ensure that upon your elevation to the presidency. here and answer questions in the We have known each other now for a these gangs are stopped in their tracks, Parliament. Indeed I can understand to ensure that our young people—and long time, and I think it would be safe why members of the government to say that we get on very well, and I indeed our older people—are safe on just want to get away from everybody the streets again. am hopeful that that will remain the as much as possible. If I was in their case now that you are in the chair. I
IN 24 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE hope that you will follow the example is so or not is probably debatable, but Mr O’Donohue: Elicit the same sort of your predecessor, who I believe the fact is there is that perception in of language. was a very good President. I hope that the community and something has to Mr FINN: Certainly it would be the will not destroy his future career, me really be done about that. same sort of language. From what I saying that, but indeed I thought that I do not think this bill will do that at gather, it has to be said it is not just Mr Mr Leane did a particularly good job as all. Certainly we have to find a way of Byrne who uses that sort of language. President. That has absolutely nothing improving the public perception of our We have seen some very colourful to do with the fact that he never threw justice system—or our legal system as exchanges over recent days from me out once! I congratulate you, Mr we have in Victoria; very little justice very high-profile members of the Leane, on the job that you did as but plenty of legality. As I said, there ALP, invariably speaking out about President. You can be very, very proud needs to be a way of improving the each other. What on God’s earth they of the contribution that you made public perception of the court system, say about us I cannot even begin while you were in the chair. but this is not the way to do it. I am to imagine if that is what they say I have no doubt that whilst Mr hoping that one day somebody will about each other. Nonetheless, that Elasmar has a very difficult job—there come up with a way to do it. I am is something that would occur if we are no two ways about that; it will hoping that the next Attorney-General walked into the pub or a bar and tried be very difficult in the months and, of Victoria, who has just walked into that pub test. If you walked in and well, a couple of years ahead—he the chamber—Mr O’Donohue—will you told people that we have here in will also meet the levels that have be in a position to do that very soon. Victoria a government which is passing been set, meet the standards that I look forward to him doing that, and legislation to make their mates—their have been set and make a strong I look forward to offering him some donors—richer so that they can make contribution as President to this friendly advice on the subject from bigger donations next time— place in the same way that he has time to time, which I am sure he is Mr O’Donohue: Half a million is not served as chair of the Economy and really looking forward to. I can tell enough. Half a million was not enough. Infrastructure Committee, and we had by the expression on his face just Mr FINN: Look, over there they better get a new chair, Mr Gepp. I am how thrilled he is at the prospect of might think that half a million is not sure Mr Elasmar will make a strong receiving some friendly advice from enough. I tell you, I would not mind contribution to this place as President me on this particular subject! half a million, but over there, clearly in much the same way as he has over Now, as we have discussed earlier they want more. They have not had the last 14 years as a member of this today, this place has copped a fair the lecture about greed, but they want place. flogging this week in terms of public more, and that is what we have now. So to Mr Leane, to Mr Elasmar, I perception. MPs, politicians—call If you were to take that further and congratulate you both. And I wish us what you want—are not held in you were to speak to those people—I you, Mr Elasmar, a great deal of good high regard by the general public. will not say gentlemen, but people in fortune—not so much Mr Leane, We are held in much lower regard on the bar—and you were to say to them— because I know where he is going. Thursday of this week than we were on Mr O’Donohue interjected. Certainly I know that we have not seen Thursday of last week. Now, without the last of Mr Leane, and I assure Mr going into the details of what has Mr FINN: Now, Mr Melhem has Leane that he has not seen the last of caused that, the corruption within the walked in. Here is a man that knows me. government, the corruption within the about lawyers; here is a man that ALP, we now have a bill—whether it knows about the court system. Members interjecting. COUNCIL | Second reading is a timely bill or just a coincidence— 18 June 2020 which is going to pour millions and Mr FINN: No, look, he can tell us. I millions and millions of dollars into am looking forward to his contribution the pockets of some of the greatest to this particular bill, because if he was donors to the government. Now, this on contingency fees he would probably Justice is, as they say in the classics, as dodgy be a lot wealthier himself than he has as all get-out. That is without doubt been up to this point. something that does not pass that But as I was saying, if you spoke Legislation well-known pub test. If you were to to those same people that you had walk into any pub—perhaps next week just told that the government was Miscellaneous when you can actually walk into a pub legislating to make their mates richer and have a beer—go up to the bar and and you said to them that the new Amendments Bill ask people at that bar what they think chairman of one of the law firms that of a government that is legislating to is going to be richer is a man who was 2019 change the law to allow their mates just been appointed to run the ALP in in the Labor law firms to get richer, Victoria—a former Labor Premier— Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) what you think people would say? I what would they say? I suggest to — I rise this afternoon to speak on have got a fair idea, and I do not think you that the language would be even the Justice Legislation Miscellaneous it would be all that parliamentary. I worse. They would be confounded Amendments Bill 2019. I come from a think the reaction from the average that such a thing could be allowed view that tells us that, as we often hear, person, whether they be at the bar or to happen. I think it would be most there are two places that one should elsewhere— stomach churning, I have to say to you. keep out of: one is hospital, the other They would be appalled. But that is one is the courts, because once one Mr O’Donohue: Similar to Mr Byrne. Mr FINN: Indeed it would be. I do what we have before the house today. gets into the courts, generally speaking This Labor government legislating to it is likely to cost you an arm and a leg. not know whether Mr Byrne would be offering advice or taking notes—one or make its mates—its major donors— There is a view in this country that the richer. Hey, that is payback. We know courts do not dispense justice; they the other. But certainly the reaction to that sort of proposition I think would— that Labor like to pay their debts, just provide for those who can buy and they are doing it big time today. the best lawyers. Now, whether that
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 25 And unfortunately they are using this we now have a judiciary which has let make a handful of people very, very Parliament to do it. the side down. This legislation is not rich—or richer, should I say, because A member: It is about the worker, going to do anything to fix that, and most of them are already very, very Bernie. that is a great pity. rich—and it is doing nothing to help Mr FINN: Oh, the worker. These As has been mentioned a couple the workers. It is doing nothing to help blokes getting around in their of times in this debate, the federal those who need that help, who need Mercedes and their BMWs and living government is currently having a that support more than anybody else. in their townhouses in South Yarra review of the very thing that we are I support the amendments that have and Toorak, they are the workers talking about today. Now, you would been put forward, and obviously we all right, aren’t they? They would imagine that if the federal government will be going to the committee stage not work in an iron lung, most of was having a review—they were very soon with those. I support Mr them. But that is what we are told by taking all sides into consideration, O’Donohue’s reasoned amendment, members of the government. With taking all views and coming up with which I think is an exceptionally good the fact that these people are going to a consensus and doing all the things reasoned amendment. I suggest to be enriched, genuinely enriched, by that the federal government does— members of the crossbench that if this legislation and the fact that they the state government, the Andrews they are keen to see justice in this state owe their loyalty to the ALP—more government, if it was fair dinkum in its purest form, then they should than their loyalty; they contribute about getting the best result possible, support Mr O’Donohue’s reasoned significantly to the ALP—I am sure would actually wait for this review to amendment, because that would they will tell us it has nothing at all to report. They would actually wait to get provide the sort of result that would do with the fact that this legislation is the results and to see what the federal be not just good for a small group of being proposed and nothing at all to government was suggesting. They rich, leftie lawyers but great for every do with the fact that the government would wait to see what was happening Victorian. is allowing a piece of legislation to be around the other states of Australia. put forward which will make them all But no—oh no, no, no, no. The federal COUNCIL | Adjournment much, much richer. There is nothing government’s review might actually 18 June 2020 like a chardonnay socialist to tell the lie recommend the wrong things. They about the commitment to the workers, might actually recommend things because quite frankly they do not care that will improve justice but not make about the workers, they are just out for Labor mates rich. ‘We can’t have that, Cardinal George themselves. That is what it is about. It can we? We can’t have that. You’ve does not matter whether it is the Labor got to look after your mates. When Pell Party here, it does not matter whether it comes to justice or mates, give me Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — it is the chardonnay socialists down mates every time’, say the Labor Party. My adjournment matter this evening in King Street or William Street and it That is just the way they operate. I is for the attention of the Attorney- does not matter who they are or where mean, mateship is a great thing, a great General. It has been said that a they are. Is it King Street? Where is the part of Australia, but I think the Labor justice system that does not enjoy the other place? Party has taken it to a degree that is a little bit beyond the pale. confidence of the community is not a A member: Lonsdale Street. Some of justice system at all. And I refer tonight I heard Mr Barton earlier. I them are in Lonsdale Street. to a case where an innocent man listened very carefully to Mr Barton’s Mr FINN: Lonsdale Street. Yes, there was wrongly charged, was wrongly contribution in this debate, and I have are a few of them around. They are prosecuted, was wrongly convicted, to say he was very sincere, and he all going to do very, very nicely out of was wrongly jailed and his appeal was had some very good points, I thought. this legislation, and no doubt they will wrongly dismissed. I am of course There were a couple of times there show their gratitude; they will show referring to the case of what I describe he nearly had me. But the fact of the undying gratitude in folding stuff to as the persecution of Cardinal George matter is that justice is not going to their political masters. Pell. What we need is an independent be served by making a few lawyers Now, I am a great believer that inquiry into exactly what happened richer. It is just not going to work. It is without a strong justice system our in this case. Now, in this inquiry we not going to happen, and that is the society is in trouble. I have to say, I need to cover the areas of the role simple fact of the matter. I want to see think society in Victoria at the moment of the then Chief Commissioner of justice in this state for everybody. I do is in a lot of trouble, because what Police, the complicity of the ABC and not want to see justice for rich, leftie we have in Victoria at the moment most certainly the so-called journalists lawyers who drive silver BMWs and live is almost an industry comprised of within that organisation, how we can in townhouses in South Melbourne lawyers, judges and politicians. They avoid trial by media in future, how did and South Yarra and Toorak and so are almost interchangeable, and they the Court of Appeal get it so very wrong forth. I want to see justice for everyone, are all of the same attitude—they and how could an innocent man in this not just the select few who will be are all of the same view—and with day and age in Victoria be jailed in the enriched by this legislation today. the judges that is largely because for way that Cardinal Pell was. I think that is important—that we the last 17 of 21 years every judicial My view and the view of a lot of as legislators always put our desire for appointment in this state has been people around Victoria and indeed justice first. That is something that is to made by a Labor attorney-general. around Australia is that the integrity my way of thinking absolutely crucial. For 11 of those years it was Rob Hulls, of the justice system in this state is We have a responsibility here to every which would explain why the judiciary very much on trial. There are major Victorian to provide the sort of justice in this state is not highly regarded. It questions that are desperately in need that they need and, more importantly, is a fact that Mr Hulls used his time as of answers. Given the major concerns that they deserve. This legislation is not Attorney-General to appoint people expressed by so many people over doing that. This legislation is helping that, well, reflected his view of life— recent months and particularly given out a handful of people. It is making a and his view of life, in my view, left a the 7-nil decision of the High Court of handful of people very, very rich. It will fair bit to be desired—and as a result Australia to overturn Cardinal Pell’s
IN 26 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 FINN THE HOUSE conviction, it is my view that we can only lay these questions to rest with an independent inquiry. When I say an independent inquiry—and I am not sure how we are going to do this in Victoria—I would like to see an inquiry that is at arm’s length from Victoria Police, arm’s length from the judiciary and arm’s length from the government. We need to get this right. If we are going to lend credibility once again to our justice system and to our judiciary, we need to answer these questions. And an independent inquiry, I believe, will in many ways be able to answer some of the very big questions that are now unanswered. So I ask the minister to put in train this particular inquiry in the hope that we will never again in this state see the miscarriage of justice that we have seen in the situation with Cardinal Pell.
Finn In The House readers, please note that the speeches here have been extracted from Hansard. Formatting here is slightly different however; for example, Constituency Questions in Hansard only have the electorate name for the speech heading, whereas here each contribution has a heading reflecting the topic of debate. Also at times, where multiple contributions are made (for example in the Committee Stage of a bill), they are aggregated under a single heading. Supplementary Questions are shown here directly after a Question Without Notice, as this book only contains Bernie’s contributions (whereas in the House, the supplementary question is asked after the minister’s first answer). Refer toHansard for the official record of the Parliamentary debates.
IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2020 27 FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches February to June 2020
Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business Shadow Assistant Minister for Autism Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council
Suite 101, 19 Lacy Street, Braybrook Vic 3019 Telephone (03) 9317 5900 • Fax (03) 9317 5911 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com