PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

FIFTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT

FIRST SESSION

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 (Extract from book 11)

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

By authority of the Victorian Government Printer

The Governor The Honourable ALEX CHERNOV, AC, QC The Lieutenant-Governor The Honourable Justice MARILYN WARREN, AC The ministry (from 22 April 2013)

Premier, Minister for Regional Cities and Minister for Racing ...... The Hon. D. V. Napthine, MP

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Regional and Rural Development ...... The Hon. P. J. Ryan, MP

Treasurer ...... The Hon. M. A. O’Brien, MP

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and Minister for Employment and Trade .. The Hon. Louise Asher, MP

Attorney-General, Minister for Finance and Minister for Industrial Relations ...... The Hon. R. W. Clark, MP

Minister for Health and Minister for Ageing ...... The Hon. D. M. Davis, MLC

Minister for Sport and Recreation, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs .... The Hon. H. F. Delahunty, MP

Minister for Education ...... The Hon. M. F. Dixon, MP

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

Minister for Higher Education and Skills, and Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession ...... The Hon. P. R. Hall, MLC

Minister for Ports, Minister for Major Projects and Minister for Manufacturing ...... The Hon. D. J. Hodgett, MP

Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, and Minister for Energy and Resources ...... The Hon. N. Kotsiras, MP

Minister for Housing, and Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development ...... The Hon. W. A. Lovell, MLC

Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Roads ...... The Hon. T. W. Mulder, MP

Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation, Minister for Corrections and Minister for Crime Prevention ...... The Hon. E. J. O’Donohue, MLC

Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs ...... The Hon. E. J. Powell, MP

Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Technology and Minister responsible for the Aviation Industry ...... The Hon. G. K. Rich-Phillips, MLC

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and Minister for Youth Affairs ...... The Hon. R. Smith, MP

Minister for the Arts, Minister for Women’s Affairs and Minister for Consumer Affairs ...... The Hon. H. Victoria, MP

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, and Minister for Water ...... The Hon. P. L. Walsh, MP

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, and Minister for Bushfire Response ...... The Hon. K. A. Wells, MP

Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Community Services, and Minister for Disability Services and Reform ...... The Hon. M. L. N. Wooldridge, MP

Cabinet Secretary ...... Mr N. Wakeling, MP

Legislative Assembly committees

Privileges Committee — Ms Barker, Mr Clark, Ms Green, Mr Hodgett, Mr Morris, Mr Nardella, Mr O’Brien, Mr Pandazopoulos and Mr Walsh. Standing Orders Committee — The Speaker, Ms Allan, Ms Asher, Ms Barker, Mrs Fyffe, Mr Hodgett, Ms Kairouz and Mrs Powell.

Joint committees

Accountability and Oversight Committee — (Assembly): Ms Kanis, Mr McIntosh and Ms Neville. (Council): Mr O’Brien and Mr P. Davis. Dispute Resolution Committee — (Assembly): Ms Allan, Ms Asher, Mr Clark, Ms Hennessy, Mr Merlino, Mr O’Brien and Mr Walsh. (Council): Mr D. Davis, Mr Hall, Mr Lenders, Ms Lovell and Ms Pennicuik. Economic Development, Infrastructure and Outer Suburban/Interface Services Committee — (Assembly): Mr Burgess, Mrs Fyffe, Mr McGuire and Mr Shaw. (Council): Mrs Peulich. Education and Training Committee — (Assembly): Mr Brooks and Mr Crisp. (Council): Mr Elasmar and Mrs Kronberg. Electoral Matters Committee — (Assembly): Mr Northe. (Council): Mr Finn, Mrs Peulich, Mr Somyurek and Mr Tarlamis. Environment and Natural Resources Committee — (Assembly): Mr Bull, Ms Duncan, Mr Pandazopoulos and Ms Wreford. (Council): Mr Koch. Family and Community Development Committee — (Assembly): Ms Halfpenny, Mr McGuire and Mr Wakeling. (Council): Mrs Coote, Ms Crozier and Mr O’Brien. House Committee — (Assembly): The Speaker (ex officio), Ms Beattie, Mr Burgess, Ms Campbell, Mrs Fyffe, Ms Thomson and Mr Weller. (Council): The President (ex officio), Mr Drum, Mr Eideh, Mr Finn, Ms Hartland, and Mr P. Davis. Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Committee — (Assembly): Ms Hennessy, Mr McIntosh, Mr Newton-Brown and Mr Weller. (Council): Mr Viney. Law Reform, Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee — (Assembly): Mr Carroll, Mr McCurdy and Mr Southwick. (Council): Mr Ramsay and Mr Scheffer. Public Accounts and Estimates Committee — (Assembly): Mr Angus, Ms Hennessey, Mr Morris, Mr Pakula and Mr Scott. (Council): Mr O’Brien and Mr Ondarchie. Road Safety Committee — (Assembly): Mr Languiller, Mr Perera, Mr Tilley and Mr Thompson. (Council): Mr Elsbury. Rural and Regional Committee — (Assembly): Mr Howard, Mr Katos, Mr Trezise and Mr Weller. (Council): Mr Drum. Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee — (Assembly): Ms Barker, Ms Campbell, Mr Gidley, Mr Nardella, Dr Sykes and Mr Watt. (Council): Mr Dalla-Riva.

Heads of parliamentary departments

Assembly — Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly: Mr R. W. Purdey Council — Clerk of the Legislative Council: Mr W. R. Tunnecliffe Parliamentary Services — Secretary: Mr P. Lochert

MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FIFTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT — FIRST SESSION Speaker: The Hon. K. M. SMITH Deputy Speaker: Mrs C. A. FYFFE Acting Speakers: Mr Angus, Ms Beattie, Mr Blackwood, Mr Burgess, Ms Campbell, Mr Gidley, Mr Languiller, Mr McCurdy, Mr McIntosh, Ms McLeish, Mr Morris, Mr Nardella, Mr Northe, Mr Pandazopoulos, Ms Ryall, Dr Sykes, Mr Thompson and Mr Weller. Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and Premier: The Hon. D. V. NAPTHINE (from 6 March 2013) The Hon. E. N. BAILLIEU (to 6 March 2013) Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party: The Hon. LOUISE ASHER Leader of The Nationals and Deputy Premier: The Hon. P. J. RYAN Deputy Leader of The Nationals: The Hon. P. L. WALSH Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition: The Hon. D. M. ANDREWS Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Labor Party and Deputy Leader of the Opposition: The Hon. J. A. MERLINO

Member District Party Member District Party Allan, Ms Jacinta Marie Bendigo East ALP Languiller, Mr Telmo Ramon Derrimut ALP Andrews, Mr Daniel Michael Mulgrave ALP Lim, Mr Muy Hong Clayton ALP Angus, Mr Neil Andrew Warwick Forest Hill LP McCurdy, Mr Timothy Logan Murray Valley Nats Asher, Ms Louise Brighton LP McGuire, Mr Frank 6 Broadmeadows ALP Baillieu, Mr Edward Norman Hawthorn LP McIntosh, Mr Andrew John Kew LP Barker, Ms Ann Patricia Oakleigh ALP McLeish, Ms Lucinda Gaye Seymour LP Battin, Mr Bradley William Gembrook LP Madden, Mr Justin Mark Essendon ALP Bauer, Mrs Donna Jane Carrum LP Merlino, Mr James Anthony Monbulk ALP Beattie, Ms Elizabeth Jean Yuroke ALP Miller, Ms Elizabeth Eileen Bentleigh LP Blackwood, Mr Gary John Narracan LP Morris, Mr David Charles Mornington LP Brooks, Mr Colin William Bundoora ALP Mulder, Mr Terence Wynn Polwarth LP Brumby, Mr John Mansfield 1 Broadmeadows ALP Napthine, Dr Denis Vincent South-West Coast LP Bull, Mr Timothy Owen Gippsland East Nats Nardella, Mr Donato Antonio Melton ALP Burgess, Mr Neale Ronald Hastings LP Neville, Ms Lisa Mary Bellarine ALP Campbell, Ms Christine Mary Pascoe Vale ALP Newton-Brown, Mr Clement Arundel Prahran LP Carbines, Mr Anthony Richard Ivanhoe ALP Noonan, Mr Wade Mathew Williamstown ALP Carroll, Mr Benjamin Alan 2 Niddrie ALP Northe, Mr Russell John Morwell Nats Clark, Mr Robert William Box Hill LP O’Brien, Mr Michael Anthony Malvern LP Crisp, Mr Peter Laurence Mildura Nats Pakula, Mr Martin Philip 7 Lyndhurst ALP D’Ambrosio, Ms Liliana Mill Park ALP Pallas, Mr Timothy Hugh Tarneit ALP Delahunty, Mr Hugh Francis Lowan Nats Pandazopoulos, Mr John Dandenong ALP Dixon, Mr Martin Francis Nepean LP Perera, Mr Jude Cranbourne ALP Donnellan, Mr Luke Anthony Narre Warren North ALP Pike, Ms Bronwyn Jane 8 Melbourne ALP Duncan, Ms Joanne Therese Macedon ALP Powell, Mrs Elizabeth Jeanette Shepparton Nats Edwards, Ms Janice Maree Bendigo West ALP Richardson, Ms Fiona Catherine Alison Northcote ALP Eren, Mr John Hamdi Lara ALP Ryall, Ms Deanne Sharon Mitcham LP Foley, Mr Martin Peter Albert Park ALP Ryan, Mr Peter Julian Gippsland South Nats Fyffe, Mrs Christine Ann Evelyn LP Scott, Mr Robin David Preston ALP Garrett, Ms Jane Furneaux Brunswick ALP Shaw, Mr Geoffrey Page 9 Frankston Ind Gidley, Mr Michael Xavier Charles Mount Waverley LP Smith, Mr Kenneth Maurice Bass LP Graley, Ms Judith Ann Narre Warren South ALP Smith, Mr Ryan Warrandyte LP Green, Ms Danielle Louise Yan Yean ALP Southwick, Mr David James Caulfield LP Halfpenny, Ms Bronwyn Thomastown ALP Sykes, Dr William Everett Benalla Nats Helper, Mr Jochen Ripon ALP Thompson, Mr Murray Hamilton Ross Sandringham LP Hennessy, Ms Jill Altona ALP Thomson, Ms Marsha Rose Footscray ALP Herbert, Mr Steven Ralph Eltham ALP Tilley, Mr William John Benambra LP Hodgett, Mr David John Kilsyth LP Trezise, Mr Ian Douglas Geelong ALP Holding, Mr Timothy James 3 Lyndhurst ALP Victoria, Ms Heidi Bayswater LP Howard, Mr Geoffrey Kemp Ballarat East ALP Wakeling, Mr Nicholas Ferntree Gully LP Hulls, Mr Rob Justin 4 Niddrie ALP Walsh, Mr Peter Lindsay Swan Hill Nats Hutchins, Ms Natalie Maree Sykes Keilor ALP Watt, Mr Graham Travis Burwood LP Kairouz, Ms Marlene Kororoit ALP Weller, Mr Paul Rodney Nats Kanis, Ms Jennifer 5 Melbourne ALP Wells, Mr Kimberley Arthur Scoresby LP Katos, Mr Andrew South Barwon LP Wooldridge, Ms Mary Louise Newling Doncaster LP Knight, Ms Sharon Patricia Ballarat West ALP Wreford, Ms Lorraine Joan Mordialloc LP Kotsiras, Mr Nicholas Bulleen LP Wynne, Mr Richard William Richmond ALP Languiller, Mr Telmo Ramon Derrimut ALP

1 Resigned 21 December 2010 6 Elected 19 February 2011 2 Elected 24 March 2012 7 Elected 27 April 2013 3 Resigned 18 February 2013 8 Resigned 7 May 2012 4 Resigned 27 January 2012 9 LP until 6 March 2013 5 Elected 21 July 2012

CONTENTS

TUESDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 Bullying, Young People and the Law symposium .... 2814 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, PARLIAMENTARY ALLOWANCES ...... 2793 Prahran ...... 2814 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Swinburne Prahran Community Children’s East–west link ...... 2793, 2795, 2796, 2800, 2802 Centre Co-operative ...... 2815 Bendigo region economy...... 2794 Punt Road–Pasley Street North, South Yarra ...... 2815 Regional and rural gas supply ...... 2795 Crime rates ...... 2815 Regional and rural roads ...... 2797 Kim Crow ...... 2815 Frankston mental health services ...... 2798, 2799 Nikki van Dijk ...... 2815 Air India Melbourne service ...... 2799 Edgars Creek, Thomastown...... 2815 SUSPENSION OF MEMBERS Mansfield Secondary College ...... 2816 Member for Narre Warren North ...... 2793 Benalla Rovers Soccer Club ...... 2816 Member for Monbulk ...... 2799 Melbourne Airport rail link ...... 2816 Member for Ivanhoe ...... 2864 Healesville Sanctuary ...... 2817 STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL 2013 CATCHMENT AND LAND PROTECTION Introduction and first reading...... 2803 AMENDMENT BILL 2013 Second reading ...... 2817 FISHERIES AMENDMENT BILL 2013 Introduction and first reading...... 2803 SUCCESSION TO THE CROWN (REQUEST) BILL 2013 BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Second reading ...... 2839 Notices of motion ...... 2803 ADJOURNMENT Program ...... 2806 Motorcycle registration safety tax ...... 2855 PETITIONS Seaford Junior Library ...... 2856 Ashburton police station ...... 2804 Bacchus Marsh indoor aquatic centre ...... 2856 Port of Hastings container facility ...... 2804 Emergency services funding ...... 2857 Ambulance services ...... 2804 Ashburton police station ...... 2858 SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS Toorloo Arm Primary School ...... 2858 COMMITTEE Ivanhoe electorate schools...... 2859 Alert Digest No. 11 ...... 2804 Mount Waverley electorate manufacturing ...... 2859 DOCUMENTS ...... 2805 The Geelong Project ...... 2860 ROYAL ASSENT ...... 2805 Australian Sparkling Wine Show...... 2860 APPROPRIATION MESSAGES ...... 2805 Responses ...... 2861, 2864 ACTING SPEAKERS...... 2805 LAW REFORM, DRUGS AND CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE Reference ...... 2806 MEMBERS STATEMENTS Koonj — The Flock ...... 2809 Bendigo Art Gallery ...... 2810 Victoria Tourism Week ...... 2810 City of Port Phillip smoke-free zones ...... 2810 Gary Townsend ...... 2810 Police resources ...... 2810 Fire services property levy ...... 2811 Gippsland Secured Investments ...... 2811 Gippsland East electorate football and netball finals ...... 2811 Gippsland East electorate roads ...... 2811 National broadband network ...... 2812 Baanip Boulevard, Grovedale ...... 2812 City of Hobsons Bay crime rates ...... 2812 Australian Labor Party infrastructure performance ...... 2813 Northern School for Autism site ...... 2813 Roy Burr and Ken Wright ...... 2813 Northern Mallee Leaders ...... 2814 Monash University rural health forum ...... 2814 Rosanna Golf Links Primary School ...... 2814 Grimwade House parliamentary visit ...... 2814

PARLIAMENTARY ALLOWANCES

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 ASSEMBLY 2793

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 Honourable members interjecting.

The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Smith) took the chair at Questions interrupted. 2.03 p.m. and read the prayer. SUSPENSION OF MEMBER PARLIAMENTARY ALLOWANCES Member for Narre Warren North The SPEAKER — Order! Members should be aware that the new Parliamentary Salaries and The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Narre Superannuation (Allowances) Regulations 2013, made Warren North can leave the chamber for 1 hour. under the Parliamentary Salaries and Superannuation Honourable member for Narre Warren North Act 1968, came into operation on 1 July this year. withdrew from chamber. These regulations replace the Parliamentary Allowances Regulations 2003 and the Parliamentary QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Committees Regulations 2003. The object of the regulations is to provide for allowances payable to East–west link members when they are undertaking their parliamentary duties, including work with Questions resumed. parliamentary committees. Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — The east–west link I remind members that it is a requirement under these stage 1 will also boost productivity and efficiency in regulations that a member notify the relevant Presiding our transport sector. We know that the freight and Officer of the location of his or her home base and logistics sector is worth between $19 billion and second residence, if any, within two months of the $23 billion to Victoria, creating thousands upon commencement of the regulations. There are some thousands of jobs. We know the freight task is set to members still to comply with that obligation even increase significantly. We know that congestion in though the two-month time limit has now expired. I 2021 will cost Victoria and Victorians about $5 billion, encourage those members to submit their details to my and that that will increase to over $7 billion by 2031, office as soon as possible. This information is required because congestion diminishes our quality of life and to enable departmental officers to process expenses reduces our competitiveness in doing business. claims. I also remind members that they must notify the Speaker within 30 days of any change of their home Melbourne has recently been announced once again, for base or second residence. the third year in a row, as the most livable city in the world. One of the reasons Melbourne is one of the most QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE livable cities is that we invest in key infrastructure to make it a livable city, key infrastructure such as East–west link CityLink, which was opposed by the Labor Party in the 1990s. We will invest in key infrastructure like the Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My east–west link stage 1 because it will decongest question is to the Premier. I refer the Premier to the Melbourne, improve productivity and efficiency and traffic modelling undertaken for the Linking Melbourne deliver 3200 jobs to Victorians. Authority on the Premier’s $8 billion tunnel, and I ask very simply: has the Premier seen this modelling? With respect to the usage of this tunnel, we know — and the summary of the business case is available on Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the Leader of the website if people care to have a look at it — that it the Opposition for his question on the east–west link will be used by 80 000 to 100 000 vehicles a day. We stage 1. This is a vital project for Melbourne and know that you will get a $1.40 return for every $1 spent Victoria. It is a project that will significantly reduce on this important piece of infrastructure. We also know congestion in Melbourne and Victoria. VicRoads has that nine of the most significant groups in Victoria now identified the two biggest congestion hot spots in support this tunnel: the Australian Logistics Council, Melbourne today — where the Eastern Freeway joins the Australian Industry Group, Infrastructure Hoddle Street and, of course, at the Bolte Bridge. The Partnerships Australia, the Master Builders Association east–west link will link those two areas and decongest of Victoria — — those two major congestion hot spots. The east–west link will also — — Mr Andrews — On a point of order, Speaker, very simply the question related to whether the Premier had

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2794 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 3 September 2013

seen the traffic modelling. It was a simple question, and members for Bendigo and ignored by federal Labor I would be indebted to him if he would answer it. members, who did not lift a finger to fix this dangerous intersection. However, I was pleased to announce that The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the Premier to the federal coalition would provide $45 million and the answer the question. state coalition would provide $41 million to fix that intersection once and for all. Dr NAPTHINE — As I was saying, this project is supported by all the major groups: the Property Council We were also able to announce that in August 2014 the of Australia, the RACV, the Victorian Automobile Bendigo Art Gallery will host a major exhibition Chamber of Commerce, the Victorian Employers entitled The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece. This is Chamber of Commerce and Industry and of course the an important exhibition that follows on from the Victorian Transport Association. It is also supported by wedding dress exhibition and the Grace Kelly a number of Labor members of Parliament. It is exhibition. The Grace Kelly exhibition on its own supported by upper house members Cesar Melhem and delivered 228 000 visitors to Bendigo and over Adam Somyurek — — $16 million worth of benefits. The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece exhibition will feature over Mr Andrews — On a point of order, Speaker, there 100 priceless exhibits from the British Museum, was no preamble to the question. It simply related to including the famous statue of the discus thrower. whether the Premier had seen the traffic projections he These are rare exhibits from ancient Greece and ancient keeps on boasting about. It required a very simple yes Rome, and I am sure this will be another massive or no answer: has the Premier seen these numbers or exhibition for the Bendigo Art Gallery. I am pleased to not? say that it will be housed in the $8.4 million extension The SPEAKER — Order! The answer is relevant to to the gallery, which is receiving $3.8 million from the the question that was asked of the Premier. Victorian coalition government.

Dr NAPTHINE — The numbers are — as they are In my time in Bendigo I was also able to officially turn on the website — that 80 000 to 100 000 vehicles a day the first sod on the coalition’s $630 million Bendigo will use this tunnel, and it will decongest Melbourne, Hospital project. We know that since early June over create jobs and improve productivity and efficiency. It 100 people have been working on that site, but we were is a great project for Melbourne and Victoria. able to officially turn the first sod on this project that will deliver 372 beds to Bendigo and the region, 10 new Bendigo region economy operating theatres, an integrated cancer centre, a 100-place child-care centre and a 180-seat conference Ms McLEISH (Seymour) — My question is to the centre. Premier. Can the Premier advise how the government is delivering jobs, infrastructure and prosperity for I was also able to join with La Trobe University, Bendigo and northern Victoria? Microsoft Australia and e-CentricInnovations to announce the establishment of a new ICT business for Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the Bendigo called SharePoint Factory. This will create honourable member for Seymour for her question. The more than 150 jobs at that business and will provide house will be pleased to know that last Monday the valuable work experience and a job pathway for government held a full cabinet meeting at the La Trobe La Trobe University ICT students. University campus in Bendigo. The cabinet was briefed by the mayor and CEO of the City of Greater Bendigo While we were in Bendigo the Minister for and by Professor John Dewar, the vice-chancellor of Manufacturing was active, out and about announcing La Trobe University. Around the time of that cabinet new jobs for local businesses, such as Keech Castings meeting we also made a number of significant and Hofmann Engineering, and the Deputy Premier announcements. was at the Finn Street industrial site examining the new industrial park, to which the government has On the Friday before the cabinet meeting I was at contributed $900 000. Ravenswood to announce an $86 million fix for what is probably the most dangerous intersection in Victoria This government is committed to growing jobs and between the Calder Highway and the Calder alternative opportunities in regional and rural Victoria. In our highway. This is a project that was looking to be fixed regional cities like Bendigo we are about investing in over the last decade or more but was ignored by the jobs and economic growth. We are doing that not only Labor government, ignored by the local Labor in Bendigo but right across regional and rural Victoria.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 ASSEMBLY 2795

That is why the unemployment rate in regional Victoria hot spots in Victoria today — that is, the Hoddle has decreased from 6.2 per cent when we came to Street–Eastern Freeway intersection and the Bolte office to 5.2 per cent. We are delivering for regional Bridge. Linking those will reduce that congestion. and rural Victoria, and we are delivering for Bendigo. Mr Andrews interjected. East–west link The SPEAKER — Order! The Leader of the Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My Opposition! question is again to the Premier. I refer the Premier to his earlier answer, in which he refused to indicate Dr NAPTHINE — The Leader of the Opposition whether he had or had not seen the modelling prepared keeps interjecting. The fact is that the information is for the Linking Melbourne Authority. I further refer the available on the website — 80 000 to 100 000 vehicles Premier to his previous statements that between 80 000 per day will use this link. The fact is that the business and 100 000 cars will use his $8 billion tunnel every case and the cost-benefit analysis show there will be a day. I again simply ask: can the Premier advise the $1.40 return for every dollar invested in this project. house where he obtained these figures from? This is a great project for Melbourne and Victoria. It is about reducing congestion and improving productivity Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the Leader of and efficiency. It is also about creating 3200 jobs, and the Opposition for his question and for his enthusiasm that is why we support this project. for the east–west link stage 1. He has clearly joined his colleagues Cesar Melhem and Adem Somyurek, The east–west link is an important project for members for Western Metropolitan Region and South Melbourne and Victoria, as are the other important Eastern Metropolitan Region respectively in the other projects that we are getting on with, such as the regional place, in their enthusiasm for the east–west link stage 1. rail project, the development of the port of Hastings and The east–west link stage 1 has been the subject of a the building of the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel. All very robust business case that has been developed and four are important major projects that we on this side handed to Infrastructure Australia. are getting on with — building the infrastructure that Melbourne and Victoria need after 11 years of neglect Mr Andrews interjected. and mismanagement under the previous Labor government. Dr NAPTHINE — The Leader of the Opposition interjects and says, ‘Nobody can see it’. I am still Regional and rural gas supply waiting to see any business case for the desalination plant. There was no business case for the desal plant. Mr WELLER (Rodney) — My question is to the Minister for Regional and Rural Development. Can the Honourable members interjecting. minister update the house on the coalition government’s strategy to deliver natural gas connections to regional The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the Premier to get and rural communities across Victoria? back to answering the question. Mr RYAN (Minister for Regional and Rural Dr NAPTHINE — The business case for the Development) — I thank the member for his question. north–south pipeline is an apparition, like the white Politics is the contest of ideas, and you will never see it elephant it is, and $1 billion was wasted, with no more starkly demonstrated than with issues to do with business case. the expansion of the natural gas system right across rural and regional Victoria. We on this side of the house With regard to the traffic projections for east–west link, believe that those communities should have this Veitch Lister Consulting, a highly respected consulting available to them for cost of living issues and in relation firm with regard to traffic management, was involved in to the development of their businesses and otherwise. developing traffic management projections together We believe it is important. The Labor government with VicRoads. They have projected that 80 000 to completely abandoned these communities, and to this 100 000 vehicles per day will use this link. This is an day Labor is doing nothing about this critical issue. important link that will benefit Victoria. This is an important link when it comes to busting — reducing — It is our belief in this important issue that moved us to congestion on our roads around Melbourne, just the establish our Energy for the Regions program; we same as CityLink was an important link to reduce dedicated $100 million to it. Using that money we have congestion and improve productivity and efficiency. already moved to augment the supply of natural gas to The east–west link will link the two biggest congestion Mildura. We have undertaken an extension of natural

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2796 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 3 September 2013

gas to various priority towns, 5 of the 14 that we the present leader of the federal opposition — and we nominated. Agreements are in place for Huntly — in are putting in the other $15 million. It is going to mean the Bendigo East electorate, as a matter of fact — that we will have LNG and CNG at long last available Avoca, Bannockburn, Winchelsea and to the residents of many of those towns along the Wandong-Heathcote Junction. Furthermore, we have Murray River. In all of this of course there is much already undertaken a feasibility study through GHD celebration, as we can see from the headline the about the prospect of expanding supply along the Bendigo Advertiser today ‘Gas on the way’. There is Murray River towns. only one carping, whining, whingeing, negative voice to be heard in all of this — it is that of the member for Yesterday, together with Mr Damian Drum, a member Bendigo East. for Northern Victoria Region in the Council, I had the great pleasure of being in Heathcote with the local East–west link member, the member for Rodney, where we were also accompanied by the coalition shadow minister for Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My finance in the federal opposition, Mr Andrew Robb. question is again to the Premier. I refer to the Premier’s We were there to talk about the expansion of the system claim that between 80 000 and 100 000 vehicles will through the provision of liquefied natural gas (LNG) use his $8 billion tunnel per day, and I ask: is it not a and compressed natural gas (CNG). The intention was fact that that traffic projection is based on a completed that we would trigger a request to tender for the system 18-kilometre project, not a 5-kilometre section between which will be able to provide the gas supply. I triggered Clifton Hill and Flemington? it yesterday, and it has been advertised today. We are intending to provide natural gas to the other nine Honourable members interjecting. priority towns, being Heathcote, Koo Wee Rup, Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the Maldon, Marong, Orbost, Lakes Entrance, Terang, honourable member again for his question on this very Warburton and Invermay, and any others that might be important project for the people of Melbourne and able to be supplied as a result of this tender. Victoria. But there is more. Through this tender we have also Honourable members interjecting. established a partnership between the Victorian government and the commonwealth, which will see the The SPEAKER — Order! If the Deputy Leader of inclusion of Murray River region communities as being the Opposition were quiet, the Premier might be able to important, particularly those affected by the answer the question. Murray-Darling Basin agreement, thus we had the presence yesterday of the shadow finance minister, Dr NAPTHINE — As I have outlined before, the Mr Robb. coalition government is committed to four very important game-changing projects for the people of I might say while I am on the topic that I did welcome a Melbourne and Victoria: the east–west link; the media release yesterday from Catherine King, the Melbourne Metro tunnel, the capacity-building tunnel federal Minister for Regional Australia, Local for our rail system — — Government and Territories, in her important role as a member of the current Labor federal government. The Honourable members interjecting. release says in part: Dr NAPTHINE — We are also committed to the As part of an agreement between the Rudd Labor government port of Hastings development, which is vital for our and the Victorian government $15 million will be invested to trade, for our imports and exports. We are also support the delivery of natural gas to river communities. committed to the regional rail link, a project with I congratulate the minister and the federal government, literally hundreds of people working on it this very day as it now is, for doing exactly that. to deliver that project, which will improve regional rail services directly into Southern Cross station and free up We have a tender for a total of $85 million, $55 million capacity on the metropolitan system to improve metro of which will be taken from our Energy for the Regions rail services in the west and the north-west. program to provide natural gas to those other nine priority towns. The other $30 million will be made up Honourable members interjecting. of $15 million from the federal government — whoever is in government after next Saturday, because Mr Robb The SPEAKER — Order! The Deputy Leader of was there to commit to it on behalf of Tony Abbott as the Opposition!

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 ASSEMBLY 2797

Dr NAPTHINE — The east–west link has been the economy and how important it is for tourism. Certainly subject of a very, very significant and well-researched the Minister for Tourism and Major Events and the business case, and that business case has been presented Minister for State Development know how important to Infrastructure Australia. In contrast to this this 241-kilometre stretch of road is, with its 49 bridges government’s efforts to produce a proper business case and 300 culverts. It underpins our tourism industry here that has been handed to Infrastructure Australia, we saw in Victoria. no business case for the desalination plant, no business case for the north–south pipeline and no business case A lot of work is carried out on that road on an ongoing for Peninsula Link — no business case for Labor basis by VicRoads. Transporting materials in and out of projects. But we have a business case that is with that road can be very expensive and time consuming. Infrastructure Australia, and there is a summary of the From time to time it deals with rock falls, which are business case available for people to see on the Linking part and parcel of the Great Ocean Road, and people Melbourne Authority website. living along that corridor know about that.

I remind people that Veitch Lister Consulting, the Honourable members interjecting. traffic management consultancy that provided expert advice on the traffic that will use east–west link, is an Mr MULDER — A lot of people are interested in independent consulting firm that has been used over the this topic, but members on the other side of the house years in Victoria. Indeed Veitch Lister — the same firm are obviously not interested in the Great Ocean Road Labor now wants to abuse and deride — was used and the tourism industry. On 20 August this year I had previously by the Victorian government. It was used by great pleasure in joining with the federal Leader of the the Labor government when it was assessing EastLink. Opposition, Tony Abbott, and the candidate for the It is the same consulting firm, which has great expertise Corangamite electorate, Sarah Henderson, down at in traffic management consulting. Anglesea to announce a fantastic initiative for the Great Ocean Road: $50 million allocated over five years to Veitch Lister has said, along with VicRoads, that there upgrade the road. An enormous amount of work will be will be 80 000 to 100 000 vehicles per day using this carried out, with bridge, drain and culvert works and tunnel. This tunnel is about reducing congestion. It is the construction of retaining walls and landslip controls. about improving productivity and efficiency. It is about improving the quality of life of ordinary Victorians, This comes on top of an announcement I made a couple particularly those who use the Eastern Freeway or the of weeks earlier down there — compliments of the Tullamarine Freeway each and every day and who will Minister for Regional and Rural Development — of a appreciate getting home to their families earlier and historic centre at Lorne to tell the story about the Great being able to stay at home longer in the mornings while Ocean Road and the war memorial that it actually is. It still getting to work on time. They are the people who tells a fantastic story, a great story, about the Great will benefit. The people sitting on the Eastern Freeway Ocean Road. There are endorsements of what we have trying to get onto Hoddle Street will appreciate the done: east–west link stage 1. This is an important project. It is Tourism and council leaders along the Great Ocean Road about decongestion, it is about productivity, it is about welcomed the coalition’s pledge of $50 million to repair the creating jobs and it is about making sure Melbourne is road yesterday … the most livable city in the world again and again. Mr Ryan — Who said that?

Regional and rural roads Mr MULDER — Who said that? I think we all Mr BULL (Gippsland East) — My question is to know Elaine Carbines, CEO of G21, who confirmed the Minister for Roads. Can the minister advise what about yesterday’s promise by the Liberals: action the government is taking to further improve key It’s fantastic news that the coalition has listened to the roads in regional Victoria? people … Mr MULDER (Minister for Roads) — I thank the Of course it was not so from Dynamite Darren member for Gippsland East for his question and for his Cheeseman, who accuses us of trying to dynamite the strong interest in the regional road network. It is no Great Ocean Road when what we are looking to do is secret that people who talk about Australia talk about actually improve the Great Ocean Road for tourists, the rock, the reef and the road. Here in Victoria we who travel around there on a regular basis, and of have the road: the Great Ocean Road. Every member in course for locals. this house knows how important that is to Victoria’s

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2798 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 3 September 2013

Another great announcement — and the Premier worked out very early in the piece by the clerks of the touched on this, and rightly so — is the Ravenswood Parliament, not the Speaker. I call the member for interchange, the most dangerous piece of road in Frankston. Victoria. It was neglected and ignored by the Labor government here in Victoria and neglected and ignored Frankston mental health services by the federal Labor government. There was no money to build the Ravenswood interchange. It has taken a Mr SHAW (Frankston) — My question is directed coalition government to go up to Bendigo and make the to the Minister for Mental Health. In addition to the announcement. over $76 million investment for the development of a new emergency department, intensive care unit and Honourable members interjecting. expanded ambulatory services at Frankston Hospital since the government was elected in 2010, two new The SPEAKER — Order! Minister! mental health preventive and recovery centres and a new headspace centre have also been opened in Mr MULDER — How embarrassing that must Frankston. This represents a huge investment in health have been for local members. For 11 long years that services in Frankston, which they don’t give a stuff dangerous piece of road sat there without the required about. work to make it safe for the people of Bendigo. It took a coalition government, with a coalition federal Honourable members interjecting. opposition, to make the promise to do work on that road. As indicated, work will start immediately on that The SPEAKER — Order! That is enough from the fantastic project, with $86 million allocated. member for Frankston.

Ms Allan interjected. Mr SHAW — I am still going with my question, Speaker, thank you — — The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Bendigo East! Honourable members interjecting.

Mr MULDER — What happened to the $7 million The SPEAKER — Order! The house will come to promised by the member for Bendigo East? It was not order. The member for Frankston has the call. The there. There was no money for planning. It was not house should show some respect to the member for there when we went looking for it. A coalition Frankston and to the house. He will be heard in silence, government — — just as members of the opposition and the government like to be heard in silence. The SPEAKER — Order! The minister’s time has expired. I call the member for Frankston. Mr SHAW — I will start my question again. My question is directed to the Minister for Mental Health. Mr Merlino — On a point of order, Speaker, I seek In addition to the over $76 million that has been your advice about the running of the house. You were invested in the development of a new Frankston in the process of calling the member for Frankston for emergency department, intensive care unit and the next question. It is a matter of public record that the expanded ambulatory services at Frankston Hospital member for Frankston continues to be a member of the since the government was elected in 2010, two new Victorian branch of the Liberal Party — — mental health preventive and recovery centres and a new headspace centre have also been opened in Honourable members interjecting. Frankston. This represents a huge investment in health services in Frankston. Can the minister elaborate on the The SPEAKER — Order! The member has been benefits to the Frankston community of this funding speaking for about 30 seconds; he has had plenty of injection and these extra facilities? time to get to his point of order. Honourable members interjecting. Mr Merlino — On the point of order, the advice I am seeking is: on what basis are you giving the member Questions interrupted. the call? He is in every way a member of that side of the house. The Premier is only sitting there by virtue of the member for Frankston.

The SPEAKER — Order! The practice whereby Independent members get the call in this house is

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 ASSEMBLY 2799

SUSPENSION OF MEMBER Peninsula Health, MIND Australia and Peninsula Support Services. Member for Monbulk A couple of weeks ago I was very pleased to open the The SPEAKER — Order! The Deputy Leader of Frankston adult PARC service, another 10-bed the Opposition can leave the house for an hour. He is in short-stay facility to be run by the Mental Illness a position of some privilege. It is not to be used to yell Fellowship in conjunction with Peninsula Health. There out at any time. are 20 new PARC beds for Frankston. This is a very significant investment. They are being operated hand in Honourable member for Monbulk withdrew from glove with Peninsula Health and local mental health chamber. services in consultation with the local community. This is great news for Frankston, and I was very pleased that QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE the member for Frankston was able to join me at both openings. He had a genuine interest in meeting with Frankston mental health services staff and clients and gaining an understanding of the model and how it works. Questions resumed. There are 20 PARC facilities operating across Victoria Ms WOOLDRIDGE (Minister for Mental and three more in development, representing a very Health) — I thank the Independent member for significant investment in the PARC model for people Frankston for his question — — with a mental illness. These PARC beds are just a Honourable members interjecting. subset of the more than 250 mental health beds the coalition government has invested in whilst in The SPEAKER — Order! The house will come to government. They build on our record funding this year order. of $1.2 billion for mental health services, which is an increase of 19 per cent over three budgets. About Ms WOOLDRIDGE — I thank the member for 250 new jobs will be created, as well as the jobs in the Frankston for his question and for his genuine interest. construction of these more than 250 mental health beds. He has had and continues to have a longstanding This is a very significant investment by the coalition interest in mental health services for members of his government. community. I was very pleased to be back in Frankston again just The coalition government is investing more than ever last week to open, in conjunction with the federal before in mental health services for people right across Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, the new the state. In relation to the Frankston community I am Frankston headspace youth hub. Headspace provides very pleased to inform the house that this year we are specific services for young people in a investing more than $130 million in clinical services at community-based setting, and this government has Monash Health and at Peninsula Health, both of which agreed to invest alongside headspace for the benefit of service the Frankston region. There is a particular focus young people right across the state. In Frankston we on the Frankston Hospital, and the team down there have invested $453 000 in the new Frankston does a great job working on the recovery of the more headspace hub, together with a contribution of about than 500 people admitted every year with a mental $400 000 by the commonwealth government. The state illness seeking treatment. government is a major funder of the new Frankston headspace hub, which will make a genuine difference Over the last year there has been a significant for people with a mental illness. improvement in the services available for people with mental illness. Both sides of the house have supported I want to reassure the member for Frankston that we are the prevention and recovery care model, the prevention investing in mental health services across the state, and recovery care (PARC) model, and I was pleased including in youth-targeted mental health services, for last year to be able to open the Frankston youth PARC. the benefit of the whole state. This is a 10-bed facility for young people aged 16 to 25. It provides 24-hour treatment in a supportive Air India Melbourne service environment, but not an inpatient environment, that provides access to care and helps them to recover from Mr GIDLEY (Mount Waverley) — My question is their mental illness. This service is being operated by to the Minister for Tourism and Major Events. Can the

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

2800 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 3 September 2013

minister outline what action the government is taking to partnership. It is a complete engagement to partner with grow international air services to Victoria? India. I encourage members to read that engagement strategy. Ms ASHER (Minister for Tourism and Major Events) — I thank the member for Mount Waverley for There is no doubt that this Air India service to his question and for his interest in the number of air Melbourne has the potential to help us significantly. Air services we have for Melbourne, which is a very India also believes it will be able to transport a important element in our economic development. The significant range of food from Victoria to India, so it is government is continually looking to improve the good news on all fronts. Somebody else announced a state’s aviation capacity to help Victoria’s tourism, flight from India to Melbourne some time ago, and this education, business and trade markets, and both the particular person said that flight would start from government and Melbourne Airport work in partnership 1 November 2010. One might ask, ‘Who was this to make sure we have a comprehensive program to person who announced a flight commencing in attract airlines to Melbourne. With that in mind the November 2010 without doing her homework?’. It was government was delighted to welcome an Air India the member for Bendigo East. I would advise her that flight to Melbourne on Friday, 30 August, as part of a the trick to this for the coalition is that you do the work new service from India to Melbourne, and the Premier first and then you make the announcement. That is what and I attended an event to celebrate that service the coalition does. We do the work first and then we yesterday. issue the press release. That is advice the member may well heed in the future. The service will use Boeing Dreamliner aircraft and will operate on what Air India is calling a triangulated East–west link route. It will operate three times per week Delhi–Melbourne–Sydney–Delhi and four times per Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My week Delhi–Sydney–Melbourne–Delhi. Members of question is again to the Premier. I refer the Premier to this house will be aware of the importance of the Indian comments by a former senior member of staff at market for a whole range of activities, and indeed VicRoads, Mr Doug Harley, a 27-year veteran at members may well be aware that over the past 10 years VicRoads, who said of the traffic estimates for the Indian companies have invested $300 million in Premier’s planned $8 billion tunnel: Victorian businesses, with their businesses in Victoria Nobody in VicRoads with any traffic modelling expertise having been responsible for 4500 jobs. signed off on it. Their own manager of network modelling and analysis — me — was saying, ‘No, you cannot trust this’. India is one of Victoria’s fastest growing inbound tourism markets, with 73 000 Indian visitors travelling I ask: given Mr Harley’s very clear reservations about to Victoria in the year ending March this year. That in this modelling, has the Premier sought further itself represents 17 per cent growth, and we are assessments of the traffic modelling for his $8 billion anticipating a growth rate in the future of over 7 per tunnel? cent. India is a very important tourism market, given India’s growing middle class. Direct flights will be a Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the crucial step to help open gateways for future business honourable member for his question. As I outlined and tourism. We have more than 112 000 Indians earlier today, Veitch Lister Consulting was engaged to residing in Victoria, and Indian students, who are our assist in the preparation of a business case for the second-largest international student market, represent east–west link. It is a highly respected firm of 25 000 at this stage. The largest market is, of course, consultants on traffic management and traffic China, and the second largest is India. modelling. Indeed Veitch Lister Consulting has been used successfully in Victoria in the past by the Labor We have very strong links between Victoria and India. government. It was used by the Labor government with Members of this house would be aware of a number of regard to modelling for traffic volumes on EastLink. I trade missions that were initially devised by the former am advised with respect to EastLink that the Veitch Premier, the member for Hawthorn, that have gone to Lister Consulting traffic forecasts have been proven to India. We had trade missions in February 2012 and be absolutely the best estimates available, within 10 per March 2013, smaller trade missions in April 2011 and cent, because we now have the traffic volumes on Oz Fest in India in October 2012. Furthermore the EastLink. Despite the fact that in 2002 we were told, government released an engagement strategy with India ‘No tolls on the Scoresby’, we now have EastLink as a in March 2013, again putting forward a comprehensive toll road. program about engagement. This is far more than a

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 ASSEMBLY 2801

We know that Veitch Lister Consulting came within he going to get other modelling in light of these 10 per cent of actual volumes with its forecast, and its criticisms? forecast has been proven to be more accurate than the actual bidders’ forecasts. Veitch Lister Consulting is a The SPEAKER — Order! I suggest to the member highly respected, highly reputed traffic management that tomorrow he read Daily Hansard to find out what consulting firm, and it has given us those figures. It is his preamble said. He will then understand why I do not not alone in its endorsement of what we are doing with uphold his point of order. the east–west link. Dr NAPTHINE — As I was outlining to the house, Mr Andrews — On a point of order, Speaker, while Veitch Lister Consulting is a highly reputable firm that I accept that the Premier is perfectly entitled to provide has been used by the Labor Party with respect to some context, he was asked about a 27-year veteran — EastLink and has been used around Australia in making a very senior figure — at VicRoads and whether he had traffic estimates. Its figures have proven to be accurate acted in light of those comments. I would like an on previous occasions. But it is not the only one that answer to that question. endorses this project. The Age of 30 July 2012 states:

The SPEAKER — Order! The answer was in fact The powerful Australian Workers Union has backed the controversial east–west road tunnel … relevant to the question that was asked, including the preamble to the question. Further it says:

Dr NAPTHINE — As I have said, there were very ‘It is just crazy not to go ahead with the [east–west] project’, thorough estimates of traffic volumes by a highly Mr Melhem said. respected firm that has been used by both sides of That is Cesar Melhem. politics and has a proven track record of accuracy in predicting usage of toll roads in Victoria. As I say, it is Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, under not the only one that endorses the business case and the standing order 58 the Premier is not being relevant to argument for stage 1 of the east–west link. In the Age of the question that was asked. The question did not refer 30 July 2012 we had this comment — — to other third-party comments; the question directly referred to the issues raised by Doug Harley. We would Mr Andrews — On a further point of order, really appreciate, Speaker, your application of the Speaker, I would be indebted to you if you reminded standing orders and your asking the Premier to come the Premier that he ought at least refer to Doug Harley, back to answering the question he was asked. who was the subject of the question. There was no mention of other information. This is a very simple Ms Asher — On the point of order, Speaker, the question. He is a senior VicRoads figure and he has question asked for further assessments, and that is called into question these numbers. The Premier ought precisely what the Premier was doing. He was to answer: does he have other modelling in light of responding directly to the question that was asked. these criticisms? Mr Andrews — On the point of order, Speaker, the The SPEAKER — Order! The answer was relevant question, given that I asked it, related to further to the question that was asked, including the preamble, assessments, expert assessments, in relation to traffic which was quite extensive. I do not uphold the point of modelling. That is what the question related to, and in order. the last 3 minutes the Premier has not referred to that question or the limited background which detailed the Dr NAPTHINE — As I was outlining — — scathing criticism of a 27-year VicRoads veteran. That Mr Andrews — On a further point of order, is what the Premier has not gone too, and that is what Speaker, if the preamble had been wide ranging, then I you should require him to deal with. would not have taken this point of order, but the The SPEAKER — Order! I have already ruled on preamble to the question was simply to identify the this point, and I do not uphold the point of order. senior VicRoads figure in question and the project he was commenting on. It was not a wide-ranging Dr NAPTHINE — Veitch Lister Consulting, which preamble in relation to other toll roads; it was barely a is a reputable company, has endorsed these things. We preamble at all. It simply identified the project and the have the Australian Workers Union endorsing them. person I was about to quote. Again I renew my point of We have Adem Somyurek, a member for South Eastern order. This person is a senior figure. He has significant Metropolitan Region in the other place, who said, concerns, and the Premier ought answer the question: is

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

2802 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 3 September 2013

Given the obvious benefits of an east–west link — — organisations, which understand traffic and productivity and freight logistics, all support the east–west link Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, I seek stage 1. your advice on how Labor members in another chamber are in any way relevant to the question that East–west link was asked. Mr WATT (Burwood) — My question is to the Honourable members interjecting. Treasurer. Can the Treasurer update the house on the Ms Allan — As I said, Speaker, we would progress of the east–west link tender process and the interest in the government’s infrastructure program? appreciate your advice on how the comments of Labor members in the other place are in any way relevant to Mr O’BRIEN (Treasurer) — I thank the member the question that was asked. for Burwood for his question and for his interest in Honourable members interjecting. building infrastructure for Victoria. I can assure him that the coalition government is getting on with the job Ms Allan — Government members can all laugh of delivering the vital infrastructure this state needs. again, if they like. They are very funny! We seek your The east–west link will complete a key missing link in advice, Speaker, on how you view the Premier’s our freeway network and will provide a vital alternative answer being at all relevant to the question that was to the M1 corridor. This is a major project, asked by the Leader of the Opposition. recommended by Sir Rod Eddington in his report to the Labor government, which will reduce congestion, The SPEAKER — Order! I am not here to offer improve productivity and generate 3200 jobs, providing advice, and I have ruled on the point of order. a major economic boost to Victoria.

Honourable members interjecting. In July we invited expressions of interest to deliver stage one of the east–west link and kick off the tender The SPEAKER — Order! I am not here to give process. I am advised that east–west link is the largest advice. I am here to make rulings, which I have done. I single tender of its type globally to be released this do not uphold the point of order. year. Last Thursday was the deadline for lodging expressions of interest (EOIs) with the Linking Dr NAPTHINE — Mr Somyurek said: Melbourne Authority. While the EastLink project Given the obvious benefits of an east–west link, it seems clear attracted two EOIs and CityLink attracted two EOIs, I that opponents are really driven by a hardline ideological am pleased to inform the house that the east–west link dislike of cars and roads. has attracted expressions of interest from four consortiums. What is particularly pleasing is that these In terms of other expert groups — — consortiums include the top tier constructors in Mr Andrews — On a further point of order, Australia; they include 5 of the top 20 global Speaker, and I am grateful for the call, I again renew contractors and the world’s leading tunnellers, all of my point on relevance. In the 30 seconds remaining can them wanting to be part of this exciting the Premier indicate whether he is going to seek further transformational project and bring the vision of assessments about traffic volume given the scathing east–west link to reality. These four groups of criticism of a 27-year VicRoads veteran? That is what companies include, as I said, some of the leading we need an answer to, and that is what the Premier is companies in the world. Represented are some of the hiding from. world’s biggest toll road operators, developers and constructors, including Acciona, Cintra, Ferrovial — — The SPEAKER — Order! I have ruled on the point of order, and I do not uphold it. Mr Eren — On a point of order, Speaker, the Treasurer is reading from a document. Can he table the Dr NAPTHINE — As I said earlier, this project is document he is reading from? endorsed by other reputable organisations: the Australian Logistics Council, the Australian Industry The SPEAKER — Order! Is it just notes? Group, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, the Honourable members interjecting. Property Council of Australia, the RACV, the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, the Victorian The SPEAKER — Order! I sought advice from the Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Treasurer, and he has assured me he is referring to the Victorian Transport Association. Those large notes.

STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL 2013

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 ASSEMBLY 2803

Mr O’BRIEN — We have the largest companies in me an indication as to what he was reading from, and I the world wanting to be part of delivering the east–west took his word for it. I do not uphold the point of order. link. We have companies such as Samsung and Hyundai; companies like Acciona, Cintra, Bouygues, STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL 2013 Ghella, Impregilo, Salini and Dragados, not to mention that Lend Lease, Leighton Contractors and John Introduction and first reading Holland have constructed many projects in Victoria. This is a great vote of confidence in this project, it is a Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I move: great vote of confidence in this government delivering That I have leave to bring in a bill for an act to revise the the project and it is a great vote of confidence in statute law of Victoria. Victoria as a place to build major infrastructure and create local jobs in this state. This is a very important Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East) — Can the Premier project, and this is Freight Week. provide an explanation to the house about the bill he seeks to introduce? There is great interest in discussing policies around infrastructure and logistics. We in government recently Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — There are regularly received an email inviting us to attend an exclusive brought before the house bills to revise the statute law lunch to ‘bring together senior industry leaders … on to correct minor errors or mistakes in various acts over the key issues facing the Victorian freight logistics a number of years. industry’. Even better, the invitation says, ‘Cost: free of An honourable member interjected. charge’. This lunch will be on Friday the 13th, and this could be a bit ominous for some, because the email says Dr NAPTHINE — No, they are mainly errors or there are still a few spare seats at this apparently mistakes made by the previous government. We are exclusive boardroom lunch to discuss infrastructure here to fix the problems. The normal procedure in the policy. How can you struggle to give away free seats at time I have been in the house is that these bills are an exclusive boardroom lunch to discuss infrastructure? introduced by the Premier and then referred to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee for its Mr Pallas interjected. investigation and analysis before the house debates The SPEAKER — Order! If the member for them, and that is the procedure we will adopt in this Tarneit keeps it up, he will be out. case.

Mr O’BRIEN — I realise that for attendance at a Motion agreed to. lunch like this to be worthwhile, you have to have something positive to say about infrastructure. You Read first time. cannot just be negative, oppositionist and carp all the time. Speaker, if you want a free lunch with Brian Tee, FISHERIES AMENDMENT BILL 2013 a member for Eastern Metropolitan Region in the other Introduction and first reading place and shadow minister for major projects and infrastructure, I can help you out. The rest of us will get Mr WALSH (Minister for Agriculture and Food on with building infrastructure for Victoria. Security) introduced a bill for an act to amend the Fisheries Act 1995 to establish a Fisheries Advisory Ms Campbell — On a point of order, Speaker, the Council and make miscellaneous amendments and member for Lara raised a point of order in relation to for other purposes. the Treasurer’s last answer. You provided advice to the member for Lara as opposed to asking the Treasurer a Read first time. question, and I simply ask you to reflect upon why, as acting chairs and members of Parliament, we have BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Rulings from the Chair today. I ask that in future you give a ruling as opposed to providing an answer, or put Notices of motion that in the new Rulings from the Chair. The SPEAKER — Order! Notices of motion 7 to The SPEAKER — Order! I asked the question of 14 will be removed from the notice paper unless the Treasurer. He told me that it was notes. I am not members wishing their notice to remain advise the here to argue one way or the other. The Treasurer gave Clerk in writing before 6.00 p.m. today.

PETITIONS

2804 ASSEMBLY Tuesday, 3 September 2013

PETITIONS We note that in the last two years ambulance response times in Wheelers Hill, Noble Park and Springvale are now worse Following petitions presented to house: and local hospital emergency departments are struggling to cope with demand.

Ashburton police station In particular we note that:

To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: 1. Premier Napthine and his Liberal government are refusing to acknowledge that our ambulance service is in This petition of the undersigned residents of Victoria draws crisis; the attention of the house to the recent spate of robberies in the Ashburton shopping centre, including a break-in at the 2. the Premier is refusing to negotiate in good faith with Ashburton police station, and to the fact that the Ashburton paramedics to ensure they are paid appropriately; and policy station is grossly understaffed and not open on a daily basis. 3. ambulance response times at every station across Melbourne have gone backwards under this We want Ashburton to be a safe neighbourhood with the government, meaning that thousands of Victorians are benefit of a full-time police station and presence and a strong being forced to wait longer in pain for an ambulance to emphasis on community policing. We want to know that we arrive. are safe and we want to know our police are there for Ashburton and are part of our community. The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly urges the Napthine Liberal government to We therefore respectfully ask the Victorian Parliament and immediately take action to address the ambulance crisis in the government of Victoria to ensure that the Ashburton Victoria. police station is open every weekday, staffed by at least two police and a car, and that when it is not open our area is By Mr ANDREWS (Mulgrave) (39 signatures). serviced by regular police patrols. Tabled. By Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East) (275 signatures). Ordered that petition presented by honourable Port of Hastings container facility member for Bendigo East be considered next day on To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: motion of Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East).

This petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS to the attention of the house the state government’s plan to build a new container facility at the port of Hastings. In COMMITTEE particular we note: Alert Digest No. 11 1. the potential for the port of Hastings to handle up to 7 million containers per annum; Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) presented Alert 2. the government’s recent decision to approve the Digest No. 11 of 2013 on: expanded use of B-triple monster trucks; and Consumer Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 3. the government’s own presentations, which show that a 2013 huge number of additional container trucks and freight Courts Legislation Amendment (Judicial trains will run from the port of Hastings, through the heart of Hampton Park, Lyndhurst, Lynbrook and Officers) Bill 2013 Dandenong South. Plant Biosecurity Amendment Bill 2013 Radiation Amendment Bill 2013 The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly urges the Napthine state government to consider Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill the future amenity of the residents of Melbourne’s south-east 2013 and give full and proper consideration to the alternative ‘Bay West’ port proposal near Avalon. together with appendices.

By Mr PAKULA (Lyndhurst) (248 signatures). Tabled.

Ambulance services Ordered to be printed. To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:

This petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws to the attention of the house the ambulance crisis currently gripping Victoria.

DOCUMENTS

Tuesday, 3 September 2013 ASSEMBLY 2805

DOCUMENTS Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 — SR 109 Subordinate Legislation Act 1994: Tabled by Clerk: Documents under s 15 in relation to Statutory Rules 91, Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 — 92, 93, 94, 110 Report 2012 on the operation of the Act — Ordered to be printed Documents under s 16B in relation to the State Concessions Act 2004: Coronial Council of Victoria — Report 2012–13 Concession (Electricity Retailers) Order 2013 Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978: Concession (Gas Retailers) Order 2013 Order under s 17B granting a licence over Civic Place, Warragul Concession (Local Government) Order 2013

Order under s 17D granting a lease over Point Leo Concession (Water Corporations) Order 2013 Foreshore Reserve Surveillance Devices Act 1999 — Report 2012–13 under Planning and Environment Act 1987 — Notices of approval s 30L of amendments to the following Planning Schemes: Young Farmers’ Finance Council — Report 2012–13. Bass Coast — C137 The following proclamation fixing an operative date Boroondara — C162 was tabled by the Clerk in accordance with an order of Brimbank — C64 the house dated 8 February 2011:

Casey — C183 Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2013 — Part 2 — 26 October 2013 (Gazette S292, 20 August 2013). Darebin — C139

Glen Eira — C109, C110 ROYAL ASSENT

Greater Dandenong — C176 Message read advising royal assent on 27 August to:

Knox — C125 Bail Amendment Bill 2013 Maribyrnong — C126 National Parks Amendment (Leasing Powers and Melbourne — C217 Other Matters) Bill 2013.

Melton — C113 APPROPRIATION MESSAGES Mitchell — C93 Messages read recommending appropriations for: Moonee Valley — C133 Courts Legislation Amendment (Judicial Victoria Planning Provisions — VC104 Officers) Bill 2013 Wellington — C79 Radiation Amendment Bill 2013 Whittlesea — C165 Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill 2013. Yarra Ranges — C132

Public Interest Monitor — Report 10 February 2013 to ACTING SPEAKERS 30 June 2013 The SPEAKER tabled warrant nominating Lucinda Rural Finance Corporation — Report 2012–13 McLeish and Dee Ryall to act as Acting Speakers whenever requested to do so by the Speaker or Statutory Rules under the following Acts: Deputy Speaker. County Court Act 1958 — SR 110

Criminal Procedure Act 2009 — SR 110

Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 — SRs 107, 108

Legal Profession Act 2004 — SR 106

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LAW REFORM, DRUGS AND CRIME Open Courts Bill 2013 PREVENTION COMMITTEE Plant Biosecurity Amendment Bill 2013 Reference Succession to the Crown (Request) Bill 2013

Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and University of Ballarat Amendment (Federation University Australia) Bill 2013. Small Business) — By leave, I move: Whilst this program consists of one bill more than I That, under section 33 of the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003, an inquiry into the supply and use of typically put to the house, I think it is an utterly methamphetamines, particularly ice, in Victoria be referred to manageable program in the time available, given that the Law Reform, Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee for the entire government business program will be taken consideration and report no later than 31 August 2014, and, in up with government business — including particular, the committee is required to: second-reading speeches, in case the member for 1. examine the channels of supply of methamphetamine, Bendigo East wants to ask me about that. including direct importation and local manufacture of final product and raw constituent chemical precursors There will be ample opportunity for members of and ingredients; Parliament to make their contributions on whichever bills they feel strongly about. I wish to thank the 2. examine the supply and distribution of methamphetamine and links to organised crime opposition for allowing the government to read the organisations, including outlaw motorcycle gangs; University of Ballarat Amendment (Federation University Australia) Bill 2013 second-reading speech 3. examine the nature, prevalence and culture of forthwith on Thursday of the last sitting week. It was methamphetamine use in Victoria, particularly amongst young people, Indigenous people and those who live in very important. I asked the manager of opposition rural areas; business whether it was possible to help the university with its name-change bill. I place on record my thanks 4. examine the links between methamphetamine use and to the opposition for allowing that to occur. It was of crime, in particular crimes against the person; enormous help to the University of Ballarat. 5. examine the short and long-term consequences of methamphetamine use; I also indicate to the house that it is my understanding that members of the university want to be present for 6. examine the relationship of methamphetamine use to the debate on that bill. The bill will not be available other forms of illicit and licit substances; until Thursday, but I indicate that, barring unforeseen 7. review the adequacy of past and existing state and circumstances, which can always occur in this place, it federal strategies for dealing with methamphetamine is my intention to place that bill relatively early on use; Thursday morning’s program for debate. I hope there is sufficient level of certainty in our programing to allow 8. consider best practice strategies to address methamphetamine use and associated crime, including that to occur. regulatory, law enforcement, education and treatment responses, particularly for groups outlined above. In conclusion, I think this is a reasonable program, and I ask for the house’s endorsement of the government Motion agreed to. business program.

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East) — Following the comments of the Leader of the House on the Program government business program, I wish to make a few comments in regard to the program. I start by thanking Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and the Leader of the House for her comments. I hope they Small Business) — I move: show her colleagues that we in opposition are reasonable people when we are approached in a That, under standing order 94(2), the orders of the day, government business, relating to the following bills be reasonable way and that we are always happy to considered and completed by 4.00 p.m. on Thursday, cooperate with the smooth operation of the house when 5 September 2013: we are given the opportunity to do so. I must say it is a bit of a contrast to some of the previous methods that Catchment and Land Protection Amendment Bill 2013 have been adopted, including the ‘crash through or Children, Youth and Families Amendment Bill 2013 crash’ approach. Perhaps if more of the minister’s colleagues followed her leadership and presented their

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requests in a reasonable way, they might get a horticultural industry. If members of the government reasonable hearing in response. want to know whose fault it is this week that the opposition is not supporting the government business This brings me to some of the concerns the opposition program, they can thank the Minister for Agriculture has with the business program for this week. There are and Food Security, the member for Swan Hill, for six bills proposed for debate, as the Leader of the showing such arrogant disregard for a very reasonable House has indicated. Once again we are entering a request from the opposition to be able to receive sitting week with the opposition not yet having had an departmental briefings in a timely way. opportunity to take any bills into committee as requested. When members consider that a number of Another concern the opposition has is that once again bills before us in recent times have addressed we have another sitting week where second-reading significant issues in the broader community, they will speeches are going to take up the time that is made see that once again the government appears to want to available for debate on the government business shield itself from scrutiny, slap the house with a big gag program. Not only have our requests for bills to be and not address issues in a more detailed way in the taken into committee been ignored by the government, Parliament. but so too has this request repeatedly been ignored. I can understand that this week of all weeks members of But in addition to Labor members being reasonable The Nationals are keen to get out of here at 4 o’clock people, we in opposition are optimistic people. That is on Thursday. They want to go to protect their patch why we live in hope that one day one minister will have from members of the Liberal Party who are rampaging the courage to stand up for what they believe in and not across country Victoria, wanting to snatch The scuttle away to their hidey holes in the ministerial Nationals real estate at every twist and turn. Whether it corridor downstairs. We hope that one day one minister is in the Mallee, Mildura or Horsham, or whether it is in will have the courage to say, ‘Yes, we will take this bill the north-east of the state, we know that members of into committee at your request. We are prepared to The Nationals are very nervous about what is going on. stand up to scrutiny’. As I said, we are optimistic people. Perhaps we are not always realistic, but we are The SPEAKER — Order! Is the member sure this optimistic. is on the motion before the house?

I regret to inform the Leader of the House that we are Ms ALLAN — Absolutely. Speaker, I think we unable at this stage to support the government business might for once be in agreement on this issue. We know program. If those opposite want to look for a reason or The Nationals want to get out of here at 4 o’clock of a someone to blame, the minister has to look no further Thursday, which is why this sensible reform has not than her colleague the Minister for Agriculture and been adopted. In conclusion, I have outlined the reasons Food Security. The Plant Biosecurity Amendment Bill opposition members are disappointed in and will not be 2013 is listed for debate tomorrow. It was introduced able to support the government business program. We into this Parliament two weeks ago. The shadow hope for improved reform in future weeks. Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Lenders, a member for Southern Metropolitan Mr TILLEY (Benambra) — I rise to speak on the Region in the Council, repeatedly asked for a motion moved by the Leader of the House on the departmental briefing on this bill. He provided the government business program, which I strongly minister’s office with four days during the last week support. Once again the coalition government is when Parliament was not sitting, and told the office he providing the house with a very manageable program. was available at any time on those four days. The We heard the last speaker’s ramblings and litany of earliest the minister or his department could deign to complaints, but I am never surprised by human nature hold a briefing was yesterday at 11.00 a.m., which not inasmuch as a leopard never changes its spots. When only shows disrespect to the shadow Minister for opposition members were in government they seldom Agriculture and Food Security, but also disrespect for had a genuine need to consider bills in detail. As the the proper processes and forms of this house. next three days unfold it will be interesting to see how robust contributions to the debate be from members on It gives the opposition scant opportunity to look in both sides of the house will be. We will listen to strong detail at this bill. This is a significant bill. You would contributions from members of the coalition and think at least someone from The Nationals would be whatever contributions may be made by opposition prepared to have this bill open for scrutiny, given it members. This government business program is very addresses important matters that are faced particularly manageable, and I commend the Leader of the House in the Goulburn Valley around issues with the

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for making it very simple and easy for those on the the House has acknowledged the cooperative spirit of other side. opposition members under her stewardship of the house — we have worked in a very cooperative Mr WYNNE (Richmond) — I rise to make a manner — but in this particular circumstance the contribution to the debate on the government business capacity of opposition members to be fully briefed on program and to support the what was said by the what is a crucial bill, particularly for the Shepparton member for Bendigo East. Opposition members do not region, was not afforded to either the shadow minister support the government business program, as it has or to me as the lead speaker for the government in this been outlined, for a couple of reasons. Six bills are house. available for debate this week, which is a reasonable business program, but I want to comment in particular This is in contrast to the approach taken on many other on the Plant Biosecurity Amendment Bill 2013, on bills on which I have spoken. Whether they have been which members may be surprised to hear I will be planning bills or local government bills, I have always leading the debate. My contribution on this legislation been provided with the opportunity to get across the comes off the back of very interesting conversations legislation in a timely manner and, where necessary, to and meetings opposition members have had with have further clarification provided by departmental representatives of SPC Ardmona, the Greater officers or ministerial staff as required. This did not Shepparton City Council and fruit growers themselves. happen in this circumstance, and I think it is on that basis that the manager of opposition business quite I accompanied my colleagues the member for Bendigo reasonably opposes the government business program. I East and the Leader of the Opposition to talk with simply put it to the Leader of the House that in people in those communities about concerns they have future — and she may wish to raise this matter in not only in relation to their contractual arrangements cabinet deliberations — timely briefing of the with SPC, which for many have been rescinded, but opposition is not an unreasonable request. Opposition also about the logical outcome of that in terms of their members oppose the government business program on fruit trees, crops and so forth. Opposition members that basis. understand the critical importance of this bill and the importance of ensuring the integrity of agriculture in Mr CRISP (Mildura) — On behalf of The Nationals that region. In that context we would have thought that in coalition I rise to support the government business it would not be unreasonable for opposition members to program. I note that the program contains a number of be provided with some time to be briefed on this bill. interesting bills. Firstly I declare an interest in the University of Ballarat Amendment (Federation I will refer to the general rhythm of how these matters University Australia) Bill 2013, because I studied at are usually dealt with. As we know, this bill was that institution many years ago when it had a different introduced and the debate was laid over, so there was name. The Catchment and Land Protection Amendment ample time for the government to provide opposition Bill 2013 is about roadside weed issues, which are of members with a detailed briefing not only to the great importance in the Mallee region, and members of shadow minister, who is in the other house, but the coalition government look forward to that debate. obviously to members in this house who need to The Plant and Biosecurity Amendment Bill is of much contribute to the debate on behalf of the opposition. It is interest to the member for Richmond. I note the bill will a basic tenet of a strong and robust democracy that we probably not be debated until close to lunch on ensure that an opportunity be provided to members of Thursday, which should give the member plenty of opposition parties so that they have time, firstly, to be time to do his study. briefed on the bill, and secondly, to absorb that information and prepare themselves for a debate — and The Children, Youth and Families Amendment Bill have further tick-tack between the minister’s office and 2013 — — relevant advisers if further matters need to be clarified as members prepare themselves for the debate. Honourable members interjecting.

On this occasion, for reasons that are unclear, my The SPEAKER — Order! The member for colleague the shadow Minister for Agriculture and Bendigo East and the member for Richmond, enough! Food Security was not afforded that opportunity until yesterday, despite having provided a list of days on Mr CRISP — This is a more serious matter, but it is mostly to do with requirements for children at hearings which he was free to be briefed on the bill. As I will be the lead speaker for the opposition on the debate in this and also some terminology changes. There is also the house, I think that is quite disappointing. The Leader of Open Courts Bill 2013, which reforms suppression

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orders, something this house will have an interesting House divided on motion: debate on. With those words The Nationals are pleased to support the business program. Ayes, 43 Angus, Mr Napthine, Dr Ms KAIROUZ (Kororoit) — I rise to speak on the Asher, Ms Newton-Brown, Mr government business program and to support the Baillieu, Mr Northe, Mr Battin, Mr O’Brien, Mr manager of opposition business and the member for Bauer, Mrs Powell, Mrs Richmond in opposing it for the reasons they Bull, Mr Ryall, Ms eloquently articulated. Yet another sitting week goes by Burgess, Mr Ryan, Mr where we are presented with a lazy government Clark, Mr Shaw, Mr business program. As the Leader of the House said, it is Crisp, Mr Smith, Mr R. Delahunty, Mr Southwick, Mr quite manageable. There is basically not much on it. Dixon, Mr Sykes, Dr There are six bills, and they are quite innocuous. Some Fyffe, Mrs Thompson, Mr are important to some members, and others are more Gidley, Mr Tilley, Mr important to others. Hodgett, Mr Victoria, Ms Katos, Mr Wakeling, Mr Kotsiras, Mr Walsh, Mr If you will indulge me just for a second, Speaker, what McCurdy, Mr Watt, Mr we see week in, week out is the interruption of the McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr government business program for the second reading of McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr bills. We all know why that happens — that is, because Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms the government succumbs to pressure from The Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms Mulder, Mr Nationals. At 4 o’clock every sitting Thursday they want to pack their bags and sit in their cars, ready to go Noes, 42 home. I do not mind if they do that this week if they are Allan, Ms Howard, Mr going out to Indi to campaign for the Independent Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms candidate — — Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms The SPEAKER — Order! The member has strayed Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr from the motion. If she wants to debate the motion Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr before the house, she can continue, but if she wants to Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr go on the same way, she might as well stay sitting D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr down. Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Ms KAIROUZ — If you will indulge me, Speaker, Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr I say: bring back Ken Jasper. He — — Foley, Mr Pakula, Mr Garrett, Ms Pallas, Mr Dr Sykes — On a point of order, Speaker, the Graley, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr member for Kororoit is misleading the house. The Green, Ms Perera, Mr Nationals do not leave this Parliament at 4 o’clock; we Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms watch Labor members leave — — Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Benalla should sit down. I do not uphold the point of order. I Motion agreed to. ask the member for Kororoit to stick to the motion before the house. MEMBERS STATEMENTS

Ms KAIROUZ — Point taken: they leave at 4.05. I Koonj — The Flock want to say one thing before you sit me down, Speaker, because I know you will — bring back Ken Jasper. At Ms BEATTIE (Yuroke) — It was with great least he stands for — — pleasure that I attended on Sunday the official launch of Koonj — The Flock in Campbellfield. The group is The SPEAKER — Order! The member for newly established in my local area and aims to provide Kororoit will sit down. She is right. a forum for migrants and residents who feel culturally isolated or disconnected to come together and celebrate through dance, theatre and other skill-based activities. A performance of Teeyan — Daughters of Punjab marked the official launch of the group. It was fantastic

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entertainment, but it also provided a great insight into attendance as well. The purpose of Victoria Tourism Punjabi culture. Teeyan is commonly known as the Week is to celebrate the employment potential of this festival for daughters, and it is a long-held tradition for very important industry to Victoria. newly married and young unmarried Indian women to join together and celebrate the onset of the monsoon City of Port Phillip smoke-free zones season. Mr FOLEY (Albert Park) — I was disappointed to A lack of understanding of different cultures is often learn from Quit Victoria that the City of Port Phillip has cited as one of the barriers to engagement and inadvertently set back the cause of safe, smoke-free, interaction with multicultural Australia. The outdoor dining by passing new local laws that prohibit performance itself was wonderful and was delivered by council from designating smoke-free footpath trading 28 women from Craigieburn, all under the age of 35 areas without an express request from a trader. Whilst I and all with young children. Each of the performers had accept that the council’s intentions were positive in dedicated time to rehearse over the past few months seeking to restrict the areas of smoking and promote amidst the busyness of their daily lives, and they spoke street dining and trading areas, after receiving advice highly of the happiness and camaraderie they felt in from Quit I was persuaded that by adopting the being part of the group. This is yet another example of measures it has the council has essentially arrived at a the beauty that can evolve in the midst of multicultural perverse outcome, which is contrary to the council’s communities when people come together to celebrate stated intentions for public health outcomes. their own culture and share it with the wider community. I encourage the group to keep up its good Quit advised that the changes to the local law now in work and look forward to attending a performance next place prevent the council from even considering the year. designation of a smoke-free area in footpath trading zones without a specific request from a trader permitted Bendigo Art Gallery to use that zone. This restricts the council’s capacity to lead an important public health initiative being pursued Ms ASHER (Minister for Tourism and Major by Quit to create safe outdoor dining areas across Events) — I was pleased to announce on Monday, Victoria. I call upon the City of Port Phillip to urgently 26 August, that in 2014 the Bendigo Art Gallery will review its new law, seek wider community advice and host another major international exhibition, The Body return to its championing of public health outcomes Beautiful in Ancient Greece. This exhibition is from the rather than setting the scene for a scenario where the prestigious British Museum, and it will bring thousands council is unable to act on health risks caused by of visitors to Bendigo and enhance the Bendigo Art second-hand smoke because a trader has not requested Gallery’s reputation as a venue for major exhibitions. that they consider the designation of a smoke-free area. Bendigo has hosted previous major exhibitions, including in 2011 The White Wedding Dress — Two Gary Townsend Hundred Years of Wedding Fashion. In 2012 it hosted Grace Kelly — Style Icon, which attracted Mr FOLEY (Albert Park) — I note also with great 228 000 attendees and generated millions of dollars for sadness the passing of long-time stalwart of the the local economy. Obviously it is the government’s St Kilda RSL community and Vietnam veteran hope that a similarly significant economic benefit will Mr Gary Townsend. Until very recently Gary was also flow to the city of Greater Bendigo as a consequence of the president of the St Kilda Army and Navy Club and holding this event. the St Kilda RSL Sub-Branch. Gary served his nation and his community with distinction and honour. He Victoria Tourism Week achieved much in securing the position of the St Kilda RSL, whilst also delivering benefits in housing, welfare Ms ASHER — Victoria Tourism Week is being and financial support. held this week, from 2 September to 7 September. In its fourth year, this is an initiative of the Victorian Tourism The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The Industry Council and Destination Melbourne. Tourism member’s time has expired. contributes directly and indirectly $19.1 billion to our economy, or 5.8 per cent of Victoria’s gross state Police resources product. The industry is important and employs over Mr WELLS (Minister for Police and Emergency 200 000 people. Yesterday I launched Victoria’s Services) — This statement informs the house of the Cultural Guide 2013–2014 about our cultural tourism government’s record investment in front-line policing attractions, and the member for Dandenong was in

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of $602 million to deliver 1700 extra front-line police referring to statements across various media that this is members by November 2014. The investment is a fairer levy. My constituent disputes this, as he is now supported by an additional $56 million for police paying double. station infrastructure to accommodate this increase in front-line services. Put simply, the allocation of Another local resident has raised concerns about a additional police to police stations will require determination by Wyndham City Council that his infrastructure expenditure to accommodate those investment property was to be assessed as commercial additional police officers. Victoria Police is well on for the purposes of the levy. When property owners track to deliver the government’s target of receive their rates notices, they will see their investment 13 120 police officers by November 2014, and there are properties listed as ‘residential’ for the purposes of currently more than 1200 additional police protecting council rates and ‘commercial’ for the purposes of the the community than there were when the government fire services property levy. This has a dramatic overall took office in November 2010. impact on the assessment and ought to be reviewed — — The deployment of police officers across the state is the responsibility of the Chief Commissioner of Police, The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The who is best placed to determine state wide policing member’s time has expired. needs. Police command regularly reviews resource allocation across Victoria to ensure that the changing Gippsland Secured Investments needs of the community are met. The 350 police being Mr BULL (Gippsland East) — It is with great allocated this financial year are going to all four regions disappointment that I make known to the house a and to all divisions within each of those regions. This federal court decision yesterday to allow arrangement, whereby officers are allocated to a Gippsland-based company Gippsland Secured division rather than to a police service area, provides Investments to be placed in the hands of receivers. This flexibility to divisional superintendents by enabling organisation has been an institution in the region for them to place officers where they are most needed. many decades and has been a key player in much of the The Victorian government has also committed to development that has occurred right across Gippsland. I capital works right across the state. I look forward to wish to extend my thanks to those members of the opening the Ballarat North, Daylesford and Mooroopna rescue group, who included a number of successful and police stations later this month. respected local businesspeople who went to extraordinary lengths over the past six weeks to save The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The the company. It is now a case of ensuring that the best minister’s time has expired. possible outcome is achieved for those with a financial investment. Fire services property levy Gippsland East electorate football and netball Ms HENNESSY (Altona) — I rise to speak about finals the fire services property levy, which was introduced by the Victorian coalition government in October 2012, Mr BULL — It is fantastic to see football and and the effect that this levy is having on the netball finals action starting up again, with the Omeo hardworking residents in my electorate. Many families and District Football League grand final being played at have contacted me in relation to these charges, with the Ensay on Saturday. Lindenow South Football Club bulk of complaints citing a substantial increase in the went back to back against Swifts Creek Football Club charge. Many of these residents are people whose to win the senior flag. In the juniors Buchan Football properties were insured prior to the changes. Club defeated Swan Reach Football Club. In the Omeo Tambo Valley Netball Association grand final last Mr Siegfried Freund from Point Cook is one of those week Omeo-Benambra won the seniors and Buchan the who have expressed their deep concerns. Mr Freund junior and midget sections. cites his previous insurance charges for this levy as being in the range of $80. These charges have now Gippsland East electorate roads gone up to $155, which is collected by the Wyndham City Council. We are all aware that cost of living Mr BULL — I would like to note the major expenses are increasing, so this is another unwelcome investment in road funding in East Gippsland that has burden on families right across the Altona district. My seen major improvements to the Great Alpine Road constituent believes that there is also false advertising, around Bruthen, Omeo, Swifts Creek and Ensay and to

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the Princes Highway between Stratford and Bairnsdale Baanip Boulevard, Grovedale and between Orbost and Cann River. Last week we also announced a new intersection for the troublesome Mr KATOS (South Barwon) — The Victorian Paynesville–Forge Creek road and three new Labor Party has made its position on Baanip Boulevard overtaking lanes on the Princes Highway between clear. Labor wants to see this road built as a freeway. Nowa Nowa and Orbost. In the far east, the Bonang As the local member I have made the government’s Highway has had funding for improvements, including position crystal clear: Baanip Boulevard will be an improved motorcycle safety. These improvements are arterial road. It will connect Geelong’s southern paying off, with a reduction in road fatalities in the suburbs with its eastern suburbs. The member for region. For the year ending 1 September there was a Bellarine has put on the record in this house that Labor halving of fatalities from the previous year. wants to see this arterial road become a freeway, yet when the review of the road took place neither she nor National broadband network the Labor Party even bothered to make a submission to the advisory panel. The member for Bellarine is so out Mr HERBERT (Eltham) — I rise to inform the of touch with the Grovedale community that she house of an informative forum held in my local area continues to call Baanip Boulevard section 4C of the last week on the benefits of a fibre-to-the-home national Geelong Ring Road, despite its name having been broadband network (NBN). The forum was organised changed four months ago. by Jenny Macklin, MP, the federal member for Jaga Jaga — a great local member and a good friend. A I can assure the residents of Grovedale that under the packed room listened to the benefits of the NBN from Napthine government Baanip Boulevard will be an Professor Rod Tucker, director of the Institute for a arterial road. It will have intersections feeding into Broadband-Enabled Society and director of the Centre Armstrong Creek, which will take the pressure off local for Energy-Efficient Telecommunications, which are roads. It will have appropriate noise attenuation, part of the department of electrical and electronic suitable landscaping and shared paths. The Napthine engineering at the University of Melbourne. His government has worked hard to ensure a fair and knowledge was surely as impressive as his title. reasonable outcome for residents of Grovedale with regard to Baanip Boulevard. The local community has Often talk of telecommunications can be quite complex accepted that Baanip Boulevard will be a two-lane and demanding. The locals from my electorate who arterial road. The Labor Party is now seeking to undo were in attendance were in awe of the straightforward that work. It wants to build a freeway along Grovedale and factual presentation on how a fibre-to-the-home residents’ back fences. Nothing is new about this, as broadband network will provide super-fast internet and Labor has ignored Grovedale for a long time. limitless potential for local services and businesses. This issue provides a stark contrast between the federal Since the coalition government was elected in 2010 we Labor government and its Liberal opponents, who want have widened Pioneer Road, and we are building a new to build the equivalent of a highway with dirt Grovedale railway station, a new Waurn Ponds police off-ramps. station, a new Waurn Ponds community hospital and the Grovedale early learning centre — — Businesses are increasingly global and will need to upload much more data for online conferencing than The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The they currently do. Students in our schools, universities member’s time has expired. and TAFEs are increasingly downloading textbooks both at school and at home. As Professor Tucker City of Hobsons Bay crime rates pointed out, these needs will explode in the near future and will simply not be met by federal opposition leader Mr NOONAN (Williamstown) — Before the last Tony Abbott’s already outdated scheme. It is a disgrace state election the coalition stated that Victorian families that despite the clear need for this service both the state have a right to feel safe and secure in their community. Liberal government and the federal opposition support The coalition also said it is a basic responsibility of an outmoded system — — government to protect its citizens. Clearly these statements were not intended to include the citizens of The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The the city of Hobsons Bay. Since 2010 crime rates have member’s time has expired. soared in my community. Crimes against the person are up 11 per cent, property damage is up 18 per cent, theft from motor vehicles is up 23 per cent, assaults are up 22 per cent, crimes against property are up 24 per cent,

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residential burglary is up 25 per cent and drug offences Australia. Remember myki and the botched business are up a staggering 28 per cent. Unfortunately we are case that claimed the project would be completed in now seeing a reversal of 10 consecutive years of two years? Three hundred and fifty specification reduced crime under Labor, with crime rates just going changes later, it still was not done. Then there was the up and up. desal plant business case, which was developed after the go decision was made; the Melbourne Markets, Our sworn police do an outstanding job, but they need with a fundamentally flawed business case; and to be supported by government policies that tackle the HealthSMART, with no business case at all. Labor root causes of crime. Sadly the Napthine government certainly has a track record on infrastructure, and it is has cut funding for some of the best and most proven all bad. crime prevention programs in the country, including the YMCA’s award-winning Bridge Project. The previous Northern School for Autism site Minister for Corrections, the member for Kew, and the previous Minister for Employment and Industrial Mr SCOTT (Preston) — I rise to draw the attention Relations, Mr Dalla-Riva, a member for Eastern of the house to the sale of the former Northern School Metropolitan Region in the other place, lauded the work for Autism site which is located in Reservoir in my of the Bridge Project in a media release and proclaimed electorate. The school moved to purpose-built buildings that their government was pleased to continue funding on a new site, and the former site was cleared and is its outstanding work. now to be sold. Preston North East Primary School is located immediately opposite the former Northern Two years on, times have changed. Those ministers are School for Autism site. The Preston North East Primary sadly gone, as too is the credibility of this government School would very much like to extend onto the former to sell a law and order policy based on soaring crime autism school site and has expressed its interest to the rates. With our judicial system now in crisis, perhaps it department. Despite this, the former autism school site is time for this government to reflect on its pre-election has been advertised to be sold for residential statements. redevelopment ‘with no reservations’. Two large hoardings on the site — still there this afternoon — Australian Labor Party infrastructure state that the sale is to be by tender, closing performance 11 September.

Mr MORRIS (Mornington) — I rise to condemn The government should intervene and halt the sale until the hypocrisy of the Australian Labor Party when it it has had meaningful discussions with the Preston comes to infrastructure in this state. Its first false claim North East Primary School community on the possible is that this state can build only one project at a time. use of the site by the school. The Preston North East That is clearly wrong. Unlike Labor, the coalition can Primary School community has informed me that manage more than one project at a time. It is not either enrolments at the school are predicted to double from the east–west link or Melbourne Metro; it is the 280 students in 2007 to 550 students in 2016. The east–west link plus Melbourne Metro, plus the regional development of vacant land belonging to the rail link, plus the port of Hastings. Let us also not forget Department of Human Services and this site will add the Dingley bypass, the Koo Wee Rup bypass, the further to the local population, increasing the demand Ravenswood interchange, the Great Ocean Road, plus a for enrolments beyond this projection. Three local host of grade separations and other major projects right schools have been closed, leaving Preston North East across this state. Primary School with a larger population to support. It is important that the sale of this school be halted and The second false claim is that a re-elected Rudd negotiations entered into forthwith. government would fund Melbourne Metro. Again, that is completely wrong. Commonwealth budget paper Roy Burr and Ken Wright no. 3 makes it clear that not a red cent has been allocated in the forward estimates — not in this Mr CRISP (Mildura) — It was my pleasure to financial year, not in next financial year, not 2015–16, officiate at a ceremony celebrating 50 years of Justice not 2016–17. This is effectively nothing more than a of the Peace (JP) service to the Mildura community by vague promise of what might be delivered, possibly Mr Roy Burr and the Honourable Ken Wright, AM. five years from now. Both these gentlemen have made significant contributions to the Mildura community over a long Finally, we have our own Victorian opposition period of time. Mr Wright, as a JP, was one of the criticising the business case lodged with Infrastructure driving forces in establishing the JP witnessing centre at

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the Mildura police station. Mr Burr, a former mayor of some time in activity-based learning with the prep the city, is best remembered for reading the riot act in classes. We were also able to get involved in National Mildura in 1981 after the streets had become disorderly Science Week activities for years 3 and 4 students that due to illegal drag racing. On behalf of the people of were run by Jacqui Abrahams, one of the teachers at the Mildura, I say thank you to both these men for their school who is committed to running the project during long and distinguished community service careers. the lunch break.

Northern Mallee Leaders It is almost two years to the day since I raised in the Parliament with the Minister for Education a desire to Mr CRISP — The coalition’s commitment to future have him visit Rosanna Golf Links Primary School to leadership, particularly in rural and regional areas, has meet with members of the school community about its seen the re-establishment of the Northern Mallee master plan, which was completed some time ago. Two Leaders program. This program, capably coordinated years on, despite the minister making a commitment on by Mrs Cheryl Rix, has a large number of participants that day, 18 August, to attend the school in 2011, he has from all walks of life. As part of the program they spent failed to do so. I renew my call for the minister to visit an afternoon here at Parliament House meeting and meet with representatives of Rosanna Golf Links ministers, parliamentary secretaries and ministerial Primary School about its master plan. staff. As future leaders they will need to understand the processes of state government, and it was my pleasure Grimwade House parliamentary visit to host them for an informative afternoon. I would like to take this opportunity to also thank our wonderful Mr NEWTON-BROWN (Prahran) — Last month parliamentary staff for their assistance in hosting this the member for Caulfield and I took year 6 students group. from Melbourne Grammar School, Grimwade House, on a tour of Parliament House. As well as learning how Monash University rural health forum laws are made they had a good look around all the secret rooms and passages throughout Parliament. Mr CRISP — On Friday, 23 August, I was invited to a forum at Monash University to address rural health Bullying, Young People and the Law issues with first-year and second-year medical students. symposium I would like to thank the medical school for the opportunity to bring my perspectives on attracting and Mr NEWTON-BROWN — I was recently a retaining medical professionals in country areas. I was speaker on the panel of the first national Bullying, also grateful for the feedback and knowledge I gained Young People and the Law symposium held in July. from the other speakers and from student questions. I Organised by the National Centre Against Bullying, an am much wiser for the experience. initiative of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, this symposium addressed the very real and current legal Rosanna Golf Links Primary School issues relating to cyberbullying. I was pleased that the symposium moved that all states take up the Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — I was pleased a recommendations made by the Law Reform Committee couple of weeks ago to participate in the principal for a in relation to sexting. day program at Rosanna Golf Links Primary School and local schools in my electorate. It is a valuable Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, program run by the Australian Council for Educational Prahran Research, and I was pleased to spend the day with the principal, Janice Fisher, and her team of dedicated Mr NEWTON-BROWN — I recently had the teachers and support staff and some very impressive pleasure of presenting an award of three bike parking students at Rosanna Golf Links Primary School, which rails to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School is also the regional deaf facility that provides support in Prahran. Ride2School, which is an initiative of and education for students and families across the north Bicycle Network Victoria, is a program designed to and north-east. make riding, walking, skating and scooting the normal mode of transport for students across Australia. Since We did a range of activities including meeting with the taking action to encourage these modes of transport, years 5 and 6 teachers during their planning time to talk 30 per cent of students at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary about cyber safety, something I have done some work School now walk, ride, skate or scoot to school. on with the Law Reform Committee in this Parliament. We also trialled the Lexia reading program and spent

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Swinburne Prahran Community Children’s available to be out in the community. Clearly the police Centre Co-operative would benefit if their administrative support staff were to be re-employed. Mr NEWTON-BROWN — Swinburne Prahran Community Children’s Centre Co-operative provides Actions by this government to take away positive care and education for children aged between six pathways to a future for all young people, including months and six years. The centre is a community-based, savage cuts to TAFE and other training and education not-for-profit cooperative run by a board made up of support, do not help to keep young people actively parents and educators, and I was delighted recently to engaged in our community. Clearly more active drug spend some time reading stories with the four to and alcohol programs also need to be — — six-year-olds as a part of National Literacy and Numeracy Week. I commend its director, Ramila The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The Sadikeen, on running such a stimulating learning member’s time has expired. environment for our young kids and look forward to Kim Crow visiting again soon. Mr BAILLIEU (Hawthorn) — Victoria has a new Punt Road–Pasley Street North, South Yarra world champion. On Sunday at the world Mr NEWTON-BROWN — I was pleased to championships in South Korea, Kim Crow won the recently announce the completion of another election single sculls, one of the toughest events in rowing. It commitment in Prahran, with new traffic signals at the was an Australian first. As a former champion track intersection of Punt Road and Pasley Street North in athlete, Kim amazed all Australians and world rowing South Yarra being officially switched on. I congratulate when at the Olympics last year she won silver and then the principal of South Yarra Primary School, Peter bronze in two separate events — the double sculls and Clifton, who has lobbied for many years to achieve this the single sculls — which was another Australian first. result for his school. This $600 000 project is the Kim is not only a great world champion but is also fulfilment of an election commitment to enhance safety bright, positive, intelligent and strong. She has an and access around South Yarra Primary School. engaging personality and is a great ambassador for all that is good in sport. She is also an accomplished writer Crime rates and commentator, and she serves as chair of the Mr HOWARD (Ballarat East) — A significant part Australian Olympic Committee’s Athletes of the campaign run by the Baillieu-Napthine coalition Commission. We congratulate Kim and thank her for ahead of the last election — now nearly three years the inspiration. We wish her well in the lead-up to the ago — was the commitment that a Liberal-Nationals next Olympics. coalition government would reduce crime across the state by being tough on crime. Success must be Nikki van Dijk measured by outcomes, and it is therefore a matter of Mr BAILLIEU — Victoria has a new rising star in great concern to find that the latest crime figures 18-year-old Nikki van Dijk, who has won the Pantin released by Victoria Police show that crimes against the Classic Pro women’s surfing title. In doing so, Nikki person in Ballarat have increased over the past year by has qualified for the elite Association of Surfing more than 6 per cent. This compounds to an increase of Professionals top 17 and the world championship tour. 38 per cent in crimes against the person since 2009–10, Nikki is a Phillip Island girl. She learnt to surf at Smiths when this government came to office. Sadly drug Beach and Woolamai. She is a ball of energy, a petite offences are up by a horrendous 76 per cent since power pack, an extraordinary competitor and a great 2009–10. This clearly demonstrates that the Napthine new face for surfing and Victoria. After winning the government’s tough-on-crime policy is a complete world junior title last year and enjoying early success as failure. a wild card competitor at Bells Beach, Nikki will now The government said it was all about police numbers, join the greatest on the world stage of surfing. Well and it said it had increased police numbers. However, done, Nikki; Victorians are with you all the wave! many of my constituents ask me, ‘Where are these Edgars Creek, Thomastown additional police?’. I have to tell them that because this government has cut the number of so-called Ms HALFPENNY (Thomastown) — I rise to ‘unimportant’ backroom administrative staff, more congratulate all those who participated in the first stage police are caught behind their desks and are not of what I hope will be an ongoing project to beautify

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the Thomastown section of Edgars Creek. I was very academic studies while honing their skiing and pleased to be part of this project, working alongside snowboarding skills. It is worth noting that past Thomastown Secondary College students, teachers and Mansfield Secondary College students include world staff in planting almost 1000 shrubs, trees and grasses. champion and Olympian snowboarder Chumpy Pullin, Thanks to Merri Creek Management Committee current world cup and Olympic qualifier Anton Grimus members Angela Foley and others for their support and and several other international-standard winter sport for the supply of plants and equipment, as well as to athletes. It is very important that the Mount Buller Justine Sless from Thomastown Neighbourhood House. annexe continue to be supported and grow as part of Victoria’s commitment to growing our fantastic alpine For too long Edgars Creek in Thomastown has been resorts. neglected and an eyesore, with its poor water quality being of concern to locals who either live next to it or Benalla Rovers Soccer Club want to use the bike and walking track alongside it for exercise, dog walking, cycling or a general stroll to Dr SYKES — On Friday night I attended the relax and unwind. Having been left unchecked, this Benalla soccer club’s presentation night for its under-12 section of the creek has been subject to high levels of and under-14 teams. It was an absolute pleasure to join pollution, regular rubbish dumping, industrial waste proud parents and family members in recognising the run-off and, if this were not bad enough, not that long achievements of the players. For their part, all the ago asbestos was discovered dumped along its banks. players had sparkles in their eyes and smiles on their What a despicable act. dials, and they were clearly enjoying being part of the Benalla soccer club. Interestingly the team included one The lack of action at Edgars Creek in Thomastown has player from Iran, two from Cambodia and one from adversely affected the creek beyond Thomastown. Full Thailand. Well done to Benalla soccer club. credit must go to the Friends of Edgars Creek around Reservoir and Pascoe Vale for the great work it has Melbourne Airport rail link done. I believe things are also changing in Thomastown, and soon we will also be proud of our Mr PANDAZOPOULOS (Dandenong) — Last section of the creek. Full credit again to members of the Monday week, along with many members of the leadership of Thomastown Secondary College, opposition, I attended the very impressive Melbourne including its principal, Leonie White, and its staff and Airport stakeholders annual event. Melbourne Airport students, who decided enough was enough. They have is one of the key strategic assets in the state, given its taken matters into their own hands in an effort to make curfew-free status, its facilities and its close proximity the creek better, because we all deserve decent parkland to Melbourne — and of course it works well with and clean recreational areas in which to enjoy the great various government agencies to maximise the tourism outdoors, not to mention the educational benefits potential for our state as well as freight opportunities students gain from — — for Victorian goods. Highlighted at the event was the massive need for an airport rail link. It was noted that The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The the east–east link of the government will not solve the member’s time has expired. problems, including the congestion at the airport and the need to cater for future growth. Today the Minister Mansfield Secondary College for Tourism and Major Events rightly welcomed Air India to Melbourne. Unless we address the issue of Dr SYKES (Benalla) — Last Thursday I visited transport to the airport, it will be a major barrier for Mansfield Secondary College. First up, I enjoyed Victorians. catching up with students over a morning tea prepared by Victorian certificate of applied learning students. Strategic planning needs to be done to secure the route The students enthusiastically highlighted the learning for a rail link proposal. As was highlighted by the CEO opportunities available to them, including the highly of the airport, any rail opportunities to the airport would successful school-based apprenticeship program. An be limited by the current city loop system, and there is inspection of the school with the principal, Tim Hall, therefore a requirement that the Metro rail link proceed. highlighted its excellent facilities such as the language It is interesting that the CEO of one of the most learning centre. However, there are some very old strategic private sector assets in the state, which is so buildings that still need to be replaced. crucial to the economy and wellbeing of Victoria, has questioned the government’s priorities on where it is The school also operates a very successful annexe at putting transport infrastructure, calling for such a — — Mount Buller. This enables students to continue their

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The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The approaches. The first area of discussion I want to focus member’s time has expired. on is some of the issues associated with the bill, and I would like to then talk a little about the history of the Healesville Sanctuary bill, with which I had some involvement in a previous life. Ms McLEISH (Seymour) — I continue to be inspired by the great works and happenings at the Turning to the bill itself, I note that proposed Healesville Sanctuary. The sanctuary is at Coranderrk, section 22A(1) says: which was an Aboriginal refuge from 1863 until its closure 1923. With this strong connection to The Minister may declare a municipal district to be a district for which a roadside weed and pest animal management plan Coranderrk, the sanctuary is now heading down the must be prepared. path of blending its Australian bushland experience with the area’s Aboriginal and cultural history. I question the word ‘may’. It is a legitimate approach; Recently this experience took on a new dimension. It you do not really need a roadside weed and pest was an honour to join the Minister for Aboriginal management plan for the city of Melbourne, for Affairs and elders Auntie Joy and Murrindindi as they example — I totally understand that — and for many unveiled a sculpture to commemorate the extraordinary metropolitan municipalities you also may not need such life of William Barak, a Wurundjeri elder at a plan. An alternative approach the government could Coranderrk. have considered would have been for plans to be able to be declared nil return plans, in effect — in other words, William Barak’s story is well documented. He was a that you put up a plan whereby you note that you have highly respected Wurundjeri elder, leader and no roadside weed and pest issues in your municipality. ambassador for his people who walked between two That would remove the ambiguity of whether or not the worlds. The Wurundjeri Walk, another feature of the minister needs to declare that a municipality is required sanctuary — with a dreaming place and a 250-year-old to prepare such a plan. It is a small issue. There are two canoe tree — was also opened, and it is integral to approaches, and I am not overly critical of the linking cultural and natural heritages. government’s approach — I think it is legitimate and fair enough — but there could have been an alternative On top of this great work the sanctuary staff are also approach. diligently beavering away on a breeding program to preserve our threatened species. On the weekend I was The plans relate to regionally prohibited weeds, able to join the Minister for Environment and Climate regionally controlled weeds and established pest Change when he announced the excellent results of the animals. Before coming into the chamber, I had a quick program, some of which were the best results achieved look at the prohibited weeds and controlled weeds in since the program began 19 years ago. In the past the north central area and found a total of 37. There are 12 months 37 orange-bellied parrots were bred and 7 regionally prohibited weeds and 30 regionally 14 helmeted honeyeaters hatched, a number of which controlled weeds. I note that just to put into context the are to be released into the wild next month. In addition complexities that may be involved in preparing such 11 mountain pygmy possums were born. There are also animal and pest plant plans on a municipal basis. 198 northern corroboree frog eggs and 93 southern corroboree frog eggs hatching into tadpoles. I note that according to proposed section 22C(2):

The leadership of Jenny Gray from Zoos Victoria and The program of measures set out in a roadside weed and pest Glen Holland at the sanctuary are to be commended, as animal management plan must — are the efforts of all the staff and volunteers. and I stress the word ‘must’ —

CATCHMENT AND LAND PROTECTION (a) support any weed and pest animal management AMENDMENT BILL 2013 programs being undertaken by land owners in the declared municipal district … Second reading Frankly I find the ambiguity of that to be quite Debate resumed from 29 May; motion of worrisome. Does that mean that if Farmer Jones has a Mr WALSH (Minister for Water). particular pest animal or pest weed management program, the municipality must take account of that Mr HELPER (Ripon) — I would like to make a individual farmer’s management efforts — or few comments about the Catchment and Land programs, to use the words of the bill — or is the Protection Amendment Bill 2013 using two section referring and restricted to landscape-wide

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programs that, let us say, a Landcare group may ambiguity about who was responsible for managing undertake? I think it is the latter that the government roadside weeds and pest animals. The approach to the intends, but the legislation appears somewhat issue that I took back in June 2010 was, ‘Let’s work out ambiguous on that. who is most efficiently placed to take care of weeds and pest animals on roadsides. Is it the landowner or is it the I draw the minister’s attention to the possibility, if the council?’. There were some, and I stress probably a proposed section does actually refer to individual small group of people, who of course saw this as an landowners undertaking management programs, that opportunity for a bit of cost-shifting. They saw the such land managers may wish to take quite obscure whole conversation in that context and in that context approaches, and to force a municipality and a municipal alone. There were many others who genuinely wanted plan to take account of such obscure programs may to make sure that efficiency was maximised and costs cause the municipality considerable difficulties. It may were kept to a minimum. distort somewhat the effort that is made in response to pest animals and plants. Associated with that, the task force created greater certainty for landowners and for local councils. The Proposed section 22E(1) says: task force was made up of the Victorian Farmers Federation, the Municipal Association of Victoria, three Subject to subsection (2), a municipal council must submit a proposed roadside weed and pest animal management plan to rural councils, the Department of Sustainability and the Minister within 120 days — Environment and the Department of Primary Industries, as they were then known, and it was convened by of the minister indicating that such a plan is required. I somebody I want to pay great tribute to, Peter Bailey, wonder whether 120 days is a reasonable time frame in who has been of great service to agriculture and which to expect a municipality to respond. Wherever biosecurity management issues in this state for a very you draw the line — and I recognise this difficulty for long time. Peter’s great wisdom was brought to bear on the minister and the government of the day — there the task force, and I think the quality of its output was will be some who will say, ‘It’s too long’, and on the only enhanced by his contribution to it. I am sure the other hand there will be some who will say, ‘It’s not minister will have thanked the other participants, long enough’. because it was not an easy issue to work through. There were some quite entrenched positions on this matter. However, putting it into the context I referred to of there being in one particular region of Victoria I remember that in the lead-up to establishing the task 37 species of plants, and taking into consideration that force there was constant conversation about whether we there is a requirement for 28 days of public notice of a should resolve this matter in the courts or how else we roadside pest plant and animal management draft could bring about some certainty. I am glad the task program — that is, a 28-day exhibition or public force — or the working group — approach prevailed. I comment period requirement — the 120-day total am glad it has come up with a set of recommendations seems a very confined period of time. I wonder whether that have led to the legislation, which I am pleased to as a consequence we will get pro forma plans that do say the opposition does not oppose. It has the effect of not really take into appropriate consideration the local clarifying where the responsibility for management of detail and circumstances I believe they should take roadside weeds and pest animals lies. I mentioned a account of. couple of reservations; maybe they simply require some clarification. I genuinely think that aside from those Looking back on the history of this issue and its reservations the bill clarifies the framework under complexity, you see that the actions taken in June 2010 which landowners and municipalities operate in this to establish a working group were prudent, even if I say state. so — I was the Minister for Agriculture at the time. There are 129 000 kilometres of council roads across Mr MORRIS (Mornington) — I am pleased to rise the state. In one region alone there are 37 prohibited to support the Catchment and Land Protection and controlled weeds, and the affected municipalities Amendment Bill, and I note that the comments of the are expected to make detailed plans and act on those former minister, the member for Ripon, were also in plans to control weeds and pests. support of the bill. Local roadsides are not simply a convenient way to pass between parcels of private land I mentioned the history. The issue grew out of the in the course of your journey. Sadly, we found during perceived ambiguity associated with the Road recent years with the very bad wildfires that roadside Management Act 2004. It was claimed by some that growth becomes fuel, and fuel, if not reduced, becomes there was a lack of understanding and associated

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a very swift pathway for fire. Effectively, it becomes a do not propose to go through those, but clearly rabbits wick for fire to travel very quickly over long distances. are the significant offender in that area.

That same situation can occur with pest animals and Why is the current system not working terribly well? plants. Local roadsides provide a quick, convenient and The Catchment and Land Protection Act made very effective pathway for their passage. Whether they landowners adjoining local roads responsible for the be invasive plants, weeds or pest animals including management of noxious weeds and established pests, rabbits, local roadsides are an effective pathway for and then the Road Management Act 2004 came into their movement steadily and very quickly across force. It defined local roads and roadsides as the Victoria. If local roadsides are not maintained, if we responsibility of local government, and from that point allow that situation to occur and if we allow these on the then Department of Primary Industries ceased to plants and pest animals to take over our local roadsides, enforce the measures of the Catchment and Land our ecosystem can be threatened very quickly. The Protection Act. That effectively meant it became roadsides are threatened, agricultural production is optional for adjoining landowners to deal with roadside threatened, national parks are threatened, state forests pests. In relation to roadside weeds, all that came out of are threatened and, indeed, the long-term sustainability the Road Management Act was confusion, of the environment of rural Victoria is seriously finger-pointing, the spread of weeds and threat of pests threatened. as a presence on our roadsides.

Despite this very real threat and despite the risks to the As the member for Ripon mentioned, a working party environment and to our agricultural production, for too was established in order to look at the issue. That long we had a situation where there was uncertainty working party included representatives of the Victorian around the management of roadside reserves. One Farmers Federation, the Municipal Association of would have to say that the current system has been a Victoria, representatives of some or all councils — I failure. The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 think three rural councils were involved in the working should have been doing the job. In theory under the act party — and the then Department of Sustainability and adjoining landowners were responsible for managing Environment. That working party came up with a fairly most noxious weeds and pest animals on roadsides. simple approach, which is hardly surprising. They Unfortunately the impact of 15 years of incremental agreed that it was the responsibility of local government change has resulted in a failed system. to provide some level of weed and rabbit control on the roads that they manage. It was a level of control that What species are we seeking to do something about? could be defined and would be to the extent of works Starting with weeds, there are state-prohibited weeds identified in individual local plans. which are those that would be a significant threat if they found their way into Victoria. Thankfully they do not Where are we at the moment? Current responsibilities generally occur within this state, but if they do appear are incredibly diverse. Depending on the weed and the law requires that they be eradicated forthwith. depending on the status of the land, be it municipal land Those weeds are the responsibility of the state or Crown land, the responsible party could be the government on all lands. There are also regionally Secretary of the Department of Environment and prohibited weeds, which, as the term suggests, are Primary Industries, the municipal council or the weeds that where possible we seek to eradicate from a adjoining landowner. This bill consolidates all those region, and of course they have to be managed with that land management functions and makes local councils intent. They are weeds that are capable of spreading, solely responsible. They are responsible with one and landowners need to take all reasonable steps to deal significant exception, which, as I indicated earlier, is with them. There are ongoing measures for regionally state-prohibited weeds. The proposed legislation will controlled weeds that need to be undertaken to prevent make it clear that councils are responsible for the the spread of those weeds. Again landowners have the management of local roadsides, but that their responsibility of taking the necessary steps. responsibility is limited. It extends to the preparation and implementation of plans. Those plans are to Finally, there are restricted weeds. Those are plants that manage regionally prohibited weeds, regionally pose an unacceptable risk — that is, a risk of spreading controlled weeds and established pest animals on local either within this state or to another state or territory. roads, which, as I said earlier, effectively are rabbits. Trade in those products or seeds is prohibited, but landowners are not required to prevent the growth of The specific mechanism is an amendment to the those plants. Certain plants are prohibited, but also Catchment and Land Protection Act contained in this certain animals are prohibited. In the interests of time I bill. It requires a council to prepare a master plan for the

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management of regionally prohibited weeds, regionally In the area in which I live, the weeds of most concern controlled weeds and established pests, plants and are those such as gorse. A group from Mount Clear animals, and to submit that plan to the minister. College is here. The land that immediately abuts Mount However, the requirement exists only if the minister Clear College has a moderate weed problem; gorse is a declares that a particular municipal district is one to problem, and there are some other weeds in that area which those requirements apply. If a plan is required, too, including blackberry. The program that I take the then it has to be prepared and it has to be submitted most interest in and that my Landcare group takes the within 120 days. Once that plan is approved, it will most interest in is a progressive gorse eradication have the effect of setting aside any notices that might be program. issued, requiring a particular council to undertake further roadside weed and pest-control works; and it This issue has not developed or occurred solely under limits those actions to those within the plan. our government, as the member for Mornington suddenly wanted to try to imply by casting a bit of What is in the plan? Basically it has to set out clearly blame and slapping around. He claimed our measures to be taken to support any weed or pest government did not deal with this issue. Our animal management programs by adjoining government did a number of things. In this bill the landowners, measures to protect the infrastructure and current government is trying, as we did, to make it clear the environmental value of roadsides. It is about that local government does have a responsibility for matching the management of roadside weeds and the municipal roads in its area. This perhaps better clarifies management of pest animals to the particular priorities the situation. of the individual community. In that way work that is done by other landowners is backed up by action on the The issue, obviously, is that the Municipal Association roadsides. Obviously you need public input, and that of Victoria (MAV) and local governments do not want certainly will be required as part of the process. Also this problem dumped upon them and to suddenly find there is a further process to make sure the work is done, they have a whole lot of weeds they have to deal with and there are authorised officers to inspect the ground despite already being cash strapped or having trouble works. If the council fails in the process of getting the getting their roads upgraded. They have trouble trying works done, the plan can be suspended and ultimately, to maintain a whole lot of their infrastructure, so if necessary, the plan can be revoked. If it comes to spending money on weeds is very difficult. that — and I certainly hope it does not — then normal enforcement measures apply. I have been pleased that in my area of Waubra over a number of years the local governments — and I There is also some funding that goes with this. It is a particularly note the Pyrenees Shire Council and the minimum of $5000 per year per council, plus a further City of Ballarat — have had a very progressive amount, up to a total of $50 000 per council on the program of working with the then Department of basis of the number and distance of roads that are Sustainability and Environment, now the Department of managed by that particular council. It needs to be made Environment and Primary Industries. They have very clear that these amendments apply solely to worked with the department to gain access to funding municipal roads. No change is intended and no change streams that are sometimes provided to councils, will occur with regard to roads managed by VicRoads. land-holders, Landcare groups or other groups that have That responsibility remains solely with VicRoads. taken on responsibility for weeds. Those councils have then worked on a plan that is systematic and helps to This bill resolves another imbroglio that was inherited reduce gorse in our area. from the Brumby government. It resolves the problem in an appropriate and considered manner, and I While unfortunately I have a relatively small area of commend the bill to the house. gorse along the roadside adjoining my property, in the early days I was able to eradicate nearly all of it from Mr HOWARD (Ballarat East) — I am pleased to the property. Occasionally there is a little bit more that speak briefly on the Catchment and Land Protection grows back and which I have to deal with. In terms of Amendment Bill 2013. As any member of Parliament the roads, the infestations have been heavier. While I who represents a rural constituency knows, weeds on have sprayed them, and while there was a fire in my roadsides continue to be a matter of concern for a area, a lot of that gorse has regerminated, as it often number of people. Whether they be adjoining does after fire, and the infestation has continued. I am land-holders, councils, members of Landcare groups or pleased that the Landcare group has been supportive, as others who continue to be frustrated by weeds on has the local council, in helping me keep those weeds roadsides, they are concerned. down.

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There has been an unwritten arrangement where serious plans to support landowners in their area and to progressive land-holders and progressive members of address weed problems. Landcare groups have been prepared to take on some responsibility and recognise that it is foolish for them to While I am prepared to support the bill, as the Labor deal with the weeds on their own property but to let opposition will, the jury is out in terms of what it will those on roadsides grow, simply saying, ‘That’s the achieve. The bill does provide that local government is responsibility of someone else’. As anybody in the responsible for the 40-odd species of weeds and for house who understands weeds would know, the weeds some pest animals that exist on roadsides, but we will from the roadside quickly encroach on the person’s have to wait and see how well councils deal with that property and become a problem again. responsibility. Under this bill councils are only statutorily required to prepare a management plan, so There have been issues of recalcitrant land-holders who we will have to wait and see whether local government have not taken any responsibility and who say, ‘It’s not authorities will be progressive and get on top of this my responsibility; it’s the local government’s’. That issue. argument has held to some extent. This new piece of legislation tries to make it clear that local governments There is also the issue of the responsibility of Landcare have to at the very least develop plans for dealing with groups in their areas. They have been terrific driving weeds. Unfortunately they do not have to deal with all forces in terms of weeds management. My local weeds — and here it gets a bit messy — because they Landcare group, the Mount Bolton-Mount Beckworth only have to look after regionally prohibited and Landcare Group, is very proactive, as are many other regionally controlled weeds on municipal roadsides. Landcare groups. Sometimes Landcare groups also There are some weeds considered to be of low priority need to be proactive in ensuring that their local councils in terms of being dealt with. In my area there are do the right thing and, if necessary, push them along. A approximately 40 weeds on that list that are either joint range of activities will be required more broadly regionally prevented or regionally controlled. That does across the community to see action taken on the control cover a lot; it covers gorse and a broad range of other of weeds on roadsides. I hope we can make serious weeds. progress, but the jury is still out. Opposition members will wait and see how this legislation works when it is Despite this piece of legislation, the jury will still be enacted. out. It helps to go a little bit further, as we in opposition tried to do in a range of ways when we were in Dr SYKES (Benalla) — I rise to contribute to the government, but all it requires is that the local debate on the Catchment and Land Protection government develop a plan. If a local government Amendment Bill 2013. I welcome this bill, which draws up a plan as required, it can get $5000 in clarifies the responsibility for the management of weeds assistance from the state government. If it is a and pests on roadsides in local government areas. I will progressive local government and does a good plan, it commence my contribution by commenting on some of might get up to $50 000 to help with weed eradication. the earlier contributions. For a start, I note the reference Such incentives are good, but they do not mean that made to this bill by the member for Richmond during some councils will not still be pretty recalcitrant and the debate on the government business program. He simply say, ‘We haven’t got the money. We can’t do it; suggested that there had been an unreasonable delay in we can only do a little bit’. We all know — — getting a briefing for the shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Security. I am advised by the Mr Weller interjected. Minister for Agriculture and Food Security that every effort was made to work with the shadow minister’s Mr HOWARD — Even the member for Rodney office. Perhaps the member for Richmond was gilding knows that councils in regional Victoria are always the lily a fraction. telling us how hard it is, how cash-strapped they are and how they cannot take on any more responsibilities. I also acknowledge the contribution to the debate made Obviously they need to be coaxed. There is the matter by the member for Ripon, a former Minister for of the legislative framework that needs to be put in Agriculture, who played an integral role in getting the place, and some funding would help put a twinkle in Roadside Pests and Weeds Working Party up and their eyes and strengthen their resolve, which would running. He made a measured contribution to this achieve more than this legislation, which only requires debate and made a reference to the excellent each council to have a plan in place. It need only be a contribution made by Peter Bailey, a person who had a pretty lousy plan for them to get their minimum of long period of service with the former Department of $5000 a year. It does not force councils to put in place Primary Industries and who has continued to serve not

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only in the role of chair of this working party but also Under the program, funding will be split evenly between all more recently chairing the Wild Dog Control Advisory Landcare groups within the shire. The Landcare groups are then able to expend the funding on Strathbogie shire managed Committee. Peter has a good understanding of the roads according to local priorities. issues, is a clear thinker and takes a methodical approach, and the work he oversees is generally of a The process involves the Landcare groups identifying the very high standard. I also acknowledge the efforts of major weeds in their Landcare area, mapping these weeds and mapping rabbit infestations. staff in the Department of Environment and Primary Industries for their work in moving these measures The Landcare group is then responsible for liaising with the forward. Their work is often unrecognised, and I put on contractor, and checking that the works have been completed record my acknowledgement of it. satisfactorily when the contractor has finished … DPI has been working closely with Strathbogie Shire Council and Landcare groups to ensure weeds targeted are in line with Turning to the bill itself, I recognise that the member state priorities. for Mornington covered some aspects of the bill in detail. In summary, up until now there has been a lack Landcare’s involvement in the program will ensure that the of clarity about who is responsible for roadside weeds money is spent according to local community priorities over the next three years. and pest control, which has resulted in poorly coordinated control efforts and ineffective enforcement That is a good example of the local community — in of statutory responsibilities. This bill makes it clear that this case, Landcare — working with local government. each local government authority is responsible for developing a management plan for weed and pest In relation to costs, the member for Ballarat East control on its local government-managed roads and mentioned the issue of programs being started up with roadsides. In particular each council must develop a funding from state governments of various persuasions, weed and pest management plan for regionally with the agencies then being expected to continue the prohibited weeds, regionally controlled weeds and work. Claims are often made about cost-shifting and, in established pest animals. The term for these plans is this case, local governments being substantially between two and four years, and the legislation requires affected as a result of this. In relation to the cost of that each plan sets out a program of measures, as far as maintaining roadsides, the coalition government is possible, to eradicate all regionally prohibited weeds. making available $4 million over four years specifically for the management of road infrastructure and bridges. Turning to its broader context, the bill has its origins in While that cannot be used to manage weeds and pests, the work of the Roadside Pests and Weeds Working it frees up local government money to go towards that Party, which was set up in 2010 by the previous Labor down the track. government, in particular by the member for Ripon in his role as the then Minister for Agriculture. As others Mr Weller interjected. have said, the membership of that working party included representatives from the Victorian Farmers Dr SYKES — Prompted by the member for Federation, the Municipal Association of Victoria, three Rodney, I note that there is also some other money rural councils and the then Department of Primary from the Regional Growth Fund — at least $2 million Industries and Department of Sustainability and available to each local council in country Victoria for Environment. use as they see fit on local government infrastructure — which is another couple of million dollars for The issue of cost was touched upon by the member for community priorities. Overall the coalition government Ballarat East. It is important to recognise, as did the has injected a substantial amount of money into local member for Ballarat East, that the coalition government government. has made funds available to local government for the control of weeds and pest animals on roadsides. It is The member for Ballarat East commented on the need interesting how shires are approaching the utilisation of for a coordinated approach and made the point that it is this money differently. One of the seven shire councils in the interests of adjoining land-holders to work to in my area seems to have spent a lot of money on the control weeds on roadsides. That is very much my development of a plan, whereas the Strathbogie Shire view. There is a saying in my area that land-holders Council is using the money — in the order of should jump the fence and control the weeds on the $50 000 — to get on with the job. Basically the roadside before the weeds jump the fence and cause Strathbogie Shire Council has worked with local them grief. While the legislation makes it clear that Landcare groups. I will quote from an article which local government has the responsibility for developing appeared in the Euroa Gazette about this activity in the the plan, it is important that adjoining land-holders still Strathbogie shire some months ago. It states: make a contribution.

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In relation to the involvement of Landcare groups, it is In June 2010, the then Minister for Agriculture established a the coalition government that has allocated around Roadside Weeds and Pest Animals Working Party to conduct an independent review to identify a consensus position that $12 million for the funding of Landcare coordinators so will provide for effective and efficient future management of that they can undertake this sort of work amongst other invasive plants and animals on roadsides. things. He went on to say: The other thing to put into the broader context is that this bill relates to the management of weeds and pests The program of measures set out in a plan must: on roads controlled by local government. We need to be (a) support any weed and pest animal management mindful that many roads are controlled by VicRoads, programs being undertaken by landowners in the which has clear responsibility for managing roadsides municipal area; and from fence to fence. That includes not only weed (b) protect the infrastructure and environmental value of control but also broader issues such as the reduction of roadsides. fuel loads and the picking up of litter. Pest and weed control should be part of a broader control program. I We on this side of the house are pleased that the commend VicRoads in particular on the work it does consultation work that was done by the working party keeping the Hume Freeway neat and tidy, as well as for in 2010 has been followed through in the bill that is its slashing program to reduce the fuel load, which before the house. commences in spring each year. Representing a metropolitan electorate, I think it is also It is also important to recognise that common sense is important to note that there are a range of issues that being brought to the management of native vegetation relate to roadside management, certainly around weeds, by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change that also affect metropolitan local government areas. I through doing things like differentiating between the wonder whether these matters will be addressed by the protection of habitat and the creation of havens for pest government. Local councils in regional Victoria will be animals and weeds. There is also the recognition that required to take further responsibility for managing the primary purpose of roads is to cater for the safe and weeds and pests on the sides of local roads, but the efficient transport of people and product. Whilst we government needs to provide them with the support to need to look after the roadsides and the habitat that is do so. there, we should not lose sight of the primary purpose of roads. Two resolutions from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) state council meeting in May 2013 that It gives me much pleasure to endorse this bill. I relate to VicRoads are relevant to the discussion of this welcome the support of those opposite, and I look bill. One resolution of the MAV membership headed forward to further contributions. ‘Enhanced proactive VicRoads asset maintenance program’ states: Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — I am pleased to make a brief contribution on the Catchment and Land That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocate to the Protection Amendment Bill 2013. I say from the outset state government to provide adequate funding to VicRoads to enable enhanced proactive maintenance programs for their that Labor does not oppose the bill. In fact the bill assets to improve the amenity of local precincts. comes before the house in large part because of the work of the member for Ripon during his time as If I could expand on that for a moment, one of the other Minister for Agriculture and of the Roadside Weeds resolutions from the MAV in May this year related to and Pest Animals Working Party to bring forward roadside pests, plants and animal management. I refer many of the initiatives that are outlined in the bill to a section of that resolution. It states: before the house today. That the Municipal Association of Victoria advocate, in The bill clarifies responsibility for managing noxious relation to … roadside pest plants and animals, for the state government to ensure that — weeds and pest animals on roadsides and removes the duty of a land-holder to prevent the spread of regionally any increase in local government’s legislative controlled weeds and established pest animals in a responsibilities for pest plants and animals is matched by roadside that adjoins the landowner’s land. The effects an ongoing and corresponding increase in state government funding to councils … of this on local government need to be borne in mind. This is the critical nub of this issue. I note that whilst it I note that in the second-reading speech the Minister for has been explained that it will be up to local councils to Agriculture and Food Security said: establish a roadside weed and pest animal plan — that

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is outlined in the bill and its duration will be from two roads and the management of roadside pest plants and to four years — which the council must prepare. It also animals. must submit it for approval and publish it, if and when the minister declares a municipal district as one for It is important that the state government also holds its which a plan must be developed. statutory authorities, like VicRoads, to account to make sure they meet their obligations under the Road There will be additional red tape and an additional Management Act 2004; to make sure that the administrative burden on local government, which local authorities meet their commitments to communities in government will need to address in relation to those metropolitan Melbourne in relation to pests and weeds matters. That was worked through in the report on roadside verges on arterial roads that are the completed by the working party, and it has been picked responsibility of VicRoads; and that they meet their up by the legislation the government has brought before responsibilities, which they are not doing, in the the house. The critical issue that the MAV has again Ivanhoe electorate, particularly regarding Banksia raised in its resolutions relates to the funding that will Street, Bell Street, Lower Plenty Road, the be required. While these are local roads that are the Greensborough Highway, Rosanna Road, Waterdale responsibility of local councils, what we have seen in Road and other significant roads in the electorate. metropolitan municipalities — for example, out in my electorate of Banyule — is that VicRoads lacks the If it is good enough for us to pass a law today that puts capacity to respond properly and adequately in a timely a burden on local government to meet its obligations on fashion to the management of roadside verges and local roads regarding roadside pest and plant arterial roads — for example, on Banksia Street and management, it is also incumbent on the government to Bell Street. This is a timely issue for local governments make sure that it funds VicRoads appropriately so that in regional Victoria. it can meet its obligations in this regard. The government must also be aware that when it cuts Local governments clearly want to ensure that they are something like 450 staff from VicRoads that will have a resourced to maintain their local roads through the significant effect on its capacity to meet its statutory funding they receive from the state government under obligation under the act. The responsibility then ends the new regulatory regimes that are being put in place. up falling on metropolitan councils to deal with these We have found that a lot of the entry points into the city issues and meet the concerns and expectations of of Banyule, an area I represent, whether it be through residents regarding the management of roadsides and Ivanhoe or Heidelberg West or whether it be coming roadside pests in metropolitan Melbourne. from Eltham into Viewbank and through Lower Plenty, are arterial roads managed by VicRoads, and VicRoads What we want to see is that if the government wants to is not maintaining the roadsides. It is cutting back on legislate to put further burdens on local government in funding, so we see the spread of noxious weeds and regional Victoria, it holds to account statutory further concerns of residents around amenity and authorities like VicRoads to meet their obligations to responsibilities not be in met. This reflects on the the community in metropolitan Melbourne. There are council, because most people think this is a council plenty of examples in my electorate of Ivanhoe where responsibility. It has an effect on amenity and an effect the Banyule City Council has had to reach into its on the perceptions of local government. It also has an pocket — the pocket of ratepayers — to manage effect on the spread of noxious weeds in the roadside verges in respect of noxious weeds and pests community, especially among the flora and fauna that because VicRoads is not meeting its statutory are so valued in the parklands in my electorate of responsibilities on arterial roads in metropolitan Ivanhoe. Melbourne. If we through this Parliament are going to insist that local councils in regional Victoria meet their The issues raised by the MAV about the lack of obligations on local roads, it is only fair and reasonable capacity by VicRoads to respond to its responsibilities that the government do more to hold VicRoads to to maintain its roadside verges and manage roadside account to meet its obligations under the law to ensure pest plants and animals — its failure to adequately that we have amenity and that we do not have the invest and to meet its responsibilities in a timely way on spread of noxious weeds in metropolitan Melbourne a regular basis across metropolitan municipalities — is and on the rural fringe — in places where these of concern to local governments and something that can obligations are falling on local governments and they easily be reflected in this chamber as we determine that are trying to protect amenity and the environment. This we are going to put a further onus and a further burden is largely because VicRoads is failing to meet its on local government to meet obligations around local obligations, partly because of a cut of some 450 staff by the government but also because of the ongoing track

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record of VicRoads in not being responsible to the purpose of the bill is to clarify responsibility for the community in the way it manages roads that are its management of noxious weeds and pest animals on responsibility under the law. roadsides.

As we know, roadsides and arterial roads are estimated The Sandringham electorate, albeit being an urban to cover something like 80 000 hectares across Victoria. electorate, is within the catchment area of the Port That is a pretty significant area of responsibility. I Phillip catchment management precinct. It provides a suggest that while we are making laws today that are microcosm of some of the issues that must be going to put a further onus on local governments to contended with. A study was undertaken of the range of meet their commitments in regional Victoria, it is also pest plant species in each catchment management critical that the government hold to account its statutory authority area. I note for the record that the species of authorities, like VicRoads, to ensure that they meet noxious weeds detected included African boxthorn, their obligations, which they are failing to do in the city African lovegrass, Bathurst burr, blackberry, boneseed, of Banyule and in the Ivanhoe electorate. I only point Californian thistle, two-leaf cape tulip, English broom, out to anyone driving along Banksia Street, Bell Street flax leaf broom, gorse, hardheads, hoary cress, or Lower Plenty Road who cannot see the other side of horehound, pampas lily-of-the-valley, Paterson’s curse, the road for the weeds what the facts of the matter are. ragwort, Scotch thistle, serrated tussock, spiny rush, stinkwort and sweet briar. The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Northe) — Order! The member’s time has expired. As a tourist travelling around Victoria, one discerns Scotch thistle and Paterson’s curse. If you travel on Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — I am pleased country roads at this time of year, you see Paterson’s to contribute to debate on the Catchment and Land curse light up the fields or roadsides. These are Protection Amendment Bill 2013. A number of years problems that those landowners who are diligent in ago there was a Commonwealth law conference in weed eradication might incur if a neighbour, or in this Melbourne, and at the end of the conference a dinner case a local authority, is remiss in their management of was convened close to the CBD, which I had the the land. opportunity to attend. At the time one of the visiting speakers mentioned that his forebears had owned land In his second-reading speech the Minister for in the western districts of Melbourne back in the 1840s. Agriculture and Food Security stated: I was interested in this, as I have an interest in early Victorian history, so I put the question to him, Reliance on voluntary participation by councils in control of weeds and pest animals is not satisfactory as a long-term ‘Whereabouts in the western districts was it?’. He was arrangement, because effective management requires not 100 per cent sure, but he thought it was near certainty of sustained action and because it does not address Melton. I then formed a view and an understanding as the legitimate demand from rural landowners to be told who to why perhaps his family ended up back in England. is actually responsible for these matters. My knowledge is that the roadsides of Melton do not A program of voluntary focus and application to comprise the fertile pastoral plains of those a little bit eradicate weeds is not as effective as that envisaged by further to the west. the regime to be established under the Catchment and In driving on the roads around Victoria in various Land Protection Amendment Bill 2013. parliamentary committee roles one has the opportunity In my electorate there is a focus on the conservation of to observe the infestation of weeds along roadsides. The the coastal foreshore zone. Particularly invasive species member for Benalla pointed out that VicRoads has a there include Coprosma repens, or New Zealand mirror clear plan for weed eradication. The purpose of the bill bush, and African boxthorn. Onion weed can also be before the house is to clarify responsibility for prevalent along the foreshore. Volunteer local land management of noxious weeds and pest animals on management groups do a great job in preserving local roadsides, to provide for the introduction of a roadside areas of flora and fauna. weeds and pest animal management plan to be prepared by municipal councils and to make other minor and I note in passing that there are a number of foxholes technical amendments to the principal act. along the foreshore. Earlier this year a young child at a local lifesaving club was bitten on the leg by a I note that amendments under clause 15 of the bill make wayward fox, which was a matter of concern. Measures it an offence to import, keep or sell pest animals. There were taken to try to locate the fox. At night some is some practical clarification of this in the technical people acted as photographers or fed the local fox. It is amendments of the bill before the house. The main

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a concern in the Bayside area. Any risk to local provides for the introduction of a roadside weed and foreshore users should be removed. pest animal management plan to be prepared by municipal councils. There was the example of a former In parallel terms, along country roadsides the main parliamentary colleague in this house who owned some problem is rabbit infestation. Rabbits represent a threat land at Woolert. At one stage prior to his election there to local farmland. Action plans by local councils are was a focus in the Weekly Times on the possible needed to address and eliminate rabbit and weed prevalence of noxious weeds on his property. Since that infestation, which might otherwise cross the fence line time he has invested in a herd of goats, and I understand and become an additional burden for the diligent that the problem has been minimised to a great degree. farmers in the district. This is a very real problem for farmers who seek to A study was undertaken which covered the catchment look after their properties by minimising invasive management authority areas of the Mallee, North species of weeds so that they do not spread from Central, the Wimmera, Glenelg-Hopkins, Corangamite, roadsides onto their land. It is a costly and onerous Goulburn Broken, North East, West Gippsland and East exercise, and this bill will regulate that process to a high Gippsland, as well as my own catchment management degree. I repeat my comment that relying on voluntary authority area of Port Phillip. participation by councils in controlling weeds and pest animals is not satisfactory. I trust that this mandated With the local focus and keen interest in my local area plan will go a long way to rectifying the concerns of it was interesting to note the recent announcement by people who are aware of the impact of not only the federal member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb, who invasive weeds but invasive pest animals on their farm stepped up to the plate on 21 August to announce that, properties and on their livelihoods. if elected, a federal coalition government would preserve 4 hectares of the 9.3 hectare CSIRO site in Ms EDWARDS (Bendigo West) — I am pleased to Highett for conservation of parkland. That is a great make a contribution to the Catchment and Land achievement — it is a pinnacle achievement; it is a Protection Amendment Bill 2013. As previously landmark achievement — which will benefit the mentioned, Labor will not be opposing this bill. In residents of Highett and the wider Bayside community Bendigo West we take weeds and pests very seriously. for decades to come. It involves the federal As we know, we are entering the spring season, and government, through the CSIRO, delineating land to be weeds and pests are popping up. In Bendigo just last preserved in perpetuity. Tracts of land like that also week we had an inundation of weeds and pests. Unlike need good management for posterity. There is a the Liberals and The Nationals, when Labor was in keenness on the part of a local group in my electorate to government we did not sit back and let the weeds grow preserve the area of grassy woodlands and yellow box under our feet. In fact the reason this bill is before the for the benefit of future generations. house today is because of the hard work Labor did when in government and the hard work of a former In the process of advocating land protection I note that Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper, the member for in my own journey I had meetings with the federal Ripon. Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, in Canberra; the City of As we know, in 2010 Labor worked closely with a Bayside; Places Victoria; and the Friends of Highett number of organisations, including the Victorian Grassy Woodlands. I also note that Gary Gray, the Farmers Federation, the Municipal Association of federal Minister for Resources and Energy, visited Victoria, several rural councils, the former Department Highett, along with Andrew Robb, the federal member of Primary Industries and the former Department of for Goldstein. He defined a course of action that has not Sustainability and Environment, to bring about a at this stage been determined or delivered. However, consensus on what position we would have to take to Andrew Robb has committed a future coalition provide for the future management of weeds and pests government to delivering 4 hectares of open space, and on roadsides across Victoria. The government has I commend and pay tribute to him for his vision and obviously brought this amending bill to the house as a commitment and for providing leadership on this result of that hard work done by Labor. important issue. The bill clarifies especially the responsibility for In relation to the specific bill before the house there is managing noxious weeds and pest animals on roadsides an important aspect of leadership in that it deals with and removes the duty of a land-holder to prevent the the clarification of responsibility for the management of spread of regionally controlled weeds and established noxious weeds and pest animals on roadsides and pest animals in a roadside that adjoins the landowner’s

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land. As a landowner myself I can say that it is list for some time, despite the efforts of the shire and extremely difficult to control and eradicate weeds on local volunteers, is the notorious wheel cactus, which is your property. Over the last few years I have had an now classified as a weed of national significance. This inundation of Paterson’s curse on my property and a weed infests an estimated 10 000 hectares of land neighbour’s property. It naturally spreads onto the across the Maldon, Baringhup, Nuggetty Creek and roadside, as does the capeweed, and we all know about Sandy Creek districts, including the Maldon historic the hay fever that comes as a result of capeweed. reserve in central Victoria.

As we know, previously councils could apply to the In Maldon and Nuggetty, the Nuggetty Landcare group former Department of Primary Industries for grants formed the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group, which through the Building the Capacity of Local is also known locally as the Cactus Warriors. This Government to Respond to Pests program under the group used to work in conjunction with Parks Victoria, Future Farming initiative in order to action what was in and it holds friendly and informal wheel cactus control effect this state’s responsibility. With the introduction field days. It is a prickly day out. I have done it myself. of this amending bill there has been no mention of You inject the cactus with a herbicide; it is quite fun. additional funding to regional councils and shires to put The group runs these field days every week, and the in place processes for the management of weeds. As we days always end with a free barbecue lunch, a cuppa know, our regional shires and councils are under and a piece of cake. It is a great opportunity to spend enormous financial pressure, and this legislation adds to the morning outdoors and meet others who are trying to that financial pressure. There has also been no protect our unique environment. As I said, this cactus is announcement by the government of additional funding taking control on not just private land but also public to assist councils to prepare, submit for approval and land. It first came to notice back in 2002 or 2003, and publish their municipal district plan for the eradication the environment minister in the Labor government at of weeds. the time, John Thwaites, allocated funding to this group to eradicate this weed because of the way it has infested The minister has the opportunity through this our local region. legislation to declare whether a municipal district needs a plan developed, and without a doubt in my electorate I will say just a little bit more about the Tarrangower the Shire of Mount Alexander will be a municipality for Cactus Control Group. It was formed in 2008 following which a plan must be developed. This shire is already a community field day. It has elected office-bearers, under pressure financially. Resources are few and far and as I said, it meets once a month. The field days are between, particularly when it comes to producing a held from April to November, which is the cactus waste management strategy to support the planning controlling season. The group also raises awareness and debacle that has been caused in relation to the potable encourages volunteer participation through regular local water issue. Unlike the Shire of Mansfield, the Shire of media articles. It is one of the most renowned volunteer Mount Alexander was not given a financial leg-up to groups across the region. If members were to go to the produce this strategy. Maldon Easter Fair or the Anzac Day parade, they would see the cactus control group parading through In my electorate weeds are abundant, and the Shire of the streets. Mount Alexander has put out a list of the top 10 bushland bullies, if you like, in the shire. This is to The establishment of the amendment relating to allow landowners and residents to gain an management plans for roadside weeding and pest and understanding of what weeds should not be planted in animal management, which councils must prepare and their home gardens and what weeds to look out for in submit for approval, is one of the areas I am concerned bushland surrounding the townships, particularly about, particularly because of the lack of funding for around Maldon, Tarrengower and Baringhup. Some of our shires and councils to implement these plans. Now these plants include the Cootamundra wattle, which, that councils will be responsible for actioning a although beautiful when in flower, is a weed; the program that was previously run by the state Sycamore maple; the English broom; the sallow wattle; government, it is important that the government allows the parrots feather; and surprisingly the forget-me-not, for additional funding to councils and shires to support which some people think is a very pretty wildflower but them in developing these plans and putting them into is in fact a noxious weed. They also include the place. As we know, our roadsides are often inundated peppercorn tree, the blue periwinkle and the gazania. with weeds and overrun with rabbits and foxes et cetera, so it is important that we control this influx of In my electorate one weed in particular that has taken weeds. control in a big way and has been on the noxious weed

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On a final note, I am very pleased to say that this have the Department of Environment and Primary legislation before the house today is a consequence of Industries, councils and adjoining land-holders all the hard work done by the Labor government. We all having responsibilities at different times, and confusion know that weeds and pests are a problem, and we all abounds around those responsibilities, depending on the know that they must be contained and eradicated where category of weed and the roadside classification of any possible. I look forward to seeing how this will unfold particular area. across my electorate of Bendigo West. Since 2004 governments have not specifically required Mr BULL (Gippsland East) — It is a pleasure to adjoining land-holders to manage roadside weeds or rise to make a contribution to the debate on the pest animals. Instead, they have adopted an approach Catchment and Land Protection Amendment Bill 2013. where the department provides funding via grants to As members know, one of the biggest threats facing councils, which voluntarily undertake various control many rural and regional communities in Victoria is pest measures and control activities on municipal roadsides. plants and animals. Roadsides are often a passage for More generous support was announced by this the spread of these pest plants and animals, and government in 2012 through a program administered by members well know that we have species like the then Department of Planning and Community blackberries, African lovegrass and Paterson’s curse, Development. I am certainly aware that both the East and a number of these plants have been mentioned in Gippsland and Wellington shire councils in my the house already. If we could wind back the clock in electorate attracted funds for weed control under this relation to biosecurity controls, I am sure that control important program. measures would now be far more stringent and would not allow these species to be introduced into our state However, reliance on voluntary participation by and to flourish. councils basically does not cut it in relation to control of pest weeds and animals. It is not satisfactory, and when The reality is that we now have to deal with these plants it is voluntary it can certainly be a very hit-and-miss and animals on a large-scale basis. The control of affair and one that is left to discretion in an area where weeds and pest animals on local roadsides has often we simply need this enforcement to occur. This been a point of great conjecture and confusion, and this discretion often causes great frustration amongst bill provides clarity in this area. In providing that landowners, who in some areas either see little action clarity, the bill contributes greatly to a pre-election being taken or are confused about who is responsible. It commitment of this government to improve is a clear lack of workable arrangements for roadsides enforcement in this area. We need clarity to improve that has impeded efforts to enforce proper weed enforcement. There are many reasons for this. We management on roadsides in problem areas. know that weeds have infringed upon many roadsides and can easily be spread by vehicles transporting seeds As has been acknowledged, in 2010 the previous to new areas. We know that pest animals such as rabbits Minister for Agriculture established the Roadside can cause significant damage to the countryside and in Weeds and Pest Animals Working Party to conduct an particular to roadside areas. The pest plants and animals independent review, which, as we have heard, became that prevail on roadsides are also constantly threatening known as the Bailey report. The review was to identify adjoining important farmland and food-producing land. what is best described as a consensus position in The reality is that improved management of these areas relation to the efficient and effective control and future is required to prevent unacceptable damage to management of invasive plants and animals on agriculture, infrastructure and the rural environment in roadsides. That was a terrific working party. It involved general. members of the Victorian Farmers Federation, the Municipal Association of Victoria, three rural councils, The Catchment and Land Protection 1994 generally the then Department of Sustainability and Environment made landowners adjoining local roads responsible for and the then Department of Primary Industries. managing most noxious weeds and established pest animals. However, as we have heard, uncertainty arose The key feature of the findings of that working party over this interpretation following questions raised by was that municipal councils should be required to the Road Management Act 2004 and over the definition provide a level of control on the roads they manage. of roads and roadsides and also council responsibilities. The intention there is to consolidate management A lot of confusion prevailed in that area. functions by making councils solely responsible, and this approach clearly has enormous advantages in Currently responsibility for the control of noxious relation to operational efficiencies, facilitating local weeds and pest animals is unworkably fragmented. We community input and assisting integration with other

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road management activities. In line with this, the bill government in the same way that they are to makes municipal councils the landowners of municipal landowners. roadsides for the purposes of the Catchment and Land Protection Act. That takes away any confusion in this The bill provides much-needed certainty in an aspect of area. It allows for responsibility to be determined by the weed and pest animal management that there has been preparation and delivery of a specific plan for the confusion over for far too long. The state government management of regionally prohibited weeds, regionally has certainly removed any conjecture in this area. The controlled weeds and established pest animals on rural government has invested considerable funds which will municipal roads. Specifically this bill amends the act to be made available to local government. The money is require a municipal council to prepare and submit a on the table. The onus is now on individual councils to plan for the management of pest weeds and animals on work with their local communities to come up with an municipal roadsides to the minister. They actually have effective plan. I am sure that not only our primary to prepare a plan and submit it. production and farming sectors but also all residents in country areas and on the interface will welcome the Previous speakers have said, including the previous clarity provided by the bill. It gives me great pleasure to speaker on the other side of the house, that appropriate commend the bill to the house, and I wish it a speedy funds had not been apportioned to local government in passage. line with this responsibility. That is certainly not the case. Funding was announced by the Minister for Local Mr KATOS (South Barwon) — I am pleased to rise Government for both the preparation of the plan to this afternoon to make a contribution on the Catchment control pest plants and animals the implementation of and Land Protection Amendment Bill 2013. In the state the plan. It is interesting that on the other side the of Victoria there are declared noxious weeds and pest member for Ballarat East acknowledged that this animals. Under the act there are four types of weeds in funding has been made available but the member for the state: we have state-prohibited weeds, which are Bendigo West said that there was no funding. There invasive plans that do not occur in Victoria but pose a seems to be a little bit of confusion over there. significant threat if they were to invade Victoria; there are regionally prohibited weeds, which are not widely In actual fact the 2012–13 state budget provided distributed in a region but could be capable of $7.8 million over three years for councils to undertake spreading further; there are regionally controlled weeds, local control measures. You do not have to get out the which are invasive plants that are widespread in a calculator to work out that some $2.6 million per year region, so there have to be ongoing control measures; has been put aside for local councils to assist in weed and there are also restricted weeds, which is a category control. That is certainly well over what the previous of plants that have an unacceptable risk of spreading government was providing, which was around but the growth of which landowners are not required to $1 million a year. Here we are being criticised for not halt. providing money, when the previous amount was $1 million a year. We are providing $2.6 million a year. There are also a number of pest animals in Victoria. Everybody in this house would agree that there is a Probably the major ones are the European hare, the very significant difference there. European rabbit and the European fox. Those are the main ones, but we also have problems with feral cats The program of measures that councils must prepare in and wild dogs — as you would know, Acting Speaker their plan covers two main areas. Within the plans that Northe, because you have a lot of trouble with wild local governments are putting together there needs to be dogs in your electorate — and as you get further north consideration of and support for any weed and pest you see feral goat and feral pig problems. Victoria has a animal management programs that are currently being wide range of feral and pest animals and noxious undertaken by landowners. The plans also need to weeds. protect the infrastructure and environmental value of roadsides within those municipalities. An approved The purpose of this bill is to have coordination, because plan would prevent any notices being issued that would as any farmer on the land would know, the most require councils to undertake further roadside weed and successful way to eradicate or control weeds or pests is pest control works. It all has to be incorporated in the to have a coordinated approach to doing so. There is no plan, which is open and transparent. In the unlikely point in one farmer doing a good job if you have a event that a council fails to carry out the management recalcitrant farmer or roadside manager doing nothing. activities that are outlined in its plan, the bill provides The roadsides are in effect a highway for the spread of for the approval of that plan to be revoked, after which pest weeds and animals, particularly rabbits, which are enforcement measures can be applied to local the major problem. They are a burrowing animal,

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whereas the European hare will live on top of the that roadside. From 2004 onwards the previous Labor ground; it does not burrow and destroy the earth as a government did not enforce that, so there was a great rabbit does. Importantly, a lot of the roadside weeds deal of confusion about what was going on. Obviously also provide cover and habitat — for the rabbits, for the worst aspect of all that was that there was not a example — so you need that coordinated approach. coordinated approach to the eradication of pests and There is no point trying to eradicate a rabbit if you do weeds. There is nothing more frustrating to a not also eradicate noxious weeds, such as gorse, as a land-holder than doing their bit, doing the right thing, good example, which provides excellent habitat for and then seeing the neighbour, whether or not it is the rabbits to take cover and hide in and also to burrow council responsible for controlling the roadside, not underneath. doing their bit. The land-holder can do all the hard work, and within a month all the weeds can be In my electorate of South Barwon some of these weeds spreading or the rabbits can be coming onto the are very prevalent, including gorse and serrated land-holder’s farm after all the hard work they have tussock. Capeweed and Scotch thistle have been around been doing. a lot longer. Gorse particularly has been a problem. I have seen how bad gorse is, particularly when it infests One interesting thing to note is that invasive plants, for riverbanks. We are not talking so much about example, cost Australian agriculture about $4 billion a riverbanks in this debate, but I have been down to year in yield losses and product contamination, so this Freshwater Creek, and a farmer there, Simon Falkiner, is very important. This bill makes municipal councils who owns a property on Thomsons Creek, has done the landowner, if you like, and puts them in control of excellent work in eradicating gorse and rehabilitating roadsides. Putting the onus on councils to control the Thomsons Creek, which is also a habitat for the rare roadsides is very important. The council must submit to pygmy perch. You can see the before-and-after effect. the minister a plan of management of regionally The work that has been done in eradicating that gorse prohibited weeds, regionally controlled weeds and has taken away the cover for rabbits; hence you are also established pest animals on rural municipal roads assisting in controlling the rabbit problem, and that is within its district where the minister declares that the excellent. In terms of the before-and-after effect, I have district has a problem and that the council needs to taken the Minister for Environment and Climate submit that plan. Change to Mr Falkiner’s farm, and he was very impressed with the results of the work Mr Falkiner had The program of measures to be set out in the plan the done, as he was with that of the Surf Coast and Inland council must prepare must support any weed and pest Plains Network of Landcare. animal management programs being undertaken by the landowners in the municipal area and protect the As I said, this bill is about coordination, and while I infrastructure and environmental values of the roadside. touch on Landcare one thing I am very pleased about is That is important because with the infestation of pest that we made a commitment of $12 million before the animals and weeds you can get a degrading of last election to provide for 60 Landcare coordinators, infrastructure. Where the rabbits burrow they can cause and I have been advised by the Minister for erosion and destruction of the roadside, degrading that Environment and Climate Change that we have infrastructure. As most farmers would know, rabbits over-delivered on that. We have actually delivered burrowing into the side of a dam is not very conducive 68 Landcare coordinators. It is important to have those for that dam continuing to hold water, as their doing so Landcare coordinators out there doing that coordination will undermine the integrity of the dam. Also if weeds work and freeing up the valuable resource of volunteers are not controlled on the roadside, they can invade and so they can get on with doing the job of eradicating take over from native species, which is not good. You weeds and pests. do not want to see those weeds spreading and damaging native species. Mr Weller interjected. This bill is about coordination, as I said, and about Mr KATOS — The member for Rodney says he is giving certainty to land-holders. That is the most of the view that there were some cuts made by federal important thing. If you are going to eradicate pests and Labor in that regard, but perhaps I will let the member weeds, you must have coordination between private for Rodney touch on that in his contribution. land-holders, municipal councils and government departments, because that is the only way you can do a Prior to this bill coming before the house, the proper job. If you do not do that, you will end up land-holder who was adjacent to a given roadside was having one party doing its bit but then being extremely responsible for eradication of pests and also weeds on frustrated by another party not doing their bit to control

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weeds. Effectively, it is like beating your head against The truth is that that is not the case. If this government the wall, because if you are going to have rabbits — is serious about eradicating weeds in Victoria, and and rabbits are the best example — and you have done particularly the flow-on from weeds on roadsides and your part and eradicated them, lo and behold a month reserves and in our parks, then it needs to put a hell of a later they come running back onto your property, and lot more money than a couple of million dollars a year so it is important to have that coordination. into its eradication program and it needs to stop blaming every other level of government and One important thing the government is doing, for which landowners for the problem. It is time for the I commend the minister, is fixing a problem that the government to put the rhetoric that it spouted for so previous government sat on its hands about for a long many years in opposition into action and do something time. As the member for Gippsland East said, the to eradicate the weeds. If it does that, and if we can get government has provided $7.8 million over three years, blackberries out of the Strzeleckis, I will be the first which is $2.6 million a year. The government is putting person to get up and congratulate the government. But its money where its mouth is and providing resources we are a long way from doing that, and this bill seems for councils. I am very happy to commend the bill to to shift the responsibility that the government should the house. have to do that task onto others.

Mr HERBERT (Eltham) — I will be brief; I am not While the bill is okay, the truth is that it is a long way going to spend a lot of time on the bill except to make a short of meeting the rhetoric that government members few comments about this issue from the point of view put when in opposition and that the Minister for of a landowner as opposed to city people in rural and Agriculture and Food Security, who is at the table, put regional seats. when he was in opposition in terms of eradicating weeds. We would like to see the government take some As the member for Gippsland East knows, I own land real action by putting in some more work and taking a up in the Strzeleckis in Upper Middle Creek Road, bit of responsibility for the promises it made to country Yinnar South. It is an area that is plagued with Victorians in terms of weed eradication when it was in blackberries and every weed known to man — from opposition. Let us see the government deliver weed gorse to Scotch thistle. You can spend an awful lot of eradication and not blame everybody else. time trying to eradicate the weeds, and then when you come back after a flood they have washed off the Mr WELLER (Rodney) — It gives me great roadside, because very little has been done there, and pleasure to rise this evening to speak on the Catchment the weeds are back on your land. It is quite and Land Protection Amendment Bill 2013. Like the heartbreaking for landowners when that occurs. previous speaker, I am a land-holder in regional and country Victoria. I grew up in Tennyson, which is in I want to say a couple of things, because it is all about regional and country Victoria. I grew up with weeds expectations. We all know what a difficult task it is to and pest animals. My first dollar was made from cutting genuinely eradicate weeds. It is difficult enough just on thistles. I saved the money to buy a rifle so I could roadsides in some of the more remote parts of Victoria. shoot rabbits. I was paid $1 an hour; I was not overpaid, I remember sitting on the government benches while but I managed to get enough hours up so that I could year after year members of the Liberal-Nationals invest in a rifle to shoot rabbits. coalition in opposition berated the government for not doing enough about weeds and for not doing its bit. There were many ways to control rabbits. On the Back then it was simply a matter of waving a magic weekend you would play your sport on a Saturday wand and suddenly the weeds were all gone! According morning but on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday you to the opposition it was all the government’s fault. It were often out eradicating rabbits. I had some was not local government’s fault and it was not local steel-jawed traps; they were legal back then. As a kid landowners’ faults; it was the government’s fault that you learnt very quickly not to put your fingers where there were weeds in Victoria. The simplistic solution you should not put them. That was one way of that the opposition provided back then was, ‘You have eradicating rabbits. Another way was to rip the to fix it. You need to get rid of it’. What do we see now burrows, and I will talk more about that later. Another that the Liberal-Nationals coalition is in government? It way was with ferrets. My grandfather had ferrets. It was is everybody else’s fault. It is local government’s fault. great fun on a Sunday afternoon when we had some of It is the landowners’ fault. If we listen to the member his relations from Melbourne and a ferret ran out of a for South Barwon, it is the rabbits’ fault. burrow and straight up my great uncle’s trouser leg. You had to be careful where you stood with those

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ferrets. The ferrets were one way of managing the East indicated, we have actually increased the funding rabbits, and another way was to rip the burrows. from $1 million to $2.6 million a year. That is a 260 per cent increase in funding local shires. However, that is I listened to the contribution of the member for Ballarat not all we have put into local government. We also East. He spoke about how the former government had have given them $1 million a year for their roads and made it simpler for people to manage weeds and $2.5 million a term — that is, over four years — for vermin. Indeed there is the case of a landowner in the infrastructure, so we are easing the financial burden on Pine Grove, or Warnup, district, who was eradicating local government. his rabbits and a couple of trees fell over while he was doing that. The then minister, John Thwaites, brought The member for Bendigo West also commented on the in a rule that you had to get a permit before you ripped Tarrengower Cactus Control Group, which sounds like out your rabbit burrows because there might be native it is a very proactive local group. I take off my hat to vegetation there. For members of the previous the members of the Tarrengower group for the work government — that is, the opposition — to come in that they are doing. I am sure that they would be very here and say that it made it simpler for people to grateful to this government for reinstating Landcare eradicate vermin on their land is wrong. Labor coordinators. The Tarrengower Cactus Control Group members actually put more red tape and green tape in would be absolutely over the moon about the support the way by requiring people to have a permit to rip out offered by this government, but the member of Bendigo their rabbit burrows, which was their responsibility. West failed to mention that. Labor members need to be consistent when they come in here and make statements. The member for Eltham made a few comments about blackberries and Scotch thistles, and obviously he As you would be well aware, Acting Speaker, we have neglects his responsibilities as a landowner. He should to get rid of the rabbits. The rabbit plague of the 1940s be controlling the blackberries on his land. It does not was the cause of some of the greatest dust storms matter how many there are; it is the land-holder’s Victoria has had, and we have all seen the photos of responsibility to look after weeds on his land. There is live rabbits piled up on top of each other against the nothing worse than an absentee land-holder who wire netting and the ground below just teeming with neglects their weeds, their vermin and their pest rabbits. They greatly degraded the land. Acting animals. I would encourage the member for Eltham to Speaker, you would remember that when the calicivirus engage contractors to come in and do the job. He also first came out, it had a big impact on the rabbit said that this government is not investing enough in population from the end of the 1990s to the start of the weed control and in looking after public land. He failed 2000s. We actually had regeneration of a lot of native to mention the terrible financial mess in which this state vegetation because the level of grazing by rabbits was was left in 2010. There was $2 billion in cost reduced. As the member for South Barwon indicated in overruns — a black hole of $2 billion. his contribution, this is very important to us for the agricultural productivity of this state. However, it is not Members should think about what we could have done just the agricultural productivity that is important; it is with weed and pest animal management if we had not also very good for the environment. inherited that $2 billion black hole. There was the $890 million on the regional rail project, $340 million We also have heard that the actions of local Landcare on the Melbourne markets, $350 million on myki, groups is a key factor in the success of this legislation. $50 million on the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Right across the regions they coordinate work with Wellness Centre, where the previous government did landowners on the roadsides, local land and recreation not allow for any equipment, and $20 million at the reserves. They coordinate work right across the regions, Royal Children’s Hospital, where there was no money which you need to do if you are going to be effective in for computers. dealing with the likes of rabbits and weeds. Acting Speaker, you would be well aware of the The member for Bendigo West made some interesting $750 million that was wasted on that wombat fire comments, but what she neglected to say is that the refuge called the north–south pipeline. That is all it will opposition actually was in government from 2000 to ever be used for, and there never was a business case 2010. There was an opportunity after the calicivirus to for it. If there had not been all this wasted money, there get right on top of the rabbits. We missed that would have been a great deal more money for the opportunity and are now dealing with it. Luckily we coalition government to spend. We could then have a have had a change of government and extra resources coordinated approach with the land-holders, local have been put into it. As the member for Gippsland government and the Department of Environment and

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Primary Industries. A lot more money could have been In previous years the group tried to clear weeds along spent if we had not inherited the financial black hole the Puffing Billy railway network, but it did not have left by the Labor government in 2010. the involvement from council or the local landowners whose properties abutted the track. However, by going I commend the bill to the house because it delivers a onto properties, having a chat to the owners and putting coordinated approach by the state government, local in a coordinated effort — and this is what the bill is government and land-holders to address pest animals about; putting in a coordinated effort across the state — and weeds in this state. they have achieved weed eradication because they do not have the issue of clearing the land between the track Mr BATTIN (Gembrook) — I will start by and the private property and having the weeds come apologising, because there is no way in the world that I back in a very short period of time. Blackberry is one of am going to be as entertaining as the previous speaker. the main pest weeds up there, as is wandering trad. What a fantastic contribution. I take it all on board. Being a good representative of country Victoria, he Glenn Brooks-Macmillan is our local Landcare brought up a lot of points. He understands how this coordinator, and he goes the extra mile to make sure issue impacts people across the state. The Minister for that he can continue to work with those groups. We are Agriculture and Food Security is here, and he is also a now expanding that approach to weed eradication to all representative of country Victoria and goes out to speak areas in the Gembrook electorate and across the to farmers and land-holders to explain how the changes Dandenongs. Ours is an area of high importance to our we make affect them. community and contains some fantastic parklands, so it is important that we protect them. The roadside is I rise today to support the Catchment and Land continually identified as an area where we can clear Protection Amendment Bill 2013. We have heard much land quite easily in some spots. but if we do not clear it from the other side about not enough being done. I properly, all we are doing is creating a buffer zone and reiterate what the member for Rodney has just spoken the weeds return to the areas we have cleared. about with regard to the lack of funding that was available when we came to government to get these I note that in the 2012–13 budget there was a significant programs happening. How much change there has been increase in funding totalling $7.8 million. Referring since some decent ministers were put in place. They back to what the member for Rodney said, that funding have got together to coordinate matters to ensure that has gone up to $2.6 million a year — a 260 per cent we have the best possible scenario going forward. increase. We have identified that it is important to have programs in place to ensure coordination and to cut I will speak about some things in my electorate in some of the red tape that currently prevents genuine relation to weeds and weed eradication. People on this control and genuine change so we can see these areas side of the house often mention Landcare and how cleared totally of weed infestation problems. In important it is in Victoria. My electorate of Gembrook 2013–14, 56 councils across Victoria will be eligible to is home to Puffing Billy. What Landcare has done receive grants of up to $50 000 to plan and implement through areas like mine is a prime example of what can control activities for long-term management. This is to be achieved when groups work with councils, make sure they can work with local groups and governments and local land-holders. Puffing Billy is stakeholders to develop an effective plan to get rid of not directly related to this bill, but is an example that problems, whether they involve weeds, vermin, rabbits gives members an understanding of what would happen or other pests and to make sure the plan is in place for if we could get that coordinated effort happening in the coming years. other areas across the state. Before coming to government we were talking about When we came to government Puffing Billy had an the federal government and the changes in federal issue with weeds from Belgrave all the way to government funding for Landcare. The Landcare Gembrook. The fight for funding had been going on for program has probably been one of the most effective a long time. Once in government we worked with the programs we have seen in the community, especially up local council, Landcare and volunteer groups, through the Bunyip State Forest and Warburton. We supporting them with funding to see what changes they have a very big agricultural and horticultural area up could make. Being a delicate area, most of the weeding there, along with a lot of fruit farmers. A lot of farmers had to be done by hand. It was a very long and slow we work with have had issues over the years in relation process. Over the last two years about 80 per cent of the to the roadsides, and they have continually complained weeds along the first few kilometres of the Puffing about that. They are working more and more with our Billy track have been eradicated. Landcare coordinators, especially up through the Yarra

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Ranges area. They are communicating more with the The members for Rodney and South Barwon spoke in council where they can. They have always said, ‘We great detail about how rabbits can spread weeds and just want a genuine plan in place so our efforts are about other issues concerning rabbits. As they have coordinated’. adequately covered those matters, I do not think I will cover them further. The member for Mildura may wish Those farmers are not trying to pass the buck or to say to continue in that vein. I will leave alone the issues of it is not their problem. They want someone they can rabbits, burrows and ferrets. work with rather than just being told about the issue. They do not want a situation where the weeds are Pest plants and animals on our roadsides are constant coming back, or vice versa, where something gets threats to adjoining land-holders. The Catchment and cleared and it is on their property. The groups up there, Land Protection Act 1994 made landowners whose including the Victorian Farmers Federation groups, properties adjoin local roads responsible for managing have been pushing to ensure that there is a state most noxious weeds and established pest animals on government that listens to and works with them to roadsides. Some uncertainty arose about this implement a holistic plan rather than just a one-off fix interpretation following questions raised by the Road in small areas. I think it is great that we have seen that Management Act 2004, in particular about the change through that area. Having made that short definition of ‘roads’ and ‘roadsides’ and the contribution, I support the Catchment and Land responsibilities of local councils. Protection Amendment Bill 2013 and commend it to the house. As we know, the responsibility for noxious weed control and established pest animals on municipal roads Mr McCURDY (Murray Valley) — I am delighted is fragmented. The Department of Environment and to rise and speak on the Catchment and Land Protection Primary Industries, councils and other landowners all Amendment Bill 2013 and, like so many before me, share that responsibility and, depending on the category make a contribution to the debate. One of the biggest of the weed and the roadside classification, this issues facing the Murray Valley, and indeed many rural legislation will clarify issues of responsibility. The and regional communities in northern Victoria, is plant reality is that improved management of roadside areas and animal control on roadside verges. Roadside verges is required to prevent unacceptable damage to are often havens for the spread of these plants and agriculture in our communities. I spoke earlier about animals, which causes concern in our communities. The fodder and how weeds can be transported in it. For control of weeds and pest animals on roadsides has example, Paterson’s curse came into Victoria after often been a point of speculation and misperception, appearing in New South Wales and Queensland. and this bill provides clarity in these matters. Our Eventually it made its way to Victoria and is now alive communities need clarity so everybody can understand and well in many parts of our state. Roadsides are no whose responsibility each portion of the roadside is, different, and we will continue to try and get to the whether it adjoins a VicRoads road or a municipal road. bottom of how we can look after our roadsides. This greater transparency will contribute to fulfilling an election commitment made by the coalition Since 2004 the government has not enforced any government — that is, to improve the Catchment and requirements to manage roadsides. I refer to such issues Land Protection Act 1994 through the introduction of as weed control, rabbit control and the responsibilities this bill. of adjoining landowners. Instead the department has provided funding as grants for councils to voluntarily Weeds invading our roadsides can be spread easily, undertake weed and rabbit control on roadsides. particularly by vehicles which run off the side of a road. However, this measure relied upon the voluntary Such incidents mean that seeds can be spread and participation of councils in controlling weeds, which, as transported to new areas. For example, in rural areas we know, has not always been a satisfactory answer. farmers sometimes purchase fodder from other parts of Quite often councils are very good at pointing the the country, including interstate areas. The fodder is finger at land-holders who do not do the right thing, but often delivered by the truckload, and sometimes weeds when land-holders do the same thing and point their are transported in that manner. Farmers sometimes find fingers at councils, often there has been criticism and a themselves responsible for monitoring weeds that have lack of clarity about who is responsible for what. There been imported onto their farms. Sometimes weeds and was also frustration amongst adjoining land-holders, seeds can be distributed by being blown off fodder who in some areas could see little action being taken in being transported along highways. This bill provides terms of the changes that needed to be made. They clarity by ensuring that everybody will be clear about could see what needed to be done, but nothing was who is responsible for weed control in roadside areas. being done. The lack of arrangements for roadside

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weed and pest animal problems has impeded efforts to Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I rise to make a enforce proper weed and pest animal management in contribution on the Catchment and Land Protection problem areas. Amendment Bill 2013. The purpose of the bill is to amend the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 to In 2010 the former Minister for Agriculture established clarify the responsibility for management of noxious the working party on roadside pests and weeds and weeds and pest animals on roadsides, to provide for the asked its members to conduct an independent review. introduction of a roadside weed and pest management This working party was asked to provide a plan to be prepared by municipal councils and to make conscientious proposition that would provide for other minor and technical amendments to the act. effective and efficient management of pest plants and animals on roadsides. Working party members were One of the biggest threats facing rural and regional drawn from all the parties involved, including the communities is that of pest plants and animals. We all Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), which I have been know how contentious roadsides have been over the involved with. Indeed the member for Rodney, who is years and that these pest plant and animal incursions in the chair, is a former VFF president and has been often begin there. When I travelled to school on the involved in many of those rural activities. Other school bus over the years I watched Paterson’s curse representatives in the working party came from the then move from the roadside, through the fences and across Department of Primary Industries and many other into the paddocks. It was fairly obvious where that bodies. One of the key features of the working party’s began and what those issues were. Dealing with approach was its recommendation that municipal Paterson’s curse has become a major problem in my councils be required to provide at least some level of area. The spread of that and other weeds has become a control on the roads that they manage. I agree with this point of conjecture and confusion, and the bill will measure, as do many members on this side of the clarify that issue. We said at the election we were going house; hence the introduction of this bill. to do something about this, and here we are delivering on that today. The bill makes municipal councils the landowners of roadside areas, and for those purposes this bill amends There are many ways that weeds arrive. I think that in the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 to require my neck of the woods Paterson’s curse probably fell off local councils to prepare plans for the management of the back of sheep being transported down the road in pest weeds and animals on roadsides, dependent upon trucks. Not much feed moves around my area, so that is the minister’s declaration that a particular council area my theory; others may well have different theories. is one with a requirement to prepare such a plan. This There is also the threat to adjoining land-holders. provides for the formulation of set plans, and the plans will support any weed and pest animal management To add a Mildura flavour to the concerns raised here, programs being undertaken by land-holders. They will something called khaki weed has recently arrived in the also assist in protecting infrastructure and the area. It is a considerable concern, and it is proving to be environmental value of our roadsides, the standard of a difficult weed to deal with. Quite a number of other which has slipped over recent years. Those of us who weeds that have arrived in my area over time are live in rural and regional Victoria have seen this proving to be extremely challenging. Boxthorn is a standard slip over time. major concern in my area, and it is quite difficult to deal with. In the unlikely event that a council fails to implement the management measures specified in its plan, the bill The Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 had been provides for an approval of the plan to be revoked, after generally understood to make land-holders adjoining which enforcement measures can be applied in the roadsides responsible for managing most noxious same way as councils apply them to land-holders at the weeds and established pests on roadsides. Uncertainty moment. There is a process of crosschecking, and this arose about that interpretation following questions legislation will assist all concerned. raised by the Road Management Act 2004 about the definition of roads and roadsides and councils’ Having said that, I do not want to go into the issue of responsibilities. Current responsibilities for control of rabbits and ferrets, as I said earlier tonight. I have noxious weeds and established pest animals on limited my contribution mainly to weeds on the municipal roads are unworkably fragmented. The roadsides, as I have tried to stick closely to the bill. I Department of Environment and Primary Industries, will allow the member for Mildura to continue on and councils and adjoining landowners all sometimes have push this case, but I commend the bill to the house. responsibilities, depending on the category of weed and what type of road it is on.

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From 2004 the previous government did not enforce the when you, Acting Speaker, were young you were sent requirement on land-holders to manage weeds and out to the paddock with a bucket and spade to get rid of rabbits. To support what the member for Rodney said, some weeds, so some things do not change. that was still the post-calicivirus period, when rabbits in particular were not a major problem. However, it has An honourable member interjected. been reported that the calicivirus antibody is active in the rabbit population, and they are certainly on the Mr CRISP — That is a very good interjection. increase. There are an awful lot of them around, and I want to spend a couple of minutes talking about a right now some are probably having dinner on my front couple of things. Dealing with rabbits has become quite lawn in Mildura — something I would like to a concern. You can rip their burrows and you can discourage. poison them, but a couple of years ago in Mildura Gary More generous support was offered in 2012 by a Kerr demonstrated to me an Australian version of program administered by the then Department of something called the Gophinator, if members want to Planning and Community Development. I am aware look it up on the internet. This is a small handpiece you that a number of shire councils in my electorate took carry with a bottle of liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The advantage of that program. However, reliance on LPG being heavier than air, you put it in the rabbit voluntary control was not enough; we needed to burrow, it is ignited and the explosion then collapses overcome some of the problems caused by hit-and-miss the burrow at some depth. It is an interesting process to programs. The lack of workable arrangements for watch and hear. It is an adaptation of the American roadside management has impeded the efforts to equipment used to deal with gophers, in particular on enforce proper weed management of problem areas. golf courses. Gary has sold some of these to property owners and a couple of contractors who can take care We have had a roadside weeds and pest animals of that. Gary pointed out that this offers a solution for working party. It has gone through an independent rabbit burrows where you cannot get rippers in and you review. It has been off to the Victorian Farmers might not necessarily want to deal with poison. Federation, the Municipal Association of Victoria and the then Department of Primary Industries. It has been However, I have seen it demonstrated and it requires some training. Members might well imagine what everywhere. could happen if you do not get this right — you could The key feature of the working party’s do more than collapse the burrow. This is yet another recommendations was that municipal councils should tool. We are getting the tools and the contractors. There be required to provide a level of control. What are we are many ways to deal with rabbits. We are going to asking them to do? We are requiring a municipal need all of them because of the way rabbit numbers are council to prepare and submit to the minister a plan for recovering from calicivirus in the bush. That is a the management of pests and weeds on municipal concern for the future and is something that will end up roads. This is dependent on the minister declaring that on the desk of the Minister for Agriculture and Food the municipal district is one to which the requirement Security, who is at the table. applies. I do not know much about the city, but I would think there would not be too many pest weeds growing This bill takes care of roadside weeds. It puts the onus in metropolitan roads. for a plan on councils. It delivers on an election promise. We are getting on and dealing with this The program of measures to be set out must support the long-term awkward problem. We are a step closer to weed and pest animal management programs being managing weed incursion in our farming areas. I undertaken by landowners — this has to be a combined commend the bill to the house. effort and some common sense has to apply — and protect the infrastructure and environmental value of Mr NORTHE (Morwell) — It gives me great roadsides. The plan would prevent notices having to be pleasure to rise to speak this afternoon on the Catchment and Land Protection Amendment Bill 2013. issued. This bill primarily does two very important things. Today I had students from Ouyen and Tempy primary Firstly, it clarifies the responsibility for management of schools visit me at Parliament. They asked what we noxious weeds and pest animals on roadsides. were going to talk about today, so I engaged them in Secondly, it provides for the introduction of a roadside discussion on this bill. They pointed out that something weed and pest animal management plan, which is to be important to their area was onion weed. Some of the prepared by municipal councils. kids were required to dig out this weed. I am sure that

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As other members and speakers have said during the have effective weed control, which has had some course of this debate, it is important that we clarify who take-up by local councils. That is important. By the has responsibility for weed and pest management on same token, participation by councils is voluntary. This our roadsides. This bill ensures that local governments legislation makes sure that there are very clear and have responsibility for their local roads. As many defined responsibilities for local government for weed members have mentioned, the control of weeds and and pest control on local roads, and I am sure that will pest animals on roadsides has long been the subject of be welcomed. much conjecture and confusion. These amendments seek to clarify those responsibilities, and that is very Much has been said about the establishment of the important. working party on roadside weeds and pests and the independent review undertaken by the previous From a local perspective, the Morwell electorate is Minister for Agriculture, the member for Ripon. It is made up of a diverse range of communities. In the important to note that there were significant and south, areas such as Yinnar South, where the member substantial interest groups and stakeholders that for Eltham has a property, and Boolara are strong provided input to that working party. One of the key farming communities, where it is important that each recommendations coming out of it was to ensure that and every person or landowner takes responsibility and municipal councils had some level of control and does the right thing in curbing pests and weeds. This is responsibility for the roads they managed. That is an an important subject that has been broached on many important part of the bill we are introducing today. occasions at meetings with the local Victorian Farmers Federation and farming groups — making sure we have If I might digress slightly, in recent times I had the clarification around who is responsible for pest and opportunity to attend the wedding of my former weed control. I am sure the feedback we will receive in electorate officer Julia Auciello, who is wonderful. She response to this bill will be positive. married her husband, John, at Jinks Creek Winery in Gembrook on Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road. In the car In the north of my electorate there are farming areas pool on the way there, we noticed substantial roadside such as Cowwarr and Toongabbie and to a lesser extent weeds along that road, which show we need greater Glengarry and Tyers. While it is a different type of controls. There was a request that we talk to the local land, this is a subject that comes up in regular council to make sure that controls are put in place at the discussions with community groups and farming entrance to that particular venue and some action be enterprises in those areas. Tyers also has some strong taken to keep those weeds under control on that road. farming interests. Making sure that everyone works together and adheres to their responsibilities is vitally This problem has existed right across the state for some important. I am sure this will occur via this legislation. period of time. This legislation gives us a great opportunity to define the roles and responsibilities, The member for Rodney referred to pests such as particularly for councils. With that, I join with other rabbits. Other types of vermin that we have not spent members on this side of the house in commending the much time talking about include foxes. It is great to see bill to the house. I wish it a speedy passage. the fox bounty has been so successful across Victoria, with 212 000 culled, which is an amazing figure. That Ms McLEISH (Seymour) — I am pleased to join is a really important initiative that has been very the debate on the Catchment and Land Protection successful. The introduction of that program by the Amendment Bill 2013. As we have heard, this is an coalition government has been welcomed. The member important bill in terms of clarifying the situation in for Rodney raised some other points on rabbiting. I country areas, particularly for municipal roads, with remember in my younger days using steel traps and regard to the management of noxious weeds and pest letting some of the ferrets out for a run. They would animals on roadsides. This bill clarifies the chase those rabbits down into their burrows. It was responsibility for the management of weeds and pest great fun at the time. Rabbits cause much destruction, animals on roadsides and also provides for a weed and and it is important that we have measures in place to pest management plan to be prepared by municipal curb that. councils. The bill makes it clear that municipal councils have a defined and key role and, as with many other As many members have said, the government has not bills that come before the house, it makes a number of really enforced the requirement to manage roadside other minor and technical amendments. weeds or pests on adjoining lands since 2004. The Department of Transport, Planning and Local My electorate covers four municipal councils: the shires Infrastructure administers a program to ensure that we of Nillumbik, Yarra Ranges, Murrindindi and Mitchell.

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Regardless of which area I visit, the management of landowners. You may be a landowner who has spent a roadside weeds, probably more so than pests and lot of time and effort trying to maintain the quality of animals, is an issue that I hear about constantly. Weeds your pasture by doing the right thing and spraying, only can get out of control and become a wick for fires. to find that birds have eaten blackberries from a bush They can also very easily carry fire from one property adjoining your property and you now have a wonderful along a roadside to another and even cause it to jump a blackberry crop growing happily alongside your lush road. If you have been managing your pastures well and pastures. attending to the weeds on your property but the adjoining land — in this case owned by the Crown — I will share with members an example of a roadside is not being managed, you are behind the eight ball. bracken management program up in the highlands. This The question that arises in that instance is who going to is a program I had not encountered before. The local do it on these municipal roads. The landowner is community had big signs up advising that it was asking, ‘Is it my responsibility?. If I have to do it, why trialling a different way of managing bracken along is the council not doing it?’. roads in the area, and you could see quite clearly that a large amount of the bracken had been killed. There has been a lot of argy-bargy around trying to get some of these issues sorted out, because the situation Sitting suspended 6.30 p.m until 8.02 p.m. has not been clear. To add to the confusion, council grants have been made available for the management of Ms McLEISH — I will continue my story about the roadside weeds and pests, but they have been a little bracken control program in the highlands. It is a new ad hoc. No-one knew when they were available or how initiative, and I have not seen it done elsewhere, so next much money was involved. Landowners have been summer I will be quite interested to see its results. asking, ‘Are the councils doing it? Have they stopped Bracken may not be one of the most noxious weeds, but it is certainly very bothersome for my family. doing it? Are they going to do it next month? Is it just for this year? Is it going to be done next year as well?’. To conclude, this bill will clarify the responsibilities There was a huge amount of confusion and many around pest weed and animal control. We have had so people came to my office and expressed concern. They much confusion in the past about who is responsible for would take the matter up with council, and if they were it and how it is to be done. This bill puts the guidelines not satisfied they would bring the issue up with me and firmly in place, so the buck does not stop with we would work with councils to see whether or not we individuals, the shires or even government bodies. I am could get that particular area sorted. Therefore I am pleased that confusion will be allayed through this bill. really pleased that this legislation defines clearly the responsibilities of the parties involved. I also want to comment on pest control and commend the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security for his I commend the work that has been done by Landcare work with the fox bounty, which to date has seen some groups, in particular the Landcare networks. A couple 212 000 scalps handed in; the previous government’s of groups I have had a lot to do with are the Upper program saw some 23 000 scalps handed in, so that Goulburn and the North Yarra Landcare networks. The figure is nearly 200 000 more. That program has been North Yarra group in particular has had some issues incredibly successful. The bill before the house will with blackberries and roadside spraying. The members also help control pests such as rabbits, and its measures of the group were concerned that that had not been will go a long way. With that, I commend the bill to the undertaken properly and that the people contracted to house. do the work through some of the grants programs did not really understand what to do and the best way to do Debate adjourned on motion of Ms KAIROUZ it to make sure the poisons had seeped right through (Kororoit). and killed the roots rather than just having the weeds sprayed and slashed, which can sometimes happen. The Debate adjourned until later this day. Landcare groups, particularly the North Yarra Landcare Network, were very good at advocating and working with the local council and the roads authority at that time to make sure those weeds were well controlled.

Other weeds present particular issues. For example in the area around Wallan there is a lot of gorse, which is quite out of control. If that grows on municipal roadsides it can cause a lot of problems for adjoining

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SUCCESSION TO THE CROWN change that could not come too soon. I am not sure if I (REQUEST) BILL 2013 would have preferred Edward VIII to have held the throne through the turmoil of the Second World War, Second reading but that does not change the fact that we have had a deep injustice by virtue of ineligibility by marriage. Debate resumed from 26 June; motion of Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and The bill will also establish that the sovereign’s consent Small Business). to marriage will only be required for the first six persons in the line of succession. This bill is a Ms HENNESSY (Altona) — I am pleased to rise to ratification of a Commonwealth-wide agreement signed debate the Succession to the Crown (Request) Bill on Australian soil in 2011 that one’s gender should not 2013, and I do so with the sense of occasion the bill and would not determine one’s place in the royal necessitates, because it will be up to members in this succession. This bill is to receive uniform assent across place and those in chambers across the former the Commonwealth in harmony with the Succession to Commonwealth of Nations, now known as the the Crown Act 2013, which was passed by the Commonwealth, to officially amend an ancient Parliament of the United Kingdom in 2013. practice — a custom that some would argue has been trapped by the debris of centuries, which could not on It goes without saying that a nine-month deadline its own yield to 1200 years of history. This custom will involving a certain Princess Kate gave haste to this not be altered through feud or be heralded by family. transcontinental agreement. Perhaps to the relief of Instead, changes to the royal line of succession will certain constitutional scholars, Her Royal Highness the come at the quiet determination of our very modest Duchess of Cambridge delivered for the House of body in the far antipodes — drawn entirely of elected Windsor a third male heir, and he was a beautiful baby, members — five dozen generations after the death of Prince George. It has certainly made redundant the King Egbert and 18 000 kilometres from the crossroads urgency with which this bill was dispatched across the of his dominion. Commonwealth.

Some might legitimately say how peculiar that is — Had the Duchess delivered a daughter of course we that it is now down to us and parliaments in places like would have wished her no hurdle to inherit her St Lucia, Belize, the Solomons and the many other dominion. We would have wished that this daughter Commonwealth nations dotted around the planet to had an equal opportunity; at least, one that was equal to right this historic wrong. How peculiar it is that this that currently extended to the eldest son or brother of Parliament has the opportunity to refine the concept of the sovereign. primogeniture, which was first recorded biblically some 4000 years before the foundation of this colony and We support the amendments to the conditions of royal which has more often been altered by sword than by succession so they may better reflect the values of our statute. But here we are reassembling the rule of modern Australian society. That is why Victorian Labor succession that saw King George III assume the throne does not oppose this bill. I trust this simple question of instead of his elder sister, Princess Augusta, the gender neutrality is settled in the minds of both the Duchess of Brunswick, and the rule that saw Margaret public and members of this Parliament. However, that Tudor passed over in favour of her younger brother, is not the real question we are asked to contemplate Henry VIII. Whether a strong-willed queen regnant when we reflect on this bill. At the heart of this bill is a could have becalmed the American colonies or slowed matter far more profound. the English Reformation we do not know; at the very least we know that the course of our history would have Some of the challenges, issues and dilemmas go like been different. this: how do we make functionally equal a proposition that is still fundamentally unequal, and how do we This bill will alter the laws of qualification for the royal break down the barriers of birthright within the bastion line of succession. It will establish no priority for male that so embodies them? Yes, we agree that succession over female heirs, rendering void the rule that rests to the British throne should not discriminate on the today in common law. That rule is referred to in a basis of gender. But by definition the concept of reasonably cold term, ‘male-preference cognatic monarchical succession discriminates against primogeniture’. It will also remove the rule that someone — anyone — always; it has to because that is disqualifies an heir from succession should they marry how the concept of succession works. With this bill we a Roman Catholic. As a person who has been socialised are not so much legislating to remove discrimination as in the deep traditions of Irish Catholicism, I say it is a we are legislating to make a certain family conversation

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with a potentially figurative eldest daughter a little less disqualified under the Act of Settlement 1701, and, awkward. under this bill, that disqualification remains. If the future firstborn daughter of the young Prince George Of course should the lovely, young Prince George decides, for example, to convert to Catholicism, she too produce a daughter 30 years from now, the legislation will be disqualified. Let us remember that, and as we will also have the effect of altering the identity of our debate this bill let us remember our place as one of the head of state at some unfixed date in the most multicultural nations in the history of mankind. 22nd century — that is, as long as section 1 of part I of Let us remember our status as the world’s sixth-oldest chapter I of the Australian constitution continues to vest continuous democracy. Let us remember the real gifts the power of the commonwealth in the Queen of bestowed on us by the United Kingdom — things that Australia. As a member of Parliament I pledge my include matters like the legacy of the Magna Carta or loyalty to the sovereign, but that does not diminish my the warrant of the Parliament or the values of the desire to see an Australian head of state in my lifetime. Scottish enlightenment. That is a cause to which many Australians, me included, remain very committed, not out of any We do not oppose this bill. It is not harmful, nor disrespect for Her Majesty but simply out of respect for defective nor deceitful, but neither is it necessarily ourselves. I am not here to table the tennis court oath, worthy of a grand celebration. Let us remember instead but this bill cannot be considered without reference to our identity, our achievements as a nation and our our status as a constitutional monarchy. history, and let us celebrate that instead. Having made those comments, I wish the bill a speedy passage Victorian Labor does not oppose this bill, but we want through the house. to see the sovereign unshackled from the medieval afflictions of gender, and so we support that. However, Mrs FYFFE (Evelyn) — I am pleased to follow the we also wish for this Parliament to apprise itself of member for Altona, and I congratulate her on her Australia’s place in the world today — to remember speech. Women from royal families were married off that we have a unique identity and that we have worth for the breeding of heirs, for the provision of title, for as a federation that is 112 years strong. My daughters, power and for the armies they would bring, but even if for example, may one day aspire to marry the future they were the firstborn, they did not become a queen in King George VII — and it would be a tremendous their own right. Women who did become a queen in wedding, Speaker, I assure you, and all honourable their own right only did so because they were the last members would of course be invited — but my one standing in the line of succession, not because they daughters should be able to hold an aspiration to be an were the firstborn. Finally, after over 1000 years, we Australian head of state regardless of marriage, are addressing the balance, and as a longstanding regardless of religion and regardless of birth. Under female liberationist I say it is about time. Australia’s constitution they cannot presently do that. If we are to talk about the values of our modern Jeffrey Archer, the best-selling author and Tory peer, Australian society, then let us talk about that one. introduced a bill to give equal rights to women in the succession to the Crown on 7 July 1997. This was done With this bill we are eliminating some discrimination in at a time when there was discussion and speculation the royal order, but its inherent discrimination remains, that Prince Charles might renounce his claim to the and we cannot truly celebrate one in isolation from the throne to marry Camilla Parker Bowles. The next in other. I am not just talking about the concept of line by age would then have been the Princess Royal, monarchy, which is a privileged kinship — a dominion Princess Anne. Prince Charles did marry Camilla, and by birth. The democratic distortions of royalty are as we know, he did not need to renounce the throne. self-evident. The Australian head of state should not be Our modern history would have been rewritten with a a position inherited by anyone. I am not talking just second Queen Anne. Why has it taken so long to about that; I am also talking about some of the other introduce gender-blind legislation when history records realms of discrimination that this bill does not address. that women were good monarchs? Other countries have also amended their constitutions — Sweden in 1980, I spoke earlier about George III, who inherited the the Netherlands in 1983, Norway in 1990, Belgium in throne over his older sister. That was unlucky for her, 1991, Denmark in 2009 and Luxembourg in 2011. but she was lucky to be so far up the queue in the first Other nations that have royal families are also looking place, because 60 years before King George’s ascent he at it. and his sister’s great-grandmother, a woman known as Sophia of Hanover, leapfrogged some 50 Catholics in For hundreds of years England was a mix of tribes, all the royal line of succession. The Catholics were with a king. The first king of England was Canute in

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1016. The first Queen was Empress Matilda, Queen The next to become queen in her own right was of Maude, who ruled in 1141. She was the daughter of course Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has now Henry I, and she was called the empress because her ruled for 61 years and is the Queen of England, the dead husband had been the German emperor. She was Queen of Australia and the Queen of many other only 12 when she was sent to marry him. It was a brief countries of the Commonwealth, formerly reign, yet she was described in Winston Churchill’s Commonwealth of Nations. All the Commonwealth History of the English-speaking Peoples as having the countries are required to change their legislation. ‘nature of a man in the frame of woman’— fierce, proud, hard, cynical, living only for politics. Churchill So — after that brief journey through history — what wrote that ‘she was fitted to bear her part in any war does this bill do? The key objective is to facilitate and be the mother of one of the greatest English uniform changes. It removes the disqualification of an kings’ — Henry II. heir from succession if they marry a Roman Catholic, and that is well and truly long overdue. Not so long After Maude, it was more than 300 years before another ago, in the 1950s and 1960s — Speaker, you may woman would sit on the throne. In 1553 Lady Jane remember this — marriage between a Catholic and a Grey, a Protestant, was named Queen. She was never Protestant was called intermarriage; now we think of crowned. Her reign lasted for only nine days. She was that as involving people of different colours and executed in 1554, aged only 17. We then had Queen completely different nations. I remember my father’s Mary from 1553 to 1558, frequently referred to as shock and horror when my sister wanted to marry a Bloody Mary. She wanted to make England Catholic Catholic, which she subsequently did, and I note how again and killed many who opposed her. She was far we have come in that time, but how slow we have succeeded by Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled for been in changing this legislation. 45 years — from 1558 to 1603. Considered by many to be England’s greatest monarch, she ruled through As to the current requirement in relation to the England’s golden age. Opening up the world, she began Sovereign’s consent to the marriage of one of those in the British Empire. In 1588 she gave a stirring speech at line to the throne, that is now going to apply to the first Tilbury to the land forces assembled in preparation to six persons in line of royal succession, and I think that fight the Spanish Armada. Mounted on a grey horse is also very timely. and dressed all in white, one line of her speech stands out: The inheritance of land and title in many cases still locks out female inheritance. There are many countries I know I have a body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the where titles are only passed down to males and where heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too … the land is only passed down to males. I know that this is supposedly to stop the division of the family wealth, After Queen Elizabeth it was almost 100 years before but it is so wrong that in this day and age we have this there was another Queen. Queen Anne reigned from gender discrimination. In my electorate there are many 1702 to 1714. She had 17 children, all of whom died. people with English backgrounds, and many people, Queen Anne was responsible for the unification of like me, who would say, ‘Why has it taken so long for England and Scotland. Then we had another 120-plus this to be changed so that a woman can inherit?’, years before Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria ruled from particularly given the successes and achievements I 1837 to 1901 — for 64 years. She had 9 children, have outlined of the many queens we have had in our 40 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Her history. A lot of people, of course, in my electorate, as oldest was a girl, Victoria Adelaide, who of course was in many others, believe it is inevitable that we will skipped over for her brother, King Edward VII. become a republic and have an Australian head of state. Queen Victoria shrewdly married off all her children It is not an issue that keeps people awake at night at the and grandchildren to other ruling heads or powerful moment, but I think it is there in the backs of minds that royal families, thereby extending the rule of the British a change is an inevitability. Empire. They of course had no say in the matter; they I am pleased to support this legislation; it is long were married to whomever they were told to marry. overdue. I am pleased also about the removal of the Queen Victoria ruled during the industrial revolution. prevention of royal marriage to a Catholic. I think that The British Empire became powerful, rich and as time goes by there will be other changes within the confident. When she died in 1901, after the longest legislation in the UK. Whether it will affect us will of reign in English history, the British Empire and British course depend on when that happens and what period royal power had reached their highest points. of history we are in, in this great country of Australia.

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Mr McGUIRE (Broadmeadows) — Australians the Act of Settlement. Under this bill, that have cherished egalitarianism since Federation. A fair disqualification remains. go for all remains a quintessential quality uniting Australians and marking our national identity. From the I do not believe such exclusions represent Australia’s First Australians to convict settlement to wave upon values or aspirations. In fact they highlight why wave of migrant families with the imagination to dream Australia should become a republic. Such an evolution of a better future and the courage to cross the world to would allow Australia to join the majority of countries pursue it, and to generations privileged to be born in in the Commonwealth of Nations, republics with their this sunburnt country, our commonwealth has evolved own head of state. I look forward to the day when we by offering the opportunity to rise by merit and shed the burdens of history and Australia’s head of state performance to any position, bar one: Australia’s head is an Australian, elected on merit and performance, of state. symbolising a fair go for all.

Electing Australia’s head of state would give voice to Ms MILLER (Bentleigh) — I am delighted to rise our values, our identity and the tenor of our times. This to speak on the Succession to the Crown (Request) Bill is the Australian way and resonates with our standing as 2013. This bill seeks to change the law relating to royal one of the oldest continuous democracies in the world. succession and to the disqualification of certain persons The Succession to the Crown (Request) Bill 2013 from succeeding to the Crown as a result of marriage. underscores historic prejudices and contemporary The main object of the bill is to change the law and conflicts of interest. As we make our mark as an have uniformity relating to the effect of gender and independent nation in the 21st century — from chairing marriage on royal succession. This is consistent with the United Nations Security Council to leadership in changes made to the relevant law in the United fields of endeavour as broad as our continent — Kingdom and ensures that the sovereign of Australia is electing a distinguished Australian on merit and the same person as the sovereign of the United performance as our head of state remains unfinished Kingdom. business in our national evolution. The changes simply mean there will be no priority for Fittingly, evolution, through a 21st century birth, has male heirs over female heirs. A girl born into the line of brought such principles before this Parliament, succession to the throne will no longer be overtaken in Australia’s first. At the Commonwealth Heads of line by a younger brother. Had William and Catherine, Government meeting in Australia on 28 October 2011 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, borne a girl, she the 16 Commonwealth realms agreed that the gender of would have been next in line to succeed the Queen after a person born after that date or of their descendants the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, and the Duke of would not determine whether that person or their Cambridge, Prince William. The bill also provides that descendants would be a successor to the Crown. The an heir will not be disqualified if they marry a Roman Succession to the Crown (Request) Bill 2013 requests Catholic, a discrimination based on religion. Only the that the commonwealth enact under the constitution an first six persons in line to the throne require the act to change the law relating to royal succession and sovereign’s approval to marry. Marriage without the royal marriages. The changes remove conditions sovereign’s consent would disqualify the person and deemed inappropriate in the 21st century — specifically their descendants from succeeding to the Crown, but to provide that there be no priority for male heirs over the marriage would be legally valid. female heirs, that marriage to a Roman Catholic will no longer disqualify an heir from succession and that the On 28 October 2011 representatives of nations of which Her Majesty is the sovereign agreed — the Perth sovereign’s consent to marriage will only be required for the first six persons in the line of royal succession. agreement — that the rules on succession to and possession of the Crown should be changed so as to The bill implements uniform changes to these laws in make succession not dependent on gender and to end Australia and is consistent with the United Kingdom’s the disqualification arising from marrying a Roman Succession to the Crown Act 2013. It also provides that Catholic. a person will not be disqualified from succeeding to the Crown or from being the sovereign due to their The United Kingdom has further proposed to disqualify marriage to a Roman Catholic. This would apply for certain persons from succeeding to the Crown as a marriages occurring before and after the result of marriage, to repeal the Royal Marriages Act 1772 and to validate certain marriages made void commencement of the act. However, the ban remains on Roman Catholics and other non-Protestants by that act. Furthermore, a request was made to the becoming sovereign. Catholics were disqualified under commonwealth Parliament to change the law relating to

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royal succession and royal marriages by legislating will be some Victorians who will welcome the bill. I under section 51(xxxviii) of the constitution. The commend the bill to the house. United Kingdom’s Succession to the Crown Act 2013 received royal assent on 25 April but will only come Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) — I appreciate the into force in the UK once it has been approved by all opportunity to speak on the bill. I want to put on the 15 Commonwealth countries where the Queen is head record that not a single person in the electorate of of state. The bill will come into force at the same time Pascoe Vale is remotely interested in the topics that as the other realms bring into force any changes to their have just been outlined by the member for Bentleigh. legislation or other changes which are necessary for We have not had a phone call, we have not had an them to implement the Perth agreement. There is power email, we have not had a letter, and I have not been to specify the day of commencement. Assuming that approached in the supermarket. There has been zero the other realms make the same provision this will interest. It is important that we have some balance in enable the changes on succession to be brought into the debate and that we put on record what happens in force at the same time — but at different local times — our electorate offices. in all 16 realms. On the bill specifically, I was recently in London. The legislation was agreed in principle at the Importantly, I went over there for three weeks to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in babysit. As I was holding my little granddaughter, two Perth in October 2011. The change to the law follows little kids out the front of my daughter’s house said to the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first me, ‘Is that Kate’s baby?’. I said, ‘No, this is Hannah; child, George, who will be third in line to the throne. I she is far more special than Kate’s baby’. know that residents in Bentleigh and in Victoria were thrilled at the announcement of the safe arrival of Dr SYKES (Benalla) — That was one of the most fascinating contributions to a debate in Parliament that I George. Under the previous law, which dates back to 1701, women were superseded by their brothers in have heard. I have great respect for the member for succession even if they were the first born. This bill is Pascoe Vale, but I will wonder for a long time what based on a model approach developed under the contribution that made to this debate. auspices of the Council of Australian Governments I wish to make a contribution to debate on the (COAG). It implements a COAG decision for each Succession to the Crown (Request) Bill 2013, which state to make a request to the commonwealth under other speakers have indicated has three key section 51(xxxviii) of the Australian constitution to components. The first is that the bill, if passed, and in make these changes. The simple request mechanism line with other Commonwealth parliaments and the approach in the bill is preferable because it relies on the Parliament of the United Kingdom, will stipulate that clear and express mechanism of the constitution that there will be no priority for male heirs over female ensures Victoria and other states retain a substantial heirs, that marriage to a Roman Catholic will not role in the process of effecting these important changes. disqualify an heir from succession, and that the This recognises and reinforces the independent sovereign’s consent to a marriage will only be required relationship of each state, including Victoria, with the for the first six persons in line to the royal succession. I Crown. wish to declare that I am a monarchist and royalist. Equal opportunity is important in today’s modern Why? Because I have fond memories of growing up in society and gender equality is something this Gippsland in the early 1950s. I am not quite sure of the government champions. From speaking with local time — — families in my electorate of Bentleigh I know that many Ms Green interjected. have been excited about the events surrounding the royal family and they believe Commonwealth nations Dr SYKES — The Queen of Yan Yean is should allow for females to be given the same interrupting. I am talking about the Queen of England, succession rights as their male counterparts. In speaking not the Queen of Yan Yean. I have fond memories of to residents in the bayside suburbs, many of whom the Queen coming to Australia and my mother taking migrated to Australia, they have informed me of their me to Melbourne to see her at the MCG. I must have support for equal opportunity. Succession to the throne been a little tacker of about six years of age. Then I will now be irrespective of gender. The bill facilitates remember the Queen coming to Gippsland, and again uniform changes and gender equality and allows we queued up to acknowledge her presence, because women to be given the same succession rights as their she was then and is now a symbol of steadiness and of male counterparts. I am sure there are residents in what we should aspire to as people in terms of being a Bentleigh who will welcome the bill. I am sure there

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caring and wonderful leader. I recall that I saw her on I also recall two or three months later when there was three occasions, and I recall that for the next 10 to magnificent footage on the television showing the 15 years or more we had royal visit memorabilia in our Queen responding to her horse winning a race, and she modest cottage in Gippsland, including a beautiful little was absolutely delightful in terms of her sheer golden horse-drawn carriage that sat on our exuberance at her horse winning. For those who are mantelpiece. I have fond memories going back to being non-believers, I say we are indeed fortunate that we a little tacker. have such a lovely lady representing us as our figurehead. Yes, we may move to another system of Fast forward to 1970 when I had the good fortune to be choosing a figurehead. Yes, we may do all of that, but playing for Fitzroy and we had the honour of playing what we have there — — against Richmond in front of the Queen. That was a memorable moment in my life and in the lives of Mr Katos interjected. members of the royal family. At half-time we were the underdogs because Richmond had been the premiers Dr SYKES — The member for South Barwon has the year before. I was playing on a fellow called John shown off his American eagle tie, with a big pecker Northey, who was pretty handy and was beating me. At hiding a little pecker. half-time the royal family came down to shake the hands of the participants. I was fortunate enough to be Honourable members interjecting. part of that group of people, but the royal family was The ACTING SPEAKER (Mr Morris) — Order! also fortunate to be part of that group of people. Not only did I meet all of the royal family but all of the Dr SYKES — Back on the bill, Bill! I wish to make royal family met me, and they are eternally grateful. it very clear that this bill we are debating this evening is enabling us to move with the times in terms of Ms Green interjected. recognising that male heirs should not have precedence Dr SYKES — I have also met the Queen of Yan over female heirs, and I think that is absolutely fundamental to where we have come to in our society. Yean, and the Queen of Yan Yean has also met me! Even the Queen of Yan Yean might agree that people That was and still is one of the highlights of my life, should not be judged by their gender; it is by their other because like many other people of British origin I hold qualities that they should be judged. In this case we are the monarch and the monarchy in the highest regard. removing gender from a decision-making process. People of other backgrounds can have their leaders and people they look up to, and I respect that. I have been The second issue is in relation to marriage to a Roman fortunate and have been to a number of other countries Catholic, or in other words to someone who is not a over the last 10 to 15 years, and I absolutely respect member of the Church of England, and I think most of people who look up to their leaders. Whether it is an us — including those members opposite who perhaps are ridiculing some people on this side of the house elected person or a person who is there by their origins, as in this case, it is critical that you have an individual about our contributions to the debate — recognise that that people look up to and are grateful for their people are people, and that most people are good leadership. people, and that whether you are Anglican, Roman Catholic, Jewish or Muslim should not influence your I will move on to the Queen. It has been quite a long being chosen for a particular role in society. time since I first saw her in the 1950s and met her in the 1970s, and now the Queen in the post-2000s is an I finish where I started — that is, declaring that I am a absolutely delightful lady. I had the opportunity to talk monarchist and that I strongly support the Crown. I to some of the owners of Black Caviar who met the have absolute admiration for the Queen of England. I think this bill takes us forward and puts us in sync with Queen when Black Caviar performed brilliantly at Royal Ascot. She was such a lovely person that when where we are going in society, and I think that as a Black Caviar won she wanted to pat the horse and house we should wholeheartedly support this bill. In enjoy the experience of connecting with, in this case, a doing so we should again reflect on how fortunate we queen of the racetrack. We had the monarch of the are as members of this commonwealth to have an Commonwealth, a humble person, wanting to be able to absolutely amazing lady as our Queen. God save the touch the queen of the racetrack — that is, Black Queen. Caviar.

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Mr WATT (Burwood) — Eighty years later we are still talking about whether or not a female can be queen if she has a younger brother. God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, I could devote my entire contribution on this bill, like God save the Queen. those on the other side did, to proclaiming a desire for a Send her victorious, republic rather than the great system of government that Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, we currently have. I will not enter into that debate, but God save the Queen. if I were going to, I would stand here and say, ‘Why would we want to change something that works? Why Most people in Australia probably would not even would we want to change the system of government consider the fact that at some point in time that used to that has been so good for so long and made us the best read ‘God save our gracious King’. Most people would country in the world? Four of our cities are ranked in not even consider that fact. the top 10 most livable cities in the world. Why would we want to change a system that gives us what we Mr Angus interjected. have?’.

Mr WATT — I am not taking up interjections, but Mr McGuire interjected. the member for Forest Hill might have said something like, ‘Why didn’t you sing it?’. It would be as Mr WATT — Members can listen to the member unparliamentary for me to sing it as it is for me to for Broadmeadows interjecting. I will not take up his answer his interjection, so I will not do that. interjection, because that would be disorderly. But if I were going to take it up, I would say that the stability The point is that most people — and I am a child of the we have through our system of government has made 1970s — would not necessarily understand that we us, amongst many other things, one of the best have to do something like this, coming into Parliament countries in the world. I would argue it has made us the and saying it is okay for a female to be queen if she has best country in the world. Our system of government a younger brother. It is an alien concept to most people has definitely given us that. that we have to do this, but here we are passing the Succession to the Crown (Request) Bill 2013. When I Members heard the very interesting contribution by the look over the last 176 years, I see that for 125 of those member for Pascoe Vale. Generally the member for years — for most of our time in this country — we Pascoe Vale makes very well-thought-out have had a queen as the monarch. Once again it comes contributions. She generally does a fairly good job, back to it being a bit alien to most of us that we would even though I might not always agree with her point of have to worry about whether or not we had to have a view. But today the member for Pascoe Vale stood queen or a king, depending on whether a female heir there and said that she did not think anything that the has an older or younger brother. It is quite anomalous. member for Bentleigh said was relevant and that no-one in her electorate cared for anything that the member for Here in Australia we talk about equality. I want to Bentleigh said. When I listened to the member for spend a bit of time in my contribution on equality. Bentleigh’s speech, what I heard was ‘equality’. I heard Coming from quite a large family and having 10 sisters, that members in her electorate care about equality and 4 of whom are older than me, I look at this issue and I that this bill is bringing about equality, making things am not sure whether I should get any more rights than equal for men and women. That is what I heard from my 10 sisters just because I am male. When I have the member for Bentleigh’s speech. I know she spoke discussions about privilege with my sisters, some of about a lot of other things, including the machinations them point out that they think I was a bit privileged, of the bill, but what I understand is that the member for being the only son, but I do not necessarily see that, so I Pascoe Vale thinks that the people of Pascoe Vale and will move on. Glenroy do not care about equality. That amazed me somewhat. In 1902 women had the right to vote in and stand for elections in the Australian Parliament. As of 12 May When I look at the last 176 years — 125 of which have 1924 women were able to stand for office in the seen a female head this great country — I am quite Victorian Parliament. It was 1933 when Lady Millie proud of the fact that I live in the best country in the Peacock, a member of the United Australia Party — a world. Most people would probably not even know that forebearer of the Liberal Party — became the first if a member of the royal family married a Catholic, they female member of the Victorian Parliament. Eighty would disqualify themselves from being the monarch. I years ago we had a female elected to this Parliament. looked at that and thought it was interesting — —

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Mr Herbert interjected. Mrs BAUER — Or God Save the King; that is right. It is a pleasure to speak on the Succession to the Crown Mr WATT — The member for Eltham interrupts. I (Request) Bill 2013. As we have heard, the purpose of reckon if we walked up and down Bourke Street and the bill is to change the laws of royal succession. The asked 100 people, we would probably get 100 people changes will include not giving priority to male heirs to who did not know it. The only person who might know the throne, providing that marriage to a Roman Catholic it is the member for Eltham. We previously had some will not affect an heir’s rights to succession and interjections from the other side about why we are providing that the sovereign’s consent to marriage for wasting time talking about this bill. If we cannot talk those in the line of succession will only be required for about the monarch of this great country and the rules the first six persons in that line. Currently, if someone is around that role, it is a very sad state of affairs. in the line of royal succession and wants to marry, they must seek permission to do so from the Queen. If they As I said, I am one of the younger members of marry without permission, they are excluded from the Parliament. For me, when I look at equality I say, ‘It line of succession. shouldn’t matter whether you are male or female, and it shouldn’t matter whether you marry a Catholic or not; As other speakers have said earlier in the debate, these we should all be treated the same way’. I have never changes will mean that no longer will gender or religion received and I do not expect to receive treatment that is be grounds for discrimination in matters concerning different from that received by any of my sisters. succession to the throne. These changes make sense in today’s modern and progressive society. They are When I come into this place and I see legislation come relevant and better reflect our Australian values and through here, I sometimes wonder whether or not we those of modern-day society in the United Kingdom. are actually living up to the standard that I set for Through this legislation we are addressing an myself and for the people of Victoria. There is a imbalance, albeit about 1000 years after the monarchy standard that I think we should adhere to, and that is was established. The legislation we are passing will be that it does not matter whether you are male or female welcomed around the world. or what religion you are. Some would say that it does not matter if you are black or white. What matters is Similar legislation in the United Kingdom was given what is inside. I do not pretend to argue that we should royal assent by Queen Elizabeth on 25 April, and that have a republic, like some of those on the other side bill has been enacted by the British Parliament. I would have done. The member for Benalla put it very have thought most people in the community would eloquently when he talked about the fact that he was a believe that women having equal rights to succession to monarchist at heart. I certainly agree with his views, but the throne is appropriate in today’s modern society. we will not go into that. Previously women could only succeed to the throne if they had no brothers. The fact that women cannot now It is interesting that 80 years ago we had our first be excluded from the line of succession by younger female member of Parliament and now we stand here to brothers is a very welcome change and will apply discuss whether or not a female should, as of right, be retrospectively to those in the line of succession who the queen of this country. I note that although this were born prior to 28 October 2011. particular piece of legislation was introduced before Prince George was born, it will not alter the fact that As we know, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge one day he will be king, but it may change things for recently had a baby boy, who eventually will be his children. Potentially a female heir could inherit the George VII. These changes will not be relevant to the throne over a younger brother, which would be fantastic children of the duke and duchess, but we might take a in balancing the ledger. I make the point again that in moment to think about what might have happened if the this place it does not matter whether you are male or duke and duchess had had a baby girl — a daughter and female, and no-one should care about it. Regardless of princess. One would hope that a little baby princess the legislation we pass, whether we are male or female would have received the equal opportunity she should not matter. I commend the bill to the house. deserves. In the lead-up to the royal birth there was an incredible amount of speculation worldwide. I do not Mrs BAUER (Carrum) — I will not start by singing think anyone could forget the two weeks prior to the God Save the Queen at the outset, but it is a great birth, when representatives of the worldwide media pleasure to follow the member for Burwood — — camped outside the hospital waiting for the royal An honourable member — Or God Save the King. couple to arrive. I think a lot of us ended up not watching as much television as we were used to

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watching because there was so much anticipation and with many female colleagues. As of June 2012 there the media was covering it to the second. were 239 women parliamentarians across Australian parliaments, down from 249 in 2010–11. Victoria’s Having said that, it is unlikely that Prince George will 57th Parliament has 42 women members — be king for 50 years or so, because Charles and William 13 legislative councillors and 29 members of the are ahead of him in the line of succession. Nevertheless, Assembly — and there are 5 women ministers in the this legislation will be welcomed by women around the cabinet. Overall some 33 per cent of the members of world, many of whom hope it will have the ripple effect this Parliament are women, but a lot more can be done. of an increase in the number of women holding top I take great hope from the fact that women are positions not only within the royal family but also increasing our number in Parliament and that we have within government and industry. absolutely equal opportunity.

We are incredibly fortunate to live in Australia, a Since the 1980s women have been graduating from democracy in which it is taken for granted that women university at higher rates than men, but a lot more could having equal rights. To stand in this place as a be done in terms of women achieving senior executive parliamentarian who has been voted in on merit is rank in business and in parliamentary representation something to be proud of. As members of a democratic across the commonwealth. This legislation is welcome society, we have that right and privilege. After across the commonwealth. All states have agreed to hundreds of years of tradition, the changes in this bill pass similar legislation, with Queensland, New South are sensible and relevant. The idea that a younger son Wales and Tasmania having already passed it. I have should be monarch ahead of an elder daughter is alien great pleasure in commending this bill, and I wish it a to a lot of us. I have four sons, so in my family we speedy passage. would not have had a problem with succession, because we have no daughters. Mr WELLER (Rodney) — It gives me great pleasure to rise this evening to speak on the Succession At this point I put on record that I am a great admirer of to the Crown (Request) Bill 2013. It is a bill for an act the Queen. In fact I was sent a letter by Queen to request the Parliament of the commonwealth to enact Elizabeth in the 1970s after I had invited her to my under section 51 of the constitution of the ninth birthday party. She very kindly replied that commonwealth an act to change the law relating to although she would not be in Cranbourne South at the royal succession and royal marriages and to make time of my ninth birthday party, she was very taken consequential amendments to the Crimes Act 1958 and with the invitation to attend. I have a letter from Queen the Imperial Acts Application Act 1980. Elizabeth that I value to this day. As a parliamentarian I acknowledge every letter that I receive from a student I will provide a bit of history for the house. On or a child with a handwritten letter and card, because 28 October 2011 representatives of nations of which that is what Queen Elizabeth did for me when she very Her Majesty is the sovereign agreed that the rules on kindly declined to come to my birthday party. succession to and possession of the Crown should be changed so as to make succession not depend on gender I did some research and found some examples of and to end the disqualification arising from marriage to women who were not able to succeed to the throne a Roman Catholic. I must confess that I come from a because a younger brother succeeded them. There are farming background where farms are handed down quite a few examples, some of which are quite through the generations — succession planning — and interesting. Henry VIII was the younger brother of that I am the eldest son of the eldest son, so in theory I Margaret Tudor, yet he succeeded to the throne ahead should be against this change, but I am all for it. It of his sister. Elizabeth Stuart, known as the winter makes a lot of sense. As the eldest son of the eldest son, Queen of Bohemia, would have succeeded her father, you do not just get the farm; you actually have to work James I, in 1625 as Queen of England, but instead the for it. In this day and age of equality, if the females throne went to her younger brother, Charles I. Early last wish to be out there pulling calves at 2 o’clock in the century Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Victoria morning, to be sitting on the tractors baling hay at did not succeed to the throne in January 1901 because it 3 o’clock in the morning, to be out in 40 degree Celsius went to her younger brother, Edward VII. heat carting little square bales and coming face to face with tiger snakes and brown snakes while As I mentioned earlier, we are very fortunate to live in a irrigating — — society in which people are voted into positions in government and Parliament on merit. I am very proud Honourable members interjecting. to be the member for Carrum and to be in Parliament

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Mr WELLER — The point is that in relation to Queen’s Christmas message on Christmas Day. It is equality I agree that each gender should be as capable one of the highlights of the year. To have the Queen as the other. wish me a Merry Christmas actually touches me. I think there should be more of it. In the Parliament of Victoria Ms Green interjected. members of the government wish members of the opposition well at Christmas time. I usually get a card Mr WELLER — The Queen of Yan Yean should from the member for Yuroke in return for my card to stop interjecting. If she wants the call she should stand her. It is good. Institutions like the Queen’s message in her place and she will be given the call. should not be laughed about. The message is important Another aspect of the bill is about the disqualification to the morale of the people. The member for Carrum from succession if you marry a Roman Catholic. When mentioned the letter she received from the Queen when you go back centuries you find that that was what she invited the Queen to her ninth birthday. That sort of happened. It may have been appropriate centuries ago thing makes someone’s day. but it is no longer appropriate. I am from good We have the Queen’s representative in Victoria. When Presbyterian stock, and my brother chose to marry a I was at Lockington state school Sir Rohan Delacombe Roman Catholic. She is a lovely lady, and she fitted was the Governor of Victoria. My brother will not like into our family very well. It would be limiting if me mentioning this, but the Governor came to our members of the royal family were not allowed to marry school. We had the flag-raising ceremony and sang Roman Catholics. In this day and age it makes great God Save the Queen nearly as well as the member for sense that this be allowed. Burwood. My brother was a preschool member at the Prince George, who was born a few weeks back, is time. He walked over to Sir Rohan Delacombe, pulled third in line to the Crown. Currently we have the on his trousers and said, ‘I seen you on TV last night’. Queen, who is doing a sterling job; Prince Charles, who The Governor was well known back then. My brother has been waiting a while and will do a great job when was not even in school, and he recognised the Governor he gets a chance; and then Prince William. For those from the night before. It was before WIN TV; it would who do not know, Prince William is the son of Prince have been Bendigo’s BCV8 TV back then. Charles, grandson of the Queen. Prince William is also This bill is very important. It is very important that we the father of Prince George. Coming from a farming encourage and support the Crown moving with the background, Acting Speaker, you would understand the times by ensuring that females can succeed to the books where we record breeding. It goes from the throne and that members of the royal family can still be Queen, to Prince Charles, to Prince William and to entitled to be king or queen if they marry a Catholic. I Prince George; they are the four generations all in a commend the bill to the house. line. Mr KATOS (South Barwon) — I am very pleased Ms Beattie interjected. to rise this evening to make a contribution in the debate Mr WELLER — I know it is wrong to respond to on the Succession to the Crown (Request) Bill 2013. I interjections, but surprisingly the member for Yuroke am following on from some very impressive made quite a good interjection about succession contributions. The member for Rodney shared some planning. Obviously it is important to have good very insightful memories of his time at primary school. succession planning. We have the succession plan here I also have memories from primary school in the late whereby we go from the Queen, to Prince Charles, to 1970s. Every Monday at Belmont Primary School we Prince William and to Prince George. It is all mapped used to sit in the quadrangle for assembly, and the very out so that it can be done very well. crackly public address system would play God Save the Queen. In the early 1980s that changed to Advance We talk about the Crown, and members of the royal Australia Fair. family have been very interested in horseracing. The Queen and the Windsors in general enjoy coming to the This objective of this bill is to facilitate changes to the horse races in Victoria — the Melbourne Cup. The law relating to royal succession. In my family this issue Queen particularly is quite interested in that. It is not is pretty clear cut. I am from a family of five sons; I just horse racing. They are also interested in the cricket have four brothers. I also have four sons, so the Katos and Rugby. line is fairly clear cut. The member for Carrum also has four sons, as does the member for Mordialloc, who is I think one of the highlights of the year is the Queen’s not in the house. We would not have too much trouble Christmas message. I look forward to hearing the in our family with this issue. The crux of the bill is that

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if a female is firstborn in the royal family, her gender no matter what their religion was. I am Greek will not preclude her from becoming the heir to the Orthodox — — throne. Everyone has different views on the monarchy. My view on England is that no matter where the Ms Beattie interjected. English went, they left civilisation and democracy. The very institution we are in today owes a lot to the Mr KATOS — That is right; he was. The member English and shows what they left behind. I am of Greek for Yuroke referred to Phil the Greek. As I said earlier, heritage. The Duke of Edinburgh was an heir to the the Duke of Edinburgh was the heir to the throne of Greek throne, so I also have a bit of a connection there. Greece before the Greeks overthrew the monarchy. No matter what your views are on the English That was quite a while ago. monarchy, it is responsible for outstanding institutions. This bill also limits the requirement for the sovereign’s No matter where the English went, whether it be the consent to marriage to the first six persons in line to the United States, Australia, Canada or South Africa, they throne. That is understandable. The line of succession left civilisation behind them. goes a fair way down. You might have a person on it The key objective of this bill is to facilitate uniform who is quite removed from becoming the heir. changes to the law relating to royal succession Technically they could become the heir if there were a throughout the 16 Commonwealth countries that have freak occurrence. Now, if they are 13th in line to the the Queen as their head of state. This will ensure that throne, there is no requirement for them to seek the the sovereign of Australia is the same person as the sovereign’s consent. These changes had their genesis at sovereign of the United Kingdom. The bill includes a a meeting of the Commonwealth heads of government request to the commonwealth Parliament to enact under in October 2011, which was attended by representatives section 51(xxxviii) of the Australian constitution an act from all 16 nations for which the Queen is head of state. Representatives at the meeting agreed to support the to provide that there will be no priority given to male heirs over female heirs. This is very topical. Recently proposed changes to royal succession so that there the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a baby boy. If would be no priority for male heirs over female heirs this bill had not come before this Parliament, or the and that marriage to a Roman Catholic will not parliaments of the other states of Australia, the disqualify an heir from succession. The Queen’s private secretary attended the meeting. It is my understanding commonwealth or other Commonwealth countries, and had the Duchess of Cambridge given birth to a daughter that the proposal was put forward with the Queen’s full followed by a son, the daughter would not be the heir, knowledge. the son would be. These are quite old-fashioned notions Once the various state parliaments have passed this from different monarchies throughout Europe and other legislation the commonwealth will also enact countries, including England and former monarchies legislation. Queensland, New South Wales and such as France or Russia. Why should a female be Tasmania have already passed legislation, and Victoria precluded from being the heir simply based on her is in the process of doing so. I assume the legislation gender? It does not make sense. will pass this house in a speedy manner and then move on to the Legislative Council. The time frame for the The bill also ensures that marrying a Roman Catholic will no longer disqualify an heir from succession, South Australian and West Australian legislation is which was another old-fashioned notion. Henry VIII unclear; we are waiting on that. Once that has been formed the Church of England as a breakaway church done the commonwealth government, whichever party from the Catholic Church, which would not allow is in power after Saturday, will live up to its end of the bargain. As I said earlier, these are sensible changes divorce. Henry VIII thought he would form his own church, which became the Church of England. This is a which very much move with the times. My oldest boy carryover from those days. If you married a Roman is 10 years old. He would probably laugh and say, Catholic, you were then precluded from being an heir to ‘Why does a male outrank a female as far as succession the throne. It was a historical notion, and it is now is concerned?’. A lot of younger people would probably sensible to change it. It would be quite silly if that were not even realise that the rules of succession existed. to happen in modern times. Imagine if George, the son These are very sensible changes. A firstborn child will of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were to marry be heir regardless of their gender, marriage to a Roman a Roman Catholic girl in the future only to be told, Catholic will not disqualify an heir from succession and ‘Sorry, you cannot be heir to the throne because you the sovereign has to give consent to only the first six have married a Roman Catholic’. That would be a people in line to the throne. I assume that Queen ridiculous situation. I do not think the people of Elizabeth II would want to have some say in those England and Australia would tolerate that sort of thing,

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marriages where heirs are likely to be in line to the marry a Roman Catholic. There is a lot of history throne. I am very happy to commend the bill to the behind that decision. house. This provision in the legislation has been much talked Mr CRISP (Mildura) — I rise to make a about in my Anglican parish, and many cups of tea contribution to debate on the Succession to the Crown have been consumed while discussing some of these (Request) Bill 2013. The purpose of the bill is to issues after church on Sundays. Father Michael request the commonwealth Parliament to change the Hopkins is the Archdeacon of the Anglican Church in law relating to royal succession and royal marriages by northern Victoria, and he and I have discussed this enacting legislation under section 51(xxxviii) of the issue. We have looked, mostly philosophically, at how constitution of the commonwealth in the terms and times have changed. conditions set out in schedule 1 to the bill. The main objective of this bill is to change the law relating to Most of us can remember what we would now see as royal succession, but it covers more than just male and uncomfortable issues that have arisen between the female heirs. Another objective of the bill is to make Protestant and Catholic churches over the years, and the Australian legislation consistent with that of the this legislation shows how times have changed and just United Kingdom, and it is interesting that there was how much we have accepted those changes. The impact considerable discussion in the framing of this bill as to of this legislation bears thinking about, given that the whether we should enact legislation ourselves to monarch and his or her partner can be Roman Catholic recognise these issues or request the commonwealth and their children can be brought up in the Catholic or Parliament to do it. This bill goes down the path of the Anglican faith. Being brought up in the Anglican requesting the commonwealth to make the change. faith is something that a long time ago was considered very important, and it is notable that that is not seen as The changes include that no priority will be given to important anymore. These are monumental changes, male heirs over female heirs, marriage to a Roman and as I said, although they seem routine in a Catholic will not disqualify an heir from succession and parliamentary sense, their impact on the Anglican the sovereign’s consent to marriage will only be Church is something that has exercised many people’s required for the first six people in the line of royal minds for a very long time. succession. The leaders of the realms, the 16 nations where the Queen is the head of state, have agreed to the Other sections of the bill are very much mechanical in proposed changes to the United Kingdom’s rules that they relate to how the succession will be dealt with relating to royal succession. That decision was made in and how the changes will be implemented. Not only is Australia, so we find ourselves in the centre of history Australia dealing with this legislation, the 15 other again. On 28 October 2011 that decision was made in realms are also dealing with it. The House of Commons Perth, and there was considerable discussion around it. and the House of Lords have also dealt with it, and it is interesting to note that the British Parliament dealt with A number of points were made by members in relation it before the birth of Prince George. The birth of a male to this legislation, and we are mindful of how times heir made this bill less urgent. It could have waited for have changed. For example, the sovereign’s consent to the next 20 or 30 years, but it is best that we deal with it marriage will be required only for the first six people in now. the line of royal succession rather than the large number that previously required consent. The problems and Section 5 of the bill sets out the Victorian Parliament’s complications that that requirement caused in those request for the enactment by the commonwealth people’s lives is something that a lot of people were not Parliament of an act under section 51(xxxviii) of the aware of. constitution to enact those constitutional changes. Proposed section 6 under part 2 of schedule 1 of the The British monarch is also the head of the Church of commonwealth bill talks about the changes relating to England, and the impact of this bill on the Anglican gender and the historic nature of this decision. Church is quite interesting. It was with some interest Similarly, proposed section 12 provides valuable that I read part of the debate in the House of Lords as its safeguards for the states. It confirms that the members went through all the permutations and commonwealth legislation may be expressly or combinations related to these decisions as they affected implicitly repealed or amended only at the request or the realm of the United Kingdom, but particularly the with the concurrence of all state Parliaments. Proposed Anglican Church. It is a very big step for the Anglican section 12 is a kind of ‘for better or for worse’ section. Church to allow someone in the line of succession to

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I would like to put on record just how significant this many people held an active view — and I appreciate legislation is for the Anglican Church, how much it has that the member for Broadmeadows was an active been discussed and how much we have changed. With participant in that program. In our modern society, as that, I wish the bill a speedy passage. citizens and as politicians, we were able to participate in that process. History tells us that the proposed model Mr WAKELING (Ferntree Gully) — I am pleased was defeated and therefore the constitutional monarchy to rise to contribute to the debate on the Succession to which applied then still operates today. the Crown (Request) Bill 2013. The key objective of this bill is to seek the facilitation of uniform changes Personally I am of the view that the Australian across Australia to legislation relating to royal community does not have the appetite to revisit that succession. These changes were enacted in the United issue, but the point is that in a modern society Australia Kingdom. As has been mentioned by other members in is free to revisit it. However, that will not be the case in this place, the bill requests the commonwealth the very near future, because we are operating in a Parliament to enact legislation under section 51(xxxviii) system which is clearly working for us as a country. We of the constitution in the terms, or substantially in the are a free and modern society, but I am mindful of the terms, set out in schedule 1 of the bill. It provides that fact that there are people who do not believe in the there be no priority for male heirs over female heirs system of government we have today. With respect to with respect to succession to the Crown, that marriage royal succession of the Crown, this bill provides of an heir to a Roman Catholic will not disqualify an modern and appropriate change to the legislation. It will heir from succession and that the sovereign’s consent to be enacted throughout the states and territories of marriage will be required only for the first six persons Australia and throughout the Commonwealth nations. I in the line of royal succession. understand that the House of Lords went as far as debating in-vitro fertilisation issues and how issues of For the 16 Commonwealth countries affected by these succession should occur given a donor sperm and/or changes, facilitating uniform changes was a decision egg. As members would appreciate, we have not gone unanimously adopted by those countries. Necessary that far as part of our debate. The legislation before the legislative change was enacted in England and has house is appropriate, and therefore I wish it a speedy therefore flowed on to Commonwealth countries such passage. as Australia. Therefore each state needs to enact relevant legislation. I wish to raise two issues. The first Mr NORTHE (Morwell) — It gives me pleasure to is the issue of no priority for male heirs over female rise to speak in the debate on the Succession to the heirs. In a modern society most people believe this is a Crown (Request) Bill 2013. The main purpose of the very clear and relevant change to any model of bill is to request the commonwealth Parliament to government and/or operation of a monarchy. Also, the change the law relating to royal succession and royal issue of marriage to a Roman Catholic is clearly marriages. It does so by enacting legislation under anachronistic and removing that provision is section 51(xxxviii) of the constitution of the appropriate. commonwealth in the terms, or substantially in the terms, set out in schedule 1 of the bill before us. There Many of us who are descendants of people from the are also some consequential amendments to the Crimes British Isles would understand the issue of sectarianism Act 1958 and the Imperial Acts Application Act 1980. that went on in centuries past. Thinking of my own family, through research I learnt that they were Essentially the bill does three key things. The Protestants from England and Northern Ireland and also amendments refer to the fact that there will be no Roman Catholics from Ireland. In terms of the values of priority for male heirs over female heirs, marriage to a those people, they clearly brought out sectarianism. For Roman Catholic will no longer disqualify an heir from those who lived in your electorate, Acting Speaker, succession, and the sovereign’s consent to marriage very sectarian views were held towards people from will be required only for the first six persons in the line other religions. I am glad we no longer live in those of royal succession. Those provisions are outlined in times. parts 1 and 2 of the bill. Proposed section 6 in part 2 of schedule 1 is headed ‘Succession to the Crown not to In terms of whether Australia should be operating under depend on gender’. It says: a constitutional monarchy or under a republican model, it is important to note and put on the record that a wide In determining the succession to the Crown, the gender of a range of views is held, not only in this house but in the person born after 28 October 2011 (by United Kingdom time) does not give that person, or that person’s descendants, broader community. As we are all aware, this was the precedence over any other person (whenever born). subject of a referendum in the late 1990s, about which

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New section 7 in part 3 of schedule 1 of the bill talks In making the second-reading speech, as the Minister about the removal of disqualification arising from for Ports would well and truly know, the Minister for marriage to a Roman Catholic. We have heard the Innovation, Services and Small Business referred to the member for Rodney and others talk about their Duke and Duchess of Cambridge expecting a young experiences in this particular field, but paragraph (1) of child. At the time of the second-reading speech it was new section 7 states: not known whether the child was male or female. Once Prince George came along, it was great news for all A person is not disqualified from succeeding to the Crown or concerned, but what if their child had been a girl? from possessing it as a result of marrying a person of the Roman Catholic faith. These changes ensure that a daughter will no longer be overtaken by a brother in terms of succession. Those Paragraph (2) states: changes are important, and the birth of Prince George on 22 July this year was great for the United Kingdom, Subsection (1) applies in relation to marriages occurring with all of the publicity and emotion around it, and before the commencement of this section if the person concerned is alive at that commencement (as well as in Prince George shares his birthdate with the Minister for relation to marriages occurring after that commencement). Ports. I might be mistaken on that. The birth of Prince George was a great thrill for the Duke and Duchess of That makes sense. Cambridge and also the United Kingdom and the wider world. Internationally there has been enormous interest There are 16 nations for which the Queen is head of in his birth. state, and on 28 October 2011 the 16 realms of the Commonwealth agreed to the changes outlined in this Obviously Prince George of Cambridge will be third in legislation. In April of this year there was Council of line to succeed his great-grandmother, Queen Australian Governments agreement to ensure that the Elizabeth II, after his grandfather and father. I could go states and territories agreed to amend on, but there are other members who wish also to speak section 51(xxxviii) of the Australian constitution on the bill. through the bill we are discussing here this evening. Mr Foley interjected. It is interesting to note that the number of states headed by Queen Elizabeth II has varied during her 61 years on Mr NORTHE — The member for Kew, the the throne. That period has seen her as the head of state member for Sandringham, the Minister for Ports and of a total of 32 independent countries. Since 1992 there others, including the member for Albert Park, are very have been 16 Commonwealth realms over which she keen to get up. I cannot overtake the member for has reigned. It is interesting to look at the list of those Rodney’s contribution, so with those few words I wish countries Queen Elizabeth II has reigned over. the bill a speedy passage. Australia has been amongst them, and there are also Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Mr THOMPSON (Sandringham) — It is not often Canada, Granada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New that one strolls through the parliamentary chamber only Guinea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the to find oneself with the opportunity to contribute to a Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and the parliamentary debate some 10 minutes later, but I will United Kingdom. Those are the 16 Commonwealth do my best to make some contribution to the debate on realms that fall under the jurisdiction of Queen the bill before the house, the Succession to the Crown Elizabeth II. (Request) Bill 2013. In making my contribution to this bill, it is perhaps noteworthy to place on record the fact There are also a number of former Commonwealth that we traverse almost 500 years of British realms that changed over a period of time. The method constitutional history, which spans the Renaissance and of transition of some of those particular countries is Reformation periods in Europe. There are myriad other interesting, whether it be through a new constitution, matters that have arisen during those 500 years, and referenda, constitutional amendments, acts of they relate to the settlement of countries, the settlement Parliament or, in the case of Fiji, a military coup. There of colonies — — are many rhymes and reasons as to why former Commonwealth realms have gone their own way and The ACTING SPEAKER (Dr Sykes) — Order! I decided to instigate their own constitutions and ask that members of the chamber extend to the member amendments through that. These changes have been for Sandringham the courtesy of listening. If they wish interesting, but at the moment the Queen is head of the to hold a private conversation, I ask that they leave the 16 countries I have listed. chamber.

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Mr THOMPSON — There are multiple issues mindset in the fact-value dichotomy and the idea that being addressed through this bill, which traverses the state ought to be morally neutral. myriad social, political and colonial influences throughout the Western world. In part the bill relates to A significant number of these intellectuals were the issues that led to the settlement of the United States inspired by the academic work and personal witness of and the different regions and to the colonisation of Karol Wojtyla — Pope John Paul II. In an interview Australia and other issues. given at the time of the death of John Paul II former US national security advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski Within the parliamentary precinct, in which we meet explained the influence of Wojtyla in the following here this evening, there are a number of strands of terms: influences. There is the Catholic church behind the Parliament, which bought the land prior to the He grew up as a young adolescent under the Nazi occupation. Then he lived under Stalinism. I think that taught him what Parliament being located on it. When this building was happens when violence is institutionalised and tramples the established it was referred to as the La Trobe human being. And then that became deepened with a Blockhouse, as Lieutenant-Governor La Trobe’s siting philosophy, a theology in which he really placed fundamental of the Parliament in this precinct obscured the view of and central emphasis on the sanctity of the human being and the Catholic church that was to be built where on the mysterious divinity within each human being. St Patrick’s Cathedral now stands. He went on to note that throughout the 1980s the chaplains of Solidarity, the anti-communist trade union, In this precinct there is the influence of one of gave homilies on the subject of freedom, courage and Australia’s Indigenous people, Sir Doug Nicholls, a human dignity. Foremost among them was Jerzy former Governor of South Australia and a Fitzroy Popiełuszko, whose speeches were broadcast over footballer. I note that the Acting Speaker is interested in Radio Free Europe. He frequently made the point that Fitzroy; he himself played a number of games with the an idea which needs a rifle to promote it has no mighty Roys. There is a statue marking the contribution viability. Popiełuszko was later killed by the secret of Sir Doug Nicholls in the parliamentary garden to the police in Poland and his body thrown into the Vistula north of where we are currently located. To the south of River. Some 250 000 people attended his funeral. this precinct there is a statue of Major-General Gordon of Khartoum, who was beheaded in Sudan some years I make those remarks in terms of the highest and ago. The citizens of Melbourne constructed the statue in noblest tradition of Western thought. In terms of these his memory and honour. Then there is the contribution academic remarks here is a person who led the of the people who built this building; the different pro-monarchy debate but studied in Poland as a insignia that appear within and around the building are Catholic academic and who promoted the values that reflective of some of the sectarian issues that have underpin our society. There is also a work of Jonathan arisen over the past 500 years. Sacks, who had served as the Chief Rabbi of the London Hebrew congregation and who spoke about The bill before the house has an immediate practical freedom being accomplishment. It required strong goal, and that is to: families, cohesive institutions, habits of civility and … request the Parliament of the Commonwealth to change law-abidingness and a widely diffuse sense of fellow the law relating to royal succession and royal marriages by feeling. It needs rational reflection and conversation, enacting an Act under section 51(xxxviii) of the Constitution courage and persistence in the pursuit of ideas and of the Commonwealth in the terms, or substantially in the ideals and the capacity to get along with one another. It terms, set out in Schedule 1 … needs institutions which inculcate these values. It also That would have been enumerated by previous needs role models who might inspire our own efforts. speakers. In this particular context I would like to place on record some reflections of an academic from In broad terms what we have before the house at one Melbourne who spent some time in 1999 working for level is a simple procedure that removes bars to the ‘No’ campaign — that is, the pro-monarchy side in hereditary succession, but at the same time it undergirds the constitutional referendum of that year. She wrote at an insight into the values which have been the the time on a number of issues. She studied in Poland, foundation of much of Western civilisation. Recently and she noted that Polish intellectuals throughout the an Indian philosopher posed the question to a 1980s published essays on the entire tradition of multicultural audience why white women do not carry Western political philosophy, and many of these essays water on their heads. A remark came by way of sought to uncover the foundations of the totalitarian response from the audience to the effect that it was because they were lazy. He had a wider argument to

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play there; it was a case of mind over muscle. The which I met Her Majesty. It was a grand occasion. I example of Western civilisation that was advanced by have to say that that too was done with a degree of this Indian philosopher was that there was a regard for ambivalence, but I remember there were a couple of the aggregate welfare of all members of the incidents in the lead-up to my meeting her on community, which had been undergirded by the Commonwealth Day. It was a big day, and she had just Western Christian tradition. Part of the bill redresses turned 80 years of age. She was on parade from about some of the issues that arose when Henry VIII dealt 10 o’clock in the morning. She gave a 15-minute with a number of issues in his personal life; some of speech in Westminster Abbey to a whole range of those matters are being addressed by the legislation people representing different Commonwealth countries; before the house tonight. the representatives of the parliaments of the Commonwealth countries were there. There were three Mr McINTOSH (Kew) — I have to say it is with of us from different Australian jurisdictions. somewhat of a degree of ambivalence that I join this Interestingly, you knew your priority in representing the debate, because despite what many people in this Commonwealth countries, and we were sitting right chamber might say, I am not a real monarchist by any behind the Brownies in Westminster Abbey; that was stretch of the imagination. One of the clauses of this bill our level of precedence. deals with the marriage of a potential heir to a Catholic denying that heir the opportunity of becoming the As I said, Her Majesty had just turned 80, and she monarch — the Queen of Australia or of the United spoke for about 15 minutes in Westminster Abbey and Kingdom. My name is McIntosh. Coincidently my then attended a couple of other functions during the mother’s maiden name was McGilvray, and the course of the day. There was then a reception for her at McIntoshes and McGilvrays came historically from the Marlborough House — Commonwealth house — in same area in Scotland. Our last great battle was the London, and she met something in the order of Battle of Culloden, when we fought on behalf of 40 members of Parliament. She was on parade for Bonnie Prince Charlie, a usurper to the Crown who was almost 2 hours in full battle dress — tiara, the whole of course a Catholic. So there is a long history of thing. support for these sorts of changes in the McIntosh-McGilvray clans. However, I digress. One of the things that interested me was that in travelling to Marlborough House by bus, the then I think it was Winston Churchill who, in talking about secretary of the English Commonwealth Parliamentary democracy, once said it was the worst system apart Association, who was hosting us, was demonstrating from everything else. Certainly the system of how we should address Her Majesty and how men constitutional monarchy is terribly anachronistic to me, should bow and women should curtsy. The matter was but it is also a system that has worked and worked very entirely at the option of members. One bright spark at favourably for this country and many other the back of the bus said, ‘Why would she be interested Commonwealth countries. Our monarch is not only the in meeting us?’. This bloke stopped and said, ‘Just monarch in the United Kingdom and in Australia but in remember, Her Majesty treats her involvement as the 14 other realms and territories around the world. I think head of the Commonwealth very seriously, and she is it is a testament to our modern democracy that we have treating this as a very important event. Of course you a monarchy at the head. It is also a testament to the will be presented to her’. I also had the experience of monarchy that it has survived in these sorts of times. To meeting the then President of the Legislative Council of paraphrase Winston Churchill, it probably is not the the Parliament of Tasmania, Sue Smith. The idea that most ideal system, but it is probably better than she was going to have to curtsy to Her Majesty was anything else we could propose. Indeed Australians something she found a little offensive, but of course she recently voted to support the constitutional monarchy, had an option — she could curtsy or she could bow. and I think there is great affection for the monarch There was no pressure. herself. It is a great testament to her that she has so much favour in this country and in the other We formed a semicircle and Her Majesty spent about a Commonwealth countries. minute with each of the 40 of us, so it was quite a long time to be on parade. The was a gaggle of people trying One of the best things I ever did as a member of to press in, and there were a number of bodyguards Parliament was to attend a Commonwealth who kept the audience back. Sue was standing about Parliamentary Association training session in the three or four people away from me, and as Her Majesty United Kingdom. It was a two-week course, and it was came to her she did the best curtsy I have ever seen in exemplary in what it taught us about democracy around my life. Afterwards I said to her, ‘What did you do that the world. Importantly, that was the first occasion on for? I thought you were not going to curtsy’. She said,

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‘I don’t know what came over me; it was just such an Kingdom. The member for Carrum talked about experience’. On the day I met her I was impressed by 1000 years of history and the member for Sandringham what she had to say and by her knowledge of Australia, talked about 500 years of history, so there is but mostly I was impressed that she had taken the time somewhere between those two figures — probably to learn something about each of us and was able to talk 750 years — of history. It is certainly a long time, and it to us about our particular interests. I was also impressed is something that we should be and are proud of. by Sue Smith being overcome by the occasion. Regardless of whether we are republicans or a This is an important bill. It provides a mechanism for us monarchists, we are proud of our origins and we should to request the commonwealth Parliament to pass a celebrate that. As I said, the bill ensures there will be a similar law to this one to ensure that the Queen remains level playing field, with a first come, first served the Queen of Australia and Victoria and that her approach, and it allows women to have the same rights successors also remain as the monarchs of Victoria as as men when it comes to succession. This is an well as Australia. Importantly there is no primogeniture important bill in regard to the succession to the Crown. for male heirs over female heirs. That is being removed, I commend the bill to the house. and that is appropriate. The marriage of a Roman Catholic to the heir will no longer be a disqualification Business interrupted under sessional orders. to succession, and on top of that the sovereign’s consent to a marriage will be required only for the first six ADJOURNMENT persons in line to succession. With those closing remarks, I support the bill and implore the house to pass The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The question it. is: That the house now adjourns. Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) — I have been to London to visit the Queen — — Motorcycle registration safety tax

An honourable member — She wasn’t home. Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Warren North) — I raise a matter for the attention of the Premier. The action I Mr SOUTHWICK — That is correct seek is that the Premier keep his promise of 8 July 2005 unfortunately; when I was there she was not at home, to remove the safety tax on motorbike registrations. The but I did have the opportunity to see the beefeaters member for South-West Coast, who is now the patrolling and to watch the changing of the guard. The Premier, was very clear in his 8 July 2005 press release. bill is not of major significance; it will not affect many It states: of us in our lives. It sets a level playing field for those in the line of succession to throne. In effect it allows for Member for South-West Coast, Denis Napthine, has backed a first come, first served. It means that if you are female concerted push by Victoria’s motorcycle riders to force the and you are the next in line, then you get the state government to abolish the so-called $50 safety tax on opportunity for succession. motorbike registrations. It refers to a petition organised by the Motorcycle I am not a monarchist, but I appreciate our royal Riders of Australia, Victorian branch, and supported by history. We are proud of where we have come from as the Ulysses Motorcycle Club, by Damien Codognotto. a state and as a nation. If you look around this The current Premier is reported to have said: Parliament, you see lots of symbols that represent our history. We have a lovely picture taken in 1954 when I have been saying since this so-called ‘safety tax’ was the Queen visited us. The gold leaf on our ceilings was introduced in 2002 that this is an unfair and discriminatory reapplied when the Queen visited so we could put our impost on a minority group of road users … best foot forward. In Queen’s Hall we have one of five While motorcycle riders make up only a fraction of the total statues that were sent out to the colonies. In those number of road users in Victoria, there are still hundreds of instances the wrong foot was put forward and that is thousands of licensed motorbike riders throughout why they were sent to the colonies; however, we have Victoria — and thousands of riders throughout south-west Victoria — who are being blatantly discriminated against by ours sitting in pride of place in Queen’s Hall. this outrageous Bracks tax. The bill provides uniform changes relating to royal That is pretty specific about what the Premier believes. succession, and is consistent with the law in the United In his press release the now Premier went on to say: Kingdom. It will ensure that the sovereign of Australia is the same person as the sovereign of the United

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If Minister Batchelor gets away with this, I have no doubt that are encouraged to participate in a wide range of sooner or later, he will try to sneak a similar $50 tax into the programs designed to assist their learning. registrations of every other motor vehicle as well. Let us look at the total motor vehicle tax the Premier, Demand for the Seaford Junior Library’s services is through the government, has introduced since he came increasing, and there is currently a waiting list for to office. It has gone from $1.5 billion to $1.9 billion. families wishing to utilise its services. As the local The sneaky suggestion the Premier put forward is what member of Parliament, I enjoy visiting the library and he has undertaken. several times have joined in story time. It is terrific to see children genuinely delighting in story time with I also have a marvellous picture of the elected Premier, their parents, grandparents and carers. the member for Hawthorn, when he was opposition leader, with a T-shirt that reads ‘No bike tax’ and I am proud of being part of a government that is beneath it says: committed to our libraries, and we have a terrific minister, who is very committed. There has been a Liberal leader Ted Baillieu had good news for all motorcycle $3.45 million boost in funding, bringing total funding owners across the state during his flying visits to Wangaratta for Victorian libraries from the Victorian government to on Saturday. $38.6 million. As part of this program, in this financial It is a lovely picture of the former Premier indicating he year Frankston City Council received $798 893 to assist did not support the bike tax. its libraries and Kingston City Council received $907 360. There was an excellent parliamentary committee report which indicated that the tax should be removed. In In addition to the support provided to local government response to an email about the issue, the Minister for through the public libraries funding program, the Public Transport, Minister Mulder, said that the tax Victorian government also is providing $4.5 million undertakes some marvellous initiatives. He went on to over four years as part of the Premier’s Reading say: Challenge Book Fund to enable libraries to purchase additional resources and $17.2 million through the The use of the levy is directed by the strategic guide to levy Living Libraries infrastructure program to improve expenditure which was developed in consultation with public library facilities. In recent years major studies motorcycle representatives. have found that the seeds of literacy are planted before One of the uses which has been suggested for this tax is children enter school. Knowledge about letters and to buy motorbikes for police. Other suggestions of what sounds, print and pictures, and words and sentences is a could be done with this money include research into prerequisite for learning to read and write. improving licensing, which some people have There has been concern recently about the future suggested could include front numberplates; and the viability of Seaford Junior Library due to a reduction in safety benefits of training and campaigns to encourage funding from Frankston City Council. However, I am drivers to share roads safely with motorbikes. What we confident the council will continue to work with the have seen to date is pretty ordinary, including library productively to find a resolution to the library’s advertisements that actually blame motorcycle riders future viability. The president and volunteers of Seaford for being hit by a car as they go through a roundabout. Junior Library would welcome a visit and would be If that is what the money is being spent on, then it is not delighted if the Minister for Local Government were constructive. available to attend a story time. Seaford Junior Library Bacchus Marsh indoor aquatic centre Mrs BAUER (Carrum) — I wish to raise an issue Mr NARDELLA (Melton) — My adjournment for the Minister for Local Government. The action I matter is directed to the Premier. The action I seek is seek is that the minister visit Seaford Junior Library. that the Premier provide funding for the Bacchus Marsh The Seaford Junior Library is a wonderful asset to the indoor aquatic centre. I request that the Premier provide Carrum and Frankston electorates. The library is a the $3 million requested by the Bacchus Marsh successful early childhood literacy program that is community. important to our local community. It will be celebrating its 50th year next year. The programs ensure that a love On 23 July 2013 the Premier wrote to Prime Minister of books is fostered among local children ranging in Kevin Rudd about the Victorian government’s support age from babies to toddlers and preschoolers and they for a number of projects under the Regional

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Development Australia Fund. I would like to highlight and a hydro pool, along with the kids who need to learn to Parliament a number of these projects that have been how to swim, and it is a really necessary and approved by the federal government: $3 million for the worthwhile project. East Bairnsdale Shire Council for an infrastructure improvement project over in Gippsland; $2.2 million Emergency services funding for the upgrade of Longerenong College student residential facilities in the Grampians; $5.8 million for Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) — I wish to raise a the upgrade of Wodonga city centre, a project that has matter for the Minister for Police and Emergency received quite a lot of media attention in recent days; Services concerning the potential challenges to our and lastly the project that sits in my electorate of emergency service agencies, particularly as our fire and Melton — that is, the $7 million requested for funding emergency services have begun to prepare for the from the federal government for the Bacchus Marsh 2013–14 season. The action I seek is that the minister Indoor Aquatic Centre. provide advice on what the government is doing and what additional resources will be provided for such All of these are projects for which the Premier has emergencies. shown support and has lobbied and then has been successful at getting funding for. I have to agree with As members may be aware, the 20th annual conference the Premier that they are all worthwhile projects, but of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service there is one problem, which is that the Premier’s friends Authorities Council (AFAC), and the 10th annual in the federal coalition have stated that they will not conference of the Bushfire Cooperative Research fund any of these projects. All of these are projects that Centre (BCRC) are being held at the Melbourne have received financial backing under Labor. In fact the Convention and Exhibition Centre this week. The federal Leader of The Nationals, Warren Truss, last AFAC-BCRC conference is the most important week said his party would honour all contracts that knowledge-sharing event in the emergency have been signed, but that if contracts have not been management annual calendar. More than 1700 fire, signed they are just Labor Party election promises. emergency services and land management staff across These are not election promises; these are in fact Australia will meet with fire researchers during the decisions of the federal Labor government on important conference. projects across regional and rural Victoria. It is The southern Australia seasonal bushfire outlook unfortunate for the people of Bacchus Marsh. We are 2013–14 was released yesterday and provides an early seeking that the Liberal Party not walk away from a guide to the likely bushfire season ahead. The outlook project that has been high on the community’s agenda itself highlights: for decades. Over the past 12 months, much of Victoria has experienced I ask the Premier to stand up for the people of Victoria below average rainfall … Forests are expected to be more and my constituents in Bacchus Marsh and call on his flammable than normal due to the lingering effect of last federal colleagues to retract their statement about summer’s extreme dryness … sending all these projects to the scrapheap. Victorians … significant underlying dryness is likely to continue to be do not want to experience the cuts to be applied by the present in many western and central forests … Strong drying federal Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, and of soils and fuels has also commenced in East Gippsland. they need the Premier to urge his federal counterparts to … take these projects off the Liberal Party chopping block. Labor members across the Parliament know the Current expectations are for average to above average grass importance of this critical regional infrastructure for growth in western Victoria and the north-east of the state … local communities. Yesterday fire services commissioner Craig Lapsley We know the importance of supporting the Bacchus said: Marsh community’s aspirations of having an indoor As Victoria moves towards an integrated, all-hazards and aquatic centre. Bacchus Marsh is one of the fastest all-emergencies model of emergency management, it is more growing regional areas in Victoria and only Labor can important than ever to share and build on existing and new be trusted to deliver for this community. I ask the knowledge to ensure the fire and emergency management Premier to fund the remaining part of the commitment sector statewide and across Australia continuously improves the way we operate together for the benefit of the community. by the state government that is necessary to get this aquatic centre off the ground. It will provide quite a It is certainly evident that we need to be prepared for number of services and facilities for people. Some of emergencies and potential emergencies that may lie the seniors in my community are looking at a spa pool ahead, particularly in the 2013–14 fire season. It is

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important that I ask the minister to advise what I received a petition, which I tabled today in the investment the government has made or intends to Parliament, calling on this commitment to be honoured. make in our emergency services agencies to ensure that It was interesting to read media reports today in the they are best equipped for any emergency situations in Progress Leader which contain an astonishing Victoria and what plans there are to ensure that these dismissal of the issue by a spokesperson for the agencies are properly prepared and resourced so that we member for Burwood. The concerns of the local have a coordinated, cohesive and strong response — a community are clearly dismissed. This has further response that is first and foremost intended to save lives enraged the local traders. and secondly to save property. This evening I received an email from Liz Webb, a Ashburton police station representative of the Ashburton Traders Association. She said: Ms ALLAN (Bendigo East) — I raise a matter this evening for the Minister for Police and Emergency As coordinator of Ashburton Shopping Centre I talk with Services. The action I seek from the minister is that he every trader/business each month. The feedback I’m getting is that small business and traders are ignored and the police ensure that the Liberal Party election commitment station issue keeps being ignored, even though a functioning made to the Ashburton community that the Ashburton police station is what is wanted by traders and the reason why police station would operate 16 hours a day, 7 days a Graham Watt was elected. Our petition is not about politics, it week be honoured. is about keeping promises! That is well said. The community deserves to have Three years on, this has not happened. The Ashburton promises made to it kept, and it deserves to know why community was clearly told by the now Liberal and when this will happen. member for Burwood and by the Liberal Party that it would get more police and that the police station would Toorloo Arm Primary School be operating 16 hours a day. I have a flyer here that was distributed throughout the electorate by the Liberal Mr BULL (Gippsland East) — I raise a matter for Party in 2010 that clearly states that 10 extra police for the Minister for Education, and the action I seek is for Ashburton police station was the commitment. It also the minister to come to Lake Tyers to visit and contains a quote from the now member for Burwood: officially open the brand-spanking-new Toorloo Arm Primary School. The rebuilding of this school was a Cracking down on local crime is my no. 1 priority — that is why I fought for and will deliver a fully staffed Ashburton key election commitment. It did not receive bipartisan police station under a coalition government. support at the time, and it was dependent on the election of a coalition government. The then shadow Three years on, that just has not happened. The local Minister for Education, now Minister for Education, community, traders and businesses would like to know met with the school and made a commitment for a new why. I visited Ashburton last week, met with a number school to that community. of traders, visited their businesses and heard their experiences of an increase in break-ins in that local It was obvious that a new school was required for a area. number of reasons. The old school had outgrown its use, with a trebling of enrolments over recent years. One story illustrates well the problem with staffing at The school was a mishmash of portables with no the police station. One morning a couple of months ago covered walkways. If there was bad weather, the kids two men in the fruit shop observed someone breaking could not get to class without getting absolutely into the jewellery store across the road. They drenched. The layout of the school proposed a immediately rang the police, who were unable to significant fire risk due to its location and the make-up dispatch a car for 45 minutes, during which time the of portables largely in the open space area. The pick-up men in the fruit shop watched the burglar try to get out and drop-off areas for parents delivering kids to school of the store he had broken into, only to be successful in and taking them home were not designed to cater for escaping 5 minutes before the police arrived. the enrolment explosion that had occurred, and it had become a much less safe environment for all involved. Many traders had this and other stories to share with me about the experiences they have had in recent times. In the lead-up to the 2010 election the minister came to They believe the honouring of this commitment and an Toorloo Arm and heard these concerns firsthand from increase in police presence would go a long way to the local school community. As a result he committed deterring and preventing crime in this area. to the building of a new school, providing a coalition government came to power. That was to address all the

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previously mentioned issues. That school has now been public schools because they are great schools and it is a constructed — and what a great facility it is — much to great community in which to live. the delight of local community members. They now have a state-of-the-art facility. It is up to the Napthine government to invest those funds — the $26 million profit that it made from the It is a key piece of infrastructure for the community of sale of school sites in my electorate — back into Toorloo Arm. Not only does it cater exceptionally well Ivanhoe schools, including Ivanhoe Primary School and for the increasing number of students at the present Viewbank College, which has some 1200 students and time, but it will also cater for the needs of the local requires significant investment. Rosanna Golf Links community well into the future. As we know, Lake Primary School’s $1.5 million master plan has been Tyers is one of the fastest growing smaller townships in sitting on a shelf collecting dust since 2010, but this the state, with a number of people moving there government has refused to address the issue and has put seemingly almost weekly. it in the bottom drawer. Several schools in Ivanhoe, including Ivanhoe Primary School, need significant I know the minister has taken a very keen interest in the investment in long-term capital works so they can construction of this school over the past year or so, and provide for future students. Schools such as La Trobe I now call on him to come and officiate at the official Secondary College, Charles La Trobe P–12 College opening. While he is up that way he may like to call in and Olympic Village Primary School will wither on the at the Bairnsdale Secondary College, where vine because this government has been prepared to sell construction is about to start, but the reason I invite him off school sites, has pocketed the funds and has refused is for him to officially open the new Toorloo Arm to return them to community assets in the Ivanhoe Primary School. electorate where they are dearly needed.

Ivanhoe electorate schools After three budgets and no capital funds being invested in schools in the Ivanhoe electorate by this government, Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe) — My adjournment it is time that government members come to the party matter is addressed to the Minister for Education. The and deliver a commitment to the Ivanhoe electorate. action I seek is for the minister to commit to reinvesting People in Ivanhoe pay their taxes, own community in local Ivanhoe electorate schools the $26 million resources and deserve to have the best education we can profit the Napthine government made from the sale of provide for our students and for our schools. I again ask Ivanhoe school sites to Banyule City Council. the education minister to reinvest and commit those funds to our schools. Members of the Napthine government would be well aware that, as taxpayers, Ivanhoe residents owned those Mount Waverley electorate manufacturing school sites, and they are now paying for those sites a second time, to the tune of $26 million, as ratepayers Mr GIDLEY (Mount Waverley) — My through their rates to Banyule council, which purchased adjournment matter is for the Minister for those sites with a $26 million loan. Local community Manufacturing. The action I seek is for the minister to residents in the Ivanhoe electorate have now paid for visit the Waverley community to meet with these school sites on two occasions — once as stakeholders in the local manufacturing industry, to taxpayers and the second time as ratepayers — yet none listen to their feedback and to discuss the ways in which of those funds have been committed to be reinvested in the Victorian coalition government is working to assist Ivanhoe schools by the Napthine government. manufacturing to prosper.

In three budgets from this state government no capital Historically manufacturing has been a significant part funds have been allocated by the Napthine government of the Victorian economy and remains so today. As a to upgrade schools in the Ivanhoe electorate, yet the sector it has been the state’s single largest full-time Napthine government has been happy to sell three employer and a significant source of exports and Ivanhoe school sites for a profit of $26 million and take investment. Locally there are around 16 320 businesses those funds without making any commitment to in my municipality and approximately 121 249 people reinvest them in Ivanhoe schools. That is atrocious and employed in Monash-based businesses, making unacceptable. All schools in the Ivanhoe electorate are Monash the largest employment destination outside the at maximum capacity and are experiencing significant CBD. Significantly for this adjournment debate, the increases in enrolments because everyone wants to live manufacturing sector employs the most people in in the Ivanhoe electorate. They want to go to Ivanhoe Monash, making up 14.4 per cent of total employment. From a state and local perspective the manufacturing

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sector is of significance and importance to my those children, then provides a holistic and effective community. support program for them and their families.

Today Victoria’s manufacturers face numerous Given the absolute and critical importance of this challenges, including a high Aussie dollar, intense project and the fact that 520 young people have been competition, increasing interdependence of global identified for help, is it any wonder that outrage has supply chains and shifting patterns of consumption and been expressed in Geelong at this penny-pinching, investment. As a local member I have listened to and short-sighted and appalling decision? As reported in engaged with local manufacturers wherever I could, today’s Geelong Advertiser under the headline ‘Outcry whether by visiting individual businesses for a cup of as youth aid plan axed’, the CEO of Time for Youth, tea and a scone, by attending industry forums or Mike Kelly, who is heading the project, said: through other avenues, including direct contact with constituents, businesses and manufacturing … the Geelong Project, which was leading the state and the nation with its work, had been axed without explanation — stakeholders in my electorate. by this government. And: I note that the Victorian coalition government has worked hard to support manufacturing by addressing One parent of a child engaged by the project chorused the the barriers that hinder the productivity and outcry, saying its one-on-one support had helped her daughter competitiveness of Victorian manufacturing firms, with recover from a sense of despair and hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. the aim of achieving a more rapid uptake of productivity-enhancing measures to arrest the No doubt the sentiment of just one mum would in significant decline in productivity that occurred in the varying degrees be echoed and supported over and over past 11 years under the Labor government, greater again by the 519 other families and kids who are in adoption and application of new technologies, fewer despair. gaps in skills and capabilities in manufacturing firms, better market support for smaller manufacturers and Unless this decision is reversed soon, the program will greater industry collaboration and information sharing. cease to operate in less than one month, and I plead with the Minister for Housing to come to Geelong to This clear path for improving manufacturing and the meet with all those involved, including children who manufacturing environment in our state was also will be left even more vulnerable by her decision, comprehensively examined by the Victorian before she puts the final nail in the coffin of this Competition and Efficiency Commission. Much work program. I can assure the minister that, if she does has been done by this government to assist Victorian come to Geelong and at least listens to the people’s manufacturing to happen. Indeed it is my hope — and I stories, she could reach no other conclusion than that restate my request — that the Minister for the Geelong Project must continue. If this minister fails Manufacturing visit the Waverley community to meet at the very least to come to Geelong to investigate this with stakeholders in our local community and important matter, as far as I am concerned, and as far as manufacturing industry to listen to their feedback and to the 520 families involved are concerned, she will stand discuss the improvements that have been made in the condemned for her decision, as will the Napthine state Victorian government’s approach to supporting and government. ensuring a prosperous manufacturing industry. Australian Sparkling Wine Show The Geelong Project Ms McLEISH (Seymour) — I raise a matter for the Mr TREZISE (Geelong) — I raise an issue for the attention of the Minister for Tourism and Major Events. Minister for Housing. The action I seek is that the The action I seek is that she see whether funding is minister publicly explain to the community of Geelong available to support this year’s Australian Sparkling why this government has axed funding to the Geelong Wine Show, to be held in Marysville towards the end of Project and further explain what she intends to do to October. Deputy Speaker, I know this matter will support those vulnerable children who will be left even appeal to you as well. more vulnerable because of the appalling decision to cut this program. For the information of the house, the Last year I attended the Marysville Sparkling Wine Geelong Project is an important and effective program Festival, which was then in its third year. This year the that in essence identifies vulnerable schoolchildren who festival has been rebranded as the Australian Sparkling are at risk of homelessness, family breakdown, Wine Show because it is bigger and better. I recall that substance abuse and mental illness and, in identifying last year there was local produce and there were local

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chefs. The festival hosts the only dedicated sparkling her region. She has been very active in bushfire wine competition in Australia. Last year’s event was at recovery efforts. More than that, she is someone who is the lovely chalet at Lake Mountain — there was almost very conscious of the economic value of tourism to her snow — with the beautiful setting and backdrop of community and who has been a constant advocate for trees. that.

Who would have thought that there was so much I am pleased to advise the member for Seymour that the sparkling wine on offer? It was a lot more than just a coalition government has allocated $20 000 to support glass of bubbles at the start of the meal. There was a this year’s show. This is because the event is the only selection of three or four bubbles with the entree, then dedicated sparkling wine show in Australia and it will another three or four with the main, the dessert and the be an ongoing asset for the marketing of Marysville. cheese at the end of the night. When you think about it, The funding will not be used to purchase champagne there are sparkling whites, sparkling rosés and sparkling but will assist in the production and distribution of reds, but really there were so many wonderful, quality promotional flyers and signage, website development, a bubbles on offer that it was an absolute treat. comprehensive suite of online marketing tools, radio advertising and print advertising across Melbourne as This is a terrific event for the people of the Marysville well as in local newspapers. As you would be well triangle. Supporting events like this really provides an aware, Deputy Speaker, given your interest in major extra bounce, and that bounce is already beginning to events such as these, the funding aims to attract visitors return to the community. This festival and the growth from Melbourne to the region and encourage them to of the event will make it bounce that little bit more. stay for the duration of the show and the weekend of 26 This year those coming to Marysville will notice in the and 27 October to provide a greater economic yield to main street, on the site of the Cumberland, which was the region. destroyed in the fires, how quickly the Vibe Hotel and Conference Centre is going up. Particularly given the enticing manner in which the member for Seymour has described this show, I This year the town also has its sesquicentennial encourage members of Parliament to add to its celebration, so it takes on an additional point of economic benefit by attending the event and staying difference. In April the Australian Steelband Festival overnight. was held in Marysville. That too was a wonderful event that really got the vibe happening in and around the Mr WELLS (Minister for Police and Emergency community in the triangle. Services) — Firstly, I will deal with the matter raised by the member for Bendigo East. She raised the issue of Peter and Vera Gill do a wonderful job at El Kanah Ashburton police station. There is a touch of irony in during the festival. The community centre at Marysville this. This government is absolutely committed to is fabulous. Narbethong community hall and Lake ensuring that Victorians feel safe. When we came to Mountain Alpine Resort are places I have been to a lot. government in 2010 we had a strong law and order Kim from Saladin Lodge at Narbethong is involved in policy, because we saw what happened under the Labor the festival this year, and I think that is fantastic. government. For 11 years it neglected this area. That is why we promised 1700 additional police and Events like this do two things: they attract people and 940 additional protective services officers (PSOs), and businesses to the town, and those people will tell others; we are well on track — in fact we are ahead of and they give members of the community and the schedule — to deliver those police officers and PSOs. tourism industry a real mental boost — they make them What a great, positive policy the rollout of the PSOs laugh and smile. I strongly urge the minister to consider has been, although I note that not everyone has this request seriously. supported it.

Responses The first question that was racing through my mind when I heard the adjournment matter was: what did Ms ASHER (Minister for Tourism and Major Labor do for 11 years regarding the issue of the Events) — The member for Seymour raised the issue of Ashburton police station? It downgraded the hours of the Australian Sparkling Wine Show and has requested operation of the station. Who was the minister at the funding to assist with the marketing of the 2013 event, time? The member for Bendigo East was a member of which will be held from 22 October to 27 October. The the cabinet that oversaw the downgrade of Ashburton member for Seymour is to be commended for her police station, and now she has the audacity to come to consistent support of a range of tourism businesses in the chamber to slang off at the member for Burwood

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about not doing enough. What did the former grants for the VICSES Volunteer Emergency Services government do to the Ashburton police station over its Equipment program, which is incredibly popular right 11 years in office? It downgraded it. across the state, and $4.1 million in grants under the VICSES Valuing Volunteers program, which is The hardworking, dedicated member for Burwood has designed to support and encourage emergency services come to me about this issue. I will ensure, with him, volunteers. that all the election commitments we have made in regard to this portfolio are delivered. With regard to communications, the government has also provided $46.5 million for a broad-ranging Mr Nardella interjected. upgrade of emergency service communications. This includes investment in infrastructure upgrades that will Mr WELLS — We can always rely on the member enable the SES to interface with and integrate into for Melton to ask, ‘When?’. You had 11 years, and incident control centres, the development of the what did you do? You downgraded it. emergency services communications long-term The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The minister, strategic plan and changes in telecommunications through the Chair. equipment to meet compliance requirements set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. We Mr WELLS — If you could tell him that that is an are also continuing the partnership with Telstra to embarrassment, Deputy Speaker, I would appreciate it. deliver a $66 million digital radio dispatch service.

The member for Caulfield asked about how Victoria is On top of this we are supporting the Victoria Police gearing up for the bushfire season, and he referred to bushfire, arson and explosives specialist community of the fire services commissioner bringing up his readiness practice group, which is working very hard to ensure program for this season. The information I have been that if an arsonist is out there, they will be caught. given indicates that Victoria is in a very strong position in terms of resourcing the agencies for the upcoming I thank the member for Caulfield for his concern. The bushfire season. state government is in a very strong position and is well prepared for the upcoming fire season. Since coming to government in 2010–11 the coalition has provided $1.13 billion in funding to the Mrs POWELL (Minister for Local Government) — Metropolitan Fire Brigade and $1.84 billion to the The member for Carrum has asked me to visit Seaford Country Fire Authority (CFA). This has included Junior Library, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary significant funding to make the state safer following next year. As you can tell, the member for Carrum is recommendations from the 2009 Victorian Bushfires very passionate about her community. She is also very Royal Commission. We have provided $128.7 million passionate about this library and has visited it a number for 250 new and refurbished CFA stations and of times. $34.4 million for 136 CFA fleet vehicles. We are I understand there is a concern about the future funding providing strong support for hardworking CFA of the Seaford Junior Library. The member for Carrum volunteers. would like me to meet with the president and volunteers Last year the management of the state control centre, of the library to see firsthand the first-class service that Victoria’s primary emergency control centre, is being delivered to the children of the Seaford region. transferred to the fire services commissioner. This is a She has also asked me to join in story time with the positive step that ensures that we have a united front. children, and I would be delighted to do that with her. The state control centre was refurbished in late 2012 at The Victorian coalition government is a strong a cost of $1.44 million. The new layout will improve supporter of library services, as is the member for workflow, as government, private sector and agency Carrum. The government has restored funding for the personnel are all together in one building. public libraries program, committing $38.6 million in The government is also committed to ensuring that 2013–14 to public library services across Victoria. emergency services volunteers are well supported by Frankston City Council has received almost $800 000 the government. There is $9.3 million of funding for the this year as a contribution towards providing public State Emergency Service (SES) to relieve the library services. Frankston City Council has also administrative burden for volunteers. That is very received $19 540 per year over the last two years from important. There is $9.5 million in funding for SES the $4.5 million Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge emergency response volunteer support, $35.8 million in book fund. This is higher than the average grant. This

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money is to purchase books from the approved reading which is a beautiful part of the world, so it is always challenge resource list to stock public libraries. This is a good to go to East Gippsland, which is well represented very good initiative which encourages children to read by its current local member. from an appropriate book list. I know a number of libraries right across the state have been able to use this The member for Ivanhoe raised an issue with me funding to add to their book stocks for young children. regarding the sale of three school sites in his electorate. He said that under Labor’s new policy the proceeds of I understand that there is strong community support for those sales would be hypothecated straight back into the Seaford Junior Library. As the member for Carrum schools in those communities. Obviously this is a new said, there is also a huge and growing demand. The policy announced by the member for Ivanhoe on behalf member advised that there is already a waiting list of of the Labor Party, because that has not been its families and that the volunteers who help run the practice in the past. When the previous government service would like to see the services expand. The sold land that money just went into general revenue. member has also been a strong advocate for the Seaford The member for Ivanhoe wants me to change what the Junior Library volunteers, who deliver the service. My previous government did. office has had initial discussions with the council. I believe the funding issues can be resolved. I would be The member has some cheek, because the three delighted to continue to work with the member for schools — Haig Street Primary School, Bellfield Carrum to find a time to visit the library and meet with Primary School and Banksia Secondary College — the volunteers and the president, and to also meet with were closed by the previous government. It closed them representatives of the Frankston City Council. and decided when it closed them that it would move all the students up to the northern end of that community Mr DIXON (Minister for Education) — The near La Trobe University. That disenfranchised a lot of member for Gippsland East has asked me to open the people in that community from receiving a good new works at Toorloo Arm Primary School in his government school education. electorate. He said that I am passionate about that school. The only reason I am passionate about that The member is whingeing about something that his school and have visited it often is that the member is a government did; it closed those three schools. It was as great representative of that community. For a number of if no school sites were ever sold under the previous years now he has talked about and acted upon the government. There were dozens of school sites sold by importance of education in his electorate and in that the previous government. It sold heaps of them, and the community particularly. It would be an absolute money went into consolidated revenue and did not go pleasure to join him to open that brand-new facility in a back into the local community. community that is strong and growing. Mr Carbines interjected. While I am there I will be doing a number of other things. I will take the opportunity to go to Bairnsdale The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member Secondary College, where the $10 million first stage of for Ivanhoe has had his opportunity. its rebuilding is under way. I will be down there to turn Mr DIXON — But obviously there is a new the first sod, so I ask the member to bring a nice silver policy — — shovel for me to do that. Mr Carbines interjected. I will also take the opportunity to call into Lakes Entrance Secondary College, not only to visit that The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member school, as I have not been there before, but also because for Ivanhoe! a young Koori student, Angel Harrison-Firebrace, who I presented with a Koori scholarship last year, went out Mr DIXON — The member talked about of her way after that ceremony to come up to me to say, other — — ‘I would really like you to come down to visit my school’. I will be taking the opportunity to have a chat Mr Carbines interjected. with her. I will also meet with a very prominent local Responses interrupted. citizen, Jo Cannon, who is the vice-president of the Swan Reach Kindergarten and also the president of the Nungurner Primary School council. I will be very busy in a very beautiful part of the world. As the member for Gippsland East knows, my father grew up in Bruthen,

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SUSPENSION OF MEMBER were able to negotiate an outcome where the federal government would not do that; instead it would allow Member for Ivanhoe local communities to be in charge of the destiny of their local schools. We got those concessions, and we have The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member also got $12.2 billion of committed funding for the next for Ivanhoe can leave the chamber for an hour. I advise six years from both this government and the federal the member for Ivanhoe to leave the chamber. I called government. the member to order twice; he continued interjecting. If the member refuses to go, he will leave me with no This is great news for the people of the Ivanhoe alternative. I ask the member to leave the chamber. electorate, and in terms of Rosanna Primary School and those other schools, we will be considering the capital Honourable member for Ivanhoe withdrew from expenditure according to need as part of the upcoming chamber. budget round of negotiations and funding.

ADJOURNMENT Mr HODGETT (Minister for Manufacturing) — The member for Mount Waverley raised a matter with Responses me in my capacity as the Minister for Manufacturing. He requested that I visit his electorate and meet with Responses resumed. local businesses and stakeholders in relation to manufacturers. The member clearly recognised the Mr DIXON (Minister for Education) — The importance of small and medium size enterprises to member for Ivanhoe also raised a number of projects in Victoria’s workforce and economy, particularly in the his electorate that he thought money should go towards. Mount Waverley electorate, where he is a very strong He said that Rosanna Primary School, for example, has advocate on local issues. plans that should be acted upon and that the funding should flow through. In fact Rosanna Primary School is I listened with interest to the member’s adjournment one of around 200 schools that the previous matter, and I was quite impressed with his interest in government encouraged to develop plans. They were and knowledge of facts and figures in relation to given a bit of money and strung along for a number of manufacturing in his electorate. He is clearly working years to develop plans — from master plan right up to hard there, getting out and about and spending a lot of tender documentation in some circumstances — but time with his local businesses. He clearly recognises the there was no money for those 200 schools to do the importance of the manufacturing sector to Victoria, and construction. Rosanna Primary School is one of those as he quite rightly says, it is still our no. 1 employer, 200 schools we inherited where there were plans but no with close to 300 000 people employed. money left to implement those plans. The previous government had form in that area. It built up the An honourable member interjected. expectations of local communities and then let them down horribly. Mr HODGETT — It is an important industry. I appreciate the efforts of the member for Mount It is worthwhile mentioning that government schools Waverley in advocating for small business and have not ever had a better friend than this government. manufacturing workers in his electorate. I would be New funding of $12.2 billion over six years has been delighted to accompany the member in visiting his given to education in this state through extra funding electorate and meeting with manufacturing businesses, from this state government and from the federal local stakeholders and workers, and I will endeavour to government. We were able to leverage that money from do so as quickly as possible, as my diary permits. I the federal government. Most importantly, the would be very interested in getting out with the member community of West Heidelberg and the community of and visiting some of the local businesses and Rosanna Primary School know they are going to get the manufacturers that he spoke so passionately and money with no strings attached. knowledgeably about.

The member for Ivanhoe wanted me to sign up to all As I said, I was impressed with his adjournment debate that money and allow the federal government to run contribution. He is very well versed in local facts and Rosanna Primary School and La Trobe Secondary figures on manufacturing businesses in his electorate. College. It wanted to run schools from Canberra. We Many of those businesses are working very hard to would not do that; we would not give up running our ensure that Victoria remains the centre of schools and school communities autonomously. We manufacturing in this country. I thank the member for

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Tuesday, 3 September 2013 ASSEMBLY 2865

his invitation, and I look forward to visiting his electorate of Mount Waverley in the very near future.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The minister at the table to respond to the members for Narre Warren North, Melton and Geelong.

Mr R. SMITH (Minister for Environment and Climate Change) — I will be happy to pass those items on to the respective ministers.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The house stands adjourned.

House adjourned 10.50 p.m.

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