PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

FIFTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT

FIRST SESSION

Thursday, 13 June 2013 (Extract from book 8)

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

By authority of the Victorian Government Printer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legislative Assembly committees

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

Joint committees

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

Heads of parliamentary departments

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

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

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

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

CONTENTS

THURSDAY, 13 JUNE 2013 Latrobe Special Developmental School: student leaders ...... 2160 RULINGS BY THE CHAIR Hazelwood Jeeralang Community Association: Member for Benalla: remarks ...... 2153 walking tracks and riding trails project ...... 2160 BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE Africa Day ...... 2160 Notices of motion: removal ...... 2153 Homelessness Action Group: forum ...... 2161 Adjournment ...... 2154 Carlton Gardens Primary School: member visit ..... 2161 PETITIONS Anzac Day: Flemington/Kensington RSL ...... 2161 Gippsland: sewage treatment plant ...... 2153 Bentleigh West Primary School: World Dogs: breeding code of practice ...... 2153 Environment Day award ...... 2161 Dromana pier: future ...... 2153 National Reconciliation Week ...... 2161 Narre Warren North Road–Ernst Wanke Road, St Vincent de Paul Society: Bentleigh retail Narre Warren: red-light cameras ...... 2153 store ...... 2161 Healesville freeway reservation: future ...... 2154 Iris Whelan ...... 2161 Phillip Hobbs ...... 2161 DOCUMENTS ...... 2154 Kindergartens: Bentleigh electorate ...... 2161 MEMBERS STATEMENTS Ambulance services: regional mobile intensive Karoo Primary School: member visit ...... 2154 care units ...... 2161 Cassandra Bench ...... 2154 MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS FACILITATION Aged care: federal regulation ...... 2154 AMENDMENT (EAST WEST LINK AND OTHER Ferntree Gully electorate: youth forum ...... 2154 PROJECTS) BILL 2013 Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary: Statement of compatibility ...... 2162 future ...... 2155 Second reading ...... 2163 Hovell Street, Wodonga: access ...... 2155 APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013 Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture: Second reading ...... 2165, 2198 concert...... 2155 Third reading ...... 2209 Echuca Steam Horse and Vintage Rally ...... 2156 Heathcote on Show ...... 2156 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE Target Australia: job losses ...... 2156 Ambulance services: funding ...... 2190 Victorian Energy Saver Incentive scheme: issues Economy: growth ...... 2190 paper ...... 2156 Ambulance Victoria: response times...... 2191 Victorian Multicultural Commission: South-East Asia: trade mission ...... 2192, 2196 commissioners ...... 2157 Ambulance services: response times ...... 2193 Jill Meagher ...... 2157 Exports: trade missions ...... 2195 Queen Elizabeth II: coronation anniversary ...... 2157 Ambulance services: hospital bed availability ...... 2195 Neighbourhood Watch: Mount Waverley Ambulance Victoria: funding ...... 2197 electorate ...... 2157 Alfred hospital: numberplate auction ...... 2198 Mount Waverley Secondary College: TRANSPORT LEGISLATION AMENDMENT redevelopment ...... 2157 (FOUNDATION TAXI AND HIRE CAR REFORMS) Pinewood Primary School: redevelopment ...... 2157 BILL 2013 Healesville freeway reservation: future ...... 2157 Second reading ...... 2209 Wallan-Kilmore bypass: route...... 2158 Third reading ...... 2210 Patti Bulluss ...... 2158 STATE TAX LAWS AMENDMENT (BUDGET AND Brian Murtagh ...... 2158 OTHER MEASURES) BILL 2013 Powercor Moira Shire Business Excellence Second reading ...... 2210 Awards ...... 2158 Third reading ...... 2210 Rutherglen Winery Walkabout ...... 2158 APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT 2013–2014) BILL Alex Zambrano ...... 2158 2013 Vocational education and training: government Second reading ...... 2210 performance ...... 2158 Third reading ...... 2210 National Tertiary Education Union: protest BORROWING AND INVESTMENT POWERS rally ...... 2159 AMENDMENT BILL 2013 Arab Australians: contribution commemoration Second reading ...... 2210 exhibition ...... 2159 Third reading ...... 2211 Red Stitch Actors Theatre: Herding Cats ...... 2159 ADJOURNMENT Tourism: Lower Yarra River ...... 2159 Disability services: supported accommodation Walk Safely to School Day ...... 2160 fees ...... 2211, 2213, 2214, 2215 Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre, Sunshine: Jewish community: all-abilities needs survey ...... 2212 mural project ...... 2160 Public transport: disability access ...... 2213 Morwell electorate: school bike parking ...... 2160

CONTENTS

Swinburne University of Technology: Lilydale campus ...... 2213 Maffra Recreation Reserve: lighting upgrade ...... 2214 Knox: war memorial ...... 2215 Schools: Bentleigh electorate ...... 2216 Responses ...... 2216, 2222 SUSPENSION OF MEMBER Member for Yan Yean ...... 2222

RULINGS BY THE CHAIR

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2153

Thursday, 13 June 2013 33BDogs: breeding code of practice

The SPEAKER (Hon. Ken Smith) took the chair at To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: 9.33 a.m. and read the prayer. The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria, including but not limited to owners of working dogs, draws to RULINGS BY THE CHAIR the attention of the house that the proposed 2013 DPI code of practice for the operation of breeding businesses as it relates to dog ownership and breeding will adversely affect farmers 30BMember for Benalla: remarks with working dogs.

The SPEAKER — Order! After question time The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative yesterday the member for Oakleigh raised with me Assembly of Victoria: remarks reportedly made by the member for Benalla to 1. amend the DPI code of practice for the operation of the member for Bendigo East as she left the chamber breeding businesses to exclude all working dogs after the house had voted for her suspension. As I including but not limited to dogs registered with undertook to the house, I asked the member for Benalla associations such as the Victorian Working Sheep Dog to come to my chambers, and I asked him directly what Association, the Australian Working Border Collie he said. I have also spoken to the member for Bendigo Registry, the Working Kelpie Council of Australia, the Coolie Club of Australia, and the International Sheep East. I am satisfied the remarks made by the member Dog Society. This exclusion should extend to livestock for Benalla were not unparliamentary. However, I guardian dogs and all hunting dogs; remind all members again that all interjections are disorderly and it is an obligation of all members to 2. develop a realistic and practical ‘code of practice for the responsible ownership and breeding of working dogs’ remember that fact. through extensive consultation with working dog representatives; BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 3. undertake a practical review of the legislation which requires registration as a domestic animal business for 31BNotices of motion: removal its appropriateness to working dog owners who breed pups infrequently. The SPEAKER — Order! Notices of motion 8 to 16 will be removed from the notice paper unless By Mr RYAN (Gippsland South) (504 signatures). members wishing their notices to remain advise the

Clerk in writing before 2.00 p.m. today. 34BDromana pier: future PETITIONS To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: The petition of the residents of the Nepean electorate in Following petitions presented to house: Victoria draws to the attention of the house the deteriorating condition of the Dromana pier. Concrete cancer has caused

32BGippsland: sewage treatment plant the rusting steel reinforcing to break the concrete cover in many places, weakening the structure, shortening its life and To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: potentially producing a safety hazard to those using the pier. Dromana pier is used by thousands of residents and tourists The petition of the people of Victoria and particularly those annually and is central to the community. There is a real landowners, occupiers and residents within the towns of concern that the pier will eventually become unsafe to use, Loch, Nyora, and Poowong and who collectively draw to the will be demolished and will not be immediately replaced. attention of the house the continuing delays in relation to the timely implementation of wastewater connection and The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative specifically the appalling consequences in many forms if it Assembly of Victoria request Parks Victoria to urgently were not to proceed. assess the remedial measures required to repair and subsequently replace the pier, establish and publish a The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative timetable, and seek the necessary funds for this work. Assembly of Victoria call upon the government to expedite the construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) and all By Mr MORRIS (Mornington) (6728 signatures). necessary infrastructure to the three towns so described as a matter of urgency. 35BNarre Warren North Road–Ernst Wanke By Mr RYAN (Gippsland South) (449 signatures). Road, Narre Warren: red-light cameras

To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria:

The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws to the attention of the house the need for red-light cameras to be installed at the intersection of Narre Warren North Road

DOCUMENTS

2154 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

and Ernst Wanke Road, Narre Warren, to protect drivers and BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE pedestrians from traffic running through red lights. The petitioners request that the Legislative Assembly urge the Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, to address this issue 37BAdjournment urgently by providing funding for the installation of red-light cameras. Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business) — I move: By Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Warren North) (338 signatures). That the house, at its rising, adjourns until Tuesday, 25 June 2013.

36BHealesville freeway reservation: future Motion agreed to. To the Legislative Assembly of Victoria: MEMBERS STATEMENTS The petition of the undersigned concerned residents of Victoria draws to the attention of the house the decision by 38BKaroo Primary School: member visit VicRoads that the reservation between Springvale Road, Vermont South, and Boronia Road, Vermont, will not be required for future road purposes and the consequent Mr WAKELING (Ferntree Gully) — I was pleased development of a structure plan to plan for the future use of to have the opportunity recently to speak with the the land within the reservation, with the possibility of the land grade 6 students at Karoo Primary School in Rowville being sold by VicRoads for housing and other purposes. regarding the operation of the three tiers of government. The sale and development of the land for housing and other The students are currently studying this topic in class, purposes would negatively impact on the community in terms and I congratulate all the students on their interesting of loss of open space (which is already low per capita in and well-thought-out questions. Whitehorse) and lifestyle, as well as the ecology of the area, with several sections of endangered remnant vegetation along 39BCassandra Bench the reserve that will be adversely affected.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Mr WAKELING — On behalf of the Ferntree Assembly of Victoria urge the government to: Gully community I would like to pay tribute to Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Bench, who sadly passed away on 1. maintain the reserve as open space for the use of the 6 June. Cassie battled motor neurone disease for many community; years but continued to give back to the community as 2. protect the endangered vegetation on the site. an active and long-participating member of the Rotary Club of Ferntree Gully until just a few weeks before her By Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Warren North) passing. Cassie’s community spirit and fight for life (333 signatures). will be sadly missed by many in our community. Tabled. 40BAged care: federal regulation

Ordered that petitions presented by honourable Mr WAKELING — I recently met with John member for Narre Warren North be considered Gerard, CEO, and Allan Stevens, director of nursing, of next day on motion of Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Glengollan Village to discuss their concerns about the Warren North). federal government’s proposed changes to the aged-care sector. Glengollan is one of Ferntree Gully’s Ordered that petition presented by honourable largest not-for-profit aged-care facilities and has proven member for Mornington be considered next day on to be a wonderful contributor to the care and needs of motion of Mr MORRIS (Mornington). the Ferntree Gully community. Staff at Glengollan, however, have expressed deep concerns about the DOCUMENTS federal government’s future direction for the aged-care Tabled by Clerk: sector, and I call on the federal government to ensure that important community facilities such as Glengollan Statutory Rules under the following Acts: Village are not adversely affected by future federal regulation. Domestic Animals Act 1994 — SR 57

Road Safety Act 1986 — SRs 58, 59 41BFerntree Gully electorate: youth forum Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 — Documents under s 15 Mr WAKELING — I would like to thank the in relation to Statutory Rules 57, 58, 59. participants and guest speakers at my recent youth

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2155

council forum. Student leaders from local secondary 43BHovell Street, Wodonga: access colleges St Joseph’s College, Boronia K–12 College and Rowville Secondary College had the opportunity to Mr TILLEY (Benambra) — Under the coalition discuss issues relating to the impact of drugs and government Wodonga is kicking goals. We are making alcohol on young people with Mr Chris Potter, CEO, of the long-term investments needed to ensure Wodonga Knox Community Health Service (KCHS), Ree will thrive as a regional city in the long term. Nothing Pritchard, leading clinical drug and alcohol counsellor could demonstrate this further than the government’s for KCHS, and Cathy Keenan from the Department of designation of major project status to the Health. The discussion proved very informative, and I redevelopment of Wodonga’s central business district. would like to thank the participants for their thoughtful It is making the investments required, which is in stark contributions. contrast to the approach taken during the 11 dark years of Labor.

42BJirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary: future But there is a threat to prosperity on the border. Recent unwarranted, unnecessary and unwanted intervention Ms NEVILLE (Bellarine) — The well-known by the local council in the lives and livelihoods of Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary in Barwon Wodonga’s small businessmen and women directly Heads is facing closure. The local community is threatens the prosperity of Wodonga families. The rallying behind Tehree and Hamish Gordon, who desire to cut off access to Hovell Street at the Lawrence established the sanctuary in the 1970s. In January next Street intersection is nothing short of ludicrous and year Tehree, a Senior Australian of the Year, will absolutely ridiculous. Hovell Street is a major celebrate 55 years of community service, rescuing sick thoroughfare in Wodonga’s CBD. Along this street and injured wildlife, as well as working with people there are a police station, a court, a major supermarket with special needs. The work the Gordons do at the and a number of critical high street parking zones. sanctuary was recognised with the couple being Hovell Street also serves as a major link in the road awarded a Pride of Australia medal, winning in the network of Wodonga, which future development will environment category last year. Over decades they have rely upon. Limiting access to Hovell Street will also rescued thousands of animals, including those affected cruel police response times to the southern part of the by bushfires. They are dedicated and give generously of Wodonga, Leneva and Baranduda communities. Such their time, donating the bulk of their income back into head-in-the-cloud, thought-bubble lunacy threatens the the work of the sanctuary. Despite having multiple viability of local businesses. The City of Wodonga sclerosis, Tehree works tirelessly at the sanctuary and must at once take this ludicrous idea and put it back into also does casual work as an animal consultant, with all the pile of failed ideas from whence it came. the income she earns going back into the sanctuary.

44BManasis School of Greek Dance and Culture: Their work with people with special needs includes concert providing support and assistance through the work of the sanctuary, with 50 people having been involved last Ms BARKER (Oakleigh) — Congratulations to the year. The Jirrahlinga sanctuary is a charitable trust, Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture and receiving no government funding but relying on entry particularly to Deon Manasis, director and instructor, fees, donations and sponsorship. Unfortunately due to for organising and hosting the multicultural folkloric declining donations and visitor numbers the sanctuary dance concert held on Saturday, 1 June. Deon has a is now struggling and faces the real possibility of passion for and commitment to teaching and presenting having to close by the end of the year. I know the Greek dance and culture, and he has a great passion for students at the Bellarine Secondary College are showcasing and presenting dance from many diverse organising a fundraising episode to assist them in cultures. He believes that dance is an expression of ensuring that the sanctuary can continue to operate. I belonging and identity and that by bringing cultures ask that the government, especially the Minister for together we can truly celebrate our multiculturalism. Environment and Climate Change, joins with the local community to find a way to provide sufficient funds to The multicultural folkloric dance concert featured enable this significant regional wildlife rescue service Manasis dancers of all ages, including Azura’s Oasis, to continue its important work. which is a diverse community of women who come together to learn the art of belly dance; Morava, a Serbian dance ensemble; the Ekol Turkish school of arts dance company; the Glenbrae Celtic Dancers and the Azad Gharibian Armenian dance group. The

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

2156 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

evening was truly magnificent, with dynamic, colourful successful Heathcote Food and Wine Festival held each and passionate expressions of culture, costume, dance October. and music, with all of those in attendance learning even more about the heritage and culture that is an essential 47BTarget Australia: job losses part of these expressions. It takes a great deal of hard work and very good organisational skills to put together Mr TREZISE (Geelong) — As members are aware, and stage a spectacular multicultural dance concert Target this week announced that 216 people working at featuring a very large number of performers of all ages. its head office in Geelong are to be made redundant. I thank Deon, Alkis and the Manasis School of Greek This is obviously a devastating blow to the individuals Dance and Culture for their hard work, and for their who have lost their jobs, and of course my sympathies ongoing commitment to recognising, celebrating and are with them. However, as much as we can all provide maintaining the many cultural heritages in our diverse sympathy, the stark reality is that it neither pays these community. We certainly look forward to the concert workers’ mortgages nor schools their children. Yes, next year. these redundant workers deserve our sympathy, but much more than that they deserve this government’s

45BEchuca Steam Horse and Vintage Rally full support. They need the support of this government in finding and creating new jobs in the services sector. Mr WELLER (Rodney) — Visitors flocked to the Rodney electorate over the long weekend and enjoyed I appreciate that this government has little influence fine wine, food and entertainment in Heathcote as well over Target’s decision to make these workers as one of the biggest and best steam rallies Echuca has redundant. However, to this day this government does ever seen. The sun was shining, and even the farmers not have a jobs plan for Victoria or for regional cities were smiling as conditions proved perfect for the influx like Geelong. To support workers like the Target of visitors to the 50th anniversary of one of the state’s workers, the Ford workers and any other workers who best-known steam rallies. Anything and everything find themselves redundant, this government must from the steam and heritage era was on display, develop a jobs plan. To date it has not, to the detriment including one of the best collections of the classy Rolls of all Victorian workers. As a result with every worker Royce motor cars. It was certainly the Rolls Royce of affected and every job lost, such as at Target, this rallies. government has to react instead of being proactive and on the front foot and working with workers, their The Rotary Club of Echuca-Moama organised the employees and their unions. As Ingrid Stitt of the event and must be congratulated for increasing Australian Services Union (ASU) said yesterday: attendance by 30 per cent this year. It is important to acknowledge the coalition government’s support of this The state government must take a leadership role in carving out the jobs and industries of the future. annual event in the form of promotion in acknowledgment of the event’s importance in the The highly skilled staff losing their jobs today from Target Echuca-Moama tourism calendar. This event brings deserve nothing less. thousands of people to the town and provides a I fully endorse the ASU, and unless this government much-needed tourism boost in the heart of winter. takes note, it will be the jobs of government members that will be on the line this time next year, and 46BHeathcote on Show deservedly so. Mr WELLER — Another great event in the Rodney electorate that the coalition has recently 48BVictorian Energy Saver Incentive scheme: supported was also held across the long weekend, and issues paper that was the Heathcote on Show event. Heathcote on Show is an event which sees local, award-winning Mr KOTSIRAS (Minister for Multicultural Affairs wineries in the Heathcote region throw open their doors and Citizenship) — In 2009 the Victorian Energy Saver to the public and, more importantly, encourage return Incentive (ESI) scheme was launched to promote the visits. From all reports, the town of Heathcote was uptake of energy efficiency improvements in homes. brimming with lovers of food and wine across the entire The scheme was introduced to help Victorians cut their weekend. There was even a report that the Heathcote power bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by supermarket was running out of food. Hosted by 2.7 million tonnes per annum. This target was increased Heathcote Tourism and Development, Heathcote on by this government to 5.4 million tonnes per annum for Show is in its fifth year and complements the very both residential and business customers. This is

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2157

equivalent to taking about 1.25 million cars off the road 51BQueen Elizabeth II: coronation anniversary annually. Mr GIDLEY (Mount Waverley) — Sunday, 2 June, The current phase of the scheme finishes on marks the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Her 31 December 2014. That is why last week I released an Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I place on the record the issues paper that will form a key part of a review thanks of my community for Her Majesty’s 60 years of process and which calls on the public and key dedication and service to our community as Australia’s stakeholders to make submissions on how they think head of state. It is an outstanding achievement. the ESI has been working or not working and where to from here for the ESI. We are seeking written 52BNeighbourhood Watch: Mount Waverley submissions on this issues paper by 8 July this year. electorate

49BVictorian Multicultural Commission: Mr GIDLEY — I appreciated the opportunity to commissioners attend an area MON 021 Neighbourhood Watch meeting with local residents on Tuesday, 21 May, to Mr KOTSIRAS — I also wish to pay tribute and discuss ways to further improve local public safety. I say thank you to three members of the Victorian thank the group for its dedicated efforts to improve our Multicultural Commission who have completed their local community. I will continue to work to support its terms as commissioners: Ms Yasmin Hassen, who is efforts in any way that I can. the youth commissioner, Mr Phillip Bain and

Mr Yasser Soliman. All three have made valuable 53BMount Waverley Secondary College: contributions to the workings of the commission. They redevelopment have been actively involved, and I thank them for their service and the advice they have provided to me over Mr GIDLEY — I joined Mount Waverley the last three years. Secondary College for its school council meeting on Thursday, 23 May. The occasion allowed me to gain a

50BJill Meagher better understanding of the priorities of the college as well as the importance of its stage 2 redevelopment. We Ms GARRETT (Brunswick) — On behalf of the discussed the recently opened rebuilt junior campus, a community of Brunswick I rise in this place to again fine example of leading education facilities, as well as express our profound sorrow at the brutal death of one directions for the teaching profession and the of our own, the beautiful Jill Meagher, and to extend $1.3 million school maintenance funding just our deepest sympathy to her husband, family and announced as the Minister for Education visited the friends. Our thoughts are with them always and senior campus. particularly during this week of unimaginable grief.

The tragic events of September last year left a huge 54BPinewood Primary School: redevelopment impact on the entire Brunswick community, which was reflected profoundly in the outpouring of public grief, Mr GIDLEY — It was a pleasure to join the mass marches, multifaith services and so many Pinewood Primary School community in hosting the beautifully written words. Premier at the school on 22 May. The Premier announced funding for a $4.5 million rebuild of the There is no-one in our community who does not think school providing for the construction of two new of Jill often, who does not mourn her loss and who was buildings, accommodating 10 classrooms and not shaken to the core that her terrible death occurred in incorporating an art room, a library, administration parts of Brunswick so close to the home she loved and offices and a netball court. As part of a commitment to shared with her husband. The horror her family has improving school infrastructure and learning endured this past year has been compounded by what environments in Victorian schools, $611 million in we now know was such a massive failure of the justice funding has been provided by the coalition government system. Our prayers are with them as they grapple with since November 2010 in these extremely tough times. this added burden. On behalf of the many people in

Brunswick who love Jill, I say that we wish strength to 55BHealesville freeway reservation: future her family. We will always miss her, and I promise that we will honour her memory forever. Mr DONNELLAN (Narre Warren North) — On 26 May I joined Shaun Leane, a member for Eastern Metropolitan Region in the Legislative Council, in a visit to the Healesville freeway reserve for an

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

2158 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

information day held by Friends of the Healesville lieutenant colonel and focused on international aid. He Freeway Reserve in relation to what this government is believed his greatest achievement was in the 1990s, doing in selling off all that land for high-density when he helped resettle 300 000 Cambodian refugees development. Further, I was shocked to hear that in their homeland after war had displaced them in disability service organisation Nadrasca, which has a Thailand. beautiful farm in the area where it treats disabled young men and women with dignity, had been informed by 59BPowercor Moira Shire Business Excellence VicRoads — before the outcome of community Awards consultation — that it would have to move. Mr McCURDY — It was a pleasure to attend the

56BWallan-Kilmore bypass: route 2013 Powercor Moira Shire Business Excellence Awards in Yarrawonga on 31 May. The shire of Moira Mr DONNELLAN — On Thursday, 6 June, I is an excellent place to do business. Winners included visited the Monument Hill precinct in the Seymour the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Adam McMullan electorate to see an information display put on by from Cobram Kitchens and Cabinets; D. E. and Lawrie Boyd and many others in relation to the J. M. Steinfort Pty Ltd; Mogg Osborne Accountancy; proposed reserve for Monument Hill. At the moment and Padman Stops, Strathmerton. the council wants to reserve an area of about 10 metres around the monument. However, the local community 60BRutherglen Winery Walkabout wants the whole area protected so that this government cannot put a bypass through the heart of Kilmore, a Mr McCURDY — The Rutherglen Winery proposal that has upset the community greatly. It looks Walkabout was an outstanding success at the weekend. as though VicRoads is not listening to the community, Early figures suggest 20 000 people. as it has chosen the Quinns Road option, which is the one that upsets virtually everyone in the electorate. I did 61BAlex Zambrano not meet anyone there who supported what this Ms HENNESSY (Altona) — I rise today to pay government is proposing. tribute to a remarkable young man in my electorate, Mr Alex Zambrano, a young activist in the western 57BPatti Bulluss suburbs who always stands up for issues that affect Mr McCURDY (Murray Valley) — I congratulate young people. Alex has represented the perspectives, Patti Bulluss of Milawa, who was awarded a Medal of aspirations and challenges experienced and encountered the Order of Australia for services to the Wangaratta by young people in Melbourne’s west in a variety of community as part of the Queen’s Birthday honours. forums, including schools and youth advisory councils. Patti is a pioneer of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and He has most recently been appointed to the Youth Blues. As well as being a founding member of the Affairs Council of Victoria, and we are extremely festival, Patti was chair from 1995 to 2011 and a proud of him. volunteer during the festival’s first 21 years. Patti was a City of Wangaratta councillor from 1983 to 1986, 62BVocational education and training: government which took in the town’s silver jubilee celebrations in performance 1984. She was also a torchbearer for the Sydney 2000 Ms HENNESSY — When it comes to meeting the Olympics. Patti’s contribution to Rotary International, needs of young people in Melbourne’s west there is a in particular the Milawa/Oxley Rotary club, is also large number of issues to canvass. Victoria’s youth outstanding. unemployment rate is at a disgracefully high level, but what is most concerning is that the number of young 58BBrian Murtagh people who have given up looking for work is acute, Mr McCURDY — It is with sadness that I note the and it is particularly acute in Melbourne’s west. The passing of Browns Plains resident Brian Murtagh at the Napthine government’s funding cuts to the Victorian age of 79. Brian led a full and adventurous life. He was certificate of applied learning (VCAL) have had a a career soldier and humanitarian who was involved in significantly adverse impact on schools in Melbourne’s more than 40 overseas aid assignments after his west, as the important role of supporting and retirement from the army. Brian served in Vietnam coordinating VCAL students has been critical to the from 1968 to 1969 as a major, participating in the battle program’s success. This funding is being sorely missed. of Coral-Balmoral as part of the 12th Australian Field Regiment. In 1981 he retired from the army as a

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2159

The Napthine government’s attacks on vocational the incredible contribution of Arab Australians, and I education and training have had a devastating impact would like to thank the contributors. They include on the accessibility of TAFE in Melbourne’s west, and Victorian Arab Social Services, Anglicord, John things like access to apprenticeships, health care and Karkar, QC, Amer Rashad, Fadi Zouki, Muzi Eideh, public transport have all declined in the west under this the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and government. Industry, Peter Khoury, Ibitsian Abidi, Olive Kids, Spectrum, Said Sidouwi, the Immigration Museum, the

63BNational Tertiary Education Union: protest Palestinian Community Association and National rally Photographic portrait prize award finalist, Ahmad Sabra. Ms McLEISH (Seymour) — In the middle of last year Swinburne University of Technology decided to The launch, which was held last night, was very close its campus at Lilydale from 1 July 2013. This was successful. The keynote speaker, Professor Gareth certainly a blow for those in the outer east. Access to Evans, gave a powerful presentation along with His higher education in that area is important for our young Excellency Abdul Hadi, the Palestinian Ambassador. people and also for those a little more mature who want There were amazing Dabka dancing performances from to either take up study or retrain, and I certainly the Rosana Dance Group, and Adbeih Attia and Nour understand the community angst and rallies that have Abouzeid gave poetry recitals. State and federal taken place to date. However, I was outraged to hear of members of Parliament attended, as did many a protest scheduled for this coming Friday publicised as community leaders and three local representatives from ‘Community rally to protest sell-off soiree’. the Thomastown electorate, Samir Bekhazi, Sucettin Unal and Ayman Ibaida. The event was a great success I am not fazed by the fact that there is a rally but I am in highlighting the contribution of Arab Australians to absolutely stunned at how the National Tertiary Victoria, and I congratulate all involved. Education Union intends to round up attendees. The union is encouraging all its members who are not 65BRed Stitch Actors Theatre: Herding Cats working on Friday to attend from 2.00 p.m. at the Lilydale campus, and that is fine. However, it appears Mr NEWTON-BROWN (Prahran) — It was great that the union is worried about the crowd being too to attend the play Herding Cats at Red Stitch Actors small so it is also encouraging all members who are at Theatre in St Kilda East last week. The work is best work that day to attend a special trade union training described as a disturbing, dark comedy. Since 2002 Red course in the afternoon at Lilydale. Stitch has emerged as one of Australia’s most successful independent theatre companies. It is unique Even more outrageous is that the union is providing in its ensemble structure and is managed and staffed specific information to all non-sessional staff about largely by the actors, with a core team of dedicated accessing paid leave under the heading ‘Union training technical and design crew. Herding Cats was certainly leave — paid’. The union’s information says: groundbreaking, contemporary and unique. I wish all those involved at Red Stitch Actors Theatre all the best At this special training we will show members how to participate in peaceful community assemblies and train for the 2013 season. members on communicating messages, particularly how to

get your message across to those that won’t listen. 66BTourism: Lower Yarra River These are our taxes at work! There is no concern for Mr NEWTON-BROWN — Recently I attended an that or for the fact that students want to be taught; none evening cruise with the Minister for Tourism and Major at all. This is about teachers at a rally pretending they Events, which was a great opportunity for riverside are on union training. businesses, river operators and other stakeholders to discuss with the minister the Yarra tourism

64BArab Australians: contribution opportunities presented in a report prepared by the commemoration exhibition Lower Yarra River Tourism Committee. The Lower Yarra River is an integral part of Melbourne’s history Ms HALFPENNY (Thomastown) — I am very and culture. The river is a gateway to important proud to host the current exhibition in Queen’s Hall, transport and shipping activities for Melbourne and which is entitled Arab Australian Contributions to Victoria. It provides a focal point for the city and a Victoria — A Commemoration, and to acknowledge range of water-based activities, as well as an aesthetic the generous sponsorship of the City of Melbourne. The anchor point for entertainment and recreation. I look exhibition is only able to showcase a small example of forward to participating in further discussions around

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

2160 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

the potential future uses of this important Victorian schools to accommodate this initiative. It is therefore asset. terrific to receive notification that Glengarry Primary School will receive eight new bike parking rails and

67BWalk Safely to School Day Latrobe Special Developmental School two new bike parking rails as beneficiaries under this program. The Mr NEWTON-BROWN — I met with Mia Turner program itself is a terrific partnership between the and staff at Toorak Primary School on National Walk government, Bicycle Victoria and the community. It Safely to School Day, which encourages children to encourages greater participation in riding to school by lead a healthier, more active lifestyle. The event also teachers, staff, parents and students. promotes reduced car dependency, greater use of public transport, cleaner air, improved diets and road safety to 70BLatrobe Special Developmental School: student primary schoolchildren throughout Australia. It was a leaders pleasure to help serve breakfast to the kids and chat with parents about local issues. I congratulate the staff Mr NORTHE — Talking of the Latrobe Special at Toorak Primary School for participating in such an Developmental School in Traralgon, I was absolutely important initiative. thrilled last Friday to attend its school assembly and present badges to the school’s student leaders. A big 68BSpectrum Migrant Resource Centre, Sunshine: well done and congratulations to school captains Liam mural project Dickeson and Dylan Francis and to vice-captains Rohan Knowles and Tom Ramsay for being elected to Mr LANGUILLER (Derrimut) — I was proud to those important positions. officially open the mural project at the Spectrum

Migrant Resource Centre in Sunshine, together with 71BHazelwood Jeeralang Community Association: Rosemary Kelada and Brimbank council walking tracks and riding trails project administrators. I particularly wish to name the staff who aided and assisted with this project: Charlotte Hilder, Mr NORTHE — On Saturday I am looking project manager; Leo Aravapo, volunteer worker; and forward to attending an event in Jeeralang North to the participants, Sinan Turin, Marcos Diaz, Rob acknowledge the completion of a local walking tracks Shaolian, Jack Spong, Nathan Hoy and Tom Talfi. and riding trails project. This project is an important Importantly the main mentor for the project was initiative of the Hazelwood Jeeralang Community Sebastian Fransz, who was assisted by A. J. Tan. Association and is the culmination of its hard work Lastly, and very importantly, I wish to acknowledge the following the devastating bushfires of 2009. Funding landlord, Alex Papanastassis. was provided through the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and will entail the printing of a brochure detailing Melbourne is famously known as Burn City within the trails and tracks, the installation of signage and the global urban community and subculture due to its installation of a shelter with information panels. This is history with graffiti art. It has become an iconic just one of many projects that have been supported post location to visit and has hosted many famous artists the 2009 bushfires and I congratulate the Hazelwood such as Blek le Rat and Banksy. We have a tradition of Jeeralang Community Association, along with all other adopting street art in our inner urban areas and can be such organisations in our communities, that have done a proud of displays not just within the city but throughout remarkable job in helping their communities rebuild the inner suburbs of Brunswick, Northcote, Thornbury, following those horrific events. Fitzroy and now Sunshine. It is an excellent way to engage our youth in an area of interest to them, which 72BAfrica Day not only hones their natural talents but fosters community engagement in a demographic that can feel Ms KANIS (Melbourne) — On 25 May, Africa Day isolated from the mainstream. With that, I congratulate was celebrated in Melbourne. Many activities were Brimbank City Council and the Spectrum Migrant organised, such as sporting competitions, education and Resource Centre for their efforts in fostering this discussion forums, talent showcases and a gala dinner. I engagement and establishing such a place in Sunshine. congratulate the African community and the organising committee led by co-chairs Stephen Sibanda and John

69BMorwell electorate: school bike parking Bellavance for putting on such an inclusive celebration of African culture here in Melbourne. Mr NORTHE (Morwell) — I recently raised in Parliament the Ride2School program and the importance of bike parking infrastructure in our local

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2161

73BHomelessness Action Group: forum 78BSt Vincent de Paul Society: Bentleigh retail store Ms KANIS — The Homelessness Action Group of north and west Melbourne held a forum on health and Ms MILLER — Last week I was delighted to speak homelessness on 1 May. I was pleased to be one of the at the official opening of the St Vincent de Paul speakers at the forum and to speak about health Society’s retail store in Bentleigh. The store was initiatives in Melbourne. It was good to share the blessed by Father Frank O’Loughlin, with Tony Tome, podium with academics, service providers and people state president, unveiling the official plaque. Many who have experienced homelessness. The forum raised local volunteers were in attendance, and I congratulate important issues and was very well attended. I would Cam Battaglia, CEO, Tony Tome, state president, like to thank the organisers, particularly Nicky McColl, Vanessa Katsanas, store manager, and Evelyn for all the work they do to ensure that homelessness and Vanarvis, area support manager, for organising such a ways to tackle it are being discussed and acted upon. wonderful event to launch this not-for-profit store.

74B Carlton Gardens Primary School: member 79BIris Whelan visit Ms MILLER — Congratulations to Mrs Iris Ms KANIS — I thank staff and students at Carlton Whelan who celebrated her 100th birthday on 11 June. Gardens Primary School for inviting me to attend and I visited Iris in her home, where we had a wonderful speak at their school assembly on 7 June. The special chat in her sitting room. We spoke about the past and guests at the assembly were four members of the present environments, and we will be having dinner Socceroos. I was delighted to see how well behaved together in the coming weeks. Iris enjoyed a wonderful and attentive the students were and the terrific skills of day spent with family and friends. the students who ran the assembly. I am sure that the good cheer of the students helped carry the Socceroos 80BPhillip Hobbs to victory this week. Ms MILLER — Congratulations also to Phillip

75BAnzac Day: Flemington/Kensington RSL Hobbs, who celebrated his 100th birthday on 7 June. It was a pleasure to meet Phillip. We enjoyed lots of Ms KANIS — I congratulate and thank the laughter speaking about the good old days. Marrying Flemington/Kensington RSL for its organisation of its his childhood sweetheart, then neighbour, Phillip has Anzac Day ceremony this year. lived a wonderful life, and he says that today he does not feel a day over 30. Phillip celebrated by going out

76BBentleigh West Primary School: World to lunch with his family. Environment Day award

81BKindergartens: Bentleigh electorate Ms MILLER (Bentleigh) — Congratulations to Bentleigh West Primary School for winning a United Ms MILLER — Recently I conducted a Nations World Environment Day award recently. The strawberry-planting exercise with local kindergartens to school has a wonderful environmental program led by teach children about growing strawberries in the Leonie Brown, where students are encouraged to learn garden. I met with students from Rainbow about our natural habitat and participate in developing Developmental Learning Centre branches in the local environment. Well done to all the students Moorabbin and Bentleigh East, who were led by Lesma involved in the program. Bandaranayake and Anastasia Kotsinadelis, along with Bentleigh West Kindergarten students, who were led by

77BNational Reconciliation Week Nicole Jenkins.

Ms MILLER — Recently I presented a Victorian The SPEAKER — Order! The member’s time has flag and an Aboriginal flag to the school leaders at expired. Valkstone Primary School. The school has recently been involved in National Reconciliation Week, and the 82BAmbulance services: regional mobile intensive flags will fly proudly at this wonderful school. care units

Ms DUNCAN (Macedon) — Yesterday in Parliament I tabled a petition regarding the loss of mobile intensive care ambulance (MICA) paramedics along the southern section of the Calder Highway. The

MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS FACILITATION AMENDMENT (EAST WEST LINK AND OTHER PROJECTS) BILL 2013

2162 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013 petition notes the loss of MICA paramedics and Projects Facilitation Amendment (East West Link and Other requests that the Minister for Health provide funding Projects) Bill 2013. for more MICA paramedics who can then provide In my opinion, the Major Transport Projects Facilitation support for their fellow paramedics and administer an Amendment (East West Link and Other Projects) Bill 2013, intensive level of care to the community when it is as introduced to the Legislative Assembly, is compatible with required. the human rights protected by the charter act. I base my opinion on the reasons outlined in this statement.

We used to have nine MICA paramedics along the Overview of bill Calder; we now have three and there will soon be two, if that has not happened already. The Minister for The main purposes of the bill are to: Health happily tells everyone who will listen how great amend the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act he is, telling them that he is putting MICA paramedics 2009 to reduce procedural delays and red tape in relation into regional centres such as Bendigo and Ballarat, to major transport projects; and which is fine, but that is coming at the expense of amend the Transport Integration Act 2010 to improve smaller towns like Gisborne, Woodend and Sunbury. the operation of that act. The Premier similarly brags about how good the survival rate is for cardiac arrest patients, while failing Human rights issues to mention that it is MICA paramedics who deliver Section 15 of the charter act protects a person’s right to those outcomes; at the same time he is concentrating freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, them in large regional centres at the expense of receive and impart information. The right to freedom of surrounding towns. expression is not absolute; lawful restrictions reasonably necessary to protect the rights of other persons, or for the Trained MICA paramedics, like Jan, who have protection of public order and public health, are permissible under the charter act. relocated to Woodend, are unable to take their MICA skills with them, and they are specifically prohibited Restricting a person’s ability to receive information in the from using them. This is an insane policy. It is penny form of Government Gazette notices could engage the right of pinching at its worst, and it is deskilling paramedics freedom of expression. Clauses 7(2), 11(1), 12(1), 15, 17(3), 22, 51, 52 and 65(1) in the bill remove requirements to across regional Victoria. This coalition government, publish certain notices in the Government Gazette from the which claims to represent regional Victoria, stands Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009. However, the condemned for this flawed policy. Yet again, members bill does not limit the right of freedom of expression because of The Nationals remain silent. it requires or does not affect the requirement to publish notices on websites of agencies and, therefore, the relevant information remains widely accessible to the public and I thank the 2292 residents who supported the petition, potentially in a way that is more accessible and user friendly. and I call on the government to stop the spin, stop In some cases (clauses 6 and 14(2)), the requirement to treating Victorians like mugs and restore MICA publish information on the departmental website is new and paramedics. therefore positively promotes the right to receive information. Clauses 16(c) and 23(c) of the bill change requirements The SPEAKER — Order! The time for members relating to documentation for assessment under the impact statements has concluded. management plan and comprehensive impact statement respectively. The changes remove some information MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS requirements for those documents which could engage the right of freedom of information as it affects the ability of the FACILITATION AMENDMENT (EAST public to receive information. In so far as these amendments WEST LINK AND OTHER PROJECTS) limit the right to the freedom of information, in my opinion BILL 2013 the limitation is justifiable and proportionate to the bill’s objective of reducing red tape and procedural delays. In addition, the restrictions are limited in nature as the 16BStatement of compatibility information is still provided in accordance with scoping directions (the publicly available requirements for project Mr MULDER (Minister for Public Transport) assessment documentation) issued by the planning minister tabled following statement in accordance with and sections 27(a), (f)–(h) and 39(a), (f)–(i). Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006: Clause 21 of the bill also engages the right to freedom of expression by amending the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 to allow the planning minister to In accordance with section 28 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (charter act), I make this confine the scope of any public hearing to specified matters. Clause 21 may also engage the right to take part in public life statement of compatibility with respect to the Major Transport by limiting the degree of involvement during a public hearing, if the minister exercises his or her discretion to confine the

MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS FACILITATION AMENDMENT (EAST WEST LINK AND OTHER PROJECTS) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2163

scope of a hearing. Section 18 of the charter act provides that requirements in the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act every person has the right, and is to have the opportunity, 2009 also apply, with minor modifications. A person deprived without discrimination, to participate in the conduct of public of their land under these clauses must be properly notified and affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives, for compensated, and may test the lawfulness of an acquisition example by exerting influence through public dialogue and through judicial review. In addition, clause 55 does not limit debate with elected representatives. planning compensation. Accordingly, in my view, compulsory acquisition of land under the bill would be in However, members of the public are not restricted from accordance with the law and these provisions do not limit the making written submissions to the assessment committee and property right. verbal submissions to the assessment committee where a confinement does not apply. Therefore, although clause 21 of Conclusion the bill limits these rights, in my opinion the limitation is justifiable on the basis that the limitation reflects the purpose For the reasons outlined above, I consider that the bill is of the bill to reduce procedural delay and cut red tape in compatible with the charter act. relation to major transport projects. It is also a limited restriction as members of the public are still able to convey Terry Mulder, MP their views and participate in the engagement process Minister for Public Transport required by the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009. Therefore the public can still participate in influencing 17BSecond reading the final approval decision of the minister. Mr MULDER (Minister for Public Transport) — I Section 19(1) of the charter act provides that all persons with move: a particular cultural, religious, racial or linguistic background must not be denied the right, in community with other persons That this bill be now read a second time. of that background, to enjoy his or her culture.

Clause 59 of the bill allows for reservations of land under the Transport context Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 to be revoked and therefore engages cultural rights generally. The Crown Land (Reserves) Victoria is growing and changing. The demand for Act 1978 enables Crown land to be permanently or travel and the need to efficiently move people and temporarily reserved for a range of purposes, including goods is growing every day. purposes which involve the creation, protection or preservation of places of cultural significance. The coalition government is committed to delivering However, revoking a reservation for the purpose of an major transport infrastructure projects. They are approved project will only occur following an assessment and essential to our economic future and our livability. approvals process under the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009 and a transparent and public process Congestion on roads and on public transport hurts our under division 5 of part 3 of that act. Therefore, the bill economy and affects all of our day-to-day lives. maintains cultural rights by providing groups whose cultural rights may be affected and the public generally with an The government is taking decisive action to cut red tape opportunity to participate in the decision-making process where a reservation is revoked. to allow for the assessment and delivery of major transport projects more quickly and efficiently. Clause 59 also engages the right to take part in public life as impacts on public participation on the basis that reservations Legislation has a key part to play in cutting red tape to can be revoked. However, again the limitation is address the infrastructure backlog. This is central to proportionate and justifiable on the basis that the revocation must occur in accordance with the proper processes under the transforming our transport system. Put simply, this bill Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and the public participation will deliver much needed infrastructure sooner, and at a mechanisms in the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act lower cost. 2009. The coalition did not oppose the Major Transport Section 20 of the charter act provides that a person must not be deprived of his or her property other than in accordance Projects Facilitation Act when it was introduced into with law. Any law that deprives a person of property must be this house in 2009. There are, however, a range of accessible, sufficiently precise and should not provide for an improvements that need to be made to the scheme to arbitrary interference with property. Clause 73 of the bill cut red tape and boost productivity for the assessment, inserts a new section 138A into the Transport Integration Act 2009 which allows the Linking Melbourne Authority to and delivery of declared projects. compulsorily acquire land required in connection with the performance of its powers or the exercise of its functions. The benefits to major transport projects Compulsory acquisition of an individual’s land is a The east–west road link, the Melbourne Metro rail deprivation of property for the purpose of the right to tunnel and the port of Hastings are transformative property. However, the acquisition of interests in land under the bill requires ministerial approval. The compensation projects. The quicker they are delivered, the quicker

MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS FACILITATION AMENDMENT (EAST WEST LINK AND OTHER PROJECTS) BILL 2013

2164 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

Victorians and Victorian businesses will see the As the budget papers state: benefits. The government is driving better value for money, The east–west road link is a city-shaping project for streamlining project approvals and cutting red tape to expedite major projects coming to market. The government is Victoria. The new 18-kilometre cross-city continuing to implement rigorous processes to improve freeway-standard link will provide an alternative to the infrastructure project delivery and ensure the cost pressures M1 corridor, alleviate chronic congestion and improve that affected major projects in the past are not repeated. travel time for motorists and allow freight to be moved around more quickly. The government has committed This is precisely what this bill is designed to do. to fund stage 1 of this project, which has an estimated In December last year the government released its capital cost of between $6 billion and $8 billion. economic statement, ‘Securing Victoria’s Economy — The Melbourne Metro rail tunnel will untangle the rail Planning, Building, Delivering’. network and unlock the capacity needed to expand the The strategy outlines the government’s vision for public network and increase services to Melbourne’s growth sector reform involving controlling costs, reducing areas in the north, west and south-east. Creating internal red tape and improving management within the capacity, particularly in the city loop, also means that public sector. more trains can run on all the lines, not just those running through the new tunnel. In 2012, the This bill exemplifies this government’s commitment to government made the first state contribution to the work harder and to work smarter to cut red tape so the project, allocating $49.7 million. benefits of major transport projects can be delivered sooner. Subject to the Premier’s approval the legislation will also enable the port of Hastings development to be The bill delivered. This project is essential for Victoria’s future and the government has provided $110 million in the Part 1 of the bill deals with preliminary matters. budget to kick-start the development. Part 2 of the bill makes changes to the Major Transport This act, with the substantial improvements before you, Projects Facilitation Act 2009 to: is the foundation on which these crucial projects can be delivered. introduce a more risk-based assessment regime;

It would also be a mistake to think that the bill is only enable early works on projects, including the for multibillion-dollar projects. It is not just about east–west link; capital expenditure, it is about the value to the community that new and upgraded parts of the transport shorten statutory time frames to improve network can bring. Cycling networks, for example, face productivity and speed up projects; the same barriers as other linear projects in road and rail simplify administrative processes; and the issues associated with getting projects delivered. enable more efficient land assembly and project delivery; and This legislation provides an alternative to the environment effects statement process and the multiple extend the scope of the act. approvals required to deliver state-significant projects. Part 3 of the bill addresses other related amendments. Delivering major transport projects is a very costly exercise. This bill is designed to cut down on Key changes to the regime bureaucracy and channel state funds to where it can deliver the most benefit — the transport infrastructure Moving progressively to a risk-based assessment on which we all rely. enables a more proportionate approach to different risks. This will improve assessment efficiencies and Policy context deliver a more practical and focused assessment report for public exhibition and consultation. The changes before the house are a cornerstone of the government’s budget commitment to deliver better Early works on projects can provide an opportunity to value in infrastructure planning and delivery. structure projects to maximise efficiency and create

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2165

jobs sooner. This bill makes clear that declaration of a Debate adjourned on motion of Mr SCOTT project does not prevent the delivery of early works (Preston). outside of the act’s provisions. The act expands, rather than replaces, the methods of obtaining the necessary Debate adjourned until Thursday, 27 June. approvals for a major transport project. For projects with early works, it is simply a matter of obtaining any APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013 required planning or environment approvals in accordance with existing applicable laws. 18BSecond reading

This bill makes significant cuts to time frames for Debate resumed from 11 June; motion of decisions in the assessment and approval process. Time Mr O’BRIEN (Treasurer). frames for decisions around pathways, scoping, release Mr SCOTT (Preston) — When I was previously of key documents and approvals have all been halved speaking on the appropriation bill I was touching upon or more than halved. the issue of WorkCover and particularly WorkHealth. The bill not only cuts time frames for decision making, As members are probably aware, the WorkCover but changes the scheme to allocate resources more authority, WorkSafe, now pays a dividend to the state efficiently and shift the focus to the project, rather than and to the general government sector; therefore it has a the process itself. An example of this is the much more direct relationship with the budget. One of simplification of the administrative steps required to the fears held by the opposition at the time the dividend have a project declared. was announced was that this would require cuts within WorkSafe. What the bill does not do is reduce the time frame for public exhibition — the onus is on government and One of the mooted cuts, particularly as reported in the government agencies to work more efficiently. This Australian Financial Review of 9 June, was that the power does not prevent government from consulting WorkHealth workplace health checks would be cut. with councils, where relevant. WorkHealth, as members may be aware, is an extensive public health program relating to workers’ health, and The bill extends an existing provision to make clear that as of 2012 over 500 000 Victorians had received councils cannot frustrate projects once that project has WorkHealth checks. More than 1 per cent of those been approved by the Minister for Planning. people were immediately referred for medical treatment because of serious health issues that had not previously The bill introduces a statutory duty on state agencies to been identified. act and make decisions expeditiously to avoid delay. WorkHealth has been a very important program, and The bill also enables more efficient project delivery by the opposition fears that any cuts to WorkHealth or the reducing red tape to improve the arrangements for land scrapping of the scheme, which is what is mooted, assembly. would have a serious impact on the health of workers. You have to ask the question: if WorkHealth did not Conclusion exist, how many of those 5000 — and this would apply to many others still at high risk of particularly The changes cut red tape to boost productivity in the cardiovascular disease — would not have received assessment and delivery of projects under the act. medical attention before they had a heart attack, a The burden of red tape in the system is shouldered by stroke or another major health incident that may have the community and by business. Every week a project led to their demise? is tied up in administration is another week of This is a very serious issue and one that we on this side congestion on our transport system. Congestion of the house are deeply concerned about. That is increases business costs and decreases the amount of particularly the case for men’s health because, as time we all get to spend with our families. members would be aware, there are issues with getting This bill cuts red tape for projects. This bill cuts the men to visit GPs to seek a health assessment. That is a time taken to assess, approve and deliver major really serious issue, and it is particularly true of transport projects. This bill gives that time back to the blue-collar workers. The evidence from WorkHealth people of Victoria. itself indicates that workers in traditional blue-collar areas like manufacturing are at much higher risk of I commend the bill to the house. things like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2166 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

the WorkHealth checks identify, and hence have much since it fits in with the themes of my speech. This is the more serious risks to their own health. lowest investment by a government in decades. That is a shameful element of this budget. I do not use that There are also behaviour-related issues around smoking word often, but it is a shameful element of this budget. and consumption of alcohol, which lead to a higher It will have a serious impact on people, whom I am risk. These are very serious issues and ones that I would lucky enough to represent, who rely upon public and hope all members would be concerned about, but we on social housing for their accommodation. It will mean this side of the house are particularly concerned that as that the waiting lists will get longer and that persons a result of WorkSafe’s requirement to pay a dividend to who are in desperate need of accommodation will be the general government sector as part of the budget unable to obtain it. process there will be cuts that flow through to important services within WorkCover. This is a sad reflection on the values of the government, which we oppose. It will have particular impacts on The demise of WorkHealth has already been discussed those members of my community for whom public and in the media, and my understanding is that to say the social housing plays such a critical role. While there is a likelihood is high would be an understatement. The failure to fund the number of schools and a number of word is that senior staff at WorkSafe have been other services in the electorate, in dealing with local informed of the demise of WorkHealth. This is a really issues I would particularly like to highlight the failings serious issue and one that relates directly to the budget. of this budget in dealing with public and social housing Legislation passed by this government requires because I think it is a shameful element that will not WorkSafe to pay a dividend, so the nature of the serve my community well. In fact it will have a very scheme has changed from one that is solely concerned negative impact on those who most need assistance in with the welfare of workers to one that has a our community. Those who do not have secondary — and I fear primary — responsibility now accommodation are unable to exercise the agency in of paying a dividend to assist the budget. their life that we will take for granted. That is a very important fact. We should think about the needs of On local matters, I am deeply concerned about the lack those in our community for whom accommodation is of funding for the Preston electorate in the budget, but not stable. Sadly there are far too many homeless there is a particular aspect of that. Members may be people in our community. One is too many, but for such aware that the Preston electorate has a high a small number of social and public housing dwellings concentration of public housing, particularly in East to be included in this budget is a terrible aspect of it. Preston and East Reservoir. There are a large number of public housing and social housing units, and there are The values of this budget are also demonstrated through particular issues that relate to that. But it is striking in the employment practices of a number of government this budget that the increase in the number of social departments. What you are seeing in a number of housing dwellings is a paltry amount — departments, and I will highlight one in particular, is approximately 200. that at the same time as a large number of public servants who serve the community are being shown the Mr Wynne — One hundred and sixty-seven. door, the number of executives is not decreasing. There Mr SCOTT — I hear the former minister, like are a number of examples throughout the budget where myself a dedicated supporter of public and social the number of executives within departments has housing, say 167. This will have a real impact on those increased. This is shown in the Public Accounts and who need access to services within the electorate of Estimates Committee questionnaires. Preston. Preston has demographic issues. Although I do not have too much time left so I will not read the there are gentrified areas along the Merri Creek and in figures into Hansard, but there are a number of West Preston and parts now of West Reservoir, in East departments across government where the actual Preston and East Reservoir there are very significant numbers of executive officers — EO1s, EO2s, EO3s — areas of social disadvantage. Public and social housing have actually increased while there have been play a critical role in ensuring equity of access to significant cuts to the number of staff. If you look housing and accommodation, which is such a vital across the public sector as a whole, although in some part — — cases there is a tiny decrease in the number of executive Mr Wynne — Lowest investment in decades! officers, you see much more significant decreases in the number of Victorian public service staff. Ordinary Mr SCOTT — I should not respond to interjections, public servants are being shown the door while but I will take up the issue referred to in the interjection executive officers are being removed at a much lower

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2167

rate. In some departments the number of executive illustrate how my electorate is a microcosm of other officers is even increasing. In one case I can think of it electorates across the state and how they will benefit is increasing reasonably significantly. This from this budget. We are all here because we were demonstrates the value system that underlines the elected by local people in local electorates, and that is government. where our primary focus must and should be.

Another disappointing aspect of the budget is changes My electorate will benefit from a record $14.3 billion to reporting. I say this having extensively dealt with the investment in health and hospital services. Since we reporting of the budget in my service on the Public came to government all of the hospitals in my electorate Accounts and Estimates Committee. In previous have received increased funding on a recurrent basis. budgets, including previous budgets from the coalition My ambulance stations have received additional government, there has been an explanation of the paramedics to deliver ambulance services. This budget impact of what this government refers to as ‘savings also provides a record level of funding for school measures’ but which we refer to as cuts in the budget. education, for primary and secondary schools across the However, if you turn to page 5 of budget paper 2, you state, including those in my electorate. I was recently at see that the actual cuts are now hidden and, unlike in Woolsthorpe Primary School where I met with the previous budgets and budget updates, information on school principal and local students. They are very the impact of those cuts is no longer available to enable pleased with the new construction that is going on at the public to understand the impact of the cuts over the that school at the moment. Like other electorates across current forward estimates period. This is a very the state, my electorate will benefit from the disappointing aspect to budget reporting. recruitment of 1700 more police, 1200 of whom will be in the force by 30 June. Right across Victoria we are Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — It is with pleasure that seeing more police protecting our community. I rise to speak on the budget, a very good budget in challenging times. To understand the quality of this In particular I highlight in this year’s budget a budget one only has to contrast it with the federal $10 million allocation for radiotherapy services in budget which was delivered only a week later. In the south-west Victoria. This funding comes on top of a Victorian budget the coalition government delivers a $5 million allocation the previous year. This funding is $225 million surplus and reinforces our AAA credit delivering on an election commitment made by the rating. The budget also includes a $6.1 billion record coalition in 2010 and will make a difference in infrastructure spend, which is about building for the south-west Victoria. For too long people in south-west growth of this state, and funding for the first stage of Victoria who have been diagnosed with cancer — up to the east–west link, a major game-changing project for 500 people a year — have been forced to travel to Melbourne and Victoria. The budget also provides Geelong, Melbourne and Ballarat for weeks at a time funding of $110 million for the port of Hastings and to be away from their families and support in order development, another major game-changing project for to have 5 to 10 minutes a day of radiotherapy to treat Melbourne and Victoria. their cancer. We know, because the figures show it, that as a result a number of people choose not to undertake We can compare the Victorian budget to the budget of that lifesaving treatment. We also know that cancer the federal government. The federal government survival rates in south-west Victoria are lower than the promised a surplus, but what did it deliver? Not only Victorian average and lower than that of Melbourne did it deliver an $18 billion deficit but also cuts to a because there is no local radiotherapy treatment service. wide range of programs and services. That shows the This $10 million, on top of the $5 million last year, will economic mismanagement of Labor, and it really does make a difference. We will now be able to deliver highlight the fundamental difference between the radiotherapy services in Warrnambool to service coalition and the Labor Party. The fundamental south-west Victoria, western Victoria and the south-east difference is that it is in the DNA and bone marrow of of South Australia. members of the Liberal Party and The Nationals that we can deliver budgets with surpluses. Clearly it is in I also welcome the significant funding in the budget of the DNA of Labor that its members simply cannot an extra $170 million for local arterial roads and manage money. They cannot manage money, and they highways. This is terrific. Right across regional and cannot manage projects. rural Victoria our roads are absolutely vital. We use them for social interaction and social links, and they are In contrast to many other speakers, initially I will vital for business and for farmers to move their produce highlight the benefits of the budget for my electorate of and goods and take their stock to market or their grain South-West Coast. In highlighting those benefits I will to the ports. After 11 years of neglect by the previous

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2168 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

government, it is great to see the coalition government signing up to the national disability insurance scheme putting more money into our local roads to fix potholes (NDIS) and the rollout in the Barwon area. I pay credit and ruts to make our roads more effective. to the former Premier, the member for Hawthorn, and to the Minister for Community Services, whose In this year’s budget I appreciate, as all of rural and leadership in this area has made a real difference. The regional Victoria appreciates, the ongoing commitment launch of the NDIS in the Barwon area will take place of $160 million over four years for local councils to on 1 July, with the rollout occurring over the transition fund local roads and bridges. This is the first time under years and the scheme being fully implemented by 2019. a coalition government that a state government has provided direct funding to local councils for local roads As well as the funding to assist with the NDIS rollout, and bridges. This program is most welcome by local there is additional money in this budget for early councils and will help them maintain our important intervention programs, which are absolutely vital for road network. parents of children with disabilities or developmental delays. That early intervention makes a real difference, The budget also reinforces the ongoing commitment of and that additional funding deserves great credit and a this government to the Regional Growth Fund. There is big tick. There is $107 million for 720 new individual no doubt that the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund is support packages. These things make a real difference making a real difference in regional and rural Victoria. in people’s lives, and I am proud that through the It is investing in key projects in every shire, in every budget our government has delivered them. community and in every regional city, and that will make a difference in terms of attracting jobs and I turn to the fire services levy. Again this reform will improving the quality of life in those areas. For make a real difference in the South-West Coast example, in my electorate of South-West Coast funding electorate and right across the state. It is the biggest from the Regional Growth Fund is assisting the state tax reform since World War II. There is no doubt Warrnambool City Council develop the Horne Road that the old system of paying through insurance levies area to create a new industrial estate. That strategic was unfair and inequitable. There were people who did investment in road infrastructure will trigger major not pay their fair share and did not contribute to funding investment in that industrial estate, which will grow the fire services, and that needed to change. The Labor jobs and population in Warrnambool and south-west government had 11 years to change that, but it did Victoria. That is what governments can do with a nothing. regional growth fund. Mr Eren interjected. In Portland the Regional Growth Fund has helped fund the Portland marina development, which is a great Dr NAPTHINE — Even now Labor members project, to take advantage of the interest and activity in oppose these changes. They wanted to have a system the bluefin tuna industry. Every weekend literally that was unfair and inequitable, that had stamp duty on hundreds of boats are in Portland taking advantage of the insurance levy and GST on top of that — a tax on a that, and those people are spending dollars in the local tax on a levy. They wanted a system that the 2009 community, which in turn creates local jobs and boosts Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommended local tourism. be abolished. We know that they thumbed their noses at the bushfires royal commission recommendations, Port Fairy has received $500 000 from the Regional particularly with respect to the fire services levy. There Growth Fund for an upgrade to its streetscape. has been a 20-year fight for this levy reform by the Everybody knows that Port Fairy is a beautiful coastal Victorian Farmers Federation and the Association of village and a major tourist centre. Indeed on an Independent Retirees, and I particularly mention Colin international level Port Fairy recently received an Scott from the town of Macarthur in my electorate. award for being the most livable town with a population under 25 000 anywhere in the world — the best town in The new system means that all property owners will the world is Port Fairy. Through the Regional Growth contribute to funding our fire services. It is fairer, more Fund we have provided money to improve the equitable and cheaper, and for the first time there are streetscape and we will work with the local shire and concessions for pensioners and war veterans. In the the local community. Country Fire Authority (CFA) area of my electorate the average payment will reduce from $262 to $142. At the In my electorate and across Victoria I am sure same time we are delivering $30 million more in everybody will be pleased with the government’s funding for the CFA in this budget — more funding commitment to people with disabilities through its despite the opposition and the union saying it would

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2169

deliver less funding. They were simply wrong, wrong, by 2030 we will still need additional capacity and that wrong. My constituents also appreciate the fact that is why we need to develop the port of Hastings. We there is a significant increase in fuel reduction burning, have allocated $110 million for it in this budget. The particularly in our forested areas where that fuel port of Hastings is a natural deepwater port. You build reduction burning protects people and saves lives. ports where big ships can go; that is where you put them. I come back to the $6.1 billion record expenditure on infrastructure. That is funding new schools in growth The Melbourne Metro rail tunnel is absolutely vital for areas including Doreen, Truganina, the area north-west our future to increase capacity and services. We want to of Melton, Wyndham Vale and Officer. We are start that project at the back end of this decade. We are upgrading and redeveloping existing schools such as doing the planning work, the preparatory work, and we Northern Bay College, which has had a total of want to build that project as well. We are investing in $26 million spent on it in recent years, Blackburn public transport with new trains, new trams and Primary School, Aspendale Primary School, Emerald increased services. The Melbourne Metro rail tunnel is Primary School and Belvoir Special School in also important. This is a great budget. Wodonga. As I said yesterday in question time, we are spending a record $4.8 billion in health, with new beds Mr EREN (Lara) — I wish I could say the same as at Northern Hospital, new mental health beds at the Premier, but unfortunately he is living in fairyland. Werribee Mercy Hospital, the new Waurn Ponds Clearly the Premier is not looking at what is really community hospital and the new $630 million Bendigo happening in Victoria, particularly in regional areas. Hospital. It is absolutely fantastic. Clearly he does not understand the needs of Geelong when he talks about the port of Hastings. There is a In the last few minutes I have I want to talk about really good proposal by Labor at the moment in relation important game-changing projects that are included in to Bay West. Bay West is a proposal that would see this budget. In my lifetime there have been a number of many jobs come to Geelong. game-changers that have made a difference to Melbourne and Victoria, including CityLink, the West Honourable members interjecting. Gate Bridge, the Tullamarine airport and the city rail Mr EREN — In light of some of the job losses that loop. Now we have three such projects on this government’s agenda: the east–west link, the are occurring in Geelong, I would expect a bit of Melbourne Metro rail tunnel and the port of Hastings. respect from the Premier and some of the ministers, In this budget we are committed to stage 1 of the who at the moment are laughing at a proposal that east–west link — not just talking about it but many Geelong residents would benefit from going forward, particularly the important infrastructure at committing to building it. We will call for expressions of interest in the latter half of this year and start Avalon. construction in the latter part of 2014. There will be Let us have a look at what the government promised to 3200 jobs and an increase in productivity and efficiency Avalon before the last election: $250 million for a rail as a result of that project. What we want is a link. Do we think that is going to happen? No. Why is $1.5 billion contribution from the federal government. that? It is because the government is ready to blame Compare that request to the $1.8 billion contribution everybody but itself for the commitments it made in the federal government made to the cost of the opposition just to get into government. We need some WestConnex motorway in Sydney, a project that has no firm commitments from the government about its business case and is lower on the infrastructure agenda. promise to Avalon. It made the promise of All we are seeking is $1.5 billion. $250 million, and I want a firm commitment that it will Let me talk about the port of Hastings. This project is honour it. vital for the future of the state. Victoria is the freight It is disappointing given the government has had three logistics capital of Australia. That position drives jobs chances to deliver a budget that provided vision for and the economy in this state, and we know that we are Victorian communities that it has failed to do so. going to go from handling 2.5 million 20-foot Despite its best efforts to sell the budget, if you look equivalent unit containers a year now to 8 million by beyond all the bells and whistles, you see a budget that 2035. We need to increase the capacity of our ports. is an illusion. The web of lies and deceit that the There is a $1.6 billion capacity development program at government has woven about its financial credibility is the port of Melbourne — started by this government extraordinary. It has been exposed in a report on the and ignored by the Labor government, which refused to budget estimates as having a massive blow-out with do anything — that will increase the port’s capacity, but

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2170 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

overspending of $872 million. I ask the government: The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! When the what now? How is it going to commit to all the Chair is speaking, the Minister for Ports will remain promises it made before getting into office? It promised silent. I ask the member for Lara not to use members’ everything and now blames everybody else for its names. inability to deliver on those promises. Mr EREN — We need to protect jobs in the state. If The front covers of the budget papers carry the title the government had taken some initiative, Building for Growth. That is what they say, but the announcements like the Ford closures might not have budget fails to provide vital infrastructure in our growth been such a huge blow to the communities of Geelong areas in particular. We have a budget that expects extra and Broadmeadows considering the government knew revenue and taxes but somehow Victorians are facing about the intended closure many months before Ford extra cuts in the vital areas of health, education and made the announcement. The government needs to start emergency services. It is not surprising that the budget taking responsibility and realise that it is in charge of only provides for minimal jobs growth given that when our state. It should stop the blame game and get on with we exclude the very expensive procurement plan for the governing the state. We deserve better than a reactive east–west link it leaves us with an infrastructure spend government that is becoming professional at the blame that is even less than last year’s. game.

There have been cuts to TAFE funding of $1.2 billion, Labor, even though in opposition, is still taking charge and now the apprenticeship completion bonus has been and protecting our future by releasing a jobs plan for cut. We have a government that claims to have reversed our great state. But we have not stopped there. We are the TAFE cuts when in fact it has reinstated only taking it one step further with our recent announcement one-fifth of the money it originally took out of the of an extension to the jobs plan specially targeted at system. The government seems to think that Victorians Geelong. I am very proud to be heading this up. I know will not flinch at it ripping $826 million from the health this is what Victorians expect from their elected budget since it was elected to office. It is obvious that representatives. Unfortunately it is not what they are Victorians are feeling it as we are facing one of the getting from their government. biggest health crises in a generation. We have a government that is asleep at the wheel and I find it hard to comprehend why the government has no real plan to create jobs and attract investment to would not see the need to have a jobs plan for the state. Victoria. We have a government that loves to boast We need a plan to protect and create jobs, and in order about the implementation of its election policies, but to protect jobs, the government must have the right that is where it stops. Funnily enough, the government programs and policies in place to attract and retain is very quiet about all the things it has not followed businesses in Victoria. Since the election government through on. I remind those opposite that they promised members have on many occasions spoken about the to create 55 000 new jobs each year. Where are they? previous government and how it acted fiscally, but for They promised to protect jobs, yet 4500 have been the 11 years that we were in government Victoria had a slashed from the public service. They promised safer AAA credit rating and surpluses in every budget. This streets, but the statistics show the streets are less safe. was a Labor government that not only grew the state They promised 800 new hospital beds, yet we have not but handled its finances really well. Then, within three seen one. This government has failed miserably. I agree years of this government being elected, we see a with what the shadow Treasurer, the member for blow-out of $872 million. The coalition government Tarneit, said in his budget reply — that is, that the has blown the budget. The government can talk about government has created more instability, more spin, all of its proposed investments, but clearly they are not more secrets and more scandals than he can remember. going to come to fruition. The government needs to get a grip on how to handle its finances at the same time as It is obvious that under the budget Geelong commuters growing the state. will be worse off, especially given Melbourne’s new east–east link — there is no west link. It will be 15 to The government has managed to change its Treasurer; 20 years before the road reaches the west end. In that from Kim Wells it has gone to Michael O’Brien — — time, both at the Geelong end, with Armstrong Creek, and at the Wyndham end we will have close to an The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The member additional 200 000 people. It is clogged as it is. The must not use members’ names. congestion is unbelievable. The value of property is going down because people do not want to build there Mr Hodgett interjected. anymore, because they know about the traffic

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2171

congestion, and the infrastructure spend is so low. The suburb of Lara has once again received nothing There are 175 000 traffic movements from that western from this budget. The government has a tendency to end from Geelong and there are 135 000 from the east, tick all the boxes to allow for development, but it is not yet this government thinks investing in the east–west willing to invest in infrastructure to support that tunnel will somehow fix our infrastructure needs. It will development. Instead, it has added an increased burden not. The government needs to invest in the west. to an area that is already struggling with inadequate infrastructure. It is anticipated that some 10 000 new It also means that the people I have just mentioned, residents will live in Lara, and that has been approved drivers from Geelong, Werribee and the broader by the Minister for Planning himself. I would like to western suburbs, will have to struggle daily with the know where the investment to support that suburb is, West Gate Freeway choke for the next 10 to 20 years. because so far in the past three years Lara has been Maybe members opposite do not know how horrible neglected under this government. Another growth this is for those residents. It is plain for the eye to see suburb in my electorate is Wyndham Vale, which is the that the only real investment this government has made fastest growing region in the whole nation. This is the in Geelong just happened to be in the one and only first budget in which we have seen a coalition initiative Liberal-held seat of South Barwon. The needs of funded by this government. Funding for the new greater Geelong are clearly not of any concern to this Wyndham Vale South school is welcomed, although government, and given that the Premier is the Minister we are still waiting for moneys for the urgently needed for Regional Cities, he should be ashamed of himself. stage 5 of the Manor Lakes P–12 College and the rail crossing upgrades. There has been no investment in improving the currently dismal public transport system throughout the Last but not least, in relation to my responsibilities as entire Geelong region. However, a new train station in shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation and shadow Grovedale has been committed to, which just happens minister for volunteers, what an interesting budget it to be in the seat of South Barwon. Funding of has been for those portfolios in particular, and I do not $50 million has been committed towards a second mean interesting in a good way. We have a Minister for community hospital for Geelong, which is also in the Sport and Recreation who clearly has totally ignored seat of South Barwon. There are also new police and his portfolio in the cabinet room and who cannot stand State Emergency Service stations in the seat of South up for his portfolio. Instead, he has allowed the Barwon. I could go on about the stark contrast between government to rip $35 million out of the budget. To put South Barwon and the rest of Geelong, but I think I it into context, that means almost a third of the sport have made my point very clear. and recreation budget has gone. That is $35 million that could have gone towards grassroots clubs, towards As to my own electorate of Lara, I welcome the getting new lights, new clubrooms, a new oval, or funding for the delayed Northern Bay College, as the importantly, getting Victorian children more active. Premier mentioned before. I guess it is better late than Instead, this money has been cut, and that is in stark never. For his information, the northern suburbs contrast to the minister’s own catchphrase, which now education regeneration project was started under the needs to be reworded to ‘More people less active more Labor government. We recognised the needs of often’. Maybe the minister should spend more time education in that area. That is why the Brumby Labor focusing on grassroots issues and less time sitting government funded the first stage with $10 million. behind his desk drafting press releases. Then the funding stopped, and it stopped for a while, until we as a community showed total outrage at this In this budget we have seen the dedicated fund for government’s neglect of my electorate, particularly the soccer scrapped and no new funding for the community northern suburbs. sporting code of conduct. So far we have seen no proof that soccer will receive any dedicated funds. The It is a shame that the entire stage 2 was not funded in minister has stated that soccer clubs will be able to last year’s budget, which could have enabled access funds through the community facility funding desperately needed infrastructure to be built; it is so program but has not been able to commit a dedicated desperately needed, in fact, that numerous parents have amount to this sport. Forgive me for not taking the contacted me about their concerns for their children at minister’s word for it: it is not like the government has some campuses of this school. I have been informed a great track record with the truth, so this leaves a lot of that several classes had to operate out of one classroom doubt in relation to the soccer fraternity. They are very because of the horrible conditions in some rooms as a nervous about the funding going forward, and the result of the neglect of this government over the last minister needs to outline clearly where the money for three years. soccer funding is, because it has disappeared.

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2172 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

Community sporting clubs are the backbone of our management, and a great budget that delivers for all suburbs, rural and regional cities and towns. Sporting Victorians has been handed down by the Treasurer. clubs bring communities together and enable the healthy growth and development of our children. It is Mr Helper — Name one! Name one Victorian who about time the minister stood up for those clubs and thinks it’s great. communities and started doing his job by supporting them. Mr HODGETT — I will come to Kilsyth and everything we are delivering out there, time permitting. When it comes to volunteers, it is as if they do not exist. Firstly, I will turn my attention to ports. More than There has been no recognition and no significant $115 million has been invested in the growth of funding in that regard. Since the changes to the Victoria’s commercial and local ports in the 2013–14 departments, volunteering organisations have been Victorian state budget. Some $110 million of this waiting to see where they fit into the new structure. funding is for the port of Hastings development, which They need to access some critical funding. Broadly they will boost the state’s freight capacity, while an used to come under the former Department of Planning additional $5 million will fund local ports and marine and Community Development, but now they have been safety. moved into another super-department to hide the inadequacy of funding. There is a lot of nervousness The Premier outlined that the port of Hastings is a game out there, and I urge this government to get on with it. changer. We are the freight and logistics capital of Australia, and this investment reaffirms the Victorian Mr HODGETT (Minister for Ports) — I am coalition government’s commitment to ensuring that pleased to rise to speak on the Appropriation Victoria remains the freight and logistics capital of (2013–2014) Bill 2013, otherwise known as the budget. Australia. We are building for the growth of the state by I congratulate the Treasurer on handing down the taking decisive steps that are necessary to sustain record 2013–14 budget, which continues the coalition’s record growth across the ports sector. The $110 million will of strong, responsible economic management. The kick-start the development of the port of Hastings, coalition government’s 2013–14 Victorian budget accelerating planning for a future container port capable invests in major infrastructure and high-quality services of handling about 9 million TEUs — 20-foot equivalent for all Victorians and continues to ensure that Victoria’s units. The $110 million will specifically go to enabling finances remain the strongest in the nation. the early works: completion of the preferred scope, transport connection planning, the environmental As the Premier said in his contribution, there is a record approvals processes, business case development, and $6.1 billion for major projects in the 2013–14 budget. procurement and delivery strategies. The Treasurer is continuing the strong, responsible economic management that has delivered an operating The other $5 million that I mentioned for local ports surplus in challenging times, and responsible economic and marine safety will improve safe access to our management means the coalition government can coastal and inland waterways and help manage invest in critical infrastructure and better services. In infrastructure. The allocated funding will enable the my contribution this morning I intend to make some state to continue to provide important infrastructure and general comments on the budget, talk about my services for commercial fishing, recreational boating portfolio responsibilities of ports, major projects and and tourism industries. I would have thought that the manufacturing, and then in the time remaining turn my member for Ripon would be interested in commercial attention to my electorate of Kilsyth and talk about and recreational fishing, having a runabout boat that he some of the wonderful projects going on there. takes out often. He is a competent fishermen, I believe. The funding will specifically go to projects such as The 2013–14 Victorian state budget delivers an dredging to maintain safe boating access and asset estimated operating surplus of $225 million, rising to management and development works on piers and more than $2.5 billion by 2016–17. The economy will jetties, which is very important. As we know, local grow by 2.25 per cent in 2013–14, rising to 2.75 per ports are vital to Victoria’s economy, providing an cent in 2014–15. Net debt is forecast to be 6.4 per cent economic benefit of more than $557 million annually, of gross state product in 2013–14, declining to 5.4 per and the coalition government is delighted to continue cent by 2016–17. Without decisive action by the supporting them. coalition government net debt would have soared to around 17 per cent of gross state product by 2017. This There is also $28 million that has been allocated to the is great news. It is about responsible financial Transport Solutions regional freight initiative. This initiative is designed to address bottlenecks in key

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2173

regional areas and will help unlock the potential of our to which a request for industry submissions is currently regional freight network. Transport Solutions will open; the Flinders Street station design competition, improve the efficiency of freight moving to and from which is in its final stage; the Melbourne Park our major ports and throughout the state. I will give the redevelopment; and the Shrine of Remembrance house an example of a transport solution, one that I redevelopment. I was at Melbourne Park recently with recently announced on behalf of the Minister for Public members of the Vixens netball team and the Tigers Transport. As part of $3.5 million in projects for basketball team, and they were very excited about Geelong, we announced an upgrade to the Geelong having the opportunity to play at the Margaret Court C-signal box to automate signalling. I am not a freight Arena once the redevelopment has been completed. It logistics expert, but I will explain the project to the will be an intimate 7500-person stadium. Anyone who house. We have a crossing that operates up to 16 or has been to a netball game will know that it is fast and 18 hours per day, and V/Line will often require four to exciting, with spectators being close to the action. The five days notice to provide 24-hour access for grain redeveloped Margaret Court Arena, which is part of the trains to get through that crossing. Often with rail Melbourne Park redevelopment, will be a welcome timetables four to five days notice cannot be addition to that sporting precinct. anticipated. We invariably end up with grain trains parked in sidings some 2 or 3 kilometres away from the I will make a couple of comments on infrastructure. As port of Geelong until they can get in and out in that 16 I mentioned earlier, $6.1 billion in funding has been to 18-hour window of opportunity. allocated for major infrastructure projects in the 2013–14 budget. This investment is welcomed by all At the other end of the line you have ships in the port parts of the community, and it could only be delivered waiting for the grain. If those ships sit there and are through this government’s responsible economic unable to be filled, shipping costs accumulate. management. There is too much good news to squeeze Invariably the end result is that grain being carted in by into the 15 minutes allocated for a budget response, so trucks. A GrainCorp director told me that a 2000-tonne in the time remaining I will turn my attention to some grain train equates to about 50 trucks on the road. This local news. I am proud to represent the electorate of investment of part of the $3.5 million allocated to a Kilsyth, which covers the suburbs of Kilsyth, Croydon, number of projects in the Geelong region is going to Croydon South, Mooroolbark, Bayswater North, automate that C-signal box. The GrainCorp director Montrose and Ringwood East. told me that the company believes the project will allow up to 500 additional train movements through the I was delighted to learn that Eastwood Primary School Geelong port each year, removing the need for about will receive $3 million to kick-start a rebuilding project. 20 000 truck movements in the region. It is great news The school community has campaigned long and hard for the port of Geelong and great news for the for funding, and I was thrilled that it will now get a community of Geelong. brand-new, state-of-the-art school. I am proud to be a member of a government that is a champion of Turning my attention to major projects, I am delighted specialist education. Eastwood Primary School is a that funding has been allocated in the budget to specialist deaf facility. Part of the funding will provide progress the development of the E-gate site. As a major for new specialist deaf facilities and the replacement of project it provides exciting opportunities to revitalise the school’s current administration centre. The school is the 23-hectare site at the West Melbourne rail yards on home to the first deaf facility of its kind to be the edge of the city. The $2.14 million for that project is established in Victoria. It was established in 1992, and most welcome. I have said in my commentary around it provides primary education for children who are deaf E-gate that not many capital cities in the world have a or hearing impaired. Children throughout the school parcel of land that close to the city that can be learn Auslan. It was interesting to see how the school developed. It is a very exciting opportunity. E-gate has delivers its services. Members of the Ringwood East the potential to develop up to $6 billion in new community and the Eastwood Primary School investment over 12 to 18 years and to provide housing community have been committed to and behind this for up to 10 000 residents, as well as 200 000 square project. They deserve commendations on their metres of commercial and retail space. It has strong dedicated efforts, which have helped make this school local public transport connections, and it is close to the rebuild a reality. city. It is an amazing opportunity. I am pleased that the budget delivers the funding to progress that project. I will talk briefly about many of the other terrific works that have been delivered or are under way in my That is in addition, I should say, to other major projects, electorate. Works to the Bayswater North retarding including the Federation Square East project, in relation basin are being delivered, providing pathways and

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2174 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

seating and beautifying the area while connecting it to cause! The coalition will deliver stage 1 of the the shops. Bayswater North residents are pleased with east–west link, a project designed to link the Eastern those works. The government is delivering traffic lights Freeway to CityLink at an estimated cost of $6 billion at the Montrose roundabout. I know the member for to $8 billion. Importantly that will create 3200 project Monbulk and I both made election commitments to jobs. We also have an upgrade to Maroondah Hospital. deliver those lights, and I am proud that the government It is worth noting that the Victorian government will is doing so and improving safety at the roundabout. We invest a record $4.3 billion in health in 2013, and that have improved safety measures at the intersection of record health spending by the coalition government will Cambridge Road and Swansea Road. It is difficult to assist in funding an extra 41 300 emergency department turn into and out of the intersection, so we have put in visits and more than 54 000 hospital procedures. It is a place a solution that will improve safety there. great investment in the hospital. The 2013–14 budget is a terrific budget. It is a responsible budget that delivers There will be a new Mooroolbark railway station car for all Victorians. I again commend the Treasurer on park on the border between my electorate and yours, handing down a strong and responsible budget. Deputy Speaker. I know you are very pleased that your constituents and mine will have that additional car Ms KNIGHT (Ballarat West) — I am pleased to parking available at that station. Following the abolition rise to speak on the Appropriation (2013–2014) Bill of zone 3 rail fares and with higher petrol prices, our 2013. I would like to start by acknowledging the railway station car parks are now full by about positive things in this budget for my electorate of 7 o’clock in the morning. Having additional car parking Ballarat West, in particular for Phoenix P–12 spaces at Mooroolbark will assist people to park there Community College. The college received $8 million and board a train rather than park in or around the local in funding, fulfilling the government’s election shopping centres. We are delivering a promise. It was very pleasing to see that in the budget. $250 000 upgrade to Mooroolbark police station. I look Phoenix P–12 is a fantastic school, and I congratulate forward to the Minister for Police and Emergency its staff on their strong advocacy and commitment to Services coming out to open the station when it is education under the leadership of its principal, Scott ready. Dellar. The school has fantastic students, and I would like to acknowledge two of them. They are Kirsty Mr Helper interjected. Payton and Angela O’Neill, who are both great students doing wonderful work. I wish them both luck Mr HODGETT — The opposition does not care, in their education. That is about it for the good news but currently female police officers have to walk out to for Ballarat West. It was fairly short lived but I believe the back of the station in all weather conditions to use a in acknowledging the good stuff. Let us move on. change room there. This $250 000 will be welcomed by them. As I said, I will be pleased to go to that official In terms of education there was no other funding for opening with the minister in due course. schools in my electorate, and I guess when a further $69 million has been cut from education, bringing the I have already spoken about the rebuilding of Eastwood grand total of funding cuts since this Liberal Primary School in my electorate. Protective services government was elected to over half a billion dollars, it officers (PSOs) are being rolled out under the terrific is really not surprising that there is no further funding policy of the government. We now have PSOs at for schools I represent. There is no maintenance Lilydale, Croydon, Ringwood and Box Hill stations, all funding for Ballarat Secondary College’s Wendouree on the Lilydale line, delivering improved safety for campus, Ballarat High School, the Yuille Park primary commuters getting on and off trains from 6.00 p.m. school, Sebastopol Primary School, Delacombe until the last train. That has been most welcome. In fact Primary School, Macarthur Street Primary School, PSOs prevented an incident at Croydon station. I am Alfredton Primary School, Ballarat North Primary most pleased that they are there; they have been a School or Forest Street Primary School. There is no welcome addition to our community at Croydon. I money for Invermay Primary School or Little Bendigo cannot wait until the necessary resources are allocated Primary School. There is no maintenance funding for to get PSOs at Mooroolbark and Ringwood East Pleasant Street Primary School, Urquhart Park Primary stations. School, Wendouree Primary School, the specialist We have the $66 million upgrade to the Ringwood school or Caledonian Primary School. station precinct, which has been welcomed by many Mr Helper interjected. Kilsyth electorate constituents who use Ringwood station — and the great local member championed that

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2175

Ms KNIGHT — It has failed them all, thank you, Statistics labour force statistics, 21 per cent of 15 to member for Ripon. I know he is really concerned about 19-year-olds are not in work or training. When you Talbot and the lack of budget resources there. Add to look at the cuts to TAFE, the cuts to support for this other education funding cuts in the form of apprentices and the cuts to education within the context Victorian certificate of applied learning (VCAL) of the youth unemployment rate being the highest in the coordinator funding. These cuts have affected schools nation you can see that these are really short-sighted in my electorate such as Ballarat High School, Ballarat decisions. I absolutely believe that. Secondary College and Phoenix P–12 Community College. They have all really suffered from the Regional Victoria has not fared well under this withdrawal of funding for VCAL coordinators. This is government at all. This is no more so than when it particularly so for a lot of students in my electorate who comes to jobs. Instead of supporting employment in depend upon that VCAL coordinator role. I have regional Victoria, this government seems intent on spoken about this issue before in this place but I think it cutting jobs. Since the election of the Liberal is important enough to mention again. Students relied government the unemployment rate in my region has on the people in those positions in order to stay engaged increased to 5.7 per cent. That represents an additional in education and now they cannot do that. It is also 2474 people who are unemployed. Local job losses terrible for those people who were VCAL coordinators over the past two years include 92 jobs at Telstra’s and had all of those skills and all of that knowledge Wendouree call centre, 120 at IBM, 67 at about students and their families and the communities CMI Industries and 26 at SP Treads; 38 redundancies at those students came from. All of that is gone now, and Mars, 13 at UGL Rail and redundancies at SEM that is a great loss. Fire & Rescue. Hundreds more jobs will be lost in Ballarat through this government’s cuts to the public The cuts to the School Start bonus affect the most service, including the loss of an expected 50 positions impoverished of families. Gone is the school at the Department of Sustainability and Environment, component of the education maintenance allowance and up to 100 positions will be lost at the University of and Reading Recovery tutors have been sacked. Of Ballarat because of TAFE cuts. It is not a good story for course in my electorate there is also the cut of Ballarat and its districts, and I am sure it is a story that $20 million in TAFE funding from the University of is being repeated across regional areas. Ballarat, which has resulted in 43 courses being cut and countless jobs being lost. Again I mourn the loss of the Recently we heard about payroll jobs being lost from skills of all of those teachers — they are just gone. I the Emergency Services Telecommunications mourn the loss of the industries in my area their wages Authority call centre and going to Doncaster — jobs supported. leaving the region and going to Melbourne. I do not think that is a positive step at all; I do not think that is In this budget we also see an attack on our apprentices the way to support regional cities. There are also the with $20 million cut from the apprentice trade bonus liquor licensing commission jobs that have effectively program. I hear time and again, but do not agree with it, gone to Richmond. These are people working in our that there is a lack of engagement by young people. I regional city who have families to support and who absolutely do not agree with that, because I see have to make real decisions about how much time they engagement by young people all the time. The day after are going to spend away from their families because of the budget was handed down I was in Ballarat with the a decision made to move jobs from a regional centre to Leader of the Opposition and I could not believe the metropolitan Melbourne. number of young apprentices who turned out to speak to us about their concerns around that $20 million cut. I I would like now to spend a little time talking about wish those who believe young people are disengaged health. This budget sees another $209 million cut from had been there that day, and if they need some proof, I the health budget. That brings the total cuts to have photos which I am happy to send them. It says a $826 million since this government was elected. In this lot about a government when it does not support budget there was not one additional cent allocated to schools, trades or TAFE. the emergency department at Ballarat Base Hospital, despite recent figures which show that over I will move on to the government’s record on jobs 11 000 people waited longer than desired for treatment because there is little that is more important than jobs. in our emergency department. That is not me saying The youth unemployment rate is 21 per cent, the that; that was the Australasian College for Emergency highest in the nation. I acknowledge that new statistics Medicine. When that respected group says there is a will be published today but at this point in time that is desired waiting time, a benchmark that is used by the what the rate is. According to Australian Bureau of

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2176 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

Victorian government, and thousands of people are last 18 months there has been a 15.9 per cent increase in waiting longer than that, then there is a real problem. the number of people on the priority waiting list — the people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The latest health performance data shows that, in the Funding for additional housing would not only have last 12 months, 11 839 people waited longer than relieved the pressure on those people but it would also desired for treatment in the emergency department at have provided a well-needed boost to our construction the Ballarat Base Hospital. That is more than the industry. Again, it would have meant jobs in Ballarat. If combined number of people who live in Wendouree we look at that within the context of private rental and Redan. It is definitely not down to the staff; the becoming more expensive, I think there should have staff are doing all they can to provide the treatment and been money for housing. In Sebastopol and Delacombe service every patient needs. I absolutely congratulate all there has been an annual increase in rents of 5 per cent the hardworking staff — the nurses, doctors, interns, for a two-bedroom flat and 4 per cent for a admin staff and triage staff — at the base hospital on three-bedroom house. People are really doing it tough the work that they do. But the pressure is building and out there. there does not seem to be a relief valve coming any time soon. In fact the Liberal government seems to In terms of crime, there has been an increase in crime in have rewarded our hardworking health staff by cutting Ballarat. Drug offences have increased by a massive the training and accreditation component of the health 59 per cent. I could not see anything in the budget that staff budget by $30 million. This government has would resolve that issue, despite the fact that this effectively punished our health staff for the Liberal government campaigned very heavily on a law government’s own incompetence. and order agenda. It is not really fixing the problem. We are still waiting for a police station in Sebastopol. We also need to recollect the previous cuts to health According to a media release of 23 November 2010: promotion funds, which were made to Ballarat Community Health to the tune of $236 000. This again The coalition has listened to concerned residents and police is very short-sighted. By cutting funds to preventive and will … upgrade facilities at … Albert Street in Sebastopol. programs this government is saying it is okay to put added pressure on our health system, our hospitals, our Under the coalition’s plan, Victoria Police will be able to emergency departments and our ambulances. The equip these … facilities as fully functioning police stations. health outcomes for the people of Ballarat are not very I have spent quite a bit of time travelling along Albert good. Street in Sebastopol and each time I have looked for the We have heard a lot about ambulances and the strain on fully functioning police station, but there is no fully ambulance services in this chamber this week, so I functioning police station in sight. I know that the really do not need to go into it again, except to point out residents of Sebastopol and Redan are eagerly waiting that this budget does not solve the problem at all. There for that facility to be opened, but there has been no hint are still paramedic shifts being left unfilled. We are still of when that might happen. seeing ambulances ramped at our local hospital. We are To summarise, no police station for the good people of still seeing paramedics under incredible stress and Sebastopol; no natural gas for the 10 houses of the good lacking resources, and all that is putting our community people of Invermay identified in a recent report; no members at risk. additional funding for the people of Ballarat waiting in Whilst we are on the subject of health I also want to the emergency department at Ballarat Base Hospital; touch on sport, and I see that the minister at the table is further cuts to education and apprentices; no new public the Minister for Sport and Recreation. He is looking up housing for those who are homeless or are in danger of and listening. Well done. I am just a bit concerned being homeless; further cuts to health; no adequate about the cutting of funding to community sport by a support for ambulances to prevent unfilled shifts and third. I think the cuts have struck at the heart of ramping; no resolution to the ambulance workers community sport, and in terms of health and enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA); no resolution community engagement that again is very to the firefighters EBA; an increase in crimes against short-sighted. It is a mistake and I ask the minister to the person and drug offences; and every single morning consider those points. the peak train takes longer to get to its destination than it did under the former government. This is not a good I would like now to talk about housing. There was no budget for Ballarat West. This is not a good budget for additional funding for social or public housing for the regional Victoria, and it is not a good budget for Ballarat West electorate, despite the fact that over the Victoria.

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2177

Mr WAKELING (Ferntree Gully) — I am very was actually going to cost $4.5 million. We had only pleased to rise in support of the Appropriation committed $4 million to that school, but in this year’s (2013–2014) Bill 2013. I am very proud of the budget budget I am very pleased to see that an allocation of an handed down by the Treasurer, the member for additional $500 000 was added so that the school can Malvern, and I congratulate him on the efforts that he now have its rebuild delivered. has made in a budget that is delivering for the state of Victoria. In very simple terms, we have a budget that is In Ferntree Gully funding has gone to the Eastern delivering a $225 million surplus whilst at the same Ranges School, an autism school. It received an time delivering a record $6.1 billion capital investment. $8 million funding allocation. That is a very important One need only compare our budget with that handed school for children with autism living in the eastern down just a short time later by the federal Treasurer, suburbs of Melbourne. In the electorate of the member Mr Swan, to see the stark contrast between the two: a for Monbulk, we allocated $15 million to deliver an budget handed down by a state Liberal government upgrade to the Boronia K–12 College. In the first three compared with a budget handed down by a federal years of the coalition government there has been an Labor government. There is a stark contrast between allocation of $38.5 million to rebuild local schools. It is budgets which are handed down by this side of politics the largest investment in a generation by a state and those handed down by Labor governments. government in those suburbs, and it took a coalition government to deliver education for people within my I will start by looking firstly at the electorate of Ferntree community. Gully. In advocating for funds from this year’s budget, I was very pleased to welcome the Premier and the I was very pleased to see that in the city of Knox there Minister for Education to my electorate to look at the has also been $15 million allocated for the duplication schools which had been sadly neglected by those of High Street Road between Burwood Highway and opposite. Within the suburb of Ferntree Gully there are Stud Road. For Knox residents, the area just behind the five primary schools, four of which were in dire need of Knox shopping centre is a heavily utilised road and work, and most of them are upwards of 60 years of age. very unsafe, therefore this is a welcome announcement. I was pleased to see in this year’s budget that the I congratulate my colleague the member for Scoresby coalition government is contributing $15.2 million of for his diligence in advocating for that important capital investment expenditure to upgrade those four upgrade. I also congratulate the member for Bayswater schools: $4 million being allocated to Wattleview on the further works being undertaken for the removal Primary School and Fairhills Primary School, which are of the level crossing at Bayswater station on Scoresby both great schools but are in need of upgrades; Road and the Mountain Highway in Bayswater. Again, $2.7 million for Mountain Gate Primary School, which that is a significant boon for residents in the city of is a total funding allocation of $3 million over two Knox. years; and $4.5 million for Ferntree Gully North Primary School. Those announcements build on other investments this government has made in this year’s state budget. One At a previous election the coalition made a commitment only needs to look at the areas of transport and roads, to upgrade those four schools, and I stressed to the staff and I look at the significant, game-changing at those schools that given the fact that the Labor Party announcement by this government with respect to the was still in power at that time, it was imperative that creation of stage 1 of the east–west link. For residents those schools got a funding commitment from the then from the city of Knox and from the broader eastern government. It is good to get a commitment from an suburbs of Melbourne, when they head into the city via opposition party, but it is more important to get a EastLink and the Eastern Freeway, they know there is a commitment from the incumbent government. The bottleneck every day. This announcement has been challenge was put out to the then Labor government to welcomed by people in my community and welcomed commit to upgrading those four schools, but as we by people within the cities of Whitehorse, Manningham know, like so many schools that were in coalition-held and surrounding municipalities. They know that it is seats, there was significant neglect by the then only a coalition government that will deliver these government, despite the fact that it had promised in the important infrastructure upgrades. I am very pleased to 2006 election to rebuild the schools of Victoria. My see the $294 million in capital investment by this community waited for that commitment, but what did it government that will start the important work to get this get? It got nothing; it did not get a commitment of project under way. 1 cent from the then Labor government. The coalition in opposition committed $15 million, but the Ferntree On top of that we are going to see a contribution of $90 million for targeted road restoration. I know that in Gully North Primary School identified that a rebuild

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2178 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

many parts of rural and regional Victoria — and the parliamentary colleagues, will be highly supportive and minister at the table, the Minister for Sport and commend the member for South Barwon and the Recreation, in his seat of Lowan, would know this government on what they have delivered for Victorians firsthand — there are many kilometres of road urgently and for people in the Geelong community. in need of upgrading that were neglected for many years. The minister knows that this money will provide I am very proud of the fact that this government a real boon for his community to ensure that his roads introduced the necessary changes to the fire services will be adequately upgraded. I congratulate the Minister levy. Many of us in this house understand the inequities for Roads, the member for Polwarth, for his work in associated with the current system. I recall delegations this area. of people visiting me when I was in opposition and advocating a need for change. This issue was raised in There is $52 million for early works to progress the the house. Many of us will remember that the now removal of level crossings. My colleague the member Deputy Premier raised this question with then Premier for Caulfield knows about North Road, Ormond, and John Brumby on numerous occasions, but the former the member for Mitcham knows about Blackburn and Premier was unflinching in his rejection of any change Rooks roads. This is a government that is getting on to the current and soon-to-be-former insurance-based with the job and delivering. It costs a lot of money to levy system. eliminate level crossings. We cannot do them all overnight, but people expect a government to get on I know that residents in my community who have been with the job and do something. Those opposite had paying the fire services levy through their insurance 11 long, dark years, yet what did they do? I think from premiums will now see a reduction in them. They know memory they eliminated two level crossings. This is a that their neighbours who do not currently have home government that in its first three years has been getting and contents insurance will now pay, as will those on with the job and eliminating multiple level companies and businesses — many of them are major crossings. This is a coalition government that is doing businesses — which self-insure or which are insured the heavy lifting, getting on with the job and investing overseas and therefore do not contribute one cent to the money that is needed for important infrastructure. Victoria’s fire services yet still receive the same level of support and assistance from the Metropolitan Fire In terms of rail, half a billion dollars is being invested in Brigade and the Country Fire Authority. This is a very public transport. That is a very significant contribution important change, and I stand in this house today to say by the state government. I am very pleased to see that I am very proud of it. $179 million has been designated for new X’trapolis trains. That is a very important announcement not only As a former Parliamentary Secretary for Health I was for my community and the Belgrave line but also for very pleased to see the government’s provision of the train network throughout Melbourne in terms of funding with respect to our health services. There is enabling a much-needed increase in the number of $426 million of additional funding in this budget and trains operating on it. There is $100 million of work to $1.8 billion over the four years of this term of be done on the Frankston line, which will benefit all the government. As a consequence of this budget we will commuters along it. This is important work that the see the redevelopment of the Royal Victorian Eye and government is undertaking. Ear Hospital. That is a fantastic facility, one at which my mother worked many years ago. It is an important The member for South Barwon should be institution in this state that is going to be redeveloped as congratulated. He is getting the Grovedale railway a consequence of this government’s funding. For station. I listened intently to the contribution of the people in my community and in the cities of greater member for Lara, who I believe represents the Geelong Dandenong, Monash and Kingston, the Monash community, and I was surprised that he was critical of Children’s hospital is a fantastic announcement. It will the establishment of that new station. I thought he deliver 232 paediatric beds to service the growing would have been applauding the government’s population in that community. This is significant. It investment in infrastructure for the Geelong community took this government to deliver that important service. as opposed to being critical of it. You see, those opposite do not understand what they stand for. On the There is a $630 million investment in the new Bendigo one hand they stand up in this place and say, ‘We need hospital. Because this government was diligent in more infrastructure’. Then when it is delivered they are determining the awarding of the contract we will get an critical of it. They cannot have it both ways. I will await extra floor and a helipad built. We managed to get a with bated breath the member for Geelong’s whole lot of additional important space in that structure contribution on the budget. I am sure he, unlike his and all within cost — unlike those opposite, who made

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2179

an announcement that they were going to build a this is going to lead to some terrible social outcomes, desalination plant the cost of which blew out which are already beginning to show. exponentially. There is increasing isolation of families because of a An honourable member — How much does it cost lack of public transport. There are congested roads, each day? with people on the roads travelling to and from work for hours more than necessary, causing problems within Mr WAKELING — Two million dollars a day. We families, anger and expense. There are also limited are going to be paying for it for 30 years. That is a employment opportunities in the area, a problem demonstration of how those opposite manage money. compounded by the announcement of the Ford Motor This government manages money properly, does its Company that it will be closing its plant in homework and is delivering a far better outcome for the Broadmeadows. Many people who work at Ford live in Victorian taxpayer. I stand in this place extremely the Thomastown electorate. The bad signs we see in the proud of the budget that was handed down by the state area, which are in part the result, according to social Treasurer. experts, of this lack of services, are things such as high youth unemployment, increasing family violence, Ms HALFPENNY (Thomastown) — I fear I am disengagement of young people and crime figures that sounding like a broken record. I have spoken on show increasing episodes of assault and crimes coalition budgets on three occasions, and on each involving property such as burglary and theft. These are occasion all I have been able to express is the things we are seeing in the northern suburbs, and disappointment on behalf of the constituents of the this is at least in part a result of the lack of services Thomastown electorate, because yet again there is there. nothing in this budget to support or assist people who live in that electorate or indeed across the northern I want to go through some of the points I have talked suburbs. In fact as far as constituents of the about in terms of requirements for a fair and flourishing Thomastown electorate go, this budget takes from them society, relating to things such as transport, but does not give back anything in return. employment, health and so on. First, in terms of the budget, we can look at the fact that the only figures that The fundamentals of a fair and flourishing society are a seem to be going up represent not spending but taxes, good education system that is accessible to everyone, fees and charges. Vehicle registration costs are going security of employment, transport options that allow up. There are increases in speed camera fines. There are people to move freely in support of the things they need expected revenue increases in stamp duty. We are also to do — whether that be work, recreation or the seeing unemployment figures go up. The necessities of life — a top-quality health-care system unemployment rate in Victoria is at 5.8 per cent, and that can be relied upon and secure housing. These residents in the Thomastown electorate have a rate even things, however, are not being supported in this budget higher than that: 8.4 per cent of the people living in the for people in the northern suburbs. In fact the budget Thomastown electorate are looking for work today. does not give priority to those areas that need it most. On the matter of unemployment, this budget is very The electorate of Thomastown incorporates the last disappointing and highlights the complete lack of established suburbs before the growth corridors of the understanding of or interest in job creation and support. north. Northern suburbs in the Thomastown electorate There are no real initiatives to support job growth or such as Lalor and Thomastown itself adjoin the growth employment; in fact the budget forecasts only a suburbs. We then move into suburbs such as Mernda 0.5 per cent growth in jobs over the period of the and South Morang within the Yan Yean electorate that budget. There is no ongoing jobs plan to support are all considered the most rapidly growing areas in the industries and ongoing work. This is particularly critical northern suburbs and in fact within Victoria as a whole. when we look at the Ford Motor Company plants Those growth corridors are filled with new families that closure in 2016. When, as has been suggested in a have no services or infrastructure to meet their needs, number of reports, the Premier was asked where Ford so residents of the Thomastown electorate are not workers would go once Ford closes the plants, what immune to the effects of this rapidly expanding was the answer from the Premier? It was about the population on the existing services in those established Melbourne Wholesale Fruit Vegetable and Flower suburbs, given also, of course, the needs they have in Market. This answer really demonstrates the extent of the Thomastown area, which is also growing. There is a either disinterest or ignorance — and I do not know chronic lack of services, and social experts are warning which is worse. A jobs plan is urgently needed to identify and support new industries and also existing

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2180 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

industries capable of expansion in the northern suburbs There is a refusal to support the federal Labor initiatives of Melbourne. Victorian youth unemployment is over to reform and improve schools across the country, 20 per cent and rising, yet in the budget the government which jeopardises additional funding from the is cutting funds for youth employment services. commonwealth. The so-called Gonski reforms are not just about money; they are also about implementing One can never give up, however, and we have to keep changes to increase the performance of schools, to help arguing and fighting for people’s rights, so I repeat the schools in their role of supporting students and to call made by the members for Yuroke and increase and improve outcomes for students. Instead the Broadmeadows that this government increase its Liberal state government uses the Gonski report and the contribution to the fund to support manufacturing proposals to reform education as a cynical game of industry job creation in the northern suburbs and in politics, and perhaps it is about ideology as well. Geelong. It ought to increase the amount provided above the measly $9 million that is being offered at the We need jobs, and we need people with the skills to do moment to at least match what Labor is proposing of at those jobs, yet this government is discouraging skills least another $30 million going into that fund to support development. Under its watch one of the first metal job creation in the manufacturing sector. trades apprenticeship training institutions, at RMIT, has closed. In another slap in the face for apprentices this In terms of skills, to compound the lack of interest in budget removes the final payments that were designed jobs and job creation, the government is also turning its to encourage them to complete their training and their back on the education of youth, which will of course apprenticeships. In budget terms the scrapping of this lead to a reduction in job opportunities for the young apprentice bonus program is small change to the people of today. The government has ripped money out government, but for an apprentice who is on $9 an of TAFE. The current budget only partially restores hour, $500 is a lot of money. This government gives money taken under the Baillieu government, and there low priority to education, and it gives no thought to is also this madness of cutting back on general how we will support the manufacturing industry, even education funding, which is causing the axing of many though the Premier crows that the budget is going to programs. In the case of one school in the Thomastown deliver jobs. But what sort of jobs, and where? The electorate at least two teacher positions have not been Premier seems to be suggesting that the government filled, because the school needs that money to maintain will build its way into job creation through the budget, the school grounds. but the funding for infrastructure has actually fallen and most projects nominated in the budget have funds Just as bad is the serious plight of the William Ruthven allocated for studies or planning. Secondary College, which has embraced a new learning model and yet does not have the buildings or In the case of Northern Hospital there is $29 million, infrastructure to implement it. This is a school literally which is a great start, but no works will commence until falling down before the eyes of the students, the the end of 2014 and the funds allocated will not do teachers and other staff. This school should and much more than secure the foundations for the new would — I am sure the Minister for Education would multistorey wing. In health there is the plan to create agree — have a priority in terms of being rebuilt if 32 extra beds at Northern Hospital. While this plan is politics were put to the side and a proper case were put welcomed by those in the electorate, these beds are not up. nearly enough for the rapidly expanding population in the area. The health budget is going down overall, so Mr Weller — You ignored it for 11 years. the concern must be: who will staff those beds? Or will Ms HALFPENNY — And you have been in for a they lie idle because there is not enough money in the number of years, and nothing is changing. So what sort budget to employ the staff that are needed to care for of future Victoria are we looking for? the patients that would be in those beds? I have heard a number of terrible stories from residents about the lack The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! Interjections of services at Northern Hospital and the inability of the are disorderly, and I ask the member not to respond to hospital to cope with an expanding population. For them. example, parents arrived at the emergency department of the hospital with a sick child, only to be told that Ms HALFPENNY — What sort of future is there was a 10-hour wait. In another case a child with Victoria looking for? There are no active job creation an allergic reaction was raced off by ambulance to programs and there is less money to train the upcoming Northern Hospital, but the parents were told there was generations and equip them with the skills and no room and the child was sent into the city for flexibilities needed to work in an economy in transition. treatment.

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2181

Ambulance response times are another sad story in their infringement notices, their court fines, their orders health. Since the coalition was elected ambulance for victim compensation and their civil judgement response times in the Thomastown area have gone up debts, while at the same time better responding to the on average by 3 minutes and 29 seconds. I am happy to needs of those who receive fines or infringement say that next Saturday week I will have the privilege of notices and who have genuine problems such as mental travelling with paramedics on the job on a Saturday health or cognitive impairment problems. night so I can see firsthand the situation they are in, the pressures they have and the hard work that they are A key measure to strengthen support for victims is to doing. extend and boost the operation of victims of crime support services. This includes extending the operation Residents in the Thomastown electorate have also of the victims of crime helpline so that it will now expressed concern to me about the future of Northern operate from 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. seven days a Hospital, because just prior to the budget it was week, including on Saturdays, Sundays and public revealed that there were talks under way for an holidays. Unfortunately crime does not stop on amalgamation of the Austin and Northern hospitals. weekends and public holidays and victims need that There is no money allocated in the budget for this plan. assistance. The initiative will also increase What is going on? Why are the people who use that progressively the number of packages of support hospital kept in the dark and not told where things are available for victims of crime through the victims going? assistance and counselling program — up to 6000 additional packages of support. There are two levels of problems with transport in the Thomastown area. Firstly, no funding has been This key initiative will ensure more help for more allocated to extend existing public transport out to the victims and support the valuable initiative being new suburbs. This means people are driving to train undertaken by Victoria Police through its SupportLink stations in established suburbs such as Thomastown system of electronic referrals whereby police can pass and Lalor and parking there. It is impossible to get on directly to the help service information provided to parking unless you arrive well before 7.00 a.m. This police by victims of crime so that victims can then be creates other problems, with people parking their cars directly contacted. The pilot has been an enormous in local streets and shopping centres, which means success, and it is now going to be deployed statewide. others cannot park there to do their normal business. When the Melbourne Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable The budget provides $47.7 million over the next four Market opens, there will be another major transport years and $10.9 million per annum on an ongoing basis problem, which is how to cater for the additional to support our courts to meet the demands and need for commercial transport that will drive down Cooper their services, including funding for the Neighbourhood Street. There is a big push by locals, the council and Justice Centre and funding to support the Assessment community groups for an off-ramp from the ring-road and Referral Court list. There is increased funding to to O’Hearns Road, but unfortunately this has not been Victoria Legal Aid’s base budget of $13.7 million over considered in this budget. All I can say on behalf of the the forward estimates period and around $3.5 million people who live in the Thomastown electorate is that ongoing, which will increase the capacity of Victoria they have been dudded. No services will be provided Legal Aid to respond to growing demand and growing through this budget to support their needs. Therefore case complexity. There is also $6.5 million for we say: shame on the government on this budget. enhancing court IT and facilities.

Mr CLARK (Attorney-General) — I am pleased to The budget strengthens the work of the asset support the Appropriation (2013–2014) Bill 2013 and confiscation scheme by providing $6.9 million a year in the budget. I wish to inform the house of some of the ongoing funding in particular to crack down on serious initiatives and activities within the Attorney-General’s criminal activity and to seek to drive home even more portfolio that are being supported as a result of this state to those who might be minded to engage in crime that budget. The new initiatives in the budget are crime does not pay, and that not only do criminal concentrated on four objectives: first of all, providing sanctions follow but those who engage in serious and more services to support victims of crime; secondly, organised crime are exposed to having their ill-gotten supporting the courts and Victoria Legal Aid; thirdly, gains forfeited, seized and made available to the state to strengthening the asset confiscation regime for the help offset the consequences of their crimes. seizure of the proceeds of crime; and, fourthly, reforming the system for the collection of legal debt in The initiative to reform how legal debt is collected is a Victoria. This objective is to ensure that people pay major reform in an area long neglected by the previous

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2182 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

government. Recurrent funding of $19.8 million over focused support to our courts. A bit later I will touch on four years and $9.4 million per annum ongoing when some of the excellent work that has been undertaken in these reforms are fully operational will enable a our courts in recent times. dramatic transformation of our fines and legal debt collection system so that it will be based on tracking We also have commencing on 1 July substantial individuals and their obligations rather than being a reforms to jury directions aimed at simplifying jury transactions-based approach. That will mean that the directions to avoid the potential for errors of law, to sheriff and his or her officers can target those persons give clearer guidance to jurors and to shorten the time who are running up large amounts of fines and trying to taken for jury directions and therefore hopefully evade their responsibilities while if someone — due to provide more just as well as more timely outcomes. mental health, cognitive impairment or some other These are reforms that the judiciary and others involved good reason — is repeatedly being issued with with the legal system have been seeking for many infringements there is a problem and a real human years. These reforms have had strong support and being will be able to look at the situation of that contributions from members of the judiciary and should individual and take action to help tackle the causes of make a very substantial contribution to improving the what is leading the person to be issued with those fines. operation of our courts and ensuring that those who need to be brought to justice are brought to justice. On top of these new initiatives in this year’s state budget, the money being provided to support areas We have also reformed working-with-children check within my portfolio responsibility on an ongoing basis legislation to ensure that primacy is given to the is being used to undertake a wide range of reforms interests of children and their families when decisions which seek to strengthen the operation of our justice are made about whether or not to issue a system to support the activities of our courts so that working-with-children check. We have introduced those who offend are held to account and so that people extensive reforms to civil procedure in relation to needing to have their disputes adjudicated in the courts expert evidence and cost reforms as well as reforms to can get access to the courts on a timely basis. criminal procedure in relation to appeals and aggregate sentences and sexual offence proceedings in relation to A range of legislation has been brought before this the conduct of special hearings that will reduce house. The Criminal Organisations Control Act 2012 duplication in the taking of evidence from children and delivers on the government’s election commitment to witnesses with cognitive impairments. legislate to allow criminal bikie and similar gangs to be outlawed. The Parliament has now passed legislation We have strengthened the capacity of courts to make that will abolish all remaining suspended sentences in orders against offenders to pay compensation to their Victoria so that jail will mean jail, and we will drive victims and give victims a greater say in sentencing home that very clear message to would-be offenders. when sentencing indications are sought by accused persons. We have established a highly successful At the same time, our extensive reforms to Victims of Crime Consultative Committee, with community-based orders through the introduction of representatives from the judiciary and other community correction orders is now being fully professionals involved in the justice system and from a deployed and enhanced. Where in particular cases a wide range of victims. Already in its early days this judge or magistrate does not believe a custodial committee is generating a wide range of potential sentence is appropriate, they will now have a far wider reforms so the justice system will operate more fairly range of options available to them to better protect the and with greater consideration of the situation of community and send offenders the message that their victims. actions have consequences and, as we have said, to put real teeth back into community-based sentencing. We have undertaken a range of reforms to the area of family violence not only in my portfolio but across We have legislation currently before the house to crack government. We have introduced legislation, and the down on those who seek to abuse bail. We have Parliament has passed it, that creates new indictable legislation commencing from 1 July which will mean offences for repeated or serious breaches of family that those who inflict gross violence on innocent violence intervention orders and safety notices. We victims can expect to spend at least four years behind have also extended the operation of family violence bars unless there is a genuinely special reason indeed. safety notices from three days to five days. The We have established within the Department of Justice a Parliament has supported our legislation to establish courts and tribunals service, a freestanding division of reserve judicial officers whereby judicial officers acting the department that will provide better and more on a short-term basis is confined to those who have

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2183

formerly been tenured judicial officers, thus Across the board there is work being done by the courts overcoming a great threat to the standing of the and within the Attorney-General’s portfolio to judiciary under the previous Labor government’s acting strengthen the operation of our criminal justice system judges regime. in order to ensure that it operates more effectively to deter offending, protect the community from violent I will make a few brief remarks about some of the and other dangerous offenders, ensure that justice is excellent work being undertaken by our courts and done in a timely manner, strengthen facilities within the improvements to the facilities available to them. In the courts and ensure that courts can more closely attend to William Cooper Justice Centre a new mega-trials the needs of victims. courtroom has recently been opened. It was constructed rapidly over the last summer with enormous Mr TREZISE (Geelong) — As I stand to speak on cooperation and effective collaboration between the Appropriation (2013–2014) Bill 2013 I do so Department of Justice staff, court staff, Hansen obviously from the perspective of my electorate of Yuncken, the builders, their subcontractors and many Geelong. As you, Acting Speaker, and members of this other people. The result is a courtroom which one house well know, we heard the tragic announcement senior judicial officer has described as the best this week that Target has commenced the process of mega-trials courtroom that that judicial officer has seen making redundant 216 employees from its head office anywhere in the world. in Geelong. This is tragic news for the individuals involved. It is a predominantly female administration We have recently opened a new model conferencing workforce, and there are more than 1000 employees at centre for the Children’s Court at 436 Lonsdale Street. Target’s head office in Geelong. Again, this is a superbly constructed facility which, according to all reports, is doing excellent work in Target has been an institution in Geelong. It originated helping to resolve in a focused way and with full regard in Geelong in the 1970s, having come out of the old for the interests of the child many of the child Lindsay and McKenzie stores. The sad news this week protection matters that have been brought before the has rocked not only those individuals who are Children’s Court. employed at Target but also the community. As we are all aware, it comes on top of the announcement by Ford As I mentioned, there is funding in the budget to tackle a couple weeks ago that it will be making something long-running IT problems in the courts, particularly the like 1000 of its employees redundant, with more than County Court’s ancient case and list management 550 of these coming from the Geelong plant. There is system. The Supreme Court has undertaken excellent also the closure of the Shell refinery. Shell announced work on developing the RedCrest document less than 12 months ago that it intends to close its management software system. We committed funds to refinery, and it is currently up for sale. As a community the refurbishment of the Wangaratta Magistrates Court, we hope that something comes out of that. On top of and that work is now well advanced, as is planning for that, Alcoa has given no real commitment beyond the substantial construction of a new facility at the 2016, or even earlier than that. These are hard times in Bendigo court. CCTV is also being deployed at many Geelong. courthouses across country Victoria after security was badly neglected under the previous government. Geelong is a resilient community. We have been through hard times in the past, and we will continue to The Supreme Court reforms aimed at reducing delays tackle the issues that confront us at the present time. We in criminal appeals have been remarkably successful, were just talking about Target. I know of families and with the support of the government the court is now where the mother worked at Target and the father looking at similar reforms to civil appeals processes. worked at Ford or Shell or Alcoa, and there will be a lot The court is also strengthening the operation of its of stress and pressure in those families. Our sympathies commercial court. The Coroners Court is undertaking go out to those workers and their families, but as I said extensive reforms to how it operates in order to in my members statement this morning sympathy does improve services and responses to those families where not pay the rent and will not put your kids through loved ones have been tragically killed or have passed school. away. As I have mentioned, the Children’s Court is introducing new model conferences and responding to It really falls back on the state government to write a the Cummins report. The County Court has introduced jobs plan, not only for Geelong but for Victoria and its extensive reforms to how it handles the cases that are regional centres. Given that this is a major issue in committed to it. Geelong, I again call on this government to provide or develop a jobs plan. I say this in all fairness: instead of

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2184 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

acting in an ad hoc or knee-jerk way this government have been made redundant could provide retraining and should be getting on the front foot and acting reskilling for the Ford and Target employees who have proactively. It could do so if it had a jobs plan, but in been made redundant. The very people, the teachers at the two and a half years the government has had the TAFE, who should be at the coalface providing training chance to develop a jobs plan it has failed to do so. to the workers who have been made redundant, at Ford and at Target in this instance, have themselves been The state government has contributed $9 million to the made redundant because of cuts by this government, recovery or rescue package, with the federal and that is a disgrace. It is a disgrace because retraining government kicking in $30 million, and I applaud that and reskilling will be at the core of ensuring that these contribution. I know even as we speak the community people find employment into the future. leaders of Geelong are meeting to look at how that package will be spent to assist Ford workers and how I have been calling on the government for years to we can integrate that money to assist, in this instance, provide funding for Geelong High School, which is a the workers at Target. There is a jobs package on the great school. It received funding from the Bracks and table at the present time, and I applaud that. But I Brumby governments, and prior to the 2010 election we implore the government to develop a jobs plan so that had approved the master plan for the school. Following instead of reacting to these announcements it can get the 2010 election this government has not funded the itself on the front foot to the benefit of all workers in master plan. The Minister for Education visited Geelong — not only Ford and Target workers — and Geelong High School a number of years ago and across Victoria who may find themselves in this promised the world but has failed to deliver. situation. I am not the only one saying that. Ingrid Stitt of the Australian Services Union (ASU), which is the I raised the matter of Montpellier Primary School in the union that represents — — adjournment debate last night. The school has not received any funding from this government. The school Honourable members interjecting. sits on the boundary of the Geelong and South Barwon electorates, and its catchment picks up students from Mr TREZISE — Members scoff at the mention of both electorates. I have said in the past, and I will say it the ASU. The ASU represents the workers at Target, again, I am more than willing to work in a bipartisan who are predominantly female. Ingrid Stitt does a great way with the member for South Barwon, who is in the job for the workers at Target. In a media release chamber, to ensure that Montpellier Primary School Ms Stitt has said that the ASU has: picks up funding. I can go right through the primary schools that received funding under the Bracks and … called on the state government to take the lead on job creation in regional centres like Geelong. Brumby governments, beginning in the east with East Geelong, Tait Street, South Geelong and extending into ‘We need a plan for job creation in Geelong that includes the Newtown and Ashby primary schools. We are relying service sector. The state government must take a leadership on this government, the Minister for Education and the role in carving out jobs and industries of the future. member for South Barwon to provide some type of ‘The highly skilled staff losing their jobs today from Target assistance to ensure we get funding for Montpellier deserve nothing less’. Primary School, which is a great little school.

I fully support the ASU in its call for the state In talking about teachers, only last Thursday night there government to develop a jobs plan for Geelong. was a community cabinet meeting at the town hall in Geelong. Ministers should have come outside and met My concern also goes to education. Let us turn our with all the teachers who were protesting outside the minds to TAFE, and this ties in with what I have just town hall, concerned that the government is yet to sign been talking about. As part of a rescue package and to up to the Gonski reforms. The government is playing assist workers who have been made redundant, it is politics with our children’s lives, and if the ministers important that we provide reskilling and retraining. In had come out and spoken to the teachers that night, I Geelong, Gordon TAFE should be and will be a key can assure them they would have heard very loud provider of quality reskilling and retraining for these concerns expressed by teachers in the Geelong employees, but because of this government the TAFE community. has been put behind the eight ball with regard to providing some form of training. We have seen It would have been the same if they had spoken to the $27 million ripped out of Gordon TAFE by this emergency services workers — the Country Fire government, and as a result of that 90 teachers were Authority (CFA) fireys — who were outside protesting made redundant. The irony is that those teachers who against the government last Thursday night. I have met

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2185

with the full-time fireys at the Geelong and Corio like Geelong, and they were an important part of the stations. They are concerned about the millions of Geelong community in tackling violence on our streets. dollars that have been ripped out of the emergency My major concern is jobs in Geelong. In the last services by this government over the last three budgets. 10 seconds of my contribution I reiterate that I call on Firefighters at the Corio station are calling for at least this government to at least establish a jobs plan so that two more staff. The station has a Hazmat truck that is a as a community we can tackle the issue of jobs in a 1986 model. There is currently a brand-new Hazmat proactive way. truck rusting in a paddock at Fiskville up near Ballan. It should be at Corio, but it is at Fiskville because at the Mr BAILLIEU (Hawthorn) — I am pleased to rise present time there are not enough staff at Corio to to speak about the budget. I want to make a number of ensure that the vehicle can be manned when there is an points, but I think the context of this budget is crucial. It emergency, as there was some time last week at Lara is crucial for Victorians and for the Parliament to where there was an incident with chemicals. The understand the context. Very seldom in post-war Hazmat truck was delayed in getting there — I think by history has there been a greater need for governments to 1 1 ⁄2 hours if not more — because of a lack of staff at adopt a responsible approach to financial management. Corio. That is not just in this state, it is worldwide. The shrinkage of economies in Europe, in some parts of If the cabinet ministers at Geelong last Thursday had Asia and in the US reinforces that. We have seen it spoken to the CFA workers, they would have heard come to the fore in Australia and in Australian states about the concerns of the Corio station workers. When over the last couple of years. The need is for we are talking about the Hazmat vehicle at Corio, of responsible financial management, as we said it would course a stone’s throw from that station there are be when we came to government. industrial sites such as the Shell terminal and the terminal’s storage plant, and not too far away there is a The priority of this government following its election in proposal for a chemical plant in Roseneath Street, 2010 was to ensure responsible financial management. North Geelong. There are plans to install a plant that When we came to office we faced a budget which had a will carry something like 5 million litres of flammable very substantial billion-dollar structural deficit, which liquid and 750 000 litres of corrosive chemicals. From had previously only been propped up by one-offs from Geelong’s perspective it is important that the Corio the commonwealth government. We faced a rapidly station has extra staff to ensure that vehicles such as the rising debt profile, massive cuts from the Hazmat chemicals vehicle can be deployed there. commonwealth in the GST and other areas, and huge cost overruns in major projects. These were all In the couple of minutes I have left I also want to significant challenges. The government first of all mention that we still have issues with violence on adopted a responsible financial management approach Geelong’s streets. For example, there was a 36 per cent to those challenges, ensuring that we built budget increase in street assaults last year, a lot of them alcohol capacity, focused on productivity, sought new markets fuelled. The Geelong community, together with and provided assistance where it was needed in these organisations like the Geelong Nightlife Association challenging times. and the City of Greater Geelong, has worked hard to address this issue. We had four liquor licensing I draw one simple conclusion about this budget, which inspectors in Geelong who were at the coalface in is that it represents a deep commitment to responsible tackling the issue of alcohol-fuelled crime and working financial management. We are leading all Australian with the nightclubs to tackle that issue, but in its states and the commonwealth in that respect. We have wisdom this government has decided to rip those been saying it for a number of years. I congratulate the licensing inspectors out of Geelong and take them back Premier and the Treasurer on the work they have done. to the head office in Richmond. I think there are They picked up the baton midstream in this budget 12 inspectors across regional Victoria who for whatever process, yet they have adopted that commitment to reason — and I cannot understand this — have been responsible financial management, and I congratulate taken back to head office in Richmond. This has been a them on this budget. We said we would meet these setback in the community of Geelong’s fight against challenges. We said we would fix the problems and alcohol-fuelled street violence. build for the future, and this budget is doing just that. We have restored the basic stability of the budget in I call on this government to at least revisit that decision Victoria, and that was an important step. There are still and place those liquor licensing inspectors not only challenges nevertheless, but we are now in the phase back in Geelong but also back in regional Victoria. where we can focus on doing exactly what this budget They understood the concerns and the hot spots in areas is about, which is building for growth.

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2186 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

This budget is a responsible budget. It demonstrates level, and we sought the information and detail that was that by providing a surplus and a continuing surplus necessary. Twelve months ago we put on the table a into the out years. And it achieves that by ensuring that proposition to take the NDIS agency to Geelong. We debt levels come down over future years. The budget put it on the table with $25 million. We were out there provides a record level of infrastructure spending of doing what was necessary 12 months ago. We met over $6 billion, having grown from last year. It resistance and politics from the commonwealth. I will provides additional money for health, education, basic leave that aside and simply say that we are pleased that services and other significant commitments. Other the agency will be in Geelong. We have held to that members have spoken at length on those issues. The commitment, and we will continue to do so. Victorian government’s budget position is AAA-rated, with a stable outlook, and we are the only state in We have taken the lead on many other issues. We took Australia to be in that situation. Not only that, but over the lead on the child abuse inquiry. I congratulate all the the forward estimates there is only one state that has members on both sides of the house who are members budget surpluses predicted for those four years and in of that parliamentary committee that has done such an aggregate as well. I will come back to the other states. exemplary job. There were many critics at the time, but We have a stable outlook and are AAA-rated, and in I do not think there are too many critics now. That these circumstances that is a great positive. process has worked well, and it will service the national royal commission. Along the way we have met our commitments, introduced significant reforms and led the way on many We have led the way on other important issues in issues. We have fulfilled many promises, including the regard to productivity — on occupational health and reduction in stamp duty for first home buyers; the safety, construction costs and industrial relations — and provision of energy concessions 12 months of the year; again we have met resistance from the commonwealth. the halving of ambulance subscriptions; the We have led the way on teacher reform. The proposed introduction of more police and protective services reforms we are talking about are leading the debate officers, which has been so warmly welcomed by the nationally, and I commend the minister responsible for community at each station; the introduction of the Teaching Profession on them. hoon-driving laws; the addressing of community safety As I said, we have met our promises, introduced issues; the delivery of 1000 more train services, and I again congratulate the Minister for Public Transport on reforms, led the way and taken the responsible that; the implementation of the Regional Growth Fund; approach to budgeting. As the Premier highlighted the building of hospitals; and the record spend on before, when it comes to infrastructure we have infrastructure. Those are the commitments that we likewise put on the table key infrastructure commitments to deal with problems that were not made, and the commitments that we continue to honour. addressed in the 11 years of the previous government. The important east–west link will proceed, with the first Along the way there have been significant reforms, and and second stages being mapped out at the same time. the Premier spoke about this earlier. The new fire The Melbourne Metro rail tunnel project has been services levy is the most significant tax reform in this revised, with the plan now being more workable, and it state for decades, and it is being done under this too will be pursued. government and being reinforced through this budget process. There is also the introduction of the There are also important infrastructure projects for Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, roads, which the Premier spoke about, the important list of hospitals, additional schools and the port of Hastings. the commitment to the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission recommendations and all of those These projects are based on the government’s recommendations being honoured in this budget. commitment to grow for the future and to build for this growth. These are the very things that budgets are We have done the hard work and taken a responsible meant to serve. approach, and we have led the way. I listened to the contribution of the member for Geelong. I respect the I reflect for a moment on the other part of the member for Geelong, but I heard him say that we responsibility, because this is not to say that there are should be taking a lead. We have been taking a lead, not still challenges; there are. There are challenges for and here I refer to the national disability insurance every government in this country and worldwide. We recognise those challenges, and dealing with them is scheme (NDIS). We took the lead on the NDIS in opposition. We took the lead in regard to a trial in the what a responsible budget is about. Barwon region. We prosecuted that case at a national

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2187

The future will be as important, in terms of the This is a responsible budget that will bring stability. We circumstances of prospective budgets, as anything else. should be proud of Victoria’s situation and recognise We can expect there to be a tighter economic and address the challenges ahead. That is necessary to framework worldwide and in this country in the future. deliver the services and infrastructure which are so We should expect tighter revenues and a focus on cost essential. control. We should expect our relationships with our Asian neighbours to become more and more important. It would be remiss of me not to remark on the budget’s We should expect our relationship to the US to become impact on my electorate of Hawthorn. I am delighted more important as it recovers, as it is so good at that the commitment we made in opposition to support recovering from such problems quickly. Those funding for a rebuild of Auburn Primary School will be relationships will be vital. That is why this government met, with some $4 million going to vital facilities at the has started to pursue trade engagement at an school. I cannot tell members how grateful and pleased international level, and will continue to do so, in a way members of the school community were when they got that no other government in Australia has ever that news. contemplated or succeeded in doing. We have succeeded in doing it. Another trade mission will leave There are also substantial commitments to the for South-East Asia soon, and there will be others to Boroondara library service. Anybody who has a follow. substantial library in their electorate would appreciate that continuing funding. There are small commitments Common-sense budgeting will be necessary. Do not for my electorate as well. There will be an upgrade to spend more than you have and do not borrow more than an essential piece of community infrastructure — a you can afford; it is a simple recipe, and it will become pedestrian-access tunnel between Grace Park and more and more important. What will be at a premium in Lynch Street under the railway line that cuts through future budgets and future government operations the electorate of Hawthorn — to address safety around the country will be a focus on confidence, concerns. Again, this has been very well received. certainty and responsibility. We only have to glance at the other states to recognise that Victoria’s budget I also want to comment on the progress of the transition position is so much stronger than theirs. We have kept of Hawthorn Secondary College, a substantial education facility which will close at the end of the year an eye on that over the last few years. To see that, we only have to turn to those governments in Australia that and reopen next year as Auburn High School, directly have released their budgets — Western Australia and across the road from Auburn South Primary School, New South Wales are still to come, but South Australia which is a fantastic primary school. For a variety of now has a budget deficit of over $1 billion. Next year reasons Hawthorn Secondary College has struggled, but the school community, the local community, the Queensland will have a budget deficit of over $7 billion, the Northern Territory will have a budget broader community and the Boroondara City Council deficit of over $1 billion and the ACT will have a have come together and provided the opportunity and budget deficit of $250 million. impetus to create the new Auburn High School. The new school will be focused on maths, science and It is going to be increasingly important to focus on technology, but it will also have an additional stream certainty, confidence and sustainable and responsible focused on language education, in particular French — budgeting, and that is what we have done. Again I picking up on Camberwell Primary School’s immersion commend the Premier, the Treasurer and the cabinet on program — but also Mandarin. There could be no continuing that mission. greater commitment to our need to address the issues with our relationship with China in particular. That will I turn to the federal budget. A budget surplus was also pick up needs out of the cities of Yarra and promised for this year, but it will not occur. Indeed, the Stonnington. I am delighted that that is proceeding and 2012–13 deficit is now $19 billion, to be followed by that there is so much commitment to it. an $18 billion deficit in 2013–14. Again, there is still more to be done. There are issues Looking at some of the commentary about the basis for around Robert Cochrane Kindergarten — we will a return to surplus in those jurisdictions, much of that is continue to pursue those — and about access to the land focused on estimates of a dramatic recovery in the around Hawthorn West Primary School and the future, but no economists are talking about a dramatic Hawthorn community house, which is such an recovery — they are talking about the need to grow important facility. This is a responsible budget from a responsibly, and that is what we will seek to do. government that takes the responsibility before it very seriously. We are leading the way in Australia. That is

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2188 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

not to say there will not be challenges in the future but I am not going to criticise the government for having this government is up to those challenges. I made this investment. I simply say that I think it is congratulate the Treasurer and the Premier. perhaps too late and that there are some questions about whether adequate funding will be provided to meet the Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — I am surging and growing demand for specialist paediatric thrown a bit by the minister at the table, the Minister for services at Southern Health. If we look at Southern Innovation, Services and Small Business, who is Health’s emergency departments and its elective assuring me she is very confident that my speech will surgery waiting lists, we see that many of the other be a very good one. That is very generous of her. metrics that define its performance are worse today than they were when this government came to office. An honourable member — Tongue in cheek! My local community is angry about that, as am I. We Mr ANDREWS — Perhaps it was — much like were promised that all of the challenges — and there large slabs of this budget. are many in our health system, and certainly in our biggest health service — would not just be focused on, I am pleased to follow the member for Hawthorn, who that there would not just be a little bit done and a little was very generous in his commentary on the budget. bit of improvement but that the problems were going to However, I find that I will not be able to be as generous be fixed. There is no evidence that those problems have as he has been. He finished by talking about his been fixed on so many measures in terms of health care electorate and his local community, of which he is a in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. proud advocate. I want to speak about my electorate a little bit firstly and then I want to speak in broad terms In my electorate and in my community of Mulgrave about where I think this budget fails to deliver on so those metrics, that performance, is worse today, not many of the promises and so much of the rhetoric the better, than when this government came to office. That government has traded in both in campaigning for is fixing nothing, and I submit to the house as we office and since assuming it. It has traded in rhetoric debate this important budget bill that the government’s that I do not think is borne out by decisions in this cutbacks totalling more than $800 million in health and budget and by its performance in so many of the service added to in this year’s budget make challenging delivery categories that define this Parliament, circumstances even worse. Patients and their loved ones governance and government in our state. and people in my local community in a broad sense are very angry and upset about the deterioration in the From a local point of view there is very little in this health system and the fact that in this budget rather than budget to support hardworking families in the changing its ways the government is simply continuing Mulgrave electorate or in the suburbs that make up the a culture of cutbacks and insufficient funding. This is a electorate where I am privileged and honoured to be the complete refusal, an institutional refusal, to fund health member. Also, for someone who lives in that properly. community there is very little investment in the services that matter so much to the community I am proud to be The same can be said in relation to education. Like a part of. I will give a couple of examples. Southern many members on both sides of the house, I spend a lot Health, our biggest health service, is doing it very of time at my local schools visiting with the school tough. While there is pleasingly a commitment, albeit leadership, talking to principals, talking to staff, talking for very small amounts of money in the initial years, to to parents and talking to kids. There is a great sense of the development of the Monash Children’s hospital, disappointment at the loss of so much of the that project is proceeding some years later than it ought momentum that has been built up over a long period of to have been started. There is some doubt about that time in terms of the school capital works through project. Senior clinicians and others at Southern Health targeted and focused programs to make sure every child are, I think, concerned that if only the amount of money gets every chance. promised about the time of the election were to be I am proud to be the member for Mulgrave. My provided, given that costs have escalated and there has community is a proud community. However, I know been a growth in demand, the full scope of services the community, and I do not think people will mind if I may not be able to be delivered to the kids of both my acknowledge that there are many people in that local community, the community of the Acting Speaker community who do it tough. For those people school is and communities right throughout Gippsland. The kids often the most stable, the most significant and the most in the whole of the east of our state will use this powerful force in the lives of their kids. When you important resource. make changes to the education maintenance allowance, when you make changes to the School Focused Youth

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2189

Service and you gut it, and when you make it harder for It does not matter how many glossy pamphlets are put schools to get support from the region for Reading out or how many diagrams have a big long line running Recovery programs, that is not leadership. That is not through them when only one-third of it is funded, if making a proud community with challenges more able that. That is not the honesty and leadership that were to grasp the opportunities that belong to that promised, and it does not align with the rhetoric and community. spin that the Premier and so many other members of the government have traded in so actively, certainly in the I speak on behalf of both my own community and the last 100 days but some might argue for the last two and many other communities that in my role as Leader of a half years. the Opposition I have visited for almost three years. There is a long list of educational opportunities that Not many people in my electorate are impressed by a have been missed. There is a long list of cutbacks that tunnel that will run between Clifton Hill and have hurt schools in my community — a very long list. Flemington when there is no sense of how it might be That is what parent communities tell me, that is what paid for. You can talk about how it links up to CityLink school leadership tells me and that is what these budget in the hope that the people in the south-east will papers tell me. There is but a fraction of the capital somehow be convinced that it is going to benefit the works our government and our side of politics invested Monash–West Gate corridor. People in my electorate in over a long period of time. There are savage cutbacks are a bit smarter than that, Acting Speaker. I think that I think make it harder for dedicated educators to people in your electorate might be too. give our kids the best chance and the opportunity to grasp and have the life opportunities they ought to be There are a lot of questions about this and very few entitled to. answers. There is lots of big talk and big rhetoric, but at the end of the day big talk and big rhetoric will not get If I look at my local community and the issues around you home to your family sooner. It will not improve transport and roads, there is very little investment in productivity and efficiency in our economy, and it will things like expanded bus services, roads and other not deal with so many of the challenges. They are not transport infrastructure. If I look at my community and abstract, and they are not about the political contest; in perhaps a broader sense the region, there is very little they are real challenges, and they are not made easier investment, very little to impress anyone caught in by big talk from political leaders. I think that is a pretty traffic congestion and very little to impress anyone who obvious point. In terms of my local community I could is interested in these sorts of mobility, productivity and go on and list many other areas where there is harm transport issues. caused by this budget either through further cutbacks or no support, so through inaction opportunities are lost, That brings me to the centrepiece, as the government making challenging times even harder. likes to call it, on which I will say a few words. Apparently it is nation building, galaxy building — lots I will finish because I am keen to give others an of grandiose language has been used to describe the opportunity to speak and because in my role as leader so-called east–west tunnel. There is not much west in it; of the Labor Party I have had a bit to say about the it is the east–east tunnel, I think. And apparently you budget over the last few weeks. I might just end with can get a tunnel for $6 billion to $8 billion. There is this. For two and a half years I have called for, industry something sound about being able to cost something has called for and my colleagues have called for a within a $2 billion margin of error. It is $6 billion to comprehensive, targeted, effective jobs plan. Our side $8 billion for about $300 million. You apparently can of politics has done a lot of hard work to deliver such a spend this amount of taxpayers money, or incur debt or plan. Others can mock that; that is fine. But I tell you liabilities to the state, without a business case and what, big talk that denies the reality that we face a jobs without demonstrating to the people of Geelong, crisis in this state is no comfort to workers at Target, at Ballarat, the west of our state and our city why the east Ford, at Bosch or at National Foods — the list goes on has been prioritised over the west. You do not need to and on and on. The issue here is that the budget, for the answer any of the important questions, such as how it third year in a row, fails that most fundamental of could be paid for; you barely need to say where it is tests — that is, to lay down a plan to secure jobs and to going to go. You do not need to explain why you have create jobs. This is a government that refuses to work made this decision to prioritise one end over the other, hard to keep Victorians in work, and for that it stands basically consigning the western section of this corridor condemned. to oblivion, as it is years and years away. I am sorry if I cannot be as generous about this budget as the member for Hawthorn so eloquently was earlier,

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

2190 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

but that would be to betray the facts as I know them. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE This is a budget that is bad for Mulgrave and its proud people and a budget that is bad for this state. 83BAmbulance services: funding

Ms WREFORD (Mordialloc) — I rise in support of Mr NARDELLA (Melton) — My question is to the the Appropriation (2013–2014) Bill 2013. This is a Premier. I again refer the Premier to the case of Joanne budget which is about building for growth, and the and Liliana Vella and to his answer yesterday, when he people of the Mordialloc district are very pleased with refused to even acknowledge their story, their trauma, the first budget handed down by our new Treasurer. It their family’s trauma and the failure of the ambulance has been very well received. It is a budget that is based system. Will the Premier now add to his answer, and on sound economic principles, which is important in will he acknowledge this case and fully investigate it? planning for the future of this state. We cannot, as the former government liked to do, keep borrowing forever Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the and ever. We have to have sound financial principles. honourable member for Melton for his question. I have been able to seek advice on this case from Ambulance It is a budget which is designed to set Victoria up to be Victoria, which has advised me that it is examining this prosperous and to meet the challenges presented by our case in consultation with the Emergency Services significant and growing population. The electorate of Telecommunications Authority (ESTA). This is a case Mordialloc is an electorate which feels that growth. The of some concern to Ambulance Victoria and to us as the population within the electorate is growing as our government. This matter is being examined by suburbs regenerate. The quarter-acre block of land with Ambulance Victoria in association with ESTA. a small house on it is making way for blocks with medium density housing on them and in some cases 84BEconomy: growth housing complexes. This is increasing our population. Not only that, but the population in the suburbs around Mr TILLEY (Benambra) — My question is to the my electorate is growing, particularly in the outer Treasurer. Can the Treasurer update the house on how suburbs past Mordialloc, which in turn generates road the economic policies of the Victorian coalition traffic and train passengers through my electorate. government are driving growth and promoting productivity in Victoria? When I was elected to Parliament and the coalition formed government it was clear that the Mordialloc Mr O’BRIEN (Treasurer) — I thank the member electorate was feeling that growth and that it was not as for Benambra for his question and for his interest in prepared as it should have been. Many things had been making sure that the Victorian economy grows. Last neglected by the previous government, and some things month I handed down the coalition’s third budget, a were clearly missing. The three things that stood out to budget entitled Building for Growth, a budget with a me were the pathetic state of the Frankston railway line, $6.1 billion infrastructure program. In that budget we the lack of action on the Dingley bypass and the needs forecast a growing economy and growing employment. in our local schools. The Dingley bypass had been I am delighted to inform the house that today the promised by the former government in 1999, yet Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force figures for nothing had happened. May showed that the Victorian economy grew 11 400 jobs in the month of May — the greatest While this budget does wonderful things for Victoria, employment growth of any state in the country in May. such as the east–west link, it delivers many things In fact the whole national economy grew only which are important to my community and are close to 1100 jobs; we contributed 11 400 jobs extra. home. For the Mordialloc electorate it delivers $100 million to upgrade the Frankston railway line, Our unemployment rate fell from 5.8 per cent to 5.4 per funding for the Southland railway station, $2 million to cent — the second lowest in the country. This is good build a Victorian certificate of education centre at news for Victoria; you would think it was Parkdale Secondary College, the next round of funding unambiguously good news for Victoria. In fact in May for the Dingley bypass, the Monash Children’s hospital Victoria was the only state in the country to have an and many other projects. unemployment rate lower than that of 12 months ago, and this is where the people are looking for work, or are Sitting suspended 1.00 p.m. to 2.02 p.m. going to be looking for work. The fact that we have a Victorian economy which is growing, where businesses Business interrupted under standing orders. have got confidence to invest and to grow, means that there will be more opportunities for Victorians to find

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2191

jobs in the future. That is good news. We acknowledge Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the there are some people in Geelong, with Ford and with honourable member for his question. When these Target, and in Broadmeadows who are facing matters are raised, they need to be properly and difficulties, but we are committed to growing the thoroughly investigated. When we do investigate them economy and to putting on more jobs so that there will we sometimes find that the allegations made are be more opportunities for those people to find jobs into accurate and have some basis and sometimes we find the future. that there is no basis for them. Indeed yesterday the Leader of the Opposition said that an ambulance crew This comes on the back of the recent national accounts was forced to wait with a patient at the Austin Hospital figures, which showed that Victoria led the country in emergency department from 10.30 p.m. until midnight. terms of growth in state final demand. It comes on the back of export figures showing that while exports grew Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, under at an average of 1.1 per cent across the country, standing order 58 the Premier is trying to debate a Victorian exports grew by 5.3 per cent. It comes on the question from yesterday. Can he please come back to back of yesterday’s figures, when the answering the question asked by the Leader of the Westpac-Melbourne Institute released the consumer Opposition today? sentiment index for June: Australian consumer sentiment rose by 4.7 per cent, and Victorian consumer The SPEAKER — Order! I ask that the Premier sentiment rose by 9.2 per cent. We have more confident come back to answering the question with regard to the consumers, we are seeing an increase in business incident that has been raised today. investment, we are seeing an increase in jobs in Victoria and we are doing this because we have got an Dr NAPTHINE — I respond by saying that that economic strategy in place to grow the economy and matter will be investigated. We are saying that we are grow jobs. providing more resources for Ambulance Victoria. I am also suggesting that sometimes the allegations made do Some people think you can have a jobs plan absent not have foundation. Indeed in the Bendigo Advertiser knowing how to grow the economy. You cannot have a of 16 December 2008 the Leader of the Opposition, jobs plan unless you have got a strategy to grow the who was then Minister for Health, economy, and that is why we have a budget that is said — — building for growth. That is why we have got a $6.1 billion infrastructure program, that is why we are Mr Andrews — On a point of order, Speaker, I committed to projects like the east–west link, a simply refer you to your earlier ruling that the Premier $6 billion to $8 billion program with 3200 jobs. These was debating the issue. The Premier is now both figures are very strong, and they are unambiguously debating the issue and being irrelevant to the matter that good news for Victoria. We acknowledge that monthly was raised. They are the words you just used, figures can be volatile, but on this side of the house at Speaker — that he should direct himself to the case that least any figures that show 11 400 more Victorians in was just raised. I ask that you renew that ruling and jobs and show us leading the country with the again direct the Premier to address the substance of the second-lowest unemployment rate anywhere in the question — an 80-year-old great-grandmother waiting country, are unambiguously good news for Victorians. 90 minutes this May — — We have confident businesses, confident households, Ms Asher — On the point of order, Speaker, setting confident consumers and a confident economy. aside the matter that the Leader of the Opposition chose to repeat the question in his point of order, on the more 85BAmbulance Victoria: response times substantial matter raised in his point of order, the Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My Premier is being relevant to the question. The Premier question is to the Premier. I refer the Premier to the is able to set a context for his answers. I understand the case of an 80-year-old great-grandmother who on question he was asked. The Premier is able to set a 31 May fell on a footpath in Reservoir. She hit the back context for his answers, and I put it to you, Speaker, of her head and fell unconscious. A passing motorist that the Premier is being relevant to the question. stopped to help her, but she still had to wait 90 minutes Mr Merlino — On the point of order, Speaker, the for an ambulance to arrive. I ask: is it acceptable to the Premier is clearly not being relevant to and is debating Premier that an 80-year-old great-grandmother had to the question. He is defying your ruling of just a moment wait 90 minutes for an ambulance? ago. He needs to confine his answer to the question that

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

2192 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

was asked about this great-grandmother being The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold your unconscious — — point of order.

The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the point Mr Andrews interjected. of order, but I ask the Premier to come back to answering the question. Dr NAPTHINE — I will happily tell you about Mildura if you ask the question. Ask the question and I Dr NAPTHINE — In the context of the question I will tell you about Mildura. Ask the question — come am explaining that sometimes allegations are made and on! are investigated. Some of those allegations have been proven to have foundation but, as the Leader of the Honourable members interjecting. Opposition said in 2008 when he was the Minister for Health, 40 to 50 per cent are wrong. That is what he The SPEAKER — Order! If the Premier keeps that said in 2008. up, I will sit him down.

Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, under Honourable members interjecting. standing order 58(1)(b) answers to questions must not The SPEAKER — Order! The house will come to introduce matters extraneous to the question, which is order. clearly what the Premier is doing by referring to material from 2008, when this woman was a Dr NAPTHINE — The incident conveyed to us by 75-year-old. She would like an answer from the the Leader of the Opposition sounds very much like a Premier before her 81st birthday. very serious incident which warrants full and proper investigation, and I will ensure that a full and proper The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the point investigation is undertaken. But the point I make is that of order. on a number of occasions we have investigated Dr NAPTHINE — The further point I wish to make questions raised in here by the opposition and they have is that the Leader of the Opposition made allegations been found not to have the substance to support the yesterday that when investigated by the Austin Hospital allegations made. I will investigate the matter fully, and and Ambulance Victoria did not stack up. There was no I will put it in the context that we are providing a record such patient who met that description. I am saying that level of funding — $662 million — for ambulance services; we are providing 17 per cent more funding we will investigate these allegations — — than the Labor government did when the Leader of the Honourable members interjecting. Opposition was Minister for Health. I remind the Leader of the Opposition of the report that was handed Dr NAPTHINE — The point I make is that we will down on his watch, which said that ambulance response investigate these matters, as we always investigate any times were absolutely disgraceful under his watch. such claims, but that often when we do investigate these matters we find that the allegations made by the The SPEAKER — Order! I ask the Premier to opposition simply do not stack up, as was the case with resume his seat. the Leader of the Opposition’s question yesterday. Austin Hospital and Ambulance Victoria searched their 86BSouth-East Asia: trade mission records and could not find a patient that fitted the Ms MILLER (Bentleigh) — My question is the description of the person the Leader of the Opposition Premier. Can the Premier advise the house of the value was talking about. to Victoria of the forthcoming trade mission he will Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, the lead to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore? Premier is defying your earlier ruling by trying to — — Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the Honourable members interjecting. honourable member for Bentleigh for her question and for her interest in growth in jobs and trade from Ms Allan — For the benefit of the cocky calling Victoria. We have already heard from the Treasurer opposite, Speaker, you have already ruled out of order today good news about the employment data in the Premier going down the path of trying to re-answer Victoria, with the unemployment level at 5.4 per cent a question from yesterday. I ask you to uphold your and with 11 400 new jobs created in the past month in earlier ruling and bring the Premier back to answering Victoria. An important part of growing those jobs in this question. Victoria is the work done by this government with

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2193

respect to the Victorian program of trade missions that export into Thailand and believes it has real are targeting the fast-growing regions in the Asian opportunities to grow jobs in Ararat. markets. During my visit I will also be opening — or reopening, In the next 15 years there will be 1.8 billion people should I say — Victoria’s Jakarta business office, across the world who will join what is described as the which was closed in 2002 under the Labor government, world’s consumer class. Seventy-five per cent of the in what was a very short-sighted decision. Indeed the 1.8 billion new entrants to the consumer class will be in Australia Indonesia Business Council said: Asia, right on the doorstep of Victoria and Australia. South-East Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in It does not … reveal a real understanding of the value of that office or a proper — the world, both in population and in economic wealth. The population of South-East Asia is cost-benefit analysis. The folly of that decision is clear 600 million people, and it is expected the consumer when it is predicted by McKinsey and Company that class will rise to 300 million in the next 20 years. Indonesia will be the fourth-largest economy by 2050. Indeed Indonesia is set to be an economic powerhouse We need to be in that market, and that is why we are in the same way that China and India are driving reopening that business office. economic powerhouses today.

87BAmbulance services: response times What we have found with the Victorian trade missions started by this government is that they have delivered Mr NOONAN (Williamstown) — My question is to over $3.35 billion worth of new trade and investment the Premier. I refer to the Premier’s use on Tuesday of and over 3000 jobs to Victorian businesses — ambulance response time data from April 2013, 3000 additional jobs. I am very pleased that this statewide data which is only available to the Premier, weekend and over the next week I will be leading the and I ask: will the Premier release that data largest ever trade mission to South-East Asia. There immediately? will be 450 delegates and 317 businesses visiting six countries. I will be the first Premier of Victoria to visit Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the Malaysia, and I believe I will be the first Premier to honourable member for his question. I am pleased to visit Indonesia since the late 1990s. I will also be advise the house that that information was made visiting Singapore, and the trade mission will be available to the house the other day, and it is made visiting Vietnam and Thailand. available through the house to all Victorians. Can I also advise that this government is moving to increase There will be 10 sectors involved in the trade mission: public reporting of Ambulance Victoria data. To date food and agribusiness, tourism, education, ICT, urban we have added a series of publicly available design and infrastructure, wealth and funds information which includes quarterly reporting of management, health and aged care, automotive, hospital early warning systems (HEWS) data, which aviation, and aerospace and defence. There will be over was previously kept secret by the Labor government 1500 business to business meetings. Examples of since the introduction of HEWS in 2005. It has been businesses that will be on the trade mission include available since 2005 — — Burra Foods, a business which has a manufacturing plant in Korumburra — which, Speaker, you would Mr Andrews — On a point of order, Speaker, the know well — a head office in Melbourne and an office Premier was asked very directly about documents and in Japan. It is seeking the opportunity to export baby response time data that he quoted, data that is available foods into Malaysia and Indonesia, a rapidly growing only to him and not to the rest of the Victorian market that will create jobs in Victoria and create community. I ask that you direct him to address his economic benefit in Victoria. answer to that matter. It is not acceptable that he has data on the performance of our ambulance system and Chassis Brakes International, which is already no other — — exporting into South-East Asia through a new office in Thailand, wants to expand its business opportunities in The SPEAKER — Order! The Leader of the that South-East Asian market. AME Systems in Ararat, Opposition has raised his point of order. I do not uphold which I visited recently, is very excited about being part his point of order. The Premier was in fact delivering of the trade mission to help it export the electrical information to the house that was relevant to the harnesses it makes for trucks, buses and the X’trapolis question the member for Williamstown had asked. trains that are made in Ballarat. That company wants to

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

2194 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

Dr NAPTHINE — The point I was making when I The SPEAKER — Order! I understand the question was interrupted was that the Labor government had related to the release of data, and that is what I believe HEWS data from 2005 and never released it. It is now the Premier was discussing, so I do not uphold the point released by this government on a quarterly of order. reporting — — Mr Noonan — On a point of order, Speaker, my Honourable members interjecting. point of order is in relation to the Premier debating the question. My question very specifically related to that The SPEAKER — Order! The house will come to data around response times — not data generally but order. I thought some sensibility was coming into the response time data. I ask you to bring the Premier back place, but it appears it is going out the window. I ask to the question that was asked. the house to come to order. Ms Asher — On the point of order, Speaker, Dr NAPTHINE — I also advise the house that the making a point of order is not an opportunity to re-ask coalition government, since coming to office, is now your question. The member asked for data to be reporting on a quarterly basis ambulance transfer — — publicly available. What we have seen so far in this question time is a range of points of order raised simply Mr Andrews — To you. because members of the opposition do not like the Dr NAPTHINE — No; reporting publicly. Premier’s answers. The Premier is being relevant to the question that was asked and is abiding by standing Mr Andrews — To you. order 58.

The SPEAKER — Order! If the Leader of the Mr Merlino — On the point of order, Speaker, there Opposition wants to continue in that way, he will go out was no preamble to this question. This was a very, very the door. narrow cast question. It talked about the Premier’s use of the data — that specific data, the response time Dr NAPTHINE — What I am advising is that the data — and whether or not he would release it. There is ambulance transfer times against targets have been no preamble. It is a very narrow cast question, and the released by this government. This data is available in a Premier should be brought back to answering that quarterly report. Again, this data was available to the specific question. previous minister and the previous government, but they kept it secret. The previous minister kept the The SPEAKER — Order! I believe the answer was hospital early warning system data secret, and he kept relevant to the question that was asked. the ambulance transfer times secret, but we are releasing that data. Dr NAPTHINE — As I was saying, we are releasing hospital early warning system data, and we I can also advise that this government, in following its are releasing ambulance transfer time data, which are election commitment, is releasing on a website all relevant to the performance of Ambulance Victoria. real-time live data on the status of emergency We are releasing live data about emergency departments in all of our hospitals. Again, this is departments. We are also developing with Ambulance information that was kept secret under the previous Victoria a series with regard to outcome data to Labor government. This is more information on live measure the total performance of our ambulance websites for people across Victoria on the availability system, including the outcomes for patients, the of emergency department services across the state. We availability in terms of moving a patient to a hospital are releasing HEWS data that was previously kept and the recovery for that patient. secret, and we are releasing ambulance transfer times that were previously kept secret. We are developing those things because we are about openness and transparency. We are not like the Ms Allan — On a point of order, Speaker, under previous government, which never released HEWS standing order 58, as amended under sessional orders, data, never released ambulance transfer data and kept the issue of being relevant has been added in relation to secret the bypass data on emergency departments. We answering questions. The Premier is not being relevant. are about openness and transparency, and we are about He was asked specifically about response times. He is delivering outcomes for people who use our ambulance happy to talk about a number of issues, but we would services. like him to answer the question that was asked.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2195

88BExports: trade missions A number of business organisations have been very supportive of the government’s endeavours in this Mr BURGESS (Hastings) — My question is to the regard. Indeed the Victorian Employers Chamber of Minister for Employment and Trade. Can the minister Commerce and Industry (VECCI) has said: update the house on the outcomes of previous strategic trade missions the Victorian coalition government has The government’s international engagement strategy and led and sponsored? successful trade missions … highlight the importance of providing support to assist Victorian businesses to attract investment and grow in new markets. Ms ASHER (Minister for Employment and Trade) — I would like to thank the member for Indeed VECCI has asked the government to expand its Hastings for his question and for his interest in export trade mission program because VECCI fully opportunities for local businesses in his area. As he understands the value of the $3.35 billion in export outlined, I am pleased to report to the house the results missions across the board. Out of interest, I advise that of a number of trade missions that this government has there is one particular group that has said that the trade led. I take this opportunity to congratulate the former missions held by the government are to be applauded. Premier, the member for Hawthorn, on his work in This particular group that said the missions are to be leading so many of these super trade missions. applauded is the Labor Party opposition. I am delighted that Labor continues to applaud such excellent The government has supported five super trade outcomes. missions since November 2010: a Middle East mission in 2012 of 105 delegates, an Indian mission in February 89BAmbulance services: hospital bed availability 2012 of 270 delegates, a China trade mission in 2012 of 654 delegates, a Middle East trade mission in 2013 of Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My 250 delegates and an Indian trade mission in 2013 of question is directed to the Premier. I refer the Premier 180 delegates. Those five super trade missions alone to a question I asked him yesterday in relation to an have yielded significant benefits. They have yielded a incident at the Austin Hospital and to his claim earlier direct result of $2.6 billion in export opportunities over today that information contained in that question was two years for the state of Victoria. We have had on inaccurate. I will quote from correspondence from a these super trade missions more than paramedic on scene at the time for the Premier’s 1000 organisations showcase their businesses to those benefit. It states: key markets. Just wanted to let you know of an incident on 26/5/13 I saw If members would like the breakdown, there have been whilst ramped at the Austin accident and emergency. A crew was ramped — immediate export sales of $201 million and anticipated additional exports of $925 million in months 1 to 12, waiting with a patient — and anticipated additional exports of $1.5 billion in the months 13 to 24. That is, as I said earlier, from five from 22:30 until 00:00 hours, with a post seizure patient. super trade missions alone — $2.6 billion over two Whilst waiting the patient had a further two … seizures on the ambulance stretcher as an accident and emergency bed was years of export opportunities. On top of that I am sure unavailable. During these two seizures paramedics had to members of this house would like to know that there hold the patient to ensure the patient did not roll/fall off the have been 51 additional trade missions conducted by ambulance stretcher onto the floor. This was obviously this government. Some have been auspiced and led by concerning for the patient and their family, other patients in the accident and emergency corridor who witnessed these ministers. For example, the Minister for Manufacturing seizures and paramedics involved. led a Victorian defence aerospace and automotive capabilities mission to the US in May 2013, and that In light of this evidence and testimony from a was very successful. paramedic on scene at the time, is the Premier seriously suggesting that this paramedic and the opposition are We have had results, and these were indicated by the lying about this case? Premier in an earlier answer, that for the 5 super trade missions and the 51 additional missions the government Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the Leader of has led we now have a total of exports realised of the Opposition for his question. $3.35 billion over a two-year period. That is an enormously successful result of trade missions to India, An honourable member — Answer it. China, South-East Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and north Asia. Dr NAPTHINE — I am very happy to answer the question. I can advise the house of the information I

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

2196 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

have been provided by Ambulance Victoria and Austin Dr NAPTHINE — As Premier I rely on the Health. Ambulance Victoria and Austin Health have information provided to me by respected hospitals and advised me that they have searched their records and agencies, like Austin Health and Ambulance Victoria. cannot find a patient at 10.30 p.m. meeting the They have provided me with this information. I have description outlined by the Leader of the Opposition. conveyed it dutifully to the house. The Leader of the Ambulance Victoria — — Opposition has presented other information, and if he wants to provide me with the name of the officer and Honourable members interjecting. the issues so they can be properly followed up, I will arrange for them to be followed up. The SPEAKER — Order! The house will come to order. The Leader of the Opposition asked a 90BSouth-East Asia: trade mission question — a quite detailed question — and the Premier is giving an answer. The Leader of the Mr CRISP (Mildura) — My question is to the Opposition should at least show courtesy to the house Minister for Agriculture and Food Security. Can the and to the Premier by listening to the answer. minister advise the house of how the coalition government is supporting the growth and development Dr NAPTHINE — I am advising the house of the of food production in Victoria and the export market information I have been provided with by Ambulance potential? Victoria and Austin Health. Ambulance Victoria advised me further that it did find a case that meets the Mr WALSH (Minister for Agriculture and Food symptom description and that the patient arrived at the Security) — I thank the member for Mildura for his Austin Hospital at 8.50 p.m. on 26 May. Ambulance question. He is a member who does understand the Victoria and the Austin Hospital have advised that the value of export markets for his region, particularly for patient was transferred to the emergency department in the citrus, table grape and the almond industries in his 17 minutes. This is well within the 40-minute transfer particular area and the jobs that they create in his time for Ambulance Victoria. community. As the Premier said, there are 317 businesses going on the South-East Asia trade I advise further that the Austin Hospital advised that the mission. Some 85 of those businesses are food and patient I am referring to was discharged after a short beverage businesses, 64 are food businesses and 21 are period of observation in the short-stay emergency beverage businesses. This follows on from the 75 food department, and he was discharged in consultation with and beverage businesses that went on the trip to the his carer. I take seriously the comments made by the Middle East earlier this year. Leader of the Opposition, and I am providing to the house the information I have been provided with in Food and fibre exports to Indonesia, Malaysia and the good faith by Ambulance Victoria and Austin Health. Philippines are worth in excess of $1 billion per year to They have specified that they have searched their the Victorian economy. They are sales that create jobs, records and this is the information they have provided particularly in regional Victoria. As the Premier set out to me. in his answer, there will be continuing population growth in those particular countries into the future. By Mr Andrews interjected. 2030 the Philippines population will grow from 95 million to 140 million, and Indonesia’s population Dr NAPTHINE — No. I am advising the house of will grow from about 250 million to in excess of the information that has been provided to me by 300 million people. There will be an increase in the Ambulance Victoria and Austin Health. In light of the middle class in those countries, and once people enter information that the Leader of the Opposition has the middle class they have spending power and want to provided now, and if he wishes to provide further increase their standard of living. information in terms of the name of the paramedic concerned — — They particularly want to buy protein. They want to buy dairy products for their children, and they view that Honourable members interjecting. as essential, if they can afford it, in the raising of their Dr NAPTHINE — If there is further information children. They want to buy red meat, they want to buy that the Leader of the Opposition can provide, we will quality horticultural products and they want to buy pass it on to Ambulance Victoria and Austin Health and grains that we can supply to them as well. We do not have the matter further investigated. want to take this for granted because there are other countries competing for that market as well. We need to Mr Andrews interjected. continue to showcase our products in these countries.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2197

South America, the USA and New Zealand are also Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — Ambulance services trying to market into those countries. are a vital part of our health system in Victoria, and that is why we as a government are committed to providing There are representatives of some very significant Ambulance Victoria with the resources it needs to do its businesses travelling with us on this trip, including services. We acknowledge and appreciate the Nicole Cutri from Cutri Fruits, who is coming along to professional and skilled services provided by the market her stone fruit, and Tim Jones from Wandin paramedics who do a terrific job 24 hours a day, 7 days Valley Farms in the electorate of the member for a week to save lives throughout our communities. We Evelyn, who was part of the China mission and the support and acknowledge the great work done by the mission to the Middle east. He is now going to call takers, who have to answer over 800 000 calls each South-East Asia. Those people who had the opportunity and every year. They triage, allocate and monitor those to visit the Victorian stand at Gulfood in Dubai will calls through to the safe delivery of patients to the remember how popular Tim’s cherries were. He hospitals. It is a very large system, it is a very complex believes these trade missions have been very important system, and it is a system that we as a government are to his business and to growing his business. supporting and supporting strongly.

Select Harvests almonds will be going on this trade That is why we are proud that we have delivered in this mission. It is important to remember that with the budget $662 million for ambulance services across the development of the almond industry in northern state. That is a 17 per cent increase in funding since we Victoria by 2016, when the almond trees come to full came to office. We are delivering on our promise of maturity, we will be the second-largest exporter of $151 million extra for 340 additional ambulance almonds in the world following California — we will officers and paramedics — 310 additional paramedics have beaten Spain in the export of almonds. and 30 additional patient transport officers. We are opening new ambulance stations at Chelsea, Knox and Seven Fields, the citrus growers, will be going. Blue Frankston, as well as stations at Cowes, Maffra, Pyrenees Estate is one of the beverage businesses Wodonga, Mildura, Belgrave and Kinglake. We are going, and I am sure the member for Ripon is very upgrading a number of stations to 24-hour stations to proud of that particular wine label. Another business improve our services. that is going is Mainstream Agriculture. It is a start-up business from Werribee that breeds barramundi In terms of outcomes, as I have said before in this fingerlings. The company wrote very good business on house, the outcomes are improving. We know that the the Saudi trip and is looking forward to the opportunity survival rate from cardiac arrests in Victoria is of going to South-East Asia and writing business into improving, and indeed the Ambulance Employees the future. Association of Victoria own website says:

The Victorian government will be hosting Dairy Victoria has Australia’s best cardiac arrest survival rates … Australia forums in those particular marketplaces because, as I said earlier in my response, these people The outcomes are improving. We are getting better view dairy products, particularly for their children, as results, more resources, more funding, more ambulance an essential part of their diet into the future. We will officers, more vehicles, more stations and better also be having food and beverage product showcases, survival rates in terms of cardiac arrest. so the businesses that go will have the opportunity to I pay credit to the great work of our ambulance officers display the great food and the great beverages we across Victoria. I pay credit to the people who work on produce in this state in that market. our 000 service, and I pay credit to all of our emergency departments in our hospitals. I understand that 91BAmbulance Victoria: funding sometimes they have to wait until we can invest, like at Mr ANDREWS (Leader of the Opposition) — My Frankston Hospital and like at Northern Hospital. They question is again to the Premier. Over the last three had to wait until a coalition government came into weeks the opposition has raised 21 cases and office to invest and improve emergency services after incidents — a catalogue of failure across our 11 years of neglect under the previous minister and the ambulance system — clearly detailing the crisis that previous government. We as a government are putting has gripped our ambulance service, and I ask: do all of in more resources, more funding, more officers, more these patients, families and paramedics need to come vehicles and more stations, and we are delivering into the public gallery of this Parliament House before improved cardiac arrest survival rates. There are better the Premier will believe them?

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2198 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

outcomes for patients because of the investment we are by Neil Mitchell on 3AW this morning. Neil Mitchell is making in ambulance services across Victoria. a longtime road safety campaigner, and he is on the federal Road Safety Council. The funds from the

92BAlfred hospital: numberplate auction auction are to be dedicated to the Alfred trauma centre. I am pleased to advise that the bidding was vigorous. It Mr BLACKWOOD (Narracan) — My question is opened at $2000 and the numberplate was sold for a to the Premier. Can the Premier advise the house of the magnificent $170 000. That is an absolutely fantastic success of the charity auction of the first new sequence outcome. Victorian numberplate and how this will benefit the Alfred hospital’s world-class emergency and trauma I thank all the bidders, especially Dave from the Yarra centre? Valley, who was the winning bidder. I thank Neil Mitchell and Justin Smith for their efforts. Dr NAPTHINE (Premier) — I thank the member Professor Mark Fitzgerald, the director of the trauma for Narracan for his question and for his ongoing centre, said he was ‘over the moon’. He said the money interest in road safety across Victoria. The government would buy six bronchoscopes, which are about recently announced the first new combination for removing lung clots and clots from the airways and Victorian numberplates since January 1953. The new saving the lives of trauma victims. Again I congratulate numberplates will commence with 1AA 1AA, and they everybody involved, including Neil Mitchell and Justin will carry the key road safety message ‘Stay alert, stay Smith. I also congratulate all of the bidders, and alive’. particularly Dave from the Yarra Valley. I thank Professor Mark Fitzgerald and all those who work in This is the first time that our numberplates have been the trauma centre. I leave members with one message: used to carry a road safety message. I think it is an stay alert, stay alive. important initiative, and I congratulate the former Premier on it. Road safety is clearly a key priority for this government and this community. Today’s Herald APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013 Sun shows that this year unfortunately there have been 19BSecond reading 105 fatalities on our roads, compared to last year when there were 127. But 105 fatalities is still 105 too many. Debate resumed. That is why the government has released its 10-year road safety strategy. Ms WREFORD (Mordialloc) — As I was saying before the break, the Frankston railway line was The strategy includes among its initiatives $1 billion for symptomatic of Labor’s neglect and mismanagement. safer roads to improve the road surfaces and the Under Labor punctuality on the Frankston line was an roadsides, thereby improving road safety; an increased abysmal 65.5 per cent, which meant that more than one effort to target driving with drugs and alcohol; tougher in three trains was notably late. That was not just bad hoon laws; and a focus on emerging issues, particularly luck; the systems were failing. There was a lack of among young drivers, such as texting while driving. We maintenance of the trains and the line infrastructure like know it needs a total community effort to reduce the signals and wires, and when they fail, trains run late. road toll further. We know that Victoria has led the way Since we have come to government we have made in the past with .05 legislation and with seatbelt some great improvements to get punctuality up to legislation. We know what a difference improved car around 91.2 per cent, but the line needs more work to design, airbags and improved road design have made, improve it further and to deliver a system that meets the but there needs to be continuing effort. expectations of the public.

The major causes of fatalities and major injuries on our Our $100 million investment in the Frankston line will roads are fundamental. They are alcohol, speed and include works to vastly improve the reliability of the fatigue. We just hope that the new slogan, ‘Stay alert, service — line works, signal improvements and the like stay alive’, sends a strong message to people on our to prevent things failing. In addition, the improvements roads, particularly with respect to fatigue, so that people will allow the modern X’trapolis trains to use the line on our roads who see those numberplates will where currently they are unable to do so. It will also understand the need to take a break and keep fresh improve the standard of our stations where shelters will when they are driving. be improved, CCTV will be fitted, electronic travel boards will be installed, and a range of other works will I am pleased to advise the house that the first of the new occur to make our stations more comfortable. The series of numberplates — 1AA 1AA — was auctioned $100 million package is a massive win for anyone who

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2199

uses the Frankston train line, and certainly the people in books and prioritised so as to find a way to get the my electorate will benefit greatly from it. Monash Children’s hospital up and under way. This was yet another project that flapped in the breeze under On top of that, there is the Southland railway station. Labor. This government recognised the need and has After years of the Labor government blabbering about taken steps to make this happen. This is a great win for Southland station while doing absolutely nothing, this Melbourne’s families in the south-east. It is a very long coalition budget includes funding to start building the way from the south-east of Melbourne to the existing station. This builds on our previous allocations for the Royal Children’s Hospital, where many people needed planning of the station. It is framed in a context that will to take their kids previously. allow taxpayers the best deal, and allow the community and Westfield to participate in developing the best Imagine the stress and drama that families experience outcome for everyone. It is a commitment which will when one of their children requires critical attention. I see the station built. certainly know what that feels like, having had more than one of my children in hospital at different stages in The budget contains $2 million to build a Victorian their lives. On top of the emotional pain and other certificate of education (VCE) centre at Parkdale challenges, a long daily trip into Melbourne is the last Secondary College. Parkdale clearly needed much work thing that families need; it just adds to the stress. When after Labor’s wasted years. We have already ploughed this hospital is completed it will mean that families in millions of dollars into the school, and this funding is a the south-east will be much closer to their children further $2 million over and above our previous when they are in hospital, and it will definitely take commitments. It will see the old and leaking buildings some of the load off the existing Royal Children’s demolished — and I have firsthand experience with Hospital. Its 230 beds will enable the treatment of these buildings, because I was in them after heavy rain 7000 children annually, and it is expected to open in and had to wear gumboots — and a modern, 2016 with paediatric beds, dedicated children’s cancer state-of-the-art VCE centre built in accordance with the day beds, same-day beds, paediatric intensive-care school’s master plan. It will also open up space at the beds, neonatal intensive-care cots, and beds providing front of the school to allow for the Parkdale community special mental health services. hub to be built in conjunction with the City of Kingston. This is a wonderful outcome for the As much as this is a wonderful budget for the community and the students, particularly the students Mordialloc district, it is great also for the whole state. who will participate in their VCE studies in the new There are so many projects across the state that we will building. be delivering, from things like the east–west link to the Bendigo Hospital, the new X’trapolis trains and job The budget also includes the next round of funding for creation. Every part of Victoria will be looked after. the Dingley bypass. This is another item that Labor What is more, and very importantly, this is done in a blabbered on about for years, but did nothing about. We financially responsible way. We are not living beyond have made a $156 million commitment to complete this our means and dumping everything on the credit card project over the next couple of years. Last year a for our kids to pay off, like Labor does. significant sum was budgeted for and spent on land acquisitions, planning and consultation. In this budget Despite the savage cuts to Victoria’s funding from the there is more money to conclude those stages. The federal government, including a further rip-off of our project will now go out to tender and construction will GST revenue, in his first budget our new state begin. This is great news for the all the people stuck on Treasurer has achieved something that the federal the road network that Labor neglected for many years. Labor Treasurer will never achieve — a surplus. In fact, In 1999, Labor promised to build the road within not only does he deliver a surplus that his federal Labor 10 years, but it delivered nothing. During the 2010 counterpart never could, but he also delivers funds for election campaign we promised to start the bypass, the east–west link, schools, hospitals, roads, rail which finally forced Labor to feign interest and promise upgrades, and much more. money it would never deliver. But we are delivering on our promises and more, and we will get traffic moving The people of the Mordialloc district are pleased with again. We expect the project to be completed in 2016, the new Treasurer’s very first budget. It is a budget which will be a great relief to the community in that designed to set Victoria up to be prosperous and to area. meet the challenges presented by a significant population growth. It is based on responsible financial The budget contains funds to start the Monash management. It has reinforced Victoria’s AAA credit Children’s hospital. Last November we looked at the rating, which actually has a significant impact on state

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2200 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

borrowings. Not only do we have a AAA rating but we were an example to show just how out of touch this also have a stable outlook, which is very good. government is with the struggles and difficulties facing Victorians right across the state, it is that sort of hubris Mordialloc is an electorate that is impacted by growth and nonsense. and it requires what this budget delivers. Whilst the budget provides for wonderful things like the east–west I can assure the house that the people in my electorate link, it also delivers for my electorate some very do not feel the sun is shining more brightly upon them. important things which are closer to home — for They do not feel that the state is looking rosy and that example, it is significant that $100 million has been things are excellent. In fact they feel they are in the allocated to upgrade the Frankston line. That will have midst of a jobs crisis, and they are feeling the pressure a big impact on my electorate because it will help to of the consistent and deep cuts of the Baillieu and improve the reliability of services. There is funding for Napthine governments in health and education and in the Southland railway station, $2 million to build the the slashing of essential services. They feel that very Victorian certificate of education centre at Parkdale deeply. The people of Brunswick also feel very deeply Secondary College, and the next round of funding for the fact that this budget has completely and utterly the Dingley bypass and funding for the Monash ignored their needs and our area. In fact Brunswick was Children’s hospital. The budget delivers funding for not mentioned in the Napthine government budget many other things. papers. This is the third budget delivered by this coalition government in which Brunswick has been As much as this is a wonderful budget for the entirely ignored. People in my electorate feel very Mordialloc district, it is a great budget for the rest of the keenly how bad this budget is. It is also a budget that is state. We have a record level of infrastructure spending. bad for the state. I will deal with some critical issues That is just amazing, and it is very important to keep that show what this budget fails to do. this state moving. As we heard earlier from the Treasurer, employment in the month of May was up by When we look at the area of education we see another 11 400 jobs. That is significant for this state; it is really $69 million worth of cuts in this budget, bringing the good. Unemployment has decreased from 5.8 per cent total education cuts to $625 million. I am very glad the to 5.4 per cent, so the future in Victoria is looking really Minister for Education is in the house as I make my good. Victoria now has the second-lowest contribution because I highlight again, as I have several unemployment rate in Australia. This budget is times over the last two and a half years, the needs of significant. It has been formulated in a very responsible Brunswick Secondary College. It is a fine institution in way. It is a great budget for the Mordialloc district and my electorate. It is a growing school. It has achieved it is a great budget for Victoria. I commend the bill to outstanding results. It has a wonderful parental the house. community. It has a very multicultural school community. It is doing some terrific innovative Ms GARRETT (Brunswick) — It is a pleasure to extracurricular activities for the students. It had rise to make my contribution to the debate on behalf of achieved approval from the department for a master the people of Brunswick and also as part of a very plan for a significant upgrade that would allow it to strong and united opposition team, each and every one attract even more students and deliver a broader range of whom has pointed out the very significant flaws that of Victorian certificate of education subjects. exist in the budget served up by the Napthine government. The college had that approval in 2010 and it was set to go. With the election of this government, once again, To follow on from the previous speaker, the member we have seen that plan sit on a dusty shelf. That means for Mordialloc, her platitudes about how rosy life is for that the growing population, the young people coming Victorians and how good it is all looking for them here and raising their families here, have been refused reminded me of the time early on in the piece when the yet again the chance to have this much-needed upgrade Minister for Public Transport stood up and spoke about and expansion of their school. This is another decision how the sun shone more brightly on Victoria since the by this government based on the address, not on need. election of the then Baillieu government. That was The people of Brunswick wish to put on the record their actually a time when we worked out that the sun had strong condemnation and their deep concern that this shone far less brightly, in a scientific sense, over that very significant project for the education of our young period. I think I heard another member on the people has been ignored yet again. government benches recently talking about the sun shining more brightly on Victoria since the election of Of course the broader cuts that this government has the Baillieu and Napthine governments. If ever there made in education generally affect not just my area but

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2201

all of Victoria. When I speak to principals and teachers community broadly and on my community in in my community, as we all do in our jobs, I hear time Brunswick. We have another $16.1 million worth of and again how the cuts this government has made have cuts to transport funding in this budget, bringing cuts in ripped the guts out of the regions. I know the Minister the transport area to close to $440 million. The failure for Education understands how hard principals and to deliver transport funding is galling, particularly in teachers work, how many burdens and challenges they light of the campaign the former opposition, now face, the multitude of tasks they have to grapple with government, ran around public transport and every day, the fact that they are often social workers, supposedly fixing the problems. The government’s counsellors, educators and administrators all rolled into repeated failure to deliver investment in trams and one, and that the day never ends as the phone and the trains is really biting, particularly in my community. computer are always on. Teachers and principals are My community uses public transport heavily and is managing extraordinary things. suffering as a result of massive overcrowding on tram services and from limited train services. To top it off, The fact that the government has ripped the guts out of the failure of this government to provide bike those regions and ripped the guts out of those staff who infrastructure in the area means that people in my support these principals and teachers in going about community have once again been hit hard by a budget their very important work is having a profound impact that ignores the fact that we exist. on the capacity of these hardworking professionals to deliver for the many deserving students who attend We have repeatedly heard from our shadow Treasurer, their schools. The principals and teachers are saying to the member for Tarneit, and those on this side of the me that they have never, ever seen it this bad. The deep house about this government’s fanfare around the cuts are affecting their capacity to deliver a great east–west tunnel without there being funding to back it education to their students. They are stretched. They up or a business case for it. Once again it is a case of look for support on the major issues they get confronted this government profoundly letting down not just my with every day, and that support has simply evaporated community but the Victorian community. due to this government ripping hundreds of millions of dollars from our system. With respect to public transport, there is also no funding for the Tullamarine rail link or the Doncaster or The cuts in health are a similar story. This budget Rowville rail projects. The Melbourne Metro rail contains $210 million in cuts to health, bringing the project has been blatantly sidelined, and there are cuts total cuts over the three budgets of this government to to network improvements and maintenance. These sorts $826 million. We know the impact this government’s of cuts will impact strongly on the Brunswick cuts are having on waiting lists for elective surgery and community and the entire state. This is a budget that on our ambulance services. We have heard time and has failed to deliver in these key areas or has only again in this house about the crisis facing our delivered for people with certain addresses. It has not paramedics and ambulance service. The system is delivered on the basis of need or in the interests of failing Victorians on an almost daily basis at times governing for all Victorians. when they are critically vulnerable and need the ambulance service to be there in a timely and efficient This brings me to the cuts to the Department of Justice. manner. Despite all of this knowledge, despite all of the Another $48.6 million has been cut from an already facts and the cases that have been brought to its stretched department that does such important work in attention, nothing has come from this government but keeping our community safe, ensuring that the rule of inertia and silence. law is followed and providing vital services. We see some very callous cuts in the justice area with cuts to Those sorts of cuts to health funding and the crises in the Sentencing Advisory Council and neighbourhood our health service do not just impact on my area, which justice centres but more money for speed cameras and has a significant senior population and also a population the like. We have a crisis, an absolute crisis, in our of families with young children who desperately need justice system and in Victoria Legal Aid. We have seen those services to be there to look after their loved ones. trials being abandoned because of failures in terms of This is also having a huge impact on the safety, security duty lawyers being present and people being able to get and sense of wellbeing of the community as a whole appropriate representation. The cost of those abandoned and on individuals, who are suffering as a result of trials is a compounding cost. It is false economics to not services not being up to standard. properly fund our justice system, and the government should hang its head in shame at where the justice Once again we see this government’s approach to system has got to. transport having a huge and devastating impact on our

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2202 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

We have had significant cuts to the Country Fire In conclusion, like so much of what this government Authority (CFA) and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade has done, this is a budget that hurts families and (MFB) in previous budgets. The government has failed communities. It fails to look after the most vulnerable. to replenish that funding in this budget. Those cuts are It fails to stand up for hardworking families in respect being keenly felt, particularly in the areas of of their needs in education, health and transport. It fails infrastructure and IT systems within the MFB and to properly fund the justice system. The cuts will affect CFA. us all. Once again my electorate of Brunswick fails to get even a mention. For this community it is yet another Indicative of this government’s approach to our slap in the face. My constituents are deeply emergency services personnel is its failure to fund or disappointed by this government’s callous approach to even acknowledge the importance of presumptive our area and its disrespect of our community, which is a legislation for firefighters in this budget. The Minister growing community with needs. We call on the for Police and Emergency Services appeared before the government to examine its approach to governing the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee and was state. It should be governing for the whole state — for questioned very rigorously by opposition members on Victorians regardless of where they live — and that committee about presumptive legislation. We have allocating resources on the basis of need. It should not an enormous amount of national and international be ripping away services and much-needed resources evidence about the link between firefighting and from the parts of the community that rely on them the cancer. We know how difficult it is. We know about the most. Day in, day out we see the effect this approach is toxins that firefighters are exposed to, primarily through having on our community — on the Brunswick their skin, when they attend fires. Hundreds of toxic community and the broader state. Government chemicals explode in a domestic or industrial fire, and it members should hang their heads in shame. is impossible for a firefighter, who through the inherent requirements of their job is repeatedly exposed to fires, Mr ANGUS (Forest Hill) — I am delighted to rise to pinpoint a particular fire or incident which may have to speak in support of the Appropriation (2013–2014) led to them developing a cancer or a terminal illness. Bill 2013, the Victorian state budget. I start my contribution by commending the Premier, the Treasurer Other jurisdictions in Australia have made the and his team, as well as the former Premier and former commitment to do it and are in fact doing it. The federal Treasurer, who laid so much of the groundwork for this government passed historic presumptive legislation for responsible budget. I had the great privilege of sitting firefighters — a bill sponsored by all parties — yet this through two weeks of public hearings on the budget as government still says it needs to investigate the link a member of the Public Accounts and Estimates between firefighting and cancer. It has pointed to the Committee. I want to take this opportunity to commend fact that a Monash University study is still under way. the ministers and the Presiding Officers and their teams However, the person conducting that study came out who presented to the committee. It was great to hear and clearly said that her work should not in any way, ministers who are on top of their portfolio roles present shape or form hold up the introduction of presumptive in such a professional manner. legislation, because the evidence for the link already exists. I note that the budget documents are entitled Building for Growth, which is an excellent title that epitomises That is but one example of this government’s failure — what the government is seeking to achieve with the and, I would say, repeated failure — to properly respect finances of this great state. This is a strong and and look after those people who put their lives on their financially responsible budget that continues to steer line every day for us. We see it with ambulance Victoria through the troubled financial waters of not services and with firefighters. We are deeply only the challenging international economy but also disappointed in the government’s failure to provide for financial mess caused by dreadful federal economic them in this budget. Career and volunteer firefighters mismanagement. It is virtually impossible to think of a have taken a joint approach — which is not something time when there has been a more chaotic and that happens that often, as we know — by calling on financially irresponsible federal government in the government to introduce and properly fund Australia. With a staggering federal deficit of around legislation to ensure that firefighters who develop $19 billion, the contrast with the responsible financial cancer as a result of their work protecting our lives are management of Victoria could hardly be more stark. looked after and do not have to satisfy an impossible This example clearly shows the sad Australia-wide legal burden of proof in having their cases heard. reality that Labor, whether at the state or federal level, simply cannot manage money and does not understand how to run things.

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2203

The responsible financial management shown in Before I move on I want to touch on the great Labor Victoria has resulted in the ratings agencies again white elephant: the desalination plant, built, as I said giving Victoria a AAA credit rating with a stable yesterday, at a fixed cost to Victorian taxpayers of outlook. In all the difficult economic circumstances, approximately $1.8 million per day for around this is an outstanding result. The budget provides for a 27 years — with no water being produced. surplus of $225 million, with the forward estimates showing the expected surpluses increasing significantly Mr Dixon interjected. to $399 million in 2014–15, $1.928 billion in 2015–16 and $2.547 billion in 2016–17. As I said in my Mr ANGUS — The Minister for Education, who is contribution to the debate on another bill yesterday, at the table, has just reminded me that in East planning for surpluses like these allows future Gippsland today and down Gippsland way there is infrastructure funding to be paid for from surpluses probably going to be flooding, so those down there will rather than borrowings. This leaves Victoria in an be lucky if the desalination plant remains above the high-water mark. One of the legacies of the previous enviable position, particularly when compared to the parlous financial position of the commonwealth regime is the fact that we are left to deal with this government under the hopeless lack of leadership from $1.8 million per day overhead, which excludes the cost the federal Treasurer and the Prime Minister. The of water. As I pointed out yesterday, that is $54 million decisive and responsible action that was taken early on for every month or some $657 million per annum. This is extraordinary when you consider the uses we could by the incoming state coalition government of reducing overheads to enable more to be invested in front-line have put that money to. services and infrastructure has already borne financial Mr Dixon interjected. fruit, and that can clearly be seen from the budget documents. Mr ANGUS — The Minister for Education, who is at the table, has reminded me of the schools, hospitals, It is also worth noting that the forecasts of GST revenue roads et cetera we could build with that amount of payable by the commonwealth to the state have been money if we had that cash flow available. It is a revised down over the next four years by the staggering staggering financial legacy. amount of more than $7 billion. In one of my contributions yesterday I spoke about what an I now turn to some of the specific announcements in the extraordinary reduction that is. I also note that budget papers. They contain a large amount of very Victoria’s 2013–14 share of GST is estimated to be good news for all Victorians. There has been a range of $1.2 billion less than what a population-based GST terrific announcements, and I will start by looking at the distribution would deliver. This goes to one of the health area. We can see that there is $630 million for a fundamental challenges facing this state. The Treasurer new state-of-the-art regional hospital in Bendigo, which has continually attempted to negotiate with the federal when completed will be the largest regional health-care government, as did the previous Treasurer, in relation to project currently under way in Australia. It will this flawed federal GST distribution model, particularly generate many jobs during construction and after the situation where Victoria’s share of GST has completion of the project. Because of effective decreased from 92 cents in the dollar to 90 cents in the negotiation by the Premier and the Minister for Health dollar. during the course of contract negotiations, far better outcomes will be delivered. These include a retail area, In the budget papers we can see that average annual a helipad and child-care facilities. There is a broad expenditure growth in the forward estimates is range of other facilities that we have been able to projected to be 2.7 per cent, with revenue growth of negotiate up-front before the shovel goes into the 4.1 per cent. Again this stands in stark contrast to the ground, which will result in a better outcome, not only 8 per cent annual expenditure growth over the decade to for the residents of Bendigo but also for residents of 2009–10 under Labor — a large quantum of central and regional Victoria and indeed all Victorians. expenditure growth which clearly outstripped the revenue growth over the same period. As I have said We can also see in the budget funding for the new many times in this place, it was a completely 230-bed Monash Children’s hospital. That will result in unsustainable situation and one that we were not able, Victoria having two world-class paediatric hospitals to or indeed willing, to continue. In this budget there is look after our youngest Victorians. That is very good record infrastructure investment of $6100 million. I will news for my residents out in the east. My electorate come back to talk more about that particular aspect of takes in a section of the city of Monash and many the budget later in my contribution. residents in the southern part of my electorate in Forest

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2204 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

Hill will be able to travel south, down to the Monash In terms of infrastructure there is a range of terrific Children’s. This will be a marvellous facility for the announcements. I am going to run out of time to touch young families and all residents out in the east. The on them all, but I just want to touch on a couple, hospital will be an outstanding addition to the particularly the east–west link. This huge project has an community’s assets. We can look in other places and estimated budget cost of between $6 billion and see the Mercy Hospital at Werribee, the Northern $8 billion. It will revolutionise travel for Victorians, Hospital expansion as well as the work being done at particularly those living in Melbourne’s east. It will the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. There is also alleviate the frustrating bottleneck at the end of the the new Waurn Ponds community hospital. New Eastern Freeway that we have all had to grow used to hospital infrastructure, which is such an important part over many years. Construction is expected to of the community, is being spread right around the commence in late 2014, and this project alone is going state. to create some 3200 construction jobs during the course of its construction. As I was considering the amount of I also want to touch on the outstanding progress that is money involved in that project, I thought back and being made on the Box Hill Hospital. As I have said imagined what might have happened if we had had the many times in this place, this is a hospital that services $3 billion that was forgone by Labor in relation to the my residents on a very regular basis given that it is the sale of electronic gaming machine licences. We could largest and closest public hospital to the western side of have paid for almost half of this project just by using my electorate. It will stand for all time as a classic the money wasted in that single mess-up by the Labor example of how the coalition government runs government. These are the staggering consequences of infrastructure projects. Here we have a project where its financial incompetence. under responsible financial and project management we have a building which was originally budgeted to be a In terms of education, we are spending almost 9-level building now having 10 levels for the same $11.6 billion in 2013–14 on education and early price with the project still on time and within budget. childhood development — a huge amount. Some $203 million has been allocated for new school capital Mr Battin interjected. works, and $52 million for maintenance across 200 schools, as announced by the Minister for Mr ANGUS — We are getting 10 levels for the Education earlier this year. I was delighted at that price of 9, as the member for Gembrook reminds me. announcement, because I was able to obtain That is a very important revelation that all Victorians approximately $1.5 million of that $52 million for four need to listen clearly to, because running a project of schools within my electorate of Forest Hill. They were that magnitude, some $447.5 million — a very schools that had been sorely neglected for over substantial project in anybody’s language — on time 12 years, with no maintenance funding allocated by the and on budget, is a concept that is virtually unknown to state. It was an extraordinary situation, but we have those opposite. As an aside, I want to say again how been able to come in and solve some of the pleased I was to be with a number of my colleagues as maintenance problems those schools have as they share well as the Premier, the Minister for Health and the those funds. member for Burwood, who is in the chamber with me, at the topping out ceremony earlier this year for the In terms of transport, we have many more terrific 10th storey of that great new facility in Box Hill. announcements. An allocation of $176 million will see eight new trains manufactured in Ballarat. Not only are It is interesting to note that at the same time as we have we providing extra facilities, trains and so on for the made these great announcements we have federal Labor residents of Melbourne and Victoria, but we are also cutting health funding around Australia. Because we stimulating the local economy in Ballarat. Jobs will be have talked long and hard about it in this place, we all created and opportunities made for businesses in that know about the original cuts of some $107 million this area. That is in addition to 40 new V/Line carriages and financial year — $475 million over four years — which 50 new trams. We are investing $100 million to will directly impact on services provided by our local improve infrastructure on the Frankston line, health services. In 2013–14, $99.5 million; in 2014–15, $25 million to improve services on the Dandenong line $121.6 million; and in 2015–16, $147 million will be and $25 million to improve bus services in growth slashed from the state budget because of federal areas, thus dealing with the particular areas that we government cuts in health funding. In terms of my local found in such deficiency on coming to office. area that includes $7.68 million in 2013–14 that will be cut from the budget of Eastern Health. In 2013–14 we are spending $10 million on planning for the Melbourne Metro rail tunnel project that again is

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2205

a very crucial piece of Victoria’s transport crisis better than almost any other country around the infrastructure. We have allocated over $280 million for world, and many people in this country can be very road maintenance and upgrades. Interestingly, in the pleased about that: they did not lose their homes, we east $15.6 million has been allocated to duplicate High did not fall into recession and as a country we came Street Road in Wantirna South. That project is not in through very soundly financially. my electorate; it is just outside its eastern boundary but will affect my residents as they traverse the eastern The other point I need to respond to in the member for suburbs. Forest Hill’s contribution is his suggestion that the desalination plant was some dreadful mistake that Importantly, the budget funds the commencement of Labor made. I do not know where he was in the time the removal of five level crossings across Melbourne, before he was elected, but he cannot have been in the with a further $52 million allocated for early works and same state, because as the member for Ballarat East I planning to remove a further seven crossings. These know that the 11 years of drought we experienced prior projects will affect the residents of Forest Hill, because to 2010 were very significant. Right across the state, they include planning for Blackburn Road, Blackburn, water levels dropped at water storages. Ahead of the and we already have funds allocated for the removal of 2006 election, Labor said it was going to build a pipe crossings on Mitcham and Rooks roads in Mitcham. from the north of Victoria through to Bendigo and These projects will assist people in the electorate of down to Ballarat, because that was the best way to Forest Hill. secure Ballarat’s water supply. That was laughed at at the time by the Liberal opposition, and yet by 2009 we There are so many projects and there is so much to talk saw that if the water pipe had not been built to provide about: $110 million has been allocated for the port of Ballarat with water, Ballarat would have run out of Hastings project to get that going, and $1.6 billion has water. been allocated for the port of Melbourne expansion project. Funding has been allocated for community No-one knew when the drought was going to end. It safety initiatives. The placement of protective services certainly ended in a big way in 2010, creating officers at railways stations has been very well received significant flooding across this state and flooding out in the east, and they are now at Box Hill and significant parts of my electorate. I spoke about Mitcham stations with other stations to follow. Creswick Bowling Club earlier this week. It has been washed out thoroughly twice and is still awaiting a In conclusion, time is against me, but essentially I want solution on funding to be able to rebuild its facilities. to say that this is a great budget for Victorians. I No government could have known when the drought congratulate those involved. We are building for was going to end, so it is always very sensible to growth. I commend the bill to the house. droughtproof the state to ensure that it has a secure water supply. Mr HOWARD (Ballarat East) — I am certainly pleased to speak in the debate on this appropriation bill. I now want to focus on this particular budget, the third In commencing, I cannot help but make some budget that this Liberal coalition government has comments in response to the contribution made by the brought in. There is nothing surprising about the member for Forest Hill, who is new to this place. He AAA rating, as I said. It is something we experienced seems to be proudly stating that this is a AAA-rated in all Labor’s years in office. But what did we get out of budget. He really needs to reflect on the fact that in its this budget for its AAA rating status? The budget is 11 years the Labor government attracted AAA-rating very disappointing. As a former secondary teacher, I status and surplus budgets every year. This concept of a feel very strongly about the need to provide quality AAA rating being something special to this government education across the state to support all young people to is clearly not true. Perhaps the member for Forest Hill gain a good, sound education. I was always very needs to be aware of that. excited when Labor was in government, because in every year and in every budget there were at least two The member for Forest Hill contrasted this state budget or maybe three schools that gained major capital with the federal budget and suggested that the federal upgrades as part of Labor’s program to rebuild our Treasury was inept, yet he seems to have forgotten that schools over a 10-year period. In the last three budgets the same federal Treasurer saw the country through the how many schools across the Ballarat East electorate global financial crisis. Members on the other side of the have gained capital funding for upgrades? The answer house do not seem to remember history; they do not is zero. It is very sad for me to see that schools such as even seem to remember what happened yesterday, Daylesford Secondary College — which gained stage 1 because this country came through the global financial funding to upgrade its very aged facilities — will

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2206 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

apparently have to wait a long time until they get any the region that we have had in the past. That is an further funding to complete the other two-thirds of the example of savings under this government, and I will school that seriously need reconstruction. talk more about that if I get a chance later in my contribution. In Kyneton, also ahead of the 2010 election, Labor supported the development of a plan where the I also want to talk about major road funding works, and Kyneton Primary School, Kyneton Secondary College I was pleased to see some funding in the budget for the and the Lady Brooks Kindergarten were working Ballarat-Buninyong Road, which is a severely together to come up with a new K–12 concept for state congested road in my electorate. Ahead of this education, which resulted in Kyneton Primary School government coming to office, $2 million was allocated moving to the secondary college site. Unfortunately the in the outgoing Brumby Labor government budget for schools have received no capital funding, other than 2010–11 to upgrade the roundabout at Geelong Road funding to do maintenance work on the secondary and Whitehorse Road, Mount Clear, which would college site. It is much needed, but what they really provide better traffic flow through that area. Nearly want to see is some funding for new capital works so three years later that roundabout still has not been that they can get excited about the K–12 plan that they completed. In fact the property purchases that need to envisaged being implemented in the Kyneton area. take place still have not been completed, as I Mount Clear College and Ballarat Secondary College understand it. Although this government has allocated have similarly received no capital funding, yet they $4.5 million towards the Ballarat-Buninyong Road, it clearly need such funding. seems to be including in that amount $2 million that was already allocated by Labor. To date, of that I am also concerned at the so-called savings in this $4.5 million, less than $1 million has been spent. So budget. Over $1 billion of savings were found in this although the government has had money in the budget budget, and part of those are listed as reprioritisations over the last three years, it simply has not spent it. It and adjustments. What that actually meant was that still has $3.5 million remaining from the $4.5 million savings of $69 million were taken out of education and allocated to be spent on that road. It seems to be a savings of $209 million were cut from the health recurring theme from this government that a lot of the budget. This is money that is simply not going into capital funding projects that are in the budget drag on other programs or support for education, particularly in and do not get completed, and therefore the funds roll state schools across the state. over into the next year.

What is an example of some of these savings? One of I note in the budget papers that this government has the savings that this government has supported is to continued a tradition started under Labor where there is broaden the regional structure for state agencies across a special building-for-growth section which reports on the state so that instead of having a regional office in regional and rural Victoria. In it, again as Labor did, it Ballarat servicing the Grampians region, we now have has a map of the state in the middle where it can a western region office which services not just Ballarat identify some key projects in key regions. I notice in the and the Grampians region but also Geelong and the Grampians region, in which the electorate of Ballarat western region of Melbourne. As a result we have lost East is situated, there is a listing of key projects. It has over one-third of our education area and one-third of only managed to list four. Under new initiatives it lists our support staff for education. When I speak to the construction of eight new trains in Ballarat. I am principals who are experiencing problems they say, certainly pleased to see the contract with Alstom in ‘We are frustrated about this particular situation. When Ballarat for this to continue. But it is listed as a new we try to get someone to assist us, we do not know any initiative, and the fact is that Alstom continues to be in more who the person from the region will be who will Ballarat because the former Bracks and Brumby assist us. We have eventually got somebody who is governments supported Alstom with projects, and now based in Melbourne who has said they can help us indicated support for Victorian companies in producing but they are struggling to find the time to provide that new trains, and its earlier contracts for X’trapolis trains support’. came about under the Labor government. The eight new trains, although very much welcomed, are a This has happened not just in the regional educational continuation of a project started under Labor. setting. It has happened in the former Department of Transport and it has happened in the Department of The second project listed as a new initiative is the Human Services, where so many staff in the regional remediation of Fiskville, which is in my electorate. It is offices have been made redundant or taken off to something that is needed, but is clearly not of benefit to Melbourne that we are not getting the same support in people across the Grampians region, although it is

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2207

something that needed to be addressed. The current We can see the ongoing effects of the cuts to TAFE, initiatives list works on the Western Highway, and I even though this government says, ‘We are putting welcome those as they are to the west of my electorate. $1 million towards transition funding’. That really means, ‘We recognise that you are struggling as a result The Ballarat hospital upgrade will get $46 million over of the significant cuts. This will help you to either four years, and it includes the Ballarat Regional merge, close down campuses or do other things to Integrated Cancer Centre which has just been opened. It adjust to the significant cuts’. There has been is fantastic for the people of Ballarat. It incorporates $20 million cut from Ballarat TAFE and significant mainly federal government funding but also a cuts at Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE that saw significant contribution from the state, again committed the Kyneton campus cut. There is no jobs plan, as has under the Brumby government, because Labor saw the been identified by other speakers, which is a real attraction of that federal government funding to enable disappointment for the region. that to happen. It is not a new project under this government, but one that this government inherited, and The DEPUTY SPEAKER — Order! The I am pleased to see it has continued to support it. I also member’s time has expired. note in regard to Ballarat Health Services that the long-awaited helipad promised by the coalition when in Mr GIDLEY (Mount Waverley) — It is with great opposition still has to be completed. Perhaps we will pleasure that I rise this afternoon to make a contribution see it before the government completes its four-year on the Appropriation (2013–2014) Bill 2013. I do so term, but it certainly has not rushed into that project, as recognising the significance of this document and the it has not rushed into any projects across my electorate. work and time that has gone into putting it together and delivering it. In particular I congratulate the Treasurer The other projects listed are the Ballarat-Western Link and the Premier. These are difficult economic times, Road and more Western Highway upgrades — so it but this budget is delivering for a growing economy. It managed to list that twice. That is all it could list in the is delivering growing employment, as we have seen whole of the Grampians region. It is an example of the today. It is delivering growing surpluses into the future disappointment I feel and that other people across the to ensure that our state not only lives within its means Grampians region would feel about this budget. They and does not continue to max out the credit card, as would note that one of the highlights of this budget, Labor did, but that we also have some savings in the according to the government, is the announcement of a bank to build infrastructure for future generations relatively meagre amount of funding for the east–west without burdening them with the level of debt they link, as the government calls it, to start work on the would have incurred if expenditure had continued at the eastern section of the link, but it is yet to produce a rate it did under John Brumby’s structural deficit business plan or any real details in that regard. Clearly budgets. the need from the point of view of Ballarat residents or other residents in my electorate, in Geelong and to the In particular for the people of the Waverley and west of Melbourne, and the priority identified by the Monash areas in my electorate this budget builds on the main planning authorities, has been to start in the west. very significant steps the coalition took in its previous That is clearly not happening under this government, two budgets. I intend to outline the particular areas for which is another source of great disappointment. which improvements are delivered by the budget. One that comes to mind is transport. My constituents very The other issues that concern me in relation to this clearly expressed to me in 2010 a desire to have budget are the significant cuts in the health, education improved public transport services, including improved and justice portfolios — supposedly as savings. The cut service, improved reliability, improved frequency and to the trade bonus that the member for Ballarat West improved safety. This budget continues those talked about in her contribution is a $20 million cut improvements through the delivery of more than from support for apprentices. As she mentioned, we $10 million for the Syndal railway station car parking were in Ballarat when the Leader of the Opposition and station improvement program. That project will joined us soon after the budget was announced, and we improve lighting and accessibility at Syndal station. It met with many apprentices who were greatly distressed will provide additional parking for people who might about it. They said that money was important to them to be seeking to leave their car to get onto the train or the help them in the provision of tools. Rather than cutting Smart Bus service. It will also improve CCTV coverage funding for apprentices, it is very important to do to ensure greater safety and security. everything we can to attract people into the trades where there is a shortage of labour, so to cut the trade Then there are the 940 protective services officers that bonus is a very backward step. are being funded by the coalition and delivered by

APPROPRIATION (2013–2014) BILL 2013

2208 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

Victoria Police to re-man every metropolitan rail station Monash University’. I suggest that the Leader of the in the state from 6.00 p.m. until the last train, 7 days a Opposition get out in his electorate more because the week, 365 days a year. That means Syndal will be fully facts are clear: this government is delivering significant manned from 6.00 p.m. until the last train. When this transport improvements for the electorate of Mount project is completed, we will have a station that is Waverley. significantly safer and significantly improved in terms of customer facilities. Residents will also have peace of Education is another aspect that is very important to my mind through knowing that they can get off the train in electorate. To give credit where credit is due, I the evening at a manned station. A number of these acknowledge that there were some capital works stations have not had that kind of capacity since the undertaken by the previous government over its pre-John Cain and pre-Metropolitan Transit Authority 11 years in office. However, you would expect that to days, so that is a significant achievement. be the case given the rivers of gold of GST and stimulus it received from the federal government. There The upgrade at Syndal station will result in a reduction was some money, but nothing like the money the in the number of cars parked in the streets around it. coalition is putting into schools in the Waverley area. This will ensure that when people get off the train at This budget delivers $4.5 million of funding for night, they will not have to walk down back alleys. improvements to Pinewood Primary School. I want to Note the contrast with the former government; it could acknowledge principal Maurice Baker and school not be clearer. The facts are this: in 11 years under the council president Tim Day, who have worked closely former government not one car park improvement was with me and the government to ensure that that project made to one railway station in my electorate, yet in is delivered. I give them a commitment that we will these tough economic times, just part way into our deliver this project, as we said we would prior to the term, we are delivering a significant upgrade at Syndal last state election. station. Add to that the $1.8 million improvement to Glen Waverley station. That was not even one of our The budget also outlines an additional $1 million for election commitments, but when we came to Mount Waverley North Primary School. We went to government we saw the mess that Glen Waverley the election with a commitment of $1 million. station was in and the Minister for Public Transport was Unfortunately because of Labor’s Building Education good enough to go out in January and attend to that. In Revolution (BER) mismanagement, that $1 million had the context of the Syndal and Glen Waverley upgrades to be spent on finishing a BER building, so the original and the fact that during its 11 years in office the project was going to have to be put on hold until a previous government made no improvements, it is a second term, if we were to get one. However, through great record. We have rebuilt the Glen Waverley rail the good and prudent work of the Minister for line, with a $12 million upgrade. It was finished at the Education $1 million was found, which meant the end of last year and has improved the reliability and building was not left half-finished and the coalition frequency of services on that line. There is $5.5 million government could meet its commitments in the to introduce express bus services to Monash University electorate. I thank school council president Adam so that people have that service from 6.00 a.m. until Creek and principal Robyn Jones. I want to particularly midnight. That is a great initiative. mention the previous Premier and Mr Tony Nutt, who assisted in working through a very difficult situation. There are also improvements in this budget to the Monash Freeway to improve the traffic management Those projects build on those the coalition has already system. There is the duplication of High Street Road. delivered in this term, such as the rebuilding of the There is also the removal of level crossings at Mount Waverley Secondary College junior campus for Springvale and Blackburn roads. High Street Road, over $10 million, a complete rebuild of Essex Heights Springvale Road and Blackburn Road are important Primary School for $7 million and the budget allocation thoroughfares for this electorate. Those projects will recently announced by the Minister for Education of improved the reliability of traffic flows. I must say that millions of dollars to fill the $420 million education when I heard the Leader of the Opposition indicate that maintenance backlog for schools in my electorate. As a there were no improvements for roads or public consequence of that we are building new buildings and transport in the Monash area I thought, ‘You obviously undertaking capital works. We are trying to address the don’t know your electorate. You’re obviously not out in $420 million backlog. Monash because the budget papers are clear. They show there are upgrades to Springvale Road, Blackburn The education agenda in the Waverley area is much Road, High Street Road, Glen Waverley station and broader than simply providing world-class education infrastructure, because it is only the coalition Syndal station as well as express bus services to

TRANSPORT LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (FOUNDATION TAXI AND HIRE CAR REFORMS) BILL 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2209 government that understands the importance of choice (1) measures to address the impact, including any hardship in education. When we were elected we made it very on taxi licence holders as a result of the devaluation of licences and the failure to adopt Professor Fels’s clear that ensuring that schools were able to employ hardship test; people consistent with their values and principles was high on our agenda. We moved swiftly to implement (2) further examination of the impact on the market of an that election commitment. Without that change unrestricted release of taxi licences specifically in Victorian families would not have had parental choice relation to customer demand and driver pay; in education because of the disgraceful (3) the structuring of the new taxi zones including the anti-parental-choice legislation introduced by the Labor unique challenges facing urban and regional, regional government. My constituents greatly value parental and country zones; choice. The previous legislation was not just an attack (4) the impact on numbers and availability of on freedom of parental choice in education; it was also wheelchair-accessible taxis (WATs); and an attack on freedom of faith and belief. It flies very much in the face of the key attributes that are known to (5) possible fare increases’. improve education, such as greater school autonomy and the promotion of flexibility and diversity in House divided on omission (members in favour vote education, all of which are underpinned by the principle no): of parental choice in education. Ayes, 43 The Prime Minister can seek to engage in a juvenile Angus, Mr Napthine, Dr Asher, Ms Newton-Brown, Mr game of aspirations without putting up a plan that Baillieu, Mr Northe, Mr stands up to scrutiny in education, just as former Prime Battin, Mr O’Brien, Mr Minister Bob Hawke did on child poverty. The fact is Bauer, Mrs Powell, Mrs that the coalition government is delivering on capital Blackwood, Mr Ryall, Ms works in education, freedom of choice and freedom of Bull, Mr Ryan, Mr Burgess, Mr Shaw, Mr parental choice, and it is the only government that is Clark, Mr Smith, Mr R. doing it. Crisp, Mr Southwick, Mr Delahunty, Mr Sykes, Dr The SPEAKER — Order! The time set down for Dixon, Mr Thompson, Mr the consideration of items on the government business Fyffe, Mrs Tilley, Mr Gidley, Mr Victoria, Ms program has expired, and I am required to interrupt Hodgett, Mr Wakeling, Mr business. Katos, Mr Walsh, Mr Kotsiras, Mr Watt, Mr Motion agreed to. McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr Read second time. Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms Mulder, Mr 20BThird reading Noes, 42 Motion agreed to. Allan, Ms Howard, Mr Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms Read third time. Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms TRANSPORT LEGISLATION Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms AMENDMENT (FOUNDATION TAXI AND Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr HIRE CAR REFORMS) BILL 2013 Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr

21BSecond reading Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr Debate resumed from 12 June; motion of Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Mr MULDER (Minister for Public Transport); and Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr Foley, Mr Pakula, Mr Mr WYNNE’s amendment: Garrett, Ms Pallas, Mr Graley, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr That all the words after ‘That’ be omitted with the view of Green, Ms Perera, Mr inserting in their place the words ‘this house refuses to read Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr this bill a second time until appropriate consultation with Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms stakeholders has occurred to address serious concerns about Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr the bill including, but not limited to: Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr

STATE TAX LAWS AMENDMENT (BUDGET AND OTHER MEASURES) BILL 2013

2210 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

Amendment defeated. STATE TAX LAWS AMENDMENT (BUDGET AND OTHER MEASURES) The SPEAKER — Order! The question is: BILL 2013 That the bill be now read a second time and a third time.

23BSecond reading House divided on question: Debate resumed from 11 June; motion of Ayes, 43 Mr O’BRIEN (Treasurer). Angus, Mr Napthine, Dr Asher, Ms Newton-Brown, Mr Motion agreed to. Baillieu, Mr Northe, Mr Battin, Mr O’Brien, Mr Read second time. Bauer, Mrs Powell, Mrs

Blackwood, Mr Ryall, Ms 24BThird reading Bull, Mr Ryan, Mr Burgess, Mr Shaw, Mr Motion agreed to. Clark, Mr Smith, Mr R. Crisp, Mr Southwick, Mr Delahunty, Mr Sykes, Dr Read third time. Dixon, Mr Thompson, Mr Fyffe, Mrs Tilley, Mr APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENT Gidley, Mr Victoria, Ms 2013–2014) BILL 2013 Hodgett, Mr Wakeling, Mr Katos, Mr Walsh, Mr Kotsiras, Mr Watt, Mr 25BSecond reading McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr Debate resumed from 11 June; motion of Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Mr O’BRIEN (Treasurer). Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms Mulder, Mr Motion agreed to.

Noes, 42 Read second time. Allan, Ms Howard, Mr Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms 26BThird reading Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms Motion agreed to. Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr Read third time. Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr BORROWING AND INVESTMENT Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr POWERS AMENDMENT BILL 2013 Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr 27BSecond reading Foley, Mr Pakula, Mr Garrett, Ms Pallas, Mr Debate resumed from 12 June; motion of Graley, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr Mr O’BRIEN (Treasurer); and Mr PALLAS’s Green, Ms Perera, Mr amendment: Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms That all the words after ‘That’ be omitted with the view of Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr inserting in their place the words ‘this house refuses to read Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr this bill a second time until the impacts of the measures and Question agreed to. timelines of the bill have been referred to, and considered by, the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee’. Read second time. House divided on omission (members in favour vote no): 22BThird reading Ayes, 43 Motion agreed to. Angus, Mr Napthine, Dr Read third time. Asher, Ms Newton-Brown, Mr Baillieu, Mr Northe, Mr Battin, Mr O’Brien, Mr

ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2211

Bauer, Mrs Powell, Mrs Kotsiras, Mr Watt, Mr Blackwood, Mr Ryall, Ms McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr Bull, Mr Ryan, Mr McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr Burgess, Mr Shaw, Mr Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Clark, Mr Smith, Mr R. Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms Crisp, Mr Southwick, Mr Mulder, Mr Delahunty, Mr Sykes, Dr Dixon, Mr Thompson, Mr Noes, 42 Fyffe, Mrs Tilley, Mr Allan, Ms Howard, Mr Gidley, Mr Victoria, Ms Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms Hodgett, Mr Wakeling, Mr Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms Katos, Mr Walsh, Mr Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms Kotsiras, Mr Watt, Mr Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms McIntosh, Mr Weller, Mr Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr McLeish, Ms Wells, Mr Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr Miller, Ms Wooldridge, Ms Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr Morris, Mr Wreford, Ms D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr Mulder, Mr Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr Noes, 42 Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Allan, Ms Howard, Mr Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr Andrews, Mr Hutchins, Ms Foley, Mr Pakula, Mr Barker, Ms Kairouz, Ms Garrett, Ms Pallas, Mr Beattie, Ms Kanis, Ms Graley, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr Brooks, Mr Knight, Ms Green, Ms Perera, Mr Campbell, Ms Languiller, Mr Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr Carbines, Mr Lim, Mr Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms Carroll, Mr McGuire, Mr Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr D’Ambrosio, Ms Madden, Mr Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr Donnellan, Mr Merlino, Mr Duncan, Ms Nardella, Mr Question agreed to. Edwards, Ms Neville, Ms Eren, Mr Noonan, Mr Read second time. Foley, Mr Pakula, Mr

Garrett, Ms Pallas, Mr 28BThird reading Graley, Ms Pandazopoulos, Mr Green, Ms Perera, Mr Motion agreed to. Halfpenny, Ms Scott, Mr Helper, Mr Thomson, Ms Hennessy, Ms Trezise, Mr Read third time. Herbert, Mr Wynne, Mr Business interrupted under sessional orders. Amendment defeated. ADJOURNMENT The SPEAKER — Order! The question is: The SPEAKER — Order! The question is: That this bill be now read a second time and a third time. That the house now adjourns. House divided on question:

93BDisability services: supported accommodation Ayes, 43 fees Angus, Mr Napthine, Dr Asher, Ms Newton-Brown, Mr Baillieu, Mr Northe, Mr Ms CAMPBELL (Pascoe Vale) — I raise a matter Battin, Mr O’Brien, Mr for the attention of the Minister for Community Bauer, Mrs Powell, Mrs Services. The action I seek is that she visit the northern Blackwood, Mr Ryall, Ms suburbs and meet with some residents with disabilities, Bull, Mr Ryan, Mr and parents, guardians and siblings of those residents, Burgess, Mr Shaw, Mr Clark, Mr Smith, Mr R. to see firsthand the impact of her Department of Human Crisp, Mr Southwick, Mr Services (DHS) accommodation fee hike, especially Delahunty, Mr Sykes, Dr upon the viability of day programs for people with Dixon, Mr Thompson, Mr disabilities. Fyffe, Mrs Tilley, Mr Gidley, Mr Victoria, Ms Hodgett, Mr Wakeling, Mr I refer to Andrew, a Pascoe Vale electorate DHS Katos, Mr Walsh, Mr accommodation resident, and his mother, Ellen, who

ADJOURNMENT

2212 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

has advised me that these changes will leave Andrew There is no doubt that Victorians love sport. As a facing a significant shortfall. He will be $5500 worse community we take pride in our sporting activities, but off and facing an annual deficit of $3000 to $4000. This there is nothing better than community sport and what it will force Andrew to choose between his day programs does to contribute in so many different ways, whether it and other supports just to ensure that he does not go is volunteerism, leadership or being healthy — as the into deficit. These day programs ensure that Andrew minister has said on many occasions, more people more gets out and about, stays fit and meets other people. active more often. Maccabi Victoria is a key part of This is vital for his ongoing development and quality of sporting culture. It is an umbrella organisation for life. If residents are forced to choose between their day 24 sporting and recreational clubs with over programs and other vital costs, such as the cost of 4200 active players. continence aids, this will create a worrying scenario for the sector. With strong ties to the Jewish community, Maccabi seeks to encourage people to play and engage with I also refer to Margaret Ruff, a parent of Ray Ruff who sport and promote an active and healthy lifestyle. lives in supported accommodation in Fitzroy North. Maccabi has partnered with Jewish Care to produce a Margaret has a long history as an advocate in the survey which looks at major health-care organisations disability sector, being a former CEO of Brite in my electorate which work in disability care, aged Community Services in Melbourne’s north, and is care and Jewish community services. I am very proud currently a board member of Broadmeadows Disability to represent them in this place. In February I spoke at Service’s day program. Many day program providers Jewish Care’s 165th anniversary celebration. are already stretched financially; indeed Margaret informs me that the great organisation she is involved The survey being conducted in partnership between with just about breaks even on its day programs. Maccabi and Jewish Care will look at an all-abilities needs analysis and at evaluating the needs of Jewish The worry I have, and many parents and siblings have, Victorians living with a disability in terms of their is that if residents face a choice between day programs engagement with sport. I believe that eight and medical care, some will drop out of their day organisations have been consulted about this, including programs. They should not have to face this choice. Access Inc., which provides very important support, This sort of choice takes us back to the days of particularly for young children with special needs. institutionalisation. The decision made by the Napthine There is no doubt that inclusiveness in sport and a sense government and the Minister for Community Services of togetherness can be provided in so many different will affect the viability of day programs if residents are ways. We need to do whatever we can to enhance the unable to attend. This will mean board members like ability of people living with a disability to feel more Margaret will have to raise fees further for the clients connected to their community, and this survey certainly who do not drop out, or waive fees, although this is not takes up that challenge and opportunity. a long-term option. Most worryingly, they could close services entirely. The Premier has a real passion for disability issues, and I note that he and the Minister for Disability Services I request that the minister visit the northern suburbs of and Reform have been instrumental in securing a fair Melbourne with me to meet some of my residents, their deal for Victoria through the national disability families and stakeholders, including guardians such as insurance scheme, including the locating of its national Ellen Mitchell and worried parents like Margaret Ruff, headquarters in the Barwon region. Almost 80 per cent and to see firsthand the dire impact of her changes. I of respondents to the survey say that there are barriers quote from Ellen Mitchell, who said: to them participating in sport due to some form of disability. According to the 2011 census an estimated We will be returning to the old days of the asylum. 2645 members of the Jewish community have a disability. We are looking at ensuring that we can 94BJewish community: all-abilities needs survey provide those people with more opportunities to get Mr SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) — I rise to address a involved in sport and to ensure that sport is more matter to the Minister for Sport and Recreation in accessible. regard to the joint Maccabi Victoria and Jewish Care all-abilities needs analysis survey. The action I seek is Once again I call on the minister to attend this event for the minister to join Maccabi and Jewish Care to and launch this very important survey. I congratulate launch the survey on 6 October. Maccabi Victoria and Jewish Care on the great work they have done in producing a survey that will have

ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2213

ramifications not just for the Jewish community but campus. As part of providing this update I ask the also for the wider community. minister to do everything within his power to expedite a resolution to the provision of further education in the

95BPublic transport: disability access Yarra Ranges region. It is important that residents of the shire of Yarra Ranges receive maximum benefit Mr MADDEN (Essendon) — The issue I raise is from the campus, and as part of this my community for the Minister for Community Services. It relates to wants any sale of the campus to be conditional on the access to public transport for people with disabilities in ongoing provision of further education. my electorate. I ask the minister to advocate more strongly around the cabinet table for physical and Most residents have realised that Swinburne’s economic access to public transport for people with a departure, hurtful though it was when it was announced disability. last year, presents an opportunity for the provision of education that fits in with the needs of the region and I raise this issue because within the Essendon electorate for the creation of civic facilities and a community there are a number of key transport interchanges along centre, which have long been needed in our region. the tram and rail lines. If you are travelling from the Yarra Ranges does not have a large enough community city, the first one you stop at is Moonee Ponds junction, facility to hold functions such as citizenship where people get on and off trams and can transfer to or ceremonies, presentation nights, large community from the bus network or make their way down Puckle meetings et cetera. We are also in need of a new library Street to the Moonee Ponds train station. The other site and a site for a future aquatics centre. Very transport interchange is at the roundabout at the importantly, the current shire offices do not fulfil the intersection of Napier Street, Mount Alexander Road, needs or functions of today’s council and staff in size or Fletcher Street and the surrounding streets. This is location. Staff are presently housed on more than one where people get on and off the tram network, bus site, and it would be more economical to bring them network or rail network. They are the two key transport together in the one area. This would make the interchanges within the electorate. facilitation of council services much easier. The council would be far more accessible to the residents and there However, the difficulty with these transport would be more parking. interchanges is that neither of them has a super-stop. Super-stops are not only desirable but necessary for Most importantly, we need further education providers people with a disability. I have recently had a large to move as quickly as possible onto the site when number of people contact my office to raise their Swinburne exits it on 30 June. I ask the minister to help concerns about increases — some as much as 66 per expedite a solution for the Lilydale campus so that the cent — in their accommodation charges. Many of these campus will be of most benefit to the community of people now have to choose what they are able to spend Yarra Ranges. I ask the minister to quickly find a their money on, and if they are no longer able to spend solution for the good of all stakeholders, lest the money on taxi transport, they will have to use public professional agitators in the union movement have it transport on certain occasions. The key transport their way and let our campus lay abandoned to degrade interchanges within the Essendon electorate do not until it becomes desolate and attracts vandalism. We provide access for people with a range of abilities or need to have educational facilities and community disabilities. facilities. Out of something that was seen as devastating at the beginning, opportunities are presenting Recognising that the Minister for Community Services themselves to make this situation the best for our whole is committed to these savage hikes in accommodation community with the provision of further education and charges for people on disability pensions, I ask the community and civic facilities. I urge the minister to minister to advocate strongly to allow people with a supply the update as quickly as possible. disability to access public transport, particularly within the Essendon electorate. 97BDisability services: supported accommodation fees 96BSwinburne University of Technology: Lilydale campus Mr FOLEY (Albert Park) — The matter I wish to raise in the adjournment debate tonight is for the Mrs FYFFE (Evelyn) — My request for action is attention of the Premier, and the action I seek is that he for the Minister for Higher Education and Skills. The reverse the recent decision by his government, which action I seek is that he provide an update on the future has been feebly defended by the Minister for of Swinburne University of Technology’s Lilydale Community Services, to increase the price of

ADJOURNMENT

2214 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

Department of Human Services community residential and the recreation reserve committee as well as from units by up to 66 per cent. In seeking that he reverse the Wellington Shire Council and user groups. The case this decision I would ask that he note that the savage I have had put to me is that both the council and the price rise comes at a great human cost to some of our recreation reserve committee have committed funds most vulnerable and powerless Victorians. towards this upgrade and they have sought government support through a current application by the shire In terms of the scheduled rollout of this decision, there council for the balance to complete the project. is still time for the government to take the action that I seek. If the Premier were so minded to take this action, The reserve is the home ground of the Maffra football it would necessarily follow that he would sit down with club, and those who follow country football know that the families and the groups representing these most over the last decade it has been the dominant team in vulnerable of Victorians and arrive at a proper solution the region’s major league, the Gippsland-Latrobe that does not result in financial hardship for those football and netball league. The club has won seven individuals and families. premierships in the past 11 years, which is a great achievement in a major league, and it has been I make this request noting that representations have runner-up on two occasions. This is a town that boasts a been made to me by a number of families in my population of just over 4000 people and which electorate. I have also made contact with a number of competes against towns with a population base that is groups representing some of these most vulnerable of many times larger than this. Maffra is a little town in our fellow Victorians, and some of the stories I have the context of things that has a great record on the heard would move many people if they were to hear football field, and obviously it has a great culture. them. I also note the defence these savage cuts by the Minister for Community Services at recent hearings of As we move into the modern era of football, night the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee, the matches have become part of the viability of many number of public declarations she has made in this area country clubs. Such an upgrade to the lighting system, and her complete failure to address the issues of cost, as proposed, would allow the Maffra Eagles to play the illogicality of these savage hikes and the pain they night matches. No doubt this would significantly are clearly causing a number of families and, frankly, increase attendances, as it has done for many other the downright heartlessness of this decision. country clubs that have had these sorts of upgrades. While that is the benefit that will be derived from such I make this request to the Premier following his recent a project, it will also address what is now substandard attendance, with the Prime Minister, at the national lighting for clubs competing at the major country disability insurance scheme launch, where his league level. declaration of his own family circumstances, which I have no doubt was genuine and heartfelt, could not fail It is also worth noting that the Maffra Recreation to move people given the serious manner in which the Reserve is the facility at which many other sporting and Premier delivered it. But I would ask the Premier to community events are held, none more so than the note the contrast between the genuine heartfelt empathy Maffra agricultural show, which is very well supported expressed for his family circumstance and that of his by the local community, and there are a variety of other foster son with the lack of empathy for the plight of events that are staged at the reserve. It really is quite a other Victorians who are facing these dreadful, harsh community hub. I call on the Minister for Sport and price rises. I also briefly wish to thank the Bradbury Recreation to come with me down to my electorate of family for their assistance in this matter. Gippsland East and to Maffra to inspect the facilities at the ground and support the Wellington Shire Council’s

98BMaffra Recreation Reserve: lighting upgrade application for funds, which is before him.

Mr BULL (Gippsland East) — I raise a matter for 99BDisability services: supported accommodation the attention of the Minister for Sport and Recreation, fees who I am pleased to see is at the table, and the action I seek is that he come down to inspect the facilities at the Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park) — The action I local recreation reserve at Maffra and support an seek is from the Treasurer, and it is that he determine an application for improved lighting there. For some time alternate source of funding for the 720 much-needed there has been a strong community push from within individual support packages (ISPs), as the revenue Maffra for an upgrade to the local recreation reserve. initiative levied by the Department of Treasury and Over recent months I have had strong representation Finance in this year’s budget will be funded through from members of the Maffra Football and Netball Club massive increases in accommodation fees for people

ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2215

with disabilities living in homes operated by the memorial. Currently there is no war memorial in the Department of Human Services (DHS). The impact on city of Knox to recognise those who resided within the the cost of living for these Victorians will be profound city — and its precursors — and who served in our and will cause extraordinary hardship, with an increase armed forces. Currently the Tim Neville Arboretum on in fees of up to 66 per cent. Dorset Road in Ferntree Gully has a memorial which identifies former students of the former Ferntree Gully Most Victorians with a disability and their carers, if Primary School who served in theatres of war. they have carers, are already at a significant disadvantage financially. They have extra costs that There is a proposal to create a new memorial adjacent those in the rest of the community do not have. I would to the current one at the arboretum. This will enable like to highlight the plight of Jeremy Lipshut, who is a other residents who served in theatres of war, such as resident in a DHS home in Camberwell. Jeremy’s Vietnam, to be recognised. Further, residents who parents, Phil and Cheryl, advise that fortunately his served in Afghanistan will also be recognised. This will expenses are not as high as those of many others. While include Private Benjamin Ranaudo, a former student of he does have many vital needs, he is in good health and St Joseph’s College Ferntree Gully, who tragically lost hence his medical bills are not very high. However, the his life in Afghanistan in 2008. fee increases will leave Jeremy with just $28 a week after the payment of his day services, which is not The Knox City Council has been working with the enough for most luxuries such as a cinema ticket or cup broader Knox community in an effort to construct this of coffee — things that most of us take for granted. memorial. I would like to recognise the efforts of Hurtle That is putting aside matters to do with clothing and Lupton, chairman of the Knox Remembrance Day toiletries. This fee increase will put heavy pressure on Committee, and Rod Canobie, president of the Boronia Jeremy’s personal finances. No-one would think that RSL, plus members of the Knox Historical Society. $28 would go far towards dealing with many of the Through their collective efforts, work has been other necessities of life that he is faced with. There are undertaken to complete extensive research to identify many other cost of living pressures on residents in the names of residents who are worthy of recognition DHS-run accommodation. The cost of day programs on the memorial. As our country continues to grow in has increased rapidly over the past couple of years. diversity and history, it is important for all of us to remember its beginnings and the sacrifices our fallen I have another example. Only yesterday Deb Johnson, soldiers made to allow us to enjoy our lucky country. mother of Andrew Johnson, who is living in supported accommodation, received her new day-services bill to The construction of this new memorial will allow Knox take effect from July. It showed a huge 72 per cent residents, with a particular focus on our young increase in costs, which is about an extra $3000 a year, residents, to learn and pay their respects to former all of which has to be paid for out of Andrew’s servicemen and women who have served this nation disability support pension. Other parents tell the same with pride. I believe the minister’s support for this story. Jeremy Lipshut’s parents say that over the past project will provide significant assistance to Knox few years his day-services charges have risen by a council’s work towards delivering this project. The similar amount, from $550 a term to $850 a term. The memorial will stand as a landmark project for the cost of living pressures on Victorians with a disability Victorian community. With the upcoming centenary of are already profound, and this will only add to them in the Gallipoli battle, it is imperative that every effort is an extreme way. Therefore I ask the Treasurer to made to deliver this project for that important intervene directly and look to other revenue sources to celebration. Accordingly, given the importance of the fund the extra promised ISPs rather than shifting the Knox war memorial to my community, I request that costs to those with disabilities through massive the Minister for Veterans Affairs take action and increases in their accommodation fees. That is not what consider financial support for the construction of this the government promised it would deliver when memorial by the city of Knox at the Tim Neville elected, and it has to own up to that commitment. Arboretum in Ferntree Gully.

101B 100BKnox: war memorial Disability services: supported accommodation fees Mr WAKELING (Ferntree Gully) — I wish to raise a matter with the hardworking Minister for Ms GREEN (Yan Yean) — Tonight I wish to raise Veterans’ Affairs, who is at the table, and the action I a matter for the attention of the Premier. I ask him — seek is that he provide financial assistance to Knox City indeed, I beseech him — to direct his Minister for Council’s request for funding to establish a Knox war Community Services and his Treasurer to work

ADJOURNMENT

2216 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

together to reverse the proposed increase in charges for seek is that the minister consider the growing enrolment residents living in accommodation operated by the demands of schools in the Bentleigh electorate. The Department of Human Services. The opposition and Bentleigh electorate is a busy community full of young indeed the government have indicated their support for families. As a result the popular local schools are the concept of the universality of the national disability experiencing an increase in families applying for insurance scheme, DisabilityCare Australia, which will student places. I have long advocated for the schools in come into effect from 2018–19. my electorate, which are having to adhere to strict enrolment boundaries to manage school and class sizes. On behalf of the opposition and the many disability I will continue to advocate on behalf of my community, accommodation residents in the gallery, I beseech the and I request that the minister advise the house what Premier to direct his minister and Treasurer to adhere to support is available to schools operating at capacity. this principle of universality in the meantime and make sure that between now and then the load is shared Ms Green interjected. among the whole community in terms of the funding of support for people with disabilities. The cost of The SPEAKER — Order! I will not warn the supporting people with disabilities should not be borne member for Yan Yean again. disproportionately by people with disabilities who have the least amount of income. I refer to a letter from Patti Ms MILLER — It is very important that students Bradbury published in the Age of Monday, 10 June. be accommodated in safe and engaging learning Patti wrote: environments. We must also consider the importance of open spaces for students to engage in recreation. While I read with interest about the Napthine family’s foster son schools may need to develop to accommodate large Jack, who has autism (‘How life with Jack opened a numbers of students, it is important that that premier’s eyes’ …). Jack now lives in a residential unit, as development does not encroach on open spaces. We does my son, and from December will have 75 per cent of his disability pension taken for board and lodging. This will leave understand the importance of physical activity in a my son with less than $100 a week for day placement fees, child’s development and wellbeing. medication, health insurance, medical fees, toiletries, clothes and social outings. How will my son manage? How will Jack McKinnon Primary School is a wonderful school. manage? How could anyone manage? Under the leadership of principal Sandra Myrwoda the Unless the Napthines supplement Jack’s income, his quality school has continued to experience high enrolment of life will be diminished, as will my son’s. The government demand. Similarly, McKinnon Secondary College, justifies this arbitrary and callous increase as ‘bringing all under the leadership of principal Pitsa Binnion, has support services into line’. experienced a huge increase in demand for enrolments, with many local families attracted to the excellent These are the words of a mother who is supporting her academic standards and dynamic music program. Both son, just like the Premier supports his son. More than schools are local leaders in education. The action I seek anyone else in this house this Premier would is that the Minister for Education consider the growing understand why his minister and Treasurer need to enrolment demands of schools in the Bentleigh work towards a different approach to this. electorate and provide them with support. The Minister for Community Services was in error at the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee hearings 103BResponses when she said that the state-funded individual support Mr DELAHUNTY (Minister for Sport and packages fund day services; they do not. Many people Recreation) — Three matters have been raised with me in the gallery today have recently received letters from tonight. The first was by the member for Caulfield, who day services saying that those fees are going to go is a very hardworking and committed member of this through the roof as well. They should not have to Parliament. He reflects the views of his community choose. People living in disability accommodation very strongly. Tonight he asked me to join Maccabi should have some joy. They should be able to fund Victoria in launching an all-abilities needs analysis outings, necessities like toiletries and going to the survey, particularly in relation to access to sport. football like the rest of us. I urge the Premier to direct his minister and Treasurer to act. About 80 per cent of Victorians who have disabilities do not engage in sport. It is something that we as a 102BSchools: Bentleigh electorate government are very concerned about. Jewish Care is an organisation that has done a lot of work in leading Ms MILLER (Bentleigh) — I direct my request to residential aged care, disability services and community the hardworking Minister for Education. The action I

ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2217

services across its community. Jewish Care has played I have enjoyed working with this guy. He is in my a very important role, and the member spoke about the office lobbying for funding for his electorate nearly as fact that Maccabi Victoria has been working in the area often as the member for South Barwon. Tonight he of Jewish sport for over 80 years. He highlighted the spoke about the fact that he would like me to come out fact that it has 24 sport and recreation clubs, with many to talk about the development or construction of a Knox playing members and many volunteers. Importantly, war memorial, particularly in dedication to Vietnam this organisation saw that there was a need to do and Afghanistan veterans. something to address the issue of people with disabilities not engaging in sport. The member spoke about Hurtle Lupton, a former member for Knox. I remember Hurtle. I used to play a I say to the member that I am very concerned about bit of tennis with him on the Parliament House tennis this. It is a barrier to participation. As the member court. He used to foot fault a lot. Hurtle was a spoke about earlier, I am keen to get more people more committed member of Parliament and is now a active in sport, and disability access is one of the key committed member of his community, leading the barriers to participation. I am pleased to take up the Knox Remembrance Day Committee. The member also member’s request to come out with him and help spoke about Rod Canobie, the president of the local launch this survey. It would be a great honour and a RSL, and about the Knox Historical Society, which has great thrill for me to do that work, because it is done an enormous amount of research work in relation important that we do all we can to engage with people, to the proposed facility to remember our veterans. particularly those with a disability, to get them involved in sport. As a government — and I think all governments are alike in this — we are keen to ensure that Victorian The next matter raised with me is from the member for veterans are honoured for their generous sacrifices for Gippsland East. As we know, he is also a very this state. Since 2005 the Restoring Community War hardworking and committed member of this chamber. Memorials Grants program has helped restore, repair He knows how important it is to get communities and enhance over 400 local war memorials and honour involved in sport and recreation. He said he would love rolls across Victoria. I accept the invitation from the me to come down to Maffra in Gippsland. Maffra has a member for Ferntree Gully. I look forward to visiting population of about 4000 people. He said it is a little his electorate with him to talk with these people about town with a big heart. It was obvious the town has an how we can work with them and provide financial enormous heart when he spoke about the Maffra Eagles assistance for the construction of a new memorial for winning so many premierships. veterans in that electorate.

Right across Victoria we have pressures on the use of Mr DIXON (Minister for Education) — The recreational space. The reality is that there are two ways member for Bentleigh raised with me an issue of addressing that. One is that we can improve the time regarding the increase in school enrolment numbers in the space is available by providing lighting. In her electorate and the provision for that increase. I am Gippsland at this time of year it is probably dark at aware of two particular schools that face this issue — 5 o’clock at night, so it is difficult for not only training McKinnon Secondary College and McKinnon Primary but also events which could be held using lights. School. Although I have not visited McKinnon Primary Lighting is a great asset to the community. The member School, I have certainly been to McKinnon Secondary for Gippsland East spoke about the fact that the Maffra College, which is one of Victoria’s great schools. It is Recreation Reserve committee of management has very popular, and not only in the immediate vicinity. been lobbying for lighting. The Maffra Eagles footy People buy homes in the area so that their children can club and the Wellington Shire Council have also been go to that school, while other children travel quite long very supportive of the idea. distances to go there. It provides students with an excellent education. I will take up the member’s offer, and I look forward to going to his electorate. It is a big electorate, and he One problem we have with these schools and similar covers it very well. This is a very worthy project that schools that are popular because of their education will obviously provide for a variety of events, not only programs or because of population growth or regrowth in terms of football and netball but for the wider in their areas is that their sites are quite landlocked. community. When we are providing temporary accommodation through relocatable classrooms, that becomes quite an The next matter was raised by the member for Ferntree issue as more and more playground area is lost to cope Gully, who is a very dedicated and passionate member. with growth. As part of the government’s allocation of

ADJOURNMENT

2218 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

$14 million towards relocatable classrooms over the These are obviously issues that the Minister for Public past few budgets we are constructing a number of Transport has responsibility for, but the member can be two-storey portables called mod-10s. The single-storey confident in the work the government has been doing as relocatables with two classrooms and rooms in the a whole. Many government ministers and departments middle are called mod-5s, because they have five have contributed to the state disability plan. We realise modules, and the two-storey portables are called that all aspects of government have responsibility for mod-10s. The design for these portables is incredible. addressing these sorts of issues for people with They have improved insulation compared to the current disabilities, and the state disability plan addresses that relocatables, double-glazed windows, thermal across the board. We have indicators to measure how chimneys, energy-efficient designs and external we are going against that — the proportion of people window shades. Each relocatable also has a ramp and a with a disability reporting difficulties using public lift, and mobile storage units are also provided. These transport and the proportion of people with a disability are all practical features. I have seen these mod-10s at who used public transport for their most recent schools. They really make a difference to the look of a journey — to encourage that access and to get feedback school and obviously to the amenity of the playground. to ensure that we understand how that access is occurring and whether it is increasing or not. I am also I am pleased to tell the member for Bentleigh that pleased to inform the member that the parliamentary McKinnon Secondary College and McKinnon Primary secretary is conducting a second lap of the state getting School will each receive a mod-10 block. I am sure the feedback on our progress against the state disability new rooms will be welcomed by the school plan — not only how we have progressed in just the six communities. I thank the member for Bentleigh for months since the plan was released but also how we can continually pursuing me to provide more facilities for continue to make sure we are making progress across schools in her electorate. the board. The member can be assured that we are all advocating for and committed to access to public Honourable members interjecting. transport for people with disabilities.

Mr DIXON — I gave the member for Albert Park The member for Pascoe Vale raised an issue in relation one as well. In conclusion, I thank the member for the to the new board and lodging charges, and I appreciate great work she does on behalf of the schools in her the opportunity to lay down very clearly what is electorate. happening in terms of the government’s policy on Ms WOOLDRIDGE (Minister for Community board and lodging, because there have been a lot of Services) — I am pleased to participate in the statements — — adjournment debate tonight and respond to the items Ms Campbell — On a point of order, Speaker, my raised with me by the member for Pascoe Vale and the adjournment item requested that the minister visit and member for Essendon. I will start by responding to the meet with parents and people with disabilities. I did not member for Essendon, who raised the issue of public request an explanation; I requested a visit. transport access for people with disabilities. I am pleased to inform the member that in December last The SPEAKER — Order! The minister had hardly year the government released the Victorian State spoken about the matter before the member raised her Disability Plan 2013–16. That plan was developed over point of order. There is plenty of time — about the previous two years. There was extensive 18 minutes and 38 seconds — for the minister to consultation led by the Parliamentary Secretary for conclude her answer, which may refer to a time for a Families and Community Services, Andrea Coote, a visit or perhaps a meeting with people. I ask the member for Southern Metropolitan Region in the other member for Pascoe Vale to give the minister time to place, to get input on the needs and priorities of people complete her answer. with disabilities, their families and carers. As a result, goal 3 of the plan is accessing information, transport, Ms WOOLDRIDGE — Clearly the question goes buildings and places, because the sorts of access issues to the heart of the issue of board and lodgings, which is the member raised are very much at the forefront of the why I am responding directly to the matters raised in minds of people with disabilities. I am pleased that we the member for Pascoe Vale’s adjournment item. What have both strategies and indicators around this goal to is happening, as the member said, is the government is improve access. We want to make it easier for people undertaking reforms to the way the Department of with disabilities to use a range of forms of transport, Human Services (DHS) manages the disability and we want to make sure that public transport is more accommodation charge, which has previously been accessible. very ad hoc. We are now putting in place a standardised

ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2219

board and lodging fee model. This means that people Regulation 5 of the Disability Regulations 2007, will for the first time be able to access commonwealth introduced under the former Minister for Community rent assistance, which has not previously been able to Services, Gavin Jennings, a member for South Eastern be accessed. This is a significant amount of funding that Metropolitan Region in the other place, is headed residents can apply for, and if they are eligible, that ‘Relevant prescribed amount for residential charge’. It forms part of the board and lodging fee. If they are not says: eligible, then obviously it is not part of their fee. This is a structure that has never been available under the ad For the purposes of section 72(3) of the Act, the prescribed amount, in relation to a proposed residential charge, is an hoc, house-by-house arrangements that were in place amount equal to the sum of 75% of the Commonwealth previously. I believe that if there is eligibility for disability support pension and 100% of the Commonwealth commonwealth-based funding — — rent assistance received by the person to whom the proposed residential charge relates. Honourable members interjecting. I went through this because it is very important to Ms WOOLDRIDGE — If members could be understand the basis on which this decision has been respectful enough to listen to my explanation, they made. This was put in place — — might understand the detail. Honourable members interjecting. Ms Campbell interjected. The SPEAKER — Order! I ask members of the The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Pascoe house to come to order and show some respect for the Vale! minister so we can hear the answer.

Ms WOOLDRIDGE — In addition to restructuring Ms Green interjected. the way the charge is managed, we have also made a decision to increase the charge. The charge that will be The SPEAKER — Order! That includes the put in place will be the equivalent of 75 per cent of the member for Yan Yean. disability support pension rate and 100 per cent of the Ms WOOLDRIDGE — The regulations were put commonwealth rent assistance rate. That arrangement in place in 2007. As a result many community sector will start from 1 December 2013. That is a seven-month organisations made decisions about what they would notice period. The government is required under the act charge the residents of their supported accommodation. to give two months notice, but we understand that this Many made the decision in relation to the prescribed is difficult for families, for service providers and others amount that is not considered excessive under the to work through so we have allowed a very significant regulations that were put in place back in 2007. amount of time to work through that process so everyone can understand where we are at. What we are trying to ensure is that we can have transparency about how these fees are set and that we The basis for being able to make this decision is have comparability to what is happening in the enshrined in the legislation. Under the heading community sector and what is happening in other states, ‘Residential charge’, section 65 in division 2 of the because they also generally charge 75 per cent — some Disability Act 2006, introduced by the then member for actually charge 80 per cent — of the pension and Bundoora, says: 100 per cent in the community residential units. What (1) A disability service provider may charge a residential we see in supported residential services is that they charge for the provision to a resident of residential charge 80 to 85 per cent. In aged care it is 84 per cent. services in a community residential unit. We have been very clear that it is important to be transparent about what we are doing and to have Under the heading ‘What can VCAT order on an comparability in relation to what is being charged. application under section 71?’ section 72 goes on to say that Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal may: Including the commonwealth rent assistance charges, there is going to be a charge of about $17 500 per (a) make an order declaring that the proposed residential charge is excessive … annum. To put this in context — and we believe these people should receive funding and be supported — the It goes on to say that: cost to the Victorian taxpayer is about $128 000 per annum, and residents are now contributing about (3) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a residential $17 500 through this process. That is the context of it. charge is not to be considered to be excessive if it does not exceed the relevant prescribed amount.

ADJOURNMENT

2220 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

My advice is that residents also receive day program Ms Green interjected. individual support packages (ISPs). Once again this varies, but it is about $24 000. This provides roughly Ms WOOLDRIDGE — Contrary to what the five days of day programs for people who have ISPs, member for Yan Yean is saying by interjection, there is and I understand that that is the majority of them. a longstanding policy. In fact it was established by the former government. There is a financial scheme in Ms Campbell — I renew my point of order, place for which information was provided, and I am Speaker. The adjournment request I made was for the happy to table — — minister to visit and explain to residents. I want to make sure that you are aware that that is exactly what I Ms Green — On a point of order, Speaker, residents requested, not a diatribe in here. and families are contacting DHS right now — —

The SPEAKER — Order! I do not consider the The SPEAKER — Order! What is the member’s minister’s contribution a diatribe. She was explaining point of order? the circumstances in which the amount of money is charged, and there are still 11 minutes and 58 seconds Ms Green — They are being told there is no process in place. There are no hardship provisions. The minister left for her to complete her answer. is misleading the house. Ms Green — On a further point of order, Speaker, the request by the member for Pascoe Vale was for the The SPEAKER — Order! I have warned the minister to meet with parents, not to give the — — member for Yan Yean. If she does not desist, I will put her out of the house for an hour and a half, which will The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the point be served on the Tuesday of the next sitting week. If I of order. I have already ruled on that point of order. were the member for Yan Yean, I would keep quiet and listen to the answer that is being given. She might not Ms WOOLDRIDGE — I think it is important to like it, but the minister is giving her an answer. get the facts on the table. There have been a lot of issues raised, and I think it is very important for Ms WOOLDRIDGE — In fact I have a copy here everyone to understand the basis of the decision of the ‘Undue financial hardship guidelines’ of the making. disability services division of the Department of Human Services, dated May 2009. There are very clear details Ms Green interjected. in relation to the hardship program. In fact residents were all provided with a fact sheet called ‘Board and The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Yan lodging fee information sheet, May 2013’. That sheet Yean! If she keeps this up, I will tip her out of the says: house. If you believe that the new fee will cause undue financial Ms WOOLDRIDGE — Obviously there was some hardship, please contact department staff who will provide significant analysis done prior to making this decision. you with information about the Undue Financial Hardship process. Further details … are available … There were conversations broadly in relation to these issues about how this scheme would be implemented, And it indicates the page on the DHS website where and the analysis that was undertaken showed that on these details are published. There are very clear details. average residents will be able to meet their daily living expenses, including day program fees, under the new We take this incredibly seriously, and what will happen structure. is there will be an individual meeting with each and every person who is affected by this, and their family Honourable members interjecting. members, so we can work through the process of the impact of the fee and the charges and how they will Ms WOOLDRIDGE — If members would just work. We are not expecting anyone — the families or listen to what I am saying, I will work through the rest the carers — to pay for reasonable living expenses, of the detail. We want to make sure that this scheme such as the day program fees or continence aids. It is can work for each of the individuals who are affected absolutely wrong for the member for Pascoe Vale to by it. Staff are going to work through with each say they are going to be forced to choose between day individual what the impact of the new fees will be and programs and continence aids. That is not the case. what their other costs will be. There is a very clear process. There is a financial hardship policy in Ms Campbell interjected. place — —

ADJOURNMENT

Thursday, 13 June 2013 ASSEMBLY PROOF 2221

Ms WOOLDRIDGE — That is why it is so process understanding exactly what is in place and then, important that I make very clear what our plans are, if it is still unresolved, I am happy to have direct because there is a misconception out there, which is conversations in relation to it. unfortunately being peddled by some members of Parliament, that there will be choices. There will not be. It was very important for me to lay out why the There is absolutely no expectation that they will have to decision was made, on what basis and what processes make trade-offs between things like day program fees we have in place, because it is a difficult decision. It is and continence aids. If they have significant continence one that we believe is important to make, and I am aid needs, then the rent will be reduced and the pleased that we were able to use the money that is hardship program will kick in. That is why we are going to be raised from this to fund more places for going through a process with each and every one of people who are currently on the waiting list and do not them to work out the impact that these fees will have have access to any support. There are approximately and if the financial hardship provisions that are in place 300 people currently on the waiting list, and I have had will need to be applied. I am very clear about that. letters from many members — most members of this house — seeking urgent access to additional funding What I think is reasonable is that each and every one of for people with a disability in their electorates. This will those family members work through the process with mean that more people can get access to services that DHS and the relevant people and determine how this are provided through an individual support package. will impact on them. The funding is being used to assist others who currently do not have access to any support at all. It is a difficult Ms D’Ambrosio — On a point of order, Speaker, I process, and it is an important process. I suggest that we ask that you ask the minister to respond in respect of the work through the detail of it with each and every action sought on the basis that there are 6 minutes on individual. the clock and the Premier and the Treasurer may very well be joining us at any minute to respond to the Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and actions sought by the member for Albert Park and me. Small Business) — In the order in which they were The minister has not responded in respect of the action received: the member for Evelyn raised a matter with sought by the member for Pascoe Vale, and there is the Minister for Higher Education and Skills about the very little time left to allow the Treasurer and the future of the Swinburne University of Technology, Premier to respond to the actions sought by the member Lilydale campus, with a view to providing further for Albert Park and me. education in her electorate. I will refer that matter to the minister. The SPEAKER — Order! I do not uphold the point of order. The member for Albert Park raised a matter with the Premier, asking him to change the decision in relation Ms WOOLDRIDGE — I have talked to many to a Department of Human Services board and lodging people in this process. I have talked to service fee. I will refer that matter to the Premier. providers, I have talked to day program providers, I have talked to many parents of people with disabilities The member for Mill Park raised a matter for the and their carers and I have talked directly with people Treasurer regarding an alternative source of funding for with disabilities. I understand there are concerns, and the board and lodging fee. I will refer that matter to the that is why we have put in place a very detailed process Treasurer. to work through the exercise with them so we can understand their situation and make a determination. The member for Yan Yean raised a matter for the Premier, asking him to intervene in board and lodging This is the financial hardship process and how it works. charges by the Department of Human Services, which There will be a panel in place in each of the divisions to was very similar in nature to the matter raised by the assess a financial hardship application, so it will be a member for Albert Park. I will refer the member for fair process, it will be a transparent process and it will Yan Yean’s matter to the Premier as well. be a process that actually seeks to resolve the issues in relation to family members with a disability. Having In conclusion, may I say that for 11 years I sat on the worked through that process if people still have opposition benches and did not see members of concerns, I would be very happy to sit down with them. Parliament come in and answer difficult questions. However, I suggest the best way to do it is to work through the process we have in place with the experts Ms Green interjected. who have the detailed knowledge, go through that

ADJOURNMENT

2222 ASSEMBLY Thursday, 13 June 2013

The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Yan indicating that all matters raised in this chamber tonight Yean! will be referred to the relevant ministers.

Ms ASHER — I commend the Minister for The SPEAKER — Order! The house is now Community Services for fronting up in this Parliament, adjourned. answering questions about issues that have been raised by members of the opposition and making it very clear House adjourned 5.15 p.m. until Tuesday, 25 June. under which circumstances she will speak to people and explaining the process. I commend the Minister for Community Services for coming in here because I can tell this house that members of the previous government never did that. They never showed they had the guts to come into this chamber and deal with a difficult issue.

Honourable members interjecting.

The SPEAKER — Order! I have never seen such a dreadful display of disrespect — —

Ms Green interjected.

Debate interrupted.

106BSUSPENSION OF MEMBER

104BMember for Yan Yean

The SPEAKER — Order! Under standing order 124, I ask the honourable member for Yan Yean to vacate the chamber for an hour and a half. I have warned the member enough.

Honourable member for Yan Yean withdrew from chamber.

ADJOURNMENT

105BResponses

Debate resumed.

The SPEAKER — Order! I have never seen such a display of disrespect. I know that there are people in the gallery who have a great deal of interest in this matter. The minister came into the house and explained in great detail her response in relation to the issue that was raised with her by two members. Two other members raised similar issues with the Premier. I expect that members would at least listen to what was being said and show some respect for the minister. I ask the minister at the table, the Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, not to incite members on the other side and to conclude her response.

Ms ASHER (Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business) — I conclude my response by