FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches July 2010 to December 2010

Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Acting President of the Legislative Council

277 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Victoria 3020 Telephone (03) 9312 1212 • Fax (03) 9312 4598 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches July 2010 to December 2010

Contents Werribee Secondary College: International Baccalaureate ...... 3 Electoral Amendment (Electoral Participation) Bill ...... 3 Minister for Environment and Climate Change: comments...... 4 Reference...... 5 Office Of Police Integrity: Production Of Documents...... 7 Attorney-General: conduct ...... 7 St Albans: Anglican church emergency relief centre ...... 8 Police: Craigieburn...... 8 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission: Final Report...... 9 Australian Labor Party: federal leadership...... 10 Autism: western suburbs schools...... 10 Rail: Laverton station...... 10 Government: Production Of Documents...... 11 Reference...... 11 Greens: support...... 12 Ambulance services: Craigieburn...... 12 Rail: public safety...... 13 Climate Change Bill...... 14 Sport governance and inclusion project: member ...... 15 Sunbury Road: traffic management...... 15 Blue Ribbon Day...... 16 Water: Werribee irrigation district...... 16 Schools: Funding...... 16 Vietnamese community: rally...... 17 Adequacy and future directions of public housing in Victoria...... 17 Babes Project: funding...... 19 Autism: western suburbs schools...... 19

277 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Victoria 3020 • Telephone (03) 9312 1212 • Fax (03) 9312 4598 Email [email protected] • Web www.berniefinn.com

IN 2 JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Adjournment 27 July 2010 the education department to keep the decide their lives. IB accreditation. These places make decisions that Come Saturday it is gone. It would will direct them as to how they live be a huge loss for the people of the and, quite often, where they live. Werribee western suburbs; it would be a huge It distresses me enormously when loss for the people of Victoria. Sadly the I speak to people who are totally Secondary local Labor members, Tim Pallas, the ignorant of how our government runs. member for Tarneit in the Assembly, We as a nation have a fair bit to College: and the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, answer for because our schools have have taken the lead on handballing failed a number of generations in this International the issue between themselves and the area. The sooner we start to teach some education department. What is par for real civics — if that is the classification Baccalaureate the course, and what we have come — in schools so that young people Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I to expect from them, is nothing being understand what the system is about, wish to raise a matter for the attention achieved. the sooner we will be doing our of the Minister for Education. It We are staring down the barrel, as is country and ourselves a huge favour. concerns some correspondence I have Werribee Secondary College, of this I was pleased to hear the previous received this evening from Sheridan dreadful decision on Saturday unless speaker talk about compulsory voting Ingram, who is contesting the seat the education department can get its in her last few words. I do not believe of Lalor for the Liberal Party in the act together over the next couple of in automatic enrolment because I do forthcoming federal election. What an days. not believe in compulsory voting. I outstanding member of Parliament she I ask the Minister for Education to believe the most important reform this would be. She would be a significant intervene tomorrow in this matter Parliament could make in the area of and vast improvement on the as a matter of urgency to ensure that voting is the abolition of compulsory incumbent member. Werribee Secondary College is given voting. The correspondence I received says: the necessary support it needs from I believe that forcing somebody to I have just learnt that years of the education department to keep this the ballot box under the threat of a fine work by Steve Butyn, the principal, most prestigious honour and to ensure is a blight on democracy. It is about and staff of Werribee Secondary that Werribee Secondary College is time we as parliamentarians took that College to provide world-class kept right up there at the forefront of on board. If we have a right to vote we education and integrate the school education in this state. into the international community should also have a right not to vote. are to come undone by the inaction We see that in the United States of of Labor and the state education COUNCIL | Second Reading America, we see that in Great Britain department. 27 July 2010 — we see that in so many of the major Werribee Secondary College democracies around the world, where is a state school that has taken the people — — initiative to improve the education Mr Barber — You have a right; you do opportunities and experiences of Electoral have that right. its students by investing time and Mr FINN — I know what Mr Barber resources over the last five years to Amendment is getting at. We are not compelled to achieve accreditation to offer the vote; we are compelled to either show International Baccalaureate course. (Electoral Werribee Secondary College has up at the polling booth on election day complied with all requests and or in some other way have our name guidelines handed down by the Participation) Bill struck off the roll during the course of Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I an election. I know what Mr Barber is education department in relation to briefly join this debate this evening gaining the department’s approval for saying. to express a couple of points of view offering the course, but left with no Mr Barber — Fifteen minutes every response. which may or may not be heard in this Parliament at this time. It distresses four years. After much hard work on the me enormously as a member of Mr FINN — I know it is 15 minutes part of the school the International every four years. If I could do it more Baccalaureate accreditation Parliament and a participant in political life for pushing 40 years — than once I would, believe me, but I do was granted last April on the not. condition that the approval from would you believe it? It is a very long the educational department would time — when I see the whole range Mr Barber interjected. formally follow within 12 months. The of areas and what might be described Mr FINN — Some of your mates, approval has not been forthcoming as criteria for the people, whether Mr Barber — or should I say Minister and no explanation has been they be young people or old people, Barber? — perhaps vote more than provided over the duration by the whom ignorance cuts across. It could once, but that is something that I will education department. The situation be age, it could be gender or it could not go into. is now critical with the International be geographic configurations — a Baccalaureate organisation left with The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mrs no other option than to withdraw the whole range of areas. They are people Peulich) — Order! The member will accreditation — who just do not know anything about address Mr Barber by his correct title. the political process and do not want this Saturday — Mr FINN — I am sorry, Acting to know anything about the political President; I am just getting in early. unless the approval from process. They would not know a I am feeling a bit clairvoyant tonight the education department is senator from a sheep; they would not forthcoming. and am just getting ahead of myself. know a communist from a comrade. I am concerned that people who are ... They just do not know what is going on compelled — — The school has until 5.00 p.m. in the parliaments of Australia. They do Mr Barber interjected. not know what is going on in areas that Friday to get the rubber-stamp from Mr FINN — What are you talking

IN FINN THE HOUSE JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 3 Electoral Amendment (Electoral Participation) Bill ... about, Mr Barber? are informed; they will be voting Mr JENNINGS (Minister for The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mrs because they are motivated to vote. Environment and Climate Change) — Peulich) — Order! Through the Chair. These are the reasons people should be I thank Mr Finn for his question. He Mr FINN — Certainly, Acting voting — not because they are going to probably does not appreciate that I will President. The minister over there is get a $50 or $100 fine or however much be quite fulsome in my answer to him, taking my attention. it may be. because I want to take the opportunity The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mrs As I said to the house before, this is a he has afforded me of clarifying the Peulich) — Order! Mr Finn is flouting serious matter. I believe it is something context in which I gave an answer — — the direction of the Chair. that should be addressed as a matter Mr Finn — You were out of context, Mr FINN — I apologise. I believe it of urgency by the next government, were you? is an attack on human rights to force whether it be a Liberal-National Mr JENNINGS — I can guarantee people to do something that they have coalition or a Labor-Greens coalition the member that I was out of context, no interest in and no knowledge of. It government, and whoever might be because in fact what he has just is not just an attack on human rights — ministers in that government. I close attributed to me as a continual quite frankly, it is dangerous. We have my remarks there. I just wanted to sentence was in fact two separate all seen people — and those of us who make the point that compulsory voting sentences, two separate ideas that have stood at polling booths for hour is wrong. I believe it is evil. were given in response to two different after hour on election day have seen I believe it is counterproductive, and questions that were asked of me by the them — who roll up at about 5 minutes I believe the sooner we get rid of it, the ABC. I think from my vantage point to 6 in the evening and who have better it will be for all of us — for our it probably demonstrated reasonably perhaps been at a hotel throughout country, for our state and for those of poor form from the ABC in editing the course of the afternoon and really us who live in it. my responses. I thank Mr Finn for the do not have a clue about what they are opportunity to give him, in the order in doing or where they are. They show up COUNCIL | Questions without Notice which they were asked, answers to the purely to avoid the fine. We have all 27 July 2010 questions that were asked of me. seen these people. They might draw I was asked a question about a bit of a chuckle from us — until we the health statistics that had been sit back and realise: these people can compiled by the local action group. decide elections. These people can Minister for I thank its members for compiling decide who the Premier is, who the the information, I thank them for Prime Minister is, who will govern Environment and their concern about the issues and us for the next three or four years — I thank them for their continuing and that is not funny. That is very Climate Change: determination in trying to assess the dangerous. real health status of their community We owe it to ourselves, to our comments and whether there is a risk associated families, to our state and to our Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — with living in this locality with the country to ensure that only those who My question without notice is directed existing landfill. are interested and motivated enough to the Minister for Environment and In fact that was the spirit in to get up and go out to vote should be Climate Change, Mr Jennings. I refer which I answered the question: allowed to do so. We should not force the minister to a health report by the to say unfortunately, regardless of people who do not want to vote, or Terminate Tulla Toxic Dump Action circumstance or station in life or who do not know what they are doing, Group which reveals abnormally whether they live near a landfill or to go to a polling booth and fill out a high cancer rates among households not, cancer affects people around the ballot paper. It is the equivalent of, for neighbouring the toxic waste landfill world and exists in our community. example, your car breaking down in opposite Melbourne Airport. I further Then I went on to say that the reason the street, you going into the nearest refer the minister to his comments to we are commissioning our own survey pub and pulling a drunk off a bar stool the ABC which dismissed the fears — agreed to by the Environment and saying, ‘Come and fix my car’, of residents living in Tullamarine, Protection Authority with the Cancer refusing to listen to the drunk saying, Westmeadows and Gladstone Park Council Victoria — is to take health ‘But I know nothing about fixing cars’, when he said: statistics that have been compiled by and you saying, ‘Well, fix it anyway’. Many people have moved into the local community and verify them Except on this particular occasion this locality whilst the landfill was through a statistical analysis of the we are not talking about fixing just a operating. So many people have prevalence of the illness pattern in that car; we are talking about who runs exercised the choice to live there. community. our country or who runs our state — All the health issues you have just That is the context in which a something that is far more important. identified now are a feature of daily sentence was then construed and I believe the violation of human rights life for unfortunately thousands of joined with another question and that is compulsory voting has to go. I people around the world, whether answer that was part of this interview they live in a landfill or not. believe that is something that should where I was asked whether I would be a priority of any government. Will the minister now apologise for choose to live near the landfill. My To the argument put forward by some these appalling and uncaring remarks, answer to that question started off by that nobody will vote, I say: if that is the or is this just another example of the saying there are many reasons why case, so be it. If they get a government Brumby government’s arrogant and all of us in our community choose to that they do not like, they will certainly out-of-touch approach? live or end up living in an area, and vote the next time, and they will be Hon. J. M. Madden interjected. some of it has to do with our family voting for the right reasons. It will not Mr Finn — I will just see if he answers connections, where we work, the be because they are forced to a polling this one. affordability of the housing stock booth under the threat of a fine; they Hon. J. M. Madden interjected. or the community in which we live. will be voting because they want to The PRESIDENT — Order! The Then it is important to understand vote; they will be voting because they minister will cease interjecting. that many people have lived in this

IN 4 JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 FINN THE HOUSE Minister for Environment and Climate Change: comments ... community for decades. Then there meeting. this debate so far. is the quote Mr Finn attributes to me, This is a matter that causes me that it is also important to note that COUNCIL enormous distress. I get particularly some people choose to move into this 28 July 2010 distressed when I hear people say neighbourhood during the operation that babies with disabilities should of the landfill. That was in the context be killed. I am the father of a child of everything that I had said previously Reference with a disability. When our four- about the circumstances of people On the motion of Mr KAVANAGH year-old twins were in utero we were living in communities and staying in (Western Victoria) — I move: told one of the twins would in all communities, including people who likelihood be a carrier of or a victim arrive in the community. That this house — of Down syndrome. We were offered Then I went back to restate the (1) notes that on 20 May 2010 the the usual option. Thank God we did importance of validating the health Herald Sun reported on the recently not countenance that for a moment, statistics to know what the real released 2007 annual report of the because that little girl is now, I have morbidity pattern of this community Consultative Council on Obstetric to say, the light of my life. If we had and Paediatric Mortality and is compared to what you would Morbidity which showed that 54 out done what so many others do in that expect in a community. At every turn of 181 late-term foetuses who were circumstance, we would have killed I appreciate the fact that people from aborted for ‘abnormalities’ survived one of the most delightful little girls all walks of life, unfortunately, have late-term abortions but all of them in who has ever walked the earth. to endure the rigours of cancer and the period studied died ‘postnatally’; In my view the assumption that the other illnesses. Some of those people (2) further notes that babies born disability of those in utero should be live near landfills and some live a after around 22 weeks of gestation given an automatic death sentence is thousand miles from landfills, but have a significant chance of survival totally wrong. It shows an enormous they still have these health conditions. which increases sharply with each disrespect not just of those children What it is important for us to do is to further week of gestation to, at before they are born but of all people see whether there is a coincidence around 26 weeks, achieving a very with disabilities. If you are prepared between living close to this landfill and high chance of survival if given even to kill children who have disabilities, the health status of the community. minimal care, and that the death what does it say about your attitude We have commissioned that work and of every one of these babies in the towards older people with disabilities? will follow it through. I am personally period studied therefore suggests that they were neglected to death, if not People who say they would be supportive of that work and will deliberately killed; and prepared to kill a child with a disability continue to be supportive of it. are saying that anybody with a That is a more complete (3) therefore requires the Family and Community Development disability is, at the very least, a second- understanding of how I responded Committee to inquire into, consider class citizen. I reject that entirely. to those questions in the media, and report on the postnatal deaths Having said all that, it should be regardless of how they were cut and of babies born alive in Victoria after pointed out that this motion is not spliced and put together to give a failed abortions, with particular about the substantive issue that different impression to Mr Finn’s reference to the 2007 annual report we all seem to have been dragged community. of the Consultative Council on into after all. This motion is about a Supplementary question Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality referral to the Family and Community and Morbidity. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Development Committee. This motion — I take note that the minister fully Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) is an attempt to find out what is blames the ABC for the situation that — First of all, I commend and going on. It is an attempt to find out he finds himself in with regard to these congratulate Mr Kavanagh on bringing the facts so as a Parliament we can comments, and I invite him to join me this motion to the chamber today. As make decisions about what is going in my campaign to have that particular we are discovering, it is not an easy on. It would allow Ms Hartland, Mr organisation privatised. I ask the thing for any member to do knowing Tee or anybody to give evidence at minister by way of a supplementary: the vilification and abuse one often those hearings so we can be properly given that a good number of people in faces when raising these particular informed of what is happening in our the Gladstone Park, Westmeadows and issues. Over the last four years I have hospitals and clinics. That is what this Attwood areas have taken deep offence discovered that Peter Kavanagh is a motion is about. It is not about saying at the comments he made, will he man of great courage. He is showing it is wrong to kill babies; it is not about attend a public meeting — which I am that courage again today, and I saying it is a good thing to kill babies. It happy to hold on his behalf — to meet commend him for it. is about a referral to a committee so we with local people and give a personal So far in this debate there seems to can at great length and in great detail assurance to their faces that he does have been some confusion from both look at the facts. not disregard their health needs? Mr Tee and Ms Hartland about the These are the facts as Mr Kavanagh Mr JENNINGS (Minister for difference between an abortion and an has presented them; these are the facts Environment and Climate Change) early birth. For example, at our major as Ms Hartland has presented them. — In the first instance I have some maternity hospitals we have a sort of That is what we are doing here today. confidence that Mr Finn will distribute schizophrenia — I am loathe to use I have to ask why anyone would my answer to his question fulsomely that word, but I suppose that is what it oppose that. Why would anybody to his community and set a foundation is. On one floor of the hospital we are vote against an attempt to find out the for a very positive engagement desperately trying to save babies who truth? Information is empowerment — between me and the community. If are as young as 25 weeks; on another that is almost a truism. Education on he is of sufficient goodwill to build floor of the hospital we are killing any issue enables us to make decisions a bridge between the statements I babies who are as young as that. The because it puts us in a position to know have made in answering his question distinction must be made. I regret what we are talking about. and his community, then I will come there has been a degree of confusion on the part of two of the speakers in At the moment we are basing our back to him and see about this public discussions on one report and one

IN FINN THE HOUSE JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 5 Reference ... newspaper article. This motion is about in the article in case anybody thinks capital of Australia. That is the simple finding out exactly what is going on Ms Hartland is right — that late- fact of the matter. The Royal Women’s — the details about why these things term abortions do not happen and Hospital has told us that its late-term are happening, if they are necessary it is all just a dreadful mistake on Mr abortion rate has increased 600 per and what are the events surrounding Kavanagh’s part. cent since the passing of the laws. I these deaths. I again express my I will briefly read some of the findings find it impossible to believe that with consternation that anybody would that Andrew Bolt recorded in his the increased numbers of late-term not want to find out the truth. The column in the Herald Sun of 27 August abortions, not just at the Women’s truth is precious, particularly during 2004 — coming up to six years ago: but at a number of hospitals and at an election campaign, when it is not Jessica Jane, 21 weeks in the one particular clinic that finds itself readily available. It is important. womb, was aborted on the night of in the news for all the wrong reasons It is something that we, as elected 13 July 1998, after her mother was at the moment, there are not more members of Parliament, must seek given a labour-inducing drug. Carrie Jessica Janes and babies like her in at all times. Mr Kavanagh is to be Williams, an experienced midwife, Melbourne. commended on his attempt to was on her own for the delivery It defies logic to suggest that it is not refer this matter to the Family and of the foetus, which in most such happening here. Community Development Committee abortions is killed by the trauma of the contractions. Just because it is Melbourne, it could so that we can find out the truth of this not happen here? Let me tell the matter. I am sure members could imagine house, if it is happening in Darwin and This matter is not about abortion. that that would be the case. The article it is happening in Sydney, there is a fair I want to make that very clear: this continues: chance it is happening here, because is not about abortion. That debate Cavanagh’s findings — we have the greater numbers, and will continue, I promise you, Acting that is, Coroner Cavanagh — proportionality would make it almost President, until a decisive victory for go on: ‘She placed what she certain that it would be happening babies has been achieved. However, assumed to be the foetus in a kidney here. That is why we need to have this debate today is not about abortion. dish and took it from the mother’s this matter referred to the Family and It is about whether we should have room. She heard the baby cry, which Community Development Committee. an inquiry into what is happening to shocked her’. That is why we need to examine this newborn babies — babies we can see, I think most of us would understand matter a little bit further. That is why touch and hold; tiny, fragile babies that in this situation. The excerpt we need to find out the truth. That is in need of warmth, nutrition and our continues: certainly why I will be supporting Mr protection. That is what we are talking A distraught Williams told the Kavanagh’s motion today. about. Even the Victorian law, horrific inquest: ‘That then left me in a very I was staggered when I found out as it is, gives these babies the same big moral dilemma. I didn’t know the government is opposing this rights as the rest of us. Those babies what to do ... motion. I thought, given that this is are recognised under Victorian law ‘The baby I had taken into a just a referral motion to the Family and as members of the human race. Even delivery suite, into what we call the Community Development Committee, the most enthusiastic proponent of clean-up area and because the baby the government would go along with the abortion laws that were passed by was making noises, I could not just and support this motion. I thought the this place a couple of years ago would leave it like we do with some, in a government would say, ‘Yes, that is a admit — and indeed has admitted — kidney dish, and I put it into a warm reasonable suggestion. We will find out that those babies are human beings. rug and put a drape over the top of it a bit more about that’. You have to ask I think about our little girls, who are so at least it was warm. the question: why is the government now almost five years of age. They were ‘During all this time, I’d been back opposing this? Why is the government born at 33 weeks — although to look and checked it about every 10, 15 turning its back on these tiny babies? at them now, you would not believe minutes ... I wasn’t sure what to do. I Why is the government discarding the it — and they are not much bigger now was actually getting quite frustrated ... law as ruthlessly as these little babies — — I rang (the doctor who’d induced the are also being discarded? abortion) and ... I said: —Doctor Cho, Mrs Coote — The rabbits! the baby is alive—.’ With apologies to those few people in the ALP who care about these sorts Mr FINN — The rabbits indeed, Mrs His response is quite chilling: Coote! They were not much older of issues, the once great Australian than some of the babies we are talking He said to me, his exact words Labor Party has been captured by an about in this debate. I suppose this were, ‘So? I will see her in the extremist element, an extremist left- morning’, and hung up. makes the issue very personal for me. wing feminist group called Emily’s List. I offer my apologies now in case I get That was in Darwin before the That group is prepared to pay any a bit emotional during the course of passing of the horrific abortion law in price to secure and retain its sacred the debate, but it is something that hits 2008 here in Victoria. But I challenge right to abortion. That is the simple home to me in a very personal way. anybody to say that that sort of thing is fact of the matter. That is why the I have here an article written by not happening here in Victoria. government is opposed to this motion former Labor staffer and now, I I challenge Mr Tee or Ms Hartland today. The fact is that former Premier suppose, Australia’s pre-eminent to get up here and tell us that they Joan Kirner, Prime Minister Julia journalist and commentator, Andrew know that none of the babies who Gillard and Emily’s List have all joined Bolt. I was going to read all of the were mentioned in this report were together to make the ALP, the once article, but I will not go into the details in exactly the same situation as great Australian Labor Party, the party and will just read some extracts baby Jessica Jane six years ago in the of death, and that should distress us from it that refer to the coroner in Northern Territory. all. It certainly distresses me. the Northern Territory to whom Mr The fact of the matter is that under This motion and this whole situation Kavanagh referred — the other Mr these laws that were introduced a saddens me very deeply. It is a very Cavanagh, whose name starts with a C. little under two years ago, Melbourne sad day when this Parliament hears I will go through the events described has become the late-term abortion of tiny, innocent babies being literally

IN 6 JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 FINN THE HOUSE Reference ... thrown to one side and allowed to the law and order crisis that we suffer for the OPI to go as well. As soon as die — but not all of them. There are from in this state. she walked out the door it outlived its many babies that doctors and nurses I do not think there is any doubt usefulness. I am hoping the OPI and do a marvellous job saving, and I know that for some years the Victoria others around the leadership hierarchy there are many babies, and I have Police hierarchy has been in disarray. — and I use that term loosely — of seen it happen, who come into this We have not recovered since the Victoria Police today will be removed world and do not stay with us for very appointment of Christine Nixon as and we will again, in the not-too- long. But there are also babies who Chief Commissioner of Police, when distant future, have a police force are aborted very deliberately but who this government brought her down which is led by people who have the are born alive and are then discarded, from New South Wales in a way that best interests of Victorians at heart and and they die from neglect. They are the created pandemonium within the genuinely want to see policing in this ones this motion refers to today. force. state as it is supposed to be — and that It is not a motion which condemns Over Ms Nixon’s time as chief is all about protecting Victorians. the practice. It is a motion which commissioner we saw that she had As I say, that is not happening at the purely asks for more information. no great enthusiasm for the task of moment and it is long overdue. It is very sad when this Parliament protecting the community and putting I hope Mr Dalla-Riva’s motion will sees that happening and will not only the law into place but an enormous go some way towards establishing the do nothing to protect these babies capacity for social engineering within facts of this matter and that it might but does not even want to know. This the police force. She pushed her own make some contribution to giving us Parliament says, ‘Don’t want to know. agenda the whole time she was chief back the police force that we once had Leave it alone’. I now know how the commissioner, and as a result the and were once so very proud of. Holocaust happened, because the fibre of the Victorian police force was Germans in the 1930s and the 1940s destroyed. She set out to destroy the did exactly what we are doing now: fibre and the culture of the Victorian COUNCIL | Members Statements they turned away and pretended that police force, and I have to say she 28 July 2010 it was not happening. I am very sad was singularly and extraordinarily indeed. If this motion is defeated, and successful in doing that. It will take us it looks as if it will be, if this Parliament years to recover from Christine Nixon’s turns away and pretends that nothing time as Chief Commissioner of Police. Attorney- is happening, today will be Victoria’s Those of us who have been touched General: conduct saddest day. by cancer would know this metaphor Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — very well. If Christine Nixon were the Brendan Donohue told us last night original cancer in the Victorian police COUNCIL on Channel 7 that the Deputy Premier force, she has produced a number 28 July 2010 and Attorney-General, Rob Hulls, of secondary cancers. Now that she sees cheese as the panacea to all the has gone she has left behind her a government’s electoral problems. I number of cancers in the force that the suppose that should not be surprising Office Of Police government has no intention of trying coming from a man who often presents to remove. Until they are removed we himself as a rat with a gold tooth. His Integrity: will continue to have a law and order response to this chamber’s request crisis in this state. We will continue — — Production Of to have a situation where people will Mr D. Davis — On a point of order, be playing games and putting social Acting President, the member Documents engineering and political policy ahead over there, Mr Murphy, just took a Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I of the enforcement of law and order in photograph in the chamber. There rise to support the motion so ably Victoria. That is a tragedy for average was a flash across. I understand that put by my friend and colleague Mr Victorians and for those of us who are members of the public are not entitled Dalla-Riva. In doing so I move an genuinely concerned for our safety. to take photographs in the chamber. amendment, which I now ask to be I live in and represent an area where You may find it interesting to see circulated: far too many situations get out of hand groups of MPs discussing — — — where people’s personal safety is at That the words ‘13 April 2010’ be Hon. M. P. Pakula — He said it was an omitted with the view of inserting in risk, people are seriously injured and accident. people find themselves being bashed, their place ‘10 August 2010’. Mr D. Davis — No, he took it. There robbed or are under some sort of was a flash. It should be obvious to most threat. members of the house that 13 April The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Leane) I am just hoping that at some stage has passed. We need to make this — Order! I ask the member whether it in the not-too-distant future we might amendment, as it will be clear and was an accident. obvious to all. be able to recover from the years of the Nixon menace at the Victoria Mr Murphy — Yes, it was an accident. I will say a few words on the motion Police and VicPol might be able to The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Leane) before us today. I believe we have a get back to what it is really good at — — Order! It will not happen again. I ask law and order crisis in this state, but that is, fighting crime and protecting the member to delete whatever it was. I do not believe the crisis is among Victorians. Mr FINN — People have been known the rank and file of policemen and to queue up to take photos of me. policewomen on the front line. I do One of those cancers I referred to is The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Leane) not believe they are responsible for the Office of Police Integrity. The OPI — Order! I ask Mr Finn to clarify the concerns that people have about is a circus. It was set up almost as a whether he referred to the Deputy their safety. I do not believe those men personal police force of the then chief Premier as ‘a rat with a gold tooth’. and women who go out every day and commissioner to get her enemies, every night and put their lives on the real or perceived, within the police Mr FINN — No, what I said was he line to protect us are responsible for force. Now that she has gone it is time presents himself quite often as a rat

IN FINN THE HOUSE JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 7 Attorney-General: conduct ... with a gold tooth. helped up to 90 people in a single Mrs COOTE — Trained in South The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr morning. That group of volunteers is Yarra. Leane) — Order! I ask the member to a very committed, hardworking and Mr FINN — They may be trained in withdraw that. dedicated group, some of advancing South Yarra; they may well be. I have Mr FINN — I do not know what is years it has to be said — one volunteer referred specifically to my concerns going on with this place sometimes. It I am told is in her nineties. They do about the gangs in St Albans and is covering up all sorts of things, but I a magnificent and sterling job, and I Sunshine, but I think the riot that am happy to withdraw it if that is the was impressed when I was told of the exploded in Craigieburn last week is an desire of the Chair. level of commitment they show to their example of some of the worst we can The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Leane) clients, many of whom are suffering expect if the government continues — Order! I ask the member not to significant hardship. to bury its head in the sand on this reflect on the Chair and to withdraw My main concern is that the centre particular issue. the comment. of this effort is a tin shed in the car I am sure those who saw the Mr FINN — I would never dream of park of the church. The tin shed holds Craigieburn riot on television would reflecting on the Chair. In response to tinned food, clothing and a variety have been as horrified as I was. That this chamber’s request for information of things that might help people who riot involved not just those who and cooperation the response from the find themselves in strife. The trouble gathered to enter the fray; this riot Attorney-General is invariably, ‘Stiff is the tin shed. It has holes in the roof. was at a shopping centre. Being a very cheddar’. Let me give Rob Hulls some It is not connected to electricity, so it public place, the riot terrified many advice: if he seeks electoral Nirvana, he is prone to be extremely hot during members of the community who should forget the lactose-laden dairy summer and very cold in these winter were going about their daily business. products. He should seek guidance months. The volunteers give freely Husbands were afraid for their wives, from the good people of Niddrie, who of their time to work in this shed to mothers were afraid for their children, find his social engineering program help fellow human beings who might and panic, I think it is safe to say, was quite appalling. They are sickened by be going through some hardship at a very much the order of the day in a lot his experimentation with children that given time. of people’s minds. sees them as nothing but guinea pigs They have many plans for what they Given that I have previously raised who grow up with two mums or two would like to do to help more people the issue of the lack of police in dads. The people of Niddrie have not and to set up a more permanent fixture Craigieburn, it is of great concern to forgotten it was Rob Hulls’s initiative to help the people of St Albans who are me and to many people in Craigieburn that gave Victoria abortion on demand going through difficult times, but the that the lack of police resources will up until the moment of birth — and in problem is that they have little money be a major issue if these sorts of riots some cases beyond. with which to implement these plans. continue or indeed if nothing is done It is just not good enough. They are helping people in the true to prevent them. I can assure you that nobody in Christian spirit, and I suggest that The Craigieburn community must be Victoria will easily forgive Rob Hulls for by doing so they are also saving the protected, and I do not believe that at taking justice out of our justice system state a good deal of money. If these this time we can be sure that that will as he continues to stack every level of people were not volunteering their occur. the judiciary with his civil libertarian time in the way they are doing, either There is a sense of fear at this very mates. When Victorians are finished the state or federal government would moment in Craigieburn, and that must with Rob Hulls in November of this have to come to the aid of the people be addressed as a matter of urgency. year — I can assure you and I can the volunteers are assisting, and that I ask the Minister for Police and assure Victoria — he will have plenty of would obviously cost taxpayers a good Emergency Services to ensure that the time for cheese tasting. deal of money. police presence to properly protect the I ask the minister to accompany me people of Craigieburn is upheld and to meet Reverend Faith Johnson and COUNCIL | Adjournment delivered, and to ensure that the sort the volunteers and see for herself what of outrageous civil disorder we saw 29 July 2010 is being done at St Albans Anglican last week in and around Craigieburn church. Hopefully she can then get is never repeated. We are aware that an idea of what she can do to provide the member for Yuroke in the other St Albans: more help for both the volunteers and place is not interested in these sorts the people of St Albans. of issues, so I am very hopeful that the Anglican church minister will take his lead from me and COUNCIL | Adjournment those who have approached me about 10 August 2010 this issue and that he will take the emergency relief appropriate action to ensure that the centre people of Craigieburn — the people Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I the Minister for Planning allegedly wish to raise a matter for the attention Police: represents as well — get the proper of the Minister for Community protection they need as innocent Craigieburn people going about their daily lives. Services. The matter concerns the Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) emergency relief centre which I visited — I wish to raise a matter for the at the St Albans Anglican church in attention of the Minister for Police the last couple of weeks. The minister and Emergency Services. The house there is Reverend Faith Johnson, and would be aware, and perhaps even the I think a more appropriately named minister might be aware, that I have member of the clergy would be hard raised a number of warnings over the to find anywhere. This particular last few years about gang warfare in the emergency relief centre is run purely Western Metropolitan Region. by volunteers. It has on a regular basis

IN 8 JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL 11 August 2010 little bit surprised to hear me say that, Nixon been such a protected species, but I assure the minister — — irrespective of what she has done Mrs Peulich — Without your crystals. either as the Chief Commissioner of Mr FINN — He has got his own Police, including her total dereliction 2009 Victorian crystals, Mrs Peulich. of duty on Black Saturday, or since But seriously let me assure you that as the head of the Victorian Bushfire Bushfires Royal the bush is one of my very favourite Reconstruction and Recovery places. At the same time we must, and Authority? It has been pointed out Commission: councils must, allow back-burning time and again that Christine Nixon access via fire mitigation and so forth. was not up to the job, and yet this Final Report government — and this Premier Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I The councils have a responsibility to protect the community — their own in particular — has protected her. was going to say it gives me a great deal Why? Will the government and the of pleasure to speak on this report, but communities — with regard to these matters. It is not good enough for any Premier explain to this Parliament far from it — I wish in fact that I did not and to the people of Victoria why he have to speak on this 2009 Victorian council just to say, ‘That is all locked up; we will just let it grow’, because has protected her in the way that he Bushfires Royal Commission report. has for such a long time? Even her I wish this report was not necessary, when that happens that is a disaster waiting to happen. resignation was protected; it was I wish this royal commission was not announced under the cover of the necessary and of course I desperately On a day that was staggering in announcement of the federal election. wish the bushfires of February 2009 many ways, one thing that was truly It shows a certain degree of cowardice had never occurred. staggering was that there was no on the part of Christine Nixon that she Some would say that those of us leadership shown by anybody in was not prepared to face the music. who live in the western suburbs the fight against this fire. We had a She was not prepared to stand up in were not affected by the bushfires of situation where there were thousands the full view of the public and tell us last year, and physically that may be of volunteer and professional where she had gone wrong, admit her so, but the reality, the truth, is that firefighters, police and emergency mistakes and perhaps even say that she many, many people of the western services personnel risking their lives, was sorry. Maybe she could have said suburbs were deeply emotionally but there was nobody at the top she was sorry for what she had done or distressed by what happened on showing them leadership. perhaps what she had not done. Black Saturday. Many people in the There was nobody at the top who The total inadequacy of Christine western suburbs of Melbourne were was taking responsibility for directing Nixon as Chief Commissioner of psychologically pained and continue to traffic — not the chief fire officer, not Police was never more apparent than be psychologically pained by what they the Chief Commissioner of Police, not on Black Saturday 2009. However, the saw on Black Saturday and the days the emergency services commissioner inadequacy goes far beyond Christine after Black Saturday. The people of the and certainly not the Minister for Nixon; it goes to those who put politics western suburbs have a great empathy Police and Emergency Services. In fact and social engineering ahead of proper for people who are suffering. I think it many people have asked — and I think policing and proper protection for our is a very important point to make that this is probably the most significant community — those who gave her the the hearts of everybody in the western question of this whole sad and tragic job when she was never up to the task. suburbs go out to those who have event: where was the minister when That is something we must never allow suffered, and continue to suffer, as a all of this was happening? Why to happen again. result of those dreadful fires. was the minister not taking up his responsibility to ensure that leadership As I said, on Black Saturday Unfortunately bushfires are a matter thousands of Victorians risked of fact in Victoria. History has told us was provided to those men and women who were risking their lives on Black their lives in a war of monumental that there is no getting away from the proportions, the likes of which we fact that we will have bushfires. Going Saturday? Where was the minister? It is just not good enough to pop up a few had never seen before in this state, back through generations, through but the generals were asleep at the decades, over the last century we have days later and say, ‘I spent the day at home’. He should not have spent the wheel. Some went to the hairdresser seen that bushfire is something that we and to dinner; some stayed at home just have to deal with. day at home. He had a job to do. He did not do it, and that is a sad fact of life. in Bendigo; and others, unbelievably, Our job, I believe, as members of this did not have a clue what they should Parliament, as community leaders, I have to say to this house that I do. That is just not good enough for is to minimise the damage that these am very pleased that former Chief Victoria and not good enough for bushfires cause. Commissioner of Police Christine Victorians. Nixon is gone from the bushfire I strongly believe that some reconstruction authority, but I have Russell Rees and Christine Nixon significant blame for the ferocity of to point out the obvious: she should have gone, but still today nobody these fires must be carried by those never have been appointed in the first wants to take responsibility for the councils who refuse to carry out place. Ms Nixon should never have got total dereliction of duty by those who their responsibility to clean up the the job. I cannot understand how she should have been leading the way on fuel which provides such bushfires got the job. I cannot believe that either Black Saturday, those who should have with the food they need to go on the Minister for Police and Emergency been in charge and shown leadership. their destructive way. Inevitably Services or the Premier, or both of Nobody is prepared to get up and say, these councils have a strong green them for that matter, did not know she ‘Yes, it was my responsibility and I component. I am a great supporter of had deserted her post when Victorians failed’. Why is the government not able trees. I love to go out in the bush, and needed her the most. I cannot believe to accept responsibility for the job its I was born and raised in the country. I that either the minister or the Premier members should be doing? It is just not love being in that sort of environment. were not aware of what she had done. good enough. The Minister for Environment and I conclude by offering my sympathy Climate Change, Minister Jennings, is a Again I ask the question: why over the past 10 years has Christine and the sympathy of those in the west

IN FINN THE HOUSE JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 9 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission: Final Report ... people who were just a few years ago no choice ... as do many other parents of children like ours. of Melbourne to those families and at one with Mark Latham? How could friends of the victims. Black Saturday we trust these people with the keys to It is outrageous that children with was for them a day of great personal government when each and every one autism and their families are being put tragedy. It was a day that has changed of them wanted to put Mark Latham in through this agony when we consider their lives forever and which they will the Lodge? The nation and its people there are autism-specific P-12 schools never forget. Our thoughts and our are too important to let this mob of in the northern suburbs, certainly in prayers must continue, and we must whackers run the show any longer. the eastern suburbs and the southern support them in any way possible. suburbs, with a new one announced We must do more to help those who COUNCIL | Adjournment in the recent state budget. However, lost property and who are spending 12 August 2010 the western suburbs have been told, another winter in caravans, warming ‘It’s just not planned. It’s not going to themselves around camp fires in happen and we don’t even really want various parts of Victoria. to talk to you about it.’ Here we are, more than 18 months Autism: western It is not good enough. It is insulting; after the fires of Black Saturday, and so it is insensitive. It is an outrage that suburbs schools in the western suburbs children with much needs to be done but is not being Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I done. So much must be done and has autism and their parents are being wish to raise a matter for the attention treated in this way. to be done, so let us get on with it. We of the Minister for Education and it owe those people. Above all we must I ask the minister, as soon as is concerns the ongoing battle for justice humanly possible, to set up a time to commit ourselves to do whatever is for children with autism in the western humanly possible to ensure that we make herself available for a meeting suburbs and their parents and in with me and with parents of children never again see the tragedy that we saw particular the battle for a P-12 autism- on 7 February 2009. with autism living in the west. We need specific school in the western suburbs. to get this matter up and running and Recently there was a meeting to get it resolved so that there is justice COUNCIL | Members Statements between a group of parents and for these children. 11 August 2010 the western metropolitan region of The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! DEECD (Department of Education and Mr Finn mentioned that he had Early Childhood Development). This raised this matter about an autism meeting was, to say the least, less than school previously, and that was also Australian Labor successful. I have received from one my recollection. As I understand it, it parent who was at that meeting some would have been within the past six Party: federal points detailing some of the matters months; is that correct? that were raised. She tells me, with Mr FINN — Yes. some distress, I have to say: leadership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT — Order! Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — We were told there was no This morning whilst preparing for Can he advise me what was the action committee for the western region he sought on the previous occasion? another day in the adventure that is life autism plan, rather just a group of in the Legislative Council I received a public servants from the DEECD ... Mr FINN — I thought that you, or text message from an old mate of mine. whoever was in the chair, would ask they consulted with principals that very question, so I checked before Bobby is a former Cairo taxidriver from mainstream schools. When we and still drives like one, but we share asked, it was admitted there had been I came in. What I asked the minister for a deep mutual love of the Richmond no consultation with special school was that a school be built immediately. Football Club. He is a good bloke and principals despite them having large What I am asking for tonight is a has been a mate of mine for over 25 numbers of autistic students at their meeting between the parents, the years. The trouble is that Bobby has schools. Parents were to have no minister and me. one major flaw — he is a Labor man. input and were not to be informed of I mention that because the text he what is on the regional autism state plan. COUNCIL | Adjournment sent to me this morning reads, ‘Good 31 August 2010 morning, mate. It scares me to think There were plans for autism Mark Latham could have been PM’. I inclusion units at mainstream shot Bob back a text reminding him schools. They didn’t know which that he had voted for Mark Latham to schools, they didn’t know how many units ... and they didn’t know ... how Rail: Laverton become Prime Minister. many students it would cater for. It got me thinking about all those These would be pilot programs. They station Labor types currently bagging Mad didn’t know how long before any Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Mark who were just a few short years more units would be created. They wish to raise a matter for the attention ago his greatest supporters. didn’t even seem very sure what the of the Minister for Public Transport. The current Prime Minister helped units would be like. The matter involves further problems put Mark Latham in the Labor Basically it was implied that at the Laverton railway station. The leadership; she was going to be we had a choice whether to put house will recall that in March I raised his health minister. He had the full our children in special schools or a number of problems with the new backing of the current Deputy Prime mainstream schools. This is very cruel Laverton railway station, particularly Minister, and even Kevin Rudd backed and insensitive. in relation to the lifts breaking down, him in those days. The highest position My daughter would be considered forcing people — particularly the of political leadership in this nation ‘classic autistic’ and runs away, self- elderly and the infirm, such as those was going to go to Mad Mark Latham harms when distressed, struggles to in wheelchairs — to find other ways to with the support of the ALP. How can communicate, at nearly 9 appears get out of the station. Given that the we hand the future of Australia over to not to read, can’t cope with being ramps are no longer there, the lifts do around very many people. We have not work and they cannot get up the

IN 10 JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 FINN THE HOUSE Rail: Laverton station ... stairs, we have a real problem on our the truth. it were not for Greens preferences. hands. That is not the problem I wish I think this week I might be walking Tonight on the news we saw photos to raise this evening, even though that away with the bottles of De Bortoli: I of the outgoing Prime Minister, Julia problem, from what I am told, still very am going to ring in on Friday morning Gillard, with the federal leader of the much exists at Laverton and nobody and nominate Mr Murphy, because Greens, Bob Brown, and his cohorts has done a thing to change that. I think what we heard in his contribution all slapping each other on the back that is very sad indeed. before was one of the most furiously, and what a marvellous heart- There is a problem that I have extraordinary performances I have warming sight that was — not! personally witnessed on a number ever heard in my life. I was absolutely The fact of the matter is that the of occasions in recent times when I staggered. I can only say to members Greens and the Labor Party are as one, have been at the Laverton station in opposite: if Mr Murphy is a beacon and there is no getting away from that the very early hours of the morning, of what the ALP has to offer in future, fact. They can get up here and posture greeting commuters and receiving they are in more strife than they can and make all sorts of — — their warm wishes as they have possibly imagine. They are in deep and Mr Kavanagh interjected. headed off on the trains on their way diabolical trouble. Mr FINN — I apologise to Mr to work. This brand-new station has an I had no intention of speaking in Kavanagh. He has just reminded me overpass with a covered-in walkway. this debate. I thought it had been that there is only one Labor member It is very impressive-looking indeed. handled quite well by a good number of this house, and he is it — and that is When the lifts are working it is even of members on this side of the house very true. better. But there is one major flaw: and I had no intention of making a Historically and legally that is very the steps between the overpass and contribution. Even when Mr Leane true. Of course I was referring to the the platforms have no roof. So while was speaking I was not tempted to ALP and the Greens. people can access the overpass and come down and set the record straight. gather in large numbers under the roof If you want to talk about Labor But when Mr Murphy got up I just preferences, I stated my position that on the overpass, they have to make could not help myself, because his a mad dash down the stairs to get to both sides should put the Greens last. I contribution tonight is something that said that, and I challenge Mr Viney, Mr the platform. What I have witnessed I might actually keep a copy of and is a number of the good people of the Jennings, Mr Lenders and anyone else show my children and their children who wants to stick their head up on the western suburbs almost coming to and perhaps even their children — if grief as they have attempted to run other side of the house to say likewise. I am still around at that point — as If they want to match my push to put through the rain down the steps to get an example of what not to do if they to their train. the Greens last, I would be delighted. I are ever in a position of speaking would be the first to congratulate them, I would have thought that if you were in a public arena. It was absolutely but I certainly will not be holding my going to spend a couple of million extraordinary. breath. I do not think it will happen. dollars on a railway station, even for The most amazing claim from Mr This motion is about who runs this a by-election, you would at least put Murphy was that we on this side of the a roof over the stairs. Many of these state. Is it the executive or is it the house are in some sort of conservative Parliament? This motion is about people in Laverton and the people of coalition with the Greens. This was Sanctuary Lakes and surrounds are the sovereignty of the Parliament of coming from a member of a party Victoria. That is what this is about. almost coming a cropper. It is just not who preferenced the Greens in every good enough at all. electorate in the state. We have heard some members I will not ask the minister to explain tonight get up and claim that they are Mr Lenders would have us believe elected as members of Parliament and how this station was built without a that he does not want that situation to roof over the stairs, but I will ask him that Mr Lenders is elected as a member continue, but he does. It is not going to of Parliament and we have to respect to ensure that a roof is built over these change and we all know it is not going stairs. that, but they themselves do not to change, because what we have seen respect the authority or the sovereignty It will provide a safer and dryer today in Canberra is replicated here in of the Parliament itself. That is what environment for the good people of Victoria. this motion is about. It is asking: where that part of the western suburbs. The Labor Party is in bed with the does the buck stop? And the answer I Greens, and it does not matter what it give to that is that it stops here, in this COUNCIL says, what it does or how many times Parliament. That is where the buck it jumps up and down and objects — 1 September 2010 stops, that is where the authority is, that is the fact of the matter. The Labor and that is why we must support this Party and the Greens are as one. In motion tonight. fact the Greens are the new extreme Government: socialist left of the ALP. I know the Minister for Environment and Climate COUNCIL Production Of Change, Mr Jennings, is appalled at 1 September 2010 that — he thought he was about as Documents extreme left as you could get — but Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — then along came the Greens, and by Reference On a radio station that I listen to every comparison Mr Jennings is almost a On the motion of Ms HARTLAND morning there is a Friday morning right-winger. President, you are over (Western Metropolitan) — I move: segment entitled ‘Bulltish artist of the here with me! That this house requires the week’ where prizes are given for people Let us not be silly about this. Family and Community Development who ring in and nominate people who Let us consider the truth of the Committee to inquire into, consider have carried on in a way which might matter: we are here in opposition and report on the provisions of the not necessarily be consistent with the because of Greens preferences. The Medical Treatment Act 1988 relating truth or indeed which might provide truth is that Mark Rose would be to end-of-life medical treatment and some assistance to the perversion of the member for Altona right now if palliative care options, with particular

IN FINN THE HOUSE JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 11 Reference ... COUNCIL | Members Statements regard to — already done that. As Ms Hartland 1 September 2010 (a) whether those provisions are pointed out, we did that when we sufficient to meet contemporary debated her bill about two years ago. community expectations; During her address on this particular Greens: support (b) whether those provisions are motion she gave a very thorough Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I sufficient to prevent end-of-life run-down of a good many of the am sure the cockles of our collective suffering; contributions to the debate on that hearts were warmed on election night bill. Why we are retracing the steps of (c) whether those provisions this year when we heard the newly continue to facilitate and support best the debate that we had some two years elected member for Melbourne, Adam practice; ago — which had a very clear result in Bandt, tell us that the world needs the end, when it was defeated — I do more love, not less. I thought that may (d) input from a variety of not know. stakeholders and the community; and be a turning point in the history of the My views on this matter have not world! (e) whether to make changed. recommendations to the Attorney- Hon. M. P. Pakula — No fear! General to refer any matter to the I am very sympathetic to those who Mr FINN — But, as the minister Victorian Law Reform Commission. wish to have a painless and swift, I points out, it is sadly not the case. It suppose in some ways, end to their was fascinating that the first ones to Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — physical life here on earth, but there The opposition has adopted a view of ignore this new decree from on high is no way that at this point we can be were none other than supporters of giving its members a conscience vote assured that any law will guarantee on this particular matter, so obviously I — you guessed it! — the Australian that we do not step over the mark Greens. When I suggested last week will not be speaking on behalf of every and find ourselves in a situation — as member of the opposition because that the Greens were to the Left what people in other countries have — One Nation was to the Right, it seems there are different views on this issue. I where lives have been taken without can assure the house that I will not be all that love went out the window. My the consent of those who are being office was deluged with abusive phone visiting upon Ms Hartland the sort of killed. If we could get a guarantee, abuse and vitriol that she directed at calls, with some callers using extreme then I certainly would reconsider my and obscene language. The vitriol and Mr Kavanagh when he recently moved position, but we cannot do that. a motion on a life and death issue just venom directed at me over the last a few weeks ago. In fact if anything, I I know that many in the euthanasia few days by supporters of this extreme would say to Ms Hartland that she is lobby say, ‘Look at Oregon and some left political party is far from anything consistent — she supports death at of the other places that have tried this’. Mr Bandt or perhaps the Australian both ends. That is something on which I would say that they should look at Greens might like to purport to be she has been consistent from day one. Holland and some of the other places supporting. After what they have been where a good number of people have I want to make two quick points on talking about, the lack of tolerance and been killed without their consent. That lack of love from the extreme left in this motion. Firstly, as a member of the is something that we in this country Family and Community Development this country is quite extraordinary. It should not be encouraging and is pure unadulterated hypocrisy, and Committee I can advise the house that tolerating. we do not have time to discuss this sadly there is more to come if we see a reference. We already have a brief. For I express the hope that we as a repeat come November. many months we have been examining Parliament, as representatives of public housing, and we are rapidly society in Victoria in 2010, embrace life and the culture of life and that we COUNCIL | Adjournment coming to the point where we will have 2 September 2010 a final report, which we are preparing turn away from death as it is presented at the moment. We must also keep as some macabre panacea for a good in mind that the Parliament will be many human problems. Those who dissolved at the end of next month. We almost accept that as a way of life — Ambulance will have just enough time to finish our if that is not a contradiction — are current study before the Parliament is probably very sad people, and I would services: dissolved in time for the election; I am like to assist them to enjoy life a little sure Mr Scheffer will back me up on bit more. Craigieburn that one. In pure, practical terms there I will be voting against this motion. I Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) is no way that we can take on any other suppose that will not come as any great — I wish to raise a matter for the issue, particularly a conflicted and shock to anybody. I believe we have attention of the Minister for Health. burdensome issue such as this one. been there before; there is no need It concerns the ongoing saga of Having read the motion and listened to go back. I urge members to vote ambulance services in Craigieburn and to Ms Hartland, I am struggling to against this motion. surrounding suburbs. see how this is related to the Medical I have received a letter from Mr Treatment Act 1988. This motion is Keith Herring, the secretary of the not about revisiting or debating the Craigieburn and District Ambulance ramifications of that particular bill. I Committee. The letter begins: remember only too well when that bill The Craigieburn and District was passed, because on that evening Ambulance Committee Inc. (CADAC) I was sitting not far from where I am would like to bring to your attention standing at this very moment. This that the Craigieburn ambulance motion is not about revisiting the branch should be upgraded to a Medical Treatment Act 1988 or finding 24-hour service so that it meets the out what impact that has had. This needs of our growing community. motion is about revisiting the issue of A major part of our local euthanasia. population assumes that there is I say to the house that we have a 24-hour ambulance service in

IN 12 JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 FINN THE HOUSE Ambulance services: Craigieburn ... COUNCIL | Questions without Notice Craigieburn. In fact, the Craigieburn 2 September 2010 questions. There are more than 200 ambulance vehicle operates from security cameras present at the station. 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. From 7.30 p.m. The station also has an enormous to 9.00 a.m., a volunteer ambulance number of staff and personnel; and first responder team attends to Rail: public safety as I have indicated in this house ‘Code 1’ medical emergencies and Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — provides advanced first aid, but they My question is directed to the Minister previously, we have recently upgraded do not transport patients to hospital. for Public Transport. something like 3000 CCTV cameras to digital capacity to improve their This means that if a person needs Ms Lovell — He is not here. to be transported to hospital after resolution, and that improvement in 9.00 p.m., ambulance vehicles have Mr FINN — No, he is not, is he; Mr resolution has already borne fruit on a to come from other areas and it is Barber is not here. In Mr Barber’s number of occasions. absence I will direct my question to possible that patients may have to It is also not correct, as the article Mr Pakula, who, I am told, does act wait up to 30 minutes or more before claims, that the operator has being transported to hospital. from time to time as the Minister for demanded upgrades to the system. Public Transport. I refer the minister It is not only residents of the The matters raised by the CEO of to the leaked letter from the Southern area but visitors, people taking part Civic Nexus have been raised in the Cross station operator, AssetCo, in sporting activities, and as the normal course of business operations. detailing a litany of gaps in the security development continues especially Operational issues requiring with the opening of the new town surveillance that is putting Victorian improvement are raised from time to centre, there will be people coming commuters at increased risk. The time and are documented formally in into the area to work who will need closed-circuit television (CCTV) letters to the department from time to feel secure in the knowledge that system installed only two years ago to time, and all those matters remain no matter what time of day or night is described as ‘seriously inadequate’, there is an ambulance vehicle based matters for discussion between the and parts of the station are not even in Craigieburn. representatives of Southern Cross covered by the CCTV cameras. station and the Department of We also have to take into account The footage is of such low quality that the amount of traffic using the Hume Transport. As I have indicated to this Freeway and the possibility of serious it is essentially useless. Given that, I ask chamber, we have taken enormous motor vehicle accidents occurring the minister to give a guarantee that steps in terms of upgrading CCTV and that Craigieburn is a gateway to any abduction or assault at the station resolution. will be captured by the surveillance the areas north of us. Mr Finn — It is working really well system and that the footage could I have also received from CADAC there. a number of reports of ambulance be used for evidentiary or police investigation purposes. Hon. M. P. PAKULA — As I said response times over recent weeks. yesterday, or it might have been Hon. M. P. PAKULA (Minister for I am informed that an 80-year-old Tuesday, Mr Finn, in fact — — Public Transport) — I am not sure lady neighbour of Mr Herring had a Mr Finn — ‘Seriously inadequate’. fall and seriously injured her head. whether Mr Finn was trying to take A call was made to 000 at 7.30 p.m. the micky out of Mr Barber or me, but Hon. M. P. PAKULA — Mr Finn is The ambulance arrived half an hour I want to assume it was Mr Barber for quoting from the article; but the fact is, later. That ambulance came from the purposes of this question time. I as I have indicated, that the upgrade Thomastown. have seen the breathless report today to digital has already led to a number that refers to a leaked letter. The reality of individuals turning themselves Last Thursday morning another chap in when images of them have been up the street from Mr Herring called an is that the letter from Mr Walker was a letter that was sent in normal business displayed over the internet and on ambulance for his wife at 3.20 a.m. A television. private ambulance arrived at 5.00 a.m. operations; it formalised matters to transport her to hospital. We can see raised at regular operation meetings. I also have to say in regard to that those sorts of ambulance times are just A number of the claims in the article story that, as I indicated previously, not good enough. were interesting, and not all of them there are an enormous number of staff were accurate. present at Southern Cross station, and Representations have been made In regard to the assertion that parts of the dialogue that goes on between to the member for Yuroke in the the Southern Cross authority and the Assembly. She has rejected those Southern Cross railway station are not under adequate security surveillance, department routinely leads to changes community concerns. There is barely as technology improves and as other any support from her for the local I point out that the fact is that black spots for CCTV are known. Additional changes are required from time to time community, and I believe that is a at that station. disgrace in itself. cameras have been installed to cut — — The cameras that were initially I ask the minister to take these Mr D. Davis — On a point of order, installed were part of the scope concerns into consideration, to when the Southern Cross station was review the needs of the Craigieburn President, the minister is clearly reading a document, and I wonder if constructed and were state of the art at community and the suburbs the time. We recognise that technology surrounding Craigieburn and he might make the document available to the chamber. moves on; we recognise that as ensure that Craigieburn is given a technology moves on improvements 24-hour ambulance service based in The PRESIDENT — Order! Maybe it is not clearly understood in the chamber, need to be made, and they are Craigieburn that will meet the needs of improvements that we continue to the growing Craigieburn community. but the fact is that the minister is free to answer the question in any way he demonstrate and build across the sees fit. He is not required to make system. material available in terms of the Supplementary question questions asked or his answer. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) Mr PAKULA — I have never read — I commend the minister for a an answer in this chamber, unlike half-decent attempt to defend the Mr Davis with his supplementary indefensible, but given the lack of

IN FINN THE HOUSE JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 13 Rail: public safety ... security surveillance available at an opinion and was threatened with Prime Minister got in first. a major public transport hub like the sack by Mr Mulder, the shadow After the downfall of communism Southern Cross railway station — — Minister for Public Transport and and the arms race, the left needed Mr Viney — On a point of order, member for Polwarth in the Assembly. something else to hang its hat on — President, I note that Mr Finn is Mr O’Donohue interjected. to scare people with. It raised a few reading his supplementary question Hon. M. P. PAKULA — Let me take dollars and promoted its own political from a document, and I wonder up Mr O’Donohue’s point. He claims interests. It came up with a thing whether he might like to make the that the CEO of Metro endorsed it to called global warming. This was going document available to the house. start with. What the CEO of Metro along very nicely for a while; quite a The PRESIDENT — Order! I remind was asked at the committee to which number of people were terrified they Mr Viney that there is such a thing as Mr O’Donohue referred was whether were going to be fried in their beds a frivolous point of order. Any repeat having protective services officers and that one morning they would from anyone today will result in an on platforms might lead to increased wake up sizzling like so many eggs early lunch. patronage. He might have answered and sausages on the breakfast table. Mr FINN — I will ask the question that in the affirmative; it is not the This opened the purse strings of the again: given the lack of security same as endorsing it as a good idea. gullible — those who are easily fooled. surveillance available at a major public Mr Finn interjected. They gave money to environmentalists, transport hub like Southern Cross Hon. M. P. PAKULA — I inform Mr greenies and those who promoted this station, is it not a fact that the need Finn that there are many ways you can nonsense until it was pointed out to for protective service officers at train have a staff presence and a security them, predominantly in Australia by stations after 6.00 p.m. is now even presence at stations, all of which might Andrew Bolt, that in fact — — more urgent? increase patronage and many of which Mrs Coote — A good man. Hon. M. P. PAKULA (Minister for might have a more beneficial effect for Mr FINN — A very good man, Mrs Public Transport) — This is — — the network overall than simply having Coote. It was pointed out to them that Mr Finn — You obviously don’t get armed guards on stations. As I have global warming did not actually exist the train after dark. indicated, we believe that can be done and had not existed for quite some Hon. M. P. PAKULA — I do, Mr Finn. by increasing the number of transit time. This is not the first time that members police, by increasing the number of Even when it did exist, it was nowhere of the opposition have sought to have staffed stations, by having more staff near as bad as these people had me endorse their policy. As I have said to provide assistance to customers been saying. What did they do? They — — and by having an intelligence-based changed the name. All of a sudden Mr D. Davis — You copied half of it. deployment method. global warming became climate change. What does climate change Hon. M. P. PAKULA — In regard to In closing, if the import of Mr Finn’s question is to ask whether I endorse mean? Climate change can mean the opposition’s policy, let me say it anything you like — if it is too hot, it is increasingly becoming an orphan the Liberal Party’s policy, the answer is no. is climate change; if it is too cold, it is policy. We saw comments by Mr climate change; if it is just right, it is Bowen from the Public Transport climate change. Users Association — and I am sure the COUNCIL | Second Reading This is a con; the whole thing is a opposition will not mind me quoting 3 September 2010 on this occasion — where he said: con. Today we are in the Parliament of Victoria wasting our time on While we are pleased the something that is largely an invention opposition is being proactive on Climate Change of the left. I am not suggesting for railway security, stations are not war a moment that the climate does zones ... Bill not change. I think that is a natural Armed guards on every platform Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I phenomenon; it has been happening — — come to this debate rather late with for thousands of years, otherwise we Honourable members interjecting. just a few thoughts on the hysteria would get our skates on and skate Hon. M. P. PAKULA — Let me say it surrounding this entire climate change down Bourke Street. We would still be is — — matter. I use the word ‘hysteria’ in the ice age. Obviously the climate Mr Finn interjected. advisedly because the hysteria changes. It gets warmer, it gets cooler, Hon. M. P. PAKULA — I understand surrounding this whole climate and that is the way nature works. But why as part of the Liberal Party’s change debate reflects the need for the the nonsense so many go on about — ongoing campaign of fear — fear international left to have something that is, the fear peddled by the left in about social housing, fear about law with which to scare people and to hang this country and around the world — and order, fear about safety on public its hat on. has to be stomped on. transport — it is in Mr Finn’s interest We have to come to a conclusion We see just how false all this to portray public transport as a war that climate change is not so much a nonsense is when we consider the zone, but Mr Bowen, as an advocate for scientific thing as it is a political thing. scare about the rising sea levels. We public transport users, has made the We have seen left-wingers the world were told that islands would disappear point that: over using this as a means to promote and that thousands of people would Armed guards on every platform themselves. be drowned. This is just absolutely is a disproportionate response to the At the 2007 election former Prime hysterical nonsense. It was put to bed problem. Minister Kevin Rudd — ‘Kevin07’ as recently by none other than Al Gore They are his words, not mine. It is he then was — said climate change when he bought a mansion — paid for also the case that the Rail, Tram and was the great moral challenge of our by the climate change scare, no doubt Bus Union does not support this and time. Then he proceeded to sit on his — on Miami Beach. That is how scared the government does not support it. hands for the next three years. He he is about rising sea levels. When he was asked, the CEO of Metro was intending to do the same for the I should add that Al Gore has doubled Trains Melbourne dared to express next three years but the now outgoing his personal fortune as a result of his

IN 14 JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 FINN THE HOUSE Climate Change Bill ... COUNCIL | Adjournment championing climate change. He 14 September 2010 email as a member of the governance can see a fast buck when there is one and inclusion project of the Victorian around, and he is very quick to grab department of sport. it — and he was very quick to grab it. If He has used the department of sport the Labor-Greens coalition — — Sport governance and the Victorian government in his The PRESIDENT — Order! Whilst I campaign to destroy the life of a great am sure a number of us are actually and inclusion Australian sportsperson. I think that enjoying Mr Finn’s contribution, is despicable, and I ask the minister putting aside the fact that he is scaring project: member to take immediate action to make it the children in the gallery, the matter Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I clear to the Victorian community that before us is the bill. raise a matter for the attention of the the Victorian government does not Minister for Sport, Recreation and condone this activity. I also ask that he I think he should concentrate on the Youth Affairs. In recent times I have bill, and I ask him to come back to it. sack Rob Mitchell from any position he been appalled by the ferocity of the holds within the Victorian government. Mr FINN — I am very happy to do attacks on Aussie swimming champion that, President; I was just moving into Stephanie Rice, as I am sure many the areas to which you referred. I was members of this house have been. COUNCIL | Adjournment just going to suggest to our Greens and Stephanie Rice is a great Australian 15 September 2010 Labor friends, who are cuddling up sports star who has brought great glory very nicely over there on the benches to this nation, and I am sure that she — and a heart-warming sight it is too will continue to do so if she is given the as they follow in the steps of their opportunity. Sunbury federal counterparts! — that if they are Stephanie is a 22-year-old who has looking for something to really scare achieved more in her short life than I Road: traffic — — believe most would in a century. She Mr Lenders — Who did you recently used a word on Twitter that management preference in Melbourne? she probably should not have used — I Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Mr FINN — Don’t get me started on think that is the best way to describe it. wish to raise a matter for the attention that. It should be pointed out that that word of the Minister for Roads and Ports, If they are looking for something with was not an attack on homosexuals, and it is a matter that I have raised which to scare people, they should but she was having a whack at a South before — in fact I think I raised it 17 or tell people about the emission trading African sporting team. 18 years ago in another place. scheme and what it is going to do to I have to say I do not find anything Mrs Coote — That was a good era. my electorate in the western suburbs, particularly wrong with that — in fact Mr FINN — My word, it was a very what it is going to do to industries, it is probably highly desirable in many good era, and let us hope we return to what it is going to do to business, what ways. Despite that, Stephanie Rice has a similar era very soon. it is going to do to people who work tearfully apologised, but the campaign Mrs Peulich — On the way! out there, how many jobs will be lost, of hysteria has continued. Mr FINN — It is on the way, Mrs how many homes will be lost and how I have asked myself who is Peulich. many people are going to be without responsible for this campaign, and this I have to say, President, that between work and without a future because of question was answered with an email the time that I first raised this matter this nonsense we are debating here I received the other day. The email was and now the situation has deteriorated today. It would be nice — it would be addressed to ‘Davenport Customer enormously; I just cannot begin to tell wonderful — if logic and common Service’, with a courtesy copy sent to you. I am speaking specifically about sense were to prevail on this whole ausqueer@ yahoogroups.com. The Sunbury Road. I do not wish to intrude matter. I am not confident that it will, email is from an individual called Rob upon Mrs Petrovich’s territory, but I am because there are far too many people Mitchell. Having done a Google search particularly talking about the section with far too many dollars to be made on him, I understand he is some sort of that road between Loemans Road in out of this con. of self-styled homosexual activist. He Bulla and the end of the Tullamarine However, we have to sit through this, starts his email by saying: Freeway. and I have a feeling that unfortunately Hi, As we know, and as indeed was it is not the last we will hear of this Can I suggest you check out predicted by a number of people when sort of legislation. If the Labor-Greens Melbourne Airport was privatised, the coalition gets into government in www.davenportsucks.com airport has grown into a significant Canberra, I fear for what is going to It is a website I have set up employer. I think there are somewhere happen to this country as a result of highlighting the link between the between 15 000 and 20 000 employees the climate change scare. systemic vilification peddled by your at the airport, and that has about I sincerely hope that members of this ‘star’ and the inevitable result it has doubled from where it was 15 or 20 house will take seriously my words of on the mental health of the 10 per years ago. warning — that there are matters that cent of young people in this country who are not straight. Because there is such appalling desperately need to be addressed but public transport to Melbourne Airport, that this is not one of them. The email goes on for quite some time with language that I think is all those people have to drive. rather intimidating and threatening A majority of those people, I would to the Davenport company as to what hazard to suggest, live in the Macedon will happen to the company if it does Ranges or in Sunbury and have to use not drop its sponsorship of Stephanie the road to which I refer. Rice, as indeed Jaguar has done, which The road behind the airport is I think is pretty appalling. frequently gridlocked and is the cause The thing that distresses me most is of enormous frustration for people. that Mr Rob Mitchell has signed this I have seen incidents where people

IN FINN THE HOUSE JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 15 Sunbury Road: traffic management ... have taken their own lives and the What a dreadful mess we would all questioned whether: lives of others into their hands as they be in without them. I often wear my ... the current water source from have tried to move along that part of blue ribbon. On 29 September I will be the western treatment plant will the road. The bridge at Deep Creek wearing it again with special purpose. provide water of a quality and at is about as old as this building and an affordable cost consistent with almost as functional. It has to be said the sustainability of the Werribee that it is way past its use-by date and COUNCIL | Adjournment irrigation district for vegetable something has to be done. 5 October 2010 growing. The township of Bulla, where I am This is something the government has very happily domiciled, is paralysed to address as a matter of urgency. This twice a day, cut in two by the traffic. I Water: Werribee is an issue that has been going on for can only say to the house that we are in far too long. urgent need of the much-talked-about irrigation district Mr Koch — Years and years. Bulla bypass not just for residents but Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I Mr FINN — Years and years, as Mr also for the thousands of motorists wish to raise a matter for the attention Koch says. It has been going on for who use that road every day. of the Minister for Water. It may come far too long, certainly for the entire I ask the minister to immediately as news to you, President, that the 11-year period of government. It is begin a traffic management plan for Committee for Wyndham is a strong well and truly time for the government Sunbury Road, particularly for that and powerful voice for the people to come to the party on this issue, section of the road between Bulla and of that municipality in the western and I ask the minister to commit to a the end of the Tullamarine Freeway. suburbs of Melbourne. The committee long-term supply of water fit for the It is an absolutely urgent matter has come out very strongly in recent purposes of Werribee South irrigators for many thousands of people. It is times saying that the state government and to ensure that salinity levels are something that is long overdue, it is has to do more to ensure the future able to be retained at an EC (electrical something that is much needed and it viability of the Werribee irrigation conductivity) level of 1000 or less. is something that cannot be put off any district following the presentation longer. of options to the growers from the long-awaited report on the Western COUNCIL Irrigation Futures project. 6 October 2010 COUNCIL | Members Statements The chairman, Peter Hudson, whom I 16 September 2010 am sure Mr Koch knows well, recently stated in a media release that: Schools: Funding The Werribee irrigation district On the motion of Mr KAVANAGH Blue Ribbon Day has been and still is a very significant (Western Victoria) — I move: Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — supplier of fresh vegetables to That this house acknowledges On 29 September Blue Ribbon Day Victoria and is recognised in the responsibility of all Victorian comes our way. On Blue Ribbon Day ‘Melbourne 2030 vision for green governments to provide for and we remember 151 police officers who wedges’ as an intensive agricultural contribute towards the education were killed on duty in this state. We area — at least until 2030 and needs of all school-age Victorians remember Sergeant Kennedy and more than what been offered in the regardless of who owns the schools constables Scanlon and Lonigan ‘options’. that they attend and that the level who were murdered by Ned Kelly The reality is that growers are of government support for all Victorian school students should be and his gang in the 1800s, and we are being forced to use water that has salinity levels up to 2000 EC thus reflective of student need and not reminded that Ned Kelly was not a the proprietorship of the educational hero; he was a police killer. increasing the soil salinity and sodicity levels and costs through institution. Seared into our more recent memory expensive soil management practices. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I is 21-year-old Constable Angela Taylor This is clearly something that rise to strongly support the motion who was killed by a bomb outside the moved by Mr Kavanagh. The motion is then Russell Street police headquarters is intolerable in an area which is so important to the food chain of well expressed and is one that I believe in 1986. We remember constables has considerable merit. I congratulate Steven Tynan and Damian Eyre, two Melbourne, particularly as the food bowl is so close to Melbourne itself. Mr Kavanagh for having the foresight young men ambushed and brutally to move this motion before the house murdered in Walsh Street, South Yarra, The media release further states: Mr Hudson went on to say: on this occasion. in 1988. We remember Sergeant Gary I will not only support this motion but Silk and Senior Constable Rodney This is at a time when the growers I will take it a little further. In politics Miller who were murdered in cold were to get EC levels of 1000 or below. The salinity impact and costs these days we are used to hearing blood in Moorabbin in 1998. about new paradigms. I am about to I will never forget, as someone who associated with the present recycled water from the western treatment put one of my own to the house. was at Rodney Miller’s funeral, the plant and proposed base EC level of It is important that the state heartbreaking sight of his widow 1500 is not sustainable for the future government supports children, carrying their young child, walking of vegetable growing. wherever they may be educated, behind the coffin as it left the chapel. That is clearly an attack on the and I believe it is the responsibility The men and women of Victoria livelihoods of a good many people in of the state government across the Police have my profound respect and the Werribee South area, but it is also board to do so. I propose that the admiration. Blue Ribbon Day, on a major concern for those who are federal department of education be 29 September, allows Victorians the interested in placing fresh vegetables abolished and that the states have the opportunity to remember those who on the plates of Melburnians. It is entire responsibility for all schools, gave their lives in the service of our something that affects all people, not whether they be government or non- community. It allows us to show our just those in the Werribee South area. government. gratitude and support for our police. The Committee for Wyndham has Mrs Peulich — As well as the money.

IN 16 JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 FINN THE HOUSE Schools: Funding ... Mr FINN — Indeed, Mrs Peulich, the then Governor, Sir Rohan Delacombe, my strong support for the Australian funding of non-government schools visiting the local state school. He was Vietnamese community. should be entirely the responsibility visiting the area, and we students of It has made, and continues to make, of the states. You never know, when the local Catholic school, St Brendan’s a major contribution to Australian we get rid of the 20 000 or 30 000 School in Coragulac — I am sure Mr society. I express my staunch bureaucrats who are sitting around Koch knows the area well — lined the opposition to communism generally looking out their windows in the side of the road waving our hankies; and my devotion to the freedom and morning and then having nothing to we were not given flags, which liberty provided by Australia. do in the afternoon, when we get rid were reserved for the state schools. Mr Murphy — How about China? of those office buildings in Canberra The Governor was to fly past in his Mr FINN — Calm down, comrade, and when we have those extra millions Bentley and wave to us as he went we will get to you in a minute. I of dollars, we might be able to spend by. Fortunately he stopped, got out, entirely reject any attempt by the more money on education. shook our hands, said hello and made Hanoi government to interfere in local We might be able to put more money a big deal of it, probably throwing his Australian Vietnamese affairs. As I into schools and provide a better schedule out considerably. said at the end of the rally — and I was education for children, whether That was the way things were back cheered at the end of the rally — I want they attend government or non- then. It was a time when there was the communists out of Footscray, the government schools. no government funding for non- communists out of Australia and the I commend Mr Kavanagh on his government schools, which had class communists out of Vietnam. motion, but we need to take it further. sizes of 60 or 70, and those who were We need to bring education back to the left behind were well and truly left level of government that is closest to behind. It was not until I went to a COUNCIL the people. I believe we would get a far government primary school a few years 6 October 2010 greater result in education, and indeed later that I caught up with the rest of in health, transport and a number of the pack — — other areas, if we did away with the Mrs Peulich — Not the same grade? Adequacy and federal department and returned the Mr FINN — I cannot remember, to powers to the states. The sooner we do tell you the truth. It was so long ago! that the better off we will be. That was the situation then. I would future directions This motion is very much about hate to see Victoria return to that justice, because parents of children situation. I do not believe that would of public housing in non-government schools pay tax be fair or reasonable. By supporting in Victoria too. Over the years we have heard Mr Kavanagh’s motion today we would Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — It from people like former Premier go some way towards ensuring that gives me a great deal of pleasure in Joan Kirner, who would close all the the Parliament prevents that situation speaking to this report. It has to be said non-government schools, particularly from occurring again. that this is a substantial report. A great Catholic schools — she is not fond of deal of work has gone into it, including Catholics — in the country. I see the COUNCIL | Members Statements a good many hearings and a number Minister for Public Transport shaking 6 October 2010 of site visits, as has been mentioned by his head. Mr Scheffer. He has obviously forgotten an With an election merely weeks away organisation called DOGS — the I have to comment on the degree of Australian Council for the Defence of Vietnamese cooperation between members of this Government Schools — which Joan committee who worked together to Kirner was involved in many years ago. community: rally find answers to what is a deep problem It went to war against Catholic schools Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — in Victoria and one that I think each in particular but non-government On grand final day — that is, the day and every member agrees has to be schools generally. of the draw, I addressed a rally in the addressed as a matter of priority. The people in this organisation would Footscray Mall. The rally was organised by the Australian Vietnamese It is not good enough in a civilised take government funding from those state like Victoria in 2010 to have schools and completely ignore the community and was attended by some 2000 people. It was a protest people living on the streets. People are fact that the parents of the children living on the streets because they are attending those schools pay taxes against the Vietnamese government establishing offices in Australia, not able to access proper or affordable too. Not only do they pay taxes; they housing. That is something we as a actually subsidise the government in particular one in Footscray. The organisers of the rally are concerned Parliament should not tolerate. We system. If the Catholic school system, should not be able to sleep at night for example, were to close tomorrow, about the influence of communist operatives within the local Vietnamese with the knowledge that there are there is no way the government people who are living and sleeping system could cope, because it would community. But it was a much broader protest against communism on the streets, particularly women, be swamped. The state government is children and families who are living subsidised by parents who send their and support for freedom, which the Vietnamese community has enjoyed in in cars or tents or under bits of iron children to non-government schools, sheeting or something similar — — and that is very important. Australia. Mrs Peulich — Under bridges. I go back to the days of the dim, Members of the Vietnamese distant past when non-government community know what they are talking Mr FINN — Under bridges. It is schools did not receive government about, because many of them risked something that we as a Parliament funding. I well remember attending their lives to flee the totalitarianism have to take to heart. We have to take a little Catholic primary school in the of the communist government in this very seriously. I know that we as a country. We were very much regarded Vietnam. I took the opportunity that committee, during our consideration as second-class citizens. I recall the day, and I do so again today, to express of this report, in hearing the many

IN FINN THE HOUSE JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 17 Adequacy and future directions of public housing in Victoria ... witnesses who gave evidence, at the night at the end of the sitting week, in public housing. I think it would be site visits we made and the discussions hopefully — and go to our homes and safe to say that Mr Scheffer is of the we had, took this issue very seriously. sleep in our own beds, but there are view, and I think he expressed this on As Mr Scheffer has pointed out, far too many people in this state who the committee, that the government waiting lists have been a significant do not have the right — and I believe should be in open competition with part of this inquiry. The committee has it is a right — or the ability to do that, the private sector in terms of providing found that waiting lists have grown, because they have no home and no public housing and cheaper forms of particularly for people who were bed of their own. That is deplorable in housing. eligible for early or priority housing. any civilised society. We as legislators I certainly do not concur with that Mrs Peulich — Over the 11 years. in the Victorian Parliament — and, I view. My view is that public housing Mr FINN — Over the 11 years, yes, believe, members of the government should be provided for those who waiting times have also increased. — have a real obligation to address this cannot find their own way in the as a matter of urgency. According to official projections for private sector. Housing should be 2010-11, people experiencing or at risk Another issue is the maintenance predominantly a role for the private of homelessness will wait an average of of public housing stock. We have all sector, and I do not believe we should eight months to be allocated a public heard some of the horror stories — see one of these almost Cain-esque housing tenancy. That is an increase indeed the members of this committee or Kirner-esque programs where from three months in 1998-99. We heard some — about the appalling governments compete with the private have seen a blow-out of five months maintenance in some public housing sector. on waiting lists for those experiencing in this state. I know there is an attitude Mrs Peulich — Stalinist! or at risk of homelessness. I find that of some who say, ‘The government Mr FINN — Maybe, Mrs Peulich! quite appalling. Things are getting is footing the bill, so beggars can’t If we really wanted to alleviate many worse. That is something that this be choosers’, as it were. I do not of the problems, if indeed not all of government and the Parliament have accept that. I do not believe that is a the problems, faced by people who are to target as a major issue and one to reasonable thing. living in public housing or who need which we have to find a solution. I think if we are going to provide to live in public housing, we would The committee has recommended public housing, and clearly we need encourage, support and help people to that the Victorian government target to do that, we have to provide a decent buy their own homes. support programs more effectively standard of public housing, and That is the most important thing any to people on the early housing maintenance issues are clearly a very government can do to help people waiting list. This is a group of people important part of that. live at a standard of living and in a experiencing or at risk of homelessness The committee identified improved standard of accommodation to which that can be readily identified and approaches and awareness of we all aspire. As we know, those who targeted for support. Some are linked issues relating to maintenance and buy or are buying their own homes to homelessness support services noted that the responsiveness of take pride in that. Quite often they already, but others are not. maintenance remains a concern for will have that home for as long as they It should be pointed out that there many participants in the inquiry. I live, and it will permanently solve is currently no specific method for think that is possibly somewhat of the problems which this committee targeting people on the waiting list and an understatement. Throughout the addressed. ensuring individuals and families with course of this inquiry we heard from I congratulate Dr Janine Bush and identified housing needs have access a number of people who expressed her team, and whilst I know members to homelessness and relevant support. very strong concerns about the level should not make reference to people of maintenance — or perhaps I should in the gallery, I have a feeling David I find it quite astonishing that we say non-maintenance — with regard have people who are vulnerable, who Critchley may not be far away, so I to public housing in this state. It is thank him for his efforts as well. I know are in imminent danger of becoming something that has to be taken on homeless or indeed who are already the staff situation on the committee board by the Minister for Housing, Mr was a bit of a movable feast from time homeless and yet we do not know Wynne, and his department. who they are and have no way of to time and was a little bit hard to finding out. I well remember when Mrs Peulich — No win. follow, so I congratulate the full-time I was a member of the other place, Mr FINN — No win indeed, Mrs team on the committee for the job they representing the area of Tullamarine Peulich! It is a no-win situation for have done in bringing this all together. between 1992 and 1999, that a lot many of those who are living in The role they play is an extraordinarily of people who were in this situation public housing and are suffering important one from the viewpoint of came to me during those years, and those maintenance problems. It is the members of the committee. we were able to help them. I helped a something that has to be taken on I congratulate my fellow members lot of people who found themselves board and addressed for the benefit of the committee for the work they in situations where they were either of those people, particularly families have put in, and I hope this report is homeless or about to become living in substandard public housing not something that in 10 or 15 years homeless. I have to say, 11 years later, accommodation. we find gathering dust in a storeroom that when people come to me, it is not I mentioned earlier that there was somewhere in a government building so easy to help them. This is something a great degree of cooperation and down in Lonsdale Street. This is about which we not only have to goodwill between members of the a report I believe we should take express our concern and sorrow but committee as we worked to find seriously. I urge the house and the we have to address it as a matter of solutions, which it has to be said is government to do just that. priority. It is an urgent matter for many not always the case on committees people who are faced with the prospect but certainly was on this occasion. of homelessness. However, it also has to be said that It is very easy for those of us in this Mr Scheffer and I still have not come Parliament, because we will get into to a common view as to exactly what our cars tonight — or tomorrow the role of the government should be

IN 18 JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 FINN THE HOUSE COUNCIL | Adjournment 7 October 2010 are just two days away from the annual something that is about to come to March for the Babies, which is on the an end, because having spoken to the eve of the anniversary of the passing Minister for Education, Martin Dixon, I of the Abortion Law Reform Bill in know he has reaffirmed the coalition’s Babes Project: this Parliament. It gives the minister commitment to education for all a chance to show us that she is really children with autism in the western funding pro-choice instead of just rabidly pro- suburbs. Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) — I abortion, as I strongly suspect. wish to raise a matter for the attention I ask the minister to take into of the Minister for Women’s Affairs. President, I thank you for your consideration what we need to get It concerns a meeting I recently had indulgence on many occasions over this thing up and running. I believe a with a couple of extremely impressive the past four years and wish you well consultation process with parents and young ladies who have embarked on a — but not too well. the school community is necessary project in the eastern suburbs, based very early in the new year. This is something that cannot wait. I hope in Ringwood. The project is called the COUNCIL | Adjournment Babes Project. Members may well ask that throughout the course of next year what this about, as I did. I will quote 21 December 2010 we can get this school up and running, from the flyer they gave me, because and those children will benefit. it explains what it is well. The flyer says: Response The Babes Project is committed to Hon. P. R. HALL (Minister for Higher providing positive options to women Autism: western Education and Skills) — Mr Finn facing crisis pregnancy. Women raised the matter of schools for the need hope and help as they choose suburbs schools attention of the Minister for Education, to either place their baby with an Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) and again it concerned an electoral adoptive family or raise the child — Before I raise my matter tonight I commitment to establish a P-12 school themselves. She will need much congratulate you, President, on your for children with autism in the western support, so we will build her a home. election to the position of President. I suburbs. I think we all heard of that The Babes Project home is a have absolutely no doubt you will be a particular project during the course place where women will come as magnificent holder of that position for of the recent election campaign. It is a part of a wider program to provide however long you may wish to hold it. much-needed school for that area. The support throughout their pregnancy I wish members a happy Christmas, all action sought by Mr Finn was for the and as they prepare for their future the best for the new year and a safe trip establishment of a consulting process as parents or in going through the if any members are taking a trip over adoption process. that would start early in 2011 — the the Christmas period. first steps toward the establishment There will much room for women I wish to raise a matter for the of that school. Again I say that to take time to plan for childbirth attention of the Minister for Education. the Minister for Education is very and the next stage of life, with all the I am delighted to see that Mr Hall is supportive of this project, and I will help necessary. She will be offered an in the chamber and is the minister pass that request on. I am sure he will educational program to assist her in on duty, as he is obviously somebody providing for herself and her family accede to that request by Mr Finn and long term. who has a great deal of interest in the his community. education portfolio. We believe that adoption can As the house would probably be re-created in this nation to be a positive option for families. We also be aware, I raised on a number of believe that some women just need occasions throughout the course of support and practical tools to find the this year the fact that a P–12 autism- courage to move forward. This is why specific school in the western suburbs we believe the Babes Project home is was a particularly hot issue in the a must in our community. It is time months leading up to the election. It to stand alongside women and to came to symbolise the neglect of the journey the distance with them. It is west by the former Labor government. time to show love. I have absolutely no doubt it played I believe strongly in the words that are a significant role in the strong vote on this flyer and the motives behind against Labor that we saw in many the Babes Project. These two young parts of the western suburbs on 27 women came to see me because they November. are based in the eastern suburbs at the The coalition government has moment and they wish to move some committed to the establishment of a of their service to helping women in P–12 school for children with autism in the western suburbs. That is something the western suburbs. That is something I strongly support and welcome. that has given a great deal of joy and, I ask the Minister for Women’s Affairs I have to say, a great deal of relief to a to provide some financial assistance good many parents right throughout for the Babes Project to set up in the the western suburbs, because up until western suburbs so that it can provide this point — and it is extraordinary the sort of service that I do not think — children with autism have been anybody else in the west does at the able to access secondary education moment. It may well be something in the eastern suburbs, the northern that you, President, might throw your suburbs and the southern suburbs, but support behind in the not-too-distant there has been nothing in the western future. I ask the minister to provide suburbs. That is just appalling; it is that money. It seems appropriate as we intolerable. I am delighted to say it is

IN FINN THE HOUSE JULY 2010 - DECEMBER 2010 19 FINN IN THE HOUSE Speeches July 2010 to December 2010

Published by Bernie Finn MP Member for Western Metropolitan Region Acting President of the Legislative Council

277 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Victoria 3020 Telephone (03) 9312 1212 • Fax (03) 9312 4598 Email [email protected] Web www.berniefinn.com