FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches February to June 2018

Published by MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Shadow Assistant Minister for Autism Spectrum Disorder Shadow Assistant Minister for Electoral Integrity Shadow Assistant Minister for Melbourne’s West

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 2018

CONTENTS

Koorie Youth Council...... 3 Bulla bypass...... 24 Power blackouts...... 3 Notices of motion...... 24 Government performance...... 3 Duke and Duchess of Sussex...... 24 Sunbury car parking...... 3 Gender neutrality...... 24 Tullamarine Freeway widening...... 3 Bulla traffic congestion...... 25 The Babes Project...... 3 Planning and Environment Amendment (Distinctive Victoria University Sunbury site...... 4 Areas and Landscapes) Bill 2017...... 25 Sunbury Road duplication...... 4 Justice Legislation Amendment (Access to Justice) Sunbury Road works program...... 4 Bill 2018...... 26 Planning and Environment Amendment Lincoln Road, Essendon...... 27 (Public Land Contributions) Bill 2017...... 4 Offender electronic monitoring...... 27 Monash Medical Centre...... 5 Millers Road traffic volume...... 27 Planning scheme amendment GC65...... 6 Victims of crime support...... 27 Ravenhall tip odour...... 7 Victorian Electoral Commission: Northcote district St Albans Leisure Centre...... 7 by-election...... 29 Infrastructure projects...... 7 Sunbury after-hours emergency services...... 29 Bail Amendment (Stage Two) Bill 2017...... 8 Sentencing legislation reform...... 29 Werribee police numbers...... 8 Parks Victoria Bill 2018...... 30 Community safety...... 8 Wyndham: police numbers...... 31 Bulla-Diggers Rest Road...... 9 Appropriation (2018-2019) Bill 2018 and Budget Racing Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2017...... 9 papers 2018-19...... 31 Sunbury Road duplication...... 10 TAFE funding...... 32 Serrated tussock control...... 10 Brimbank City Council...... 32 Power blackout advice...... 10 Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017...... 33 Perth Avenue-Ballarat Road, Albion...... 11 Country Fire Authority Diggers Rest brigade...... 34 Government performance...... 11 Energy prices...... 34 Notices of motion...... 11 Liquor and Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.....34 Bulla traffic congestion...... 12 St Albans Leisure Centre...... 35 Firefighters’ Presumptive Rights Compensation and Fire Yarraville: West Gate tunnel compensation...... 36 Services Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill 2017...... 12 Duranta Drive, Gowanbrae...... 36 Youth justice system...... 14 National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Buckley Street level crossing...... 14 Abuse (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2018...... 36 Committee referral...... 14 Sunbury CBD parking...... 37 Ombudsman: investigation of matter referred from Serious Offenders Bill 2018...... 37 Legislative Council on 25 November 2015...... 15 Appropriation (Parliament 2018-2019) Bill 2018...... 38 Waste management...... 15 West Gate tunnel consultation...... 39 Orders of the day...... 16 Gowanbrae municipality...... 39 Millers Road, Altona...... 16 Eurydice Dixon...... 39 Firefighters’ Presumptive Rights Compensation and Fire Corrections system...... 40 Services Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill 2017...... 16 West Gate tunnel discrimination...... 40 West Gate tunnel impact on small business...... 17 Perinatal services...... 40 Charitable organisation tax exemption...... 17 West Gate tunnel...... 40 Fairness Fund...... 18 Cost of living...... 40 Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Department of Treasury and Finance: budget papers Amendment Bill 2017...... 18 2018-19...... 41 VicRoads Sunshine office...... 19 West Gate tunnel project...... 42 Sunbury municipality...... 20 Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Sunbury Road duplication...... 20 Victorians Bill 2018...... 42 Service Victoria Bill 2017...... 20 West Gate tunnel community feedback...... 43 Sunbury Road duplication...... 21 Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Electric vehicles...... 22 Victorians Bill 2018...... 43 Victoria University Sunbury site...... 22 Education Legislation Amendment (Victorian Institute Bulla bypass...... 22 of Teaching, TAFE and Other Matters) Bill 2018...... 44 Major Events Legislation Amendment (Ticket Scalping Autism Plus...... 45 and Other Matters) Bill 2017...... 22 Sunbury university site...... 46 Major Events Legislation Amendment (Ticket Scalping Electoral Legislation Amendment Bill 2018...... 46 and Other Matters) Bill 2017...... 23 Ballan Road-Anniversary Avenue, Wyndham Vale...... 47

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 2018 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Questions without notice say nothing of the Andrews government’s that there was huge concern from those 06 February 2018 plan to expand the Ravenhall tip to a size present. that will be able to be seen from the moon. I am asking the minister to intervene The people of Essendon are waiting to in this particular matter and to sit down pay back this government for its flagrant with the Hume council, or at least get Koorie Youth disregard for the aesthetics and amenity her office to sit down with the Hume of Buckley Street as it pushes ahead with council, and offer them some counselling Council digging Dan’s ditch. on this particular matter with a view to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Wyndham’s residents have not forgotten overturning this recent decision, because if My question is to the Minister for Youth Ms Mikakos’s youth justice jail proposed it continues in the manner proposed, it will Affairs. As the Koorie Youth Council is a for Werribee South, nor will they forget the be a disaster. recipient of funding from the Andrews antics of Telmo Languiller in the Assembly government, including from youth affairs, or any of the other non-resident MPs who COUNCIL | Constituency questions what measures has the government are alleged to represent them. Residents of undertaken to remove the youth council the inner west are seething over the impact 06 February 2018 spokesperson Tarneen Onus-Williams the Premier’s West Gate tunnel will have from the executive of that organisation? on their lives. They are not happy, Dan. The good people of Sunbury are about to Supplementary question express their disdain for their invisible Tullamarine MP and the neglect that the Andrews Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) government has heaped upon them by the Freeway widening — I thank the minister for answering truckloads. The time of reckoning is near. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My a question that I did not actually ask. No longer will the people of Melbourne’s constituency question is to the Minister Minister, the Premier has previously west tolerate the shabby treatment meted for Roads and Road Safety. Work on the stated, ‘The standard you walk past is the out to them by a Labor government. In Tullamarine Freeway widening project has standard you accept’. Given the Andrews November this year it is more than the been continuing for what to locals seems government has done nothing to remove Dogs who will be rising up in the west. like forever. It is not unusual for motorists Ms Onus-Williams from her government- on the Tulla to face speed restrictions of funded position and — actions speak 60 to 40, to 80, back to 40, back to 60, back louder than words — the government has COUNCIL | Adjournment to 80 and then back to 40, sometimes in a not condemned the comments, even given 06 February 2018 very short length of road. Nor is it unusual what the minister has said today, and given for motorists to find the freeway closed the Andrews government’s inaction on completely at various times of the night, the matter, does the government therefore with drivers expected to find an alternative accept the comments ‘F… Australia. Hope Sunbury car parking route home. Quite frankly we are getting it f…ing burns to the ground’ as being Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I mighty sick of it. It has been suggested to appropriate for the spokesperson of a wish to raise a matter for the attention me by some constituents that VicRoads taxpayer-funded organisation? of the Minister for Local Government. may actually be deliberately dragging out Parking has been a major issue in Sunbury this process. Will the minister categorically for as long as I can remember. Going back deny that the government is delaying COUNCIL | Constituency questions to the days when I was the member for the end of this project to enable a grand 06 February 2018 Tullamarine in another place it was an opening campaigning event in November? issue, and it has grown significantly since then. That is going back 20 years, believe it or not, but it is still a significant issue. COUNCIL | Adjournment Power blackouts As I go around Sunbury and speak to the 07 February 2018 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My local traders with the Liberal candidate for constituency question is to the Minister the Assembly seat of Sunbury, Cassandra for Energy, Environment and Climate Marr — as I have done over recent times Change. On a particularly warm day The Babes Project — just about every trader in Sunbury has Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I last week power blackouts hit much of said their number one issue is parking. the municipality of Hobsons Bay and wish to raise a matter for the attention Even the Hume council, which it has to of the Minister for Health this evening in into Wyndham. These blackouts caused be said does not really take a great deal enormous discomfort to thousands of the adjournment debate. It concerns an of notice of what happens in Sunbury or organisation that I have spoken about in people in the western suburbs. They indeed to Sunbury, has picked up on this. were predicted and came as no surprise the house before. It is an organisation that They have put forward a solution of sorts in I have a huge amount of respect for — I to anyone. What did come as a surprise that they are proposing that the 60-minute was the minister’s explanation for these think it does magnificent work — and that parking zones in certain areas be cut to organisation is The Babes Project, which blackouts: ‘Nothing to do with the closure 30 minutes. This has caused more than of Hazelwood. It’s the result of localised is much more than a pregnancy support a ripple of concern among traders in the organisation. It actually empowers women fuse faults’, she said. Minister, can you tell area, because clearly that is not going to me exactly how many fuse faults caused to make all sorts of decisions. It gives them help anybody who actually wants to go the information, the wherewithal, to make the widespread blackouts across the and shop or wants to go to a restaurant. western suburbs on 28 January? informed decisions on a whole range of Sunbury does have quite a vibrant matters regarding motherhood and their restaurant precinct these days. I think local babies. traders are fully justified in being very COUNCIL | Members statements The Babes Project is run by Helen Parker 06 February 2018 concerned not just for the areas in which the council is proposing the 50 per cent cut and her team of volunteers, who run an but that it would extend to the possibility extraordinarily professional and high- that the cut in parking times could spread class perinatal support service — that Government right through the town. This, I have to is, from conception until the baby turns say, would in my view mean the death of one. That includes life skills workshops, business in Sunbury. I think that is a view antenatal and childbirth education, performance that is widely held by traders in Sunbury. assistance in engaging with other services Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — and the opportunity to receive material 2018 is the year the west bites back. Sick This is a proposal that is being put items through their incentive program. to the back teeth of being treated by the forward by the Hume City Council Additionally, The Babes Project can Andrews government as second-class without much thought. I do not think support women during childbirth if they citizens, the people of Melbourne’s west they have really gone through this in any have no support at that time. I am sure are waiting on their verandahs, baseball great detail at all. It is something that many of us can understand the difficulties bats in hand, for November to arrive. The indeed drew many traders and residents that many women face, particularly young people of Caroline Springs and Deer Park together at a public meeting last week that women, who are going through childbirth are waiting to make this government pay unfortunately I was not able to get to, but on their own. The Babes Project makes for forcing them to live with a putrid stench Mrs Marr was there and she informed me sure that they indeed are not on their own. that nobody should be forced to endure, to The Babes Project says that it believes —

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 3 and I know it believes — that ‘all women mucking around with — and I cleaned that instead put in place plans to duplicate should have access to the information, up — for far, far too long. We want a direct Sunbury Road? support and understanding’ needed to feel answer now, and I call on the minister to equipped for motherhood. This group of deliver that asap. COUNCIL | Second reading young women is absolutely exemplary, and 20 February 2018 I commend them on the work they do. COUNCIL | Members statements They currently have pregnancy centres 20 February 2018 in Croydon and also one in Frankston. The reason that I raise the matter this evening is that I am very, very keen to ensure that Planning and they also open one in the western suburbs. I know that they have been looking at Sunbury Road Environment opening one in Sunshine. If indeed that duplication were possible, I would welcome that with Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Amendment (Public open arms. That would be a very, very After the past few weeks it is little wonder positive thing for the western suburbs. If that the member for Sunbury in the Land Contributions) we were to have a Babes Project pregnancy Assembly has totally disappeared from centre in Sunshine, it would help an the face of the earth. I almost feel sorry Bill 2017 enormous number of people, right up to for the poor little fella as his government Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Bendigo in fact. I am asking the minister has dumped upon the people of Sunbury It gives me a great deal of pleasure to to provide the wherewithal, the money, to from a very great height again and again. speak on the Planning and Environment enable The Babes Project to open a centre The Andrews government could not make Amendment (Public Land Contributions) in Sunshine. clearer how little regard they have for Bill 2017. It is good to see the minister in the hapless member for Sunbury on this the advisers box, and one would hope COUNCIL | Adjournment occasion. After misleading the community that he does not get the same kick that his 08 February 2018 for the best part of two years on the future ministerial colleague Mr Donnellan did. of the buildings atop Jacksons Hill, we This bill is just another blatant grab have recently discovered that the Andrews for cash from the Labor Party, which government is advertising the lot for sale. has an insatiable appetite for other Victoria University The Sunbury community looked around people’s money. It cannot get enough of for their local member to go into battle taxpayers money; it cannot get enough of Sunbury site for them, but alas Mr Bull is even more homebuyers money. Wherever money is, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My invisible than usual, and that is really the Labor Party will zone in, suck it up and adjournment this evening is addressed saying something. Needless to say, Mr Bull indeed chew it up. We have seen that how to the Minister for Planning. I have raised has maintained a monastic silence on this many times? Mr Davis went through quite in this house on a number of occasions issue vital to the future of Sunbury. a substantial list of increases of taxes on the future of Jacksons Hill in Sunbury. As Everybody agrees that Sunbury Road the property and construction sector over members I am sure would be aware, the between Bulla and the Tullamarine the last couple of years. This of course was property that I am referring to is a historic Freeway needs to be duplicated. Indeed after the Premier — the then opposition site that until relatively recent times so obvious is the need that even the leader — made numerous claims prior was the campus of Victoria University at Hume council and I are as one in calling to the last election that there would not Sunbury. Since Victoria University decided for this to occur. Sadly, the government be increases or new taxes at any time in to close and vacate the Sunbury campus, has kyboshed any duplication, offering his term of government. Of course that it has been left to deteriorate. Vandals instead a third-rate, cheap and nasty is a promise that has been broken again have got in and caused we are not sure works program from VicRoads. Despite the and again, and here we are today, and exactly how much damage, but certainly widespread disappointment and disgust in he is breaking it yet again. One thing that there has been a degree of graffiti also the Sunbury and Bulla communities, the we know about this Premier and this involved. Naturally enough, the Sunbury member for Sunbury has not gone in to bat government is that they cannot be trusted. community has expressed a great deal of for his constituents and again is nowhere If they tell you one thing, you know there is concern about what is going to happen to to be seen. Nobody is surprised. Despite a fair chance the opposite will happen; you this historic property, very much a part of the setbacks, all is not lost: Cassandra Marr can almost put the house on it. That is just Sunbury’s heritage and very much a part of will be an outstanding representative of the way they are. Sunbury’s history. the people of Sunbury. After November I am interested to note that growth areas The Sunbury community, as you she will give them the representation they of course take up a significant part of my would imagine, is very keen to see that deserve. electorate. The west of Melbourne is one this property on Jacksons Hill is used of the fastest growing areas in Australia. for something that will benefit the local In fact I think Melton and Wyndham COUNCIL | Constituency questions take it in turns taking over as the fastest community. We have been told that 20 February 2018 consultation is taking place, we have growing municipalities in the country, so been told that no decision has been obviously I am very keen to see that there made, we have been told a whole range is infrastructure there. We would not want of things by the minister and by the local to see what happened during the course of member — the nigh on invisible local Sunbury Road the last Labor government. member, I should say — but it has come works program Mr Leane interjected. to my attention in the last 24 hours that Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My Mr FINN — That is right; we would in fact the site that we are told is under constituency question is to the Minister not want to see that happen. You might consideration is now in fact for sale and for Roads and Road Safety. This morning remember Justin Madden. He was a is listed for sale on the Department of traffic on Sunbury Road was banked minister in here, and he cocked things Treasury and Finance website. I have to back from the Tullamarine Freeway up a treat when he was the Minister for say that I am staggered, as indeed are into the Bulla township itself. Traffic on Planning. I remember down in my area thousands of people in Sunbury, to learn Sunbury Road is getting worse by the day. of Point Cook, back in those days when I that this is the case. It therefore came as both a shock and was first elected to this place in 2006, there The people of Sunbury feel, as do I, that a disappointment last week when the were an airfield and a lot of paddocks we have been lied to by the government. minister announced a cheap, nasty and and a few sheep. That was Point Cook. We feel like we have been lied to by the third-rate works program for Sunbury What we saw over the next few years was minister. What I am asking the minister to Road, effectively ending hopes that the phenomenal growth. We saw shopping do tonight is to actually tell the truth, to road would be duplicated. Everybody centres go up, and we saw an enormous come clean with the people of Sunbury, in the region, including the minister’s number of houses built. What we did not to tell us what is going on on Jacksons comrades on Hume City Council, knows see was the infrastructure to go with it. We Hill and to tell us clearly in plain, simple Sunbury Road should be duplicated. We did not see the schools, we did not see the language exactly what his intention is with have been wanting the duplication for a roads and indeed we are still struggling to regard to this site and property. This is very long time. I ask the minister: will you keep up with the growth of 10 years ago. something that the government has been reconsider this disgraceful decision and That is just an appalling situation.

IN 4 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE In fact the people of Point Cook are very, having a rough time of it now. They tell was made we have not seen one Labor very grateful to the last planning minister, me about the rotten egg smell that comes MP stand up and say that they oppose Mr Guy, for organising the Sneydes Road from that tip. They tell me about the dry- this decision — not Ms Kairouz in the interchange, because they actually found retching that they suffer from. They tell me Assembly; certainly not Telmo Languiller that Mr Guy as planning minister was about the illness that they suffer from and in the Assembly, because we are not approachable. They found that he went that their children suffer from as a result exactly sure where he is at the minute; not down there and he actually spoke to them, of this tip, and they ask, ‘What’s going to any of these people who have been Labor unlike Minister Madden and, I would happen when this thing is five, six, seven MPs for years; not ; and not suggest, you, Mr Wynne. I doubt if he has or eight times bigger than it is now, with Mr Eideh, because he cannot get into his been down to Point Cook or too many five, six, seven or eight times more rubbish office. areas in the west either. Down that way in it than is the case now?’. You have got to An honourable member — He is still they call him Do Nothing Dick, and you say that they are going to cop it in the neck, locked out. can understand why. What we have seen and they know that they are going to cop it Mr FINN — He is still locked out, yes. down in Point Cook is just an absolute in the neck. What we are seeing is this government outrage. They paid their taxes. When they built ganging up on the people of the western We saw the last Labor government take their homes they paid the growth areas suburbs. Not one of them will stand up for hundreds of millions of dollars out of Point infrastructure contribution and paid all the people of the west. Unfortunately it is Cook in taxes and charges, and what did these other things, and what are they an old story; it is one we have seen before. they put back? They put precious little — getting for it? They are not getting new I am very, very hopeful on this occasion and I cleaned that up significantly, let me roads, they are not getting new schools and that it is something that the people of the assure you — back into Point Cook. We do they are not getting new hospitals. What west will take note of and remember come not want a repeat of that, but given — they are getting is a dirty great stinking hole November in the hope that it will never Mr Gepp — What did you do? in the ground — and a huge one at that — happen again. I am very hopeful that we Mr FINN — We did a lot down there in courtesy of this Labor government. I think will see the government lift its game in a Point Cook actually. We built a number it is very, very sad indeed that there is not number of areas, and certainly planning of schools, we allocated the money to the one Labor member in the western suburbs and environment is one of them. Sneydes Road interchange and we put in who will stand up in their defence. I think the playing fields at Point Cook. We did it is outrageous and a disgrace that there is not one Labor member who now will stand COUNCIL | Adjournment a hell of a lot in Point Cook. We did a lot 20 February 2018 more in Point Cook than Labor ever did. up and take on their own minister on this You have got to understand that we particular issue. are talking about what Labor arrogantly This is a very important issue for these regards as its own turf. This is an area that residents. They have spent hundreds Monash Medical Labor has traditionally said, ‘Well, we don’t of thousands of dollars in many cases actually have to do anything, because the building their dream homes. Particularly punters will vote for us anyway’. We went in Caroline Springs we are talking about Centre an area which has some pretty substantial Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I in there and we said, ‘We’re not playing wish to raise this evening a matter for the politics with this. These people need homes and some very impressive homes — homes that were not cheap. We have a attention of the Minister for Health. I have services. These people need the schools, to say I find this matter personally very they need the playing fields and they need situation where people have invested vast amounts of money in their new home, distressing, and I believe it is one that is of the roads. They need these things, and great importance to the welfare of people Labor has failed them very, very badly’. they have moved in and what have they got? In certain parts of the year, or indeed with autism in this state. So we went ahead and built them. That is Last week I visited an autism service something that is to the eternal credit of certain parts of the week, they cannot even open their windows for a breath of fresh in Melton. I visit a lot of autism services. the next , . That is something that I really enjoy doing. I am sure the people of Point Cook will air because there is not one around. They open their windows and what do they get? On this occasion I was speaking to the remember what he did for them. They will chairman of the parent council of that remember in November what he did as They get rotten egg gas. They get a vile, outrageous smell — a stench that infiltrates facility, who is the father of a 17-year-old Minister for Planning, and they will show boy with autism. He showed me one of the their gratitude in very large numbers. I am their homes and makes them and their families sick. That is what they get from this most horrific photos that I have seen in very confident about that indeed. my life. He showed me a photo of his son As I said before, Mr Davis went through government. As I say, Minister Wynne was appealed in the Monash Medical Centre. His son the tax increases that have gone ahead was completely tied down. His arms were under this government. We have got to by many, many thousands of local people. Minister Wynne was appealed to tied, his hands were tied, his legs were tied, to ask the question: where exactly is it his feet were tied. He was spreadeagled. being spent? Or perhaps we should ask by the Melton City Council. You cannot say that the Melton council is a bastion When the father complained about this the question: where is it not being spent? and suggested very strongly that if restraint I know there are a lot of people in my of political conservatism, but it took on Minister Wynne and made it very, very was needed, chemical restraint would be electorate, particularly those around the way to go, that was dismissed out of Caroline Springs, Taylors Hill, Deer Park, clear to him that it opposed the extension of the Ravenhall tip. But what did Minister hand and the process, if I can call it that, Tarneit — that area — who are saying, of having him tied down physically was ‘Well, it’s certainly not being spent on us’. Wynne do? Well, Minister Wynne did what he does so well. First of all he did nothing continued. I found that to be horrendous. Because what have they got? They have I have a 17-year-old son with autism, and paid all the tax over the years, and new — living up to his nickname — and then he gave the approval to extend the tip. We I could not begin to imagine the level of homebuyers are moving in and they are distress that he would be in if he was tied paying their share of tax at the moment, are going to see thousands of people right around the western suburbs suffering as a down in that same manner. and what are they getting? They are getting I do not know what is going on in our a dirty great tip. They are getting a rubbish result of the expansion of this tip, and that is as a direct result of a decision by Minister hospital system when we have a situation dump. That is what they getting. They where a child with autism is being treated are getting a dirty, filthy, stinking hole Richard Wynne and the Andrews Socialist Left government. in this way. I know as much as anybody in the ground. This government will do else — possibly more in some cases — the nothing to protect them from that dirty, That is fact, and that is something that thousands of people in the western need for restraint, but chemical restraint filthy, stinking hole in the ground. Indeed, is the answer to this, not physical restraint Minister Wynne has actually made a suburbs are now stuck with. From Caroline Springs almost to Werribee, in an arc, and and not tying people down. People with decision to expand it. disabilities should always be treated as An honourable member interjected. into the more established areas of Deer Park they will be suffering from this filthy, human beings. On this occasion this Mr FINN — Out at Ravenhall, across the 17-year-old lad was not. I am pleased to road from housing, we are going to have stinking hole in the ground that Minister Wynne thinks is just fine. Let me tell you say he is now out of hospital, and he is one of the biggest tips in the Southern hopefully back to what he was. What I am Hemisphere, not just in Australia. This tip that I do not believe it is fine, and I am not the only MP from the west; I know Dr asking is that the minister conduct a full will be able to be seen from the moon! The ministerial inquiry into this. I will provide people in Caroline Springs, the people in Carling-Jenkins has also arced up on this one a couple of times. Since the decision her with the details, and I am hoping Deer Park and the people in Tarneit are an inquiry will discover exactly what

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 5 happened here and ensure that this never, by a large multinational corporation that two decades in order to fund a road they never happens again. is waiting for the rivers of gold to come its may never drive on. way if this project goes ahead. But the fact Here we have people living in, for COUNCIL | Planning scheme amend- of the matter is that I have an obligation to example, Sunbury, Bulla, Gladstone Park support this motion today, because I know and Tullamarine — they are going nowhere ment GC65, 21 February 2018 that the West Gate tunnel project is bad for near the tunnel, but they will be expected Melbourne’s west, is bad for the people of to pay for it via tolls on CityLink. Melbourne’s west and is bad for Victoria. Mr Guy’s letter goes on to express: We all have an obligation to support this Planning scheme A poor financial outcome for Victorians: motion moved by Mr Davis today. analysis conducted by Credit Suisse amendment GC65 I am sure the house would be aware notes that the proposed West Gate tunnel Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — The that this project was touted as being a $5.5 represents ‘$2.7 billion value creation (for billion project. The government talked Transurban) from unsolicited proposal’ late Kerry Packer once famously said, — ‘You only get one Alan Bond in a lifetime’. all last year about a $5.5 billion project. I think it is safe to say that Transurban is That has already blown out to $6.7 billion. which is just quite extraordinary; I mean, now celebrating its very own Alan Bond, Before they have even got a shovel in the talk about money for jam — because Transurban is fully entitled to say ground it has blown out to $6.7 billion. and ‘it is a highly attractive investment that you only get one Daniel Andrews in a That should not be surprising, because this opportunity that TCL negotiated with started out, before the last election, as a the Victorian government without a lifetime. The whole process of this tunnel competitive process’ — has been exceedingly dodgy. Cloaked in $500 million project. The then opposition secrecy, it would not at all surprise me if leader, Mr Andrews, said at the time that without a competitive process — this matter was one day closely examined the project was shovel-ready. That is a while Macquarie Wealth Management by IBAC. Something stinks in the state of quote — ‘shovel-ready’. I tell you what, he noted ‘… the surprise increase in Victoria, and it is not just the Ravenhall was shovelling something, but it was not CityLink tolls to 4.25 per cent per annum tip. This stench involves Transurban and it dirt. He was shovelling it all over anyone over 2019–2029. In a low inflationary who was prepared to listen. environment, this is as much as a 20 per involves the Andrews government. cent real toll increase!’. While Transurban We heard from Mr Melhem a little bit Mr O’Sullivan — Is that the only will clearly benefit greatly from the earlier about the views of the people of the blowout, Mr Finn? proposed WGT project, this will be at the western suburbs on this project. I would Mr FINN — No, there are many other grave expense of Victorian taxpayers and suggest to Mr Melhem that he should blowouts that add up to some $24 motorists. perhaps get out and speak to some of his billion. For this particular project it is Isn’t that the truth. As chairman of the constituents and hear what they have to extraordinary that already we have seen a Economy and Infrastructure Committee of say on the subject, because clearly he has blowout of $1.2 billion, which is almost the this house I can advise that we have raised not been doing so. I was very disappointed amount the Premier wasted by cancelling similar concerns with the department and in fact just before Christmas to be at a rally the east–west link. I wonder if some of that with Transurban in the past on a number in Brooklyn of local people opposed to this blowout is as a result of pay-offs — of slings of occasions, and these questions, along particular project. I was very disappointed if you will — to various groups and perhaps with a number of other questions, have to notice that there was not one member of councils in the area who may have been just been completely brushed over — the government there. threatening opposition. It has come to my completely brushed over. There has been Ms Crozier — Just like Werribee. attention in the last day or so that Hobsons no attempt to answer any of the serious Bay council has reversed its opposition to questions about this project — no attempt Mr FINN — Exactly. As Ms Crozier this project. From all reports the reversal of points out, just like Werribee earlier in at all. When I see that the tolls will be its opposition to the tunnel just happens to around for 10 years longer and they will the year, there was not one member of the coincide — and I am sure it is a complete government there. I was very disappointed be increased in real terms by 20 per cent, I coincidence — with the promise of $5 am thinking of the families of the north- because I would have thought that Mr million from the Treasurer. Some might Melhem, Mr Eideh or perhaps Mr Noonan west of Melbourne. I am thinking of those call that a bribe. I would not, but some families who are struggling already to pay in the Assembly, who will take the money might. As I say, this matter may well be and run at the next election, would have their electricity bills — that is, if they have looked at very closely by IBAC at some electricity at all. I am thinking of people been there. Nobody from the government stage in the not-too-distant future. was there. That was to me exceedingly who are struggling to send their kids to disappointing and indeed disrespectful to Now we have a situation here where the school, to pay off their house and to even the people of the inner west of Melbourne. opposition has made it abundantly clear put petrol in their car. I mean, it is a daily where we stand. The opposition leader, struggle for many families just to get by, I was challenged by Mr Mulino two Mr Guy, the next Premier of Victoria, and to have these extended tolls and weeks ago in this house to make this an has written to Scott Charlton, the chief increased tolls is an obscenity — it is an election issue. I would be delighted to executive officer. He has now written to obscenity. What an appalling insult to the make this an election issue, because if them twice, and I will quote from the letter people of Victoria that this government is we made this an election issue and if the that he wrote to Mr Charlton — the second proposing in this project. next election in November was fought letter he wrote to Mr Charlton — on 29 on this issue, let me tell you, we would Of course there is also, as Mr Guy points December last year. I will not read all of it, out in his letter: win the seat of Williamstown. The Liberal but it says in part: Party would win the seat of Williamstown, A new tax to access the Melbourne CBD: the Liberal Party would win the seat of In fact, our concerns have deepened for the first time, motorists travelling Footscray and the Liberal Party would since further information concerning the from the western suburbs, Geelong and project has been made public including western Victoria will be subject to a new win the seats of Werribee and Altona. We the release today, the last business day of tax to access Melbourne between 7 a.m.–9 would have perhaps three or four members the year, of the West Gate Tunnel Project a.m. on weekdays. This is in addition to — representing the Liberal Party in the west Agreement. The apparent desire to limit above, on top of — of Melbourne, along with Dr Carling- public scrutiny by the specific day of Jenkins of course. The ALP would be wiped release and heavy redaction of parts of the tolls. We note that Premier Daniel out. I can only hope that this issue will be a agreement is most concerning. Andrews promised Victorians before the last election that he would introduce no major election issue in November. Indeed, it is most concerning. new taxes — I am standing here today doing what I In addition to the concerns previously what a pity he didn’t say, ‘Read my lips’ do. I am standing up for my constituents. I outlined, we note that the proposed WGT — am here telling this house that the people involves: of the west do not want this project. They and, as such, the city access tax represents 20 years of higher tolls for CityLink users a broken promise. do not want your tunnel, Acting President — Melhem. They do not want Daniel I hope Mr Melhem is listening to this — Mr Guy should have pointed out, in fact, Andrews’s tunnel. They are exceedingly that it is yet another broken promise. 20 years of higher tolls for CityLink users: unhappy. They know that it will be of no an above-CPI increase of CityLink tolls This program is a shocker. It is a shocker. help at all in solving the traffic problems for 10 years, followed by an extension It is an appalling project in terms of a piece that they have. They know that already of Transurban’s concession period for a of infrastructure. We are going to find a we have seen blowouts. We have seen a further 10 years means that CityLink users situation where what it will be doing is government that is just bouncing around in the south-east and north of Melbourne replicating for the west side of Melbourne from place to place being led by the nose would be required to pay higher tolls for what we already have in Hoddle Street for

IN 6 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE the eastern side of Melbourne. Now, why COUNCIL | Adjournment That the Council take note of the report. you would want to do that I have no idea. 21 February 2018 In this particular report we have gone Why would you want to do that? We know to great lengths to look at a number of what a pain Hoddle Street is. Why would issues. First of all I would like to pay you want to give us one on the west side of tribute to those members of the committee Melbourne as well? That is just insanity. I St Albans Leisure who worked so very hard in putting this am really starting to think that the Premier together: the deputy chair, , and the roads minister — certainly the Centre who might have another engagement roads minister; he does not look at much at Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I that he has raced off to; Mr ; all, I think — wish to raise a matter this evening for the Ms Colleen Hartland, who has left us An honourable member interjected. Minister for Sport. Last week it was my — sometimes in this report you could Mr FINN — I hope he does not get very great pleasure to meet with the mayor understand why people would want to kicked anywhere, but particularly there. and the CEO of the City of Brimbank. It leave; I thought about it a couple of times An honourable member — Kicked out! is, I must say, a delight to see the City of myself — , a member for Brimbank now bubbling along nicely after Northern Metropolitan Region; Khalil Mr FINN — Get kicked out of Parliament Eideh — he showed up occasionally; in November — that would not be a bad some major problems some years ago. One of the highest topics on the agenda for the from Eastern Metropolitan thing. But I am starting to think that the Region; and Luke O’Sullivan. I would also Premier has not actually read what this discussion that we had was the St Albans Leisure Centre. I visited the St Albans like to thank the committee staff: Lilian proposal is. It is just outrageous. It is just Topic, secretary; Kieran Crowe, research appalling. Is it any wonder that Transurban Leisure Centre probably about three years ago, and to say that it was a bit shabby assistant; Michelle Kurrle, research think that their ship has come in? They are assistant; Kirra Vanzetti, chamber and laughing all the way to the bank. We are would be somewhat of an understatement. It was not flash at all. I thought then that committee officer; and Prue Purdey, talking about rivers of gold for Transurban, administrative officer. They did a great job. with no tangible benefit for the people of it was way beyond repair. The mayor Victoria and certainly no benefit to the confirmed my view and informed me In this report we looked at a number of people of the western suburbs. In fact that in fact the centre has deteriorated health projects across the state, and the the people of the western suburbs will be significantly since I last visited. She offered current situation has been reported for worse off after this project is open — if me a tour of the centre just to make each. It is a good read, Minister. You should indeed it is ever open — than they are now. sure that I am aware of exactly what the have a look at it. They will be worse off than they are now. situation is. Mr Jennings — There’s no big reveal in Why the hell would anybody representing The Brimbank council has very big plans this submission? the western suburbs of Melbourne come for the St Albans Leisure Centre. Apart Mr FINN — No, you are going to have into this place and support it? Mr Melhem from the leisure centre itself — the pool, to read it yourself. We also looked at might like to explain that at some stage to the gym and everything that goes with a the disruption caused in the CBD and his constituents. I am not sure why they leisure centre — they will also attach a surrounds by the metro rail project, and would do that. community centre on the same site, and of there were a number of issues identified. In I very strongly support the motion that course it will serve not just St Albans but fact some recommendations were made as has been put by Mr Davis. I am hoping that Taylors Lakes, Hillside, Taylors Hill, Keilor to how they could be avoided in the future. the government will not filibuster anymore and the suburbs right around there. It will One issue in particular recurred, and that and will actually be able to get on with this, no doubt be a major plus for the Brimbank was questionable consultation. This was because this is a particularly important community. Certainly I could not possibly raised by business in the CBD and those motion. You know, people talk about think of any reason people would travel to concerned about the removal of trees on certainty. I think this is something we can visit the current St Albans Leisure Centre, St Kilda Road. I have to say that on that be certain about. If this motion is passed because quite frankly it is just not worth it. particular issue there was a considerable today, it will send a very clear message that What I am asking the minister to do anger expressed. I think it is fair to say that the Parliament of Victoria does not want tonight is join me in visiting the St Albans Mr Davis, Ms Crozier and Ms Fitzherbert the West Gate tunnel. Leisure Centre so that he can see for have represented the views of people who himself the very sad state that it is in, so are angry about this rather well. that he can make what I am sure will be a There has also been, we found, a lack of COUNCIL | Constituency questions very quick assessment of the need to pour proper consultation — it is a significant 21 February 2018 some resources into a new centre, into issue — on the West Gate tunnel project. replacing the centre that is there now, and It is difficult to report on the West Gate make a commitment in the fullness of time, tunnel project. We would like to report as they say in certain circles, to committing much more fulsomely, but we do not Ravenhall tip odour the sorts of money that we will need to have the answers that we would like. The Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My replace it. I am asking the minister to join constituency question is to the Minister contract of course was signed mid-report, me at his convenience. I will contact the so we had to review the whole thing at that for Energy, Environment and Climate mayor, Cr Giudice, and certainly we will Change. Over the past couple of months point in time. have a great deal of pleasure in showing Numerous questions need to be an appalling and intolerable stench him around and ensuring that he is well has enveloped suburbs surrounding answered about the process surrounding aware of the needs of the area of Brimbank the development and contractual the Ravenhall tip. Residents of Caroline and certainly of St Albans. Springs, Deer Park and surrounds have arrangements of the West Gate tunnel. complained of what they have described as Given the outrageous nature of some a rotten egg gas smell that has made adults COUNCIL | Economy & Infrastruc- aspects of the agreement, it may lead some and children alike physically ill. Despite ture Standing C’tee, 22 Feb 2018 to believe Transurban has crossed the line complaints to the Environment Protection and can no longer be viewed as a good Authority Victoria, no action has been corporate citizen. The government’s role taken to protect locals from the stench. in this project is equally questionable. As I Will the minister do whatever is necessary Infrastructure say, there are a good number of questions to ensure the owners of the tip satisfy the that need answers. Those questions were requirements of its permit and stop the projects asked often both of government and of stink? Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Transurban during the course of this — presented fourth report, included inquiry. I have to say that the answers were appendices, extracts of proceedings and insufficient at best. They were in fact in minority report, together with transcripts some ways going out of their way to avoid of evidence. answering these questions. Laid on table. I believe that given the amount of Ordered that report be published. money we are talking about here, keeping in mind that we have gone from a $5.5 ______billion project to now a $6.7 billion project without any clear explanation as Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I to why that is occurring, there are clearly move: a number of questions that need to be

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 7 answered for us to produce the report that have been arrested by the police for their COUNCIL | Adjournment we would like to. We will be investigating particularly violent activity, they have been 22 February 2018 this in the future in our final report. I think locked up and they have been released it will be our final report. I would not put almost immediately. It has not happened money on it, but I hope it is our final report once, it has not happened twice, it has not in this particular Parliament. We hope to happened three times — it happens quite Werribee police report back before too long on exactly what often, and it has happened to individual we have discovered, and we hope to get thugs on a regular basis. I commend numbers somewhere near the truth as to what has once again Mr Guy for bringing forward Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I occurred between the government and policies which have made it very clear wish to raise a matter for the attention of Transurban on this particular project. that if anybody is arrested whilst they are the Minister for Police, and it concerns on bail they will go to jail — one chance, a particularly vicious attack in Werribee COUNCIL | Second reading that is it. That is something that I suggest last week by a gang of five youths who the government might like to take up 22 February 2018 walked into a shop, helped themselves to between now and when it is thrown out in the goods in that shop and went to walk November of this year. out. On their way out they were stopped I feel particularly sorry for the police by a male staff member — a man who is because they go to very great lengths semiretired perhaps and is not as young as Bail Amendment to protect us, and to have them in so he used to be — and he pointed out that many cases see their good work undone they should in fact pay for those goods or (Stage Two) Bill in the courts, I know, is devastating to indeed put them back. At that time he was many of them and very, very frustrating. attacked by this gang. 2017 In particular I cannot understand how He ended up in hospital with a hairline Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I anybody who has either assaulted a rise to speak on this bill today, the Bail fracture of the cheekbone and stitches police officer or has been involved in inside his mouth. It was a particularly Amendment (Stage Two) Bill 2017, and I assaulting a police officer is allowed bail. support the bill. As has been said by Ms vicious attack, after which the youths That should not be on the table. We have ran away laughing. They thought it was a Fitzherbert, it probably does not go far had a case again today where a couple enough. But it is a start, I suppose. great joke. As you can imagine, the other of female police officers were assaulted, staff in the shop were traumatised. The I have to at the very beginning commend and one of the individuals involved has female staff in the shop were particularly the Leader of the Opposition in the other walked out on bail. I do not understand traumatised, and I am told that one has place, Mr Guy, for the work that he has that. How can that happen? Why can’t the actually quit since this particular incident. been doing in bringing pressure to bear on judiciary support our police in the way that Nearby business operators and their staff the government on this particular issue. they should be supported? I think if the are also afraid and very anxious as a result He has been a very, very up-front, loud and judiciary cannot do that, if the judiciary of this particular incident. vocal supporter of bail changes in this state will not do that, then the Parliament This happened right in the middle of — the sorts of changes that will actually should. It seems absolutely outrageous bring justice to our legal system, and that is Werribee. This was not on the outskirts that it would be any other way. Our police of anywhere. This was in Station Street, long overdue. As I have said, unfortunately need and deserve the support that in far too many times in this place over recent Werribee. It is just unbelievable that certain instances they are not getting. That we would have such an open attack years, we have a legal system in the state is something that, to my way of thinking, but we do not have a justice system. I think in such a built-up commercial area — just slaps justice in the face, and it must just extraordinary. What is even more that the comments and the policies that Mr be a kick in the guts to every police officer Guy has put forward will change that to an extraordinary is that it took the police 4 across the state when they see something hours to get there. The Werribee police extraordinarily large degree. I commend like that happening. him for the work that he has done. Also, station is less than a 2-minute drive away. It is something that I find intolerable. I think it would be about 45 seconds if they as Ms Fitzherbert said, the member for I do not believe that any reasonable or Hawthorn in the Assembly is doing a had the lights and sirens on. It took them 4 decent society should be tolerating that hours to get there. brilliant job, I have to say, in promoting the sort of behaviour by the judiciary, and I sorts of policy changes that we desperately This emphasises yet again how would suggest that we really need to have understaffed and overworked the Werribee need in this state. a situation where, if anybody is brought I do not understand why it has taken the police are. We need more police in before the courts for involvement in Werribee. These attacks are ongoing in government so long to bring this legislation assaulting police, they go to jail. Whether forward. This has been needed for a very, the Werribee area. We need to have more they are found guilty, or even beforehand police to deal with these violent attacks very long time. We have seen on far too when they are just charged, they should many occasions people on bail committing to protect innocent people such as this be held on remand. They should not be gentleman who ended up in hospital crimes, and we know that if we had had given any form of bail at all. Anybody this legislation sooner we could have merely as a result of suggesting that these on a charge of assaulting a police officer thugs put back the stolen property that actually seen them locked up. They would or being involved in assaulting a police not have been on the street to commit they had taken. We need more police, officer should be off the street. Apart from and I ask the police minister to ensure those crimes, and that is something that affording justice to the officers involved, clearly does affect the community. that Werribee very, very soon has the it sends a very clear message that we as a appropriate number of police to deal with I feel very sorry for our police officers. society and we as a community will not the crime wave that Werribee now faces. As members of the house would be aware, tolerate that sort of behaviour. As I said, I am a very, very strong supporter of I cannot understand how anybody could Victoria Police, and particularly the men disagree with that position. COUNCIL | Members statements and women on the front line, because they I welcome this bill. I think the 06 March 2018 are without doubt outstanding individuals amendment moved to bring the who put themselves on the line, day in and commencement date forward is an day out, to protect us. That is something eminently reasonable and sensible one. I that is highly commendable. They do not understand why the government Community safety need and deserve the support from our has taken the view that it should be so Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Do governments that they do not always get. far away when this legislation is clearly not let the Premier, Minister for Police or I think this legislation, whilst it will satisfy needed and has been needed for quite Chief Commissioner of Police tell us we some of that need, does not go all the way. some time. I am hoping that when we have no gang problem in Melbourne. Do I have spoken to police on a number of get the opportunity to debate them, the not let them try to tell us the crime tsunami occasions who are heartily sick of working amendments will be passed as well. I wish has passed. Do not let them try to tell us their tail off to lock up offenders, only the amended legislation a speedy passage, people are not living in fear in their own to see those offenders walk out — quite and I urge all members of the house to homes. The fact of the matter is the wave often, I might say — to commit further support it. of violence that has terrified people across crime. We have seen that particularly with the greater metropolitan area continues. the youth gang problem that we have in If the house does not believe me, ask the the western suburbs. A lot of these gang workers at Essendon McDonald’s who members — young thugs, basically — were attacked by thugs as they went about

IN 8 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE their jobs, or ask the young mother in a sudden you would hear, ‘Racing!’. That is people of racing in Victoria and indeed in Albion who awoke with a knife against what I did day in, day out for quite some Australia. Cup Day in itself is the ultimate her throat as she and her family became time. It probably bored me a bit stupid sporting event in Australia many would victims of a horrific home invasion. Maybe after a while, but it was a good start. say. It is an iconic event. It is, as they say we could ask the family who were similarly I worked with bloke called Bruce in the classics, a race that stops the nation. attacked in their home in Taylors Hill Stewart. Many of you may not remember I well remember being in Perth last year the day before. Perhaps we could ask the Bruce Stewart, but he was quite an about a month before the Melbourne 96-year-old woman who was violently extraordinary individual. Bruce is in fact a Cup, and everywhere I looked pubs and assaulted in her St Albans home. friend of mine on Facebook these days. He restaurants were advertising, ‘Come here These incidents were just last week has retired, I think, down on the Peninsula. on Cup Day’, ‘We’ve got this on Cup Day’, alone, and only in the western suburbs. Bruce had me in awe. He would go behind ‘We’ve got that on Cup Day’ and ‘Come in Violent crime in Melbourne is out of the desk on a Saturday afternoon. There and we’ll look after you’. It was obvious that control. I have spoken to people in would be races from Melbourne, Geelong, it was not just a Melbourne event; Perth Melbourne’s west who are looking to arm Bendigo, Sydney, Adelaide — you name it. was well and truly going to come to a close themselves to protect their families and He had race meetings everywhere, and he on Melbourne Cup Day as well. others who already have. As terrifying as was coordinating all of this totally off the I remember back in the dim, distant these dreadful events are, what is truly top of his head. It was absolutely amazing past when I was working in Sydney, with chilling is the refusal of the Andrews what he did. I do not think I would be able Sydney itself supposedly not really caring government to accept that we have a major to do it ever, but he did it every Saturday what happens in Melbourne — so they crisis in this state. Premier Daniel Andrews afternoon. He was listening in one ear to say — but in fact Sydney pretty much came has failed to protect the people of this state, himself and in the other ear to whichever to a close as well, and I think that has not and in November he will pay the ultimate race meeting was about to jump. He would changed over a lot of years. The Melbourne political price. be able to throw to that race just in time for Cup, the pinnacle of racing in this country, the punters to hear it. is something that is a part of our soul. It is a COUNCIL | Constituency questions As I said, it was quite an extraordinary part of our soul. It is a part of the fluid that runs through our veins. It is not just the 06 March 2018 beginning to my professional life to be in that atmosphere, particularly working blood, it is the Melbourne Cup as well. with people like Bill Collins, who we will I am thinking back to a few years all remember as the Accurate One. He ago when I was at the Cox Plate. I had was a bloke who I found to be an absolute been invited by the committee into the Bulla-Diggers Rest delight to work with and somebody who committee room to have lunch and watch Road certainly knew his horseflesh. He was very, the Cox Plate, and it was a very, very Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My very hard to get a tip out of. If he had a pleasant afternoon, I have to say to you. constituency question is to the Minister for good tip, he was not letting on, let me tell There were a number of us. Roads and Road Safety. The Bulla-Diggers you. Another bloke I worked with was Ray Mr Ondarchie interjected. Rest Road has increasingly become a busy Benson. Now, there was a man who would Mr FINN — I cannot remember who thoroughfare between Sunbury Road and give you a tip. won, Mr Ondarchie, but there were a the Calder Freeway. Roadworks, followed Mr Ondarchie — Racing Ray Benson. number of us. Look, you have got me mysteriously by a 20-kilometre cut in the Mr FINN — Racing Ray Benson. I think thinking now, and I just cannot think who speed limit, have been conducted on this he is still living down there in Moonee won. It was a horse that if you run a few road, but that in no way recognises the Ponds, somewhere just near Moonee names past me I will remember, I am sure. importance it now has for local traffic Valley Racecourse. He would be very An honourable member interjected. and vehicles from much further afield. In happy to give you a tip, and he used to give Mr FINN — No, it was not Phar Lap. No, particular the bridge over Deep Creek is me tips on the dogs. I have to say that my Phar Lap was stuffed by that stage — and only one lane, and vehicles must wait on time backing the dogs was not ragingly I was pretty much myself by the end of one side until those from the other side successful. It was not the greatest time in the night. I cannot remember; it was a have completed their journey. Clearly this my life, so I gave it away after a while. I few years ago. But I recall as the afternoon is totally unsatisfactory. What plans does found out that losing your money in about drew on we may have had a cup of tea or the minister have to duplicate this very 35 seconds flat in those days — in the late a glass of something else and a number of busy bridge and ease traffic congestion on 70s and early 80s — was sort of like the us might have been quite relaxed as the Bulla-Diggers Rest Road? pokies on four legs. The dishlickers were afternoon progressed. very much like that, so I gave that away as a An honourable member interjected. bad joke. Ray Benson gave me lots of good COUNCIL | Second reading tips. It was great to work with people like Mr FINN — No, it wasn’t that; I’m not 06 March 2018 Bill Collins, Ray Benson and Terry Clifton going back that far. I was sitting next to — some of those really great blokes — who the then chairman of the Victoria Racing were great names. I am sure if you are old Club (VRC), and we were chatting about a enough you will remember them from whole range of matters. I made a dreadful Racing Amendment television and radio, and some of them faux pas; I made an appalling mistake, are still involved in the racing industry of and I know Mr Gepp is over there looking (Modernisation) Bill course. at me incredulously. He is thinking, ‘I cannot believe that Mr Finn would make Bill unfortunately went to God some a mistake’. I can see that written all over 2017 years ago. I recall being out at Caulfield Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I his face — ‘I cannot believe that Mr Finn Racecourse at Bill’s funeral and the would make a faux pas’. What I said was, rise to speak on the Racing Amendment grandstand being absolutely packed. (Modernisation) Bill 2017. It has to be ‘The biggest sporting event in Australia is That was not entirely surprising given the the AFL Grand Final’. said that my connections with the racing enormous respect that he commanded, industry are not exactly as salubrious as Mr not just in the racing industry but also in Ms Pennicuik — On a point of order, O’Sullivan’s, so I am almost honoured to be the media industry, because he was first Acting President, I just raise the matter in his presence when speaking on this bill and foremost an entertainer. When you that the speaker has strayed away from the today. Let me tell you: the sport of kings talk about Bill Collins you automatically subject of the bill, and I ask you to bring is one that does run in my blood, because remember the Accurate One and you him back to the subject. for my very first job when I began working remember the race caller, but you do forget The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Elasmar) at radio 3DB way back — from memory I sometimes that he was a great entertainer. — I understand your point, Ms Pennicuik, think it was 1979 — I had the responsibility He did a lot of singing and dancing. He was but I do not uphold the point of order. of getting the news and the races through on the Penthouse Club and shows earlier Mr FINN — The VRC chairman at the to the relay stations. That is what I did. I than that that I cannot actually remember time, who was next to me, was horrified would listen carefully to the end of the the name of. They may come to me as the — absolutely horrified — and when I news and then hit the button to make sure afternoon progresses, and I will get back to look back on it I can understand why. He that we caught the first horse jumping and you on that. let forth in no uncertain terms about the that we got that right around Victoria and It was a great honour and a great joy for importance of the racing industry, not just indeed into southern New South Wales. me to work with those people. It instilled in to Melbourne or to Victoria but indeed to I would be sitting there listening to the me the importance, I suppose, to so many Australia. He let forth at some length in news. They would give the news, and all of

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 9 fact about the importance of the racing are all sorts of things going on these days. town. I am asking the minister to find a way industry. She was a magnificent sight to behold. I to eradicate those bottlenecks. I believe Mr Gepp interjected. went to a number of race meetings, mainly that this is a matter of great importance Mr FINN — I should have said that, at Moonee Valley it has to be said, just to and great urgency. It does affect, as I say, Mr Gepp, yes; I should have said that. see Black Caviar run, because she was thousands of people every day. I ask the If indeed we were talking about the absolutely amazing. minister to put his mind to coming up with Melbourne Cup last year, of course it was As has been said by Mr O’Sullivan, the a proper and permanent solution. nowhere near as important as the grand opposition will not be opposing this bill. I final after a magnificent Tigers victory. think it is important that we unite as one — COUNCIL | Adjournment Although I have to say I have lost a fair bit well, perhaps unite as five, as it might be in 07 March 2018 of money over the years going to the races this house at the moment — to support the and backing horses in Richmond colours. racing industry and ensure that the people It does not always work. I was left in no in the racing industry know that they have doubt that day of the importance of racing the backing of government and that they Serrated tussock to the economy of Australia. have the backing of individual members of Of course in my own electorate down Parliament. Those of us who are fortunate control in Werribee we have a place, the Werribee enough to have racecourses within our Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Racecourse, which is a very important electorates know the importance of wish to raise a matter for the Minister place as a lead-in to the Melbourne Cup, those racecourses, and indeed the racing for Energy, Environment and Climate because that is where all the overseas industry, to the economic success and Change. It concerns a delightful lady horses come to. They go there and they the general wellbeing of the community. who has contacted me. She is one of my do what they have to do beforehand. I We will not oppose the bill and will urge constituents in the St Albans area, a lady by was down there a couple of years ago with members to support it at the appropriate the name of Judy Ingram. Judy has spoken then Premier , and we time. to me about her long-time concerns had a very enjoyable morning watching regarding the serrated tussock issue that those overseas runners warming up and COUNCIL | Adjournment affects her home and her neighbour’s preparing for the big day. So Werribee itself 06 March 2018 home. The issue is the land on the corner is a major contributor to the success of the of Kings Road and Taylors Road in Melbourne Cup. Sydenham that houses the ABC broadcast Of course in my own electorate, again, tower. It is controlled by Broadcast there is Moonee Valley and across the Sunbury Road Australia, which is the arm of a private river there is Flemington. As much as I company. love Moonee Valley, and I do love Moonee duplication It would clearly appear to be the case Valley, Flemington itself is just magical. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I that they have not looked after that land to There is a feeling about Flemington wish to raise a matter for the attention of the extent that they should have for quite Racecourse, there is a feeling on Cup Day the Minister for Roads and Road Safety. some time. The serrated tussock that is on in particular, that cannot be beaten. It It concerns related matters that I have that land has impacted upon many, many cannot be beaten. It is surely something raised on a few occasions now. It concerns homes. If the wind blows a certain way, it that once felt will never — the bottleneck that has now become a affects people in St Albans; if it blows the Mr Dalidakis — Really? What about the major bottleneck on Sunbury Road. In other way, it hurts people in Kings Park. Richmond grand final win? fact we have a couple of bottlenecks on Either way it is something that needs to be Mr FINN — I am talking about racing, Sunbury Road now between Bulla and the controlled and needs to be fixed as soon as Mr Dalidakis. Tullamarine Freeway. The first one is at possible. Mr Dalidakis — You said the feeling can’t the junction with Oaklands Road, and the The minister and indeed you, President, be beaten. other one is on the road just outside Bulla, may well be thinking this is a federal where traffic becomes one lane from two. matter because it is the ABC and it is Mr FINN — Well, it can be beaten At Oaklands Road traffic becomes one lane when you are talking about footy, but I Broadcast Australia, and I did make a from three. This is causing major problems, similar assumption, but that is not the am talking about racing here. I think you given that this is a major artery these days, should pull him up, Acting President. I case. In fact the site is covered by state law with people travelling either into the city or in conjunction with the local government, think somebody should take a point of to the airport, given the enormous number order on him. which has control over weeds, and serrated of people who work at the airport. People tussock is one of the nastiest weeds doing It is just an extraordinary feeling to who live in Sunbury and people who live the rounds. It is quite extraordinary. be at Flemington among the roses on in the Macedon Ranges use that road to I remember I first raised the issue of Melbourne Cup Day. I remember my first get to work at the airport. It is causing an serrated tussock in this Parliament about Melbourne Cup; I did not see a horse. And enormous amount of trouble. 25 years ago, and here I am doing it again. I reckon there would be a lot of people who The minister recently announced that It seems that it is nigh on impossible to get were in exactly the same situation — they there would be some safety works, as he rid of, but it has to be gotten rid of because did not see a horse that day. Nonetheless, described them, done on that road. I do it is affecting a large number of people I have been to the cup many times and not see how in any way these safety works in the Sydenham-St Albans area. So I am enjoyed it. are going to improve the traffic flow. In asking the minister for the environment Mr Ondarchie interjected. fact I am not sure what indeed these traffic to instruct her departmental officers to Mr FINN — I had more than a dash works involve, but they are certainly not deal with Broadcast Australia to ensure that day, I can tell you. We enjoyed it going to improve the traffic flow. From that they do comply with the appropriate immensely. Of course the VRC has very what I can see and from what has already act, that they do follow the law and that successfully turned that into not just a race occurred on the road, it is going to make it we do have a situation where that serrated meeting but a major party for Melbourne even more difficult to get down that road tussock is eliminated from that site. It now. The VRC is to be commended, and for the foreseeable future. So we have a has been a blight on the lives of a good Amanda Elliott, the chair of the VRC, is to major issue, one that affects thousands number of people there for far too long be commended on her leadership of that of people every day. Once again this and the time has come for the Victorian organisation. morning the traffic was banked from the government to put its foot down and say, Mr O’Sullivan brought back some great Tullamarine Freeway to the township of ‘No more’. memories for me when he mentioned Bulla, which is a significant bank-up, and it Black Caviar. No, I am not a great racing is getting worse almost on a daily basis. COUNCIL | Constituency questions fan, but I do have photos of Black Caviar I would hope that the minister is aware 08 March 2018 on my wall, and I have actually been to of this problem, but if he is not, I am race meetings just to see Black Caviar run. bringing it to his attention now because I love that horse. It certainly was — I hope this is something that is, quite frankly, it still is — when it was running, a sight to infuriating for a lot of the people who live behold. in Sunbury and surrounds and for a lot Power blackout Mr Dalidakis — She — shame on you. of the people who live in the Macedon advice Mr FINN — She — well, it may be Ranges — people who use that road to get Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My transitioning; you would not know. There to the airport or to the freeway to get into constituency question is to the Minister

IN 10 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE for Energy, Environment and Climate COUNCIL | Members statements Minister Jennings is looking at me in a Change. On 6 February this year I asked 27 March 2018 quizzical manner, as he often does. He is the minister about the number of fuse wondering what is going on, and perhaps faults that she claimed caused widespread not for the first time. I do not know power blackouts across Melbourne’s west whether he understands what has occurred on 28 January. Much to my surprise the Government in this state over the last few years. I was, minister declined to answer that question, I have to say, equally surprised to see him leaving me to wonder if blaming fuses for performance standing behind the Premier last week. the blackout is strictly correct. We can only Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Here was the Special Minister of State, hope that the minister would not attempt Some years ago I was fond of saying that if the man charged with responsibility for to perpetrate such a fraud on the public. Mother Teresa came to Australia she would the integrity of this Parliament, standing Minister, what advice did you receive from be hailed as a modern-day saint. I think behind the Premier in a press conference your department on the reason for the I have subsequently been proven right defending what very much rips at the heart aforementioned blackouts that impacted there. If she announced the day after her of the integrity of this Parliament and many thousands across the western arrival that she was running for Parliament indeed rips at the very heart of the integrity suburbs? the general populace would decry her as of our entire political system. I would have a liar, thief and shyster. I say that by way thought that Mr Jennings in particular COUNCIL | Adjournment of illustrating the contempt with which would be very enthusiastic about getting a parliamentary adviser on integrity and 08 March 2018 elected representatives are held in across Australia. would want one ASAP. He would not I have long lived in hope that the view want to wait until tonight, he would not of politicians might improve sometime want to wait until tomorrow or next week; Perth Avenue- soon. The Andrews government has just he would want one now, because, God about buried that hope. The removal of almighty, if ever there was a need for one, both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker this is it. Ballarat Road, for rorting was a major blow to the public Mr Jennings desperately needs an perception of this Parliament. A minister’s adviser on integrity, because he clearly has Albion no idea what exactly that is. I think even Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — dogs being chauffeured around in the back seat of a government car was another blow if he looked it up in his Funk & Wagnalls, Thank you, President. I can assure you that he still would have no idea at all as to at 22 minutes past 12 on a Friday morning and quite frankly made us all look quite ridiculous. the meaning of integrity. Certainly if the this will be the most unset speech in living minister did have some idea, you can be memory. I wish to draw a matter to the However, last week’s Ombudsman report may well be the last straw as far as most absolutely guaranteed that the government attention of the Minister for Roads and does not, from the Premier down. Road Safety. I have been involved for a people are concerned. Never before have number of years now in a campaign to win we seen a future government embark on The Premier came out last week, after traffic lights for the corner of Perth Avenue a deliberate, premeditated plan to rip off the Ombudsman’s report was released, and Ballarat Road in Albion. Anybody who those it has sworn to serve. Never before and said, ‘We’ve done nothing wrong. is familiar with that particular intersection have we then seen a government embark We’ve done nothing wrong’. Why, then, will know that anyone who tries to drive on a deliberate, premeditated plan to cover we are forced to ask, would you spend $1 across that intersection at various times up this theft from the public purse at a cost million of the taxpayers money to cover of the day takes their life into their own to the taxpayer of some $1 million. In the up, to make sure the Ombudsman did not hands. Anybody who attempts to cross that eyes of the public the Andrews government get a chance to investigate, to take it to road on foot clearly has no respect for their has muddied this Parliament. This the highest court in the land, to the High life at all. It is an exceedingly dangerous government stands condemned for what Court, where the most important matters intersection, and I am surprised there is a despicable attack on our democracy are debated and decided — at huge has not been a greater incidence of road and the people of Victoria. The Andrews expense, I might say? If indeed the Premier trauma there. government — honestly believed that the government had done nothing wrong, why did they carry Recently VicRoads announced that they The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Purcell) — Time! this right through to the highest court in would accede to the wishes of the local the land? Why would that be? It seems to community and give Perth Avenue the me that here is a Premier most certainly traffic lights that the local community has COUNCIL | Business of the house but here is an entire government that is in long campaigned for. Indeed I remember 27 March 2018 desperate need of advice on integrity, and speaking last year at a sizeable rally on an integrity adviser is somebody who most that corner. The feeling was very, very certainly could do that. strong indeed that these traffic lights were needed way back then. Clearly that has It is interesting and I note here in the not happened until now, or at least the Notices of motion provision of advice — I could be looking Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I at the wrong part here — the motion announcement has been made now. This dispute the interjection that Ms Symes is where the problem lies: we do not quite does refer to providing advice to former threw across the chamber at us just a few members. know when these traffic lights will be minutes ago, because I for one am deeply installed. I would hope that they would be surprised — Honourable members interjecting. installed this weekend; that would be ideal. Ms Symes — You are not. Mr FINN — Now, we are not just talking about Mr Lenders. Remember Ms Beattie? In fact they should have been installed last Mr FINN — I am. Look at my face. I weekend. That would have been better. But She spent a bit of time in the other place. am very much surprised that Ms Symes She did not do much, it has to be said. at the moment we are in a state of flux. is attempting to postpone this motion We are waiting on VicRoads, and as She was not a great contributor to the to another time, because I would have Parliament, but she was certainly involved anybody who has waited on VicRoads for thought if ever there was a time in anything knows, that can take some time. in this rip-off and was named in the the history of this Parliament when a Ombudsman’s report of last week. Indeed, But we are waiting on VicRoads to actually government needed a degree of advice on come good with these traffic lights. I ask Liz Beattie was named and blamed for the integrity, now would be it. After what we expense of $24 773. I wonder where that the minister to direct VicRoads, if indeed have seen over the last week, after what the minister has any power over VicRoads, money might have gone. Might it have we have heard and what we have read gone into the seat of Sunbury? Ms Beattie to install the traffic lights on the corner of over the last week or so, one would have Perth Avenue and Ballarat Road in Albion of course used to be the member for thought now is the time — right this very Tullamarine in years gone by and actually as a matter of urgency. As I say, it is a minute, right on the spot almost at half dangerous intersection. It is one that does resided in Sunbury. She then became the past one on a Tuesday afternoon — to get member for Yuroke. pose a threat to the lives of those who use the integrity adviser on board, because it both in vehicles and on foot, and we do this is something that the government The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Patten) — need the minister’s attention on this matter clearly needs, desperately needs, because Mr Finn, could I ask that you return to the urgently. it is obvious just at this minute that the motion? government has no idea what integrity is. Mr FINN — This is about integrity.

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 11 The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Patten) Honourable members interjecting. I think every Victorian regards as being — The motion is on consideration of The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Patten) — of huge importance. If the integrity of postponement. Order! Mr Finn, please continue. the Parliament and the integrity of our Mr FINN — That is right. I am just Mr FINN — As I said, it is important parliamentarians is to be re-established, making the point, Madam Acting that we get an integrity adviser to this it needs an integrity adviser, and it needs President, that it is absolutely crucial that government as soon as possible. To be one of those as soon as possible. If anyone we have an adviser on integrity as soon as postponing this matter until some future were to walk down Bourke Street now and possible. This matter cannot be postponed time — I am not exactly sure when the ask anybody and everybody about what when you have got people spending vast government will debate this matter; in they think of the integrity of the Victorian sums of money. John Lenders, for example, fact, I am sure the government does not Parliament and particularly the Victorian a former Leader of the Government in this know when the government will debate government, I think the language would house, spent nearly $45 000. You have got the matter, because we are never quite sure turn the air blue, because the contempt the dancing bear, Liz Beattie, spending what happens in this place until it actually of the people of Victoria toward the nearly $25 000. Marg Lewis — happens. government in particular is through the Honourable members interjecting. Ms Symes interjected. roof. The esteem in which this government is held at the moment has never, ever been Mr FINN — She was not here long, and Mr FINN — No, it is true. This many of us actually wondered what she so low. We need this motion, and I am government are so confused it is a dog’s hoping that the government will reconsider did up here, but in fact now we know. breakfast. They have got no idea what is She was helping her comrades. There its position and we can go ahead and going on from 1 minute to the next, which debate it as soon as possible. is Joe Helper, a former member, and is a sad state of affairs, not exactly related John Pandazopoulos. Johan Scheffer: to this motion but one that we should take we all wondered what he was doing. We into consideration nonetheless. COUNCIL | Constituency questions wondered that for a very long time. Now Integrity is something that I hold very 27 March 2018 we know. dear. I think every member of Parliament Mr Leane interjected. should hold integrity as something that Mr FINN — I will tell you what: if there you just do not go anywhere without. You is anybody in this house who needs advice do not leave it at the front door when you Bulla traffic on integrity, it is Mr Leane. He came out enter this chamber. You do not leave it at in the paper on the weekend and said he home. A level of integrity is something congestion is proud of ripping off the taxpayer, he is that we all owe those who we represent — Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My proud of what he has done. ‘Be proud’, he the electorate. I represent half a million constituency question is to the Minister said. ‘We won. That’s all that matters’. That people, as most of us do in this place, for Roads and Road Safety. For some is what he said. and I owe them a degree of integrity and years now I have been advocating for Mr Leane — On a point of order, Acting respect for integrity. Most of us — I think improvements for motorists on Sunbury President — all of us in fact on this side of the house — Road between the township of Bulla automatically know what integrity is. But and the Tullamarine Freeway. As I have Mrs Peulich interjected. explained to the house and the minister on Mr Leane — Well, there are actually clearly those on the other side, particularly those in the Labor Party, have no idea what a number of occasions, traffic on Sunbury two points of order now. One point of Road is intolerable and is getting worse on order is that Mr Finn is actually verballing integrity is. They need an adviser. Ms Crozier interjected. a daily basis. Congestion on Sunbury Road something that he says I have said. was as bad as it could get — or so I thought. Mr Finn interjected. Mr FINN — Cheating, lying and Recent VicRoads works have made traffic Mr Leane — He is trying to say that in shysterish activity is within the DNA of even worse, much to the disgust and anger the paper it said that ‘Mr Leane was proud the Labor Party. Artificing, that is what of motorists. Minister, when can those of ripping off the taxpayers’. they have done — I think I just made up a motorists expect some relief from this new word — and that is within the DNA of appalling traffic congestion? Honourable members interjecting. the Labor Party. That is why they need an Mr Leane — That is not what it said, so integrity adviser, and they need one now. I would ask him to withdraw that. I also In fact if I had known as I rose to speak on COUNCIL | Second reading would ask that particular Liberal MPs, this motion that an integrity adviser would 27 March 2018 particularly Mrs Peulich, leave family be appointed, I would have sat down members out of interjections. immediately. This government needs an Ms Crozier interjected. integrity adviser because it has not got a Mr Leane — I just think it is a point that clue what integrity is. It has proven that, Firefighters’ people should act civilly. and it continues to prove it every day. Not Honourable members interjecting. only did the government prove it when it Presumptive Rights Mr Leane — I would never do this went out to rip off the taxpayer to the tune towards any of you, including her. I would of $388 000 or $389 000 but it ripped off the Compensation not bring up your family members. taxpayer yet again when it tried to cover up. If you try to cover something up, that Honourable members interjecting. tells me you have got no integrity at all. You and Fire Services The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Patten) need somebody to help you along the way; — Order! you need a hand. Surely this government Legislation Mr FINN — On the point of order, Acting needs a hand in the area of integrity. In fact President, look, I am not exactly sure what the government needs a hand in a lot of Amendment Mr Leane is referring to in these points of areas because it is wildly incompetent as order because I have not verballed him. I well, but that is not exactly related to this (Reform) Bill 2017 was just quoting from a newspaper article motion. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) in the Herald Sun on Saturday. Now, if he Far be it from me to discuss the fact — In rising to speak on this legislation has a problem — that this morning we saw the front pages today, the Firefighters’ Presumptive The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Patten) — of both major Melbourne newspapers Rights Compensation and Fire Services Mr Finn, will you withdraw? promoting the east–west link — this of Legislation Amendment (Reform) Bill Mr FINN — I am happy to withdraw, but course being a project that the Premier 2017, I would first like to point out that it was in the Herald Sun. cancelled at a cost of 1.3 thousand this bill is a further example of the devious The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Patten) — million dollars. Can you imagine how nature of the government. We have a Thank you. much integrity could be bought with 1.3 government that will try anything on. thousand million dollars? Can you imagine What they have done here is launch an Mr FINN — I will tell you what: I reckon attack on Country Fire Authority (CFA) the Herald Sun might have a bit more — how many Labor MPs could be bought with that? You would have Labor Party MPs volunteers with this presumptive rights The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Patten) — crawling out of your back pocket — and compensation legislation by putting two Thank you, Mr Finn. Please continue your that is not a pleasant thought, I might tell pieces of legislation together and saying, contribution on postponing government you. ‘If you want one, then you’re going to have business. This motion needs to be debated as a to have the lot’. It is an act of total — I was Mr FINN — I have got a feeling — matter of urgency. This is a matter that going to say ‘bastardry’, but I will not say

IN 12 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE that. Well, I think I will say it. It is an act Road on Christmas Day. I remember to the Premier is to destroy volunteers of bastardry on behalf of the government. speaking to some volunteers down there within the CFA. It is something that unfortunately we who heard the fires were on and just got up When I speak to firefighters on the have come to expect from the Andrews from their Christmas Day lunch, walked ground, at fire stations or just around town government in this Parliament and for out and did not come home for three days in Sunbury or wherever, they tell me the the term of this Parliament. There are because they were out fighting the fires. difficulties that they face from professional many of us who are looking forward to These people do not do it for payment; firefighters. There is a real aggression November, not just to the end of this term they do it because they want to help their toward them by professional firefighters, of Parliament but indeed to the end of fellow citizens and their own community. and I think that is very, very sad indeed, the Andrews government. I know there They are just genuine, decent, wonderful but it does reflect what is going on in this are thousands, tens of thousands, of CFA people, and it is really very difficult to Parliament; it does reflect what has been volunteers across the state who are most understand why the government has had it going on in this state for the last two and a certainly in that category. Now, I have not in for them over the last few years. half years since Daniel Andrews declared spoken to them all, but I have spoken to Even in Bulla, the area that I live in, if war on CFA volunteers. quite a few of them, and they cannot wait my house were to catch fire — God help My personal view, very strongly, is that for the Andrews government to be a thing us — the local CFA around the corner Daniel Andrews should hang his head in of the past. would come and put it out. I know Larry shame for what he has done and for what We have seen today another example of and his team at the Bulla CFA would be he is doing. He will long be remembered the devious nature, the dishonest nature, of there in a flash. I often hear the siren go as the man who declared war on the CFA. the Andrews government. At 11 o’clock this off and within a couple of minutes the He will fail; I sincerely hope he will fail in morning, an hour before the house was truck is heard as it rattles off to a fire or a what he intends to do. We know why he is to sit, we had land on our desks 29 pages car accident, because quite often the CFA doing it. We know he owes — perhaps he of amendments, and we were expected is involved not just in fighting fires but owns them as well — the UFU. We know to take all that in. The government said, indeed in cleaning up after car accidents what the UFU did prior to the 2014 election ‘Nothing much has changed; take our and providing support for the Victoria — the support that they gave the ALP prior word for it’. Yes, sure we will! Anybody State Emergency Service and for other to the 2014 election — and he is paying who believes this government, I have got emergency workers. them back in spades. He is just handing it an opera house up in Sydney to sell them, I well remember back in 1983 — all over. This is despite the fact that we saw because if you believe this government you Mr Ondarchie interjected. in the Assembly, the former would believe anything. This government Mr FINN — Yes, it is a fair while ago, Minister for Emergency Services, bullied will try anything on. This government lies Mr Ondarchie. I remember the day after out of her job. We saw Jane Garrett by through its teeth, left, right and centre, Ash Wednesday being out meeting a lot all reports threatened with an axe. Peter and if you do not believe me, ask the of the firefighters in the Macedon Ranges Marshall, the head of the UFU, threatened Ombudsman, because she knows exactly and seeing the exhaustion that they were Ms Garrett with putting an axe in her what we are talking about. suffering from at the time, but again they head. Not exactly the ideal way to conduct Here we have two instances where the did it for the love of their community and oneself, I would have thought. I have seen government has tried it on. They have to protect their fellow citizens. That is a Peter Marshall in the past; I have seen how put two pieces of legislation together, one fair while ago now. That is — what is it?— he conducts himself, and yes, he is a bully. attacking CFA volunteers and the other about 34 years ago or something like that, He fits in very, very well with a Premier giving compensation for firefighters. I think 35 years ago. They were doing it before and who likewise is very much a bully. everybody expected that we would have they are still doing it. They are absolute Then we saw what happened to Lucinda the opportunity to debate these two bills gems. Nolan, the ex-CEO of the CFA. She is an separately and clearly that would have One of my earliest memories in fact was outstanding individual who made a name been much better. It is deeply regrettable my mother baking scones — they were for herself in Victoria Police over many that we have not been able to do that. It is large quantities of scones, I have to say — years. Many were surprised that she did a real slap in the face to volunteers across for the CFA. My father was in the Warrion not get the job of chief commissioner, but the state, but unfortunately it is a slap in CFA and he was fighting the Cressy she went to the CFA, and she was bullied the face that volunteer firefighters have bushfires — or grassfires, I think they were out of the CFA by a union and by a Premier become used to as Daniel Andrews and his actually, more to the point — back in it who lives off bullying. That is what they do. merry men — did I say ‘men’? I am sorry; would have been the late 1960s or early Unfortunately in 2018 bullying is the Labor that would get you shot in Victoria these 1970s, I think. It is a long time ago anyway, way. That is just the way it is. We have seen days — or his merry band of shysters who but it is certainly one of the early memories the CFA board sacked and bullied out cavort across the state. that I have. The CFA are very much a part because they would not do as they were Acting President, I do not have to tell of country communities. They are the told. We have seen I think now two — you you that the CFA and its volunteers are the backbone of the bush. I salute today those may be able to correct me there, Acting salt of the earth. They are the backbone of volunteers who do such a magnificent job. President Ramsay — MFB boards gone. the bush, if I can say that. As somebody You have got to ask: given the They too would not do as they were told, who grew up in the Western District of magnificent job that they do, that they have and out the door they went. country Victoria I know only too well the done and that they will continue to do, Daniel Andrews and Peter Marshall do importance of the CFA and the volunteers one would imagine, why would anybody not care how many bodies are stacking to country communities. We have seen attack volunteer firefighters, particularly up around them; they just want what they this in the last couple of weeks down in the Premier of this state, which is one want. They do not care what is fair, they the south-west of Victoria around Cobden, of the most fire-prone areas on the face do not care about what is decent and they Camperdown and right through that area of the earth? Where is the logic? Where certainly do not care about consultation. to the Lowan electorate, where volunteers is the sense in that? You can certainly Consultation in fact is just Peter Marshall have been out all day and all night, quite understand the anger of volunteers and Daniel Andrews saying, ‘Shut up and often, fighting fires, defending properties towards the government and towards do as you’re told or you’ll be next’. That is and indeed saving lives. the Premier, who has treated them so their definition of consultation. So it is a I think it is fair to say — in fact I think I abysmally, so appallingly, over the last two very sad state of affairs that Victoria finds have heard a number of people say — that or three years. itself in in 2018. As I said, we are in one of without the actions of CFA volunteers I have no beef with the Metropolitan Fire the most fire-prone areas on the face of lives would have been lost in the fires Brigade (MFB) or professional firefighters, the earth and we have this extraordinary over the last few weeks. So I tip my hat to but that is not what this bill is about. This situation where we have legislation come the volunteers of the CFA, and I say God bill is largely about attacking volunteer before the house today — it has been bless each and every one of them, because firefighters. That is the bottom line. This sitting on the notice paper for almost a without them we would be in more strife bill is about control. The UFU — the year, I might say — which in effect will be than the early settlers. I do not think there United Firefighters Union — has wanted a killer blow, if passed, for the CFA as we is anybody — on this side of the house, to take the CFA for years. They have seen know it. anyway — who would dispute that. the CFA as something that they aim for, as I will be voting against this bill. I urge These volunteers are selfless people, and something that they want to control, but of every member to oppose this bill, and I they regard sacrifice as something that just course you cannot unionise volunteers, so sincerely hope that the CFA volunteers will comes with the territory. I remember the the solution that the UFU have put forward one day find it in themselves to forgive this fires a few years ago on the Great Ocean rotten, filthy, disgusting government.

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 13 Mr FINN — Yes, you do, Mr Davis. But on the front page of the Herald Sun was COUNCIL | Questions without notice I do have some limited knowledge of ‘Pack of cheats’. That is exactly what they 28 March 2018 criminal justice — criminal law. There are: a pack of cheats. It is fascinating to see are two aspects of criminal law. There people talking about what has happened is a crime itself, and then there is the in South Africa with the Australian conspiracy to commit a crime. What we cricket team, but that is pretty small Youth justice system have seen here is both. We have seen the beer compared with what the Victorian Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My rort, we have seen the rip-off, we have government has done. It has been exposed question is to the Minister for Families and seen the act of stealing and then we have for what it has done. Children. Minister, under the Andrews seen the cover-up. Some people have I can understand why the Labor Party Labor government Corrections Victoria has asked, ‘What is worse: the initial theft or opposes Mr Rich-Phillips’s motion. I fully received cost orders for failing to present the cover-up?’. In terms of dollars, clearly understand why they would oppose a adult prisoners to court. I ask: since 1 the cover-up is worse because we are select committee — because they do not January 2016 on how many occasions has looking at somewhere around $1 million want to be investigated. They have already a young offender in youth justice failed to — probably a little bit more, lawyers being been investigated as much as they want present to court? what they are. With the actual act of theft to be. In fact they have been investigated itself, it was around about $388 000 to more than they wanted to be. As we know, Supplementary question $389 000 that we know of, keeping in mind they actually went to the highest court in that the Ombudsman has said herself that this land to stop the investigation, and they Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I there are huge gaps in this report because were thrown out on their ear. The High can assure the minister that I have shown quite a few members of Parliament refused Court of Australia threw the case out on a great deal of interest in youth affairs to cooperate with her. its ear — threw the Attorney-General into matters for a very long time, and I would One of those members who refused Lake Burley Griffin and said, ‘Don’t bother suggest to the minister that it is about time to cooperate with her was the Premier us again’. she did as well. of Victoria — the Premier, the man who This is an act of appalling bastardry Minister, going to a specific case, on supposedly leads this state. He refused by this government towards the people Friday a young offender on remand for a to cooperate with the Ombudsman. He of Victoria. I can understand why the violent home invasion, which involved a says he does not know anything about it government does not want this select young mother in my own electorate who and then refuses to cooperate with the committee, but I have to ask: why had a knife to her throat as she slept next to Ombudsman. If he knows nothing about doesn’t the Greens party want this select her five-year-old son, failed to front court it, why wouldn’t he sit down with the committee? My understanding is that the because he was asleep in a youth detention Ombudsman and tell the Ombudsman Greens party is opposing Mr Rich-Phillips’s centre. The responsible magistrate said, that he knows nothing about it? If he is motion. Can I get some confirmation from and I quote: fair dinkum and if he honestly does not the corner over there? Is the Greens party It’s important they are here for a number know anything about it, why wouldn’t he opposing Mr Rich-Phillips’s motion? Ms of reasons … I’m concerned it becomes a sit down with the Ombudsman and say Pennicuik, I understand you said you are bit viral. that? It is pretty clear to me what is going opposing Mr Rich-Phillips’s motion. You Could you explain how this specific on there. did not say that? Let us say we are up there. failure to appear before court was able to Of course we have the leader in We are still working on it, are we? That is occur under your watch? this house, Mr Jennings. Mr Jennings, good. according to the report, has clocked up a If indeed the Greens do oppose this whopping $20 539 of rorted money. That motion, I have to ask why the Greens COUNCIL | Constituency questions is taxpayers dollars we are talking about 28 March 2018 would be voting to let this government off here. Of course Mr Jennings is the Special the hook, because all Mr Rich-Phillips’s Minister of State, the man in the state who motion is about is shining a light. As we is charged with parliamentary integrity. know, when you have got cockroaches you Here is a bloke whose responsibility in shine a light and they scatter everywhere. Buckley Street level government is parliamentary integrity, They scatter in all directions. That is what and he is in this totally above his head. is going to happen with this government. crossing Gavin Jennings has rorted $20 539 from the If we have this select committee, this Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My taxpayer. constituency question is to the Minister Parliament and this chamber will shine a for Public Transport. The minister is well We have seen the Premier say that he is light on what this government has done in aware of deep community opposition in sorry. We have heard him say he is sorry. this regard, and you can bet your bottom Essendon to the government’s current plan Mr Ondarchie said he is very, very doubtful dollar they will, like cockroaches, scatter to remove the Buckley Street level crossing. about what the Premier is sorry for. My everywhere. Members of the public are ropeable about own personal view is very clear that he is This is hard for me to say but I almost the canyon that will divide Essendon when sorry because he got caught. Everything miss Ms Hartland, because whilst Ms the project is completed. was fine until he got caught, and then he Hartland and I did not share many views was very sorry. It reminds me of when I it has to be said — we were not exactly was a kid. You get away with a lot of things bosom buddies — at least Ms Hartland COUNCIL | Electorate office budgets when you are a kid — until you get caught. had principles. I see the Greens over 28 March 2018 The Premier of this state — ‘Dodgy Dan’, as there in conference at the moment to they call him — is at that caper himself. discuss whether they have principles. Ms The front page of the Herald Sun earlier Hartland knew that she had principles, this week, I think, told a story where it and I have absolutely no doubt that if she Committee referral listed the 21 members of Parliament and was still in this chamber now, she would Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — former members of Parliament — be supporting Mr Rich-Phillips’s motion. This is a sad day for the Parliament; it is a The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Patten) She would be putting her hand up to be very sad day for the state. I for one never on the select committee, because this is thought that I would have to rise in this — Mr Finn, I would ask you from the chair to withdraw your comments about the something that people of principle would place to speak on what was a basic act support. They want to find out what is of corruption by a government. It was a Premier. Mr FINN — Okay, I will. I did refer to going on. They want to find out who has premeditated, deliberate and seemingly done what to whom and how many times. successful attempt to steal from the him as ‘Dodgy Dan’, and I will withdraw Victorian taxpayer — to rort the people that. There are many, many other D-words These are basic issues that we are talking they are sworn to serve. It is, as I say, a I could use, but I will not at this point in about. This Parliament and this chamber very sad day for this Parliament and for time. have a responsibility to the people of parliamentary democracy in this state. Mr O’Sullivan — Go on! Victoria to find out what this government has done — indeed, to find out what this I am not a lawyer, I am very proud to Mr FINN — No — as tempting, Mr O’Sullivan, as it might be. government is doing. Because if they got say and very pleased to say — my bank away with it last time, you can bet your account probably is not so pleased to say. The front page of the Herald Sun listed bottom dollar they will give it a go this Mr Davis — You’ve got to draw the line the 21 members and former members time. In fact they may well have already somewhere. of the Labor Party who are named in the started, that is for sure. If the Greens vote Ombudsman’s report. The big headline

IN 14 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE with the Labor Party on this to block this How can we do that? How can we teach know him, and that is about it really. He select committee, we can say officially our kids to be honourable, to live lives does not get out much. that the has been formed. The of honour and decency when we have He has been the recipient of a very coalition between the Greens and the a government that is doing exactly the generous contribution from the taxpayer, Labor Party has been formed, but it is a opposite — that has shredded honour, courtesy of Liz Beattie. I think out that coalition of corruption. It is coalition of that has shredded decency, that lies, way they refer to her as the ‘dancing bear’ corruption, and let me tell the Greens that that cheats, that steals. It has no shame. for reasons that perhaps we will go into if you know somebody has committed Indeed, it has no shame. How can we as a another time. I think the people of Sunbury a crime and you cover up for them, that community tolerate this government any should be asking their representative, makes you an accomplice. That makes you longer? Josh Bull, exactly why he involved himself an accomplice. If the Greens vote with the The Premier says he knows nothing. in this. Here is a bloke who allegedly Labor Party to block this committee, that Well, on a lot of fronts, he is right, but on represents the people of Sunbury. He has corner over there will forever be known as this occasion, I think he knows a hell of had his snout in the trough. He has got ‘Accomplice corner’, because that is where a lot. We need this committee to find out into a situation where he has been able the accomplices hang out. exactly what he knows and when he knew to access taxpayers funds to help his own We have known over a long period of it. This motion is worthy of the support of campaign. We all know that is crook. He time that corruption is in Labor’s DNA. the house, and I am hoping that each and was not a member of Parliament at the We have seen the former Speaker of the every member of this house will give it that time, so clearly it was of some personal Legislative Assembly and we have seen the support. gain to him because he won. former Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Mr Morris — He won once. Assembly take the taxpayer for a ride to the COUNCIL | Statements on reports Mr FINN — Well, he won once. The next tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. and papers, 28 March 2018 time he is in more strife than the early They thought they were doing a great job settlers, I can tell you. But he won at that until they got caught. There we go — the last election, and he won at least partially Labor Party think they can get away with because he received support from Liz anything and then, when they get caught, Ombudsman: Beattie — well, not so much Liz Beattie they say sorry. Not that they are sorry that but more the Victorian taxpayer. He was they did it; they are sorry that they got in it for all he could get, and he has done caught. investigation of very nicely out of the caper. He is enjoying Of course, when you look at our brothers being a member of Parliament. In fact I do up in New South Wales, you have got Eddie matter referred from not think I have ever seen anybody quite Obeid and Ian Macdonald sharing a cell at enjoying being a member of Parliament the moment. They may be a lot closer than Legislative Council as much as Mr Bull. He really gets into they have ever been before. I understand it. He has a ball, and I hope for the next they were factional brothers, and they may on 25 November eight months he continues to have a well be joined very closely at this point ball because come December he will be in time. You have got to remember that 2015 looking back and saying, ‘What happened the Keneally government in New South Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I there?’. He is gone. Wales was defeated largely because of also rise to speak on the Ombudsman’s This is a very sad report, as I say. It is a the corruption factor, because it was seen report on the investigation of a matter dreadful reflection on a government that by the people of New South Wales to be referred from the Legislative Council on has no ethics and no morals, thinks it is corrupt — but not just seen to be corrupt; 25 November 2015. As I said earlier, this above the law and in fact has no shame it was actually corrupt. It was totally is very sad reading. For those of us who at all. This government is not fit to sit on corrupt, and let me tell you, the Andrews have faith in our democratic system of those benches, and I look forward to 25 government is heading the same way. The government, for those who have faith in November and waking up when the stench election in November is 241 days away. this Parliament and indeed for those who of this government will be starting to This government is facing defeat on the have faith in our government, this pretty dissipate. basis that the people of Victoria accept that much smashes it all to pieces. That has to it is a corrupt government. That is the fact be seen by anybody as a very, very sad day of the matter. in our state. COUNCIL | Adjournment As I said earlier, the Ombudsman has We have seen what can only be 28 March 2018 said that there are huge gaps in the report described as shysterism by a number because there were so many members who of very prominent members of the refused to cooperate with her. You have got government. There is one sitting opposite to ask why a member of Parliament would us at the moment, the Special Minister Waste management refuse to cooperate with the Ombudsman. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I of State. He is the minister charged with wish to raise a matter this evening for The Ombudsman has got a job to do and parliamentary integrity. That is what he a very important job to do. I would have the attention of the Minister for Energy, is charged with. Perhaps he should be Environment and Climate Change. What a thought every MP in this state would charged with something else. Let us find respect enormously the role played by pity that she might not be as close now as out a little bit later on. But here he is, this she was just a few minutes ago. the Ombudsman. Why would you refuse man who says that his job is to protect to cooperate if you had nothing to hide? I have expressed concerns here on a parliamentary integrity. He is named in number of occasions about the impact the Clearly many members of this government, this report, and he is in this for $20 539. many Labor members, have a lot to hide, Ravenhall tip is having on local residents That is the man who is charged with and will have on local residents if that and this select committee as proposed by upholding the integrity of the Parliament Mr Rich-Phillips has the best chance of, as tip is expanded to four, five, or maybe six in this state. So much for this government times its current size, as has been approved I said earlier, shining a light on the truth. caring about the integrity of anything. That is what we need to do. by the Minister for Planning. I am also I also note that Elizabeth Beattie, deeply concerned by reports coming out Many people have contacted me the former member for Yuroke in the and many of my own constituents have of Werribee as to the size of the Werribee Assembly, is named in the report. She was tip and the fact that it is perhaps no longer contacted me, telling me to go harder. in it for $24 773, so she is up to $25 000. They say, ‘We cannot let these people get a tip but more a ‘waste mountain’, as it is That used to be a Tatts win many years being described by some. away with what they have done’. There ago. I note that she has given money and is a real fury in the community. I do not I want to make it very clear that I am support of some significant value to a bloke absolutely sick to death of the western expect members opposite to have copped called Joshua Bull, who is the member for that fury, because of course they are so suburbs being treated as the dumping Sunbury. ground of Melbourne. I have had a gutful far removed from real people that it is not Mr Morris — Who? Never heard of him. funny. They would not have heard what of it, and I know that most people in the I have heard. They would not have heard Mr FINN — Mr Morris says he has western suburbs have as well. We want to the anger and the fury that so many people never heard of him, and it is not surprising find a way to dispose of rubbish without us have. How can we teach our kids not to because there are a number of people being on the end of it on every occasion. cheat, not to lie and not to steal when the in Sunbury — the majority of people in We know that there are a number of ways government of Victoria is doing just that? Sunbury — who have never heard of Mr of disposing of rubbish, whether it be Bull. A few people around the footy club high temperature burning in an inferno,

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 15 an incinerator or similar methods. up, I would have thought. What we are Contributions duing the Whatever it may be, we know that there are trying to do is actually get this thing fixed, Committe stage of the Bill alternatives. We in the western suburbs are because we know that the government has very keen to ensure that Victoria is at the a lot of difficulty with its priorities — a very Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I forefront of any new technology to dispose warped and odd set of priorities that they move: of garbage, because we know that if we are have — and we are actually doing them not, then that landfill will inevitably land in a favour by putting this motion forward That progress be reported. our backyard — if not indeed in our front today. I do this somewhat reluctantly, and I yard. That is just not good enough. My very great concern, and I say this was very hopeful that I would not have to I am asking that the environment in all seriousness — we know the CFA do this, but the fact of the matter is that in minister establish a review of methods destruction bill committee stage is going less than an hour it will be Good Friday. of disposing of rubbish with a view to to last for a very, very long time — is that I spoke about this earlier today. This is a establishing an effective alternative to at midnight tonight we enter Good Friday. matter of enormous sensitivity to a number landfill, because the landfill does pose I am not particularly concerned if we sit of us — a number of people on both sides a significant social problem for many past midnight; we have gotten quite used of the house who are Christians and who sections of the western suburbs. Indeed to that from this government. That is pretty do regard this day that is less than an hour it is a health problem for many. I have much par for the course. But my concern away as the most sacred day of the year. spoken to a number of people and have is, as Mr Ondarchie pointed out in his For us to be forced to work on Good Friday relayed stories from a number of people members statement today, Good Friday is quite frankly an outrage. It is not just an to this house about the impact that the is the most sacred day on the Christian outrage; it is an insult not just to members Ravenhall tip has had on their health — calendar. It is deeply offensive for Christian of this house but also to Christians people in Caroline Springs, Deer Park and members of this house to be sitting into throughout Victoria. It is an insult to those sorts of areas. I fear that Werribee Good Friday. Christianity itself. may be going down the same path now. Honourable members interjecting. I think it is absolutely appalling that this I ask the minister to establish that review Mr FINN — It is also deeply offensive government would even consider forcing and to provide some sort of alternative to and insulting to Christians across this this Parliament to sit on Good Friday. I can what we are currently suffering in many state. I see Mr Melhem having a chuckle never remember any Parliament anywhere parts of Melbourne’s west. about it over there, and I have no idea in this country sitting on Good Friday, but why he thinks it is funny, but it is deeply here we are in Victoria with the very real offensive and it would be deeply offensive prospect that in less than an hour we will COUNCIL | Business of the house be sitting and it will be Good Friday. I think 29 March 2018 to Christians across this state for this house to be sitting into Good Friday. So we have hit a new low. Just when you think it is important that we set the priorities that this government has bottomed out, for the day, and clearly the Snowy Hydro that this government has actually reached Orders of the day motion is the top priority for the day. We the lowest level it possibly could, it goes Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I do not want to be discussing this at 11.30 just that little bit deeper. This certainly is rise to support the motion so ably moved or 11.45 tonight, with Good Friday bearing my view on this occasion because to force by Mr Rich-Phillips for all the reasons down upon us. So I support the motion by people to sit on Good Friday, the most that Mr Rich-Phillips outlined when he Mr Rich-Phillips and urge the house to do sacred day of the Christian calendar — addressed the house. likewise. Mr Leane — You shouldn’t have Mr Dalidakis interjected. filibustered all day. Mr FINN — But I want to add a couple Mr FINN — I have not been filibustering COUNCIL | Constituency questions — not at all. Whatever the situation, we of my own. What we have here before 29 March 2018 the house is a discussion on a matter of should not be looking at the prospect priorities. I will have to take some time of sitting on Good Friday. I reckon the to explain to members opposite what overwhelming majority of Victorians will priorities are, because they have displayed Millers Road, think that that is a pretty poor effort — a over a long period of time that they have very poor effort. And I have cleaned that not a clue. They have got their priorities up significantly, I have got to tell you. so far up a wattle on most occasions that Altona This is something that I believe that this Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My Parliament, members on both sides, it is not funny. We have seen the rorting constituency question is to the Minister for members opposite with their priorities so should take a stand on. We know the Roads and Road Safety. There is growing government does not have a great deal of askew that it is impossible to understand concern in the North Altona community what they are on about. respect for the beliefs of Christians, and about the impact of the flawed West Gate that is something that we generally accept, Let me explain to members opposite tunnel project on Millers Road. Locals are but nonetheless to insult Christians in the that this motion on the Snowy needs to be deeply worried about the increase in the way that the government would appear to passed today, so what we are proposing on number of trucks that will use Millers Road be proposing is appalling. It is something this side of the house is to actually facilitate to avoid tolls on the West Gate Freeway. that is intolerable and something that process. We are showing generosity Noise and pollution will severely impact that we should not accept under any of spirit, and we are saying that we want the lives of thousands of residents who live circumstances. to work with government to facilitate the in and around Millers Road. What actions passing of this motion. As we know, the will the minister take to prevent this There are a lot of people out there government also has the Country Fire appalling state of affairs in Millers Road? who look to us here in this house as role Authority (CFA) destruction bill, which models. They look to us and they say, they wish to go into committee today. ‘Well, if the Parliament is doing it, it must That has been on the notice paper now for COUNCIL | Committee be okay’. So for us to cause a sacrilege about a year, as I understand it. We have 29 March 2018 by working on Good Friday is sending a been told constantly that it is coming up. message to the community that that is It has been postponed and it has been okay. To our trade union friends opposite, postponed, and it has been postponed for it will be interesting to see what they say no particular reason we can understand. Firefighters’ when business comes next year and says, But in this situation it is actually a good ‘Well, the Parliament worked on Good reason to postpone the CFA destruction Presumptive Rights Friday. We can all work on Good Friday’ bill until later this day, because we need — without penalty rates too, I might say. the motion — It will be interesting to see what our trade Compensation union friends say. You want to get rid of the Mr Morris interjected. public holiday. Mr FINN — Yes, we will get to this in a and Fire Services Mr Gepp interjected. minute. We need to get to this motion on the Snowy, and we need to do it today. I Legislation Mr FINN — Mr Gepp says he wants to have just been handed a note by Mr Morris get rid of the Good Friday public holiday. which shows Labor’s priorities for the That is what he is telling us. But what I day: one, rort; two, destroy the CFA; three, Amendment am saying is very, very clear and very, Snowy Hydro. That pretty much sums it (Reform) Bill 2017 very reasonable. This is not a matter of

IN 16 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE politics. This is a matter of decency. This I know I should be elsewhere. I want a four long years without providing suitable is a matter of respect for people who have pair; Mr Ondarchie has said he wants a alternative arrangements. I am sure the a reasonable right to expect that their pair. I would be very, very keen for Mr house can fully understand the detrimental freedom of religion will be respected, and Jennings to get to his feet and clarify if impact such a move would have on any on this occasion they are forcing people to the offer still stands for each and every business. I ask: will the minister go in work. member, as he said, who wants a pair to to bat for small businesses in Footscray Midnight I can put up with, because be given a pair. That is something that I before they are forced to the wall by the we have done that before. We have gone think he has got to do, because he said it. West Gate tunnel project? all night. I am not complaining about the I mean, we did not ask for it; he offered time or anything like that. I am just talking it, and it is only reasonable that he now COUNCIL clarify the situation, given that there is about the day itself. It is, as I say, the most 09 May 2018 sacred day of the year. I would suggest some significant confusion as to whether that if the government wants us to respect that offer was genuine. He is either fair diversity, it might be good if it respected dinkum or he is not fair dinkum. If he is fair everybody’s beliefs and not just those that dinkum, then we can get on with it. If he is are chosen. I urge members to support this not fair dinkum, we know that he cannot Charitable motion. be trusted and we move on from that. organisation tax ______Ms Crozier interjected. Mr FINN — Well, yes, we knew. Yes, exemption Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I that is true. We have just got to have some Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — As hear what Mr Jennings has said, and I am sensitivity to people’s religious beliefs. Mrs Peulich said in her very worthwhile very pleased that that offer has been made. I know that we sometimes say we are in contribution, this is a radical motion but it But after listening to Mr Dalidakis it seems the post-Christian age, but I am not. I know is not a new motion. that that offer was not genuine. I want to Mr Ondarchie is not, and I know a number Ms Patten interjected. of people on this side and even a couple know from Mr Jennings if we on this side Mr FINN — Ms Patten might think that of the chamber can have 14 pairs, because of people on the other side who are not in the post-Christian age. I think it is only she is a trailblazer in this area, but this is the offer was made to any member on not new. Ms Patten is merely the latest this side of the chamber who wanted a fair, it is reasonable and it is decent that we end this sitting, this historic sitting, this voice in a long tradition that goes back in pair. Is that going to be the case or, as Mr this country 100 years, maybe even more, Dalidakis said, is that ridiculous? There are morning, on Good Friday. It is not history making in a way that I would be proud of. I going back to the days of the war on the a lot of people of this side of the chamber Catholic Church, when Daniel Mannix was who actually regard this as an extremely think when the general population wakes up in the morning and they find out that leading the Melbourne church. It goes back important principle. To be sitting in this to the sectarianism of the 1940s and 50s chamber on Good Friday is in no way we have been sitting on Good Friday, a great number of them will feel disgusted that split the Labor Party asunder, a split reflective of what we feel about people that the Labor Party has still not entirely in the emergency services, because we by what the government is doing on this occasion. Whatever the morality of the recovered from. know the emergency services are actually Indeed the spirit of Joan Kirner is within necessary. Nobody is going to die if we do government’s attempt to take advantage of a sick member of Parliament’s absence, it is this motion. We well remember that before not sit on Good Friday, but a lot of people she entered this Parliament, before she might die if we do not have emergency totally immoral, unethical and appalling in every way to insult the religious freedoms entered this house and then the other services. It is a totally different situation place and became Premier, Joan Kirner altogether. and the religious beliefs of a very sizeable chunk of the population. was a vehement opponent of Catholic I am very keen to see if the government education. She was a spokesperson for is genuine on this. If 14 pairs are offered, 14 As I said earlier, the government likes to talk about diversity and likes to talk an organisation called the Council for pairs will be accepted and we will at that Defence of Government Schools, or DOGS point in time observe Good Friday and go about respecting different beliefs. It seems that applies to everybody else except as they were known back in the 1970s. She home. From my personal perspective it led the charge against government funding is something that I have long believed in: Christians. Here we are on Good Friday, and there is no need for us to be here at all for Catholic schools at that time. So when I you do not work on Good Friday — any say that what Ms Patten is putting forward other day of the year. That is the rule. Even — not at all. Nothing will change between now and the next sitting day as a result today is nothing new, it is absolutely true. when my birthday falls on Good Friday I There is nothing new in what she is putting do not celebrate it on Good Friday. This of this legislation not passing, so there is absolutely no need for us to be here. forward. is a sacred and solemn day, and for this What is new is that in this world today government to be proposing that the house Emergency services are a different kettle of fish. People will die if the emergency there is a growing anti-religious zealotry sits on Good Friday is a disgrace. It is a that is probably spreading across the disgrace, and if it goes ahead with this, the services people do not work. We are not in that situation at all. We need to take a world. There is an organised push that government should have a good, hard look hates religion. It hates God. at itself. leadership stand in this state, we need to respect Good Friday, we need to respect Mrs Peulich — It’s called communism. ______Christian principles and we need to Mr FINN — Well, it is more than support this motion. communism, because I know many Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I people who would not regard themselves very strongly support the motion moved COUNCIL | Constituency questions as communists. I do not think Ms Patten by Mr Ondarchie, and I have to say to you I would regard herself as a communist, have been sitting here since midnight and 09 May 2018 but certainly she may well regard herself I feel quite ill, physically ill, to be sitting as being part of the grouping that I am here on Good Friday when I know that referring to now. I am talking about people I should not work on Good Friday, that who are against Christianity, they are this is a day of extreme solemnity; it is a West Gate tunnel against Judaism, they are against Islam, very sacred day. I know there are some they are against most organised religion. members on the government side who do impact on small Indeed, as I say, this is an international war not understand those of us of faith, but the on religious freedom, and we are seeing it fact of the matter is that it is beyond the business every day. Here we have it come before this realms of decency to force people to work, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My house today. This is bigotry in its purest to breach their religious rights, as we have constituency question is to the Minister form. It is sad, but it is something that seen. I know there are members of the for Small Business. I have received some of us have put up with for some years government who do not actually believe representations from a small business now and I anticipate that we will have to in freedom of religion — and they are operator gravely concerned about the put up with it for a while longer. That is a showing that just at the minute. impact of the West Gate tunnel project on battle that I do not shirk from and it is a I heard Mr Jennings say that every one his business and businesses around him in battle that we will face and a battle that we of us who asked for a pair would get one. Footscray. He informs me that the tunnel will win. Now, I want a pair because merely being authority and John Holland are proposing This motion is all about attacking the here, as I say, is making me feel ill when to remove all street parking along the church. It is trying to present, I suppose, southern side border of his property for

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 17 a human face to that bigotry to which I opportunity in your reply to discuss those. operators in my electorate. It is a very sad refer, because the mover of this motion I ask Mr Finn to continue. — heartbreaking in fact — situation that is referring to her respect for the various Mr FINN — Thank you, Acting President. many of them find themselves in. Indeed it charitable dealings of the church. The thing Of course we talk about the churches and is a tragic — and I use that word advisedly is that if you attack a church or a religion we also talk about some of the welfare — situation that many find themselves — whether it be the Catholic Church, the agencies. We talk about the St Vincent in, because such is the financial difficulty Uniting Church, the Anglican Church, de Paul Society, which is an organisation caused as a result of the changes that the Judaism, Islam, whatever it might be — which serves not just Australia but much government has introduced to the taxi and you wish to create a situation where of the world and is a place where so many industry that taxi operators have tragically that religion faces difficulties, then those get support on a regular basis. We have taken their own lives. By any stretch of the good works that we are talking about are Anglicare, we have UnitingCare and we imagination that is absolutely beyond all going to evaporate. have the Red Cross and the Red Crescent comprehension, and I offer my sincere This argument that we have heard of late and various charities and welfare agencies condolences to members of the families of from so many different atheists — and that based in religion. If you tax the churches, those who are no longer with us. is their own religion, of course; we should if you tax religion, it is going to impact The problem that has been raised with not forget that — is something they have on how they deliver their services. You me is the Fairness Fund. The Fairness to explain in putting forward proposals cannot get away from that, and that is Fund, as I understand it, was established such as this. They have to explain where unfortunately something that clearly Ms to assist taxi operators who are going the sorts of good works that the churches Patten does not quite get. That is very through exactly the financial difficulties currently perform are going to come from unfortunate indeed. that we are speaking of. Perhaps it might if the churches are forced to the wall or We talked before about the Catholic be better if we change the name to the forced into financial hardship. education system, the Jewish education ‘unfairness fund’, because it seems to Ms Patten got very excited about reading system and the Anglican education system. me from what I have been told that it is the Age. It is very rare that anybody does For them to be denied the support of exceedingly unfair. It is not coming to the get excited about reading the Age, but Ms government, of the taxpayer, would be party in terms of supporting those who Patten did. The Age report talks about how totally wrong, because those parents who desperately need it. It is not doing the much the Catholic Church is worth. The send their children to those schools are, job that it was established to do. This has sorts of figures that she was talking about, nine times out of 10, taxpayers too. They caused, as I say, an enormous amount of I do not know whether they are true or deserve the same rights as every other pain and an enormous amount of suffering not — it was in the Age, as I said, so there taxpayer in this country. Of course they to taxi operators and their families around is a fair chance that they are wrong. But the are actually subsidising the government Melbourne and across Victoria and fact of the matter is that that is not cash in system. There are so many arguments certainly a number in my electorate. It is its pocket. We are talking about schools, against the proposal that is behind this something that I believe is of paramount we are talking about hospitals, we are motion. I could go on for quite some time, importance. There needs to be an urgent talking property across Melbourne, across but I will not, Acting President, you will be review of the operation of the Fairness Sydney and across various places. It is very pleased to hear. Fund. We need an urgent review of the rare for any reasonably sized city not to I fully understand where Ms Patten is Fairness Fund and — have some sort of property owned by the coming from, because she knows that the Honourable members interjecting. Catholic Church, by the Uniting Church, churches are the main opponents of many Mr FINN — Yes indeed, Mr Davis. It by the Anglican church, by the Lutherans of the views, if not all of the views, that is very sad indeed. I have been deeply, or by quite a number of the non-Christian she espouses. If she can get the organised deeply moved by some of the stories that religions — the Jewish faith in particular religions out of the way, she will have a free I have heard, and I think it is time that the but also increasingly Islam in this country. run at just about anything she likes. I can minister reviewed the operation of the Yes, they are worth money. If these totally understand where she is coming Fairness Fund. That is what I am asking properties were liquidated, they would from, and if I were in her position, I would her to do this evening, to ensure that these be worth a fortune, but they will not be. If probably do exactly the same thing. I am people, many of whom are now almost you were to liquidate them, if you were to not blaming her; I fully understand what living in poverty, are in fact given a fair go. sell them up to pay tax, can I just ask one she is attempting to do and how she is question: where would those hundreds attempting to remove opposition. None COUNCIL | Second reading of thousands of kids go to school? What of us like opposition, but certainly on would happen tomorrow if every Catholic this occasion, to be charitable, she has 10 May 2018 or Jewish or Anglican school closed down probably bitten off just a little bit more and all of those kids had to find places than she can chew, I think it would be safe in the government system? What would to say. happen? The system would collapse. It is as Needless to say, I will be opposing Offshore Petroleum simple as that. this motion, as indeed the opposition Can you imagine, Acting President, if we will be opposing this motion. I think it is and Greenhouse had a situation where St Vincent’s Hospital, a dangerous proposal and one that has the Mercy hospital or the Epworth hospital wideranging ramifications that go way Gas Storage — how many hospitals do you want me to beyond anything that Ms Patten may quote that are based in a religion? — were suggest it does. It is something that people Amendment Bill to close? What if they were to be liquidated of goodwill should be very, very wary to pay tax? Where would those people who of, because once we go down this path 2017 are currently relying on those hospitals go there is no coming back, and it will cause Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — It is to receive — permanent and irreparable damage to a only a little over four years ago that Victoria Ms Patten — On a point of order, Acting system that has served this country well for had the cheapest and most reliable energy President, I would ask Mr Finn to go back well over a century. So I will be opposing supply in Australia. Today Victoria faces to the motion, because the motion has this motion. I wish Ms Patten well in her a huge energy crisis, and Victorians are nothing to do with schools and it has endeavours to paint certain people in entitled to ask what happened. Four years nothing to do with hospitals. They are various lights, but I will still be defending ago we had all the cheap energy that we exempt under this exposure draft. them nonetheless. could possibly want, so what happened Mr FINN — On the point of order, between then and now? The answer is Acting President, this motion is about COUNCIL | Adjournment very simple: Daniel Andrews happened taxing churches. Now, churches do run 09 May 2018 between then and now. It is the Andrews hospitals and they do run schools. They government that is solely responsible for run a whole range of services and clearly a the destruction of the energy reliability and tax on churches is going to impact on the energy competitiveness that Victoria had schools and a whole range of social welfare Fairness Fund enjoyed for many a long year. Never has programs as well. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I any government in the history of probably The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Purcell) wish this evening to raise a matter with Australia, with perhaps the exception of — Thank you, Ms Patten. There are some the Minister for Public Transport. It is a the former South Australian government, points that you have raised in regard very serious matter. It is a matter that has gone in so hard to destroy the basis of its to relevance, but you will have the been raised with me by a number of taxi own state. It is quite extraordinary.

IN 18 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE We are seeing some of the highest We have seen over the last decade I by this government. They are sick to death electricity and gas prices in Australia suppose, federally and at the state level, of this crowd over here slugging them time as a result of the Andrews Socialist Left the Labor Party sell out workers and sell and time and time again to try and stop government. That got Mr Jennings’s out families in pursuit of these ratbag something that does not actually exist. attention. The eyebrow shot up then. green left policies in support of trying to Mr Morris — And they’re sick of being Mention the Socialist Left, and that will get stop something that does not actually exist lied to. anybody’s attention over there. They are — that is, global warming. Julia Gillard Mr FINN — They are sick to death very keen on that. used to tell us that the earth is warming. of being lied to by this government, Mr Jennings interjected. Well the fact of the matter is the earth has because this is an intrinsically dishonest Mr FINN — Mr Jennings, let me assure not warmed for over 20 years. This is what government. There may be some who you, I am about to take you on the trip is known by climate scientists as a pause genuinely believe their rhetoric about of a lifetime. The prices that Victorians — it is a fair pause, don’t you think? — and global warming and climate change are now forced to pay for electricity and we have to pay the bill. If we have got this and all that sort of nonsense; they might gas are outrageous. They are criminal, pause, this two-decade-long pause, why actually believe that. But I know that particularly when you consider the supply are we still paying these exorbitant prices? the overwhelming majority of members that we could use but that the Andrews To stop something that is not happening. It opposite know that they are taking us for a government will not let us use. Those is insane. ride. They know that it is a con, they know prices and the unreliability of supply hurt Is it any wonder that people are sick to that it is scam. They see people the world Victorian families. Remember when the death of hearing about this nonsensical over ripping off taxpayers left, right and Labor Party used to talk about working man-made climate change, this centre. families? They do not care about families nonsensical global warming? Is it any This climate change industry is one of anymore, whether they are working or not. wonder that people are sick of hearing the great frauds in the history of the world. As long as they can push ahead with their the predictions of gloom and doom from There is a growing acceptance among the green left agenda of climate change — their the likes of Sandbags Flannery, the likes populace that man-made climate change kneeling at the altar of climate change — of Al Gore and whoever wants a handout? — global warming — is a nonsense. We they do not care about Victorian families. They pop up and they say, ‘The end is nigh. should be under water according to so They do not care about the elderly Global warming is going to kill us all. Now many of these so-called climate change people in this state who stay in bed all day give me some money and I’ll fix it’. It is one experts that happened to collect the money on a day like today, which is pretty chilly of the greatest rorts — speaking of rorts, and run. As I said, they tell us that the outside. I do not know if anybody has there they are over the other side — in the end is nigh and then they say, ‘Give us been outside in the last couple of hours, history of the world. There are so many the money and we’ll fix it’. Well, they got but it is very chilly outside. There are huge people going hell for leather and collecting the money and then they tell us it has got numbers of elderly Victorians who stay in huge sums of money as a result of this worse. What is going on there? It is just bed all day just to keep warm because they scam, this climate change, global warming outrageous. It is time for common sense cannot afford to heat their own homes. scam that we have seen the world over. and it is time for decency to be returned to They cannot afford that and that is just The people of Victoria are seeing this whole energy debate. appalling, but that is what Labor has done through what is going on in this state. The people of Victoria are running a to the elderly people of Victoria. Let me tell They are seeing their government making distant last. They are not on the radar as far you, those people who have contributed or the people of this state suffer to satisfy a as this government is concerned; they are have paid their taxes deserve better than green left agenda that is pure nonsense. I not on this government’s agenda at all. The what this government is dishing out to am very hopeful that we will see an end to welfare of the people is something that the them now in their twilight years. that green left agenda and those stark acts government care for not one little bit. They Those prices that we speak of and the of ratbaggery that we have seen from this look after their mates; there are plenty lack of reliability also hurt workers. I government. I am very hopeful that we will of people who are making lots of money remember when the Labor Party used to see an end to all of that in November of this out of this scam. They scare the naive and talk about the workers non-stop. They said, year. I know that only a Liberal-Nationals they scare those who are easily sucked in, ‘We are the party of the workers’. No longer government will restore the reliability and particularly in the inner city, it has to be can the Labor Party claim to be the party the affordability of our energy resources said. I have always said that I wish I could of the workers, because they have done the to the people of Victoria, because the afford to vote Green. I would not, but I wish workers in the eye, because the workers people of Victoria know that we have as a I could afford to. The coalition partners of are the ones that have to pay the bills. They potential Premier, a man who indeed will this Labor Party, as has been formalised it have to pay the electricity bills, they have be Premier post November, somebody who seems, in this house anyway over recent to pay the gas bills and, most importantly does actually care about the workers, who months, are the Greens. That is what is perhaps, they are the ones who lose their does actually care about families, who does driving this whole thing. I am very hopeful jobs when their employer puts them off to actually care about the elderly. He will not and very confident, I have to say, that all of pay the electricity and gas bills that we now put some ratbag left-wing ideology ahead this is about to come to a screeching halt have to cope with in Victoria. of the welfare of the people of Victoria, and on 24 November this year. All I can say to So many small businesses in particular that man is Matthew Guy. I for one cannot the house is, ‘Bring it on’. are struggling under the huge burden of wait for him to take the Premier’s office, energy costs that is unprecedented in the because the present incumbent leaves a fair bit to be desired, to say the very least. COUNCIL | Adjournment history of this state, and we know that 10 May 2018 small business is the backbone of our state Mr Morris interjected. and indeed our nation. You would not Mr FINN — Peter Marshall is a good think so when you listen to Mr Dalidakis, mate of his, I understand. We were talking allegedly the small business minister. He before about the new Premier of South does not seem to know much about it, but Australia, who rode to victory on the fact VicRoads Sunshine let me assure the house and Mr Dalidakis, that — office if he happens to be listening to this debate, Mr Jennings — Name him. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I that small business is indeed the backbone Mr FINN — Steve Marshall, a good man. wish to raise an adjournment matter this of this nation and certainly the engine He is the good Marshall. evening for the attention of the Premier. room of our economy. For small business Mr Jennings interjected. Peter Thomson is a well-known resident of people to be slugged in the way that they Mr FINN — No, Mr Jennings, he is the Sunshine. He is known very much through are by exorbitant energy prices is a form of good Marshall, as distinct from Peter that part of the western suburbs, and poisoning the economy. Unfortunately it is Marshall, who is the bad Marshall. Steve he has been running a determined and not just small business people that suffer; Marshall came to power earlier this year dogged campaign to keep the VicRoads it is the workers, their employees, who are in South Australia on the back of a Labor office in Sunshine. His particular concern put off work because the employers cannot government that had put all its chips on is that the licence-testing component afford to keep them on. That is not good a battery, and it lost big time. That is what of that office will be gone, and this will for small business and it is not good for is going to happen with this crowd come disadvantage locals, many of whom are workers. But as I said, the Labor Party no November because people are not stupid. already significantly disadvantaged. He has longer cares about workers. It is far more Victorians are not stupid, and they will not been running this campaign now for the interested in green left ideology, and that is be treated as being stupid by this crowd best part of 18 months, and it does not look the bottom line. over here. They will not be treated as idiots like he will in any way, shape or form back

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 19 away from his aim. Sadly he has not had COUNCIL | Constituency questions Leane has not stopped for the last half an any joy from the Minister for Roads and 01 May 2018 hour babbling like a little lunatic. Road Safety, and he has expressed to me The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Dunn) his frustration with the minister and the — Order! There is no point of order. minister’s lack of action on this particular However, some of that language is a little matter. Sunbury Road inflammatory. I ask Mr Finn to continue. He recently wrote to the Premier asking Mr FINN — Yes, indeed, Acting for a meeting to discuss this matter. He also duplication President, it is a little inflammatory. You said he would bring along two Brimbank Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My are the mistress of the understatement, councillors to inform the Premier of what constituency question is to the Minister and that is impressive. locals regard as a very important issue. for Roads and Road Safety. The minister’s You have got to ask what the government I should add that Mr Thomson is yet to recent announcement of the duplication has been doing for the past three and half receive a reply from the Premier. Tonight of some sections of Sunbury Road has years, because it has had more money than I am asking the Premier to respond to Mr much of the local community baffled. any state government in the history of this Thomson’s invitation for a meeting and The problem is that while I have been state. It is the highest taxing government in to respond in the affirmative — agree advocating for duplication of the road for the history of this state. It has spent money to a meeting with Mr Thomson and the some time, the minister has decided to like it is going out of fashion, and you have Brimbank councillors. Indeed, if the duplicate the wrong end of Sunbury Road got to ask exactly what we have as a result Premier is so inclined, I am happy to go — most of it is already duplicated. The of that. I will give you an example of one along as well. minister’s plan does nothing to ease the minister and what he is doing with the I am hopeful that the Premier will traffic pain between Bulla Road and the people’s money. It is not the government’s respond to Mr Thomson. Mr Thomson Tullamarine Freeway, it does not remove money, it is the people’s money, and that is a very strongly community-minded the bottleneck at Oaklands Road and it is something that the Labor Party never individual. He does a lot of great work in adds a giant bottleneck at the top of Bulla seems to be able to accept — that it is in the Sunshine community. He is deserving hill. I ask: will the minister review this plan fact spending the people’s money. There of respect for that, and I am very hopeful or would it be easier to change the name of is only one place that the government gets that the Premier will give him that respect Sunbury Road to Bottleneck Boulevard? its finance from and that is the pockets and will not just respond to the invitation The PRESIDENT — Mr Finn, could you of the taxpayer. That is something that but, as I said, respond in the positive rephrase the question to the minister — Waldorf and Statler might like to take into and meet with Mr Thomson and the two the action that you seek — because I do consideration as they babble on in Trades Brimbank councillors that Mr Thomson not find that acceptable. To rename it Hall on the hill over there. has spoken of. Hopefully the Premier will Bottleneck Boulevard I think demeans I will give you an example of one be able to do that in the not-too-distant what is really a very serious issue that you minister who on the weekend announced future. raise. Could you rephrase the constituency with much excitement that he was going to question — just the question part? duplicate part of Sunbury Road. I thought COUNCIL | Members statements Mr FINN — Minister, will you review the to myself, ‘That’s long overdue’. I have been 01 May 2018 plan? calling for the duplication of Sunbury Road The PRESIDENT — Thank you. for five, six or seven years now. It should Mr FINN — God, that is boring. have been done probably 20 or 30 years The PRESIDENT — Quite possibly, but it ago. So I heard that news on Sunday and I Sunbury is still on the record. thought, ‘Luke Donnellan, come on down, you have finally got your act together. That municipality is marvellous news’. How wrong could I Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — In COUNCIL | Second reading be? He announced the semi-duplication September 1999 Labor did what Labor is 01 May 2018 of Sunbury Road. The trouble is that he renowned for — it lied. Labor lied to the announced that he is duplicating the part people of Sunbury. It promised Sunbury that is already duplicated, which is quite a vote on its municipal future, then for extraordinary. He wants to duplicate the the 11 long years of the Bracks and then Service Victoria Bill road between Sunbury and the top of Bulla Brumby governments refused to deliver. It hill, and most of that, as I said, is already was only when the coalition was elected in 2017 duplicated. Why you would be spending 2010 that the people of Sunbury were given Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I millions of dollars providing services to their place in the sun. They were allowed a was going to say it gives me pleasure, but the people of Victoria in that way I do not vote on whether they wanted to stay in the not all that much, to speak on the Service know — City of Hume or be part of a new Sunbury Victoria Bill 2017. Having heard what Mr Mr Gepp — On a point of order, Acting council. The result was overwhelming. Ondarchie had to say, I have to concur. It is President, about relevance to the bill Over 60 per cent of residents voted to set three and a half years into their term, and at hand, Mr Finn has wandered way off up the new council, and the then Napthine they are now talking about services. Labor track and furthermore he has referred to a government gazetted the decision. That is is now talking about servicing the people. minister from the other place incorrectly. when Labor did it again. This is, I understand, about six and a half or He did not use his title, and the grub Prior to the 2014 election Labor lied seven months away from an election. should be made to do so. again. It solemnly promised that if elected Mr Ondarchie — 206 days. Mr FINN — On the point of order, Acting at that election the Andrews government Mr FINN — It is 206 days, and here we President, this union puppet over there would respect the wishes of the people have the Labor Party introducing this that we have on the backbench I will not and continue with the planned Sunbury bill into the state senate to debate this ask to withdraw because his standards city council. As we know, the Andrews particular matter today. You have got to are so low that I would never think about government broke its commitment to the ask, if this legislation is the start — getting down to that point. But the fact people of Sunbury, and to this day they Mr Leane — Are you going to ask for a of the matter is that we are talking about remain imprisoned in the City of Hume, pair? services. We are talking about — but this time it will be different. In 2018 Mr FINN — I would suggest, Mr Leane, The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Dunn) — the people of Sunbury know not to believe you might need a pair. Order! There is no point of order. I remind Labor. They know Labor means lies, and Mr Gepp interjected. members of the culture of this house and they will not be falling for it again. Mr FINN — I would not say that. Acting ask them to be very careful about the Sunbury is looking forward to November President, you have got Waldorf and Statler language they use, because there has been to elect Cassandra Marr as their local over there. Trades Hall on the hill is what some very poor use of language here. I also member in the certain knowledge she it is. ask Mr Finn to return to the bill. will fight for them in a way no-one has for Mrs Peulich — On a point of order, Mr FINN — I have not strayed from the almost two decades. They know she will Acting President, there is no person bill, Acting President, but I thank you for deliver the city of Sunbury through the in this chamber who likes a good your guidance, very much so. As I was Guy government. They know this time they interjection more than I do, but silly, stupid saying on the issue of Sunbury Road, this will elect a government they can trust — a interjections are mind-numbing, and Mr is very much about servicing the people of Liberal government. Victoria because this is something that the people of Sunbury and Bulla have needed

IN 20 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE for a very, very long time. The people of project to a private company that is going it introduced three and a half years ago? Oaklands Junction in Mr Ondarchie’s to make many, many billions of dollars That is what I would like to know. Here we electorate also use this road to get to the out of it and then go as far as putting a are in the shadows of an election and now airport and to get into town. I do not know tax on people from the western suburbs, the government is talking about services. what the minister’s department is telling and indeed not just the western suburbs I can only say to the government: the him and I do not know what his office but the west and north of Victoria as well, people of Victoria are not stupid, and come is telling him, but they are certainly not from Ballarat and Geelong and a whole November they will throw you out. telling him the right thing. range of places. Bendigo is another place If we are going to spend millions of from where people will use this tunnel to COUNCIL | Adjournment get into town. They will be paying a new dollars duplicating part of Sunbury Road, 01 May 2018 the part of Sunbury Road that we need tax just for the honour of entering the city duplicated is the part between Wildwood of Melbourne. Now, where is the fairness Road and the Tullamarine Freeway, in that? I do not hear, at this point in time because that is where the problem is. What anyway, of a tax for people in the east this current plan, as announced by the of Melbourne and I do not hear of a tax Sunbury Road minister this weekend just gone, will do for people in the south of Melbourne or indeed in the north of Melbourne. duplication is produce a giant bottleneck at the top Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I of Bulla hill, which we do not need, I can Oh, here he is. He is going to promise wish to raise a matter this evening for assure you. It will do absolutely nothing one, is he? He is going to promise a tax. the attention of the Minister for Roads to resolve the issue of the bottleneck at Well, I am going to look forward to that. Mr and Road Safety. As this house would be Oaklands Road. It will do nothing to stop Gepp is going to promise us a tax. aware, I have been advocating for some the congestion at the Oaklands Road The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Dunn) — years now for the duplication of Sunbury roundabout and it will do absolutely Order, Mr Finn! Road. As Sunbury has grown, as the nothing to resolve the congestion on Mr Gepp — On a point of order, Acting Macedon Ranges has grown and indeed Sunbury Road as it leads into Tullamarine President, I think you have been very as Tullamarine airport has grown and airport. lenient with Mr Finn. In his very wide the employment rate there has increased If the government is spending money ranging and stupefying contribution he is beyond what we ever thought it would, on services, I have got to wonder if indeed talking about matters that are completely Sunbury Road has become a pain in the it is spending it in the right places. If this unrelated to this bill. Could he at least neck. is the result it is getting from spending point to some aspect of the bill to provide An honourable member interjected. money servicing the people, you have got some context for his contribution. Mr FINN — We will get to that in a to wonder exactly how it is going about it. Otherwise I would ask you to bring him Value for money is not something that this minute, thank you very much. The issue back to the bill before the house. with Sunbury Road is made worse, government has ever cared about, and it is Mr FINN — On the point of order, showing it again. Its measure of judgement obviously, during peak hour. Morning and Acting President, in referring to the tax night it is gridlocked, and sometimes in the is based on how much it spends, not on in the city of Melbourne I was actually what it gets for it but how much it spends. morning in particular it is blocked from responding to an interjection by Mr Gepp, the Tullamarine Freeway right back to past It will say, ‘We spent $20 billion on that’. It who asked me to point out a new tax from does not say, ‘This is what we got for $20 Bulla. That is of course a distance of some the government. I was merely responding kilometres. I was absolutely delighted, billion’; it says, ‘We spent $20 billion on to his interjection. If he would like to stop that’. It does not matter to the government momentarily, when I heard on Sunday interjecting, then I am very happy not to morning that the minister had agreed to what it got for it. As long as it is spending respond to him. money it does not care. duplicate Sunbury Road. I thought, ‘This The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Dunn) — is great news’ — until I found out that the Mr Ondarchie interjected. There is no point of order. Mr Finn, if you section of Sunbury Road that the minister Mr FINN — I should say, Mr Ondarchie, would like to continue, please. had decided to duplicate is largely already as long as it is spending other people’s Mr FINN — Thank you, Acting President. duplicated. money it does not care. It is really, really Government services are obviously Honourable members interjecting. good at spending other people’s money. important. Some people regard them as Mr FINN — You may well. This is going Of course in the other place today we more important than others, and some to be a super-highway in the future, all the heard from the Treasurer, who introduced people indeed rely upon them very much way between Bulla hill and Sunbury, which a budget which is your classic Labor to stay alive in certain instances. What is going to be just sensational. It is going to budget — tax and spend, tax and spend. concerns me is that we as taxpayers get create one of the great bottlenecks of our ‘We’ve got money; let’s throw it around all value for money. It is a government’s time at the top of Bulla hill, and it will do over the place until it’s gone’. This is what responsibility to get value for money, and nothing to remove the bottleneck that we the Treasurer said today: ‘We have an throwing away $1.3 billion not to build already experience where Oaklands Road election coming up in a few months — a road is not giving taxpayers value for comes into Sunbury Road and we have Mr Gepp — On a point of order, Acting money at all. two lanes converging on one side and one President, if Mr Finn is going to refer to so- What this Labor socialist government is lane converging on the other. We are stuck called taxes in the budget, then he at least on about is big government. That is their in a situation where this proposal by the should be factually correct and point out to aim, and they regard that as the ultimate minister will do nothing for us at all. It will the chamber that the Treasurer announced achievement — the bigger the government not ease the traffic congestion. It will not today a 25 per cent cut in payroll tax for the more successful they are. The more stop the bottlenecks. It is going to make regional Victoria. they spend the more they hit the taxpayer things dramatically worse in many ways. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Dunn) — for — that is their measure of success. That, I have to say that I am a bit bamboozled Mr Gepp, that is not a point of order. I have to say, is not my measure of success. as to where the minister has got his Mr FINN — As I said, it is a classic Labor My measure of success is providing information from. I am sincerely hoping budget — tax and spend. If Mr Gepp wants services to people who need them in a that he has not received his information to know about new taxes, keep in mind that way that is efficient and cost-effective. from the member for Sunbury in the the Premier said on television the night That might be something that members Assembly, because that would make him before the last election ‘No new taxes’. He opposite can take into consideration: cost- even worse than we had anticipated. I looked into the camera and he said to Peter effectiveness and efficiency — something am asking the minister now to review his Mitchell on Channel 7 news, ‘There will you will not hear mentioned around the decision and to place that duplication at be no new taxes in this state’. Of course we cabinet table of the Andrews government, the appropriate points between Bulla and have only had a couple of hundred since because that is something that would the Tullamarine Freeway. that time. probably never occur to them. The PRESIDENT — There was a touch But the one that I particularly object to, As I go around my electorate that is of deja vu in that matter tonight. I am sure the one that I find offensive in the extreme, something that is pointed out to me so I have heard that before, some Bottleneck is the one that the government is going often: ‘When are we going to get rid of this Boulevard or something. to put on people entering the city from government that is ripping us off blind, Mr Finn — There’s the single and the the west of Melbourne as part of the West and nowhere near giving us the sort of album. That was the album. Gate tunnel project. I think that stinks to services that we need?’. I would like to say high heaven. It is just appalling that this that it is a good thing to introduce this bill government would hand over this entire and to be debating this bill, but why wasn’t

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 21 The PRESIDENT — If the constituency when can we expect the minister to make a Scalping is not a lot different from rorting, question doesn’t work, an adjournment decision on construction of this important except scalping is where you are just might. piece of infrastructure? ripping one person off, whereas rorting means you are ripping a lot of people off, COUNCIL | Economy and Infrastruc- COUNCIL | Second reading and we have seen a bit of that around government circles over recent times. ture Standing C’tee, 08 May 2018 08 May 2018 Previously this act was just for selected sporting events. It creates a position — Mr Mulino — Do you need to define Electric vehicles Major Events ‘lying’ for the chamber? Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Mr FINN — I think, Mr Mulino, if you presented report, including appendices, want to define ‘lying’, perhaps you should together with transcripts of evidence. Legislation go back to your Premier and ask him Laid on table. about the red shirts and the rorting and Ordered that report be published. Amendment (Ticket the ripping off of the Victorian taxpayer. Perhaps you could ask him about that, Scalping and Other because a lot of Victorians want to ask him COUNCIL | Members statements about that. 08 May 2018 Matters) Bill 2017 The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Elasmar) Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I — Order! Mr Finn, through the Chair. rise this afternoon to speak on the Major Mr FINN — I am sorry, Acting President, Events Legislation Amendment (Ticket but that is the simple fact of the matter. Victoria University Scalping and Other Matters) Bill 2017. I I can understand why members of the first and foremost raise the issue of the government are so sensitive, because Sunbury site change of name of Tourism Victoria in they have been caught out. We heard Mr Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) this legislation, because the Tourism Jennings during question time saying — Almost 25 years ago the Kennett Victoria Act 1992 is being repealed by this how sorry he is. We know what he is sorry government gifted to Victoria University legislation in light of the creation of Visit about. He is sorry because they got caught. the land and buildings atop Jacksons Victoria. I have no idea at all why you That is why he is sorry. They tried to rip the Hill in Sunbury to establish a university would need to change the name of Tourism taxpayer off. In fact they did to an extent. campus. That happened, I recall, Victoria to Visit Victoria, but that is the way We are still waiting for the repayment after much community involvement the government has gone, and I think it is of over a million dollars in legal fees. Of and activity, and quite a celebration rather sad, to tell you the truth. course I do not think the taxpayer will ever ensued. During the course of the Bracks Going back to the 1990s, I was heavily see that money again. That is rorting. This government, very sadly, the Sunbury involved in the tourism side of the government knows all about rorting and university campus was closed. At that point Kennett government. I recall that under the connections with scalping. Victoria University should have handed the Pat McNamara, the minister for tourism The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Elasmar) land and buildings back to the Victorian in those days, the Kennett government taxpayer. Indeed Victoria University locked — Order! I think you are going overboard, appointed the Tourism Victoria board. We Mr Finn. Let us get back to the bill. the buildings, walked out and kept both put in place the Jigsaw promotion, which I the land and buildings on Jacksons Hill. think was pretty much regarded as a world- Mr FINN — Certainly, Acting President. Now, if all reports are correct, years later leading campaign — ‘You’ll love every Scalping is emotionally an abhorrent the Andrews government is preparing piece of Victoria’. I am sure everybody is practice. I have heard the argument put to to buy from Victoria University the land very familiar with that campaign. I think me that we live in a free market economy: and buildings that a quarter of a century to a certain extent it is still going almost 25 ‘If I buy these tickets for $100, I have the ago were given for nothing. It leads me to years later. That is how effective it was. As right to sell them for whatever amount that ask the question: how the hell can this be to why we would need to change the name they can be sold for to whoever is prepared happening? The government should not be of Tourism Victoria or indeed to abolish to buy them’. I can understand that buying this land; it should be demanding Tourism Victoria, that is beyond me. argument, but emotionally I find it quite abhorrent, I have to say. that Victoria University return it to its Of course Melbourne is the major events rightful owners. Victoria University was and sporting capital not just of Australia This bill extends the protection that I given the land and buildings to operate a but some might even say of the Southern mentioned before to other major events, university campus. When it ceased that Hemisphere — possibly even the world, such as events as selected by the Minister operation, it should have returned them some have gone as far as saying. for Tourism and Major Events, and that might apply to a concert, a theatre then. It certainly should do the right Mr Ondarchie interjected. thing now. For the Andrews government production or similar large cultural events. Mr FINN — I am not quite sure The bill also has provisions to appoint to be even thinking about handing over about that; we have not got that far, taxpayers hard-earned to a university that authorised ticketing officers to monitor Mr Ondarchie. I must find time to pay websites, like eBay, for scalpers or for deserted the people of Sunbury is nothing tribute to somebody who made a huge short of an outrage. people trying to profit from the resale of contribution to the major events side of purchases and to have them in attendance Melbourne, somebody who really put at events. Of course that frees up police to COUNCIL | Constituency questions Melbourne on the map in terms of major do other roles, and we know that the police 08 May 2018 events, and that was Ron Walker. He was are under a great deal of pressure in terms somebody who gave up his own time quite of their term, in terms of their resources freely and enthusiastically in order to bring and in terms of their authority to actually major events to Melbourne, one of those do their job. In terms of freeing up the Bulla bypass of course being the Melbourne grand prix, police, this bill has to be a very good thing Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My which we all look forward to every year. I indeed. constituency question is to the Minister cannot help but think when I think about As I was saying before, Melbourne for Planning. The need for the Bulla bypass major sporting events that Ron Walker is has been a major issue for decades. This is certainly the Australian capital of somebody we must indeed hold an eternal major events and major sporting events. morning’s accident on Bulla hill blocked debt of gratitude to. He was somebody who Sunbury Road completely, sending Having such a magnificent stadium as the made a huge contribution to Melbourne, Melbourne Cricket Ground is something thousands of cars cross-country to the particularly to tourism and major sporting Calder Freeway, causing gridlock for that I am sure every Melburnian is very events. I think it is important that we pay proud of indeed. I have been a regular many kilometres there. The government is tribute to Ron Walker at every opportunity aware of the desperate need for the Bulla attendee at the MCG for many, many years, when we are talking about these sorts of and of course it was — township to be bypassed. Indeed when things. Honourable members interjecting. responding to the matter in the past, the This legislation is interesting because Minister for Roads and Road Safety has Victoria was one of the first jurisdictions Mr FINN — Look, I’m not listening to informed me the future of the bypass is to have a Major Sporting Events Act which that boofhead over there, so I’ll just keep currently under the consideration of the protected our events in various ways, talking. The MCG is something very, very Minister for Planning. I ask the minister: including protection from ticket scalping.

IN 22 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE special to Melburnians, and it certainly is able to get a ticket for the grand final. of my favourite places to go. My children something that is very, very special to me. At the preliminary final last year there love to go to the open range zoo. If you Mr Dalidakis interjected. were some 95 000 people, about 94 000 have not been, it is really worth a trip down Mr FINN — This rorter and cheat over of them Richmond supporters. After we there. And of course over on the other there perhaps should pull his head in. knocked off Greater Western Sydney many side of Western Metropolitan Region we Honourable members interjecting. tens of thousands of people were excited have the Sunbury wineries, which are also about the grand final that was coming a treat. I could probably put in a plug for Mr FINN — Were you in on the caper up the following week, but I had the sad the Carmodys at Craiglee who produce a as well? Did you rip people off? Did you knowledge, from my perspective, that most sensational — cheat? Did you lie? of them would not be able to get in. That Mr Ondarchie interjected. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Elasmar) was a bit of a dampener for me, I have to Mr FINN — Not Gary; he is Pat. Yes, Pat — Minister, you are not helping. Mr Finn, say, because I have been in that situation through the Chair. Are you finished? and Diane. They produce a sensational myself. shiraz, let me assure you. Nonetheless, Mr FINN — No, not at all. Thank you, Whilst I was not in that situation Tourism Victoria was responsible for the Acting President. As I said, I find rorting last year, I certainly had been in years promotion of a wide range of tourism — sorry, not rorting but scalping; for gone by. Indeed I missed the last time destinations in Victoria, including those some reason I have rorting on my mind Richmond won the grand final, in 1980, ones that I mentioned in Werribee and of when I look across at the other side of the some many, many years ago, as a result course the ones that I have also thrown in chamber — abhorrent. One thing that of not being able to get a ticket. It is a bit there in Sunbury. We could talk about the absolutely baffles me is that we have a rough for people who love their game, rest of the state, but perhaps we could get situation where the Australian Football who love their footy, to miss the grand to that another time — the Great Ocean League quite openly advertises its services final purely because there are not enough Road, Bendigo, Ballarat, Sovereign Hill, a for two, three or four times the price that is tickets available. With Richmond it is very whole range of areas that were promoted on its tickets. That would have to be illegal difficult because we have some 90 000- by Tourism Victoria. With the abolition scalping, in my view, but apparently they plus members now. When you have got a of Tourism Victoria, what role will the are licensed to do that so that is fine. I do ground, although it is the biggest ground government have in the promotion of not see the difference between somebody in Australia, that can only hold a little over tourism destinations within Victoria if this standing outside the MCG and selling a 100 000 people, having 90 000 members legislation is passed? ticket for 10 times the ticket price and the makes it very, very difficult to ensure that AFL doing the same thing. I do not see the each of them can get in to the biggest game ______moral difference there, but apparently the of the year. AFL is happy to do that. The opposition does not oppose the bill. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — The bill itself refers to a number of very Indeed we support Melbourne’s status as Minister, you have previously told me that important — a world leader in major sporting events — Visit Victoria is in fact a private company Honourable members interjecting. major events full stop — and certainly wish and not a government instrumentality, Mr FINN — Acting President, I am those involved in the tourism industry and not in any way like Tourism Victoria. So I having real difficulty hearing myself at the major events industry all the very best ask again: what role will the government the moment due to the cackle of baboons for many, many years to come. play, if this legislation is passed, in the carrying on over there. promotion of tourism destinations in Ms Crozier interjected. Victoria, given that Visit Victoria, as you COUNCIL | Committee say, is a private company? I am asking Mr FINN — I am not sure what the 08 May 2018 about the role that the government will collective noun is. A Labor Party of play, if any, in the promotion of Victorian baboons it may well be, Ms Crozier. tourism destinations. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Elasmar) The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) — Mr Finn is entitled to be heard in Major Events — Minister, anything further? silence. Mr Finn, back to the bill. Mr FINN — Thank you. It is worth Legislation ______pointing out that one of the events where scalping is prevalent is the AFL Grand Amendment (Ticket Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Final. I just want to make it very, very Following the minister’s response to my clear that I did pay for my ticket and my previous question, I would like him now daughter’s ticket to the grand final last year, Scalping and Other to officially confirm that the Andrews and it was worth every cent. I think the way government has washed its hands of the things are shaping up it will be worth every Matters) Bill 2017 promotion of tourism destinations in cent again this year. Interestingly enough Contributions duing the Victoria. some people who talk about the needs Committe stage of the Bill ______of football supporters just slip into super boxes. Ms Springle might know if anybody Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I in the Greens took advantage of having support the motion being put forward by friends in high places and slipped into a Minister, this bill abolishes Tourism Victoria. Why? Mr Ondarchie. I think it is important that super box for the grand final and did not we are in a position in this committee pay for their own ticket. That is something ______stage to get some answers. At this point that you come to expect. in time the minister does not appear to I feel very sorry for those who do miss Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — have a grasp of the bill at all. He does not out on grand final tickets. I have been in Thank you for that answer, Minister. Does even seem to understand, or at least he that situation in years gone by. that mean, given that Visit Victoria is a does not seem to be able to explain, what Honourable members interjecting. private company, that the government now the government’s role is in all this in the Mr FINN — Acting President, these has no say in the promotion of tourism for tourism area. clowns over there really should go and Victoria either interstate or overseas? The abolition of Tourism Victoria is a stick their heads in a bucket of water. ______pretty giant step, and I would have thought Honourable members interjecting. that it is incumbent upon the minister in The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Elasmar) Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I am the chair to be able to explain to us what — Before you continue, Mr Finn, I expect still a little bit confused, if not concerned, exactly that means to the tourism industry from the government side no interjections by the minister’s last response to me. As in this state. Unfortunately Minister and I expect Mr Finn to talk on the bill, but the minister I am sure would be aware, as Dalidakis has failed monumentally to government members are not allowing I am sure you are very much aware, Acting explain to the house and to the people of him to do so. President, in Western Metropolitan Region Victoria exactly what this bill means for Mr FINN — Thank you, Acting President. there are a number of tourism precincts. tourism in this state. As I said, I feel very sorry for those who The Werribee tourism precinct springs to Tourism in this state is a multibillion- find themselves, as happens every year, mind immediately: Werribee Mansion, the dollar industry. It employs tens of in a situation where they have gone to rose garden, the equestrian centre and the thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, every game that year but have not been Werribee Open Range Zoo, which is one of people, but the minister seems to

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 23 be showing a flagrant disregard for ______time. It is time for the talk to stop; it is time the welfare of the industry through his for the action to start. I am very hopeful misunderstanding of what it is all about. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — So that if this minister does not give the Bulla I would have thought that the minister’s the government funds Visit Victoria in a bypass the go-ahead, the next minister will own portfolio of small business and similar way that it used to fund Tourism next year, and we will be able to get this tourism really go hand in hand, because Victoria, even though Visit Victoria is a project up and running, which will make the tourism industry is very much made private company. Does the government the commute down Sunbury Road not just up of many, many small businesses across propose to invest in or fund any other safer but also so much faster for those who this state. It is very disappointing to have private companies in the manner that it is are travelling to the Tullamarine Freeway. a situation where the minister clearly has funding Visit Victoria? no idea of what impact the bill will have ______COUNCIL | Notices of motion or of the role that the government has in 22 May 2018 this and no understanding of the impact of the legislation on so many people across Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Victoria. — Minister, in my second-reading contribution to this bill I raised the issue of It is important as legislators that we are what I described as legal scalping, where Notices of motion in position to find out exactly what this bill the AFL, for example, would get finals Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I means and exactly what this bill will do to tickets, put them in a package with a lunch desire to move, by leave: hundreds of thousands of people across or something and charge $3000 or $4000 That the motion moved by Ms Symes be Victoria. Clearly in order for us to do that each for them. I pointed out at the time debated forthwith. we will need the minister to check his facts. that I did not see any moral difference Leave refused. Whether he goes to speak to the minister between what the AFL was doing in that Further notices of motion given. or whether he has a confab with the particular instance and what somebody in ministerial advisers or his own department the car park at the MCG would be doing — I am not exactly sure what he will have by approaching somebody and attempting COUNCIL | Members statements to do to bring himself up to speed — to scalp a ticket. Does the government see 22 May 2018 clearly he needs to do something. We are it as a possibility that it could step in and just providing the opportunity for him to move against, for example, the AFL in the do that. We are actually doing him a favour particular instance that I have referred to? by allowing him the time to check. Duke and Duchess I am loath to say he has been making a fool of himself, but some people might COUNCIL | Adjournment of Sussex think that. I am really hopeful that whilst 08 May 2018 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I we are reporting progress the minister will offer my very warmest congratulations and take this opportunity to actually dig into the very warmest congratulations of the the legislation to find out what it means people of Melbourne’s west to the Duke and to find out who and how many it will Bulla bypass and Duchess of Sussex on their recent impact over the length and breadth of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I marriage. As weddings go, that will be hard Victoria. I am very hopeful indeed that wish to raise a matter this evening for the to beat, and I trust it will be the beginning the minister will take that opportunity, attention of the Minister for Roads and of a wonderful life for them together. because we on this side of the house do Road Safety. This morning we again saw a crash on Bulla hill. This caused no end take our responsibilities in this regard very, COUNCIL | Members statements very seriously, particularly when it comes of mayhem throughout Sunbury, Bulla to small business. and surrounds. In fact the Calder Freeway 22 May 2018 We on this side of the house are the was blocked for many, many kilometres party of small business. Indeed many of as a result of traffic exiting Sunbury Road, us on this side of the house have been going cross-country and entering the Calder Freeway from the Bulla-Diggers Gender neutrality involved in small business. I myself have Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — had my own small business and others Rest Road. It was mayhem in the making. It illustrates the problem we have where just On a not so cheery note, it is obvious the have had their own small businesses, and loony left in Australia has embarked upon we are concerned about the impact that one accident can create major problems for commuters and other travellers from a full-blooded war on our children. Sadly this will have. I myself know, having had for our kids, this war is centred in Daniel involvement in the tourism industry going Sunbury, and it illustrates the need for the Bulla bypass. I can remember campaigning Andrews’s socialist republic of Victoria. back some 25 years through a number Not satisfied with distorting the minds of of governments now, that I am deeply for the Assembly seat of Tullamarine back in 1991, which was a fair while ago — children with the appalling and dangerous concerned about what the abolition of Safe Schools program, we now hear that Tourism Victoria will mean to the role of Mr Morris interjected. some councils controlled by the Greens governments in the promotion of tourism Mr FINN — It was a good win. I recall party are auditing their libraries to remove and the promotion of tourism destinations that one of the very big issues at that time books, audios and toys that do not fit in in this state. That is something that is was the need for a Bulla bypass. Here we with the Greens’ extreme views on gender gnawing away at me, because I have to say are 27 years later, and we are still talking gymnastics. In the name of all that is that the minister has been totally unable about the need for the Bulla bypass. I have decent, why can’t these lunatics let kids be to explain what this means. He has totally raised this matter with the minister on a kids? failed to allay any fears that anybody might number of occasions in the past. He has God help Victorian children if Labor and have that the government is stepping informed me that apparently this is with the Greens form government in coalition back from the tourism industry after all the Minister for Planning. Why it would after November. The ramifications for our these years. During the Kennett years the be with the planning minister, I am not kids of such an unholy alliance do not tourism industry was alive. It would now entirely sure, but whoever it is with, we bear thinking about. A vote for the Guy appear that the Andrews government is need to get this sorted out. We cannot government in this coming election is not stepping away from tourism in this state. I allow the situation to continue where just about restoring strong and effective want to give the minister the time to find thousands of cars a day travel across a government to our state; it is also about out exactly what he needs to find out. bridge which is one lane each way, a ensuring our children have the sort of bridge which was built about 150 years ago ______future we want for them. It is also about the for horse and cart travel, not for modern right of parents to decide what is best for vehicles and certainly not for the trucks Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — their children. On 24 November this year I that we have been absolutely inundated will be voting to protect my kids. Minister, I am still grappling with the with on Sunbury Road of recent times. role of Visit Victoria in connection with We really need this Bulla bypass, and we the promotion of Victorian tourism have needed it now for 30-odd years and destinations within Australia and around possibly even longer. I ask the minister to the world. Who funds Visit Victoria for the take this on board as a matter of urgency. sort of promotion that Tourism Victoria This is something that, as I said, we have used to conduct? been talking about for a very, very long

IN 24 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Constituency questions of some suitable significance. There is a when it is counting the dollars that it can 22 May 2018 great deal of concern just at the moment get out of Sunbury people’s pockets. that Jacksons Hill is about to be basically In terms of what is best for Sunbury, that sold to become a block of flats, and that is something that concerns Hume council is totally unacceptable in the view of not in any way. So the establishment of Bulla traffic the overwhelming majority of people in the standalone Sunbury council is going Sunbury. to be a very, very good thing for Sunbury congestion The Sunbury people have accepted that, and something that is going to contribute Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My yes, there is development and growth enormously to the future development constituency question is to the Minister coming and that over the next 10 or 15 and the future growth of Sunbury in a for Roads and Road Safety. I previously years Sunbury is due to double in size. sustainable and reasonable manner. I raised concerns about congestion on Yes, we accept that that will cause some certainly look forward to being a part of Sunbury Road between Bulla township problems, particularly if governments that, working with the councillors on the and the Tullamarine Freeway. Sadly I refuse to provide the infrastructure that Sunbury council next year and beyond have to raise those concerns again today. Sunbury people will need and that they when that council is established. I am hoping the minister can accept that need now in fact without any of the Jacksons Hill, as I say, is a very important duplicating those parts of Sunbury Road growth that we are talking about. The part of Sunbury. It is not the only part of between Bulla Hill and Sunbury itself that people of Sunbury accept that growth and Sunbury. I know there are people who are not already duplicated will do nothing development are inevitable, but they are are fighting furiously to save the Emu to ease traffic congestion without building very hopeful indeed that the character and Bottom Wetlands, which is up Racecourse the Bulla bypass and duplicating the the atmosphere of Sunbury will be retained Road, and they have put up a very strong sections of the road previously mentioned. — that country lifestyle that so many argument that that is a landscape that The minor duplication proposed by the people have moved to Sunbury to enjoy. needs to be protected. It may well be minister will be a total waste of taxpayers It is a great place. On a good day it is only under this legislation something that the money. Put bluntly, it is all or nothing. Will about 45 minutes from the city. On a bad government could put in for a protection the minister now go back to the drawing day sometimes it can take the best part of a purpose, because it is in its own way board and provide a real solution for the day, but on a good day it can take the best a distinctive area and certainly an thousands of motorists whose vehicles clog part of 45 minutes to get into the city. impressive landscape. If we can preserve Sunbury Road daily? I know Sunbury really is a delightful the landscape, if we can preserve that place to live, having lived there before. I area as well as provide land for housing COUNCIL | Second reading live in nearby Bulla of course, which many development, I think that is a win-win 22 May 2018 regard as a suburb of Sunbury, and I think situation for everybody and something that is probably a fair description. In my that we really should be looking at in a area we have a particular situation with the very, very serious way. It is something that close proximity to the airport preventing I think — in fact I know — that the people the sort of development that is concerning of Sunbury would greatly appreciate, Planning and a lot of people in some of the more rural because people who live in Sunbury are areas around Victoria as we speak. But very much about lifestyle. They are very Environment certainly in Sunbury I believe there is a much concerned that overdevelopment, need to preserve Jacksons Hill as it is and unsustainable development and Amendment not to overcrowd it with development, unsustainable growth will destroy the way as seems to be happening, because the of life that they have come to enjoy, some (Distinctive Areas government has put in a bid for Victoria over a long period of time. University. I know people in Sunbury who have and Landscapes) Bill As I have said in this house before, lived there for 80 or 90 years and have I think it is disgraceful that Victoria seen so much change, some of them 2017 University is able to sell that land when over a relatively recent time. I first went Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — it was in fact gifted to it by the Kennett to Sunbury some 40 years ago, which Thank you, acting deputy president. It is, as government nearly 25 years ago. I think it does not seem that long ago but it is, and always, a delight to see you in the chair. It is is almost an act of criminality for Victoria Sunbury was a little town of 10 000. To look about time they gave you the job full time University to be selling that land. I do not at it now, it is blossoming and booming in in my view, but that is by the by. believe it is morally theirs to sell. I believe so many ways. It is quite remarkable. I rise to speak on the Planning and that the government should be taking But I am also acutely aware of many of Environment Amendment (Distinctive action to take that land back, as it were, the problems that the Sunbury people are Areas and Landscapes) Bill 2017. Much to ensure that the land is returned to its facing. The parking problem is ongoing in has been discussed in this bill about the rightful owner, and that is the Victorian Sunbury, and that is something that really Bellarine Peninsula, about the Macedon taxpayer. That return needs to be done has to be part of the planning process from Ranges and about a whole range of places, without coughing up millions of dollars this point on. We do need greater parking some of which have been mentioned in for a university that did not spend a cent to capacity urgently in the Sunbury CBD. It is the bill and some that have not. That is get it. There is something a bit crook about distressing that whilst we do have the sorts fine. I have no problem with people talking that, to say the very least. of shops and the sort of commercial hub about areas of the bill that are not actually The planning provisions around that Sunbury prides itself on, many people mentioned in the bill; I have no problem Sunbury of course will change next year. go somewhere else to shop because they with it, and I am not sure why anybody else At the election in November, when there cannot actually find a park in Sunbury. would in fact. will be a change of government, the Mr Gepp interjected. It is rather interesting to look at clause 4 incoming Premier, Mr Guy, has given a Mr FINN — Who? Many. I spoke to of the bill, which deals with the declaration firm commitment that by the end of next somebody yesterday, a resident. I am not of distinctive areas and landscapes. The year there will be a Sunbury city council going to name them in Parliament. You bill tells us that new section 46AO(1) established. That is something that has want me to name everyone? Mr Gepp enables the Governor in Council, on the long been pursued by the people of over there wants me to name everybody recommendation of the minister, to: Sunbury because they know that, unless that I have ever met. Now, look, it would people actually live in Sunbury or in the declare an area of Victoria to be a be interesting. I do not know whether Mr distinctive area and landscape by order surrounds of Sunbury, they do not have a Gepp has actually ever been to Sunbury. published in the Government Gazette. full appreciation of what life in Sunbury He certainly does not care about Sunbury, is all about, so they are very, very excited but then again that is something that we I have a suggestion for the Minister about the possibility of a standalone for Planning: he might want to have a have come to expect from the Labor Party, Sunbury council. They are very excited because the Labor Party does not give a look at an area that has been under his about being able to get out of the Hume consideration now for quite some time, stuff about Sunbury. City Council, which they have been Honourable members interjecting. and that is the area of Jacksons Hill in chained to for so long. They recognise — Sunbury which meets most of the criteria and unfortunately we have all come to Mr FINN — I saw that video, and I in this bill. It is certainly a historical and recognise — that Hume council does not think Mr Gepp might have a future in cultural part of the Sunbury area and one care too much about Sunbury. It cares only Hollywood. He had that Clint Eastwood that I believe is worth holding up to be look about him, didn’t he? I was almost

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 25 waiting for him to look into the camera and of me. Let me just revisit the name of this in the western suburbs, without any great say, ‘Are you feeling lucky, punk?’. I thought bill: the Justice Legislation Amendment interest, I have to say, to try and stop it that was coming any minute. But I return (Access to Justice) Bill 2018. When it by the government. They will throw us a to the bill. This bill will, in a great way — comes to justice, when it comes to law and couple of extra police now and again. That Mr Dalidakis interjected. order and when it comes to protecting is very good of them, not that it does any Mr FINN — Would you pull your head the community from criminals this good. We need a lot more than a couple, let in? Honestly. You are not serious in any government has been a total, unmitigated me assure you. way, shape or form — failure. By any measure it has been a total, We have people out in the western Mr Dalidakis interjected. unmitigated failure. The people of Victoria suburbs who, quite rightfully I think, are have been calling out for justice — real actually afraid to live in their own homes. I Mr FINN — Listen to this bloke. The way justice — since this government came to you carry on, fair dinkum. have spoken to people who have sold their office. And here we are, just a few months homes and moved after home invasions The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Elasmar) before an election, and the government that they have experienced. I will never — Order! Mr Finn! introduces a piece of legislation to this forget one young woman — I think she Mr FINN — How could anybody take house called the Justice Legislation was about 17, from memory — who was this bloke seriously? The legislation before Amendment (Access to Justice) Bill 2018. If awakened at 5.30 one morning out at the house will provide opportunities for it was not so pathetic, it would be funny. Taylors Hill. She was the victim of a home the preservation of areas throughout It is a very sad state of affairs indeed invasion at 5.30 in the morning. She and Victoria. It will provide for the proper when we have had a government for the her parents were absolutely terrified by development and proper growth of areas last three and a half years that has not what happened. They actually had to sell throughout Victoria, and I am very, very taken much of an interest in justice and has their home; they could not live in their seriously hoping that Sunbury will be not taken much of an interest in protecting home. These people came from India and included in that because Sunbury has the community from criminals in various thought Australia was the land of milk and a rash of growth coming. We know that ways. Here we have this legislation where honey. They thought that Australia was and we must plan for the infrastructure. I presume the government are going to the land of peace and that this is the great We must plan also for the lifestyle of the claim that they actually care. Well, I do Nirvana that they had sought and that people who live there. We do not want not think so; I do not think so and I do not they had arrived at. But here in the west Sunbury to be swamped by housing; we think anybody else thinks so. The fact of the of Melbourne they had found themselves want it done in a way that will maintain matter is, as I said before, the government swirling around in a pit of crime and the quality of life and the country feel that has been a total and absolute failure in indeed as victims of that crime. Sunbury has and has managed to keep every way when it comes to justice. I cannot help but feel very, very sorry for over such a long period of time. This government cannot help itself. It them and for other people who have been I am certainly, as I said, looking has included in the legislation an attempt in a similar situation. They are not on their forward to working with the new Sunbury to, I suppose, revisit a bill that we defeated own. They are not like Robinson Crusoe, council next year to ensure that Sunbury in this Parliament last year. I can assure you. There are many people people are protected, that the Sunbury Mr Morris — Which one was that? who have found themselves in the same environment is protected and that we have Mr FINN — That was the birth situation in the western suburbs and down the sort of planning processes in Sunbury over the other side of town as well. The that do actually put Sunbury first. That is certificate bill. You might remember it. The government was trying to allow western suburbs obviously are particularly something that we have not experienced my interest. for almost a quarter of a century now. people to change the gender on their birth certificates, almost at will. Thankfully this Another example is of a young man who Sunbury has not been put first by councils has autism. Some of you may remember for quite some time, and that is something house knocked that legislation on the head. But this bill, as is dutifully done by this particular case. He had built up his that we are all very much looking forward confidence so that he could visit the local to. the government, is an attempt to revisit that. My suggestion, as it was back when shopping centre on the bus. His parents The people of Sunbury are very excited we debated the original bill some time ago, obviously were pretty thrilled about that, about getting their own council so that they is that to interfere with a birth certificate is and I can understand that. I would be can in fact have sufficient and due input to try to rewrite history. A birth certificate pretty thrilled, too, if I were them, because into the decision-making process, because is a historical document. It is not telling it does take a lot of work to get somebody at the moment they certainly do not have you where you are now; it is telling you with autism to actually go out and do that. The three councillors that represent where you were when you were born. It something by themselves — to get the bus Sunbury on the Hume City Council are not is telling you who your parents were, it is and go down and do a bit of shopping. real flash, it has to be said. One of them telling you on what date you were born and He had done that a couple of times. But does not even live in the state most of the it is telling you what gender you were when one morning — and when I say morning, time so I am not even sure how she could you were born. You cannot go back and I am talking about 10 or 11 o’clock in the claim to represent Sunbury in any way. I change who your parents were, you cannot morning, not after dark or anything like look forward to having some real locals go back and change the date — although that — he was accosted by a gang on a bus on the council next year because Sunbury there are a few of us who would surely out in Tarneit. He was attacked, he was is a place that is worth preserving. It has like to, I can tell you — and you certainly beaten up and he was robbed. He had a lifestyle that is worth preserving and cannot go back and change the gender. But his money stolen, and he had his phone an environment that is worth preserving, this is what the government is attempting stolen. and I think with this bill and with the new to do in this legislation. As I have pointed out to a number of Sunbury council after the election that is I particularly thank Dr Carling-Jenkins people over the last little while since what will happen. We will have growth and I heard about this, really the stealing we will preserve what we already have. for speaking for some time on this section of the bill, because I have to say that I of the money and the phone was very do not see the connection between this minor compared to what was really COUNCIL | Second reading section of the bill and justice at all. I just stolen that day. What was stolen was 22 May 2018 do not see it at all. It is quite extraordinary. his independence. His confidence, his But given this government’s record on independence and his feeling of self-worth justice and crime and punishment, it is not are what were stolen from that young man at all surprising that it would have in this that day. I have met him and his family. Justice Legislation bill something that is totally unrelated to I know that they are trying to turn things justice at all. around, but I hope they are succeeding in Amendment Coming from the western suburbs, I turning things around. know a fair bit about crime. In the western It is just a dreadful, dreadful situation suburbs we have been washed away in a when a young man with autism, with a (Access to Justice) tsunami of crime over the past three and difficult condition, after building up the Bill 2018 a half years. I have spoken to a number confidence to actually get on the bus and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I of people who have been personally go shopping, cannot do that without being rise this afternoon to speak on the Justice affected by the criminal activity, by the attacked by gangs here in Melbourne. We Legislation Amendment (Access to Justice) gang street crime, by the home invasions, are not talking about Johannesburg, Los Bill 2018. I have to say that when I first read by the carjackings — so many criminal Angeles or somewhere on the outskirts that title I thought they were having a lend activities that have been conducted out of London. This is here, in the western

IN 26 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE suburbs of Melbourne. The government It is their fault, and they have to be held something positive and constructive with just has not seemed to be interested — responsible for it. regard to this. We are talking about the until now, of course, because in just a few That is what justice is, and that is what safety of people in the Essendon area, months Victoria votes, so all of a sudden we need in this state. We need a justice particularly schoolchildren, and I think the government is very concerned about system, and we have not got one. We have that is a very, very important matter justice and about law and order. got a legal system certainly, but we do not indeed. I suppose to some extent it should have a justice system. What concerns me not be surprising that there is that more than anything else is the fact that the COUNCIL | Questions without notice degree of crime going on in the state. I vast majority of Victorians know that we 23 May 2018 mean, the people who are charged with do not have a justice system. They have the responsibility of law and order in lost faith in justice in this state. We have to Victoria — the government, the state turn it around. This bill will go some way government, the Andrews government — towards it, but not very far at all. We are have not exactly been leading by example, going to have to wait until after November Offender electronic have they? You just have to look at the for Premier Matthew Guy. monitoring Ombudsman’s report to see the attitude Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My of this government toward the acts of COUNCIL | Adjournment question is to the Minister for Corrections. criminality, in my view, that have occurred 22 May 2018 In answer to a question asked on 18 August under the leadership of some members of 2016, almost two years ago, the former this government. It is appalling. Is it any Minister for Corrections, Steve Herbert, wonder that people look at the government told the house that: and say, ‘If they can get away with it, so can I’? Well, they should not get away with that, Lincoln Road, Corrections Victoria is currently and nor should anybody else. undertaking a procurement process for Essendon the next electronic monitoring contract. The problem is that many of our Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Minister, to whom was this contract judiciary — in fact I would go as far as wish to raise a matter for the attention of awarded and what contractual saying most of our judiciary in this state at the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, requirements were included to ensure the the moment — were appointed by a bloke and it concerns a piece of correspondence effective continuous electronic monitoring called Rob Hulls, who was the Attorney- that has been sent to Ms Kerry Thompson, of offenders? General of this state for 11 years. He made who is the acting CEO of VicRoads. It is every judicial appointment in the state from Essendon Neighbourhood Watch Supplementary question for 11 years. I used to be fond of referring — in fact Moonee Valley Neighbourhood to him as the most dangerous politician Watch — and it concerns Lincoln Road and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — in Australia, and I really think I have surrounding streets in Essendon. I will just Minister, in April 2015 the then corrections been proved right there. I used to say that read from the letter that has been sent to minister, Mr Herbert, advised the house when he was long gone from politics his VicRoads: there were 75 offenders subject to legacy would linger on. Well, his legacy is electronic monitoring in the community, lingering on, and it is not a good one. It is The Essendon NHWatch group at its meeting of 12 February 2018 passed the including at Corella Place. Minister, as one that he is proud of, I might say, but it following motion: of today’s date, how many offenders is not one that he should be proud of. It is are subject to electronic monitoring in a judiciary that is soft on crime and allows That VicRoads/Vic road traffic authority Victoria? people to walk away from their just deserts. (with copies to Moonee Valley city That is something that I find appalling, and councillors Lawrence, Sharpe, Gauci) — be petitioned to reduce the traffic COUNCIL | Constituency questions we have Rob Hulls to thank for that. speed limit in the vicinity of St Therese’s Can I suggest further to the government Catholic church and school, Essendon, as 23 May 2018 that they might like to consider a word? I follows — read this bill, and there does not seem to 1. 60 kmph on Lincoln Rd, Essendon, be any reference to a word that they really reduced to 50 kmph; Millers Road traffic do not seem to be all that familiar with. 2. surrounding residential streets on The word is ‘victims’. They are the ones who both west and east side of St Therese’s should be the beneficiaries of justice. They School where 50 kmph applies, reduced volume are the ones who should have access to to 40 kmph at all times. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My justice. Yes, the criminals — those charged, constituency question is to the Minister The rationale as explained in the letter is for Roads and Road Safety. The imminent those accused — should have access to that Neighbourhood Watch — legal aid and the wherewithal that comes tsunami of heavy vehicles in Millers Road has been approached regularly over has thousands of locals worried about the their way. But what about victims? They are recent times to act for the community the ones that have been beaten, that have impact the West Gate tunnel will have on and convey to authorities the growing their lives. The project has placed a giant been robbed, that have had their homes dangers patently obvious with increased broken into and that live in fear. What traffic volumes and traffic speed on major question mark over the quality of life of about them? What about this government artery, Lincoln Road, and in surrounding residents of Millers Road and surrounds. taking on the role of defending the victims streets creating traffic hazards and threats Increased noise and air pollution threaten of crime in this state? Because they are to pedestrians … to make their lives a misery. Can the the ones to whose defence we should I can understand why this letter has minister offer more comfort to these be jumping. They are the ones that this been sent, because I am a regular user of residents than Mr Melhem did in this legislation should be about more than Lincoln Road in Essendon and I can vouch house last sitting week when he dismissed anything else — the victims. for the fact that it is a very, very busy road, their concerns with the comment, ‘The trucks have to go somewhere’? It is easy to blame the system — and I particularly around the times of school think we heard Ms Patten pretty much try pick-up and drop-off. It is quite close to to do that a little bit earlier this afternoon bedlam at times, and the speed of some COUNCIL | Victims of crime support — but the system I do not believe is motorists in the area, particularly at those 23 May 2018 entirely to blame at all. There is a thing times, is something that has concerned me that we used to have in this country — and in the past as well. So I can understand, as we do have it now to a certain extent but I say, why the local Neighbourhood Watch nowhere near as much as we should — and is concerned and wants to do something Victims of crime it is a thing called personal responsibility. about that. It is a thing called taking responsibility for The very great concern that they and support your own actions. It is not good enough indeed I have is that the response from Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — It for people to say, ‘I can rob, I can bash, I VicRoads has — surprise, surprise! — been gives me a great deal of pleasure to rise can go out and steal a car, I can go out and less than satisfactory. I am very hopeful to my feet this afternoon to support the break into somebody’s home, and it’s the that the minister will take this on board, motion so ably moved by my colleague system’s fault’. It is not the system’s fault and I am indeed asking the minister to take and friend Mr O’Donohue, and I for one — it is the fault of the person who did it. this matter on board and raise it with Ms would very like to congratulate the Liberal Thompson with a view to actually doing and National Party for the work that has

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 27 been done and the suite of policies which obvious. Just yesterday down in Werribee Mr FINN — I hear from the distance will make Victoria safe again. I say that I in my electorate there was another attack words that I was about to utter myself can congratulate the opposition; I certainly on a jeweller. A bloke with two hammers, in fact. The reason is that we have a cannot congratulate the government. if you do not mind, walked into a shop, government that is soft on crime. Labor Nobody can congratulate the government terrorised the staff — is always soft on crime; that is the way it on what has happened to this state over the Mr O’Donohue — During the day. operates. You can go back to the Bracks past three and a half years. Mr FINN — Yes, as Mr O’Donohue and Brumby governments and the It is quite diabolical in fact what has points out, this was not a night-time Attorney-General at that time, Rob Hulls. occurred in this state over the past three burglary, this was not a break-in at night; We should be almost running and hiding and a half years. Victoria is very much a this was in the middle of the day when in the corner at the mere mention of his state of fear. I have said it before in this people were around, when the staff were name. That man has caused more damage house and I know it has been said by there and when potential customers to law and order and to justice in Victoria others, but when we have a situation where were around as well. Indeed somebody, than any other individual. He is the one people are too afraid to live in their own some very quick thinking person I who, for 11 years, appointed every single homes or where they are too afraid to go to would imagine, actually filmed it, and I judicial officer to the bench. That is why bed at night without a weapon to protect understand they got that film to Channel we have the problem that we have today — them, whether it be a baseball bat, a cricket 9 — they probably got a decent dollar for because he appointed people like him. He bat or something a bit more powerful than it as well, I would suggest. But to have a appointed people who were soft on crime that — when that sort of situation occurs, situation where somebody can walk into and indeed are still soft on crime. That and it is occurring — we have got a real a jeweller’s store and hold the place up is why we have people being let out who problem. in the middle of the day is just appalling. should not be let out. That is why we have It does nobody any good to hear Mr What is just as appalling or perhaps even victims of crime outraged that they are not Leane get up in this house and say that more appalling is that this is not the first receiving justice at the hands of our legal there is no problem. It does nobody any time that has happened and Werribee is system. good to hear Mr Leane say that crime stats not the only place it has happened. We I said this yesterday, I said it last month, have gone down, because the fact of the have had the ones down in Malvern. There I said it last year, and I said it 10 years ago: matter is that the crimes that really matter, is one place — I am pretty sure it is down in what this state needs is a justice system, if I can put it that way — the crimes against Malvern — that has been attacked two or not just a legal system. The legal system the person, the aggravated burglaries and three times. Staff have actually had to leave is not just there to employ lawyers and so forth, those sorts of crimes — in fact because they are suffering post-traumatic blokes in wigs. It is there to provide justice continue to rise, and that is something that stress as a result of what they have been for Victorians, and it is not doing it. When I think is very, very sad for a state that I through. Victorians lose faith in the judicial system, used to think was pretty much on the ball It is appalling that in Victoria we have a that is when the judicial system will fall in terms of protecting the community. situation where a government will allow apart. That is what has happened. It is Somebody had a go at me the other day this to happen. They say, ‘Oh, we’re going exceedingly difficult to find anybody in on Facebook — you would not believe to fix it. We’re going to fix it’. They have the state with a good word for our legal this, would you? — and they said, ‘You’re been saying they are going to fix it for three system. It is nigh on impossible. There is always pointing out Daniel Andrews’s and a half years. We have got an election no faith at all for the vast majority — the shortfalls when it comes to crime and in about 182 days and they still have not overwhelming majority — of Victorians punishment. Why do you do that?’. I did fixed it. But what do they say? ‘Oh, we’re that the legal system in this state has the respond to them. I said that ultimately going to fix it. We’re going to fix it’. Well, we capacity to provide any justice, particularly crime and punishment, policing and the do not believe them anymore. We do not for victims in this state. And on and on it justice system must land at the feet of believe the Premier. We do not believe the goes. the Premier. They must land at the feet government when they say they are going There are certainly some good of the government of the day. The fact of to fix things, because we know that if they magistrates, and there are some good the matter is that Daniel Andrews and his were going to fix things, they would have judges; there have to be somewhere. But government have absolutely, totally failed fixed them by now. They have had ample what we see constantly on a day-to-day the people of Victoria. They have totally opportunity, more opportunity than could basis are good people being let down failed the people of Victoria in terms of possibly be imagined, to fix this dreadful by the judiciary and being let down by protecting them. situation that we have in Victoria, but they the legal system. That is a direct result of It is the government’s responsibility have not. the Labor Party. Nobody else can carry to protect the people. Indeed to quote Again, going back to Wyndham and responsibility for that. This government Ronald Reagan from many, many years Werribee, as Mr O’Donohue knows and and previous Labor governments must ago, the government’s first role is to I am sure, Acting President Ramsay, you carry the responsibility. protect the people without actually telling would be aware, the need for extra police When Mr Leane gets up here and them how to run their lives. I think that is in Wyndham has been a long, drawn- says, ‘There’s nothing to see here’, we probably something that every government out saga over many years. Both sides, do not believe him. Victorians do not should take up. That is something every governments of both persuasions, have believe him, and it does nothing to settle government should adopt almost as a been responsible for this so I will not point their nervousness about their ability principle, that indeed the first role of the finger on that, but do you know what to walk the streets safely and about the government is to protect the people, this government did? It gave Werribee — future of Victoria — in fact, quite the not to tell them how to run their lives. was it three new police? What an insult opposite. When they hear a member of Unfortunately with this government it it is when Werribee and Wyndham need the government say, ‘We haven’t got a is the other way around — they regard somewhere in the vicinity of 150 new problem; there’s nothing to see here’, that themselves as being in a situation where police and the Minister for Police and concerns them even more, because they they can tell us, the people of Victoria, how the government give Werribee three new know that that member of the government to run our lives. They will tell us how to officers, presumably to make up for those has no concept of reality and does not raise our children, for example. officers who are leaving because they actually know what is going on in his own Mr Ondarchie — Kim Jong Andrews. are so stressed due to being overworked state and in his own city. It is going on all Mr FINN — Kim Jong Andrews and the pressure of the job. Dear me, it is the time. It is going on every day. Whether somebody has mentioned to me. But this just appalling that we have this situation people be police or security workers, or is what is going on all over Victoria. We happening in Victoria. people working in jewellery shops or have seen what the government has done I do not want to reminisce unduly, but in milk bars, this sort of violence and to the taxi industry. We are seeing what the when I was a lad growing up this sort thuggery and unmitigated lawlessness is government is doing to the bus industry at of thing just did not happen. It did not occurring right across the state. the moment. happen. Not so long ago — four years ago I am a great believer in Victoria Police. Mr O’Donohue — School cleaners. — we did not hear about these aggravated I suggest to you very strongly that we have burglaries. We did not hear about some of the best police officers in Australia. Mr FINN — School cleaners, you name But unfortunately many of them are it. This government will go around and home invasions. We did not hear about carjackings. Why have they only happened leaving. They are getting out because they around and around and tell everybody have had enough. They see a government how to go about their lives, how to run in the last three and a half years? You have got to wonder about that. that does not care about them. They see a their lives and what to do in their lives, but government that does not care about law it will not protect them. This is only too Mr Ondarchie — Soft on crime.

IN 28 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE and order. They see a government that At the close of the infringement notice response than I have. It is obvious from does not care about fighting crime. They stage a penalty reminder notice that the response from this minister that she see a government that does not care about includes costs as well as the original probably does not have much idea where victims, and they are getting out. I think penalty will be sent to those non-voters Sunbury is, because she talks about the that is a tragedy. We need a police force, with outstanding infringements. Northern Hospital, which is at Epping, she not a police service. We need a police force I think this is an outrage. I think it is talks about the Broadmeadows Hospital that will actually enforce the law, not hold appalling that people who have quite Surgery Centre, which is obviously at little meetings where they can sit around possibly exercised their right not to vote Broadmeadows, and she talks about the and all agree to be nice. We need a police — and we all have a right not to vote — health service that covers Melton and force which actually does policing — real should be fined by the state. I think it is just also Bacchus March. Where that leaves policing. That is what the rank and file of a blight on our state, a blight on our nation Sunbury, I am not at all sure. She does Victoria Police are calling out for. But that and certainly a blight on our democracy, in fact tell us in the last paragraph of her is not happening at the moment — not to because as long as people do not have response that: any great extent, unfortunately, anyway. a right not to vote we are not a true After-hours home doctor visits are Hopefully we will see some major changes democracy. To be forcing people to show provided by the National Home Doctor in that area in the not-too-distant future. up at a polling booth — and let us face Service who bulk-bill to Sunbury. As Mr Leane said — and I agree with facts, it is not a matter of forcing people That is not exactly what we were after, him — there is an election soon, and there to vote, because nobody is being forced to understate things somewhat. The fact will be a change of government. I know to vote; you are just being forced to have of the matter is that Sunbury is a rapidly that Premier Guy and Minister O’Donohue your name crossed off the list — under growing community. There are many, will be a formidable team in returning threat of a fine is an insult to so many. I am many aged people in Sunbury, as well as teeth to Victoria Police and protecting the hoping that one day in the not-too-distant many, many families. We have a situation people of Victoria, because that is what our future, along with a number of other where the population of Sunbury will major job should be. The major job — the reforms that I have expressed support for double in the next decade or so, and first job — of any government is to protect in years gone by, we will indeed do away this service is absolutely needed. For the people, and I look forward to the new with compulsory voting and with the fining the minister to dismiss the need that Premier, the new Minister for Police and and carry-on that occurs as a result of that Sunbury has in this way is an insult to the new Attorney-General, Mr Pesutto, in compulsory voting system. Sunbury and every resident of Sunbury the Assembly, taking the lead in providing I turn now to the by-election itself. As and surrounds. I am talking about the that protection for community members so we know, Northcote traditionally is a people in Bulla, the people in Diggers people can feel safe living in Victoria and rock-solid red Labor seat. You would not Rest and even the people in the Macedon indeed so they can feel safe living in their have anticipated in a million years that Ranges, who regard Sunbury as somewhat own homes again. the Labor Party could ever lose Northcote of a regional centre as well. I am really — but they did. Much to my absolute struggling to understand who was advising COUNCIL | Statements on reports consternation, the Labor Party candidate, the minister. Whoever was advising the and papers, 23 May 2018 Clare Burns — I do not know Ms Burns, minister perhaps should move on, because but she was the Labor Party candidate, and this response that I received six months that does not say much for her — polled down the track is totally and absolutely just slightly over 35 per cent of the vote insufficient and probably one of the worst in Northcote for the Labor Party. Arthur responses I have had from any minister on Victorian Electoral Calwell must be turning in his grave to see any constituency question during the term that situation. Of course we had Ms Thorpe of this Parliament. Commission: from the Greens polling over 45 per cent on I ask the minister to put together the primaries and ending up on the ninth a review and give some serious Northcote district exclusion with 50.9 per cent of the vote to consideration to providing this much- the Labor Party’s just a smidge under 40 needed after-hours emergency centre by-election per cent. for Sunbury. It is desperately needed by, Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Even after preferences the Labor Party as I say, a growing population, and I do rise this evening to speak on the Victorian could not reach 40 per cent. I think this not think the people of Sunbury will be Electoral Commission’s Report on the is a fair indication that the Labor Party in impressed at all by this response from the Northcote District By-election held on 18 this state is in a real mess and is in a lot of minister on this occasion. November 2017. Being a former chairman trouble. It is an indication, perhaps like the of the Parliament’s Electoral Matters Altona by-election a year prior to the 2010 COUNCIL | Petitions Committee, this is a report that is of very election, that the Labor Party is heading for great interest to me. the rocks in November. When they cannot 24 May 2018 Mr Ondarchie interjected. even poll 36 per cent of the vote in a place Mr FINN — We will get to that, Mr like Northcote, how are they going to go in Ondarchie, I can assure you. Given the the marginals? How are they going to go time and given a chance, we will change in those places where people are judging Sentencing the name of this chamber to the State them on their performance on law and Senate and open it up to the understanding legislation reform order and financial management? This is Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — that so many people do not have at the an interesting report. I wish I had more moment as to what we do in here. It is time. I might return to it sometime in the Legislative Council electronic petition: long overdue, in my view, for people to future. The petition of certain citizens of the state understand that. of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that criminals are One of the issues that is raised in this COUNCIL | Adjournment getting inadequate sentences because report is one that is close to my heart, and 23 May 2018 the judiciary will not impose sentences that is the enforcement of compulsory close to maximum penalties. The wrong voting. It says in this report that: sentences are being handed down with no The first stage of compulsory voting chance to fix them. Sentencing Advisory follow-up for the Northcote district by- Council statistics for the years 2010 to election commenced on 19 January 2018, Sunbury after-hours 2015 show judges are handing down with 7867 apparent failure to vote notices much less than maximum sentences mailed — emergency services available to them. Rapists were given a Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I median sentence of six years when the 7867! raise this evening a matter for the attention maximum available sentence was 25 On 7 March 2018, infringement notices of the Minister for Health. On 21 November years. Only 3.5 per cent of rapists were were mailed to 5700 apparent non- last year I asked a constituency question jailed for more than 15 years. Murderers voters who either did not respond to the of the minister, and it concerned providing were sentenced to 20 years jail when the apparent failure to vote notice (4711), or maximum was life, while drug traffickers provided an invalid excuse (989) to the a much-needed after-hours emergency were getting seven years of a maximum notice. The infringement notice included clinic in Sunbury. I have received today six 15. Criminals convicted of aggravated a penalty of $79. months later a response from the minister, burglaries were sentenced to an average That is a good gig, that one. and given that it is six months later I of three years jail, with none given more thought I might have actually got a better than 10 years.

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 29 The petitioners therefore request that Werribee Open Range Zoo they might not at Brimbank Park, particularly for families. the Legislative Council call on the let him out. That could be the problem, It is a great day out to visit Brimbank Park government to amend the Sentencing so it is probably best that he give it a miss. with the family and also the Greenvale Act 1991 in lieu of serious offences to prescribe that — But what has happened down there over Reservoir Park. I took my family down the last decade or so with the Werribee there earlier this year on a very, very (1) A judge shall not impose suspended Open Range Zoo is something that we as pleasant day — not like today at all. It was sentences, only a fine, only home Victorians should be very proud of. I think a very, very pleasant day, and what they detention, only a community corrections order or any other sentence that is not it is rather sad that more Victorians, and have done down there is just spectacular, a term of imprisonment for ‘serious more interstate and overseas visitors in because they have got the natural offences’; particular, do not know about the Werribee environment and they have just added a Open Range Zoo, because it is fantastic. little bit to it. You have got the ducks and (2) A judge must take into account an accused person’s prior criminal history if You have — the various birds that call the place home, the offence in issue at trial hearings, plea Honourable members interjecting. the rocks, the waterfalls and the picnic hearings or sentence hearings is a Mr FINN — Mr O’Donohue has been areas thrown in for good measure, and it really is a treat. ‘serious offence’ and if the said offence down there. Mr Morris has been down in issue at trial hearings, plea hearings there. It is absolutely sensational down Mr Morris interjected. or sentence hearings is the same or of there. To be able to travel through what is Mr FINN — And there were a lot of a similar nature, character as offences a very natural environment and to see the people using it, let me tell you. When I committed by the accused person in his animals interact among themselves and was down there they were coming from or her prior criminal history, if any; occasionally with the people on the people all directions. While Greenvale is not in (3) A judge, in sentencing an accused movers as well — as my son found out a Western Metropolitan Region anymore person, must not mitigate any sentence couple of years ago when he was kissed by — it was until the last redistribution — it ordered, held, delivered for any ‘serious a camel — is really — is not too far from my place so it is a good offence’ due to factors such as the accused’s upbringing, childhood trauma, Mr O’Donohue interjected. spot. I have not been down there since, but experience(s) of child abuse and/ Mr FINN — He was very excited about when the weather comes back to what we or sexual abuse, drug and/or alcohol that too, I might say. He was. He thought it would like it to be we will make sure that addiction; and was Christmas when that camel came up we return. (4) Any breach of a sentence for ‘serious and kissed him. Mr Leane — Are you just having a offences’ and with a sentence not It is truly one of Victoria’s delights, and conversation? attracting a term of imprisonment shall I would suggest to every member of the Mr FINN — No, we will return. We will — result in a term of imprisonment, with no need for trial, if evidence of said breach house that they get down there and have a Mr Leane — You could be doing this in is enough to secure, prima facie, a plea of look. I am sure, if you have not been there Strangers. How about you two guys go to guilty of said breach. before, it will not be the last time you go Strangers and you can have a coffee. You By Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) (48 if you visit, because it is worth going back can have a cup of tea or something. signatures). again and again and again. There is always Mr FINN — No. Look, Mr Leane, I am something new there. I remember being Laid on table. trying to enhance your understanding. there a few years back during the time of That is a challenge, I know. It is a challenge, the Baillieu and Napthine governments but I am trying to help you. I am trying to COUNCIL | Second reading — Mr Leane might be interested in this tell you about some of the delightful places 24 May 2018 in particular — when the new gorilla there are around Melbourne that are run enclosure was opened down at the by Parks Victoria, so this is — Werribee zoo. Mr Leane — You just told me that Mr Leane — What are you trying to say? Werribee zoo is run by Parks Victoria. Parks Victoria Bill Are you trying to say something? Mr FINN — That is right. Mr FINN — Well, the gorillas down Mr Leane — It is actually not. 2018 there get very excited, and they very much Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Mr FINN — I am looking at the positive remind me sometimes of being in this side. rise to speak on the Parks Victoria Bill place. They throw the sort of material that 2018, and in doing so I have to say that gets thrown in here. It is extraordinary to Mr Leane interjected. in my experience with Parks Victoria it is see these particular animals because of Mr FINN — Do you want me to look somewhat of a mixed bag — to understate course they are very human-like, and you at the negative side? Do you want me to things I think it would be safe to say that it do see them at various times up close. rip into Parks Victoria? What is this bloke is a mixed bag. In certain instances Parks That in itself is quite a joy, particularly for on? Fair dinkum, you have got a member Victoria does an exceptional job. You children. As I say, my suggestion would be of the government over there whose just have to look at what it does down in to get down to Werribee Open Range Zoo government has proposed a bill that wants Werribee — the Werribee tourism precinct, and have a look at it because it is — to strengthen the role of Parks Victoria down near where Ms Mikakos was going Mr Davis interjected. and then he wants me to get up here and to build her youth jail until she found out bag Parks Victoria. What is wrong with this that the locals really did not think that was Mr FINN — Well, I made that remark to man? That is bizarre. What a very strange a good idea. Mr Leane earlier that if — man he is, and I — An honourable member interjected. Mr Davis interjected. Mr Morris — Sorry, Mr Finn. Acting Mr FINN — They were actually going to Mr FINN — A severe risk, I would President, I do note that Ms Shing turf Tim out. suggest, Mr Davis. But it is a treat. Whilst yesterday very kindly made the point you are down there, visit the rose garden, that what is happening in this house is An honourable member interjected. visit the equestrian centre, visit some of Mr FINN — I am not sure if Tim actually incredibly important and we should have the — enough members in this house listening to knows where the Werribee tourism Mr Davis — ShadowFax. precinct is. what is occurring, so I draw your attention Mr FINN — ShadowFax! Yes, I was just to the state of the house. An honourable member interjected. about to get to the ShadowFax winery. Quorum formed. Mr FINN — Well, he is very rarely Mr Davis — And the river. seen there, I gather. That precinct is a Mr FINN — Thank you, Mr Morris, for magnificent precinct, and it is run under Mr FINN — And the river, absolutely, adding to my audience in the chamber, the auspices of Parks Victoria. I have to say and the golf course down there, which and also thank you to Ms Shing for in particular that I am always impressed I think is one of the most beautiful golf yesterday importantly enabling the by the Werribee Open Range Zoo, which I courses that we have in Victoria. It is chamber’s membership to be present. That think is one of the great delights of Victoria. situated along the Werribee River. Parks will be remembered throughout the course I know that my family love to go there at Victoria have done a remarkable job down of the day and probably tomorrow as well, I every opportunity. We are regular visitors there in Werribee; they really have. It would suggest. to the Werribee Open Range Zoo. I do impresses me no end whenever I go down Mr Jennings — There’s a lot of things not know if there are many members of there, and they are to be commended. we’ll remember. There’s a lot of things we this house who have been there. I do not Parks Victoria are to be commended on will never forget. know if Mr Leane has been to the Werribee the work that they do there and in a few Mr FINN — There are indeed a lot of Open Range Zoo. If Mr Leane went to the other places, such as Brimbank Park in things that we will never forget. Let me tell Keilor. There are some great days to be had

IN 30 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE you, Minister, that Country Fire Authority what the ALP has against the CFA. I do says people are going to roll up and vote for (CFA) volunteers will never forget what you not understand why the ALP hates the them without thinking. I am discovering tried to do to them. CFA. I really do not know. It is sad. It is sad that there are an enormous number of There is one thing that does concern me indeed, but we will not be opposing this people in the western suburbs that now about the parks around Victoria. There bill today. are thinking and are realising that if they are some glorious parks, and I think of want a fair go from any government, if they the Otway Ranges, one of the places that COUNCIL | Constituency questions want a fair go from this Labor government or any future Labor government maybe 20 I grew up around. It brings back some 24 May 2018 wonderful childhood memories for me. or 30 years down the track, then they have What concerns me are those who want to to make the western suburbs of Melbourne lock these parks up. The parks should be marginal. That is something that is coming for the people, but you have got people — back to me so often as I get around: people extremists, in my view — who want to lock Wyndham: police of the western suburbs recognise that the these parks up, shut them up, just let them fact that they vote Labor almost without go wild and wait for the next bushfire to numbers thinking — I suggest without thinking, full Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) stop — has come back to bite them. That come through and wipe the whole lot out. — My constituency question is to the What we need to do is manage these parks has come back to bite them in a big way Minister for Police. Yesterday in Werribee because — let us face facts — Labor at the and enable the community to enjoy them, a jewellers shop was robbed in broad enable bushwalkers and 4 x 4 drivers — beginning of their re-election campaign daylight by a hammer-wielding thief. says, ‘Why would we give the western Mr Ramsay interjected. Staff and bystanders were significantly Mr FINN — I think Mr Ramsay makes an suburbs anything? They’re going to vote for traumatised. Sadly, such violent crime us anyway. Why would we bother with the exceptionally good point, that having cattle is far from unknown in Wyndham, yet in the High Country is clearly something western suburbs?’, and that is what they do. the need for more police continues. The That is why the western suburbs have been that works in a very positive way toward Police Association Victoria has placed the management of many of these parks neglected and have been ignored by Labor the number of extra police needed in governments for many, many years. particularly as I said in the High Country. Wyndham at in excess of 150. With such a I just issue a word of warning to the deficit, it is not surprising that local police It is interesting. With the iconic St government that it should be wary of being are run off their feet trying to keep up with Albans level crossing, the promise by the captured by environmental extremists. crime in the Wyndham communities. Labor Party was to get that fixed, and in What concerns me enormously is Minister, when can Wyndham police my memory that promise goes back to that post-November this year there is expect the extra officers they need to 1981. I would have thought that the Cain a distinct possibility that we will have provide residents with the protection they government that was first elected in 1982 a Labor-Greens coalition government. are crying out for? might have fixed the level crossing in Main When you have a Labor-Greens coalition Road, St Albans, but it did not. I would have thought the Bracks government government, as we have seen in Tasmania COUNCIL | Second reading and the ACT, you have got trouble on a might have done that because, you know, whole range of fronts, but particularly in 24 May 2018 St Albans is a pretty strong Labor area. these areas. If Labor and the Greens form I would have thought the Labor Party a coalition government post-November, would have felt some obligation to fix the we are going to see the environmental dangerous and lethal Main Road level extremists running the show and the parks Appropriation crossing. I would have thought the Labor that we love to visit, the parks that we Party would have felt some obligation to regard as one of the great assets of Victoria, (2018-2019) Bill the people of St Albans to fix that particular will be shut down. They will be locked up level crossing, and I would have thought and we will not be able to access them. 2018 and Budget the Bracks government would have fixed That I think defeats the purpose of having it. Then I would have thought the Brumby parks, to tell you the truth. But there are papers 2018-19 government might have fixed it. I would some environmental extremists who think Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I have thought John Brumby might have felt that parks are not for people; they are for am very disappointed that Mr Ramsay was some obligation to the people of St Albans possums and other little furry creatures. not given a greater opportunity to expand to actually fix that level crossing. An honourable member — Cockatoos. on the last point that he was making, It is interesting. Mr Brumby, before he because with my understanding about Ms was elected as member for Broadmeadows, Mr FINN — Well, there are a few said he would move into Broadmeadows. cockatoos and a whole range of little Symes being in nappies it could have been just last week as far as I know. But that is He got as far as Strathmore. I suppose it furry things that the environmental is about as close as a Labor MP can get extremists love to talk about at length. by the by. We are here to celebrate this budget because this is the last budget this to their own electorate, but whichever They are the ones that unfortunately way you look at it, Strathmore is a long would be burnt when the inevitable government will deliver, and for that every Victorian is celebrating. Every Victorian way from Broadmeadows in many, many bushfire comes through. Good forest and ways. But to get back to the St Albans level park management is about preventing is saying, ‘Thank the Lord that this mob are about to go out the door’. They are crossing, I would have thought the Brumby the cataclysmic bushfires that we have government would have had an obligation seen. Since Black Saturday we have seen going out the door very deservedly. What a marvellous thing. to the people of St Albans given that the enormous efforts to manage those areas people of St Albans roll up every election that would be affected most by bushfires. Out my way in Melbourne’s west there is a question asked after every budget. and vote Labor in very large numbers. Bushfire is, of course, a part of our lives I would have thought the Brumby in Victoria. As Mr Morris said earlier, it Keeping in mind that most budgets have been Labor budgets for the last couple of government would have seen an obligation is quite extraordinary that, in this part to fix this level crossing given that Labor of the world that is so prone to bushfire, decades — apart from four, so 16 of those budgets have been Labor budgets — the had been promising to do it literally for we would have a government that decades. would declare war on 60 000 volunteer question that is asked by so many people firefighters, for example. That is bizarre in in the western suburbs is: why does Labor It is interesting. Who did fix the Main itself. neglect the west? Why does Labor neglect Road level crossing? Who allocated the money to fix the Main Road level An honourable member interjected. Melbourne’s western suburbs? This is a question that is so often asked by people crossing in St Albans? Which government Mr FINN — It is a lot. They declared right across the western suburbs. Why actually bit the bullet and fixed that level war on 60 000 volunteer firefighters. I do they ignore us? Why do they neglect crossing? It was the Napthine Liberal- would just like to know where the parks, us? So many people roll up election after Nationals government. That is who it was. I much less the people of Victoria, would election and cast their vote for the Labor remember being out there one particularly be without those volunteer firefighters. Party, and what do the Labor Party give nippy Sunday morning, as a matter of fact, Cooked is what they would be; we would back to the people of the western suburbs? with Dr Napthine and with Mr Mulder, be cooked. It is a tragedy in itself that the Total contempt. There is very, very little of the then transport minister, to announce government saw fit to attack these people anything else — just total contempt. that the money was being allocated and who put others before themselves on that we were going ahead with the project. every occasion. I see Ms Symes over there I think that is about to change, or at least part of it is about to change — the part that It had been promised by Labor for years shaking her head. I honestly do not know and years, but who delivered it? It was the

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 31 Liberals. The Liberals delivered it for the The people of the western suburbs are I could talk, if I had more time, about people of St Albans. I think there is a lesson rightly angry — furious — about this whole the West Gate tunnel and the outrageous to be learned there by a good number of scandal. If the media want to know what waste of money it is. It has gone from people in the west if they are keen enough a scandal is, they should have a look at costing $500 million to over $6 billion, and to pay attention to that. the east–west project and what Daniel what is happening there is I think an act of Of course we have a situation where Andrews did to it. There is a scandal, and criminality. There are so many things this Labor has a vested interest in ensuring they might like to publicise it as such. government has wasted money on. I wish I that people in the western suburbs are I was driving down Alexandra Parade the had another half an hour and I would very kept on the public teat. Labor has a vested other day. I was coming back. I had been cheerfully go on, but sadly I do not. This is interest in poverty in the western suburbs, visiting an autism group out in the eastern this government’s last budget, as I say, and the northern suburbs and anywhere suburbs and I was travelling home. I sailed that is a reason in itself for celebration. else, because once people get financial down the Eastern Freeway — obviously it independence and once people get was not peak hour — COUNCIL | Questions without notice the prospect of being able to look after Ms Lovell interjected. 25 May 2018 themselves, God help us, they might vote Mr FINN — I am not keeping you up, it is Liberal, and we cannot have that, can we! all right. I sailed down the Eastern Freeway We cannot have that, and that is why the and got to Alexandra Parade, and it was Labor Party are so very keen to keep their gridlocked as it so often is — TAFE funding own supporters in poverty. An honourable member interjected. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My One of the big issues in the western Mr FINN — Hundreds, if not thousands, question is to the Minister for Training suburbs of recent years has been crime and of cars were just chugging along, pouring and Skills. Minister, what advice have you particularly policing. I spoke at length this out all sorts of mucus and things behind received from your department on the week in the house about some of the crime them — the pollution and all the sorts of impact on private training providers of the issues that we have faced in the western smelly things that come from the back government’s not really free TAFE? suburbs. Even this week a jewellery store of cars. I thought to myself, ‘These Labor Supplementary question in Werribee was attacked by a bloke with types and these Greens voters here in a couple of hammers. In broad daylight a Carlton and Collingwood and Fitzroy, bloke went in with a couple of hammers Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — wouldn’t they much, much prefer these Minister, private training providers have and went to town — robbed the jewellery cars to be underground, to be gone?’. Why store, traumatised the staff, terrified stated that expansion plans to invest in did they vote against the east–west link new facilities have been cancelled. Others the patrons — and off he went. This is when the east–west link would have freed something that unfortunately we have have stated that allied health course Alexandra Parade of cars for the first time offerings to meet skill gaps in Victoria are had to put up with in the western suburbs since Billy Hughes was Prime Minister? of Melbourne for years. Why would it now on hold. Others have stated they will be that the police are so understaffed, Mr Ondarchie interjected. close down, while others state jobs will undermanned in Wyndham in particular? Mr FINN — They could have had the be slashed. Minister, can you guarantee We have a situation where the Police Malvern Star — they are big on the Malvern that this policy of not really free TAFE will Association Victoria has told us that Star I understand. That is something I not mean a loss of investment in Victoria, Wyndham needs in excess of an extra 150 do not understand. It is one of the great a reduction in education jobs in Victoria, police officers to come up to standard. That mysteries of our time, and I think it shows vocational education and training moving is how far behind they are, over 150 down. the intellectual capacity of Labor and interstate to the benefit of New South Wyndham is growing at an extraordinary Greens voters in the inner city, but that is Wales and South Australia and education rate. It is one of the fastest growing something for another day. facilities closing down? municipalities in Australia. It is often We also have the Footscray Hospital. If the fastest growing municipality in any hospital needs to be rebuilt, it is the COUNCIL | Constituency questions Australia. Every time I turn around another Footscray Hospital. What has Labor done? 25 May 2018 subdivision has gone up around Tarneit, Not a thing; nothing — ‘Oh, we’re thinking Truganina, out that way. They are growing about it, we’re going to plan it’. Just pull the up like Topsy. But we still have a situation thing down and rebuild it. That is what we where the police numbers are down. If need to do with the Footscray Hospital. It Brimbank City Labor was fair dinkum about protecting is an embarrassment, it is a disgrace and the people of the western suburbs, they it is Labor’s way of saying ‘Thank you for Council would make sure that the western suburbs voting for us’ to the people of Footscray Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) had the right number of police to protect and surrounds. — My constituency question is to the the people, and the protection of people Then of course we have the Sunbury Minister for Local Government, and as I must be government’s first responsibility. Road duplication, where Labor decided it am sure the minister is acutely aware, it But not the Labor Party and certainly not in is going to duplicate a road which is largely is not so long ago that the Brimbank City the western suburbs of Melbourne. already duplicated and completely ignore Council’s name was mud. During the Then of course we have the east–west the section of the road that desperately years of the Suleyman empire, Brimbank link. I remember being down at the needs duplication. And there is no became synonymous with factional pay- Werribee football ground, for a footy mention of the Bulla bypass at all. It is just offs, backbiting, bullying and assorted match surprisingly enough, the day that amazing. shysterism. It was so bad that the Brumby Daniel Andrews made his unilateral Recently I was up in Sydney and, as government sacked the council in the wake announcement. He had not consulted is my wont, I travelled from the airport of a damning Ombudsman’s report. Since anybody. He had not consulted his own to the city with the train, and I thought the return of the elected council, Brimbank shadow cabinet, much less the backbench to myself, ‘Wouldn’t it be a marvellous appeared to be getting its act together or anybody else. He just got up one thing if we had a train from the airport — until this week. Brimbank council’s morning and decided, ‘I’m going to cancel to the city in Melbourne?’. Well, we were campaign to change the little man in the the east–west link’, and he announced going to have one of those. The Napthine traffic lights to a little woman puts at risk it. If he had been down there with me in government put up that proposal, and for the council’s credibility. It is extraordinary Werribee that day, they would have strung the second time the Labor Party knocked for any council to become involved in such him up. They were furious. it on the head. You have got to remember nonsense when so many real problems The people of the western suburbs want that the first broken promise of the Bracks need to be addressed. Will the minister the east–west link. They are desperate for government was back in 1999 when they counsel Brimbank council in an attempt to the east–west link, and they are furious. scrapped the airport railway link. So Labor get it back to concentrating on its real job? They are furious for two reasons. They are has done it again. I have no idea what they furious that Labor has denied them the have got against the rail link, but we need east–west link, but they are also furious one. Now that the federal government that Labor wasted 1.4 thousand million is proposing to put forward $5 billion to dollars to deny them that road. Wasting build this thing, why won’t the Andrews 1.4 thousand million dollars! For that government meet its obligation to build reason alone Daniel Andrews deserves to this thing? We desperately need an airport be turfed into the street this November. rail link.

IN 32 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Second reading now we have seen unions become nothing bosses. It is interesting when I look over the 25 May 2018 but tools used by union bosses to fill their other side — when there are a few more pockets or increase their influence in the members here — that you do not have to political sphere or elsewhere. state which faction or indeed which region Mr Dalidakis interjected. they are from; you can actually name them Labour Hire Mr Morris — On a point of order, Acting by which union has put them in here. President, Mr Dalidakis used quite an Mr Davis interjected. Licensing Bill 2017 unparliamentary term to describe Mr Finn. Mr FINN — Indeed there are those who Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — It He should withdraw that statement. have got a touch of stardom about them is often said that any legislation that is not The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) and have taken to — necessary is in fact bad legislation, and I — Mr Dalidakis, you are not in your place. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) have always been of the view that every Honourable members interjecting. — Order! Mr Davis, I do not need any time a piece of legislation passes this house The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) assistance. I cannot hear Mr Finn. But, Mr we all lose a little bit more of our freedom. Finn, I ask you to get back to the bill. You To pass a bill which is undoubtedly — Mr Finn! Mr Morris, you raised a point of order and you want me to deal with it. are reflecting on members. I do not believe unnecessary makes it even worse. It makes your comments are helpful or relevant to no sense at all, so I am very hopeful that I expect you to let me deal with it without assisting. the bill. I ask you to get back to the bill. the Labour Hire Licensing Bill 2017 will not Mr FINN — On a point of order, Acting see the other side of this house. I am very Mr Dalidakis, I ask you to withdraw the word ‘tool’. You were not in your place. President, I am interested to know how hopeful that in fact it will be defeated. you think discussing trade unions has I think that, yes, there are people As the President said, let us not have an argument about it. It has been a funny day. nothing to do with this bill. I am fascinated around who do take advantage of itinerant to know. workers. There are people who, given the Mr Dalidakis — On a point of order, Acting President, I am not seeking to have The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) opportunity, will take advantage of any — Resume your contribution. worker. These are fly-by-nighters. These an argument about it. I was speaking with are charlatans. These are people who my parliamentary colleague about what Mr FINN — Thank you very much quite frankly I do not think we should be happened on Good Friday, and I said, indeed. As I was saying, this government is tolerating in — ‘This man is a tool of a tool’. That was not all about featherbedding its union mates, and it is doing it with this legislation. The Mr Morris interjected. reflecting on him in any way other than highlighting the fact that he did what his problem is that this government is top- Mr FINN — No, I am not talking about leader called him to do and bastardised the heavy with union mates and has very, very the Premier at this point in time. We will politics of this place with the pairing. That few people who have actually ever been get to him another time perhaps. There are was the context. in business. They have no understanding some employers who indeed make a very The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) of how business operates; they have no good living out of ripping their employees understanding of how businesspeople off; there are no two ways about that. In — Thank you, Mr Dalidakis. I do not want to hear any debate on it. I ask you to think. years gone by I have been a victim of that. And so it is with this legislation. They Many, many years ago, when I was much withdraw. Mr Dalidakis — In that case, so have jumped in headfirst to put forward a younger, I was very much the victim of that, proposal that is just not necessary, because and I have complete and total contempt withdrawn. Mr FINN — I thank Mr Dalidakis for the overwhelming majority of small for any employer who involves himself or business people are decent, honourable herself in that sort of activity. withdrawing. It is almost a badge of honour to have abuse heaped upon me people who just want to make a dollar. However, I believe — in fact I know That is what they are on about; they want — that there is sufficient legislation on from the Sir Les Patterson of the Victorian Parliament. It is, as I was saying — to make a dollar for themselves and their the books, both federal and state now, to families to pay their mortgage and put ensure that those people are dealt with and Mr Gepp — On a point of order, Acting their kids through school and all the rest that justice prevails. I believe that those President, we have just had the President of it. To prevent them from doing that via people should be held up — ‘named and in the chamber talking about the things this legislation or some other way is, to shamed’ is the expression often used — that reflect poorly on us. Immediately after my way of thinking, quite an obscenity. as the contemptible swine that they are. you required Mr Dalidakis to withdraw his Unfortunately we see that all too often with I have no time for them at all. But this comment, Mr Finn jumped to his feet and this government. The Andrews government legislation is not necessary to deal with spoke in an unparliamentary fashion about sees small business people as the enemy. those sorts of people. This legislation is in another member of this place. I would We have seen that in this house, we have fact not about the sort of scum that I was invite you to get him to withdraw too. seen it in the other place and we have speaking of. This legislation is not about The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) seen it from the Premier down. Ministers itinerant workers or protecting workers at — In fact there is some merit in Mr Gepp’s from the Premier down have made it very, all. What this is about is the Labor Party comments because I did hear Mr Finn’s very clear that they regard small business looking after its union mates, and that is comment. As I said, it has been a very as the enemy and that small business something we have come to expect from funny day today, and the President has people are deserving in some way of our this government. given some advice to the house about it contempt and most certainly theirs. They Whether it be Peter Marshall from the being a funny day and people being all heap contempt upon the small business United Firefighters Union (UFU) and over the place. I ask members to go back community all too often, in particular the the disgraceful effort we have seen over to the bill and stop this nonsense. After I Labor Party — the past three years from the Premier ruled and asked Mr Dalidakis to withdraw Business interrupted pursuant to in regard to them and the Premier’s — I was 50-50 on whether to ask him to standing orders. ability — or attempts, I should say — to withdraw, but I did — you should not have responded with the comment you made, Sitting extended pursuant to standing impose the will of the UFU on Country orders. Fire Authority volunteers or any number Mr Finn, because I was assisting you in of other incidents over the term of this asking him to withdraw. I do not think Mr FINN — As I was saying, this government or going back over previous that was helpful. I ask you to acknowledge government has a particular contempt for Labor governments, we know that when in this, which you have, and move on and small business and small business people, doubt, this government in particular gets withdraw the response. but added to that is another layer of total up to its old tricks. That is something that Mr FINN — I apologise to you, Acting contempt for farmers and the men and we should be very, very wary of. We are President, because the last thing I would women on the land. That is something very aware of that. want to be to you is unhelpful in any way. I that is in the Labor Party’s DNA; they do am here to please, absolutely. not like farmers. I do not know whether it The Andrews government, as we know, is because private ownership of land goes is a very hard-line, left-wing government. Mr Davis interjected. against their philosophical or ideological It is a very union-oriented government. Mr FINN — Indeed, Mr Davis. The fact beliefs. There was a time when unions actually of the matter is that this government exists Mr Morris interjected. did a good job and were necessary. They for the purpose of patronising the unions; represented workers in various places that is what it is here for. We have seen that Mr FINN — Well, I think some of them very well and provided some protection time and time again, and we are seeing it are. I have to say to you, Mr Morris, that for people who needed it. But that seems here again today. This government is about I think some of them are. But this seems now to be a very long time ago, because featherbedding its union mates and union to be an added level of contempt that this

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 33 bill brings to this Parliament showing that They are more than ready to go. I know COUNCIL | Second reading the Andrews government not only dislikes this may cause some problems with the 05 June 2018 small business but particularly dislikes government — I know there is not a great farmers. What it does not realise is that deal of enthusiasm for volunteers within by hitting small business and by hitting the government — but I ask the minister farmers it is also hitting workers, because to provide the necessary light tanker crew Liquor and if you do not have employers, you cannot cab that the Diggers Rest fire brigade has have employees. They do not seem to requested and obviously needs. The fire understand that. I would have thought it brigade needs it, and indeed, so does the Gambling was pretty straightforward. I would have community. thought it was a pretty simple proposition, The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) Legislation but it is something that this government — Mr Finn, can I just ask you to rephrase just cannot come to grips with. I urge the your adjournment matter in the manner of Amendment Bill house to reject this legislation. I think an action rather than a question? You have it is an overreaction, it is overreach in asked the minister, but perhaps I could 2018 every way, it is unnecessary legislation suggest you seek an action. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — In rising to speak on the Liquor and Gambling and I think, if we have statute books full Mr FINN — I am not sure which of legislation that we do not need, then Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 I cannot question I have asked. I have asked the help but endorse the comments made that is a total failure on the part of this minister to provide the truck, so I am not Parliament. I think what we need to be by Ms Lovell. She and I share a deep and sure — passionate love for the Richmond Football aware of is — Honourable members interjecting. Mr Gepp interjected. Club, and it is too much to expect anybody The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) to actually bet against the Tiges this year. I Mr FINN — I think somebody has — Order! This is not a debate. noticed at three-quarter time in Saturday already got his hand up. The John Setka of Ms Symes interjected. night’s match against Essendon that the Victorian Parliament over there is like a The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) Essendon were 500 to 1 to win. It would be puppet on a string. That is what he is. Look a brave bookie that would take money on into the camera and smile! Mr Gepp has — Ms Symes! He does not need your help. The action he is seeking from the minister Richmond at that point of the evening. But got his own star on Lygon Street. It is just that is a side issue to this particular bill. a marvellous thing. This bill is a shocker. It is for him to provide a two-wheel drive deserves to be defeated, and I totally agree tanker to Diggers Rest. We have got that. This bill amends the Liquor Control with Mr Ondarchie on this, 100 per cent. Mr Jennings has got that. Reform Act 1998 to reduce red tape for licensees, including by reforming the COUNCIL | Members statements processes for licence applications and COUNCIL | Adjournment transfers, removing unnecessary record- 25 May 2018 05 June 2018 keeping requirements and allowing spirit producers to obtain a producers licence. I think that is a very good thing. I am a Energy prices strong supporter of cutting red tape for Country Fire Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — small business — indeed for any business Winter has hit us a little earlier than we for that matter, but particularly small Authority Diggers like this year with freezing, often subzero, business — and we have to take into temperatures across the state. Most of consideration that the liquor industry, and Rest brigade us are in a position to fire up the central I include pubs and bars in that, employ an Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I heating to keep warm, but that is quite inordinate number of people. They employ wish to raise a matter this evening for the often a struggle for families facing ever- a huge number of people across this state. Minister for Emergency Services. I have increasing electricity and gas prices. The They are a very important contributor to received an email this week from the people I feel most sorry for are those who the financial welfare of Victoria. So it is captain of the Diggers Rest fire brigade, cannot escape the cold at all — those on important that they not be subject to the Tim Welshe, who informs me that the limited incomes unable to meet crushing sort of red tape that they have been subject brigade is very keen to get hold of a light energy prices. As we know, the Andrews to. I think it is a good move to reduce that tanker crew cab to replace their existing government has gone out of its way to red tape and also to allow spirit producers Isuzu 3.2-litre diesel tanker. force up power prices as part of its ratbag to obtain producers licences in a quick and By way of background, the Diggers extreme green agenda. As a result this efficient manner. I think that is a very good Rest fire brigade is a wholly volunteer foul, putrid government has punished idea as well. service established in 1969, comprising those most vulnerable in our community. I am wondering if that counts for 35 members. It is a good crew, I can tell This wretched government has punished wine producers as well, because I know you. They are wonderful people. They have the aged, the disabled, the poor and a number of winemakers. There are served and continue to serve the local and the disadvantaged. Indeed as a result a number of winemakers in the west broader community as needed, and in this of this vile government’s policies many of Melbourne. In particular we have financial year up until 17 May, which was more Victorians find themselves in the Shadowfax Winery down in the Werribee last week, the brigade has attended 251 disadvantaged category. tourism precinct, and a very, very nice fire call-outs. You also have to take into Winter in Victoria can be a trying drop they produce, I can tell you. Then of consideration that Diggers Rest is a rapidly experience for those of us not fond of course up in Sunbury we have Craiglee growing area. It was, not so long ago, a little the cold, but the fact that this appalling Vineyard. If you have not had a Craiglee hamlet — but not anymore. It is growing government is going out of its way to shiraz, you have not lived. Pat and Dianne at a rapid rate. It has probably quadrupled make it worse for so many Victorians is Carmody are great people indeed, and in size over the last six months, and it is all despicable. If the Andrews government they produce exceptional wine. To provide go for more growth in the not-too-distant really cared about the people of the state, assistance to them in getting a producers future. it would put its ideology to one side and licence, if indeed that is what this part of The fire brigade is obviously very keen to consider those who need the heating the legislation is referring to, I think would ensure that they are in the best position to they currently cannot afford. It is time the be a very good thing. fight fires if indeed they are called upon to Andrews government put Victorians ahead Removing unnecessary record keeping do so. The vehicle that they are looking for of its tired, failed, ideological bunk. Thank requirements is something that is is a two-wheel drive instead of the bigger God we will soon have the Matthew Guy particularly close to my heart. I remember four-wheel drive one. This will eliminate government. it was the bane of my life when I ran my the need for a heavy vehicle licence. own small business some years ago. The Anybody with a drivers licence will be able record keeping, the bookwork and the to drive the new one, so they are very, very red tape were the bane of my existence. I keen to get hold of this particular vehicle. hated them with a passion. So to see the I am asking the minister to take this removal of unnecessary record keeping on board. The brigade has the required requirements is music to my ears; it is a contributory funds of $27 200 set aside very, very good thing indeed. already, and as I say, they are ready to go. The bill also amends the Liquor Control Reform Act to strengthen harm

IN 34 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE minimisation measures, including by have been particularly potent in drawing Ramsay says he does. We can go there and introducing new offences related to the people in and not allowing them to think have a quiet ale after a late-night sitting, display of alcohol advertising near schools straight. That is something that we also for example. We can gather with our and the delivery and supply of alcohol to have to take into consideration. That colleagues and we can discuss the events minors. I think that is a very good thing said, I think that we all have a bet on the of the day over a beer. That is something as well because whilst there are some Melbourne Cup. That is something that just that back in the day you could not do. I people around who regard alcohol as about everybody — think it is far more civilised today than it being very much a part of their lives — I Mr Ramsay interjected. was back then and, as I say, I am very, very do not see them here at the minute, but Mr FINN — Not Ms Bath? She does not glad that that has changed. there are some around who do feel that gamble at all? Extraordinary. Well, I would My very great concern is that it way — we should not attempt to pass that have to ask: if she does not gamble, what is might have gone a bit too far in fact, on to our children. I think that for children she doing in politics? That is worth asking, because anybody who has been in town, to be offered alcohol advertising on a I would have thought. Nearly everybody particularly down at King Street or some of daily basis near schools and other places heads down to the TAB and has a bet on the entertainment sectors of Melbourne, where children gather is very bad, and Melbourne Cup Day. I think it is a great any time after about midnight or 1 o’clock we should avoid that. So if this legislation feeling, to tell you the truth, and I do not — and I am reminded at this point of Ross can produce that, it will be a very, very mind that at all. Stevenson from 3AW, who said, ‘Nothing good thing. Interestingly enough, the The Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, as good ever happens after 2 o’clock’; I think government introduces this legislation we know, regulates the supply of liquor in that is pretty true in my experience — or to prevent alcohol advertising near Victoria. We have seen a significant change perhaps after 2 o’clock will back that up 100 schools, but, as has been pointed out by in the liquor laws in Victoria and in the per cent, because it is getting pretty messy. Mr Ondarchie and I think by others, it has culture in Victoria over a long period of So that may be something that we need to no qualms about having a drug injecting time. I do not remember this, but I have have a look at at some stage as well. room near a school, which does seem to be heard from many about the infamous 6 But we do not want to go as far as New somewhat of a double standard. It is very, o’clock swill, when the pubs would close South Wales. New South Wales has gone very hard to follow. I certainly have some at 6 and the offices would close at 5. back the other way, where you cannot get difficulty following it. Everybody would belt down to the pub, a beer. It is very difficult to get a beer in We also have in this bill a provision to line up the beers and down them all before Sydney; it is very difficult to get a beer after reduce the supply of alcohol to minors, and 6 o’clock when they were all thrown out. midnight. A very uncivilised place it is. You I think that is a very good thing. We have It sounds a bit like Sydney today, doesn’t can understand why people want to come a situation at the moment where a family it? I will get to that in a minute. That was to Melbourne instead of going there. can go to the pub for a meal and, as long something that had to change. I am told Mr Ondarchie interjected. as the children of the family are with their that that was a less than impressive sight. I Mr FINN — The coffee? Well, I am not parents and they have a parent’s authority, am glad that that did change. a coffee drinker, but I have been known they can have a glass of wine — or two or But I recall not all that many years ago — to have a beer on a warm day. I am three, I assume. I think we need to make well, probably quite a few now, to tell you very pleased that the opposition will be it an across-the-board ban on everybody. the truth when I think about it — we would supporting this legislation. I look forward I do not think we should be leaving it up go to meetings in the city and we would to it passing. I look forward to it supporting to the bar staff or to the hotel owners to come out and the place would be closed. a healthy and vigorous entertainment make a judgement as to who can have If you felt the need to go and have further and licence sector and a responsible and wine and who cannot have wine in terms discussions over libations, that would be enjoyable gaming sector as well. of children. If you are a child, you should something that would just not be possible, not be drinking in a pub. I think that would because you could not get a beer. At 10 COUNCIL | Adjournment be a fair thing and that most people would o’clock the pubs would close and that was absolutely agree with that. it. You were out of there. That was it. 05 June 2018 The bill will also amend the Gambling Mr Ramsay interjected. Regulation Act 2003 to provide the minister with a power to direct wagering Mr FINN — Well, that is the truth. Mr service providers to comply with harm Ramsay makes a very good point. They St Albans Leisure minimisation and consumer protection do not start now until 10 o’clock. Some of requirements, and it will enable the them do not start until midnight or even Centre government to implement the national after. Yes, it is bizarre, I have to say. Some Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I consumer protection framework for online of them do not go and have a drink. They wish to raise a matter this evening for the wagering that is being developed with are just high on something else, I assume, attention of the Minister for Sport. Last other state and territory governments. which is all a bit sad. They were the days week I had the pleasure of attending the That is a good thing. As I have said in this in Melbourne, back in the 1980s — back in St Albans Leisure Centre with the mayor house — and indeed in the other house, for the days of John Cain in fact. It was very, of Brimbank. The CEO of Brimbank and that matter, in years gone by — gambling in very difficult to get a drink late at night — indeed Ms Truong joined us for a tour itself is not a bad thing. We should be able An honourable member interjected. of what is, to say the least, a somewhat to have a bet on a horse or a dog. Years ago Mr FINN — No worries. Are you with dilapidated and way-past-its-use-by-date I remember having a bet on a few dogs. I me? I remember all those years ago when centre in St Albans. The outdoor pools used to work with Ray Benson — Racing people would make a pass for the airport leak and the relatively small inside pool Ray Benson — at 3DB back then and he where there was 24-hour drinking. If you is far from adequate for the needs of the used to give me some great tips on the wanted a drink at 11 o’clock or at midnight local community, and what is desperately dogs. Bill Collins, the Accurate One, was or thereabouts, you would go out to the needed is for the entire centre to be not all that flash because if he got a tip airport out at Tulla — bulldozed and rebuilt. he would keep it to himself. Ray Benson Mr Ramsay — On the way home for you. As was pointed out to us last week, this is a great man. I have not seen Ray for a Mr FINN — Well, yes, it was very handy. centre is on a huge piece of land, so there while, but I would certainly look forward The trouble is that I was not living in Tulla is an opportunity here to build something to seeing him again if he is tuned in to the in those days, which is a bit sad. I should way beyond what would normally be a proceedings this evening. have perhaps taken it up a bit earlier. But leisure centre, a gymnasium or an aquatic Gambling within reason, gambling that was something that we did back in centre. This plan is something that the responsibly, is part of the Australian way of those days. I think it was the Neuenhausen council has put together with obviously life. It is safe to say that the old saying that report that was commissioned by John a great deal of thought, and I commend Australians would bet on two flies crawling Cain back in the late 1980s that opened up them for that. This is a health and up a wall is as true now as it ever was. But the drinking culture, the entertainment fitness hub that the council believes the we have to be acutely aware that children culture, in Melbourne and enlivened community in St Albans and surrounds — should not be exposed to gambling as well. the city no end. Now we can go to the not just St Albans but Brimbank generally We should ensure that they are protected. Imperial or we can go to the Elephant and — would be able to avail themselves of Indeed we should be aware that there is Wheelbarrow — with great benefit to the health of the a cohort in our community that cannot Mr Ramsay interjected. people of that municipality. I think that control itself in terms of gambling. We have is very true when we consider just one Mr FINN — We can go to any number of instance, and that is the diabetes rate in seen that particularly with poker machines, establishments throughout the city, as Mr where these electronic gambling machines Brimbank and some of the other health

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 35 issues that people in Brimbank face. It issues, and have had a number of issues for COUNCIL | Second reading clearly is something that the community some years now, that certainly need some 07 June 2018 needs. considerable investigation and indeed I do not wish to be political, but as need to be sorted out. I will read out parts I walked around and looked at the of a letter — as much as I can, anyway — to dilapidated centre I could not help but me from one of those residents: National Redress think ‘Here is a monument to generations To give you some background, most of Labor neglect of the western suburbs’. homes in Duranta Drive were bought Scheme for If ever there was an argument that Labor off the plan from Bahl Homes. The had let the show down, it is the St Albans first resident moved in approximately Leisure Centre. It is just appalling — it four years ago, with a varying length of Institutional Child occupancy between then and now, and really is — with the closeness of those we have a mix of owner-occupiers and attending the gym, and the whole set-up rentals. Sexual Abuse is just so last year’s that it is just not funny. It really does need and is deserving of the During the course of the last couple of years, several residents have contacted (Commonwealth support of government to get this health the developer, Bahl Homes, as well as and fitness hub up and running, this new engaging with private property lawyers to Powers) Bill 2018 centre which I believe will be something rectify individual issues as well as those Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — The very, very exciting in the municipality of pertaining to the whole street. National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Commonwealth Brimbank. So I am asking the minister to As you have seen for yourself, we have provide the wherewithal — the finances — a number of issues in Duranta Drive; Powers) Bill 2018 is a welcome piece of which is somewhere between $50 million one that you have highlighted yourself is legislation. I am not normally a fan of and $60 million, depending on whether parking. centralising power in Canberra. Indeed I you ask the mayor or the CEO, for that And this is particularly true; I can vouch am on the record as saying that Canberra centre to be built. It is, I believe, a matter of for that. is Australia’s largest single mistake. But on urgency, and it is something the people of this occasion it may well be that we have to The parking in Duranta Drive is go down this path. Brimbank will benefit from greatly. horrendous, with the problem The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) contributed by the construction on the At the very beginning of my contribution — Thank you, Mr Finn. That was an action east side of the street. The gradient of the today I want to pay tribute to Ms Crozier you were seeking from the minister rather driveway does not allow entry into the and her committee and to the outstanding than a question? allocated garage and the driveway length leadership that she showed through what is not sufficient to fit one car, let alone Mr FINN — Yes. Give us the money. must have been, I would think, some of two. Moreland council has replied to this the most gruelling times of not just her by saying there is sufficient parking spots, parliamentary life but indeed her life, full COUNCIL | Constituency questions however, will investigate the planning permit and gradient. stop. I think if I had been exposed to some 06 June 2018 of the things that came to light in those They have also said that the road itself was hearings I probably would have had a bit approved as it is classified as an access road. Personally, we do not understand of trouble sleeping, and I think Ms Crozier how a road with approximately 30 homes was probably in that situation. So I pay Yarraville: West and travels in both directions can be tribute to her and to the Betrayal of Trust classified as access versus residential. We report. I tend to agree with Ms Springle Gate tunnel have been given no clarity around this. when I say that without Ms Crozier’s We also have an issue with common land. work and without the report and the compensation There are three parcels of land in Duranta committee’s work we would not have the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My Drive that cannot be built on as there are general public revulsion that has followed. constituency question is to the Minister council amenities running through them. We certainly would not have the sort of for Roads and Road Safety. I refer the The problem that has arisen with this legislation that we have before the house land is who is responsible for clearing, today to offer some redress and some minister to major concerns held by developing and then going forward residents of Yarraville as to their rights maintaining. justice for victims of institutional child under the government’s plan to claim sexual abuse. ownership of land under their homes We, the residents, were told it was the developer, who then passed it on to the It is safe to say that what has been as part of the flawed West Gate tunnel council who has now handballed it back exposed over recent years in terms of project. I ask the minister to outline the to us, the residents, telling us we must child sex abuse is a weeping sore on our rights and responsibilities of government now form a body corporate to not only national psyche. It has destroyed largely to these landholders. In particular, what maintain it but to clean and landscape it the authority that many of our major compensation is available in the event of as well. institutions have, particularly our religious damage to their homes or businesses as a This was not something we factored in institutions, and that has been a major result of digging under the properties they when buying our properties but will agree revolution in our country, indeed in our own? to maintain once the land is cleaned and world. There has been a major change, landscaped. At this stage though, neither and as a result of what we have found council or Bahl Homes will agree to this out people have been asking, ‘Who can COUNCIL | Adjournment so we are at a standstill. 06 June 2018 we trust? If we can’t trust the churches, Secondary to the landscaping is public who can we trust in terms of protecting liability of this land. To date, this land is children?’. And I join them in asking, ‘Who uninsured. can we trust?’. That is not to say that every They went on to explain a whole range minister of religion, every priest and every Duranta Drive, of issues concerned with that. I ask the person involved in the various religions minister to hold a full inquiry into this has been involved in this, because they Gowanbrae matter, with a view to getting to the bottom Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I have not. The overwhelming majority of of who is responsible to these people and people do good work, whether it be in the wish to raise a matter for the attention of sorting out the very real issue that these the Minister for Planning, with possibly Catholic Church or the Anglican Church people in Gowanbrae are facing on a daily or the Salvos. We all know the great work input from the Minister for Consumer basis. Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation and that the churches do, particularly in terms also the Minister for Local Government, of welfare, whether that be spiritual or but that is for the minister at some point more practical welfare. It is almost as if to decide. Last weekend I was out visiting the people that do the great work in those constituents in Gowanbrae with Cassandra churches are secondary victims of this sort Marr, who will be the next member for of abuse, because they have been held Sunbury in the Assembly, and we are responsible — wrongly — for these vile certainly looking forward to having her crimes by these dirty, loathsome scumbags in the Parliament after November. I came that have committed these vile acts. across a group of residents in Duranta It saddens me deeply when I see Drive in Gowanbrae who have a number of priests, and bishops sometimes, who I know to be good people, committed and

IN 36 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE totally loyal to their vocation, who have whose parents sent them along to a school COUNCIL | Constituency questions committed their lives to serving their God — and it was a boarding school. Parents 07 June 2018 and serving the community as a result of spent good money — and I am talking their vocation, being bundled in with the about excessive money — to send their loathsome pieces of human excrement sons to a boarding school to get a good, that have committed these vile crimes. solid education. What they ended up with Sunbury CBD I think it is important that we make that was far from it. What they ended up with clear distinction: not everybody that is in was just an abuse of everything that they parking a religious organisation is responsible. Get and their parents held dear. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My the people — yes, absolutely — who have That is something that I wish we could constituency question I believe is to the done it. They deserve everything that is turn around. I wish we could turn back the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, but I coming their way and a lot more. I think I clock and I wish we could get the people am open to suggestions. Parking is a major might have said in this house before that who committed those crimes back in the issue in the Sunbury CBD. Finding a park there are some who perhaps, it has been 1970s. I still remember some of those can often be a major challenge to those suggested, have escaped justice by leaving priests, one of whom I was particularly seeking to shop at local businesses, and it this earth. But I suggest that in fact they close to. It took me some considerable is having a significantly detrimental effect have not escaped justice at all, because I time to accept that he had actually done on the local economy. Despite pleas by think that the justice that they are receiving this. It was just beyond my comprehension Sunbury traders to both the Hume council now — it is not for me to judge of course that he in particular — a bloke called and state government, no solution is — is far greater than anything that we can Frank Klep, who is now in prison — had forthcoming from either. Will the minister dish out here in this life. committed those crimes, but surely he consider the need for more parking within I was very pleased to see that the did. He did. There was another teacher Sunbury as a matter of urgency and come Catholic Church was the first to sign up called David Rapson, who was a priest. I up with a way to make it happen? to the national redress scheme. That was, readily accepted that he had done it, but in I suppose, only appropriate. And given the other case I did not. They are both as what that institution has been through over guilty as each other and are both deserving COUNCIL | Second reading the last few years, that is probably — not of their jail time — both deserving of the 07 June 2018 probably, most certainly — a very good contempt and the condemnation that is sign that they have accepted that so many heaped upon them from every which way. people are suffering, so many victims are I do not hear the sort of sorrow and the suffering, as a result of what has happened sort of regret that we should hear from Serious Offenders at the hands of some members of their these sorts of creatures. That, in itself, is clergy. That acceptance was a good thing. Bill 2018 very sad. To those victims who have been Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I What we are aiming to do with this through hell and to those many victims rise to support the Serious Offenders Bill legislation — indeed what we have been who are still going through hell, I can only 2018. In particular I was caught by the first aiming to do with much of what has apologise for perhaps not taking them sentence of the minister’s second-reading occurred over the last few years — is to seriously enough — on behalf of a whole speech, which says: provide justice for all. My heart goes out to range of people who did not believe this those victims who in many instances have sort of thing could happen. It took me Community safety is paramount to the been crying in the dark; they have been a very long time to accept that this sort Andrews Labor government. ignored. I can well believe that any child of thing could happen. We should have Well, I sincerely hope the Andrews who, for example, back in the 1970s went accepted it a lot sooner and we should Labor government believes that, because home and said to their parents, ‘Father have acted upon the information that we nobody else does. The fact of the matter is So-and-so did this to me’, would more had as a genuine piece of information and that under the Andrews Labor government than likely have got a whack in the ear and not, as we perhaps thought at the time, as a Victoria has had the worst law and order been told, ‘Don’t say that about the priest’. piece of fiction. crisis in the history of the state, and this is I know that at the school that I attended Ms Crozier’s committee certainly played no coincidence. We have a government led some of my classmates — I know this now; an enormous part in exposing the pure by Daniel Andrews that is so ideologically I did not know it at the time obviously — evil that occurred back in the 1960s, 70s welded to the left — and I know there are were molested. In fact a number of my and even into the 80s and 90s in some some opposite who believe that it is not as classmates were molested and indeed a instances. I do not care whether somebody far to the left as it should be — that it has couple of my teachers are now in jail. I is a priest or a teacher or whatever they let law and order go to hell in a handcart hope they stay in jail for a very long time. may be; anybody who commits a crime — in this state. It is what we have come to It just sickens me now that I was so close particularly this sort of crime — against expect from Labor, and I have to say they to what was happening around me and I a child deserves everything that they get. have not let us down on this occasion. We did not know. I did not know. Of course, As I say, prison is too good for them. As just have to think of the number of victims even though I was very young — 14, 15 or somebody who spends a fair portion of who have been subjected to some heinous 16 — I would have tried to do something. his life defending the rights of children, I crimes in this state over the last few years I suppose I have some form of guilt that I am just sickened that we need a piece of — increasing numbers of crimes, and did not do something, even though I had legislation like this. I am just sickened that crimes that we are just not used to in this no idea what was happening at the time. we need to get up in this Parliament and state. I am talking about crimes like home I tell you what, if I could get my hands on actually address this matter. I am sickened invasions. A few years ago who had ever those priests who did that for just a couple that the federal government has to put heard of home invasions? Who had ever of minutes, that is all I would need. They in place a redress scheme for victims of heard of carjackings? These sorts of things would probably receive their just deserts child sexual abuse. It disgusts me beyond just did not happen, but now they have because, frankly, jail is too good for them. words. It is something that is forever to the become regular events. What they have done is betray children, shame of our community and forever to If indeed the government does hold the take away their innocence and, in many the shame particularly of those who are view that community safety is paramount, I cases, take away their lives. responsible for it and those who covered have to ask why this bill is before this house Indeed a very good friend of mine, it up as well. Some of them are no longer just six sitting weeks before an election. not long after we left school, committed with us but, as I say, they are getting their Why didn’t we have a bill like this back in suicide. He was a very good friend of mine. own brand of justice just at the minute. 2015? Why has it taken so long? Why are We were the best of mates at school, and I support this bill, obviously, and I we putting this on the agenda now when I could never work out — because he commend those who have worked so very, of course the public have accepted long was such a happy-go-lucky kid — what very hard to help the victims of these vile ago that this government has totally failed happened to make him do such a drastic crimes over such a long period of time. in keeping them safe? The community has act. It is pretty clear to me now what accepted that this government largely does happened, and that is just a tragedy. It is a not care about law and order in this state. tragedy in every way. Many victims have said to me personally, I cannot express too strongly my ‘We just don’t know what to do. The contempt and my disdain for and my government has let us down badly’. I have condemnation of those who committed spoken to victims of home invasions who these vile crimes against young people have actually had to sell their homes and move elsewhere because they cannot live

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 37 in the home that was invaded by the thugs. drug dealers before the courts and the Mr Dalidakis — Further to the point of It is pretty rough to think that can happen magistrate has whipped the offender order, Acting President, I can in absolute when you are in your bed at 4 or 5 in the with a feather and let them off, and as the good faith accept what Mr O’Donohue morning, or whenever it might be. You police officers have left the court there is says about the wideranging nature of the would think it would be the safest place the culprit selling drugs again in his car debate on the legislation. I can accept his in the world, and it should be, but not in out the front of the courthouse. If I was a commentary about other members of this Victoria in 2018, not under the Andrews policeman, that would break my heart, and place, but when the member’s contribution government. It is not safe at all. We have I have nothing but total sympathy for the goes towards an election, that has nothing seen that time and time again. plight of our police officers in this state. to do with the legislation before us. I just Well, that has got to change, and I am There are many in our judiciary who do not see the relevance to the legislation very glad that change is at hand. It has should be having a good hard look at when the member is talking about 24 nothing to do with this legislation; change themselves, because they too have let the November, which is in the future. is at hand because come November this show down. You might wonder how we The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Morris) year, this government is going to get have got so many people on the bench — I do not uphold the point of order. It the heave-ho. The people have already who take the view that punishment and certainly has been a wideranging debate to made up their minds, I think, that this deterrence are not something that is for this point, but I would encourage Mr Finn government will go, and it will be largely them. Of course, as I have mentioned in to come back more closely to the substance based on the fact that this government this house before on many occasions, of the bill. does not have the capacity to protect it was for 11 years a situation where the Mr FINN — I am very much reflecting the community. It has no great desire to then Attorney-General, Rob Hulls, made what has already gone before, Acting protect the community. It talks a lot of every judicial appointment in this state. President. The fact is that Victoria, in terms nonsense. It talks about community safety He committed what I have described as of law and order, has a very, very bleak being paramount and parrots a few words bench stacking, and unfortunately we are future indeed if we have a Labor-Greens here and a few phrases there but does not still suffering from that. He is long gone, coalition government in this state. This sort actually do what people want it to do. and for that we can be thankful, but his of legislation will be very much a thing of It is outrageous that this government legacy lingers on. We still have his sorts of the past because as we know, with the tail has been allowed to get away with what it magistrates, his sorts of judges sitting in wagging the dog, we will not have this sort has. It is just quite extraordinary that we judgement, and that is something that rips of legislation again. We will not have any have seen victims being treated so badly. at the very fabric of what we all know to be form of justice in this state if Labor and Of course now we have what would seem justice in Victoria. the Greens get their way in November and to be an epidemic of road rage. We had a Letting criminals off lightly is bad beyond this year. situation in the last day or so where a man enough, but the real problem is the total I am very hopeful that we will very, very was dragged from his vehicle, bashed and lack of confidence that the public has in soon be able to put in place a program then kidnapped. This is not Johannesburg; the justice system, and that is my great whereby we will have justice in Victoria, this is Victoria. These sorts of things concern. If you talk to people — and we where victims will be able to feel that they should not be happening. We should not talk about the pub test — if you walk into have been backed up by a system that at be having home invasions, we should not any pub anywhere and start a discussion the moment is letting them down. They be having carjackings, we should not be about justice, about the legal system feel it is letting them down. Time and time having the sort of violent road rage that in Victoria, people will tell you they again we are seeing that, we are hearing we have witnessed so much of over the have no faith in the justice system, they that, and that is just not good enough. last couple of years. It is beyond me that have no faith in the legal system. In fact That is something that none of us in this this government has sat back and just let they know there is no justice system in house should tolerate. I find it intolerable. it happen. They thought it would pass. I Victoria. What we need to do is to restore I hope this legislation goes through, and assume that the government thought that the justice system. What we need to do I hope we get a change of government in if they sat back and closed their eyes and is to restore the faith of Victorians in our November and can get serious about law ears, then they would let it pass; it would courts. We need to get the message across and order in this state. just wash over all of us. Well, that has not that the courts are places where justice is happened. I wish it had, but it has not. dispensed. Justice unfortunately, in many We are seeing more and more victims on instances, is a thing of the past. If people COUNCIL | Committee a daily basis, and if the government was think it is bad enough now, if people think 08 June 2018 fair dinkum this legislation would not be that Daniel Andrews and his government before the house today; it would have been are bad enough now, they should consider before the house two or three years ago. what will happen given that the only way Do not let anybody from this that the Andrews government will be Appropriation government tell you that they are serious returned in November is via a coalition about protecting the community. They are with the Greens. The only way that Labor (Parliament 2018- not serious. What they are serious about will get back in in November is in a is rhetoric to win them a few votes, in coalition with the Greens. So if people 2019) Bill 2018 the hope that people will forget what has think it is bad now, just imagine what a happened to them over the past few years, Labor-Greens government would do in this Contributions duing the and in the hope that people will forget state — just imagine. Committe stage of the Bill just how badly the Andrews government Mr Dalidakis — On a point of order, has failed them. From one end of the state Acting President, I am not sure how this Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — The to the other — metropolitan, regional, is even remotely relevant to the business government has clearly taken a policy country or wherever — this government of the house. I ask you to call the member of extra sitting days and also late-night has failed the people of Victoria. It has not back to order. sittings, which must impact the budget protected them, it has not kept them safe, Mr O’Donohue — On the point of in terms of staff costs and in terms of the and law and order has been and continues order, Acting President, this has been electricity supply, given the electricity to be in crisis in this state. a wideranging debate. Ms Pennicuik prices are through the roof in this state as I hear some of the comments from canvassed a range of issues across the a result of the government’s policies. What the police that I know — I do know quite justice system, as did I in my contribution. impact are these extra hours and extra a few police officers — and they are in Mr FINN — As did Mr Morris. days that the house is sitting having on the despair. You made the point earlier, Acting Mr O’Donohue — As did Mr Morris. I budget of the Parliament for this year? President Morris, that many of our police think there have been comparisons to this ______are almost at breaking point because they bill being the size of a telephone book. joined Victoria Police to do a job and to It is a very large bill. It covers aspects of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I protect the community. Even when police policing, the corrections system, the post- would be interested in having a look at command allows them to do their job — sentence scheme. It expands the post- the figures, because I doubt that very and that is not always the case — when sentence scheme. It touches on a number much. But anyway, I will not argue they bring offenders before the courts, of issues all relating to law and order in with the minister just at the minute. On the courts let them free. The courts let this state, and on that point I would say another matter — and I speak now as them walk. I have spoken to police officers Mr Finn is making a contribution that is a local member representing Western who have told me that they have brought consistent with the debate. Metropolitan Region — one of our

IN 38 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE members representing the west has an we are debating clause 1. Any further So what I am asking of the Minister electorate office which has been locked questions? for Local Government this evening and chained, I understand, for some is to begin a process of allowing the months now. I understand the staff of Mr COUNCIL | Constituency questions people of Gowanbrae to leave the City Eideh are on — I believe — leave with pay of Moreland. I am not exactly sure what whilst certain inquiries are undertaken. I 08 June 2018 that process involves, but I am sure those am not sure what exactly the situation is in her department and her office would with regard to constituents who wish to see be acutely aware of what it involves and Mr Eideh. I do not know whether there is a would be in a position to begin that hidden electorate office somewhere or — West Gate tunnel process. It is really important in terms Mrs Peulich — He should be working of local government that people at the consultation grassroots level are listened to, that they here. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My Mr FINN — Maybe he is working here, regard local government as being close constituency question is to the Minister to them, and on this occasion certainly Mrs Peulich; I do not know. But clearly if for Roads and Road Safety. Concerns of Mr Eideh is representing the people of the people in Gowanbrae do not have that local residents who will be affected by feeling with regard to the City of Moreland west to the standard that we would expect, the Andrews government’s deeply flawed that must be having some impact, given his at all. So I ask the minister to investigate West Gate tunnel project continue to grow. how to begin that process and let us see if electorate office is locked and chained and Some have put to me suggested changes his staff are not working for him. There may we can get some satisfaction for the people to how the project will proceed that may of Gowanbrae. well be other staff involved; I do not know. mitigate the impact on communities in the What I am really keen to know is that if Mr inner-western suburbs. Given the less than Eideh is in fact fulfilling his obligations as a satisfactory ‘consultation process’ — and COUNCIL | Members statements member of Parliament and actually doing I put that in inverted commas — by the 19 June 2018 his job, what impact are the added costs of government and Transurban prior to the providing support for him in terms of an signing of the contracts, is the minister office and in terms of staff having on the now open to suggestions from locals that parliamentary budget? may well be a win-win for all involved? Eurydice Dixon ______Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I rise today to express my profound sadness COUNCIL | Adjournment at the tragic death of Eurydice Dixon Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I 08 June 2018 last week and to offer my most sincere did not ask the minister to make a value condolences to her family and friends. To judgement on anybody or any thing. lose someone so young in such violent All I asked was what sort of impact the circumstances is a shock to our city and added cost that clearly is involved in Mr Gowanbrae our state, and the grief will undoubtedly be Eideh’s contribution or otherwise to this felt by even those who never met Eurydice. Parliament is having on the budget. I heard Mr Jennings say to Mrs Peulich that the municipality I join with the Prime Minister and the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Premier in expressing the strong view that information she was after was available on — My adjournment this evening is for the Parliamentary Services website, and women should be able to walk anywhere the Minister for Local Government. As at any time of the night or day. That is a he basically said, ‘Go and look it up in your I mentioned earlier in the week, last Funk & Wagnalls’. What I am asking is not basic right. It is a major concern when the weekend I was in Gowanbrae with the Lord Mayor admits she does not always available to anyone, and I think it is only Liberal candidate for Sunbury, Cassandra fair and reasonable that the people in the feel safe in the city she leads and perhaps Marr — even a greater concern when the Minister western suburbs are told what extra cost Mr Morris interjected. and what extra expense is involved in Mr for Police expresses a similar view. I know Mr FINN — She is going to be an women in my own region who have told Eideh upholding his responsibilities as an outstanding member for Sunbury, I can elected member of this house. me they will not walk alone in their own assure you, Mr Morris. suburb in broad daylight. Something is ______We were meeting a wide range of dreadfully, dreadfully wrong. members of the community in that visit. Yes, women should feel safe to walk Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — One of the issues that was raised time and anywhere at any time in our state, but that Yes, there is another question. We have again was the dissatisfaction that many is not the case. Men too should feel safe a situation here where there are five people who live in Gowanbrae have with to walk anywhere at any time, but nor is members in each region of the state. We the City of Moreland. They find themselves that the case. Families should feel safe in have a situation in Western Metropolitan in a situation where they regard the City their own homes, but that is no longer the Region where effectively, from what I can of Moreland as ignoring them — they case. Disabled children should be safe to understand — and certainly the minister believe that they are the forgotten corner catch the bus to the local shopping centre is in no position, or is not prepared, to of Moreland. Moreland, as we know, has without being bashed and robbed, but deny it — Western Metropolitan Region is its own share of problems without ignoring we know that is also not the case. Victoria only being represented by four members. a large section of the municipality that Police has previously advised motorists to There are only four offices that are open, includes Gowanbrae. I think it is important keep their car doors locked while they are only four offices that are staffed, to provide that local government take these issues on driving so they can be relatively safe from the services that the rest of the state have board. Obviously Moreland have not on carjackers. When driving to the shops for five members to do. That, to my way of this occasion; they are too busy trying to milk and bread risks a carjacking, we know thinking, is grossly unfair to the people of change the date of Australia Day, fly flags Victoria is no longer a safe place to live. As the west. It is discriminatory to the west. I that we have not seen before or — a father, I fear for my children’s safety as recognise, and I am sure we all recognise, Mr Morris interjected. they make their way around Melbourne. that the Labor Party could not give a stuff Mr FINN — They will get rid of anything. That is not the way it should be. about the western suburbs of Melbourne. They are too busy presenting their own There is a community safety crisis in They demonstrate that on a daily basis. radical agenda to actually concern Victoria. Never before have Victorians felt What is going on here is quite disgraceful, themselves with the people of Gowanbrae, as fearful living in their own state as they and what I am asking the minister to do and I think that is a very unfortunate do today. Clearly something is dreadfully, is to provide a guarantee that under this thing indeed. The request to me on many dreadfully wrong in our state, and I am bill — with this budget that we are talking occasions was to see if I could begin a very hopeful that in the next few months about — the people of the western suburbs process whereby the people of Gowanbrae we will begin the journey together to make will have their full quota of representation would be able to leave the City of Moreland Victoria safe again. Victoria must become in this Parliament before November. They and perhaps go to the City of Moonee a place where walking home is no longer a are entitled to it and they deserve it. Valley. I thought, ‘If that’s what the people fatal decision. The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Elasmar) of Gowanbrae want, then I’m certainly — Order! Thank you, Mr Finn. I allowed happy to assist them’. I can understand why extra time for you, but it had nothing to they would want to leave Moreland, and do with the bill. The rule says clearly that I certainly would be very happy to help them in that process.

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 39 COUNCIL | Questions without notice comprised of a large number of members, I had the sort of money that I would need 19 June 2018 and they did a sterling job indeed. On this to vote for the Greens. I never would, but particular occasion we also had a change I wish I had the money. That would be a of executive officer halfway through and very, very good thing indeed. that has a tendency to be a tad disruptive, Of course before Dr Ratnam’s Corrections system but on this occasion no disruption was contribution we had Ms Shing and her Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My experienced and that is a credit to the staff dust — and what a dust storm it was; a question is to the Minister for Corrections. of this committee. They should be very dust storm of some moment. I grew up Minister, according to the public statistics proud of the effort and the work that they on a dairy farm, and I know what sort of from the Crime Statistics Agency, instances put into this report, as indeed they have dust that was. I have smelt that before, let of crime in Victoria’s justice centres, which done in previous reports. me tell you. It is rather sad that Ms Shing include Victoria’s prisons, has increased I would also like to commend Dr gets up in this place talking about people from 797 in 2014 to 1815 in the year to Carling-Jenkins, because this is a very who sprout propaganda. She said, ‘All March 2018, or a staggering 127.7 per important issue — the issue of the health these dreadful people sprout propaganda’, cent increase. Minister, these figures just and welfare of mothers and babies — and yet she gets up here and for 25 minutes confirm what Victorians already know: that I fear that over recent years it is something gives the Labor manifesto straight out you have lost control of Victoria’s prison that has perhaps slipped under the radar. of the ALP website on what is going to system, which continues to lurch from Perhaps this report may indicate or happen at the next election. So a little bit crisis to crisis. Minister, what plans do you actually prove that it has slipped under the of consistency would not go astray from have to bring this law and order crisis in radar, and that is something that we really Ms Shing, particularly when you consider our justice facilities under control? have to turn around. I am very hopeful that the comments that she made about the taxi Minister Woolridge next year will take that operators. Supplementary question on board and work with Minister Crozier I suggest to Ms Shing that she might to ensure that the welfare and health of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — like to go out and have a chat to the taxi babies and mothers is first and foremost operators and ask them what they think Minister, given the massive increase in with regard to these sorts of issues. If we crime, what advice have you received — who they hold responsible for the do not look after mothers and if we do desperate straits that they find themselves regarding the impact on Victoria Police’s not look after babies, then we are not just scarce resources from the constant call- in. Ask them who they hold responsible failing them but we are failing ourselves, for destroying their business. Ask them outs to correctional facilities for their and I think that would be a tragic situation. assistance and backup? who they hold responsible for destroying I commend all involved and commend the their livelihoods. Ask them who they hold report to the house. responsible for destroying their lives and COUNCIL | Constituency questions indeed leading some people to take their 19 June 2018 COUNCIL | Constituency questions own lives. Ask the taxi operators who they 20 June 2018 hold responsible for the outrage against them over the last 12 or 18 months to two years. Ask them who they hold responsible, West Gate tunnel and Ms Shing will find out very quickly it is West Gate tunnel nobody on this side of the house that they discrimination Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My hold responsible. Indeed, we went to great Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My constituency question is to the Minister lengths on the Economy and Infrastructure constituency question is to the Attorney- for Roads and Road Safety. I have today Committee to put forward a conciliatory General. When the deeply flawed West been approached by another company in proposal which we believed was going Gate tunnel project is completed, motorists Melbourne’s west that is facing devastating to be in the best interests of everybody from Melbourne’s west using the tunnel impact as a result of the construction of the involved. That was rejected out of hand by will be charged for entering the city of deeply flawed West Gate tunnel project. Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan, and the Melbourne. As all other motorists entering This particular company has shared my taxi operators are never going to forget that Melbourne from the east, south and north experience as chairman of the Economy and they are never going to forgive that. Let are not subject to this new tax, it is clear and Infrastructure Committee — they me say to Ms Shing: the taxi operators are the Andrews government is indulging in a could not find out exactly who is in charge coming to get you at the next election, and particularly nasty form of discrimination of the project either. It is exceedingly by 24 November this year you will know against those who live in the west of difficult to receive an acceptable answer what the taxi operators think of you — of Melbourne and indeed western Victoria. to very reasonable questions when we do course through you, Acting President. I am Will the minister investigate the very real not know where those questions should be quite looking forward to that. possibility that this situation breaches directed. When companies in Melbourne’s My understanding is that Ms Shing has Victoria’s anti-discrimination laws? west face going to the wall, it is more than had some professional involvement in the Mr Leane — That’s a lot better! a fair thing to know. On behalf of western past with a bloke called Rob Hulls. Did you The PRESIDENT — No, it is not. Mr suburbs businesses I ask the minister: who work for Hullsy at all? Finn, that is a broader question. It is not exactly is the individual overseeing the Honourable members interjecting. a specific question about even that toll; it building of the West Gate tunnel project? Mr FINN — No? There are so many is looking right across the thing. I will give Labor hacks over there it is hard to know you a second shot at it. COUNCIL | Cost of living which hack has worked for which hack. Mr FINN — Alright. I thought I spoke 20 June 2018 That is the part that we have trouble with. about the west for pretty much 90 per cent The Premier himself has never had a real of that, but I will give it another shot, given job in his life. Is it any wonder he does you are not happy with the 10 per cent. not understand about the difficulties that Will the minister investigate the very real Cost of living average families feel? He has never had possibility that this situation breaches Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I a real job in his life; he has never had to Victoria’s anti-discrimination laws against am very disappointed to hear that Dr worry about this sort of thing at all. He people living in Melbourne’s west? Ratnam has declared that the Greens will never had to sit around and worry about not be supporting this motion, but it is not how they are going to pay the gas bill or the COUNCIL | Family and Community entirely surprising, because it is clear to electricity bill, or how they are going to pay me that there are not many Greens who the bills to send the kids to school. These Development C’tee, 20 June 2018 actually sit around the kitchen table at are things that do not enter the Premier’s night wondering how they are going to pay mind, because he has never actually lived their bills tomorrow. In my view, and in in the real world and he most certainly Perinatal services my experience I have to say, you have got does not live in the real world now. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I to have a fair bit of wherewithal to actually Families throughout this state are rise to first of all thank the staff of the think about voting for the Greens. You have struggling; they are battling. I know what committee who, as always, have done a to have a fair bit of the folding stuff to think that is like. I have been through that many, sterling job. It is not always easy to keep a about voting for the Greens, because at many times, when I have sat down and, committee on the right track, particularly that point in time you throw caution to the looking at the pile of bills on the kitchen when it is a committee that is not wind. I have said this before, but I just wish

IN 40 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE table, wondered and asked myself, ‘How else would a government get away with it? sat down and thought of some of the most the hell am I going to pay that?’. I know the people of Victoria have got that appalling outrages, you could not possibly There are people from one end of this hidden away upstairs and they are waiting come up with some of the things that this state to the other who are going through for November to seek revenge on this foul, government thinks it has got away with, that very thing now. And do you know vile, rotten government that we have in this but indeed it has not. This government what they are seeing? They are seeing $1.8 state. stinks, and the people of Victoria know it million a day being sunk — $1.8 million Then of course while these people — stinks. of their money, taxpayers money — into good, hardworking taxpayers of Victoria — keeping a desalination plant alive that are sitting around wondering how they are COUNCIL | Statements on reports is yet to be used, or is very rarely used, going to feed their children the next day, and papers, 20 June 2018 anyway. I think we got a little bit of water they remember the red shirts scandal itself; out of it. That was after we fired it up they remember how they were ripped because they had built it on a flood plain. off to the tune of hundreds of thousands Only the Labor Party would build a desal of dollars by a Labor Party that thought plant on a flood plain — and most of the that that sort of corruption was just fine. Department of time, strangely enough, it has been under They thought that that sort of corruption water; it is rusting away. was just par for the course. Their sense of Treasury and That goes to show what happens if you entitlement is such that they thought they listen to lunatics like Sandbags Flannery, could stick their hands into the pockets of Finance: budget who tell you that it is never going to rain every taxpayer in this state and take out again — that the rains that come will never almost $400 000 and nobody would be papers 2018-19 fill our reservoirs again. That is what he any the wiser. Well, they got caught and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I said, so all the Labor governments around they said, ‘We’re sorry’. We know what they wish to speak this afternoon on the budget Australia raced out and built desal plants. are sorry about — they are sorry they got papers 2018–19. In particular I wish to But Victoria did not just build a desal caught. That is what they are sorry about. speak on the road funding aspects of that plant, we built a big desal plant and we That is the only thing that they are sorry budget and express my very, very great built a very expensive desal plant. And about. But the people of Victoria — the concern about the waste of money that guess what? My great grandkids will still ones sitting around the kitchen table with we are currently seeing on Sunbury Road. be paying for that desal plant. That is what their pile of bills mounting — remember There is a good deal of works going on on we have come to expect from the Labor the $400 000 that the Andrews — Sunbury Road between Oaklands Road Party in Victoria. As people sit around their Ms Crozier — That we know about. and the Tullamarine Freeway, none of kitchen tables wondering how the hell they which I can see is going to be of any benefit Mr FINN — Ms Crozier makes an to the people who actually use that road. are going to pay their bills, they see $1.8 exceptionally good point: ‘That we know million every day — can you believe that: I have expressed a view here in this house about’. Because we all suspect — in fact we for some years now that Sunbury Road $1.8 million every day, seven days a week? all pretty much know, don’t we — that it — to pay for that desal plant that rarely has needs to be duplicated in its entirety. was way beyond $400 000. In fact it would What the government is doing in the actually seen the light of day. It is just quite not at all surprise me if it was pushing extraordinary. project’s current form is in fact creating another million dollars there. We may well another bottleneck in Sunbury Road. It has Then of course there was perhaps the have doubled it. announced that it will also duplicate a part mother of all outrages of recent years, and Those people, who are sitting around of Sunbury Road on the other side of Bulla, that was when the Premier of this state told their kitchen tables wondering how they which is already largely duplicated, and us before the election that the contract are going to pay for their petrol to get into that will create one enormous bottleneck on the east–west link was not worth the work the next day, think of two names: at the top of Bulla hill. paper it was written on and that it would Telmo Languiller and Donny Nardella. not cost us a cent to cancel the east–west My view is that if you are going to spend They think of what those two members of the sort of money that the government is link contract. That is what the Premier the Assembly did and how they corrupted of this state said. He was not Premier spending at the moment and is proposing the system. to spend, you should do the job properly. then, he was the opposition leader, but Mrs Peulich — How about Ted and he is now Premier of this state. You know The problem with this government is it Patch? does not understand that; it does not what? We are now up to $1.4 billion. It has Mr FINN — Well, Ted and Patch is a cost the Victorian taxpayer $1.4 billion to understand value for money. It does not scratching, I am afraid. That is all a bit understand that when you spend hundreds honour his ludicrous commitment — a sad. But you cannot blame the dogs for commitment that he woke up one morning of millions of dollars, it is taxpayers money their owner — that is a reality. But Telmo and you should get value for that money. and just announced. He did not consult Languiller and Don Nardella were two with anybody. He did not need even You should get something worthwhile for of the individuals who were charged — that money. They seem to think that if they consult with his own shadow cabinet at the and they should be charged — with the time; he just announced it. stand up and say, ‘We have spent $300 responsibility of upholding the standards million here’ or ‘$400 million there’ that Nobody thought he was serious. I of the Parliament. And what did they do? people are going to give them a standing remember being down at the footy at They ripped us off for everything they ovation. I think people have moved past Werribee one day and people said, ‘He could. That is what they did. That is what that. We want to actually know what the can’t be fair dinkum. Surely to God nobody the people of Victoria are seeing and government or indeed what the taxpayer is could be that mad’. Well, guess what? He thinking about as they sit around their getting for their money. We are demanding is, and we got have evidence to prove it. tables every night wondering how they that the government make the decisions So $1.4 billion goes down the S-bend. are going to pay their Myki bill. They have which will give us value for money. Those people sitting around the table, already paid billions of dollars for Myki. Clearly the section of Sunbury Road wondering how they are going to pay their Remember Peter Batchelor? Myki was electricity bill and wondering how they are between the airport and Sunbury itself his brainchild. It is the most expensive needs a good deal of attention. It needs going to pay their gas bill, see that money transport ticket in the history of the world, disappearing forever. very careful consideration and planning and we have the Labor Party to thank for and not this piecemeal nonsense that Then of course they see the $1 million- that. we are seeing at the moment in the plus that went from their pockets into We have these families sitting around lead-up to an election. They want to the cover-up of the red shirts scandal. wondering how they are going to pay be seen to be doing something. That is Victorians know they are never going to just to keep the roof over their heads, apparently what their slogan is: ‘We are see that money again. They understand and they remember the $20 million doing something’. Yes, they are doing that members of the Labor Party — not that this government wasted on a logo. something, but they are doing the wrong just in this state but around Australia, but Remember that — $20 million on a logo. thing, and that is something that we have perhaps particularly in this state — regard It was supposed to be for the Australian unfortunately come to expect from this the taxpayers money as their own money Open, but guess what? It was too big for government. What we need desperately and that they believe they can do with it Melbourne Park. They could not get it on — and I know this has been an ongoing as they will. And they do, and they have. Melbourne Park, so they spent $20 million point for probably 30 or maybe even 40 It is scandal of the highest proportions and the whole thing just blew up in their years — is the Bulla bypass. We need to when a government can spend $1 million faces. What a great government we have have a road constructed which will allow covering up its own corruption. Where got in Victoria. Isn’t it wonderful? If you

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 41 traffic to move unobstructed between the something that they wanted to hear, and Now, I have a long-held interest in Tullamarine Freeway and Sunbury itself. I can fully understand that. Perhaps the Aboriginal affairs. In fact I mentioned it Obviously with Bulla on Sunbury Road West Gate tunnel authority needs to feel in my maiden speech to this place almost as it stands, and the Bulla hill in particular, the pain a little bit as well. 16 years ago, or it might be 12 years ago. I that does create many, many difficulties. What I am asking the minister to do to will have to think about that. But anyway, We have seen accidents at the bottom of is to order a total reassessment of traffic whenever it was, I mentioned my very Bulla hill or on Bulla hill and we have seen management in the Yarraville and West deep concern for the welfare of Aboriginal thousands of cars sent inland either up the Footscray areas. I am hopeful this will Australians back then. My very deep Bulla-Diggers Rest Road or down through enable Murphy Transport Solutions to concern remains, and I have to say that this Konagaderra Road or somewhere like continue on their current site and to legislation does nothing to alleviate the that in the hope of avoiding the blockage. continue their current business. There are very real problems that many in Aboriginal We really need to get over that. We really least 50 full-time employees on that site, Australia feel and face on a daily basis. need to fix this, and it is the government’s and as you can imagine, it is a significant The Liberal Party has a long history of responsibility to do that. They are not contributor to the Victorian economy. It being inclusive and of involving Aboriginal facing that responsibility. These works that would be a major blow to Victoria if this Australians in our party. In fact the first they are participating in on the Oaklands company was to go to the wall. Indeed it Aboriginal Australian to be a member of Road to Tullamarine section of Sunbury would be a tragedy not just for the Murphy Parliament was Senator Neville Bonner, Road are a nonsense. The duplication that family but for many others if after 160 years who was an outstanding Australian, God they are proposing on a largely duplicated this company was forced to go to the wall rest his soul. I am delighted to say that road is again a nonsense, will serve no as a result of the impact of the West Gate his great-niece, Joanna Lindgren from useful purpose to anyone and will create, tunnel. I ask the minister to order that Queensland, who followed him into the again, bottlenecks that will be a pain in reassessment and hopefully we can see Senate some years later, is a good friend of the neck for motorists in Sunbury and common sense prevail. mine and we discuss matters of this nature surrounds for many, many a long year. — on a semiregular basis, anyway. She is I think it is about time that the COUNCIL | Second reading somebody who stands out in my mind as an outstanding Australian. government got their act together and 21 June 2018 actually decided that if they are going I have to ask the question: what exactly to spend the sort of money that they will this bill, this process, this treaty — call are proposing and that they are actually it what you will — do to end the appalling spending, then they really need to do the circumstances that so many Aboriginal job properly. They are not, and Sunbury Advancing the Australians find themselves living in? What people are suffering and they should not will a treaty, this legislation, do to help the be suffering. The government really have Treaty Process health situation where so many Aboriginal to get their act together and do the job Australians are subjected to Third World properly. with Aboriginal health problems? It is a national disgrace. It is a national tragedy that so many COUNCIL | Adjournment Victorians Bill 2018 Aboriginal Australians are suffering from Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — diseases that they should not be suffering 20 June 2018 Before we discuss the Advancing the Treaty from. Process with Aboriginal Victorians Bill What will this treaty do, this legislation 2018 any further, I think it is important — do, to improve the education prospects and I think Ms Shing was talking about of Aboriginal Australians? What will it do West Gate tunnel definitions earlier — that we actually look that is not already being done? What will a at the definition of what a treaty is. The treaty, what will this process, do to improve project Cambridge dictionary defines a treaty as: Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I the housing situation that so many a written agreement between two or more Aboriginal Australians are living in at the wish to raise a matter this evening on the countries, formally approved and signed adjournment for the Minister for Roads moment? What will it do that is not already by their leaders. being done? Perhaps most importantly of and Road Safety. This morning I had a The Macmillan dictionary describes it as: meeting in Parliament with Cameron all, what will it do to improve the safety Murphy and Brendan Hopley. Cameron an official written agreement between two of particularly women and children in Murphy is the CEO of Murphy Transport or more countries. When national leaders Aboriginal Australia who are subject to the negotiate a treaty, they discuss it before most vile, vicious, appalling, disgraceful, Solutions, and he is the sixth generation of reaching agreement; and when they ratify Murphys to run this company. It has been disgusting domestic violence imaginable? a treaty, they give it their formal approval, I go back to what happened recently when on the one site in Yarraville, on the corner usually by signing it or voting for it. of Leek Street and Whitehall Street, for 160 a two-year-old girl was raped by two men. The Oxford English Dictionary describes I just wonder what this bill will do to years, and six generations of Murphys have treaty as: run that company for all of that time. Sadly, protect her and those like her. I do not see with the new traffic conditions as a result A formally concluded and ratified anything coming up on that front. of the construction of the West Gate tunnel, agreement between states. As I say, I have a great concern about this company finds itself in a situation I merely ask the question: how can the the welfare of Aboriginal Australians, but where it might have to go to the wall. Mr Victorian government have a treaty with I do respect their individuality. I think Murphy is very, very concerned about its own people? How does that work? We to plonk everybody who is of Aboriginal the future if the current arrangements are talking about fellow Australians. We descent into the one category is in fact continue. As you can imagine, with such are not talking about a foreign country, we a form of racism itself, because people large vehicles — and we are not talking are not talking about residents of a foreign who are Aboriginal Australians need to about small trucks here; we are talking country, and we are not talking about be respected as individuals in the same about large vehicles — and with the new citizens of a foreign country. We are talking way that we all expect to be respected as traffic arrangements the trucks are having about Australians, our fellow Australians individuals. You would not lump us all a huge amount of difficulty getting onto — that is who we are talking about when together as those of Irish descent, those the street. If you cannot get the truck out we discuss this bill. I suggest that what of Scottish descent or those of German of the yard, it is very, very hard to make a we need to do is go back and have a think descent. To lump everybody together living. That is the concern, that they cannot about exactly what we are trying to do from the Aboriginal communities — so get the trucks properly into Leek Street as here. To suggest, as this legislation does, everybody thinks the same and everybody a result of the new traffic arrangements that Aboriginal Australians are in fact not does the same things — is a nonsense. We because of the construction of the West Australians is a nonsense. They are very must respect their individuality. Gate tunnel. much Australians. In fact it is an insult to If we want to see the individuality of Mr Murphy and his company have those Aboriginal Australians who fought so Aboriginal Australians, we just have to approached some sections of the West hard for the recognition that was afforded look at what happened in the other place Gate tunnel authority to see if they can get them as Australian citizens following the when this bill was debated, where there some satisfaction with regard to this and 1967 referendum. They are Australians. were significant — clearly significant — to see if there is some way that sense can How can we have a treaty with our own differences between the various groupings prevail. They have been told, ‘Everybody people? That makes no sense at all. in the Aboriginal communities over this must feel the pain’. That is not exactly bill. Those differences remain. For me to

IN 42 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE get up here — for anybody indeed to get What I would like to see this government Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — up here — and talk about the Aboriginal do — certainly the next government It has been a long week, and it is not community as a homogenous group is, as after November — and what I would like getting any shorter. Minister, I raised in I said, a nonsense. It is a nonsense. They to see this Parliament do is to embrace my second-reading speech a number of are no more an homogenous group than members of the Aboriginal community definitions of the word ‘treaty’, all of which the rest of us, and to suggest that they are as Australians, the same as the rest of us. referred to an agreement between either underestimates them and is in itself a form Certainly we all have a different history two nations or two states. Given that this of racism. and we all have a different story to tell. treaty that we are discussing today is not I have a great deal of respect for some That is life, and that is the way life operates. fitting that definition, I am really keen to great leaders not just of the Aboriginal But we all should be embraced as active, know how this is actually a treaty, given community but indeed in state important contributors to our community. that it clearly does not meet the definition parliaments, in territory parliaments and Just because somebody has a different of a treaty. in local government — people like Bess skin colour should make no difference. ______Price, for example, a former minister in the It should make no difference at all. That is what worries me. When we set people Northern Territory, who is an outstanding Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — Australian. It does not matter what colour apart because of their skin colour, we are setting an extraordinarily dangerous Minister, you, probably more than anybody her skin is; it does not matter what her else in this Parliament, would be aware of background is. She is an outstanding precedent, and I do not think we are doing anybody any favours by doing that. the importance of words. You use them Australian. I am very, very happy to very, very well. You have avoided issues on applaud her for the work that she has done The opposition will be opposing this a number of occasions with the very clever over such a long period of time to help not bill. I welcome that, and I hope that use of words. I cannot help but admire you just Aboriginal communities but indeed perhaps the next piece of legislation with in your ability to use the English language the entire community throughout the regard to Aboriginal Australians that to avoid some very difficult truths from Northern Territory. comes before this house might actually time to time. The fact of the matter is that Then of course we have her daughter, do something constructive about helping we may have an agreement with Aboriginal Jacinta Price, who I am very hopeful will be the circumstances in which Aboriginal Australians. We may have a concord with entering the federal Parliament at the next Australians are forced to live, because I am Aboriginal Australians, but we cannot election. She would be not just a welcome on their side. I am not on some industry have a treaty with anybody in Australia. addition to the federal Parliament but side that is here to make a lot of money This is not according to me. It is not my an ornament to the Parliament in fact. out of virtue signalling. Regrettably we are definition, but according to the Cambridge She would lift the standard of the federal seeing far, far too much of it in Australia dictionary, the Macmillan dictionary, the Parliament no end, and I certainly look today. Oxford English Dictionary — pick up any forward to her entering the Parliament as dictionary you want and it will tell you — a soon as possible. COUNCIL | Constituency questions treaty is an agreement between two states Then of course we have somebody who 21 June 2018 or two nations. For us to be talking about a is not from this side of politics, not from my treaty between the Victorian government side of politics, but indeed from the other and its own people does seem to me, to say side — a bloke called Warren Mundine, a the very least, a little confusing. former federal president of the Australian West Gate tunnel My view is that if we are serious about Labor Party. When he speaks he does not improving the situation, the standard muck around. community of living and so forth of Aboriginal Ms Crozier — They should listen. Australians who live in Victoria, as you are Mr FINN — They should listen, Ms feedback perhaps suggesting, then I am more than Crozier; you are absolutely spot-on. He Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My happy to go along with an agreement or should be listened to, because he does constituency question is to the Premier. I whatever you want to call it. But to have speak sense and he does speak from have this week received a copy of a letter a treaty between the government and a experience. But if you listen to some, he is from Ms Rosa McKenna, secretary of the section of the Victorian community is to be put down because he has a different Spotswood South Kingsville Residents quite nonsensical. It does not meet the view from the majority — or perhaps not Group Inc., to the Premier, the Minister for criteria. It does not meet the definition. It is the majority, but he just has a different Public Transport, the Minister for Planning merely going to provide fodder for lawyers view from some others who are pushing and the member for Williamstown in and QCs, highly paid QCs, when this gets this treaty. His concerns are for the the Assembly. She outlined a number of to the High Court at some point. Those genuine welfare of Aboriginal Australians, concerns about the West Gate tunnel and lawyers will be very grateful to you, I have not for some treaty which is basically virtue concluded with the words: no doubt, but the taxpayers will not be, signalling. That is what it is; it is virtue This project is shaping up to be one of the because they will undoubtedly be footing signalling. It is not going to help anybody most ill-conceived, unwanted, secretive the bill. So I am suggesting to the minister in real terms. As I said, it is not going to and controversial transport infrastructure that if it is not too late, and I do not believe help anybody’s situation regarding health, projects in Victoria’s history. In the it is too late — it is never too late in fact, education or housing. It is not going to public interest, we urge you to pause as the minister has pointed out; it is never protect any women or children from construction and hold a public inquiry as too late — that we could change the name domestic violence. a matter of urgency prior to the election of this treaty to an agreement. I think that in November. This project should either Ms Crozier — Especially when Ms be halted altogether or vastly improved to would be perhaps not as romantic, perhaps Thorpe has concerns. meet community expectations. not as dramatic, but a far more effective way of describing what we are talking Mr FINN — Indeed Ms Thorpe does Will the Premier heed Ms McKenna’s have concerns, and I know that there are about today, because I do not believe that advice and move to review this deeply any government can have a treaty with its a good number of Aboriginal Australians flawed project? throughout Victoria who do have own people. concerns about this process and who do ______have concerns about this legislation. As COUNCIL | Committee I pointed out before, we saw that on the 21 June 2018 Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — floor of the Legislative Assembly when this Minister, whether Aboriginal Australians legislation was passed there. I have spoken think that I was right or not is neither here individually to a number of my friends nor there. I am more concerned about of Aboriginal heritage who also regard Advancing the what the High Court might say about that this bill and indeed this process as not word at some stage, which could blow the necessarily the way to go. Treaty Process whole thing out of the water. I am vehemently opposed to racial We have heard during the course of discrimination, but racial discrimination with Aboriginal this debate claims that this will enable cuts both ways. If you discriminate for Aboriginal Australians to have self- people on the basis of their race, then it is Victorians Bill 2018 determination, enable them to have an just as bad as if you discriminate against Contributions duing the opinion and enable them to have an someone because of their race. Morally opportunity. I am just wondering how I do not see a great deal of difference. Committe stage of the Bill

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 43 they do not have those opportunities now. — many of them. We should not, Minister, Mr Gepp — You didn’t like it. What is preventing them from having lump all Aboriginal Australians together. Mr FINN — No. He said, ‘Go and ask those opportunities now, because as I said They are not a homogenous group; many somebody else’. That is not good enough. It in my second-reading speech, I know of of them have quite different views. As I is his job. He is in the minister’s chair. If he Aboriginal Australians who do in fact have am sure you will remember, when this bill does not want to sit in the chair, he should very strong opinions on issues, who are in went before the Legislative Assembly there go for a walk and get somebody else to fact empowered and are either members was some disagreement — I think it would do it. But it is his job to answer questions of Parliament or have been? There are be to understate the situation — between in committee. We are in committee. I people like Bess Price, people like Warren various groupings on the floor of the have asked a question, and I expect at Mundine, who I am sure you would be chamber on that occasion. least a half-reasonable answer or at least familiar with — a good friend of yours, I But what I am really keen to know is: an attempt to answer the question that I understand — with these real areas of difficulty that have asked today. He has not attempted to Mr Jennings — And Tim Flannery. hundreds of thousands of millions of answer it. Mr FINN — You are a friend of Tim dollars over the past 45 years have not ______Flannery’s as well, are you? alleviated, what will a treaty do to make better the lives of Aboriginal Australians Honourable members interjecting. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Mr FINN — Sandbags? Look, if we get who are suffering from the sorts of problems that I have outlined in my — Minister, do you regard Aboriginal on to Sandbags Flannery this afternoon, Australians as a homogenous group? When we could be here for quite some time — I second-reading speech and here today in this committee? you talk about Aboriginal Australians, have got a feeling we might be anyway. do you regard them as all thinking the There are people like Warren Mundine and The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) same? Perhaps we could say that all Irish people like Joanna Lindgren, who was a — Before I call on the minister can I just Australians think the same or all Italian senator for Queensland, who I spoke about make the point that the line of questioning Australians think the same. To my way very warmly and is indeed a good friend has become very long. It has become of thinking, that is a nonsense, and you of mine. They have proved that we do not repetitious and — keep referring to ‘Aboriginal Australians’. I need this legislation for people to stand Mr Ramsay interjected. have referred to Jacinta Price, Bess Price, up on their own two feet and fight for their The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Melhem) and Warren Mundine — these are people rights. We have seen people like Neville — I am still talking; I have not finished yet. who have expressed very strong views Bonner, the first Aboriginal Australian You can put a point of order if you wish. It that indeed are opposed to the view that elected to the commonwealth Parliament. is repeating the second-reading speech, so you are putting here today. Do you regard We have seen a number; indeed we have I ask members and urge members to ask Aboriginal Australians as a homogenous a number of MPs around Australia. Ken short questions and questions related to group? Wyatt, the minister for Aboriginal affairs in the bill and not to repeat the questions. ______Canberra, has been elected. ______Mrs Peulich interjected. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Mr FINN — Yes, a great minister; Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — have no further questions. I merely make absolutely. He did not need a treaty, Aboriginal people are not in the chamber the point that the minister has proven what he did not need an agreement; he just to do that. You are, and I think it is really I said before: his ability to use words to say went out and did it. What is preventing important that you do answer that not much at all and to avoid answering Aboriginal Australians from having the sort question because that is fundamental to questions that he does not want to answer of empowerment to which you refer before the issues that we are debating — has not let him down on this occasion. any such legislation of the nature that we Mr Jennings — I have answered it. You An honourable member — He’s laughing are trying to advance today, or you are do not like the answer. trying to advance today, occurs? at you. Mr FINN — No, you have not. You Mr FINN — He is laughing, and I am ______have not answered it at all. You have not glad that I have been able to make him even attempted to answer it. You say laugh again. But the fact of the matter Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I that Aboriginal people will answer it. is that I really would — and I think the hear what the minister has said, and as I Which Aboriginal people? As I say, they community would — like answers to the said in my second-reading speech, I have are not a homogenous group. They have questions that I have asked here today, long been concerned about the sort of differing points of view. They can think for and I think it is a very, very sad thing disadvantage of which he speaks, and I themselves. There are some who support indeed that those answers have not been have indeed been concerned about the this; there are some who oppose this. There forthcoming. disadvantage that a lot of communities are some who support some of it; there suffer. There are many, many families, for are some who oppose some it. They have example, in Broadmeadows and that part differing points of view. To lump them all COUNCIL | Second reading of the world who have intergenerational in together by saying, ‘Talk to an Aborigine 21 June 2018 unemployment. Some families have about it’, is just a nonsense. It is insulting not had a job in generations, and that is to them. something that obviously impacts them, What I am really keen to know is what the way they think and indeed the way difference this will make to people of Education they live their lives. I do not hear the Aboriginal heritage who are suffering as government attempting to help them too a result of a health crisis, as a result of a Legislation much at all. housing crisis, as a result of unemployment But what I am really interested to or — Amendment know relates to my concerns about the Mr Gepp — On a point of order, Acting health of Aboriginal Australians, my President, this question has been asked (Victorian Institute concerns about the housing problems and answered by the minister, and we of Aboriginal Australians, my concerns are just having a repeat of the previous of Teaching, TAFE about the opportunities — educational 5 minutes. I would ask you to move the and employment opportunities — of member on. and Other Matters) Aboriginal Australians and my enormous Mr Ondarchie — On the point of order, concerns about the domestic violence Acting President, I am certain the minister that is afflicting Aboriginal Australians has the capacity to respond to this in any Bill 2018 at the moment. What I really am very Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I way he seeks to do so. If Mr Gepp wants rise to say a few words this evening — keen to know is what this treaty, what to join him at the table, they simply need this legislation we are debating today and almost this morning — on the Education to seek leave for that, but I am certain the Legislation Amendment (Victorian what this treaty ultimately, will do to make minister has the capacity to respond. life better for Aboriginal people in the Institute of Teaching, TAFE and Other Mr FINN — On the point of order, Matters) Bill 2018. I too would like to areas that I have spoken of — in health, in Acting President, the fact of the matter is education, in opportunity for employment acknowledge the role of teachers in all our that the minister did not respond. He did lives. I know that in my particular instance and in removing domestic violence. These not answer, and he did not endeavour to are real issues for Aboriginal Australians a teacher got hold of me very early in the answer the question at all. piece and changed my life forever, a bloke

IN 44 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE by the name of Ken Dunne, who was a the basics — or indeed they should be effects of socialism. The oldest were aged teacher down at Alvie Consolidated School teaching kids the basics — but they are in just nine when the Berlin Wall fell. which was about 10 kilometres — probably fact dealing with the problems, the issues We have a responsibility as a society to a bit more, maybe 15 kilometres — out of that children face in their lives as well. inform our young people of events that Colac. I am sure, Acting President Ramsay, I must say, with the interest that I have in have gone on before. There is an old saying that you would know Alvie. autism education in particular, it riles me that those who do not learn from history Mrs Peulich — A privileged background. enormously when I see teachers abusing are bound to repeat it. Of course if we are Mr FINN — Yes, really privileged. I used autistic kids. We have seen instances over not actually taught history, you can be to get the bus, which took an hour every recent years where children with autism guaranteed that we will repeat it. Going morning to school and an hour every night have been locked in boxes or they have on these figures in this particular poll, it home. Not a lot of privilege there, I can been locked in cages, and that is not on. I concerns me enormously that there are tell you. This particular school — out in tell you what: if I have anything to do with some teachers who are pushing their own the middle of not much at all really — was it after this election and any teacher locks a political views in the classroom. That is a very good school, and its teacher was a child with autism in a box or restrains them something that is quite intolerable. I do particularly good teacher. I had not been in that way, I will do everything I can to not care whether it is the right of politics showing a great deal of enthusiasm for ensure that they never teach again — that or the left of politics that is doing it; it is academia or for academic pastimes, but he they never, ever get before a class again. intolerable and it is not something that got hold of me and changed all that. I just make that position very, very clear any of us should be prepared to put up He was a man who showed imagination, because I think that is an abuse of children. with. I just wonder if this government is and he taught me how to read by holding I know that kids with autism can be very really interested in tracking down those up the Sporting Globe. I am sure there difficult. I know, unfortunately more teachers who do that. I just wonder if this would be members in this house who than most, that they can be very difficult. government indeed has a vested interest remember the pink paper that came out Indeed they can be violent at times, and it in ensuring that that actually continues — every Wednesday and, I think, Saturday is extremely difficult. But there is no excuse that we do have a situation where a good as well — the Sporting Globe. He held up for locking kids in a box. That is just not number of teachers are promoting their the Sporting Globe and he said, ‘Royce on. If teachers have to resort to locking own political views, views of the left, within Hart has done his knee’, and of course kids in boxes, then they are in the wrong the classroom. And I just wonder if the I was horrified. Royce Hart, for those profession and they should look elsewhere, government is just sitting on its hands and who are not aware, was a champion and I will most certainly help them look for looking the other way. It seems to me there Richmond player of that era and indeed something else after November if I get the is a very real chance of that. was a premiership captain in 1974, I think, opportunity to do so. This bill refers to the Working with from memory. On learning that Royce Some of the areas do concern me a tad Children Act 2005, and that of course is Hart had done his knee, I was absolutely because we are pushing upon teachers a very important piece of legislation. It devastated. But it was the incentive that responsibilities that many of them do not enables us to largely protect our children I needed to learn how to read so that I actually want. I refer specifically to the from deviant behaviour, from people who could read the Sporting Globe and find out Safe Schools program. I refer to the early are predators. I think since that has been that Ken Dunne had been having a lend sexualisation of our children. I have said introduced the danger to our children has of me — that in fact Royce Hart had not this time and time again: we need to let our dropped off significantly, so I think that the done his knee at all. But as a result of the kids be kids. It is really important that they Working with Children Act 2005 — I am initiative that Mr Dunne had shown on that do so. When we have a situation where sorry, Acting President. I think I am about occasion I was able to read. some teachers are put in the position of to die here. Ken Dunne was a hard taskmaster but he promoting lifestyles that the children’s The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) was a very, very good teacher. As I say, he parents might not be thrilled about them — You can always finish up. did change my life and I remained a friend promoting, then that I think does not just Mr FINN — Yes, I think I will finish up of his up until he passed away about three compromise the children; it compromises on that, because my throat is about to years ago. I really wish he was still with us the teachers as well. They have to be so pack up. The only reason that I am still today. Apart from the fact that I do miss his exceedingly careful about stepping across going is that I know Mr Leane enjoys my company and his rather strident opinions the line, and that is really difficult because contributions in this house so very much at times, I particularly miss the fact that we do not know where the line is. At the and I do not want to let him down. I know he is not with us at the moment because moment we just do not know where the that there are some who have gone to great he was a Carlton supporter — I would be line is. With Safe Schools, that line could lengths to let Mr Leane down. I do not giving him hell with Carlton, where they be just about anywhere. That is something want to join them. I know he has had his are at the minute. He and I had a decades- that concerns me enormously. We could fair share of disappointments in this place, long rivalry on football, and we would be have pieces of legislation coming out of and I do not want to disappoint him, so I giving each other hell. our ears, telling us what the standards are will keep going and talking about this piece That is my personal experience of how a and what we are going to do to teachers of legislation for as long as is humanly teacher can change people’s lives. As I say, who do not meet those standards, but if we possible. Unfortunately my throat is about that particular teacher, Ken Dunne, down do not know where the line is, we cannot to go, so I might leave it at that point and at Alvie Consolidated School, changed prosecute those who cross the line. We say that we will not be opposing this bill mine. I will be forever grateful to him, cannot do that at all. and trust that the educational standards and the fact that I am in this Parliament is I have to say that it disappoints me and the standards of teaching are held high very much his good work. There might be enormously that history is something that in every school, whether it be a primary some in this house who do not regard him just does not seem to be taught in our or secondary school, or even in tertiary too fondly as a result of that, but I will be schools anymore. I am amazed at how institutions as well, right across the state of forever grateful for the work that he put in. little my kids know about things that have Victoria. In the teaching profession we must gone on before them. I noted an article in adhere to the strictest of standards Sydney’s Daily Telegraph yesterday, which COUNCIL | Adjournment because we are dealing with children — said a YouGov Galaxy poll had found that 21 June 2018 some children who are very young and 58 per cent of the generation born between some children who are in very difficult 1980 and 1996 hold a favourable view of circumstances. Unfortunately, over recent socialism. years, teachers have become more than Favourability was even higher among Autism Plus teachers. They are now social workers those with a university education — Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — more often than not as well because we you have got to wonder about that — This morning I wish to raise a matter have seen so many broken families and we 63 per cent, according to the poll released for the attention of the Minister for have seen social dislocation as a result of today by the Centre for Independent Housing, Disability and Ageing, Mr that. We have seen children going through Studies. Foley. It concerns the appointment of some very, very difficult times as a result Mr Tom Switzer, the executive director of administrators for Autism Plus. I am sure of what they have experienced at home, the Centre for Independent Studies, said: the house would be fully appreciative and it inevitably falls upon the shoulders that parents of children with disabilities of the teacher to try and sort that out. I The polls are quite disturbing — are under a great deal of pressure most of have a great deal of sympathy for teachers and I think that is true. the time. It is, let me assure you, not a fun because they are not just teaching kids [Millennials] have never truly seen the

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 45 experience for a good many families with COUNCIL | Second reading Mr FINN — Thank you, Acting President. autism. 22 June 2018 Unlike some, who this legislation will try Those who have found Autism Plus to shut down, I will not be shut down. I an answer to a prayer are very, very will continue. The fact of the matter is that concerned with the appointment of everything the Andrews government do the administrators. There are a good Electoral Legislation is about them. Everything the Andrews many stories doing the rounds that the government do is about getting themselves administrators are preparing not to Amendment Bill re-elected. Never have we seen in the improve Autism Plus, which is a great history of this state a government that is service in my view. Certainly some who 2018 so self-centred. We saw it even before it have been through the system have found Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I was elected. It came up with a scheme Autism Plus as literally the answer to rise to speak on the Electoral Legislation to scam the taxpayers of Victoria with their prayer. They were desperate and Amendment Bill 2018, and in doing so I a variety of its staff wearing red shirts. Autism Plus came to the party. With the am going to do something that I have not Then, when it was caught out, it spent $1 appointment of administrators there are done very often in this house; I am going million or more going to the High Court to many parents who are very concerned to quote Paul Keating, who in turn quoted try and cover its tracks, trying to stop the that in fact the administrators will break Jack Lang when he said: Ombudsman — the independent umpire up Autism Plus and sell it. This would be — from investigating what was an outrage In the race of life, always back self-interest against democracy and indeed against an unmitigated disaster for many families — at least you know it’s trying. with autism in the west and in other parts the Victorian taxpayer. That is the sort of of Melbourne as well. and in fact that is very true indeed in this government that we have pushing this particular situation. What I am seeking from Minister Foley legislation through the Parliament today. is an assurance that Autism Plus will Mr Dalidakis interjected. Give me a break. Does Daniel Andrews continue as a running concern — as an Mr FINN — Well, don’t you quote Sir really think the people of Victoria are that autism service — to provide the same Les Patterson. The fact of the matter is that stupid, after seeing him in action for three sorts of services that it always has and this legislation is all about self-interest. and a half years? Does he think that people that in fact the only changes that will be Perhaps to add to Jack Lang’s quote, I are going to swallow the line that he is made to Autism Plus will be a degree of could throw in one of my own. I may have pushing right now? Not on your Nellie! It improvement that they may or may not pinched this from somebody else, but I is a disgrace. At a time when pensioners need. I would hope that the only significant am not entirely sure. I will claim it until are sitting freezing in their homes because change, or any change at all, we would such time as somebody else does. That is: they cannot afford heating, here we have see would be an improvement to this never get between a socialist and a bucket the Premier of Victoria reaching into their service. I ask Minister Foley to assure me of taxpayers money. That is the fact of pockets and taking money out to pay for so that I can assure very, very concerned this legislation, because this legislation his election campaign. What a despicable parents that Autism Plus is not about to is a grab by a socialist government for government we have in this state. Never, be broken up, is not about to be sold and taxpayers money. There is not a pocket in as I said, have we ever seen a government will continue as a very important service this state that Daniel Andrews has not had that has been so self-centred. So much for families with autism, families who do his hand in, and he wants to find some difficulty, so many hard times, so many not need the added stress of what they are more. This legislation will help him do families struggling, and there is Daniel going through just at the minute. that. That, to my way of thinking, is just Andrews ripping them off to pay for his appalling. election campaign. That is despicable. COUNCIL | Constituency questions Ms Patten spoke about her role in When I think of my own electorate and returning integrity to politics in our state. what needs to be spent, you just have 22 June 2018 She spoke about how she had uplifted us to look at the Footscray Hospital, which all. should have been ripped down and rebuilt Mrs Peulich interjected. years ago. That is not going to happen. Mr FINN — Oh, we — sorry; the royal No, that will not happen, but Daniel Sunbury university plural. She spoke about how she had Andrews will put his hand into the pockets uplifted us all. I have to say that, strangely, of the people of Footscray to pay for his site election campaign — ‘You can’t have Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — My when listening to her I did not feel all that uplifted at all, not even slightly, because your hospital, but I’m going to take your constituency question is to the Treasurer. money to pay for my election campaign’. Some 25 years ago the Kennett government it was only yesterday, as I recall, that Ms Patten was absolutely opposed to the bill. That is something that is just not going to gifted the site of the former Caloola centre wash. When I look at autistic education on Jacksons Hill in Sunbury to Victoria It was only yesterday, I am pretty sure, but today she comes in here with her bag in this state, it desperately needs money. University to operate the Sunbury campus The poor relation of education in this state of that university. During the years of the of money and she says, ‘No, I support the legislation’. Isn’t it amazing what a bag desperately needs every dollar it can get. Brumby government Victoria University ‘Well’, the government says, ‘no, you can’t closed the campus but kept the land and of money from Daniel Andrews can do! Isn’t it amazing what a bag of money from have an increase, you can’t have improved buildings. Much to the consternation of the autistic education; however, we’re going to local community, the Andrews government Daniel Andrews can do to help somebody change their mind. So for somebody who take that money and we are going to spend recently announced it would buy the it getting re-elected’. land and buildings back from Victoria has done such an extraordinary backflip University. That transaction, I believe, with the assistance of just a little bit of the What a shameful, disgusting, despicable has now occurred, but the university is folding stuff to come in here and talk about government we have in this state. If this refusing to disclose the amount it received integrity is stretching incredulity just a tad. Premier thinks that people are going to for something it originally got for nothing. Some might even say it is gilding the lily. accept that, he is in for a hell of a shock. If As we are talking about taxpayers money, Ms Patten — On a point of order, he thinks that people are going to accept in the interests of transparency will the Acting President, Mr Finn is entirely that, he is in denial even more than I Treasurer disclose the amount paid by the misrepresenting my contribution. The only thought. He is out of touch so much more government for the Jacksons Hill site? issues I mentioned in my contribution that than I ever thought possible. This bloke has I negotiated was a cap on spending and lost it. If he honestly thinks that people are money for unelected parties. going to think that putting money into his Mr Finn interjected. campaign is more important than putting money into health or education or roads, The ACTING PRESIDENT (Ms Dunn) — this bloke has lost it completely. Mr Finn, please hold on for one moment. Can I just remind members that points of We heard earlier this afternoon from order should be heard in silence. It is very Dr Ratnam, and what an entertaining hard to make a ruling when I cannot even contribution that was — an enlightening hear what the point of order is. On this contribution, in fact. I was slightly occasion I can say from what I did hear that concerned at one stage because I was it is not a point of order. Mr Finn, please worried that Dr Ratnam’s halo may slip continue. and strangle her, because she is clearly a pure individual in thought and action.

IN 46 FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 FINN THE HOUSE She is perfect in every way in terms of not apply to Lygon Street — the rules do needs to be some kind of alternative at the political system, and there is no way not apply to Trades Hall — and the rules this corner. Either close it off completely that the Greens would be involved in do not apply to the United Firefighters or put in traffic lights. Or the least intrusive — put in a turn-right option, any shenanigans or the taking of dirty Union (UFU), for example. Peter Marshall with a turn-right lane, as well as the ability money, but of course as far as the Greens can kick in as much as he likes to Daniel to turn right, legally and safely. are concerned all money is dirty. Only Andrews’s campaign, and I am putting a lot the rich actually say that; you never hear of money down that that is exactly what he From what I have read and from what those who do not have money say that all will do. I understand, this is a matter of some money is dirty. They said to us that there is urgency. Indeed there is a very real There is no way that Daniel Andrews possibility that somebody could be very no faith or there is little faith in the system. will ever introduce legislation to stop Well, it is not surprising when you have seriously injured, if not killed, at this the unions bankrolling the Labor Party, particular intersection if something is people coming in here wanting to spend and that is exactly what they are going money, millions and millions and millions not done. Now I understand the mayor to do. Whether it be John Setka and the of Wyndham, Peter Maynard, has been of dollars, on election campaigns when it CFMMEU or whether it be Peter Marshall should be going to health and education involved and has tried to do something and the UFU, wherever it may be and but has not been successful in doing so, so and roads and so many other areas that whoever it may be, that money will just desperately need it. It is not surprising that clearly the only person who can actually keep rolling in to the Labor Party coffers, direct VicRoads to act on this matter is the people throw their hands in the air and say, and they are very, very happy to accept it. ‘We cannot take this crowd anymore’. minister himself — and that is what I am That money is a lot dirtier, given the events asking the minister to do this evening. I Of course the fact of the matter is the of the last three and a half years in this am asking the minister to direct VicRoads Greens support this legislation because state, than anything we will ever see from to take the appropriate action to make this they have been bought body and soul by the corporate sector. particular intersection safe for the people the government. They are going to be big This bill is wrong. It is bad legislation, of Wyndham Vale, for travellers on Ballan winners. For the Greens every election and it is something that this house should Road and also on Anniversary Avenue, night will be a Tattslotto win. Is it any oppose. I urge every member to think and for those entering and leaving the wonder they so enthusiastically support very, very carefully, to consider their Jubilee estate. I ask the minister to do that this legislation? Their coalition partners, consciences, before casting a vote on this as a matter of urgency. Clearly there is a the ALP, have ensured that they will be bill. desperate need for it, and I ask him to do it looked after, and looked after they most immediately. certainly will be. But can I just say that bringing the global warming scam into it COUNCIL | Adjournment did slightly confuse me. Dr Ratnam did 22 June 2018 mention global warming a couple of times. I am not entirely sure what that had to do with anything apart from the fact that global warming is a scam and this bill is Ballan Road- a scam, so that might be the connection we are looking at. That might be the Anniversary connection we have discovered. Perhaps indeed we should be thanking Dr Ratnam Avenue, Wyndham for bringing that to our attention. But I have some advice for the Greens, Vale and it would be well worth listening to my advice on this and indeed heeding it. My Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I advice to the Greens is this: do not trust wish to raise a matter on the adjournment Labor. They do not have your interests at this evening for the Minister for Roads heart; they only have their own interests and Road Safety. I have received an email at heart. If you think that because you which reads as follows: support them today they are going to go My name is Kat, and I live in the Jubilee easy on you in Northcote or Richmond estate in Wyndham Vale. I moved here or Melbourne or Brunswick or wherever in November of last year, and since then you might be out there fighting in mortal have nearly been in multiple accidents combat, that is not going to happen. They due to illegal driving/turns made by will do you in as quick as look at you. drivers travelling on Ballan Road (heading Without a worry in the world they will do north) and onto Anniversary Avenue. you in. Do not trust Labor. Do not think This is a no right turn, but residents, because you are all cosy in here and the tradesmen and visitors turn illegally. Cars coalition is working well here at Spring and trucks turn from Ballan Road onto Street that out in the field they will not Anniversary Avenue, even though it is marked as no turn right. What is worse is knife you — and let me tell you, it will not that they enter via the exit. They present be in the back; they will be very happy to a danger to cars turning out of the Jubilee knife you in the front. That is just the Labor estate onto Ballan Road. way. Today, with my two small children in This bill does have some good parts. the car, we were nearly wiped out by a As a former chair of the Electoral Matters double-trailer truck who entered the Committee I have supported some of estate via the exit lane (illegally), as this bill in the past and indeed I support we were attempting to leave the estate some of it now. The majority rules it out, (legally). This is not the first time this has unfortunately, but there are some parts happened to us. This is a huge problem and a common issue for all people in that are quite commendable. But the the estate, but with kids it’s even more bottom line is that this bill overwhelmingly of a problem. I have a three-year-old is anti-freedom, as we would expect from and a baby who is nearly one. I want a government that is anti-freedom, from to keep them alive, and VicRoads and the Greens coalition partners that are the Wyndham Council NEED to do anti-freedom and from Ms Patten, who something about this. The problem is, has displayed again and again that she is despite resident reports to the police, reports and complaints to the council, as anti-freedom. well as VicRoads, and the estate manager This bill slaps democracy in the face. (Lotus Living), nothing has been done. It tells individuals and it tells corporate She went on to say: Australia that they cannot contribute to election campaigns and they cannot have It’s too dangerous and there’s no need to wait for someone to die to do something a say in who they support in an election about it. People — residents and truckies campaign, but of course the rules do — are going to keep doing this, so there

IN FINN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018 47 FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches February to June 2018

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

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